Bishop Auckland
Hamsterley Forest · Photo: David Hawgood
A morning in the former palace of the Prince Bishops, with its walled garden and free viewing tower, then out to County Durham's biggest forest for picture-book trails, a play area and gentle bike routes.
Historic House · 10:30–12:45 (2h15m)
Palace, walled garden and the free Auckland Tower; lunch on site.
The former palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham, now the centrepiece of The Auckland Project alongside a walled garden, a free viewing tower, galleries and a historic deer park. A strong half-day with older children, combinable with Binchester Roman Fort.
Nature & gardens · 13:30–16:30 (3h)
Family walks, picture-book trail, play area and graded bike routes; cafe at the hub.
An outdoor nature reserve in Bishop Auckland.
Photo: David Hawgood
North EastBellingham / Cambo
A Kielder-country alternative: follow a wooded gorge from Bellingham over footbridges to a 9-metre waterfall, keeping an eye out for red squirrels. Then drive to Wallington for a zip line, play fort and dragon cycle trail in a big National Trust estate.
Hareshaw Linn → Wallington
North EastBelsay / Prudhoe
Two very different castles: a medieval tower castle in the grounds of Belsay's Greek Revival hall, with a quarry garden of rocky ravines and a Wild Man play trail, then the gatehouse and keep of Prudhoe above the Tyne. Finish with a run-around at a riverside country park.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens → Prudhoe Castle → Newburn Riverside Country Park
North EastTynemouth
A classic North Tyneside coast day: a ruined priory and castle on the headland, a sandy horseshoe bay with rock pools for the afternoon, then fish and chips under the white dome at Whitley Bay. Short hops keep little legs fresh.
Tynemouth Priory and Castle → Northumberland Park → Cullercoats Bay → Trenchers Spanish City
