Discover more at Wallington
Find out when Wallington is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Family activities at 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 four play areas. This spring, you can also explore the Easter trail around the Courtyard and West Wood with lots of fun nature-inspired activities to do along the way. 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?
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
- Drinks, snacks and ice cream are available at the Clocktower Café and the Dragon kiosk
- Don't forget our impressive selection of splashy puddles on soggy days; we've got the mud if you've got the wellies!
Easter
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Wallington on an Easter trail. Explore the Easter trail around the Courtyard and West Wood with lots of fun nature-inspired activities to do along the way.
- Can you skip like a lamb, jump like a frog or hop as far as a hare? Test out your jumping skills and see how you compare!
- Test your bird knowledge with an interactive sound and picture challenge.
- Become a champion at Newts and Otters (our version of noughts and crosses).
- Take some time to reflect and look at the trees from another angle.
The trail takes place between 14 and 22 April 2025, from 10am to 4pm, (while stocks last). Charges apply.
You can also head into the House to find the 9 spring lambs hiding in the different rooms. Enjoy live music in the Central Hall on both the 13 and 27 April and join an attic tour in the House on 17 and 24 April.
For full details of what's on this Easter, visit the Events page.
May half term
It's an absolute Bug Fest at Wallington this May half term with hands-on activities all week.
Join moth mornings with the Rangers, explore insect trails both indoors and out, and take part in bug spotting and sonic pond dipping. Cycle hire is open all week long too so get kitted out with everything you need for a two-wheeled adventure on the Dragon cycle trail. Don't forget the four fab play areas too and yummy ice creams at the ice cream parlour. All the details for May half term coming soon!
Let off some steam in the play areas
Choose one of the four play areas and let your imagination run wild.
Play Fort
Defend your territory in the play fort, cross the rope bridge, 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
Opening hours
Weekends and every day in the local school holidays from 10am to 4.30pm (last hire at 3.30pm).
Prices
For 2 hours hire:
Adult sized bikes £10
Child sized bikes £7
Bike & trailer * £16
Bike & dog trailer £16
Ice Trike £10
Trike ** £7
Electric bikes*** £12 per hour
Electric bike & trailer £15 per hour
* age, height and weight restrictions apply
** suitable for use on green trail only
*** age restrictions apply
Helmets & balance bikes are free
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. The House is open 7 days a week, from, 11.30am until 3.30pm until November.
Wildlife trails
Keep an eye out for wildlife as you pedal or walk around the estate, you might see a roe deer or one of several species of birds. Stop at the wildlife hide to get a closer look.
The river walk will take you alongside the banks of the river Wansbeck through the woods. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – birds, otters and native white-clawed crayfish all call the Wansbeck valley home. You can meet some captive crayfish in the visitor welcome building too and find out more about this fascinating species.
'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:
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