A toddler’s guide to going wild in the countryside

Cyrus has turned three! Three! Which means he has officially formed opinions on what constitutes a “Good day out.” Unsurprisingly, top of his list is Northumberlandia, the Lady of the North. And really, who am I to argue? After all, if a sculpted 100-foot reclining lady in the middle of 46 acres of parkland doesn’t capture a toddler’s imagination, what will?

Northumberlandia isn’t just art though, it’s a living, breathing adventure. Made from 1.5 million tonnes of clay, rock, and soil, she stretches across a quarter of a mile, her curves forming hills and slopes you can scramble up, her contours carving paths for little feet and big ones alike. The footpaths wind for four miles, offering a mix of gentle inclines, woodland tracks, and open hilltops that give you that satisfying sense of achievement when you reach them, something I, a new mum over 40, can confirm feels much needed these days.

It was July, the sun was languid in the sky, and the long summer days practically dared us to get out. I packed our rucksack with snacks, a sunhat, and that inevitable bottle of water that toddlers insist on tipping over at the slightest provocation. Little C had his little binoculars, eyes bright with curiosity, ready to explore the world like a tiny naturalist. For him, every walk is an expedition. For me, it’s a gentle reminder that climbing hills and wandering woodland paths can still be fun. Studies show that children benefit enormously from immersive nature experiences, improved self-esteem, resilience, and even cognitive skills. Adults aren’t immune, either: a dose of fresh air and green space can do wonders for the spirit, especially for parents who spend half their lives corralling schedules, snacks, and screens.

But so many parents shy away from nature because of the mud, grass stains, and the odd scraped knee. I say dirt is a small price to pay for a great day out. Little C scampered ahead of me, pointing at butterflies, shouting at birds, and occasionally spinning around to make sure I was still following.

Five things to do with toddlers at Northumberlandia

1. Notice the patterns in nature: Shapes in leaves, spirals of snails, clouds drifting lazily across the sky. Little C delighted in pointing out concentric circles in the bark, zigzags in the grass, and, of course, the diggers and dump trucks busy at the Shotton Surface Mine in the distance.
2. Conduct a survey: Give your child a clipboard and let them count birds, butterflies, or even the squirrels darting across the hills. Little C took his role very seriously, scribbling down observations with the gravitas of a naturalist.
3. Fairyhouse detective work: Pretend the woods are filled with tiny houses for fairies. Little C crouched behind bushes, peered under mossy logs, and announced discoveries with great ceremony. Rewards for persistence? Ice cream from the café.
4. Pitstop at the café: Post-walk refreshments are essential. Friendly staff, a hot coffee for me, a small treat for Little C, and a sticker for “good exploring” made the perfect pause.
5. Picnic pleasures: Lay out a blanket on one of the gentle slopes, unpack sandwiches, and just sit. Watch your toddler point at clouds, count birds, and throw crumbs to the occasional inquisitive bird or squirrel.

Practicalities

• Visitor Centre, café, toilets: Thursday–Sunday, 10am–4pm (winter months).
• Footpaths: Four miles of accessible walking.
• Access: Free, open dawn to dusk.

A word on the Lady

Northumberlandia exists thanks to a partnership between The Banks Group, who created the parkland during the restoration of Shotton surface coal mine, and The Land Trust, who manage it for the local community. Together, they’ve gifted a space that is simultaneously art, playground, and sanctuary. For toddlers, it’s a place to explore and imagine. For adults, it’s a rare reminder that some of the best art is alive, sprawling, and under your feet rather than framed on a wall.

Spending time here isn’t just a treat for children. It’s a reminder that adults deserve wonder too. The wind through the trees, the warmth of the sun on your back, the delight in little C’s voice as he spies a butterfly or shouts “Look, Mummy!”, these moments are priceless.

And when you see a toddler’s face light up as they clamber up a grassy slope or spy a bird, you know you’ve done something right.