Things to Do in GREAT LUMLEY

Parks & Play Areas

Riverside Park Chester-le-Street

This expansive parkland offers families a fantastic splash pad alongside extensive play zones, scenic walking trails and beautiful gardens, plus handy facilities including refreshments, parking and accessible amenities.

Parks & Play Areas

Adventure Valley

This Durham farm-based attraction combines outdoor adventure zones with indoor play spaces and friendly farmyard animals, keeping energetic youngsters entertained for hours. Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs throughout.

Castles & Palaces

Durham Castle

Step into a millennium of medieval heritage at this working university college where children under 16 explore free. Family-friendly facilities include picnic areas and full accessibility.

Landmarks & Monuments

Durham Cathedral

This magnificent Norman cathedral welcomes families with accessible facilities including baby changing areas and wheelchair-friendly access, plus you can enjoy your own picnic on the historic grounds.

Farm Parks

East Grange Farm

A welcoming children's farm offering hands-on animal encounters with full accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs, plus baby facilities, on-site refreshments and picnic-friendly grounds.

Sports Facilities

Houghton Sports & Wellness Centre

This well-equipped leisure facility on Station Road caters for all ages with activities from football pitches to skating rinks, plus accessible amenities and on-site parking for easy family visits.

Trampoline & Bounce Parks

Infinite Air Trampoline Park

Let active kids burn off energy across a vast indoor bouncing arena at Durham's New Ferens Park, where snacks keep everyone fueled for action-packed trampoline fun.

Indoor Soft Play

Pineapple and Bears

Horse Riding

Penshaw Equestrian Centre

Located at Penshaw Hill Farm, this village equestrian centre offers riding activities alongside refreshments from its onsite restaurant. Note that facilities are limited, with no toilets or wheelchair access available.

Go Karting & Driving Experiences

TopGear Karting

Race through an electrifying indoor karting circuit featuring dramatic lighting effects and a pumping disco soundtrack, perfect for young drivers aged 9 and up seeking thrills in Durham.

Historic Houses & Gardens

Crook Hall & Gardens

Step into this enchanting Durham retreat where little ones can explore a meadow maze while families wander through four distinct gardens, including a hidden walled sanctuary surrounded by centuries of history.

Indoor Soft Play

Dream Big Role Play Centre

Let imaginations run wild at this Durham role play venue where children can explore creative scenarios in a safe indoor environment, complete with café facilities and accessible amenities for all families.

Parks & Play Areas

Herrington Country Park

This spacious Penshaw park delights families with scenic walking and cycling routes, striking outdoor art installations and regular events, plus pushchair-friendly paths and a warm welcome for dogs.

Sailing & Kayaking

Wear Canoes

Paddle along the river with your family at this beginner-friendly canoeing spot just outside Durham, welcoming children aged six and up for fun on the water whatever their skill level.

Swimming & Leisure Centres

Washington Leisure Centre

Pack the family off to this town centre hub for energetic fun, with sports facilities, onsite dining and full accessibility including baby changing rooms.

Boat Tours & Cruises

Prince Bishop River Cruiser

Embark on a scenic river journey from Durham's historic Elvet Bridge, with onboard dining available as you cruise along the waterway and admire the city's stunning riverside views.

Farm Parks

Down at the Farm

Meet farm animals from Britain and beyond at this welcoming Houghton-le-Spring attraction, where families can discover countryside life with wheelchair access, picnic areas and dining options.

Indoor Soft Play

Holmside Park

Durham's action-packed activity venue features bouncy obstacle courses, archery and skating alongside accessible facilities, dining options and a welcoming policy for families with young children.

Indoor Soft Play

South Durham Gymnastics

An active play venue where little ones can bounce, climb and tumble in a safe environment, with baby-changing facilities and pushchair access throughout for families with young children.

Bowling Alleys

Hollywood Bowl Washington

Strike up family fun with bowling lanes, classic arcade entertainment and dining at this Galleries Retail Park venue offering full accessibility and facilities for all ages.

Zoos & Animal Parks

WWT Washington Wetland Centre

Get close to nature at this peaceful wildlife haven where little ones can feed waterfowl by hand, explore wetland habitats and spot native species across pushchair-friendly trails and scenic reserves.