Tyne & Wear Outdoor Pursuits & Nature

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...
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 ...
River Escapes - North Shields
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River Escapes - North Shields
Escape the everyday and do something different; be it for business or pleasure. A River Escapes cruise is perfect for any occasion - a sightseeing trip, a corporate event, an exclusive celebration or an upbeat evening party.
Tynemouth Priory and Castle
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Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Tynemouth Castle and Priory on the coast of North East England was once one of the largest fortified areas in England. Overlooking the North Sea and the River Tyne, it dominates the headland. With its 2000 year history and beautiful views it is the perfect location for a family fun day out.
Longsands Beach - Tynemouth
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Longsands Beach - Tynemouth
Golden sandy beach with rocks, dunes and cliffs. 10 minute walk from Cullercoats Metro station (north) and Tynemouth Metro station (south). Accessible at the north and south by access road and steps from the seafront. Blue Flag award. Dogs banned from 1st May to 30th September on Tynemouth Longsands south from Beach Road to the former outdoor...
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...
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...
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. 
Seaton Delaval Hall - Whitley Bay
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Seaton Delaval Hall - Whitley Bay
Seaton Delaval Hall is an English baroque house, built between 1718 and 1728 for Admiral George Delaval.  The house is regarded as the finest example of design by Sir John Vanbrugh; who also built Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.  Of particular note are the Coach House with a collection of interesting vehicles and a restored Ice House....
St Marys Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
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St Marys Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
Reached between the tides via a short causeway from the car park, St. Mary's has all the fascination of a miniature, part-time island. Visitors can climb the 137 steps inside the tower to the lantern room to enjoy spectacular views along the North East coast of England. If you cannot manage the steps, a live video facility...
Whitley Bay South Beach
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Whitley Bay South Beach
St Mary's Island, Lighthouse and Visitor Centre is close to the town. Cross the short tidal causeway,  climb the 137 steps inside the tower and experience spectacular coastal views.   Live video facilities allow visitors to experience these panoramic views, but at the comfort of ground level.   Also available are various...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Woodhorn Grange
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Woodhorn Grange
PLAYZONE(Indoor Play Building) OPENING TIMES    From pub opening until approximately 9pm. PARTY PACKAGES    £4.95 & £5.95 per child. Please ring for further details. CHARGES    FREE (adult supervision is required).
Woodhorn Northumberland Museum and Archives
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Woodhorn Northumberland Museum and Archives
You’ll be surprised how much there is to see at Woodhorn. Allow yourself a couple of hours for a visit - more if there's a special event taking place. Open 5 days a week all year round and with a varied exhibitions and events programme, you will want to come back time and time again. It’s great for all ages and there’s always...
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...
Whitehouse Farm Centre
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Whitehouse Farm Centre
Whitehouse Farm is a 40 acre farm centre that has been entertaining and educating visitors since it opened it's doors in May 1997. The farm is a great place for families, school and group visits of all ages enabling visitors to see, handle and feed  a wide variety of animals from  traditional breeds to...
The Sanctuary Wildlife Centre
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The Sanctuary Wildlife Centre
Welcome to The Sanctuary Wildlfe Centre. The Sanctuary Wildlife Centre outside Morpeth is probably the largest wildlife rescue centre in the north-east of England. Currently home to over 150 animals, The Sanctuary cares for injured and abandoned British wildlife as well as many unwanted farm and pet animals. Our aims are to care for...
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:  ...
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...
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.
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...
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:...
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...
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...
Here you will find a comprehensive list of outdoor pursuits and anything related to the great outdoors by city, 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. Please use the home page map for county level outdoor pursuits browsing. If you cannot find what outdoor pursuits like by city level here, please use the home page search box for more detailed searching outdoor pursuits options.
If you think we have missed somewhere you would like to see in this category, or you spot any incorrect information then please let us know by e-mail or by using the contact us form provided.