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Family activities at Wallington

An adult and child playing in the Children's adventure playground at Wallington, Northumberland
Visitors in the Children's adventure playground at Wallington, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

There’s lots to keep the family entertained at Wallington, whatever the season. Zoom along the Dragon cycle trail, go wild in the play areas, tick some activities off your ‘50 things’ list and look out for woodland art.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Wallington:

  • Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available in the courtyard and in the café
  • There are four outdoor play areas at Wallington: The play fort, adventure playground, play train and Little Acorns nature play space
  • There is ramped access to the house, but please leave buggies outside
  • Adult and child bikes and trailers can be hired on site (open seasonally)
  • Drinks, snacks and ice cream are available at the Clocktower Café as well as the kiosks

October half-term at Wallington

This October half-term, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities on your visit, rain or shine!

Head to Wallington for activities including:

  • Little leaf collectors (always a favourite)
  • Broomstick trail
  • Spooky football croquet
  • Halloween crafts
  • Attic tours
  • Autumnal walks
  • Yummy hot chocolates
  • Shopping!

For full details on what's on and when, visit the Wallington events page

Don't forget our impressive selection of splashy puddles on soggy days; we've got the mud if you've got the wellies!

Let off some steam in the play areas

Choose one of the four play areas and let your imagination run wild.

A view of the wooden fort play building with the rope bridge in the foreground
The Play Fort at Wallington | © Emma Hall

Play Fort

Defend your territory in the play fort, slide down the firefighter's pole and scale the mini climbing walls to escape capture.

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Cycle the Dragon trail

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the wider estate at Wallington and there are two family-friendly routes to choose from, an easy 1.5km green route that's perfect for little legs, or a more challenging but still family-friendly 4.5km blue route. Go as fast or as slow as you’d like – you can even stop for a picnic along the way.

Cycle hire

If you haven't brought your own bike, you can hire one from the cycle hire facility at Wallington, open every day in the school holidays, and weekends during term time. You don't need to pre-book, just head to cycle hire, just off the courtyard and the friendly team will kit you out with what you need.

From 10am to 4.30pm (last hire 3.30pm)

Family-friendly things to do in the house

There is lots for families to discover and enjoy inside Wallington so whether it is sunny or raining outdoors, the house is a great place to explore.

Wildlife trails

Keep an eye out for wildlife as you pedal or walk around the estate, you might see a red squirrel, roe deer or one of several species of birds. Stop at the wildlife hide to get a closer look.

A boy stands amongst many tree branches as he climbs a tree at Wallington, Northumberland
Climbing trees at Wallington | © National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

How many '50 things' activities can you complete during your visit to Wallington? Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

A corner view of Wallington showing the south front and side of the house

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