Cragside family fun

A girl climbing the spiders-web climbing equipment

Pull on your wellies and wooly hats and join us for a day of exploring at Cragside with the kids. There's lots to climb on at the newly extended play area. Take the kids on an adventure through the labyrinth to discover the wizard and Nelly's den and get closer to nature using the 50 things list.

A boy zip lining at the play area
Cragside   Northumberland

Adventure play area

Swoop, climb and glide at the newly extended play area. Test your balancing skills on the log mountain, climb to dizzy heights on the witch's hat and slide down the tunnels. Open every day from 10am-5pm at Crozier's car park.

How to get to the play area

For families with young children we recommend driving to the play area. Follow the Carriage Drive for 3-miles and pull into Crozier car park.  Please avoid walking along the Carriage Drive. The road is single track and busy with cars throughout the day.  

For walking, look out for the arrow-sign pointing to the play area on the slope between the main car park and the House. Walk along the gravel path up hill, following signs for Slipper Lake. When you arrive at this small lake, walk straight on through the trees ahead of you. Distance is approximately 1 mile. Enjoy your adventures!

 

A child running out of Nelly's Den at Cragside

Explore the labyrinth

Enjoy some wellie adventures in the labyrinth. Trail along the weaving paths in this tangled maze of rhododendron. Fun for all the family, investigate all of the twists and turns, see if you can find William the wizard and the storyteller's chair. Only those skilled enough will discover Nelly's den at its centre.

Douglas, a wood carving at Cragside

Go on a Cragside sculpture hunt!  

Using the map to guide you, discover new corners of Cragside you may never have seen before on the Cragside sculpture hunt. See if you can spot the wise owl of the Formal Garden, William the wizard guarding the labyrinth and 'Douglas' welcoming you to the Pinetum.

A family playing Pooh sticks

50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4 

50 Things is a handy guide to activities for the whole family to bring you closer to nature. It’s jam-packed full of creative ideas to enjoy in the great outdoors throughout the year and it's perfect for giving you some inspiration to keep the kids entertained while out and about. Download the full 50 Things list and start your adventures.

Visitors enjoying an autumnal walk beneath the autumn trees on the estate at Hardwick, Derbyshire

Autumn activities for all the family 

Vibrant colours, bold trees and rich harvests... explore the best experiences of the season with our range of autumnal activity packs. Whether you're after family fun or some quiet time, there's something to enjoy for all ages and tastes.

Make the most of autumn

Useful information:

You can download the Cragside map to help plan your visit. 

Parking: There are 9 car parks at Cragside. A large main car park between the visitor centre and House as well as 8 smaller car parks around the Carriage Drive. 

Prams and getting around: Please ensure everyone is wearing sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing on your visit. The terrain is varied, gravelly and steep in places. Paths can be slippery underfoot. The landscape of Cragside is naturally rocky and very hilly. Some areas are challenging for prams and pushchairs. The waymarked route to the play area includes a gravel path and a short section with a steep incline. 

Toilets: Located at the visitor centre, House and Crozier's car park, next to play area.