Water features (From Living Northeast)

Water features

1:37pm Tuesday 20th July 2010 in

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It’s the time of year to splash out and dip your toes into the water during the (hopefully) hot summer months.

WET ’N’ WILD

IDEAL for swim-happy children, this North Shields indoor water centre includes attractions such as flumes, a wave canyon, the Black Hole, an outdoor lagoon and The Abyss tyre ride. Call 0191-296-1333 or check the centre’s website, wetnwild.co.uk, for opening times, latest events and rides.

KIELDER WATER

PEACE, tranquility, cruising, camping and the adrenalin rush of sailing – the choices are yours in the beautiful area of Kielder, Northumberland. If you see yourself as a yachtsman, Kielder Water Sailing Club is a good starting point as it also specialises in activities and camps for young people. Call 01434- 240052, or visit kielderwatersc.org

RIVER ADVENTURES

THE Wear, in Durham City, is a beautiful setting for river activities, from competitive rowing to hiring a boat for an hour or two or an evening’s party on the Prince Bishop river cruiser. Brown’s Boathouse in the centre of the city is the place to visit, or call 0191-386-3779.

Would-be rowers can go to Durham Amateur Rowing Club’s site on durham-arc.org.uk SALTBURN

THE North’s capital of all things to do with water, whether it’s surfing or paddling, has maintained much of its original charm as a Victorian seaside resort, including its pier and the UK’s oldest water-balanced cliff tramway in Britain. If you prefer the views to getting your feet wet, take a walk along the Cleveland Way from the town.

FISHING

THERE’S lots of family fun to be had line fishing from piers and jettys in ports such as Whitby and Scarborough, where sea trips are also available. Local fishing supply shops can usually give good advice about getting started, but do be aware of safety concerns, especially where young children are involved. If you fancy coarse fishing, the website ne-fishing.co.uk is well worth a visit.

SURF’S UP

THE North-East coast has plenty of beaches with good surf to rival the South-West. Take your choice from Bamburgh, in Northumberland, to Tynemouth all the way down to Scarborough, North Yorkshire, where there are surf schools with expert advice and equipment hire. For information, visit surfshacks.co.uk. If you’re feeling brave, take to the air with kitesurfing. Contact the britishkitesurfing association.co.uk for details of schools and events.