Half-term fun in the North East

Make the most of family time and enjoy a fun filled day out this October half term at special places near you. Pull on your wellies and crunch through crispy leaves on a woodland walk, become a nature detective and track down signs of autumn and wrap up for some ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ adventures.

A family enjoying the outdoors in autumn or winter

Visiting information for this winter 

In England and Northern Ireland, our gardens, parks and countryside remain open for local people to exercise. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority and we urge you to book your visits in advance and stay local. All places in Wales are currently closed. Please check the property webpage before you travel.

More details on what's open
a family walking at gibside

Become a nature detective at Gibside  

Can you tell your stinkhorns from your puffballs? Or your acorns from your conkers? Become a nature detective at Gibside this half term and track down weird and wonderful fungi, or crunch through fallen leaves and see if you can spot signs of autumn.

Explore Gibside this half term
Visitors in the garden in autumn at Wallington, Northumberland

Stretch your legs at Wallington 

The gardens and woodlands at Wallington are bursting with autumn treasures. Hunt for conkers and fabulous fungi on a woodland walk. Make sure you stop to smell the Katsura tree. As the air gets colder, it smells like toffee apples. Or head out onto the Dragon Cycle trail for a cycling adventure. Either bring your bike or hire one from us.

Plan a half term visit to Wallington
A boy picks up leaves

Make new discoveries at Seaton Delaval Hall  

Follow the lost paths in the newly opened South East Gardens to discover some hidden surprises amongst the trees. Stage your own playful production and explore the mechanics and merriment of Baroque theatre at the new Delaval Playdium play area, located in the North West woods.Warm up with a tasty hot chocolate and takeaway snacks from the cafe.

Plan family time at Seaton Delaval Hall
A family walk through Cragside in autumn

Have an autumn adventure at Cragside  

Find your way around Nelly’s Labyrinth or take a stroll through the tall trees in the Pinetum. Tick off some of your ‘50 things’ activities by exploring the caves at Slipper Lake or see if you can spot wild animal tracks in the woodland. Refuel hungry explorers with luxury hot chocolates and tasty snacks from the tearoom.

Explore the outdoors at Cragside
Children playing in the fallen leaves inthe garden

Head outdoors at Ormesby Hall 

Scamper along the woodland walk and stop by Bugsby Hall, our bug hotel. Make your mark and help wildlife feel at home by adding to it with pinecones, twigs or leaves. If you’re full of beans, try the one-mile circular walk through the parkland. You’ll pass sheep, cows and horses in neighbouring fields as you go.

Explore Ormesby Hall with the kids
Half-term at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Outdoor adventures at Souter Lighthouse  

Bundle up for an outdoor adventure at Souter Lighthouse and the Leas. Tackle the bat trail and follow clues around the coastal park, picking up some bat facts along the way! Head to the café to pick up a Halloween craft pack for you to take home too. If you need to warm up after a blast of chilly North Sea wind, why not treat yourself to a luxury hot chocolate while you’re there?

Seaside adventures at Souter
A family on the beach at Druridge Bay

Spot wildlife on the Northumberland coast 

Get your fresh air fix with a walk along huge stretches of golden sand. You might even catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins in the distance. Each autumn, hundreds of fluffy, white seal pups can be seen gathering on the rocks and beaches of the Farne Islands. The best way to spot them is from a boat trip around the islands. Head to Seahouses to book up and stop by the shop for a fluffy souvenir.

Enjoy a day beside the sea on the Northumberland Coast
A girl climbs at tree at Wallington

50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ in the North East  

Get outdoors and closer to nature this autumn with our ultimate list of activities for young adventurers. Head to the woods and get to know a tree, explore on two wheels, build a den or find a champion conker.

Read the list