Adventure Valley: A Family Day Out Near Durham

If you have children and a day to fill near Durham, Adventure Valley is hard to beat. Billed as the North East's biggest family adventure park, it packs more than fifty rides, play zones and animal encounters into a site just outside the city, with plenty indoors so it works whatever the weather.

What it is

Adventure Valley is a family adventure and farm park at Union Hall Farm in Brasside, a couple of miles north of Durham city centre. General admission is all-inclusive, covering both the rides and the animals, and the park is built around three big indoor play-and-animal zones plus a large outdoor area, so there is something for most ages from toddlers upwards.

Outdoors

When the weather is kind, the outdoor attractions are the draw. They include the Runaway Racers and the Valley Express train ride, an eighteen-hole Adventure Golf course, the Pony Express, tractor rides, a Giant Net Climb, Talon Towers, bouncy pillows, a football pitch, and the summer favourite Water Wars. There is plenty of space to run around and picnic between rides.

Indoors

The indoor zones are what make Adventure Valley a reliable rainy-day option. At their heart is what the park calls the North East's largest soft-play, with a separate under-5s soft-play and an accessible sensory play room. The Wild West Play Town has a third soft-play and the family Cannon Saloon, while the Busy Bees area holds a reptile room, a brick-building elevator and Bertie's enclosure, home to a giant tortoise. Seasonal shows run in the Showtime Theatre, and Bruno's Cafe keeps everyone fed.

The animals

Animal encounters are included throughout the day, with farm animals to meet and handling sessions where children can get close to the park's smaller residents. Check the day's schedule when you arrive so you do not miss the sessions your children will most enjoy.

Tickets and opening

Admission is a single all-inclusive day ticket, with under-2s free and the same price for children and adults. Weekends and event days cost more than a quiet weekday visit, and it is cheaper and simpler to book online in advance. The park is open daily for much of the year, from 10am, with shorter midweek hours and reduced opening over the winter, so check the current times and prices on adventurevalley.co.uk before you set off.

Getting there

Adventure Valley is at Union Hall Farm, Brasside, Durham DH1 5SG, only a couple of miles north of the city centre and signposted locally, with free on-site parking. It is an easy drive from Durham and the surrounding area.

Good to know

Allow most of a day, especially in the school holidays when it is busiest. There is a cafe and picnic space on site, and the mix of indoor and outdoor attractions means you can happily visit in any season. For more ideas in the city, see our guide to things to do in Durham.