How to Save Money on North East Days Out

This post was published in May 2026. Please check with venues direct for up to date info as details can change.

Cragside

If you're looking to save a bit of cash on days out this year, this post brings together all of the best deals and places to look for discounts.

Travel by Public Transport

Beamish

Receive 20-25% off standard entry when travelling by bus to the following attractions:

Alnwick Castle
Beamish
Belsay Hall
Cragside
Crook Hall Gardens
Diggerland Durham (exludes July & August)
Gibside
Hexham Old Gaol
Life Science Centre (use code TRAVEL20 - also includes Metro travel)
Segedunum Roman Fort
Souter Lighthouse
Sunderland Bowl (use code NECA25)
Tanfield Railway
Tynemouth Priory & Castle
Ushaw Historic House
Wallington
Woodhorn

Other perks including discounts in cafes & gift shops apply too. You can check the full list of discounts & t&cs here: https://www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/daysoutbybus

Make sure you keep your bus ticket/pass handy as you will need to provide proof of travel on arrival.

(ad) Check Wowcher

Northumberland College Zoo

Wowcher is always worth a quick check for discounts as they regularly add new deals. You can usually expect discounts on Zoos, Theme Parks, Hotels, Crazy Golf, Afternoon Teas and more.

Check Wowcher Deals for North East Attractions here: Current Wowcher Deals

2 for 1 Gardens Card

Alnwick Garden

You'll receive a free card with May's Issue of Gardener's World magazine or can purchase one via an app for £9.99 at any time. This year's card provides 2for1 entry to multiple attractions until March 2027. Find out more here.

2 for 1 Attractions include:

Alnwick Garden
Belsay Hall
Gibside
Birkheads Secret Garden
Dilston Physic Garden (Corbridge)
Durham Botanic Garden

You can use your card as many times as you like before the end of March 2027 but some exclusions do apply so check the t&cs when purchasing. Usually you will make your money back in just one visit.

Blue Peter Badge

WWT Washington

During the next rainy day, task the kids with applying for a Blue Peter badge. It's well worth the effort and your kids will be rewarded with free entry to 100s of top UK attractions.

In the North East these include Corbridge Roman Town, Northumberland College Zoo, Vindolanda, the Roman Army Museum and WWT Washington.

Apply for a Blue Peter Badge here.

(ad) LNER Perks

Belsay Hall

It's FREE to sign up for LNER Perks and when you complete your first journey, you'll receive £10 credit to spend on train fares or on board if you use my link below. What's not to love?

They also offer different offers each month which regularly include discounted or free days out. Past examples have included discounted English Heritage membership and a free kids pass.

Sign up using my referral link here: https://mention-me.com/m/ol/is9lp-samantha-rickelton

Buy an Annual Pass

Buying an Annual Pass can be a brilliant way to save £ on days out. Just make sure you use it to get your money's worth. This post shares which annual passes are worth investing in this year.

Save Vouchers from Newspapers & Cereal Boxes

National Trust & English Heritage regularly offer vouchers in their papers for free entry to their sites and cereal boxes (and similar) often offer discounted vouchers for attractions.

National Lottery Open Week

Wallington

This week usually takes place in March. National Lottery Players simply need to present a ticket on arrival to 100s of attractions who have benefitted from National Lottery funding to receive free entry.

Attractions usually include places like Wallington, Gibside & Bowes Museum. Keep an eye on their website for 2027 dates and info.

Heritage Open Days

Cragside

Hertiage Open Days return between 11 & 20 September and 100s of attractions will open their doors to visitors free of charge across the 10 days.

Attractions taking part usually include Cragside, Wallington, Belsay Hall & more. If you plan your time well, you can visit multiple attractions and save quite a bit of cash. Find out more over on the Heritage Open Days website.

Travel by Train

I will be honest and say that this saving does not feature much in the way of North East options but I have occasionally noticed North East attractions on here so it's worth checking.

Travel by train and receive 2 for 1 entry to lots of top attractions across the UK including the London Eye, LEGOLAND Discovery, Scarborough SEALIFE and more. Check deals & how to book here.

Free Days Out

Don't forget that we have 100s of fantastic free days out right here in the North East and that you don't need to spend a fortune to have fun. Check out these posts:

Check eligibility for other discounts including Blue Light, Student, Carer, Max Cards, NHS, Veterans....