With family still in the North East and a long held passion for the Lakes I’m assuming these areas will make up most of these posts! More on this page coming soon!
The North East
Gibside (NT) near Newcastle has everything you need for a family day out in the fresh air (including lots of walks). Would highly recommend.
Wallington Hall (NT) is half an hour from Newcastle and an exceptionally family-friendly National Trust property. A true favourite!
Cragside (NT) not only wins my vote for being the best National Trust property in the North East, but also in the country. It’s simply spectacular with so much to do, you could easily fill a few days exploring here!
Adventure Valley, Durham is perfect for a sunny day of good, clean family fun. There’s plenty of farm animals, play areas and activities.
Alnwick Garden, Northumberland is gorgeous and a great place to take a picnic and enjoy a sunny day in stunning surroundings. Make sure to download the app before you go; lots of fun for children!
Plessey Woods, Northumberland is a great place to have a few hours of fun with the children, and only 10 minutes off the A1 is a great stop off point for anyone travelling up North!
The Lake District
Whinlatter is my absolutely favourite forest in the UK. It’s absolutely stunning whatever the weather, with a great choice of walking trails and mountain biking.
Dodd Summit Trail bags you a Wainwright and gives amazing views over Bassenthwaite Lake.
Catbells is a great fell to climb, but with enough challenge for children to feel like a true accomplishment.
Grizedale (FC) in the Lakes is the place to go if forests are more your thing, with plenty of trails for walking and cycling and superb views.
Rydal, just North of Ambleside, is a great place to base yourself for a lovely day in the Lakes. Explore Rydal Hall before a little walk up to the impressive caves.
Nottingham & Worksop
Sundown Adventureland is a theme park for the under 10s and we LOVE it there, it’s a great day out with lots to do indoors as well as out!
Sherwood Pines (FC) is another great forest. Although most people visit to bike, there is plenty for little explorers on foot.
Elsewhere
Longshaw Estate in the Peaks has great views and fantastic walks. Pack a picnic and head over for a fun family day out!
Chester Zoo is a couple of hours drive from Leeds, and whilst pricey to get in, it’s great day out jam packed with fab animals and things to do. A lot of the zoo is sheltered, so a good choice if the weathers iffy.
Further Afield
Anglesey is a fantastic location for a long weekend away, with plenty to do with little ones.
If you’re looking to get away to the sun, read our top tips for going on a beach holiday with young children.
If you have National Trust Membership, here are some Northern National Trust sites with a bit of WOW.