Two North East locations named among top 10 UK family parks in new study

Two North East destinations have been crowned among the top 10 best parks to visit across the UK for a family day out, according to a new study.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in County Durham and Cragside in Northumberland both made it onto the list compiled by Kids Planet. The research took the 30 best-rated parks from across the country based on Tripadvisor reviews, and found which ones cropped up most in Instagram hashtags to discover the locations that visitors are flocking to most.

The park and gardens of Raby Castle came in fourth place, while the Cragside estate followed in fifth, rankings which will likely come as no surprise to those living in the North East with both venues welcoming thousands of all ages all year round.

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Built in the 14th century by the Neville family, the magnificent Raby Castle is surrounded by breathtaking scenery to explore, including its 18th century Walled Gardens which stretch across five acres and encompass seasonal blooms, vegetable beds, mazes and even a grass amphitheatre. There's also The Plotters' Forest outdoor playground for little ones to enjoy, while the wider landscape is home to an abundance of wildlife in the Deer Park with some beautiful walking routes on offer.

While the castle itself is closed until March 2025, there's still plenty of outdoor exploring to do at the Raby estate with the Walled Gardens and Deer Park open daily from 10am until 4pm - and there are also some special festive features to look forward to. The Enchanted Christmas Trail in The Plotter's Forest is home to twinkling lights, music and decorations, while a Christmas Market will also be held in the grounds on the weekend of November 30 and December 1.

Meanwhile, Cragside is beloved by families across the North East for both its fascinating history and captivating scenery. The Victorian National Trust property was once the home of William Armstrong and has been dubbed 'Britain's original smart home', filled with the industrial magnate's inventions. And the landscape is just as unique, boasting man-made lakes and tumbling waterfalls among the pioneering features for visitors to discover.

Visitors can wander amongst the towering trees in the Pinetum, explore the weaving paths in the Rock Garden and witness the changing seasons in the Formal Garden. And get a glimpse of history by taking a stroll around the banks of the Nelly's Moss Lakes, the twin lakes on the top of the grounds that were once the water stores for hydroelectricity creation at Cragside.

This year, Cragside will be home to the UK's tallest living Christmas tree, standing at an incredible 42 metres - twice the height of the Angel of the North - and dressed in over 2,000 lights. From November 30, visitors will be able to see the tree as they enjoy a Twilight Lantern Walk as part of the estate's Spirits of the Forest festive event.