Family fun at Cragside

Useful information when planning a visit

• No booking required

  Cragside does not have a booking system. You simply turn up on your chosen day and pay or show your membership card(s) on arrival.

• How to get to the play area

  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.
  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.

• 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 areas 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 Lakes and around Tumbleton Lake, right next to the visitor centre.

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

• Places to eat and shop

  The tea room
  The tea room at the visitor centre is Cragside's largest eatery. It sells hot and cold drinks including babycinos and fruit juices. The kids can create their very own packed lunch pick and mix and choose a sandwich, drink, fruit, crisps or popcorn and a snack. There are also season hot options and ice cream lollies to choose from.

  The Still Room
  Get the scoop and the Still Room. Here you can buy scooped ice cream, sandwiches, drinks, cakes and bakes. It's a great pit stop to grab some snacks before heading off on a walking adventure.

  Crozier's
  This kiosk is handily right next to the adventure play area at Crozier car park. Enjoy scooped ice cream, hot and cold drinks, cakes and bakes. It's open daily during the summer season (weather permitting).

  Pocket-money treats at the shop
  The shop is in the former coach house at the visitor centre. As well as home accessories, jewellery, jams, biscuits and plants, there is a selection of children's toys, games and books to continue your Cragside adventures at home.