Sometimes the rest of my family does need a little persuading though, and the promise of a hot chocolate in a cafe and a play park will normally do it. Today I am sharing my 10 favourite walks to take with the family that all have a cafe and a play area nearby. Be sure to share your favourites in the comments too.
Essentials for Family Walks
(ad - this section contains affiliate links)- These travel foldable waterproof seat mats are ideal for sitting down if it's been raining and the grass / bench are wet. Nothing worse than a wet bum!
- I love these Wildlife Guides for Kids - ideal for learning more about the plants and insects you spot on your walk
- This bug hunting kit for little ones comes with a backpack, magnifying glass, net, flashlight and more and is really reasonably priced.
- These insulated water bottles for kids are ideal for little ones and will keep their water nice and cool
- If you are looking to save money, take a flask of coffee rather than visiting a cafe. Here are some nice flasks/leak proof mugs worth investing in.
- Again, if you want to take snacks with you, I really like this snack storage box for kids and these are an absolute bargain - I use them to make DIY lunchables
- You can't trust the British weather and it's always handy to have a pac-a-mac in your bag
1 - Rising Sun Country Park
There are various walking routes to follow which are clearly signposted. You can choose to walk in the woods, visit a community farm, walk around a pond and look through bird hides or even climb up a huge pit heap.
Parking is free and there's a lovely cafe at the visitor centre with beautiful views. There is a natural woodland play park is next to the cafe and a smaller area for toddlers too. Read more about Rising Sun Country Park in my blog post review here.
- Postcode: NE12 9SS (free parking)
- More Information: Visit the Rising Sun Country Park website here
2 - Plessey Woods
The walk can be hilly in parts and does get muddy in the wet weather but don't let that put you off. You can choose to walk along the river, across meadows and through woodland.
There's a play park and visitor centre/cafe at the entrance near the car park. Read more about Plessey Woods in my blog post review here.
- Postcode: NE22 6AN (paid parking)
- More Information: Visit the Plessey Woods website here
3 - Kielder Forest
During our last trip, we didn't spot another person in the forest and it felt as if we had the place to ourselves.
Kielder is a place you can truly escape (especially as there's no phone signal).
The free Zog is great fun for the family and there are a couple of little play parks spread about the site (as well as a Minotaur maze). The main Visitor Centre near the car park serves drinks and snacks too. Read more about Kielder Forest in my blog post review here.
- Postcode: NE48 1ER (paid parking)
- More Information: Visit the Kielder Forest website here
4 - Carlisle Park, Morpeth
There are formal gardens with aviaries or you can walk along the river or through the woods too. There's a new-ish pavillion cafe and it's a 2-minute walk into Morpeth town centre where you'll be spoilt for choice for places to grab a drink or a bite to eat. We really like the Corbridge Larder or Cafe Des Amis.
- Postcode: NE61 1PR (3 hours free parking with a Northumberland disc - available for £1 from the leisure centre)
- More Information: Visit the Carlisle Park website here
5 - Druridge Bay Country Park
The beach is at the end of the walk too (and in my opinion, it's one of the best in Northumberland). Read more about Druridge Bay Country Park in my blog post review here.
- Postcode: NE61 5BX (paid parking)
- More Information: Visit the Druridge Bay Country Park website here
6 - Derwent Waterside Park
We visited Derwent Reservoir for the first time this summer (in the pouring rain) and were really impressed.
There's a lovely adventure play area with lots to keep kids of all ages occupied, a football pitch and small visitor centre with cafe where you can also pick up a free trail to complete around the reservoir. It's such a fab day out for families. Read more about Derwent Reservoir in my blog post review here.
- Postcode: DH8 9TT (paid parking)
- More Information: Visit the Derwent Waterside Park website here
7 - Thornley Woodlands
Thornley Woodlands Centre is just down the road from Gibside but should not be overlooked by it's bigger sister.
The visitor centre and cafe is fab for kids with toys to play, fact sheets to read and crafts to enjoy. There is a variety of woodland walks to enjoy - we like the sculpture trail but there are longer walks available too.
There isn't a formal play area here but there are natural play environments around the walk and toys inside of the visitor centre. Read more about Thornley Woodland Centre in my blog post review here.
- Postcode: NE39 1AU
- More Information: Visit the Derwent Walk Country Park website here
8 - South Beach Blyth to Seaton Sluice
If you're looking for a coastal walk that's perfect for kids, Blyth Beach to Seaton Sluice and back is ideal.
There's not one but three play parks to choose from (two at Blyth Beach and one at Seaton Sluice) and you can enjoy a nice drink and ice cream at Cicarrellis Ice Cream Parlour at Blyth Beach. Read more about South Beach Blyth in my blog post review here.
- Postcode: NE24 3PL (free parking)
9 - Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene has always been a favourite amongst families looking for a walk and it's another place that has the best of everything.
As well as a visitor centre and cafe, there's also Pets Corner (which is free to visit) a nice little play area, plenty of green space and picnic tables plus woodland walks to enjoy. There's also a Thomas Train during peak times. Read more about Jesmond Dene in my blog post review here.
- Postcode: NE7 7BQ (limited paid and free parking)
- More Information: Visit the Jesmond Dene website here
10 - Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest in Durham is home to fabulous woodland walks with natural adventure play equipment throughout the trail and a big adventure play area on-site too. There's also a free Gruffalo Trail to enjoy and a cafe at the visitor centre near the car park. Read more about Hamsterley Forest in my blog post review here.
- Postcode: DL13 3NL
- More Information: Visit the Hamsterley Forest website here
11 - Consett Heritage Trail
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| Credit - DY Family Photography / Cafe at Inn at the Park |
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| Credit : Cafe at Inn on the Park |
Consett Heritage Trail is a 6km route (you can walk the full length which should take around 3 hours or just part of the route).
The trail begins just a short walk from Allensford Car Park (follow the heritage trail signs) and walks along the River Derwent can be enjoyed.
Allensford is home to Cafe at Inn on the Park which is a gorgeous little cafe serving a wide range of delicious food, Kelly's milkshakes, desserts and treats to sit in (outdoor tables available) or takeaway including picnics and afternoon tea.
The cafe overlooks Allensford Play Park which has recentlry been refurbished. Read our blog guide to visiting here.
The trail begins just a short walk from Allensford Car Park (follow the heritage trail signs) and walks along the River Derwent can be enjoyed.
Allensford is home to Cafe at Inn on the Park which is a gorgeous little cafe serving a wide range of delicious food, Kelly's milkshakes, desserts and treats to sit in (outdoor tables available) or takeaway including picnics and afternoon tea.
The cafe overlooks Allensford Play Park which has recentlry been refurbished. Read our blog guide to visiting here.
- Find out more about the trail here and click here to find out more about Cafe at Inn on the Park.
- Postcode: DH8 9BA
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Please follow social distancing rules & Government guidelines , respect the local area. leave no trace, take litter home, park responsibly and if somewhere is busy on arrival, please consider leaving and returning at a later date.
Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed since this post was published.
Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed since this post was published.
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Such a useful post for Autumn, thank you! Being married to Simon is a little bit like having kids, he's also very reluctant to go out walking unless there's cake or hot chocolate involved! Definitely stashing this up for future reference!
ReplyDeleteOh yes - let me know where serves the best cake x
DeleteSome good walks on that list, one or two I've never visited yet, thanks for the info and if I had to add one more it would be Cragside but lots of National trusts around
ReplyDelete