Places to go for free with the Family

From a day by the sea in Northumberland, to train spotting at Shildon, here are our ideas for free days out in the North East.

Locomotion, The National Railway Museum at Shildon, Dale Road Industrial Estate, Shildon, DL4 2RE

Part of the 2-venue biggest railway museum in the world, with locomotives and interactive displays.

Bill Quay Community Farm, Hainingwood Terrace, Gateshead NE10 OUE

Bill Quay Community Farm is a treasured green space on the edge of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Farming for fun, learning, food and wellbeing, there is always something going on at the farm. 

Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JA

The museum is bursting with interactive displays, which makes it the perfect place to learn and have fun.

Druridge Bay, Red Row, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 5BX 

The Park comprises three miles of beautiful beach and sand dunes, plus a large freshwater lake surrounded by woods and meadows, plus there are children's play areas too!

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, Burdon Road, Sunderland SR1 1PP 

Exciting displays interpret the wide variety of collections, using hands-on exhibits, media interactive stations and video presentations. Visit the Koi Carp in the Winter Gardens, climb to the top and look down over the canopy at the tropical plants and astonishing water features.

Wynyard Woodland Park, Station House, Thorpe Thewles, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 3JG

The former railway line now offers an excellent route for walking and cycling, with linking footpaths enabling visitors to wider park. The former station house now houses an excellent café, and nearby there’s a fantastic, adventure play area in a stunning woodland setting. The park is also home to a planetarium and observatory.

Tynemouth Longsands, Grand Parade, Tynemouth, Tyne And Wear, NE30 4JH  

Golden sandy beach with rocks, dunes and cliffs. It's also home to Robinson Crusoe's who do some amazing Fish n Chips. What's not like!?