WE asked our readers where are the best places to take children for a summer holiday day out. Here's what they said.

1 Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre

Hexham Courant: The swimming pool at Haltwhistle is a great summer day outThe swimming pool at Haltwhistle is a great summer day out (Image: Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre)

Stuart Stokoe and cleaning service page Rise & Shine both recommended Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre.

Maxine Wilson, centre manager, said the water flume is always a hit with the children and many adults. 

"We have everything on-site, including cafe and refreshments to offer a great a day out."

2 The grandparents'

David James said Grandma's house was the best place, also echoed by Lee Robertson and Fred Daglish.

3 The garden

Gabrielle D. Parker said: "The back garden with a picnic and a treasure hunt."

4 The woods 

Bernard Craig said: "Up the woods and let them enjoy themselves. Nothing better for the kids."

5 Project Escape Hexham Live Escape Rooms, Hexham

Clare Strain recommended Project Escape Hexham Live Escape Rooms.

Since opening in 2021, the business already had escape rooms Jailbreak, The Cursed Attic and Sherlocked: Case of the Hexham Heads, but earlier this year announced it would be opening Escaping Egypt: The Lost Tomb. 

6 Canny Crafty, Stocksfield

Hexham Courant: Sculptures at Kielder Water and Forest ParkSculptures at Kielder Water and Forest Park (Image: Newsquest)

Sarah D Scandle recommended Canny Crafty for pottery painting.

7  Wheelbirks Parlour, Stocksfield

Sarah D Scandle also recommended taking children to Wheelbirks Parlour for ice cream.

Wheelbirks Ice Cream range is made using only the rich and creamy milk from Jersey cows, giving the ice cream its smooth and distinctive taste.

Flavours have ranged from coffee and croissant to passion fruit cheesecake and garlic and balsamic vinegar.

8 Kielder Water and Forest Park

Hexham Courant: Waterworld in Prudhoe Waterworld in Prudhoe (Image: Newsquest)

James Baty said: "Kielder on a midgy hunt."

The park is a haven for wildlife, boasts the best dark skies in England and has award-winning art and architecture to view.

The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) say the star-studded skies above Kielder Water and Forest Park are the darkest in England.

9 Waterworld Park, Prudhoe

Melanie Bell reminisced of memories at Waterworld Park in Prudhoe.

10 Elsewhere

Shaun Joyce said: "Seems everywhere else but Hexham. Unfortunately."