🌳Child Friendly and Accessible Walks 🍃 🚶‍♀️

Your handy guide to local walks with nice scenery and something for the kids to enjoy as well as being accessible with pushchairs and wheelchairs too.

The majority of the content I put together is unpaid and in my own time around the kids. If I’ve been paid for any articles you will see AD at the start. If you would like to thank me for my work you can Buy me a coffee here ☕️

Raby Castle Deer Park and Gardens

📍Staindrop, Darlington, DL23AH

This is a fairly flat and smooth walk with deer to spot and the castle and lake to walk past. You can also take a look around the castle if you have purchased tickets for this (the castle however isn’t pushchair friendly). The 18th century walled gardens are also open now which are lovely to wander around even with kids. They have water features and hedge mazes which makes it more exciting for kids too. It is very scenic and calm, however if you want something for the kids to burn off some more energy and play then Plotters Forest Adventure Play is also onsite to visit (pushchair/wheelchair friendly on lower levels).

COST? Yes, £12 per child 4-12, £21 per adult (under 4s and Raby members free) -this is for the Castle, Deer Park and gardens ticket.

Or for Plotters Forest, Deer Park and Gardens Tickets-£12 per child, £14 per adult, family of 2 ads, 2ch £50, (Under 4s and Raby Members free)

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? Yes, stops at North Lodge, 10 minutes walk away (number 84 from Darlington town centre heading towards Barnard Castle)-I’ve included a map image below.

PARKING? Free onsite parking including disabled bays and family bays, located next to the plotters Forest entrance and access to the gardens.

FOOD AND DRINK? You can bring your own to have at the picnic benches near the car park or purchase on site. There’s Vinery restaurant overlooking the gardens as well as a cafe in Plotters Forest Adventure Play.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes, in the deer park and walled gardens, well behaved and on leads.

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes, including disabled and baby changing. Within Plotters Forest next to the cafe and The Vinery Restaurant. There’s a changing places facility close to the riding school and Dutch barn.

My own images of Raby Castle Grounds. Map showing where the number 84 bus stops (North Lodge)

Hamsterley Forest - Forestry England.

📍Bedburn, DL133NL

There are lots of walking, running, cycling and even horse riding trails, including a pushchair and wheelchair friendly route.

They have a Gruffalo Party Trail (2024) to celebrate the Gruffalo’s 25th birthday as well as The Viking Wild Adventure Play Area. These are on the pushchair/wheelchair friendly route (1.5 mile walk). There’s also Pooh Stick Bridge to cross on this route where you can have stick races. You can also get down to the beck just past the bridge and play stone skimming with the kids (a bit more tricky with a wheelchair and pushchair to get down to, but manageable if all terrain)

COST? Free, parking costs apply

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? No

PARKING? Free onsite parking for national trust members, costs apply for non members. From £5.50 for up to 2 hours up to £8 for all day. Bedburn main car park and Windy Bank car park are the closest to their facilities. Use the postcode provided above.

FOOD AND DRINK? Bring your own to have at the picnic benches near the car park or purchase on site. they have an onsite cafe and icecream parlour and outdoor seating area.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes, including disabled and baby changing. At the main cafe and near Bedburn main car park.

To check for any upcoming activities or events held at this park follow their Facebook page here

Hardwick Park

📍Stockton on Tees, TS21 2DN

There are some nice walks around this park including horse riding and cycling routes.

The circuit walk is accessible to visitors of all abilities (around 1 mile long). This takes you round the lake and the historical sights of the park. The majority of the paths are flat and well surfaced, routes are marked with alternative path where there may be a slope.

When walking round the park there are a few small ruins to explore, a bird feeding area with identification boards to watch and spot the birds and a lake with swans and birds (you can buy bird feed in the shop). There are a couple of play areas near the cafe and entrance including two new ones opened in 2025 with a sensory style play area and a large play tower, something to suit for different ages.

COST? Free, parking costs apply

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? Yes. The nearest bus stop is at Sedgefield High Street. From there it is a half mile walk following a signposted footpath through the arch of the Hardwick Arms Hotel. (Approx 20 minutes walk)

PARKING? Onsite parking including disabled bays. Costs apply for parking (last time I checked it was £2.50 up to 2 hours/£3.50 all day). This includes disabled badge holders too.

FOOD AND DRINK? Bring your own to have at one of the benches/picnic area as you walk round the park or purchase on site at the cafe opposite the play area. There are picnic tables next to the main play area and a large grassy area. Located next to the car park.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes, on leads. There is a designated dog exercise area where they are allowed off their leads.

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes, including disabled, changing places toilet and baby changing. Next to the cafe.

My own images of Hardwick Park

Wynyard Woodland Park

📍Station House Visitor Centre, Stockton on Tees, TS21 3JG

There are walking and cycling trails including circular routes along the disused railway line. Some are wheelchair and pushchair friendly with surfaced paths (the route heading north from the visitor centre towards Thorpe Wood is the most accessible). The routes are shared with cyclists so me be busy at peak times. Located on the site of an old railway track. It is 3 miles from one end to the other.

There are various play facilities for all ages, as well as an arboretum, a planetarium and observatory all in the grounds near the visitor centre.

COST? Free

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? No

PARKING? Free onsite parking including disabled bays. The visitor centre car park is the best base for families wanting to be near the facilities. Use the postcode given above.

FOOD AND DRINK? Bring your own or purchase on site. There are a couple of picnic tables next to the play area and next to the cafe. Cafe opening hours are limited.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes, keep on leads near the play areas

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes, including disabled toilets and baby changing next to the cafe.

Read my article on a visit to this park here

My own images of Wynyard Woodland Park

Kirkleatham Museum & Grounds

📍Kirkleatham, Redcar, TS105NW

There is an accessible woodland walk and there are some interactive trails that have hard surfaced paths, suitable for those with access difficulties. The museum onsite is fully accessible too with free entry. They have various exhibitions and displays covering local industrial, maritime and social history (extra costs may apply for events/exhibitions). There is also an adventure play area with play equipment for toddlers to teens, and also a wheelchair accessible swing, dual swing and some sensory play for littler ones or those that may benefit.

COST? Free

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? Direct trains run to Redcar Central, then you can get the number 81 bus which takes around 15 minutes from Redcar town clock to St Cuthberts Church in Kirkleatham just round the corner from the museum.

PARKING? Free onsite parking including disabled bays.

FOOD AND DRINK? Bring your own to enjoy at the picnic benches near the play area or purchase on site at the museum cafe.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes, in the cafe and grounds. Not in the museum (hearing and guide dogs are allowed in the museum)

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes, including disabled toilets, and baby changing facilities. There is also a changing places toilet at the cafe.

Image Credit; Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds

My own image: Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds

My own image of the woodland walk at Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds

Richmond to Easby Abbey (from The Station)

📍Station Yard, Richmond, DL10 4LD

A fairly flat walk passing the River Swale route to Easby Abbey. This is a fairly easy and scenic walk starting at The Station building along the old railway track. There are some sheep you can spot in fields on the way and lots of birds and other wildlife in the trees. If you walk to the abbey and then back the same way then this is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and not too long with young kids either. The grounds of the abbey aren’t as easy with a wheelchair/pushchair as are naturally quite hilly and rocky but you should manage to get closer to the abbey with an all terrain style. There is also circular route option ‘Easby Loop’ but this isn’t fully accessible unless you follow the alternative tarmac route which is a bit longer.

COST? Free

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? Yes, buses X26/X27 from Darlington stopping at Richmond Marketplace

PARKING? Up to 4 hours is £3. Free after 4pm. There are 5 disabled bays which are free parking.

FOOD AND DRINK? Bring your own to enjoy on the walk maybe when you stop at Easby Abbey with a picnic blanket or eat at The Station Restaurant before/after.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes on the walk, and on leads at The Station outdoor seating area and all levels inside except the cafe level (unless assistance dog then they are allowed anywhere). Well behaved dogs are welcome in the shop, dog treats available.

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes at the Station building, including disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.

Have a read of my blog article on this walk here

My own images of the walk from The Station to Easby Abbey

RSPB Saltholme

📍Saltholme, Seaton Carew Road, TS21TU

A great place for spotting wildlife, bird watching and interactive fun too including pond dipping and family trails. Wheelchair and pushchair accessible circular trails and nature trails are available throughout the site (except the wilderness trail) There’s a walled garden and natural adventure play area which has recently been updated.

COST? £3.50 child (under 5s and first child are Free), £7 adult. Free for RSPB Members.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? Yes, the number 1 bus towards Hartlepool stops right outside. If leaving from Darlington get a train to Middlesbrough and then the number 1 bus from the bus station towards Hartlepool.

PARKING? Free parking, disabled bays available.

FOOD AND DRINK? Bring your own picnic, benches available around the reserve, or there’s a picnic area next to the play area. All picnic tables have a wheelchair space. Onsite cafe also available with access via a lift or stairs.

DOG FRIENDLY? No, except assistance dogs.

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes, including wheelchair accessible and baby changing.

Have a read of my blog article from one of our visits here

My own images of RSPB Saltholme

RSPB Saltholme Image of their adventure play area

Preston Park Museum and Grounds

📍Stockton on Tees, TS18 3RH

A great place for a full day out. The paths around the grounds are mostly flat and even surfaced. There’s a river walk too which is also fairly accessible. In the grounds of the park there’s a large play area suitable for toddlers to teens (recently updated in July 2025).

For an extra cost you can explore the museum (temporarily closed- reopening September 2025). There’s lifts to the different floors and there is also an outdoor Victorian Street Set Up which is mostly cobbled but level access to get to it and through it. And there’s also the walled gardens. The entry is via a gravel path which may be a bit difficult for some but overall wheelchair and pushchair accessible.

You could also visit Butterfly World too which is also in the grounds and is wheelchair and pushchair accessible throughout.

COST? FREE to explore the grounds and walled gardens (extra cost for the Museum and Butterfly World).

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? Yes, you can get a train to Eaglescliffe then the 6B bus from the village hall towards Stockton. Or its 15-20 minutes walk from Eaglescliffe station.

PARKING? Free parking, disabled bays available.

FOOD AND DRINK? Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the grassy areas around the park, benches dotted around along the paths. Cafe also available onsite next to the play area.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes, in the grounds.

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes, including wheelchair accessible and baby changing.

Image of Preston Park play area from Stockton on Tees Borough Council

Image Credit; Preston Park Museum and Grounds - Image of The Walled Gardens

TEESAURUS Park and Tees Barrage

📍Middlesbrough, TS21QE (TEESAURUS Park) or TS182QW (Tees Barrage IWWRC)

There’s a few options for accessible walks from here. You can either just walk round the park itself which will take around 10-15 minutes spotting the dinosaurs. There’s a couple up on a hill which isn’t really wheelchair/pushchair accessible as it’s quite steep, but you can just miss these out.

There’s boards with QR codes next to each of the dinosaurs to read a bit about them. I have written a blog with some info on our visit to this park, CLICK HERE TO READ.

You could also follow the ironmasters trail from here. This is a much longer walk (2 and a half hours there and back). It takes you to Tees Barrage and you can learn all about the industrial heritage along the way.

This is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and mostly tarmacced. Some parts are gravelled so not as smooth but should still be manageable with an all terrain style. Tees Barrage International White Water Centre offers various leisure and water sports facilities including Air Trail, Kayaking, Paddleboarding (costs and booking applies).

You could also choose to just walk part of the walk along the river and combine with a visit to TEESAURUS Park or Tees Barrage depending on your base. There are also some shorter circular walks around Tees Barrage too if you aren’t visiting TEESAURUS Park. The infinity bridge loop is popular for families, it is flat and traffic free and takes approximately 1 and a half hours.

COST? FREE

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? X10 bus from Middlesbrough bus station stops at Tees Barrage.

RP1 bus from Middlesbrough bus station stops at Whorlton Road, a few minutes walk from TEESAURUS Park.

Connecting buses/trains from Darlington available to Middlesbrough centre where the bus station is.

PARKING? Free parking at both TEESAURUS Park and Tees Barrage IWWC.

FOOD AND DRINK? There are a couple of places on the Infinity loop walk to stop for food such as The Talpore Beefeater and there are benches along the route too for a rest and a picnic. There is Cooks Cafe at the Tees Barrage centre too. Or if stopping at TEESAURUS Park there’s a large grassy area for a picnic. Tasty Tarts is also just over the road from TEESAURUS Park for some sweet treats.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes

ONSITE TOILETS? No, not at Teesaurus Park. If visiting Tees Barrage IWWC, then there are toilet facilities, baby changing and disabled toilets here.

My own image of TEESAURUS Park

Image Credit; Yorkshire.com showing the infinity bridge along the infinity bridge loop walk.

Riverside Park

📍Chester Le Street, DH33SJ

There’s lots of grassy areas for picnics and plenty of paths around the park for walking, through the gardens or along the river too, all accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some parts of the path are bit uneven in places with loose stones/gravel, but no steps or steep hills. There’s a large play area for all ages, skate park and a splash pad open in summer.

COST? FREE

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? The X12 from Durham Bus Station stops at Front Streey which is an 8 minute walk away.

PARKING? £2 for up to 4 hours.

FOOD AND DRINK? Take a picnic or purchase from the cafe in the park.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes, along the riverside without a lead is ok, must be on lead in gardens. Not allowed in play areas.

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes, next to the cafe including baby changing and disabled.

My own images of Riverside Park, Chester Le Street

Ropner Park, Stockton on Tees

To be updated soon.

South Park, Darlington

The South Park in Darlington is a large, well kept and pretty park with lots of plants and wildlife through the park, a river to walk along, a large duck pond with fountains, a bird aviary and lots of open green space for flying kites, kicking a ball or having a picnic. There’s smooth terrain paths throughout the park making it suitable for most wheelchair and pushchair users.

There are play/sports facilities including a toddler play area and junior play area, sports court, skate ramp and bowling green.

COST? FREE

PUBLIC TRANSPORT? YES, Darlington Train Station is a 15 minute walk away or the X27 stops at Loraine Crescent a 5 minute walk away,

PARKING? Free on street parking on parkside with some disabled bays near entrance. Or some spaces on Victoria Embankment entrance (limited to 2 hours)

FOOD AND DRINK? Take a picnic or purchase from the cafe in the park.

DOG FRIENDLY? Yes, on leads on the paved areas. Not allowed in play areas.

ONSITE TOILETS? Yes, next to the cafe at the clock tower, including baby changing and disabled.

My own image of The South Park

My own image of the duck pond at South Park, Darlington

LOCAL PARKS FOR A QUICK VISIT

🏡Local places in and on the outskirts of Darlington that are good for a walk more with older kids;

-Low Coniscliffe-High Coniscliffe

-Drinkfield Marsh Nature Reserve.

-Piercebridge (includes historic site of Roman fort)

-Red Hall/Great Burdon Loop

🏡Local places in Darlington for a walk that also have play facilities;

-West Park local nature reserve

-Broken Scar & River Tees

-Cockerbeck (small playground)-circular walk.

-The Denes

To view all of my individual blog posts on this topic click here

THANKS FOR READING 💜

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Many Thanks

Charlotte (familyfundarlomum)

-Mum to 2 boys, Kamron-9 and Leo-3 and stepmum to Damon- 16