Family at Wallington play area in Autumn 1873463 — Explore the play areas at Wallington, Northumberland | © National Trust images / Rebecca Hughes

Adventure awaits: family fun in the North East

From wild woodland walks to castles and houses full of stories, the North East is bursting with family adventures. Whether you're climbing, exploring, or just enjoying nature, our places offer unforgettable days out for kids of all ages. Come and make memories together.

Great family walks

Looking for the perfect walk with the kids? We’ve handpicked some of the best family-friendly trails in the North East. Whether you're pushing a buggy, need a shorter route for little legs, or want to spot birds, bugs, and other wildlife along the way, there’s a walk for everyone. Explore our variety of scenic, accessible trails and enjoy quality time together in nature.

A family of four walking along a twisting path at Cragside. They are in the Debdon Valley. It's autumn and the trees are beginning to turn. Some leaves are orange and gold.

Gibside

Gibside is the ultimate outdoor playground for families (from tots to teens). Whether you're climbing, swinging, or exploring, there's adventure at every turn. Wander the Explorer Trail, packed with nature and play areas or join events during school holidays.

Wallington

There's lots to keep the family entertained at Wallington, whatever the season. Look out for wildlife on the River Walk, zoom along the Dragon cycle trail or go wild in one of the play areas (play train currently closed). Don't forget our impressive selection of splashy puddles on soggy days; we've got the mud if you've got the wellies! For rumbling tummies, why not make a stop at the Clocktower Café or one of our kiosks?

Seaton Delaval Hall

Looking for family days out in Northumberland? Seaton Delaval Hall in North East England offers playful gardens, the Delaval Playdium, and creative spaces inspired by the Hall’s theatrical past. A brilliant family-friendly destination, with plenty to explore and enjoy.

Cragside

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.

Ormesby Hall

There’s lots to keep the family entertained at Ormesby Hall, whatever the season. Go wild in the natural play area, stop by the model railway layouts and enjoy imaginative play. Looking for something to do during the school holidays? There’s always a fun trail in the house and gardens. During the October half-term our theme this year is Monsters, with family-friendly spooky shows, a Halloween trail and our popular Halloween Evenings.

Lindisfarne Castle

Planning a family day out in Northumberland? Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island offers a perfect mix of adventure and discovery for visitors of all ages. Explore fun, family-friendly activities like birdwatching, spotting seals along the shoreline, flying kites in the sea breeze, and skimming stones on the beach. It’s an unforgettable experience for families visiting the Northumberland coast.

Souter Lighthouse & The Leas

Discover how lighthouse keepers lived and helped keep ships at sea safe. Follow in their footsteps, climbing 76 steps to the top of the tower for a bird's eye view of the coast. Miles of open grassland and hidden rocky bays make Souter ideal for games, picnics, rock pooling and other outdoor adventures.

Two adults and two children look up at the huge, multi-faceted glass optic of Souter Lighthouse's lantern

Crook Hall Gardens

Can you solve our hedge maze? Head to the wildlife hub to discover what creatures you might see and borrow a pair of binoculars to watch birds. Find a new storybook in our second-hand bookshop and choose the perfect spot in the gardens to enjoy it.

Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads Fort

Looking for a day out that’s packed with history, adventure, and unforgettable views? Step back nearly 2,000 years and explore the wonders of Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s just waiting to be discovered.

Family walk at Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland

Allen Banks & Staward Gorge

Get out into nature and explore ancient woodlands, discover wild animals and take some time out to tackle a few of the activities on your list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’. Whether you’re searching for six-legged critters on a bug hunt or building a den, the woodland at Allen Banks is the perfect place for family fun.

People picnicking at allen banks and starward gorge

Things to see on the Farne Islands

Find out what you might see when you take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, from wildlife such as puffins and grey seals, to centuries-old buildings including St Cuthbert's Chapel.

Two visitors bird watching with binoculars at the Farne Islands, Northumberland

Washington Old Hall

Take a wander with the family and explore the House, home to the original Washington family. Outside in the gardens, hear birdsong and spot bees, butterflies and other spring wildlife.

Rainy day? No problem! Whether you’re looking for cosy indoor adventures or ready to pull on your wellies and embrace the mud, we’ve got you covered. From historic houses and indoor activities to puddle-jumping paths and woodland wanders, discover brilliant ways to enjoy a day out with the kids—whatever the weather.

Take cover at Gibside

Rain doesn’t have to mean staying indoors! Head to West Wood, where the tree canopy offers shelter for den building and woodland play. Then warm up with a hot chocolate at the stables, browse the second-hand bookshop, and enjoy a cosy moment in the café or chapel.

Children playing in the den building area

Indoors and out at Wallington

Rain doesn’t stop play at Wallington—just bring your waterproofs and a sense of adventure! Outside, explore the wild no matter the weather. Inside, step into the historic kitchen, peek into the miniature world of the Dolls’ Houses, and marvel at rows of toy soldiers ready for action. Snuggle up in the children’s book nook and dive into a story of your own.

Visitors in the Kitchen at Wallington, Northumberland, look at items on the table, while a volunteer is baking

So much to do at Seaton Delaval Hall

Step into a world of surprises at Seaton Delaval Hall! Dance beneath the dazzling giant mirror ball, uncover secrets in the mysterious basement, and dive into the Hall’s quirky history with a laugh-out-loud giant board game. Discover the topsy-turvy upside-down room and take centre stage in the Old Kitchen—perfect for little performers with big imaginations.

Visitors playing with an interactive board game in the Drawing Room at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland

Souter - the first Lighthouse to be lit by electricity

Visit the world’s first lighthouse powered by electricity and uncover the life of a lighthouse keeper. Get hands-on with interactive displays, learn how ships were kept safe at sea, and climb the 76 steps to the top of the tower. At the summit, marvel at Souter’s mighty lamp and take in sweeping coastal views that stretch for miles.

A woman and child looking out through the window of the Lantern Room at the top of Souter Lighthouse, Tyne & Wear

Put on a show at Ormesby Hall

Step into the spotlight at Ormesby Hall! Dress up in colourful costumes and take to the stage to create your own family performance. Explore the fascinating model railways, get hands-on with the interactive children’s railway, or slow things down with a cosy story in the second-hand bookshop. Whether you're performing, playing, or just relaxing together, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

An adult and group of children examine an artefact inside the house at Ormesby Hall, North Yorkshire

Explore Lindisfarne Castle

Step inside Lindisfarne Castle and uncover its hidden wonders. Hunt for the spectacles tucked away in each room, listen to the wind howling through the chimneys, and watch the wind indicator spin into action. Every cosy corner tells a story —bringing the past to life. Don’t miss the Upper Gallery, where a special sound installation inspired by nature adds a magical finishing touch to your visit.

View of the Ship Room with a curved roof, large fireplace and red carpet at Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

Discover the top outdoor play areas in the North East with the National Trust. From slides and climbing frames to wild woodland adventures, find perfect spots for family fun in nature.

Be king or queen of the castle at Gibside

There are plenty of ways to play at Gibside. Conquer the fortress climbing frame and zoom along the zip wire at Strawberry Castle play area, crawl along log bridges and clamber over tree trunks at the Nature Playscape or test your nerve on the Low Ropes challenge, an obstacle course made of rope.

Let off steam in the four play areas at Wallington

Climb, swing and fly through the air on the zip wire in the adventure play area, defend your territory in the wooden play fort, take a journey on the huge play train and get closer to nature exploring the log stepping stones and willow tunnels in the Little Acorns nature play space, perfect for little adventurers.

A child plays at Wallington, Northumberland

Get creative in the Delaval Playdium play area

Inspired by the Delavals’ love of theatricality, this special play area incorporates a centrepiece stage, hidden sound effects, and blackboard scenery allowing you to put on your own show, as well as swings, a scramble net, slide, wobbly bridge and a rope walk to enjoy.

Discover the adventure playground at Cragside

Head to Crozier car park to swoop, slide, climb and glide at the adventure play area. The kids can test their balancing skills on the log mountain, climb to dizzying heights on the witch's hat and slide down the tunnels. There are picnic benches, toilets and a refreshment kiosk nearby.