30 Family-Friendly Autumn Walks across North East England
Who’s Raring2go! on an autumn adventure?
This article showcases 30 family-friendly autumn walks throughout North East England. Each has been carefully selected for its accessibility, stunning scenery and suitability for all ages. From peaceful woodland trails and picturesque coastal paths to scenic country parks and fascinating historical landmarks, these routes offer diverse landscapes for the whole family to explore.
1. Bolam Lake Country Park
The flat, circular path around the lake is perfect for families. The woodlands surrounding the lake turn stunning shades of orange, gold and red in autumn. The easy walk is suitable for pushchairs and young children.
The cafe and toilets are located in Boathouse Wood Car Park, to the north of the lake. The carpark is open 9.30am-7.00pm daily. First hour of parking is free, charges apply thereafter.
Postcode NE20 0HE
2. Wallington Garden
This National Trust estate has many family-friendly paths through woodland, walled gardens and along the River Wansbeck.
Outside area opened 10am-5pm daily. Normal admissions charges apply.
Wallington | Northumberland | National Trust
Postcode NE61 4AR
3. Druridge Bay Country Park
This easy and accessible walk for families combines coastal views and woodland paths around Ladyburn Lake.
The main toilets and information area are open Mon to Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 9am-3.30pm and Sun 10am-3.30pm (during the winter).
Northumberland County Council – Druridge Bay Country Park & visitor centre
Postcode NE61 5BX
4. Cragside
With over 40 miles of footpaths, Cragside is the perfect places for families with small children to take a stroll. The gardens and woodland are particularly striking in autumn, with vivid foliage reflected in the estate’s lakes.
Normal admissions charges apply.
Cragside | Northumberland | National Trust
Postcode NE65 7PX
5. Harwood Forest, Simonside
While the longer walks can be challenging, this gentler trail follows a route within the large conifer forest to the south of Simonside Hills and is suitable for families. You can download the route here
Simonside Family Walk • Northumberland National Park
6. Plessey Woods Country Park
This 100-acre park has a range of easy walking paths through woodland and along the River Blyth, making it a lovely family walk in autumn. There are sculptures hidden in the woods, which makes it fun for kids to explore.
Extras: Visitor centre, play area and cafe. Please note the October-March opening hours for the visitors centre and Cafe is Tues to Sun 10am-3pm. CLOSED Monday.
Northumberland County Council – Plessey Woods Country Park & visitor centre
Postcode NE22 6HZ
7. Hulne Park
This private park, owned by the Duke of Northumberland and situated in Alnwick, is open to the public for walking. The woodland trails are filled with towering trees that look stunning in autumn. It’s a peaceful setting and the paths are wide and easy for families to follow. Dogs and cyclists are not permitted.
Walks & Trails – Northumberland Estates
Postcode NE66 1NQ
8. Ingram Valley
Within the Northumberland National Park, Ingram Valley offers a multitude of choices from gentle strolls along the River Breamish to climbs up the Thale hills. The valley is beautiful in autumn, with golden leaves and the crisp countryside air. You can choose shorter, easier routes for younger children.
Ingram • Northumberland National Park
9. Hadrian’s Wall Path
The rolling hills and ancient ruins provide a great backdrop, especially when the autumn colours come out. Choose a section that’s easy on the little ones and don’t forget to stop by The Sill for something to eat and to explore their exhibitions.
The Sill • Northumberland National Park
10. Bamburgh Beach and Castle Walk
This coastal walk is ideal for families, with wide, sandy paths and views of Bamburgh Castle. In autumn, the coastal scenery combined with the dramatic silhouette of the castle makes for a picturesque day out. The walk is easy and accessible for all ages.
Postcode NE69 7DF
11. Gibside
Gibside is a National Trust property with a mix of woodland trails, riverside walks and historic landscapes. Your kids will have a great time exploring the estate. Normal admission charges apply.
Gibside | Tyne & Wear | National Trust
Postcode NE16 6BG
12. Hamsterley Forest
County Durham’s largest forest, is a great playground for family activities. The changing leaves in autumn make it a magical experience and there are walks for all levels, including pushchair-friendly paths.
Walking trails at Hamsterley Forest | Forestry England
Postcode DL13 3NL
13. Durham Heritage Coast
The Durham Heritage Coast offers dramatic sea views paired with rugged cliffs and grassy paths. There are plenty of easy routes for families, especially around Seaham and its picturesque beaches.
Walking the coast (durhamheritagecoast.org)
14. Derwent Walk Country Park
This walk follows the old Derwent Valley Railway line, offering a gentle walk through woodlands, meadows and riverbanks. The autumn colours, combined with the wildlife make it a peaceful family outing.
Derwent Walk Country Park – Woodland Trust
15. Hardwick Park
With lakeside walks, woodlands and ornamental gardens, Hardwick Park is a great place for an autumn stroll.
Extras: Free admission (car park charges apply), visitor centre and cafe.
Hardwick Park visitor information – Durham County Council
Postcode TS21 2DN
16. Allen Banks and Staward Gorge
A beautiful walk through ancient woodland alongside the River Allen.
Allen Banks & Staward Gorge | North East | National Trust
Postcode NE47 7BP
17. Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene is stunning in autumn, with its woodland trails bursting with vibrant colours. The paths are easy to follow, making it perfect for families. You can enjoy the waterfalls, explore Pets’ Corner (a small petting zoo) and have a picnic among the golden leaves. The mix of trees and the sound of the Ouseburn River make it a peaceful autumn retreat.
Entry to Pets’ Corner is FREE but a suggested donation of £2 is encouraged Open everyday 10.30am-4pm. Last entry 3.45pm.
Postcode NE7 7BQ
18. Quayside to Ouseburn riverside walk
Starting at the Quayside, you can walk along the Tyne towards Ouseburn, passing under the iconic bridges and along the riverside. It’s an easy and fun urban family walk.
Ouseburn Valley Circular Walk – Walk Run Cycle
19. Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve
The nature reserve takes its name from the Havannah drift mine and three slag heaps that dominate the land. It is a quiet, scenic spot for a family walk and in autumn it’s a peaceful place for kids to explore while enjoying the crisp autumn air.
Hint: This walk can get muddy, so pack wellies and waterproofs!
Postcode NE7 7TR
Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve – Urban Green Newcastle
20. Kielder Water & Forest Park
Kielder offers a variety of walks through woodlands and around the reservoir. Shorter sections of the path are perfect for family-friendly walks.
Click here to download for a map of the park and the walking tracks.
21. Rothbury Terraces
A popular walking route has stunning views of the Coquet Valley to the Cheviot Hills and across to the Scottish Border. For families looking for a fairly easy, longer walk, Rothbury Terraces is a great choice.
22. High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of England’s most impressive waterfalls, and it’s even more stunning surrounded by the rich autumn colours of the trees lining the River Tees. The short, accessible walk from the car park to the waterfall is family-friendly choice or you can take a longer loop through the surrounding woodland for breath-taking views.
High Force | One of the Most Spectacular Waterfalls in England (raby.co.uk)
23. Auckland Gardens
The grounds of Auckland Castle are perfect for an autumn stroll. The 800-acre park has walking trails through ancient woodland, gardens and alongside the River Wear. The trees here offer a beautiful display of autumn colours and the park is easy to navigate, making it ideal for families.
Normal admission charges apply.
Postcode DL14 7PG
Itineraries | The Auckland Project
24. Waskerley Way Railway Path
Part of the long-distance Derwent Walk, Waskerley Way offers a fantastic autumn route along an old railway line through moorland and woodland.
For more information, including a map, click here
25. Raby Castle Grounds
The grounds of Raby Castle offer lovely woodland walks, where you can enjoy the autumn foliage and spot deer roaming the park. The castle itself provides a stunning backdrop making it a perfect autumn outing for families.
Raby Castle, Park & Gardens | County Durham
Postcode DL2 3AH
26. Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle
The popular walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle is a perfect family route, offering stunning coastal scenery, history and exercise in the fresh sea air. This section of the Northumberland coast is relatively easy, making it ideal for families with children of all ages. English Heritage admission charges for the castle apply.
English Heritage Home Page | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)
Postcode NE66 3TR
27. Prudhoe Riverside Country Park
A family-friendly area with several walking routes along the River Tyne. The park offers flat, well-maintained paths suitable for walking, cycling and pushing prams. The riverside views are beautiful, especially in autumn, and there are opportunities for wildlife spotting, such as birds and otters.
Northumberland County Council – Tyne Riverside Country Park
Postcode NE42 6UP
28. Carlisle Park
Located in the heart of Morpeth, is a great place for a family-friendly walk. You can stroll along the River Wansbeck, enjoy the park’s gardens and visit landmarks such as the William Turner Garden and the historic Morpeth Castle. The paths are well-maintained and suitable for all ages and there are play areas and picnic spots to enjoy.
Northumberland County Council – Carlisle Park, Morpeth
Postcode NE61 1YD
29. Northumberlandia
One of Cramlington’s most iconic walking spots is Northumberlandia, a unique land sculpture shaped like a reclining woman, often called “The Lady of the North.” This family-friendly site offers a range of easy, well-maintained trails that loop around the sculpture, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area from various points. The gentle climbs are perfect for children and there are picnic areas, making it a great spot for a leisurely walk and outdoor fun.
Northumberlandia Visitor Centre | Northumberland Wildlife Trust (nwt.org.uk)
Postcode NE23 8AU
30. Belsay Hall and Gardens
Belsay Hall, Castle, and Gardens offers a variety of family-friendly walking routes. Explore the grounds, woodland areas, and the Quarry Garden, with its dramatic rock formations. The walk from Belsay Hall to Belsay Castle is short and easy and the historical sites provide added interest for both adults and children.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)
Postcode NE20 0DX
