Family fun at Cragside

Den building area at Cragside, Northumberland — Bring the kids for an adventurous days out at Cragside | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Bring the kids to Cragside for a big day of adventures. Climb to dizzy heights at the play area and let their imagination run wild at den building. With miles of paths and twists and turns to discover, the grounds will feel like a giant maze for nature explorers. Follow a waymarked walk where you'll uncover routes along lakesides, stone steps to climb, paths through rocky caverns, giant trees and spring wildlife.

What to wear and bring with you

The terrain at Cragside is varied. It is rocky and gravelly in places with a few hills climbs when you’re out and about. Sturdy footwear for everyone in your group is essential. It's good to keep an eye on the weather. If it’s been raining, make sure you’ve packed your wellies and waterproofs. Don't forget your suncream, hats and extra water for those warmer days too.

Exploring with buggies and pushchairs

Walking to the play area and routes around Tumbleton Lake and Nelly's Moss Lakes are accessible with a buggy however paths are gravelly, rocky and include hills in places.

Toilets and baby change

Toilets and baby change facilities can be found at the visitor centre, Crozier car park next to the play area, and the House.

Picnic area and benches

Picnic benches can be found across Cragside but some of our favourites with the kids are Crozier (next to the play area), at the top of the rocky banks of Nelly’s Moss and around Tumbleton Lake, right next to the visitor centre.

There are lots of places to stop and take a breather. There are benches at the tops of hills and nestled under trees so you can take a moment to rest your legs and enjoy the views too.

Play the day away

Adventure play area

Nearest car park is Crozier, via the Carriage Drive.
The kids can balance along the beams of the log mountain, climb to dizzy heights on the witch's hat, clamber up frames, glide on a zip and slide down tunnels. There's plenty of space to run around and make friends with picnic benches nearby to enjoy snacks and nibbles.

Trim Trail

Nearest car park is Crozier, via the Carriage Drive.
Hop across tyres, swing between bars and climb over cargo ropes on the trim trail. There are four sets of frames to discover on the path between the play area and the labyrinth. Perfect for the ultimate game of the floor is lava.

Unleash your imagination

Den Building

Next to the adventure play area. Nearest car park Crozier, via the Carriage Drive.
Located right next to the adventure play area, the whole family can get creative and build a grand design. Use the sticks and branches provided to create your dream home, a rocket to travel through space or a ship to travel around the world...the possibilities are endless!

Driving:

Parking at Crozier car park is highly recommended. To get to the car park, drive through the archways of the House to join the Carriage Drive, a 6-mile loop of the estate. Crozier car park is roughly half way round and well sign-posted.

Walking:

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk to the play area too. This route includes a steep climb on a gravel path.

The walking route to the play area starts on the slope between the main car park and the House. Look out for the sign on your left as you walk down the bank towards the House.

Take this path up hill. After a while, the gravel path levels out.

Keep following the path until you reach a T-junction. Turn right.

After a short distance you will come across Slipper Lake – a small lake nestled between the trees. Keep following the path straight on so the lake remains on your left.

This path bends round to the left and after a short distance you will reach Crozier Drive. Ahead of you, you’ll see a large gate. Walk around this gate. The play area is on your right.

Fairytale quests

The Labyrinth

Nearest car park is Nelly's Moss, via the Carriage Drive.
The labyrinth is a giant maze cut into a forest of rhododendron. Hunt for William the Wizard, create your own tale of courageous quests in the storyteller’s chair and see if you can find Nelly’s Den at its heart. It's not just for the kids.

Top tip: We want everyone to have fun when in the labyrinth. It’s good to keep the kids in sight as you explore. Before entering, let your group know that if anyone gets lost, they should stand still and shout, so you can follow their voice and find them. If you need further assistance, please call the emergency number on 07818 240 068.

Two girls walking along the banks of the Nelly's Moss lakes — Nelly's Moss at Cragside. | © National Trust / Annapurna Mellor

Family walks

A walk around Nelly's Moss lakes is a family favourite. It's reasonably level and follows the banks of the twin lakes on the top of the grounds. The walk starts at Crozier car park, right next to the adventure play area. Challenge the kids to find the blue waymarkers while looking out for wildlife along the way.

Also starting from Crozier car park is the Inspiration Trail. This circular walk begins with a descent along a sloped track to Slipper Lake. From here you will begin the climb up the crag. As you ascend the rugged stone steps, see if you can spot William Armstrong quotes which have been carved into the rock.

The Gorge (open until end of October)

A trek through the Gorge is a mini adventure. As you walk through this dynamited ravine you will descend rugged steps that have been chiselled into the rock. At the mid-way point is a wooden bridge where you can watch water cascading over waterfalls into the river below. To get to the Gorge, walk through the Pinetum until you reach a stone bridge, and turn left through the gate. See if you can spot the little House carved into the cliff as you explore.

Exploring history at the House

There’s lots of ways for the kids to creatively explore Cragside’s pioneering past and discover why we call it Britain’s original smart home.

Critter Crawl
Free, self-led, all ages
Along the Critter Crawl, the kids can find out about the creepy crawlies that like to make a home a Cragside House and why we need to catch them. Using a trail card, the whole family can go on a hunt for over-sized critters in the rooms. The trail ends in the Conservation Studio where you can discover more about how we care of the House and examine the bugs we have captured over the last few weeks.

Explorer Packs
Free, self-led, recommended for children under 5
The Explorer Packs are a great way to introduce Cragside’s history to pre-school children. In the packs are glasses, a wooden toy camera and a magnifying glass so children can creatively explore and get up close to some of the objects on display.

Smart Trail
Free, self-led, recommended for children under 12
Why is Cragside’s House Britian’s original smart home? The Armstrongs filled the House with innovative technology and gadgets for efficient, modern living. There is evidence of their innovation and technology all over the House. Look out for the Smart Home trail cards in different rooms, with clues for things to find. Can you find all 8 objects?