Durham Outdoor Pursuits & Nature

Hamsterley Forest
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Hamsterley Forest
2000 hectares of mixed woodland lying between the Wear and Tees valleys on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hamsterley is a delightful oasis of broadleaved and coniferous woodland, sprawling along the sides of a sheltered valley. Visitors to Hamsterley have no shortage of options when it comes to activities. With...
Whitworth Hall - Spennymoor - Durham
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Whitworth Hall - Spennymoor - Durham
Recently refurbished, the Lakeside restaurant offers a fantastic menu at excellent prices and the children can play in the indoor or outdoor play area. In the summer months you can dine on our patio at the lakeside and watch the deer and the ducks at play. The park abounds with wild life with squirrels, wild geese, swans and even the odd heron.
Hall Hill Farm - Durham
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Hall Hill Farm - Durham
Set in the beautiful, rolling hills of County Durham, Hall Hill Farm is a mixed farm of 290 hectares.  There are lots of friendly animals waiting to meet you.   Bottle feed the lambs, fluffy chicks, inquisitive goats, the magnificent Highland Cattle and the children's favourite, rabbits and guinea pigs to cuddle and stroke. Hall...
Adventure Valley - Brasside - Durham
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Adventure Valley - Brasside - Durham
Adventure Valley is open for visitors for 362 days of the year and you’ll discover seven action packed play zones bringing you the very best in family adventure, animal fun and indoor play. Outside explore Action Creek and Runaway Ranch. What will you do first? Bounce high on the jumping pillows, race friends on the go karts, whoosh down...
Crook Hall and Gardens - Durham
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Crook Hall and Gardens - Durham
The 13th century Grade I listed Medieval hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the stunning gardens. Visitors from all over the world come to share in the timeless magic of Crook Hall and leave inspired by these idylic English theme gardens. Soak up the atmosphere over a home-made cream tea in the pretty courtyard or in front of a log fire in...
Allensford Country Park
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Allensford Country Park
Picnic park in sheltered riverside setting, children's play park and shop. Parking, toilets, caravan park adjacent to picnic area and nature trail in Deneburn Wood  Beautiful riverside woodland walks and magnificent views of the Derwent Valley, only minutes away from the North Pennines. Admission: Free!   Opening Times:  ...
Prince Bishop River Cruiser - Durham
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Prince Bishop River Cruiser - Durham
The Prince Bishop operates one hour sightseeing cruises from Easter to October including Bank Holidays. The cruise takes in many of the Cities sights from the unique perspective of the River Wear. Taking approx one hour the boat casts off from our jetty beneath the Prince Bishops shopping centre and takes a course upstream. After taking in views...
Durham Botanic Garden
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Durham Botanic Garden
Our 10 hectare university botanic garden is set amongst beautiful mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of Durham City. We provide an academic resource to the university for teaching and research as well as offering educational visits to schools. Visitors are very welcome to enjoy our garden and its living collections. Our visitor centre...
Houghall Gardens World of Trees
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Houghall Gardens World of Trees
The World of Trees has one of the best collections of trees in the north of England. Apart from a few trees that were planted either side of the main drive, soon after the College was opened in 1938, Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ and one or two commemorative trees, such as the Coronation Oak, Quercus Robur, planted in 1953 by the...
Mini Moos Farm - Edmondsley
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Mini Moos Farm - Edmondsley
mini moos farm is a unique experience for all the family. Come and meet our miniature animals. massive indoor and outdoor play areas. 50,000 square feet of indoor play area means that even if it rains, the fun doesn’t stop. With live animal shows throughout the day, you’ll find plenty to do until the rain goes. There’s lots to...
Broom House Farm and Forest - Durham
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Broom House Farm and Forest - Durham
We will be open again in Spring 2016 - see you then!  Any enquiries please ring 01913718382!  Broom House offers Durham's most exciting action packed fun family day out. Follow the nature trails, attempt the woodland challenges...climb the towers, whizz down the slide, fly along the zip wire and dare to enter the tunnels. The...
Holmside Park
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Holmside Park
Holmside Park, a acre adventure park in Durham. Full of adventure, play and family fun for those 1 yrs+ Featuring indoor and outdoor play with an array of all-weather activities. We offer a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities including a giant inflatable obstacle course, roller skating, archery, pole jousting, soft play,...
Piercebridge Roman Bridge
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Piercebridge Roman Bridge
The remains at Piercebridge are part of a large bridge that carried a Roman road across the River Tees. They now lie high and dry on the south bank of the river, which has moved northwards since the bridge was built. Read more about the history of the bridge. Before You Go Parking: There is free parking available in the car park of the nearby...
High Force Waterfall
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High Force Waterfall
Discover the force of nature at High Force, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England, located at Forest-in-Teesdale, Co. Durham. Raby Castle is situated 20 miles further east at Staindrop.
Laser Battlefield - Newcastle Upon Tyne
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Laser Battlefield - Newcastle Upon Tyne
If you've played Call of Duty on XBOX or Playstation, or just want to know what it feels like to be a member of a special ops team....its time to test your skills for real at Laser Battlefield. Our laser weapons are used by the Royal Marine Commandos in training exercises, we're talking some serious technology. Missions can be played either...
Oak Leaf Golf Club
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Oak Leaf Golf Club
Fun, friendly junior golf sessions Saturday mornings 10 - 12, Monday evenings 5.30 - 6.30 only £5 all equipment provided. Covered driving range. Membership of golf club is free for under 14's Membership for 14 - 18 year old's £75
BeamishWild High Ropes - Durham
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BeamishWild High Ropes - Durham
Welcome to the home of adventure in the North East! Set in the Treetops of our ancient woodland, our High Ropes Course is 2 hours of non-stop fun and challenges guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. We’ve packed your fun day out in the treetops with 4 zip-wires, rope bridges, swinging tires and you will be finishing off with the...
Riverside Park
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Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in the 1990s and now includes artist-designed ornamental gardens, an events arena, play area and a park centre with cafe and toilets. Riverside Park has been designed to meet the needs of a range of visitors. The play area and splash pad are lively,...
Hardwick Park
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Hardwick Park
Hardwick Park is a country park with a difference, a Visit England accredited attraction, and a great place to visit at any time of the year. Admission: Car parking: up to two hours £2.00, all day £3.00.    Opening Times:  Park gates: 7am to 8pm.  Cafe: 10am to 4pm. Visitor Centre exhibition:...
Shuttle & Loom - Darlington
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Shuttle & Loom - Darlington
Inside now has quite a modern feel about it and we have a new outdoor area including new slide in the children's outdoor play area.  The indoor play area has also been redecorated.  Our customers can relax with a drink or a delicious meal in comfortable, light and airy surroundings.  The pub has three rooms - a bar where we show...
Wynyard Woodland Park Planetarium
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Wynyard Woodland Park Planetarium
Creating a Borough that is more confident, more vibrant and more successful than ever before Admission: Planetarium and Observatory Adult from £5 Concession (child, student, retiree) from £3 Family (2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children) from £13    Opening Times: Park accessible 9am to...
Gibside - Gateshead
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Gibside - Gateshead
Stunning 18th-century landscape park and nature reserve A taste of the country on the edge of the city… Discover fine Derwent Valley views, winding paths and refreshing open spaces while exploring our elegant buildings and ruins. Gibside is a Georgian 'grand design' on a spectacular scale; the vision of coal baron George...
Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications
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Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications
An excavated section, part cut into rock, of the ramparts of the huge Iron Age trading and power-centre of the Brigantes, the most important tribe in pre- Roman northern Britain. Some 4 miles long, the defences enclosed an area of 766 acres. Following Roman conquest, the Brigantian centre moved to Aldborough Roman Site. Read more about the...
Down at the Farm - Houghtone Le Spring
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Down at the Farm - Houghtone Le Spring
We are a childrens animal farm which specialises in hands on activities and have just been granted zoo status.We have lots of activities for all ages and are open 10am-5pm weekends and school holidays throughout the year. We have a wide range of animals from reptiles to reindeer, raccons to traditional farm animals. We also offer...
WWT Washington Wetland Centre
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WWT Washington Wetland Centre
Set in 45 hectares of stunning wetland and woodland on the River Wear, Washington Wetland Centre is one of the North East's biggest conservation success stories. So much to see and do Our vibrant and fascinating wetlands area is home to exotic birds, amazing insects and beautiful wild scenery.  Don’t miss: Our...
Tanfield Railway - Gateshead
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Tanfield Railway - Gateshead
Less than half an hour from Newcastle and within easy reach of Tyneside, Wearside and County Durham,steam trains run every Sunday and Bank Holiday on a picturesque six mile round trip from Sunniside in Gateshead to East Tanfield near Stanley.A great day out for families and history fans alike,Europe's oldest working engine shed and the world's...
Saltwell Park - Gateshead
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Saltwell Park - Gateshead
Nestling in the heart of Gateshead’s urban centre is Saltwell Park, one of the borough’s hidden gems. Step through the gates and enter a different world. This enchanting park has cast its spell on visitors since 1876, and is still captivating visitors today. The park has over two million visitors each year. 
Highland Cattle Centre
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Highland Cattle Centre
At the Highland Cattle Centre, there's so much for families, individuals, birthday parties to see, touch, and do!  Experience the magic of our fold (herd) of award winning, friendly Highland Cattle as well as the livestock and whole host of animals who live on our thriving working farm. Enjoy our comb a coo walk meet our...
Horden Welfare Park
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Horden Welfare Park
Kids the park  that features toddler and junior sets of play areas; football, rugby and cricket fields; bowling greens; bandstand; statue; multi sports pitch and the charming Vintage Tearoom. Some of the sports facilities need to be booked ahead if you wish to use them but some are open generally for public access especially during the...
Newburn Activity Centre - Newcastle Upon Tyne
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Newburn Activity Centre - Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newburn Activity Centre is found fifteen minutes away from Newcastle City centre on the banks of the River Tyne in the beautiful Tyne Valley. At Newburn we offer a wide variety of indoor & outdoor activities that will appeal to novices and experts, children and adults, individuals, groups, families or schools. Our indoor facilities boast a...
Newcastle Half-Day Tour
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Newcastle Half-Day Tour
Enjoy your time Tyneside and learn more about the history of the Toon What's included 3.5-hour tour in Newcastle with an English-speaking live guide Admission fees and guided tour of St. Nicholas Cathedral Church and the Castle Keep     Learn Newcastle's history on a guided walk of the city, from a Roman Fort to an...
Blackhall Rocks on Durham Coast
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Blackhall Rocks on Durham Coast
The coastline between Seaham and Blackhall is accessible at a number of points, notably at Seaham in the north, Easington, Peterlee and Blackhall Rocks in the south. There is an extensive cycle network and 20km of coastal footpath. Blackhall Rocks, south of Peterlee is a Durham Wildlife Trust reserve from where access to the beach and cliffs can...
Quads '4' All
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Quads '4' All
Quads '4' All is situated in a pleasant rural setting, an outdoor attraction with a difference. It will test the riding skills of adults, boys and girls of all ages. We offer different sizes of quad bikes to suit any age group and three different types of tracks for rider's of varying abilities. Quads '4' all cater for parties of all ages, from...
Battle Stations
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Battle Stations
We are the UK's only provider of FOAM SHOT A LOW IMPACT PAINTBALL GAME . Open t o children from age 7  the lowest age in the UK! We offer a genuine paintball experience with no pain or bruising associated with mainstream paintball. All played in our fantastic arena as described below
Richmond Castle
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Richmond Castle
 With its breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond Castle fully deserves its place as one of the finest tourist attractions in North Yorkshire. The castle was originally built to subdue the unruly North of England it is one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain. Learn all about the castle’s past in the interactive...
Hazel Brow Farm
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Hazel Brow Farm
Welcome to Hazel Brow, a 200 acre, family run, organic farm in the heart of Swaledale - famous for its beautiful Herriot scenery and only 1 mile from the picturesque 'watersplash ' ford featured in the BBC series 'All Creatures Great And Small' Our diversified farm offers a wide selection of activities for all the family: Visitor...
Sunderland Wall
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Sunderland Wall
Sunderland Wall is the number one climbing wall in Sunderland, and is one of the largest indoor climbing centres in the UK with a range of climbs suitable for new and experienced climbers, a massive 23 metre wall as well as offering over 900m2 of climbing and bouldering. We offer a range of courses for both adults and children, and cater for...
Teesside White Water Centre
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Teesside White Water Centre
Welcome to the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre (TBIWWC). If you love watersports or adrenaline type activities then TBIWWC is just for you. We offer various types of exhilarating activities such as white water rafting, white water kayakaing and powerboating. For those who prefer more tranquil activities we offer sailing, canoeing and...
Preston Park and Museum
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Preston Park and Museum
With 100 acres of parkland overlooking the River Tees, a range of permanent attractions and an exciting programme of special events & activities, a visit to Preston Park offers a great day out for all the family. At the centre of the Park is the Preston Hall Museum with displays of art, armour and social history. Visitors can discover life in...
Heddon-on-the-Wall - Hadrian's Wall
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Heddon-on-the-Wall - Hadrian's Wall
A consolidated stretch of Wall, up to two metres thick in places. It was probably completed in AD 122 or 123. Read more about the history of Heddon-on-the-Wall. Before You Go Parking: There is no dedicated car park but it is possible to park in streets nearby. Plan a Great Day Out This stretch of Hadrian's Wall is just over 10 miles away...
Summerhill
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Summerhill
Summerhill is a unique Country Park. Set on the western edge of Hartlepool it is both a Local Nature Reserve and an Out-door Activity Centre. You can enjoy most of the facilities on site free of charge with no need to pre-book. You do have to pre-book on our activities or when you want to hire our rooms or facilities. Contact the Visitor Centre...
Roker Park
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Roker Park
Roker Park by the coast is home to many leisure features such as children's railway, play area and model boating lake. Roker Park right next to the coast has almost seven hectares of leisure features including: Floral displays Model boating lake Water features Model railway Bowling greens Tennis courts Basketball court Kick about area ...
Rock Antics
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Rock Antics
Middlesbrough Climbing Centre is Primarily a Bouldering Wall with an additional 13 top ropes. The main bouldering wall has over 150 problems which are updated weekly, so you'll never run out! Also featured is a smaller bouldering section for beginner climbers with plenty of easier problems to attempt. Our new venue has also allowed us to...
Belsay Hall - Castle and Gardens
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Belsay Hall - Castle and Gardens
With so much to see and do, a trip to Belsay is one of the best value family days out in north-east England. Explore the grand medieval castle, later extended to include a magnificent Jacobean mansion and don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the tower. Then it’s on to Belsay Hall, an architectural masterpiece inspired...
GO APE Matfen - Tyne and Wear
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GO APE Matfen - Tyne and Wear
If you like the idea of an amazing high wire forest tree top course then Go Ape could be just your thing. We have Tarzan swings, rope bridges, ladders, tunnels and zip lines suspended up to 40 feet high in the tree tops. Go Ape is an award-winning confidence course with branches throughout the UK.  The Go Ape course will appeal to a...
Battlezone Newcastle Mini Paintball
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Battlezone Newcastle Mini Paintball
For those not old enough for the big guns, we offer 'Mini Paintball' for warriors 8-11years old at our Newcastle site. If your child is 12 years and older check out our regular newcastle paintball options. Our junior paintball option is perfect for children experiencing paintball for the first time. Treat them to an unforgettable...
Battlezone Paintball Yarm
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Battlezone Paintball Yarm
Our flagship paintball, junior paintball and laser tag venue. A five star venue offering up non-stop action. Enter a world of adrenaline pumping and heart pounding action with our outdoor laser tag sessions ran at our Yarm site ideally located near Stockton and Middlesbrough. Perfect for those who aren't old enough to play paintball and for...
Battlezone Laser Tag - Yarm
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Battlezone Laser Tag - Yarm
Enter a world of adrenaline pumping and heart pounding action with our outdoor laser tag sessions ran at our Yarm site ideally located near Stockton and Middlesbrough. Perfect for those who aren't old enough to play paintball and for those who don't fancy the pain of paintball. Your children will be immersed into a unique urban environment...
Urban Wave
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Urban Wave
The Urban Wave is a new all year round sports activity that can simulate popular boarding such as surfing, wake-boarding, body-boarding and snow-boarding without getting wet! This is the only surf simulator of its type in the UK which uses a full rotating platform of soft brushes which gives the rider the ability to carve simple or difficult...
Here you will find a combined list of outdoor pursuits and and outdoor play anything related to the great outdoors in and near Drham, catering for you, your child, and your family. This could include hiking, climbing, camping, canoeing, pot holing, mountain biking and other out activities, or simply a stroll around the countryside or in a nearby park. We provide information on outdoor pursuits by county, city or by activity. This could include rope bridges, climbing frames and out door lido pools in Durham.