Winter adventures with the kids in the North East

Find a new family walk, try out a new craft or lend a hand with nature in amazing places in the North East. Here are our top picks to inspire you to make the most of the chillier months.

Family snowdrop planting

Snowdrop planting at Wallington 

Come and help us plant 100,000 snowdrop bulbs during February half term. This is the third year of mass planting, so come back and admire the work so far and help to make the snowdrop walk even more spectacular. Our gardening team will be here to show you the ropes and help you get hands-on with nature.

Get hands-on at Wallington
Stargazing

Stargaze at Cherryburn 

Join us for a spot of stargazing with Ace of Space Astronomy. This family-friendly, indoor and interactive workshop is an ideal way to learn all about the cosmos.

Learn something new at Cherryburn
Children at a Halloween event

Cast a spell at Cragside 

Wannabee witches and wizards should head to Cragside at Hallowe’en half-term for the potion emporium and wand making masterclass. Bring your wand with you into the labyrinth to cast a spell on the whimsical wooden statues that you find along the way.

Have a spooky adventure at Cragside
Volunteer helping children to make a bird feeder

Join Bird Week at Souter Lighthouse 

As a home to a whole host of seabirds, like fulmar and cormorant, where better than the Leas to get a closer look at our feathered friends? Join a 'Know your birds' identification workshop or get creative in a bird craft sessions for kids. Or even build a home for nature by constructing a bird box to take home.

Plan your visit to the coast
Children planting seeds in the walled garden at Gibside

Celebrate a historic birthday at Gibside 

Mary Eleanor Bowes, the heiress of Gibside born in February 1749, was one of the estate's most influential characters. She had a passion for plants and collected many exotic samples for her greenhouse. Celebrate her 268th birthday with free, green-fingered family activities in the historic walled garden.

Get creative in Gibside's garden