A weekend in County Durham with the kids

2 days For families Built from visitor-rated places

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A weekend in County Durham with the kids

Two days, four properly interesting old buildings, and just enough driving to let small legs recharge between stops. Day one keeps things gentle in Wensleydale: Bolton Castle in the morning, then a short 4.3-mile hop to Nappa Hall — close enough that nobody asks "are we there yet?" more than twice. Day two is the bigger shift, 46.1 miles north to Washington Old Hall, a National Trust place, before an easy 2.3 miles to Biddick Hall to finish.

Where you sleep sets the pace. Etherley Dene Farmhouse sleeps 19 and sits a mile from Bishop Auckland station — the nearest station to County Durham — with EV charging nearby, which suits big family gatherings. Travelling lighter? The Cottage near Hexham sleeps 4, 2.1 miles from Stocksfield station. There's also Askrigg Camping near Hawes with toilets on site, and a Premier Inn with WiFi, 1.7 miles from Swale above Richmond Falls beach.

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Day 1

Start at Bolton Castle while everyone's fresh and legs are willing, then take the short 4.3-mile run to Nappa Hall in the afternoon — a drive brief enough for one snack box and no more. Build in loose time between the two for a run-about and a sit-down, because rushing two historic buildings in one day is how tempers fray.

Morning

Bolton Castle

Castle & Heritage

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Afternoon

Nappa Hall

Stately Home & Palace

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Day 2

This is the day with the mileage: 46.1 miles north from Wensleydale to Washington Old Hall, so set off after a decent breakfast, pack drinks and something to nibble, and treat the journey as part of the plan rather than an obstacle. Once there you're settled — Biddick Hall is just 2.3 miles on, an easy afternoon move with no long drive hanging over it.