Family Days out in the North East
The North-East of England is fantastic for family days out—loads of variety, from castles and beaches to hands-on museums. With so many fantastic places to explore across the North-East, this is just a snapshot of what you can discover. For even more family-friendly ideas, head over to the Raring2go! website.
Castles, history, beaches and outdoor fun
Northumberland has a whopping 70 castles!
Alnwick Castle
- Famous as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
- Kids can try broomstick training, archery, and knight-themed activities
- Combine with The Alnwick Garden for an epic day out
- Big grounds to run around
Bamburgh Castle
- Imposing castle overlooking beautiful village and beach
- Recently voted “THIRD BEST BEACH IN THE WORLD”
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the sand dunes
Hadrian’s Wall
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with history. Great for family walks, climbing, and exploring Roman forts. Feels like stepping back in time on a real-life adventure
Beaches & outdoor fun
Tynemouth Beach
- Easy access, great for rock pooling
- Nearby fish & chips + cafés
- Often has a weekend market
Seaton Sluice Beach
- Quieter than bigger beaches
- Perfect for families with younger kids
Hamsterley Forest
- Bike trails, play areas, Gruffalo sculptures
- Great for picnics and den-building
Seaton Sluice
- The beach is huge so isn’t quieter than bigger beaches. We are lucky up here as all our beaches are enormous and quiet!
- Combine with a trip to Seaton Delaval Hall (National Trust)
Kielder Water & Forest Park
- England’s largest forest and location of the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe. Perfect for big outdoor adventures
- Family-friendly cycling trails, play areas, sailing and lakeside walks. Home to the famous Kielder Observatory for unforgettable stargazing
Interactive museums (kid-friendly)
Locomotion- Shildon
- Huge trains, interactive exhibits
- Plenty of space for kids to explore
- Free entry
Life Science Centre- Newcastle
- Hands-on science experiments
- Planetarium & live demos
- Great rainy-day option
National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
- Climb aboard a historic ship
- Actors & interactive exhibits make it fun
Animals & Wildlife
Blue Reef Aquarium Tynemouth
- Sharks, penguins, and underwater tunnel
- Easy to combine with the beach
Whitehouse Farm Centre- Morpeth
- Petting animals + big play zones
- Great for younger children
Northumberland Zoo
- Home to a fantastic mix of animals including lemurs, meerkats, snow leopards, and more
- Regular keeper talks and feeding times plus opportunities for animal experiences.
- Easy to navigate without lots of walking – great for little legs
Adventure & play parks
Adventure Valley- Durham
- Indoor & outdoor play areas
- Animal feeding, tractor rides
- Great for full-day visits
Druridge Bay Country Park Playground
- Large play area with zip wires and climbing equipment
- Right next to a lake and close to the beach
- Ideal for a full day of play, walking, and picnics
Easy scenic days
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Steam trains through countryside
- Feels like stepping into a storybook
Durham Cathedral
- Impressive but still accessible with kids
- Combine with riverside walks and ice cream
Newcastle Castle & Castle Keep Views
- Climb to the top of Newcastle Castle
- Amazing panoramic views over the city and river
- A mix of history and scenery in one stop
Whatever type of day you choose, we hope you have a great Raring2go! Day!
