Family Things to Do This Weekend in Morpeth (23-24 May)
Parkrun in Carlisle Park, the paddling pool opening for the season, rhododendrons at Cragside, and more family-friendly things to do in Morpeth this weekend.
Looking for something to do with the family this weekend? Here is our round-up of family-friendly activities and days out in and around Morpeth for Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026.
Carlisle Park Parkrun — Saturday 9:00am
Start the weekend with the free, timed 5k Carlisle Park parkrun, every Saturday morning at 9:00am. The route winds through Carlisle Park on a mixture of tarmac and trail paths, with three laps of the park and two out-and-back sections along the River Wansbeck. All abilities are welcome, and children can take part alongside a parent or guardian. Register once at parkrun.org.uk and bring your barcode.
Best for: The start is near the park entrance off Castle Square. Use postcode NE61 1PR for sat nav. Buggies are welcome on the course.
Carlisle Park Paddling Pool — Opening Weekend
The outdoor paddling pool in Carlisle Park traditionally opens for the season on the late May bank holiday weekend. With the bank holiday falling on Monday 25 May, this weekend should see the pool filled and ready for little ones. It is free, unsupervised, and no booking is needed — just turn up.
While you are in the park, the William Turner Garden is in full late-spring colour, the aviary is open, and the playground has something for toddlers and older children alike. The Pavilion Cafe serves hot drinks, sandwiches and ice cream.
Best for: Check the Morpeth Town Council Facebook page before setting out, as the pool occasionally closes for maintenance.
Whitehouse Farm Centre — Open Daily
Whitehouse Farm near Stannington is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. With over 40 acres of animals, outdoor play areas, small animal handling sessions, tractor rides, and a large indoor play barn for rainy spells, it is one of the best family days out near Morpeth. There is plenty to fill a full morning or afternoon, and a cafe on site if you need refuelling.
Best for: Ages: all ages. Allow at least two to three hours. Check the Whitehouse Farm website for current admission prices.
Wallington Hall — Brilliant Birds Trail
Wallington, the National Trust estate between Morpeth and Cambo, is running its Brilliant Birds half-term trail from 23 to 31 May, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Pick up a trail sheet and explore the grounds learning about the birds that live on the estate. The adventure play area, zip slide, and Little Acorns nature play space are all open, along with the walled garden and riverside walks. Drinks, snacks and ice cream are available at the Clocktower Cafe.
Best for: Free for National Trust members. Non-member parking charges apply. The trail is suitable for all ages.
Cragside — Rhododendron Season Begins
Late May is when the famous rhododendron displays at Cragside near Rothbury begin to come into bloom. The Rock Garden is usually the first area to flower, with splashes of colour appearing across the wider grounds over the following weeks. Even if the full display has not yet peaked, the 1,000-acre estate with its engineered lakes, waterfalls, and woodland trails is a spectacular place for a family walk. The house — the first in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power — is open to explore inside too.
Best for: About 25 minutes' drive north of Morpeth. Free for National Trust members; otherwise adults around 23 pounds, children 11.50 pounds.
Northumberland Zoo
Northumberland Zoo, a family-run zoo near Felton about 20 minutes north of Morpeth, is open daily. The 17-acre site is home to over 80 species including lions, meerkats, reptiles, and birds of prey. Daily animal talks and bird of prey flying displays run throughout the day. There are indoor and outdoor play areas, a cafe, and picnic spots. The zoo also offers sensory bags with noise-cancelling headphones for children who need them.
Best for: Open daily. Check northumberlandzoo.co.uk for current opening times and prices. Allow two to three hours.
Riverside Walks and Mitford
If you prefer something free and closer to home, the riverside walk from Carlisle Park along the Wansbeck towards Mitford is one of the finest short family walks in Northumberland. The path runs through ancient woodland and is mostly flat and pushchair-friendly for the first section. At Mitford you can see the ruins of the Norman castle and the medieval church of St Mary Magdalene. The round trip is about three miles and takes around an hour at a gentle pace.
For more route ideas, see our guide to the best walks from Morpeth.
The Morpeth Chantry and Bagpipe Museum
For a shorter indoor outing, The Chantry on Bridge Street houses the Northumbrian Bagpipe Museum — one of the quirkiest small museums in the North East — along with the Tourist Information Centre and Northumbria Craft Centre. Entry to the Bagpipe Museum is free, and children usually find the instruments and listening stations genuinely interesting. Read more in our guide to The Chantry.
Sunday Lunch
Round off the weekend with a family Sunday lunch. For recommendations, see our guide to the best Sunday lunch in Morpeth, covering everything from a proper pub carvery to a country house hotel.
Know something happening this weekend that we have missed? Get in touch.