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.
1 - Rising Sun Country Park
- Postcode: NE12 9SS (free parking)
- More Information: Visit the Rising Sun Country Park website here
2 - Plessey Woods
- Postcode: NE22 6AN (paid parking)
- More Information: Visit the Plessey Woods website here
3 - Kielder Forest
- Postcode: NE48 1ER (paid parking)
- More Information: Visit the Kielder Forest website here
4 - Carlisle Park, Morpeth
- 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
- 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 Highway Rat 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 where picnic benches are also available. UPDATE - PLEASE NOTE, THIS PARK HAS NOW BEEN REMOVED.
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 where picnic benches are also available. UPDATE - PLEASE NOTE, THIS PARK HAS NOW BEEN REMOVED.
- 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