Best North East Family Days Out – by the Outdoor Exploring Family
Explore Waterfalls, Woodlands & Abbeys for Free in the North East of England
Looking for the best free family days out in the North East? Whether you're planning a weekend walk, a school holiday adventure, or just a spontaneous day out, this guide is packed with ideas that are budget-friendly, child-friendly, and perfect for outdoor exploring.
As a family who loves discovering the hidden gems of the North East of England, we’ve pulled together some recommendations for woodland walks, waterfall trails, and historic ruins – all completely free to visit and full of fresh air, space to roam, and feel-good moments. We've included postcodes to help you find them easily.
🧱 Egglestone Abbey & Abbey Bridge Woods – Barnard Castle
📍 Postcode: DL12 9TN
Just outside Barnard Castle, Egglestone Abbey offers incredible views over the Tees and a real sense of stepping back in time. The abbey is free to visit, with archways and ruins that feel straight out of a medieval story.
You can extend your adventure with a walk through Abbey Bridge Woods, following the river through peaceful woodland. It’s a brilliant mix of nature and history, especially if you enjoy combining a walk with somewhere interesting to explore.
💦 Summerhill Force & Gibson’s Cave – Teesdale
📍 Postcode: DL12 0XE (Bowlees Visitor Centre)
From Bowlees Visitor Centre, it’s a short walk through woodland to Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave. The route includes steps and uneven ground in places, but it’s a lovely little adventure with the waterfall waiting at the end.
When you reach Gibson’s Cave, the wall marks the end of the visitor route, so stay this side of it and enjoy the waterfall and cave from the viewpoint before returning the same way.
Hamsterley Forest – County Durham
📍 Postcode: DL13 3NL
Entry to Hamsterley Forest is free, although parking charges apply. There’s loads to enjoy once you’re there, with family-friendly walking and cycling routes, play areas, streams and plenty of woodland to explore.
Children can search for the Gruffalo sculptures or burn off some energy on the Viking Wildplay trail, while there are plenty of longer routes if you want to make a full day of it.
🌿 Hackfall Woods – Near Masham (North Yorkshire/North East border)
📍 Postcode: HG4 3BS
For a proper woodland adventure, Hackfall Woods ticks all the boxes. Waterfalls, grottos, follies, ancient trees, and riverside paths make it a brilliant place for families who love exploring. It’s steep in places, so sturdy shoes are a must—but it’s well worth the effort.
One of the best free woodland walks near the North East with something new around every corner.
🧚 Gibside Woodland Trails (Free Access Areas) – Rowlands Gill
📍 Postcode: NE16 6BG
The main Gibside estate is a National Trust site, but there are lovely free public trails around the outside. These peaceful woodlands are perfect for a dog walk, a nature scavenger hunt, or just some quiet time among the trees.
Gibside offers one of the most accessible free forest walks near Newcastle, ideal for families with young children.
Why We Love These Days Out
At Outdoor Exploring Family, we believe getting outdoors is one of the best things you can do for your mindset—and your kids’. These spots are perfect for switching off screens, stretching little legs, and reconnecting as a family.
They’re completely free, family-approved, and packed with the kind of memories money can’t buy—laughter echoing through the trees, wet socks from paddling too far, and that tired-but-happy feeling at the end of a full day outside.
Want More Family-Friendly Ideas?
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And if you’ve got a favourite free family walk or outdoor spot in the North East, we’d love to hear about it—drop us a message or tag us in your next adventure!