Fun in the park at Cragside House and Gardens

Cragside is one of Northumberland's most famous landmarks and a fantastic attraction to visit throughout the year. I was therefore surprised to learn that some people were not aware of the fantastic play park (provided by Playdale Playgrounds) that is situated at the top of the estate.

The park has it's own car park (follow the signs for approximately 3 miles around Cragside estate) or you can catch a free shuttle bus from Cragside house. If you are really brave like we were last Summer you can take the scenic uphill walk for approximately 1.5 miles from the main car park. Our 3 year old managed this and the views are simply spectacular.

Cragside park is somewhere we have visited on both sunny and rainy days. There are picnic tables nearby and toilet facilities. 

During our last visit we were lucky enough to have the park mostly to ourselves. Harry (8) and Heidi (5) spent more or less the whole time on the zip wire. They could actually play on this for hours!

Where as Jack (4) loved exploring the under 5's area. I just love the concentration on his face as he's walking across the bridge!

 After a quick stop for drinks and snacks we were off again, this time our children used their imagination to play the 'billy goats gruff' trying to cross over the bridge as one of them pretended to be a troll underneath. I love watching our children play like this and it is a far cry to them fighting over computer games at home!

There are plenty of areas to keep older children entertained too and Harry enjoyed climbing up ropes and swinging on tyres.

As you can see from the photographs the play equipment and area are kept in absolutely pristine condition - everything was in perfect working order, there was plenty of bark on the park floor and the whole area is enclosed with a working gate.

We are national trust members so entry to Cragside is free for us and last Summer we spent a fair few afternoons at the park here and because there is so much to do, our children never once complained they were bored. In the warmer months there is a drinks and snacks kiosk open by the park too.

Cragside park is a place where imagination is definitely encouraged. There is enough space to play hide and seek and Jack loves pretending he is a dinosaur stepping across the stepping stones.

The park on the Cragside estate is definitely one of our favourite parks. There is a lovely mix of play equipment for all ages and there are areas that are designed to encourage free play and imagination. Everything is in perfect condition and the park has a very safe feel to it. We love it so much that I even caught a rare photo of Heidi and Jack cuddling as they were so happy!

More information about Cragside House and Estate including entrance fee's can be found on their website.

For more family fun, make sure you follow North East Family Fun on twitter.

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