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 9TD
Just outside Barnard Castle, Egglestone Abbey offers incredible views over the Tees and a real sense of stepping back in time. The abbey is open access and free to explore, 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—perfect for families who love a bit of both.
💦 Summerhill Force & Gibson’s Cave – Teesdale
📍 Postcode: DL12 0XE (Bowlees Visitor Centre)
This is a hidden gem in the North Pennines AONB. From Bowlees Visitor Centre, follow a short, flat path to Gibson’s Cave, where Summerhill Force tumbles over a rocky ledge—and you can even walk behind it!
This spot is great for young explorers, with stepping stones, bridges, and plenty of splashy fun. It’s one of the best free waterfall walks in the North East and ideal for a family day out in nature.
🌲 Hamsterley Forest – County Durham
📍 Postcode: DL13 3NL
While there's a small parking charge, entry to the forest is free—and there's loads to enjoy. With family-friendly walking and cycling trails, woodland play areas, streams to paddle in, and wildlife everywhere, it’s one of the top family days out in County Durham.
The Gruffalo Trail is a big hit with little ones, and the peaceful surroundings are a treat for parents too.
🌿 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!