Family fun at Cragside

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 and, if it’s been raining, make sure you’ve packed your wellies and waterproofs too. The ground can be muddy.

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 at 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 when you’re out exploring. 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.

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.

1. 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.
2.  Take this path up hill. After a while, the gravel path levels out.
3. Keep following the path until you reach a T-junction. Turn right.
4. 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 and take the path ahead of you.
5. 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.