A Guide to North East National Trust Playgrounds

 AD - This is an advert for July 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding opening hours. When I talk about dogs in this post I am referring to pet dogs rather than assistance dogs who are of course, permitted everywhere. 

We are blessed with some absolutely fantastic playgrounds at National Trust sites across North East England. These playgrounds are excellent places to visit all year round, are very well maintained with seating nearby and usually somewhere to grab a drink too. 

You can visit these playgrounds as often as you like during opening hours with your National Trust membership or pay a one off admission. And remember, under 5s go free. 

Fantastic playgrounds are just some of the fun National Trust offer families. You can discover upcoming events and other things to do across the North East here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly

• Wallington - Best for a full day of play for all ages with imaginative play areas including a train and fort. There is seating and a seasonal takeaway kiosk next to the playgrounds. 
  
  
• Gibside - Best if visiting with a dog with equipment for all ages including water play & low ropes course. There is seating, toilets and a seasonal takeaway kiosk within the main playground. 
  
  
• Seaton Delaval Hall - Best if you're looking for a dog-free playground in a sheltered location. There is seating within the playground and toilets close to the playground entrance. 
  
  
• Cragside - Best if visiting with younger children and prefer an enclosed playground or those with mobility issues as you can park close to the playground. There is seating, a seasonal takeaway kiosk and toilets next to the playground. 
  
  
• Ormesby Hall - Best for relaxed natural play and kids who love an obstacle course. There is seating within the playground. 

Here's a quick overview of some of our favourites: 

Playgrounds at Wallington 

There are four playgrounds to choose from at Wallington. They are not enclosed and fairly close to each other / not too much of a walk from the entrance and it's easy to visit them all in one visit. 

I love that there is a playground for all ages at Wallington. If you're looking for a day out where you can enjoy a full day of play, Wallington is it. 

There is a drinks/snacks kiosk by the Play Fort and seating is available. Toilets can be a little bit of a walk away depending on the play area (courtyard / clock tower cafe). Dogs are not permitted in the play areas but you can stand with them on a lead in the vicinity. Read and follow signs on arrival. 

For access requirements, please see here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/wallington

Play Fort 

The play fort is brill for imaginative play with climbing walls, a fireman's poll and slide. We love the bear that stands guard and that you can grab a coffee and take a seat nearby. 

Play Train 

I think the play train is my favourite play area at Wallington, it reminds me of the play trains I used to play on when I when I was little. This one is finished to a really high standard and even has a platform with a ticket machine where passengers can stand and wave to the train.

Little Acorns 

Little Acorns is a nature play space. Expect natural stepping stones, balance beams, willow tunnels and more in a beautiful natural setting. 

Adventure Playground 

The adventure playground is the first playground you will see after the main entrance. This one is more traditional in style with swings, slides, zip wire and climbing areas. There is usually a den building area set up next to this playground too. 

Make a day of it? Why not bring your bike and try the Dragon Cycle Trails? Bike hire is also available. Just make sure you check opening hours before heading out as they are seasonal. 

Playgrounds at Gibside 

Gibside is the first National Trust playground I visited with my children when they were small and I was blown away. The play castle was a huge hit (and still is) and there is so much equipment to try here, it's definitely the kind of play you can bring a picnic and spend a few hours.

There is a takeaway kiosk, toilet and dog water bowls too. 

There is a fair bit of seating in the main play area but on busy days it can get busy. Dogs on leads are permitted in the vicinity of the playground / outskirts / seating areas but keep them away from the play equipment. If I was looking for a playground where I needed to bring my dog too, Gibside would be my number one choice. 

For access requirements, please see here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/gibside

Strawberry Castle Play Area 

The Strawberry Castle Play Area is not enclosed and it can get busy but it packs a lot in. It's the kind of playground you need to follow younger kids around but with older kids, you can set up a base and let them enjoy themselves. 

There is play equipment for all ages here so it's brill for mixed ages. There's a water play area and sandpit which is a hit with little ones who like to paddle here, climbing nets, slides, swings, zip wires, a play fort, animal scupltures and more. It's brill. 

Low Ropes 

You will find the Low Ropes course a short walk from Strawberry Castle. It's brilliant for older kids and teens and actually is a bit of a challenge to complete the full course. 


Gibside Entrance 

At Gibside's entrance you'll find a smaller play area and table tennis tables next to the cafe here. This area is small but nice to entertain the kids if you're stopping for a coffee. 

I thought I'd share a photo from 13 years ago when I first visited the playground at Gibside. 

Playground at Seaton Delaval Hall 

The Playdium at Seaton Delaval Hall is lovely! Dogs are not permitted in the play area or the vicinity so this is an excellent option for children who can't be around dogs. 

There are toilets close to the entrance of the playground and there is plenty of seating. 

This playground is under a canopy of trees and usually a nice place to escape the sun or drizzle. 

Expect a playground with theatrical flair - a stage, slides, basket swing, balance beams, swings, nets, mirrors and chalkboards (bring your own chalk to create your own masterpiece). 

For access requirements please see here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/seaton-delaval-hall

Seaton Delaval Hall is a playful site in general. Beyond the playground you'll find mirror cubes, a secret garden and even an upside down room. Lots of fun. 

Playground at Cragside 

The playground at Cragside is fully enclosed and dogs are not permitted inside and I would say this is a brilliant option when visiting with younger children. 

There's a good range of equipment including nets, slides, see-saws and a zip wire. You'll find plenty of seating just outside the playground, toilets and a takeaway kiosk too. 

Playground at Cragside 

The playground is located on the upper estated and can be located by driving part of Carriage Drive and parking at Crozier Car Park, walking up the hill from the main car park (around a mile with glorious views and places to stop) or catch the shuttle bus. 

The playground is close to Nellys Moss Lakes pushchair friendly walk, the Trim Trail and Labyrinth. 

Please see here for access information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/cragside

The Trim Trail is ideal for older kids and can be enjoyed when walking along to the Labyrinth. 

Playground at Ormesby Hall 

Ormesby Hall is a more natural style playground with balance beams, stepping stones, a rope walk and see-saw you walk over. 

Don't miss the train sets indoor too. They're brilliant. 

See here for access information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/ormesby-hall

Housesteads Roman Fort 

Did you know you can visit Housesteads Roman Fort with your National Trust membership thanks to a recipricol agreement that's in place? There is a small climbing frame and slide by the outdoor seating at the cafe here. 

And beyond the North East...... 

I thought I would share a few of the playgrounds beyond the North East that we have visited using our National Trust membership over the years. Always worth keeping in mind as a stop of when driving or when on holiday elsewhere in the UK. 

Playground at Fountains Abbey 

The playground at Fountains Abbey near Ripon is certainly impressive with lots of equipment to enjoy. It's not far from the entrance with a cafe and loos nearby and there are lovely walks around the estate. Perfect as a day trip option. 

This playground has a swing suitable for wheelchair users. 


Beningbrough Hall 

I have a real soft-spot for Beningbrough Hall near York. The play area is cute here with little horses to 'ride', climbing frames, swings and den building. It's a lovely place and worth a trip for a day out. 

Playground at Belton House 

Belton House is home to the largest National Trust playground you will ever see. It's HUGE and it's location in Lincolnshire makes it the ideal place to stop off when driving south.

We have visited before but sadly it was on an extremely stormy day so we didn't get a chance to explore and hid in the tearoom with a hot chocolate instead. 

Playground at Culzeon Castle 

Culzeon Castle is a National Trust Scotland property but you can visit for free using your National Trust membership thanks to the recipricol agreements in place. 

Located in Ayr, it's a nice one to visit if staying at Craig Tara Holiday Park nearby (which I know is popular with many North East families). 

Let me know your favourite National Trust playground. 

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