UPDATED AS OF December 2024 for the 2025 season
We love to be out and about with the boys visiting, attractions across the North East and beyond, but let's be honest, it can get costly when you are buying a family ticket for 5 people. We have been doing experience gifts way before it was trendy and we plan on continuing to do this.
The North East has some great attractions that offer annual passes and we think they are great value for money.
Howick Hall, gardens and Arboretum - We have had an annual pass for Howick for years! It is just a lovely place to have a nice walk and relax. The many flowers throughout the year will have you wanting to go back season after season. Tearooms are fab too. A Family annual pass is now £102.85 for 2+2
Opening from early February - November.
Beamish Open Air Museum - Beamish annual passes are fantastic value for money as the attraction is open all year. Lots to do at Beamish and they are adding in a new town which is coming along lovely. For a family of 4 an annual pass is £71.00 the annual pass does not include evening events. Click Here for more info
Preston Park Museum and Grounds -We love visiting Preston Park. Myself and Craig have been visiting here ever since we were kids and now we take our own. I love the Victorian street and the café is fab with delicious cakes! Lots to see in the museum too and the boys always have a great time looking at the old toys on display. With the walled garden, winter garden and woodland walk to enjoy what's not to love? Also has a great play park. Annual family pass for 2 Adults +3 kids is £15 Find out more Here
Wynyard Hall - Another great value annual pass in the North East, entry includes the Rose Garden, Edible garden, Wild garden and the Woodland Walk. Entry to special events are not covered by the annual pass. So much to enjoy here. A family 2+2 annual pass is £30. Find out more Here
Raby Castle - Raby Castle is absolutely stunning and the annual pass is great value for what you get. Enjoy the walled gardens, Castle, and Deer park. You can also enjoy the fantastic Plotters Play area with the upgraded ticket. An annual Family 2+3 Pass is £139 Find out more Here
Hopetown - Once known as Head of Steam Darlington used to be a chargeable attraction this is now free entry Ideal for the steam train fans, the boys love visiting Head of Steam. There's lots of interactive displays, vr ride and a huge play area.
The Alnwick Garden - This is one of my favourites, its always a great day out and at just £25 per adult its a bargain. You can take up to 4 kids under 16 for free per Adult!
WWT Wetland Centres - We love visiting the WWT in Washington, our boys are bird crazy so it is the perfect spot to go bird spotting. It is such great value too. We currently pay for our annual pass by direct debit at just £8 per month. Plus it is a Blue Peter attraction. More info HERE
Jarrow hall - I personally think it is great value and super educational. . Tickets for a family of 4 is £28 More info HERE
Sewerby Hall, Gardens & Zoo
I know this one is a bit further but it is worth it. We had a fantastic day there last year and planning on going back. Family of 5 £99 Find out more HERE
Life Science Centre - Now I know this one may seem expensive but honestly it is so worth it. There's so much to do and it is very hands on educational too. Plus you only have to visit a few times to make your money back and if you visit every other month it is absolutely worth it. Family of 4 £147
Another option could be Merlin passes. We bought Merlin passes for 2022 and we didn't use them as much as I though we would have. However we did get our moneys worth by visiting all of the merlin attractions in Blackpool, Alton Towers and we visited some Sealife centres. There are different passes available, the cheapest starting from £89. They do have monthly options from £9.99. Here for more info
If you are looking to have more days out but on a budget have you thought about an English Heritage or National Trust membership? We have been members of both for many many years and it saves you so much money.
For 2025 we are planning on investing in Historic Houses passes as there's quite a few places on the list that we really want to visit. For 2 adults plus 2 kids its £168
Our Favourite National Trust sites include:
Cragside - House and lots of garden o explore including a fab play park, labyrinth, beautiful lakes and various activities. You can easily spend a full day or several exploring here.
Gibside - Looking for somewhere to get out and go for a walk? Then Gibside is your place. Walled Garden, various trails, playpark and a great bird hide.
Penshaw Monument - In all honesty not much to do here except take in the views. However you could combine it with a visit to Herrington Country Park which has various lakes, woodland walk and a big play area or you could go and explore the Cox Green area.
Souter Lighthouse - The boys love the lighthouse and climbing right to the top. A mini museum with outside space to explore. Sits in a nature reserve. Also has some dramatic views across the sea from the top of the cliff edge.
Our favourite English Heritage sites include:
Belsay Hall and Gardens (also a castle) - A beautiful stately home with large gardens and a woodland walk down to the castle.
Warkworth Castle - The boys love coming to Warkworth and exploring, lots to see and do and you can combine your ticket with a boat ride.
Lindisfarne priory - Situated on the stunning Holy Island, Lindisfarne is steeped in history.
Tynemouth Priory and castle - We really love visiting Tynemouth, it is bigger than it looks and there are so many things to see. Don't miss out on the view across the beach.
Prudhoe Castle - My favourite, for me it is what a proper castle should look like. I think it is beautiful! The grounds and little walk you can go on is always a must for us.
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