Family fun at Cragside

A parent is pushing their child on the zip wire at the play area at Cragside. Both are smiling. — Glide along the zip wire at Cragside's adventure play area. | © John Millar

Enjoy a day of adventures with the kids at Cragside. There's plenty of space to run around (and do cartwheels!) and lots of things to discover as you explore.

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 area 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 and around Tumbleton Lake, right next to the visitor centre.

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

Play the day away

Adventure play area

Nearest car park is Crozier, via the Carriage Drive.
The kids can balance along the beams of the log mountain, climb to dizzy heights on the witch's hat, clamber up frames, glide on a zip and slide down tunnels. There's plenty of space to run around and make friends with picnic benches nearby to enjoy snacks and nibbles.

Trim Trail

Nearest car park is Crozier, via the Carriage Drive.
Hop across tyres, swing between bars and climb over cargo ropes on the trim trail. There are four sets of frames to discover on the path between the play area and the labyrinth. Perfect for the ultimate game of the floor is lava.

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.

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.

Take this path up hill. After a while, the gravel path levels out.

Keep following the path until you reach a T-junction. Turn right.

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.

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.

Unleash your imagination

Den Building

Next to the adventure play area. Nearest car park Crozier, via the Carriage Drive.
Located right next to the adventure play area, the whole family can get creative and build a grand design. Use the sticks and branches provided to create your dream home, a rocket to travel through space or a ship to travel around the world...the possibilities are endless!

Fairytale quests

The Labyrinth

Nearest car park is Nelly's Moss, via the Carriage Drive.
The labyrinth is a giant maze cut into a forest of rhododendron. Hunt for William the Wizard, create your own tale of courageous quests in the storyteller’s chair and see if you can find Nelly’s Den at its heart. It's not just for the kids.

Top tip: We want everyone to have fun when in the labyrinth. It’s good to keep the kids in sight as you explore. Before entering, let your group know that if anyone gets lost, they should stand still and shout, so you can follow their voice and find them. If you need further assistance, please call the emergency number on 07818 240 068.

An artist's impression of the UK's Tallest Living Christmas at Cragside. A huge tree dressed in lights towers above the House. It's a clear winter's evening. A crescent moon and twinkling lights are in the sky.

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