Description
Allensford Country Park is a scenic woodland retreat located along the banks of the River Derwent, offering a refreshing outdoor escape for families in County Durham. As one of the best things to do with kids in Consett, this country park combines natural beauty with active play areas and peaceful riverside trails. It is a fantastic spot for a family day out where children can explore the forest and enjoy one of the region’s most popular playgrounds.
Access to the park and its various trails is completely free of charge. While exploring the woodland costs nothing, you may want to bring some change for the on-site café or nearby caravan park facilities, with local parking also being free for visitors.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that balances adventure with relaxation, Allensford Country Park is a top choice. It provides an educational day out through its diverse local flora and fauna, alongside sensory play opportunities in its extensive modern play area.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Allensford Country Park unique?
Allensford Country Park is unique for its dramatic riverside setting, where the River Derwent carves through a steep-sided wooded valley. It offers an educational day out as families can walk the bridge connecting County Durham to Northumberland, observing the unique river-valley ecosystem. The park is also home to a significantly large and modern adventure playground, which serves as a central hub for sensory play and physical activity.
- Riverside Trails: Scenic walks that run directly alongside the water, perfect for spotting local wildlife like kingfishers.
- The Big Playground: Known locally for its extensive climbing frames, slides, and inclusive play equipment.
- Cross-County Walks: A footbridge allows visitors to easily walk between two counties while enjoying the forest views.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Adventure Play Area: This huge timber-framed playground features multiple zones, including a giant slide and climbing walls that keep older kids challenged for hours.
- The Derwent River Bridge: A great spot for a family photo where you can stand over the rushing water and look out for fish or birds.
- Riverside Picnic Spots: There are several flat, grassy areas right by the riverbank where kids can paddle safely in shallow sections under supervision.
- The Woodland Nature Trail: A winding path through the trees that is perfect for a game of hide-and-seek or searching for different types of leaves and insects.
- The Waterfall View: Depending on the season, the river features small drops and rapids that provide a lovely natural soundtrack to your walk.
Allensford Country Park offers several distinct features for a full day of exploration:
- The Adventure Playground (Large-scale climbing and active play equipment).
- Riverside Walkway (A flat path following the banks of the River Derwent).
- The Footbridge (Linking the Durham and Northumberland sides of the park).
- Wildflower Meadows (Open spaces that bloom in the summer months).
- Allensford Café (Located within the adjacent caravan park for refreshments).
- Public Picnic Area (Dedicated tables located near the main car park).
- The Den (A woodland area often used by local groups for forest school-style activities).
- Sculpture Path (Local markers and natural art hidden along the trails).
Beyond the Main Attraction: Just a few miles away is Derwent Reservoir, which offers sailing, fishing, and even more extensive walking routes. You are also very close to the Beamish Museum, a world-famous open-air museum that explores Northern life through the centuries.
12.56 miles
