Family looking at a willow reindeer at Christmas time in the gardens at Wallington, Northumberland. — Willow reindeer at Christmas time in the gardens at Wallington. | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family-friendly places in the North East

Enjoy loads of great days out with the kids in the North East this winter with festive events, activities and lots of fun to be had indoors and outdoors. Discover nature-inspired walks, houses to explore and play areas to let off steam. There's something for younger and older kids, and great ways for the whole family to play together near you.

Two children walking along a gravel path smiling underneath a clear umbrella.

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Gibside

From exploring the nature playscape, to being king or queen of Strawberry Castle play area, there are plenty of ways for kids (and big kids) to stay entertained all day at Gibside.

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Wallington

From a cycling trail and adventure playground to wildlife watching and ‘50 things’ adventures, discover the family activities to keep children entertained at Wallington.

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Seaton Delaval Hall

There's lots to enjoy as a family at Seaton Delaval Hall. Whether you're uncovering the stories of the flamboyant Delavals through the collection and creative installations or you're enjoying the take on their love of trickery and theatricality in the gardens or enjoying the Delaval Playdium, there's something for all families to enjoy and discover here. Enjoy festive, Christmastime family fun here in Northumberland.

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Cragside

Bring the kids to Cragside for a day of adventures. There is lots to see, do and explore, for a fun-filled day out.

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Ormesby Hall

Enjoy a visit with the family to Ormesby Hall, with lots to see and do inside the house and in the garden.

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Lindisfarne Castle

Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Lindisfarne Castle in Northumberland this autumn, from bird and seal spotting to flying a kite and skimming stones in the sea.

A family walks towards the red and white striped tower and white buildings of Souter Lighthouse on a winter's day

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Souter Lighthouse & The Leas

Find out what family activities you could get involved with on a visit to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

A brick path between low hedges and topiary coated in light frost with bare winter trees in the distance

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Crook Hall Gardens

Characterful gardens on the edge of Durham city, set against the backdrop of a medieval hall.

A family walking in the grounds at Basildon Park in the winter

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Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads Fort

Wrap up warm and walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, visit a Roman Fort complete with some very old toilets, tick off a few ‘50 things’ adventures and go free-range in the great outdoors. Discover family fun this winter at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort.

When it’s raining you have two options: find somewhere indoors to explore or grab your waterproofs and get ‘clarty’. Luckily we have loads of suggestions for great days out with the kids whatever the weather...

Children playing in the den building area

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Take cover at Gibside

Grab your waterproofs and head to the densely packed trees in the West Wood which act as a canopy in light rain for den building. The stables are nearby too for a hot chocolate and a loo break. Don’t forget to visit the second-hand bookshop, café and chapel before heading home.

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

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Indoors and out at Wallington

Rain doesn’t stop play at Wallington. Outdoors all you need are your waterproofs and a sense of adventure. In the house discover the kitchen, meet the teeny tiny residents of the Dolls Houses and see hundreds of toy soldiers lined up for action. Take a seat in the children’s book nook and get lost in an adventure of the fictional kind.

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

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So much to do at Seaton Delaval Hall

Discover the giant mirror ball at Seaton Delaval Hall and explore the basement. Delve into the stories of the Hall’s history with a (funny) giant game of Seaton Delaval Hall. Discover the upside-down room and put on a show on stage in the Old Kitchen.

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

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Souter - the first Lighthouse to be lit by electricity

Visit Souter Lighthouse, the first in the world to be powered by electricity. Discover how lighthouse keepers lived and how they helped to keep ships safe at sea. Get hands on with interactive activities and climb 76 steps to the top of the tower, where you’ll find Souter’s huge, powerful lamp and views stretching for miles.

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

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Put on a show at Ormesby Hall

Get dressed up in one of the many outfits and take to the stage at Ormesby Hall to put on your own play. Discover the model railways and get hands on with the children’s interactive railway, or simply relax in the second-hand book shop and read a story together as a family.

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

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Explore Lindisfarne Castle

Explore the nooks and crannies of Lindisfarne Castle. Find the hidden fish in each room, listen to the wind roaring in the chimneys and see the wind indicator in action. Each cosy and intimate room tells the story of the people who lived and holidayed at the Castle, and in the Upper Gallery, you can listen to a special sound installation inspired by nature.

There’s nothing quite like playing outdoors. Swooshing down slides, clambering over logs and letting your imagination run wild. It’s no wonder that play areas are an essential part of many family days out. Here are some top places to play in the North East.

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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.

Family enjoying the adventure play area at Wallington in autumn

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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.

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

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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.

A girl in a grey top swooping down a tunnel slide head-first at Cragside. She has reach the bottom and is laughing.

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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.