Visitors on the beach at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear — A family exploring the rockpools near Souter Lighthouse | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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.

Two girls walking along the banks of the Nelly's Moss lakes

Gibside

Gibside is the ultimate outdoor playground for families. Whether you're climbing, swinging, or exploring, there's adventure at every turn. Wander the Explorer Trail, packed with nature and play areas. Swing through the trees on a rope swing and join seasonal events during school holidays. There's a den building area, sand and water play and sculpture to spot in the woodland. From tots to teens, it's fresh air, fun, and freedom.

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 in West Wood and enjoy a tasty pizza from the wood-fired pizza trailer?

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—perfect for visits in July and August. A brilliant family-friendly destination, with plenty to explore and enjoy—plus more Summer of Play fun on the way for the summer holidays with events and activities for for kids to enjoy every day.

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.

Young visitors running at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear

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.

View of a sunny garden with flower borders, in front of a stone manor house

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.

A family group of three children and two adults are walking along Hadrian's Wall. There are trees in full green leaf either side of them forming a canopy above.

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 sitting on the sofas and laughing in the Drawing Room at Wallington, Northumberland; the walls are richly decorated with intricate plaster mouldings

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

Step inside 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

Get ready for a summer bursting with adventure, imagination and unforgettable family moments in the North East. From nature trails, craft zones, mini stages and family sports, take part in a Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank.

See all family friendly events

Summer of play at Gibside

A Summer of adventure is waiting at Gibside. Follow the Summer of Play trail that stretches across Gibside and let imaginations soar, feet run wild, and creativity come to life in an outdoor wonderland designed for all ages.

Child running in front of giant letters that read 'Gibside'.

Family summer fun at Seaton Delaval Hall

Enjoy circus fun, musical junk orchestras, and theatrical play at Seaton Delaval Hall. Race hobby horses, play classic games, and get creative in the garden. Relax in the Tent of Wonder or picnic in the Arboretum. Join us outdoors this summer—sun hats or wellies welcome!

Family activities at Wallington

Get ready for a summer of fun at Wallington! Enjoy six weeks of daily drop-in activities—both led and self-led. From playful twists on traditional sports to classic lawn games, there’s something for everyone. Bring friends and family and make the most of every day this summer holiday.

A family cycling on the Dragon Cycle Trail at Wallington, Northumberland

Things to do in Crook Hall Gardens

There’s self-led outdoor games and activities all summer long at Crook Hall Gardens. Explore the interlinked gardens then enjoy an ice cream in the café or relax at a shady picnic spot in the gardens and take in the view across Durham.

Aerial view of the Georgian and Jacobean buildings and summer gardens at Crook Hall

Family-friendly things to do at Ormesby Hall

Kick off summer at Ormesby Hall with playful fun for all ages. Explore circus skills, tennis, badminton, music and sand play across the gardens and play field. With pockets of activity everywhere, it’s the perfect place for families and friends to get active, creative, and enjoy the outdoors together.

Two children running in the Ormesby Hall garden

Play out at Washington Old Hall

Experience a Summer of Play at Washington Old Hall. Spend quality time together and make the most of being outside during the school holidays. Take part in self-led outdoor games and activities or just simply relax in deckchairs and have a peaceful picnic in the gardens.

Visitors in the Lower Garden, Washington Old Hall, Tyne and Wear

Summer of Play at Souter Lighthouse

Get active and challenge your family with self-led outdoor games and activities at Souter Lighthouse this summer. If you need a break after all the fun, enjoy an ice cream in the café, have a picnic in the foghorn field or even head down to the beach.

Summer of Sport programme at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear

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.

Family enjoying the adventure play area at Wallington in autumn

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.

Children on the climbing frame in the play area in Northumberland's Seaton Delaval Hall

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.