The North of English boasts some of the most beautiful spaces, both in our own backyard of the Lake District, and just a few miles down the road in Northumberland. Despite the many visits we've made to Northumberland, The Sill has never been a spot we've journeyed to - until now!

With the recent arrival of the Shaun the Sheep trail and exhibition, and our youngest daughter's love of the character, The Sill became a must visit spot for us. Read on to discover all that it has to offer as a family day out in Northumberland.

About The Sill

Just a stone's throw from Hadrian's Wall, The Sill is the perfect place to start a wee family adventure in Northumberland. Named after a local geological festure, the Great Whin Sill, The Sill blends into the Northumberland landscape both in design and thanks to the local whin stone, sandstone, and larch used to build it.

When is The Sill open?

The Sill is open every day and the following times apply:

Monday to Friday

10am - 5pm

Saturday to Sunday

10am - 4pm

Where can I park?

There is a car park and overflow on site for up to 170 vehicles which is charged at £2 for 2 hours and £1 extra per hour thereafter to a max of £5.

To find the car park, use this post code: NE47 7AN

How much does visiting The Sill cost?

The Sill is free to visit!

Besides the parking cost (detailed above) and of course anything you choose to buy from the café and gift shop, The Sill is completely free for all to visit, and use as a base to explore the beautiful Northumberland National Park.

What is available at The Sill?

Living rooftop

The whin sill grassland roof is designed to increase biodiversity and reduce surface water. The best part? Bugs, bats, and birds alike have a habitat here.

Spectacular views

Is there anything better than standing atop somewhere like The Sill on a clear, sunny day and being able to take in the stunning panoramic views across the Northumberland National Park?

Outdoor play area

It's not the largest of play areas, but it's perfect for wee ones to enjoy. This interactive space is designed to fit seamlessly with the natural landscape and includes grass mounds, stone boulders, a rope hammock swing, giant wooden leaf and more.

Shaun the Sheep at The Sill

From 29th June to 8th September 2024, Shaun the Sheep is taking over The Sill. Straight from Mossy Bottom Farm, follow the “Find the Flock” trail and discover each of the sculptures either on your own, or with the activity sheet complete with clues.

N.B. If you wish to use the activity sheet, you can pick one up for £1.50 inside the building.

Shaun the Sheep: Love your Landscape exhibition

This farming and living sustainably exhibition features original concept artwork, sets, and props from Aardman's famous Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep TV shows.

The quiet space

Play with soft play style cushions and watch episodes of Shaun the Sheep in the quiet room just beyond the exhibition room. Plus, take a photo with Shaun the Sheep and Bitzer the Dog!

The Sill's interacrive landscape exhibition

This free, permanent exhibition is a great way to introduce your family to the beautiful landscape we have here in the UK. With everything from geological features, to interactive displays, this exhibition helps you discover the natural and cultural heritage of the local area.

Gift shop

From locally produced products such as paintings, prints, keyrings, jewellery, beers, spirits, and food; to clothes, maps, guidebooks, and Shaun the Sheep goodies, the gift shop has something for everyone and items suitable for most budgets.

YHA Hostel

This high spec hostel offers shared, private, and ensuite rooms, from £15 to £75 p/night. It is directly adjacent to The Sill and is an ideal spot to stay and explore the local area.

FAQs about our family days out

Is it suitable for children?

From activities like the Shaun the Sheep exhibition to the fully-accessible living rooftop with panoramic views across the Northumberland National Park to the wooden play area on the grounds there are plenty of ways to engage family members of all ages and abilities. Our children loved it, and we'll be sure to return again in the future.

Are there facilities available?

The Sill hosts fully accessible toilets in the building. They even have one fitted out to Changing Places standards, allowing private and fully equipped changing facilities for users and their carers.

Is there anywhere to eat nearby?

Enjoy lite bites, drinks, ice cream and more at the Refreshments window and café. Fancy bringing your own bite to eat? There are plenty of picnic benches on site to use.

I'll be honest, there are so many more things you can do at Wallington, and even with the hours we spent there we didn’t have time to explore them all. We will definitely be back though, and I can't wait to see what else it has to offer.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful outdoor spaces England has to offer, check out my days out and travel blog. Have you found somewhere amazing to visit in Northumberland? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.