Wild adventures await at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge this summer

Woodland Walks and Winding Trails

Step into a storybook as you wander through ancient woodlands, visit a charming Victorian summerhouse and follow the River Allen as it meanders through the gorge. With trails suitable for all ages and abilities, you can choose your own adventure — from gentle riverside strolls to more challenging climbs with breathtaking views.
Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels darting through the trees and dippers bobbing along the riverbanks.

A Place of imagination

Let your little ones’ imaginations run wild! With its mossy rocks, towering trees, and secret hideaways, Allen Banks feels like a land straight out of a fairy tale. Why not bring along a nature journal or scavenger hunt sheet to turn your walk into a woodland quest?
Create your own “Fairy Trail” by spotting natural shapes that look like fairy doors, goblin faces, or dragon footprints.

Picnic Perfection

There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a picnic surrounded by birdsong and the gentle rush of the river. Pack your favourite treats, find a sunny spot, and relax while the kids paddle in the shallows or build pebble towers. 
Don't forget: bring a blanket, some water and your best sandwich game!

Paws Welcome!

Got a four-legged friend in the family? Dogs are more than welcome at Allen Banks—just keep them on a lead near livestock and wildlife. There’s plenty of space for sniffing, splashing, and tail-wagging fun.

Snap and Share

Capture your day and share the magic! Whether it’s a selfie under the trees, a squirrel sighting, or a muddy-boot family portrait, we’d love to see your adventures. Tag us on social media with #AllenBanksAdventures for a chance to be featured.
 

Planning your family visit

• Set off on an adventure with wonderful woodland walks
• Discover the remains of a medieval pele tower
• Run wild in 617 acres
• Visit a reconstructed Victorian summerhouse with breathtaking views
• Spot some special wildlife including red squirrels and roe deer
• Get to know a tree or three
• Tick some things off your 50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4 list
• Connect with nature in ancient woodland 
• Toilets in car park including accessible toilet
• Allen Banks & Staward Gorge are free to enter. The car park is free for National Trust members - just swipe your membership card.
• Open year-round, dawn till dusk
• Check our website for trail maps and seasonal updates

 

Go wild for wildlife

More than 70 species of birds have been spotted at Allen Banks as well as a number of mammals such as roe deer, dormice, otters, bats and those elusive red squirrels. It's rare to see red squirrels when walking in the woods. But you might be lucky if you scour the treetops, where they spend their days on the lookout for snacks such as seeds and acorns.

Have fun with fungi

With many dark, moist nooks and crannies, Allen Banks makes the perfect habitat for fungi to grow, which is why there are so many species here.  Giant Puffballs, Common Puffballs and Yellow Stag's Horn as well as the slightly scary-sounding Deceiver can all be spotted in summer and autumn.  A few species of small mushrooms look very similar so please take care and be sure exactly what kind of mushroom you have before you eat one.
 

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Run off some energy or work up an appetite with an adventure through Roman times.  Imagine the lives of the Roman soldiers, stationed at Housesteads almost 2,000 years ago with a trip around the Fort. Take a walk along Hadrian's Wall or stop for a picnic and admire the views. You could also tick off some of the '50 things'. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
 

• No. 33 Go cloud watching: Find a patch of grass, lie back and watch the clouds go by. With a little imagination you can create whole worlds from the shapes you see in the clouds.
• No. 44 Watch a bird: There are lots of birds to spot at Hadrian's Wall - look out for house martins, wheatear and meadow pipit.  You will also see swallows, who return each year after spending the winter in Africa. See if you can spot some butterflies too.
• No. 50 Take a friend on a nature adventure: It's double the fun when you share a nature adventure with a friend of family member. What will you discover together?