Cool Treats and Ice Cream Spots: Summer in our part of the North East

1. Cool Treats and Ice Cream Spots

Nothing beats a scoop of ice cream or a frosty drink on a summer’s day. Thankfully, our local area offers plenty of places to indulge in cold delights.

The Gingerbread House in Heddon-on-the-Wall (NE15 8RA) is celebrated for its homemade ice creams and delicious baked goods.

For a scenic drive, we can head over to The Milkhope Centre (NE13 6DA), a farm shop and cafe known for its assortment of cool treats.

If you’ve got a taste for something a bit more exotic or a taste of India, Dabbawal (NE5 2BA) serves up refreshing Indian lassis, a yogurt-based beverage perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

Prudhoe Riverside Cafe (NE42 6NP) offers delicious food and cold drinks, near the river and the riverside park, making it an ideal spot for a refreshment break.

2. Staying Hydrated at Home

Staying hydrated at home is equally important. Here are some tips and water-rich foods to help you stay cool and refreshed:

– Water-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods like cucumbers, watermelons, strawberries, and oranges into your diet. These foods have high water content and help keep you hydrated.

– Hydrating Drinks: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and natural fruit juices, throughout the day.

– Homemade Iced Treats: Make your own ice lollies or flavoured ice cubes with fresh fruit for a healthy and refreshing treat.

3. Shaded Walks and Tranquil Parks

When it’s not too hot, a shaded walk can be just as refreshing as a dunk in the pool.

For those who enjoy a stroll amidst nature’s canopy, the Tyne Riverside Country Park (NE42 6NP) offers paths alongside the River Tyne.

Hexham Parks, The Abbey, The Sele and Hexham House Grounds, boast charming walking routes with plenty of shelter, making great options for a leisurely summer stroll.

4. Air-Conditioned Respite and Indoor Activities

When the summer heat is high, air-conditioned or indoor spaces are very appealing.

The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre (NE47 7AN) near Hexham offers exhibitions and a cafe. It’s a great place to learn about the local landscape while staying cool and The Sill has been designed with accessibility in mind.

If a spot of shopping is more your style, the Metrocentre (NE11 9YG) offers an array of shops, places to eat and drink, and an air-conditioned experience.