- Play Hard
- 21st Feb 2025
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5 fun-filled active days out for families in the North East this half term
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Looking for fun, active ways to spend your half term break?
Whether you fancy cycling along the stunning Northumberland coastline or exploring the historic streets of Durham, we’ve got you covered.
With Go Smarter Go Active’s inspiring itineraries, you’ll find the perfect day out for every age and ability – and the best part? You can explore it all on foot or by bike.
GO SMARTER GO ACTIVE: YOUR KEY TO HALF-TERM ADVENTURES
Go Smarter Go Active is here to make your family’s half-term unforgettable. With walking and cycling itineraries that showcase the best of Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland, adventure is just around the corner.
But how can you get there? Plan your journey using the Nexus Journey Planner and help to reduce your carbon footprint. Some off-peak Metro services and X-line Go North East buses even allow standard (non-folding) bikes.
Now, here are some of our five favourite active family days out ideas for this half term.
PENSHAW MONUMENT POINT TO POINT
Distance: 2.6 miles
Pushchair friendly: yes
Nestled in the shadow of the iconic Penshaw Monument, Herrington Country Park offers a fun-filled family day out. Follow this circular route to tire the little ones out and climb the Penshaw Hill to soak up spectacular views of the North East from Penshaw Monument.
Start your walk by the café in Herrington Country Park and pick up a coffee to fuel your walk or bike ride. End your route by the skate park which is perfect to let the kids burn off some more energy.
MAKE A DAY OF IT:
SUN RISE STROLLER AT RISING SUN COUNTRY PARK
Distance: 1.2 miles
Pushchair friendly: yes
Rising Sun Country Park is a green oasis with tranquil ponds, woodland trails and gorgeous grasslands – perfect for family walks and bike rides.
Let the little ones explore the wooden castle play area, stroll around the Swallow Pond looking out for ducks and herons before visiting the working farm home to pigs, sheep and horses.
MAKE A DAY OF IT:
A MOSEY AROUND MORPETH
Distance: 2.3 miles
Pushchair friendly: yes
Discover one of Northumberland’s favourite market towns. With beautiful Carlisle Park and bustling town vibes, this route around Morpeth is perfect for families looking for a fun day out.
Cross Telford Bridge to Carlisle Park with its aviary, play areas and rowing boats before exploring the William Turner Garden. And don’t miss the Bakehouse stepping stones, a fun challenge for little adventurers.
MAKE A DAY OF IT:
ALL AROUND THE BOUNDARY AT CHOPWELL WOODS
Distance: approx 2 miles/5.2 miles
Pushchair friendly: no
Chopwell Woods offers miles of enchanting woods to explore. For a shorter, family-friendly route, try the North Loop (1 – 6, approx 2 miles), where you’ll cross a historic stone railway bridge once part of the old colliery line.
Want a longer adventure? Continue the 5.2-mile trail to enjoy beautiful views of the River Derwent while stretching your legs and taking in the peaceful surroundings.
MAKE A DAY OF IT:
THE SOUTH SHIELDS SAND DANCER
Distance: 1.3 miles
Pushchair friendly: yes
Breathe in the fresh salty sea air as you explore South Shields’ stunning coastline and vibrant maritime history. Start at Trow Rocks and take in views of the bays and coastline, the perfect spot for building sandcastles.
Visit South Marine Park with its mini train, art trail and fun pedalo boating lake. And don’t miss Ocean Beach Pleasure Park for rides and amusements. And a day beside the seaside isn’t complete without some fish and chips to finish, right?
MAKE A DAY OF IT:
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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