Wallington | Exploring Northumberland
We have a National Trust membership. This means that when we're planning days out we often use the National Trust website to look for ideas. One of our favourite places to visit in Northumberland is Wallington.
Our first visit was planned after seeing a castle shaped play fort but we quickly discovered there was so much more available. Read on to find out more.
About Wallington
This 13,500-acre estate makes a wonderful day out whatever the season with numerous things to enjoy time and time again. The grand historical house was home to Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan and his family, and is now open to the public to enjoy. With so much to do and enjoy you'll never be bored, and it's a great place to enjoy with children of all ages too.
When is Wallington open?
Wallington opening times depend on the season, so it is always worth checking the specific opening times on the website before you visit. As a rough guide, the following days and times apply:
Summer
Monday to Sunday
10am - 5pm
Winter
Monday to Sunday
10am - 4pm
N.B Wallington is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Where can I park?
There is a car park on site. Simply follow the winding driveway from the entrance. It is free for National Trust members, and included in your ticket price for non-members.
To find the car park, use this post code: NE61 4AR
How much does visiting Wallington cost?
As a National Trust site, Wallington is free for members to visit. If you wish to head for a day out without a National Trust membership, charges apply:
Adult tickets: £18
Child tickets: £9
Family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 children): £45
Family ticket (1 adult, 2 children): £27
What is available at Wallington?
Seemingly endless possibilities! From ponds to play areas, and woodland walks to the historic house itself, Wallington is an estate full of fun things for all the family. Below are a few highlights from our recent visit.
Wallington House
Whilst we didn’t actually venture inside on this occasion, the house is stunning. With views of the land below and grand trees in the courtyard, you can appreciate the place without having to wander its halls on every visit.
Accessible walks
You all know by now how much I love a good, family-friendly, and accessible walk. Wallington is a great place partly accessible for everyone; with accessible parking, mobility scooter hire available. Some of the paths through the woodland are steep, gravely and uneven and may not be accessible to all. However, they do offer an accessibility map to show you where you can enjoy. You'll find more than enough to keep you occupied if you require fully accessible areas.
Children's activities
The great thing about Wallington is that they change it up. No two visits we've made have been identical, and there are so many things to keep the whole family occupies. For example, blackboards situated throughout the woodland, offered fun places to stop and enjoy our surroundings on our first visit. Signs offering instructions for activities (such as listen to the bird, or making a rainbow shape with your arms), facts and more were there on our second visit.
Fun in the woodland
If your children are anything like mine, building a den is sure to be a winner. Using branches and more scattered around the woodland floor, this activity is one that can kill hours of time. Not only does it keep them in the shade, it is great for children's development, including:
Team work
Building strength
Encouraging creativity
Motor skill development
The play fort, adventure playground and Little Acorns play area
This was what we actually visited Wallington to find. John saw a picture and knew our children would love it (not realised how much more there was to enjoy too!) This Wooden structure is a fantastic spot to have fun, run around, and play.
Alongside is the Little Acorns play area full of willow tunnels to run through, tree trunks to climb and so much more. On the other side you'll find the adventure playground - so many spots for your children to run off all their energy.
Play train
Munchkin definitely loved this the best, although he was a little scared by the height and speed of the slide! From playing at the ticket office to pretending to be the Station Master and of course climbing and playing on the train itself, there are so many options at this little play area. It did get super busy, however, at which point we chose to move on.
The Walled Garden
This seasonal garden is beautiful whenever you visit. From the Mary Pool to the nature friendly flower beds there are plenty of beautiful things to see ans enjoy within the garden. They have birds, bees, butterflies, hedgehogs, and more enjoying the garden alongside us humans.
River walk
The river walk is a stunning addition to the landscape of Wallington, with sculptures to spot and nature to enjoy.
Did you know…? It's not just the river walk we loved. There are waterways and ponds, shrubbery and wild planting, and so much more on the Wallington estate.
FAQs about our family days out
Is it suitable for children?
100%. In fact I'd go as far as to say that they has designed the estate to be child-friendly, with playgrounds throughout, plenty of places to explore, boards to engage their interest and so much more.
Are there facilities available?
There is indeed. Fully accessible toilets and baby change facilities are all available on site near The Clocktower Café.
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
If you're after a bite to eat, there are a few options on site:
Clocktower café: It’s small but offers a fair choice. Be prepared for the usual onsite prices though, it's not the cheapest option!
Pizza van: Wood-fired pizza for the win! Prices start at £8 and they offer four flavour options.
Kiosks: Out in the woodland and fancy a drink or ice cream? The kiosks are open 11-3.
Ice cream parlour: Open on weekends and in the school holidays, this is a place the children are sure to love.
Did you know…? If you fancy a wander with a hot drink, they offer takeaway cups that are reusable. Simply pop them into one of the reusable cup slots for then to collect and wash to be reused.
As always, you can also take a picnic. There are picnic benches and grassy areas available for you to stop and eat your own food around the estate.
I'll be honest, there are so many more things you can do at Wallington, and even with the hours we spent there we didn’t have time to explore them all. We will definitely be back though, and I can't wait to see what else it has to offer.
For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful outdoor spaces England has to offer, check out my days out and travel blog. Have you found somewhere amazing to visit in Northumberland? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.
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