Family activities at Wallington

A family play on and around the large play train in the woods at Wallington. — A family explore the play train at Wallington in Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

There’s lots to keep the family entertained at Wallington, whatever the season. Enjoy an action packed games as part of Summer of Play, 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

What's on this summer at Wallington?

On your marks, get set....play! This summer, enjoy 6-weeks of led activities in our Summer of Play programme with so many different sports to get involved in you can come again and again to make sure you try them all. From archery and hockey skills, to sports day games and volleyball, take part in a variety of sporting activities with your friends and family.

Also this summer, you can take part in wildlife photography safaris with Wild Intrigue, a family beaver day, the big butterfly count, white-clawed crayfish engagement days with the Rangers, moth mornings and so much more!

Download our Summer of Play planner here

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank

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.

1 of 4

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)

£7 for child sized bike for 2 hrs

£10 for adult sized bike for 2 hrs

£12 for electric bike for 1 hr

£16 for adult sized bike plus trailer (child or dog) for 2 hrs

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.

INSTAR, artist duo Trish Evans and Nick Humphreys from Nottingham, unveiled their new sculpture, Nothing Exists Alone at Wallington in March 2022. The piece was developed in response to the surrounding habitat, resident wildlife and the threats and challenges faced by the natural world. It involved workshops with staff and volunteers, visitors and the local school, Cambo First School.

This project is part of Trust New Art, the National Trust’s programme of Contemporary Arts, which is supported by partnerships with Arts Council England and Arts Council of Wales.

Head to Trout Bridge on the River Walk and discover this lenticular artwork of 7 running wolves inspired by the Trevelyan children and the beauty of the woods at Wallington. Maybe it will inspire you to make a nature-themed sculpture of your own.