- Feel Good
- 25th Oct 2024
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Free days out in the North East
In the North East, we’re spoilt for choice with fantastic options for day trips, but managing the trick of saving money while doing so can be difficult (especially during school holidays).
So, we’ve made it our mission in this feature to help you find ways to enjoy yourself in our beautiful region without breaking the bank.
From a walk along the Northumberland Coastline to a day exploring the history of Durham, here’s the ultimate list for you to revel in your autumn half-term adventures on a budget.
Durham Cathedral, Durham
Cost: Free (donation optional)
One of the most famous North East landmarks, Durham Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture that you can explore for free. Located in the heart of Durham, up the steep cobbled roads, you can discover this historic building free of charge (some features are charged for). It’s a great opportunity to visit one of the country’s most renowned cathedrals, with great transport links via bus and railway.
Alnmouth, Northumberland
Cost: Free
Fancy an adventurous trip up the Northumberland coastline? Hop on a train to the beautiful seaside town of Alnmouth. For as little as £5.00 you can get a return train journey on one of Britain’s most stunning railway views as you travel through the Northumberland countryside. Once in Alnmouth, explore this picturesque location, stroll along the beach, then enjoy a bite to eat in the town centre. If you can’t get enough of the coast, why not continue your journey up the coast, discovering the village of Bamburgh and the views of Bamburgh Castle overlooking the stretch of golden beach?
Brocksbushes Farm Shop, Northumberland
Cost: Free entry (charges apply for the Play Barn and some activities)
Located just outside of Corbridge in Northumberland, this brilliant little farm shop has just had an impressive glow-up. Brocksbushes has gone from a small farm shop and cafe to one of the North East’s best days out, with a state-of-the-art building including a bigger farm shop, a large cafe and an all-new play barn for kids. With a ‘pick your own fruit’ in the summer, pumpkin picking in October, a Christmas Fayre in November and more, there are all sorts of events to keep you entertained throughout the year. Accessible by bus, train and car, this is an excellent choice for an affordable family day out that everyone will enjoy.
Derwent Reservoir, Northumberland
Cost: Free
A little bit more difficult to access by public transport, but it’s definitely worth the journey. Enjoy a walk along the dam overlooking the Hownsgill Viaduct from one side with the reservoir on the other. After a walk, perhaps visit the quaint nearby villages of Edmundbyers and Blanchland with their traditional pubs in this incredible location. There are also car parks, picnic areas, and walking paths all around this scenic North East treasure.
Shildon Railway Museum, County Durham
Cost: Free
Are you a fan of old-fashioned locomotives? Then we have just the place for you. Shildon Railway Museum, located in Shildon town centre, is completely free. Offering daily events, classic steam engines, modern locomotives, as well as the opportunity to ride the famous Flying Scotsman, what’s not to love? Proud winners of a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards (2021), this is a must-visit.
Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
Cost: Free
Another day at the seaside, hop on the metro for as little as £6.00 all day (£3.00 if 21 and under) and travel to Whitley Bay. The seaside town of Whitley Bay in North Tyneside has all you need, from delicious fish and chips to a huge arcade. Feeling bougee? The Spanish City at Whitley Bay has a Champagne Bar and many more eateries. Not to mention the promenade walk to take in the ocean view, making it an excellent North East day trip.
Hopetown, Darlington
Cost: Free entry (some exhibitions and activities may require a separate charge)
The north of England’s newest visitor attraction, Hopetown Darlington, is a 7.5-acre visitor attraction where every building has a unique story to tell. Enter through the 1833 Goods Shed, where there’s now an artisan café, a coal-themed shop and a new railway-themed digital media experience. Visit North Road Station Museum, housed within an 1842 Victorian railway station, to discover Darlington’s story of rail engineering, ideas and invention, and The Stores, where you can find over 30,000 railway heritage items on permanent display. Outside, there’s Wagon Woods, a railway-themed adventure play park that builds on the story of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
Discovery Museum, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Cost: Free (donation optional)
Perhaps one of the most popular museums in the region, the Discovery Museum is located in the heart of Newcastle just off St James’ Boulevard. With free entry, this affordable day out is one of the best, giving you the opportunity to learn all about the history of Newcastle from a technological and scientific perspective. From the history of the Tyne to Newcastle in the Roman Times, come back out of this fantastic museum as an expert on Newcastle’s past.
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead
Cost: Free
With ever-changing exhibitions, one of the best viewpoints in Newcastle with stunning views across the Quayside and a relaxed and informal cafe bar for a spot of lunch, you can spend all day at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Plus, there’s a fantastic open area called Quay, where kids use their imagination and get creative, with plenty of fun drop-in activity sessions for them to enjoy.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Cost: Free
A huge hit on our Instagram, discover the history of the city from its prehistoric past to the present day in exciting displays, hands-on exhibits, computer interactives and video presentations the kids will love. Explore the Winter Gardens, that’s home to over 1,500 of the world’s most exotic and unusual flowers and trees, wonderful water features and a stunning treetop walkway.
Ouseburn Farm
Cost: Free
You don’t have to travel away from the city to help your kids be at one with nature thanks to Ouseburn Farm. With an outdoor allotment and garden for children to learn how things grow, a farm yard and indoor space to meet and feed guinea pigs, sheep and cows and a fantastic community café to refuel on your adventures, there’s plenty to explore here. There are also plenty of school holiday activities and events hosted here, from goat walking, reptile bathing and rabbit petting.
Lit & Phil Library
Cost: Free
The Lit & Phil is Newcastle’s beautiful independent library, open to all and free to explore and browse. Founded in 1793, this purpose-built library opened in 1825 on Westgate Road, just yards from Central Station. It’s a perfect place to head on a rainy day in Newcastle – you can spend hours exploring the shelves of books before finding a cute spot to read and relax.
Laing Art Gallery
Cost: Free (charges apply for some exhibitions)
Founded in 1901, the Laing Art Gallery is home to an internationally important collection of art, focusing on British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware. Admission to the gallery and cafe is free, with an occasional charge for certain exhibitions. The perfect place to spend a rainy day.
Seven Stories
Cost: Free
A free and fun day out, immerse yourself in the world of children’s books at Seven Stories. They always have a range of interactive exhibitions which children will love, bringing their best-loved characters to life.
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