Holiday ideas between Inverness and Manchester

Yo. Our family with 3 kids are driving from Devon to mid Scotland in July, stopping at Glasgow on the way up. We have 3 or 4 days free on the way home between Inverness and Manchester (where we’re stopping for a city-break).

Hit me with your recommended locations for airbnb/similar for a few outdoorsy days in between (can’t take bikes sadly!)

Northumberland coast. Derelict castles, stunning beaches and walks. Boat trips. Holy Island.

Inland there is Alnwick Castle – Harry Potter stuff, falconry, gardens – though paid for. Kielder similarly does falconry, dark skies stargazing stuff. Hadrian’s Wall, you just walk bits or go to the museum bits.

Eden valley or edge of Lakes around Penrith.

I’ve only stayed in Inverness once, but I fell in love with it and would happily stay there again. Loch Ness is incredible.

The Highland Wildlife Park is well worth a visit too (especially if you like Scottish Wildcats).

Dumfries and Galloway

I’d break it up a bit, travel 100-150 miles a day. Just a few suggestions which are not far off the route South.
The Dunkeld area is lovely, easily a days things to do just in Dunkeld/Birnam, walk around the cathedral and along the river. The walk from the caravan site along the river in Birnam, the Beatrix Potter garden in Birnam, the Hermitage just outside Dunkeld. Then get down to Dumfries and Galloway, or, the Borders. D&G has some great hidden beaches, lost of walks, especially if the tide is out. The Borders, well, take your pick, Melrose and Kelso are my favourites. Morecambe bay is , apparently, very nice, never been , but on the list. Antony Gormleys statues on the beach in Crosby? Then the delights of Liverpool?
Going further South, Kinver caves, the Black Country Museum.

Dumfries or Northumberland world both get my vite

North Penines are lovely.

With kids I’d be looking to go somewhere in-between and stay there for the three days, rather than moving on every day.

Another vote for Northumberland, alternatives with a bit of a detour(ish) would be the Peak District. Obvious choice is the Lakes.

Great ideas, all. Thank you!