Adventure Valley – Brasside

Adventure Valley is a sprawling family-oriented attraction in County Durham that perfectly balances high-energy play with calm animal encounters. It is widely considered the largest adventure park in the North East, offering enough activities to easily fill a whole day. It is a fantastic choice for families with children ranging from toddlers up to about age twelve, as there is a huge mix of indoor and outdoor zones that keep everyone entertained regardless of the British weather.

What You Can See and Do

The site is divided into several themed areas, each packed with things to experience:

• Action Creek & Runaway Ranch: This is where you’ll find the big outdoor thrills. You can bounce on massive jumping pillows (there are separate ones for different age groups to keep the little ones safe), race your friends on the go-karts, or whoosh down the tube slides at Runaway Racers.
• The Farmyard & Animal Barn: Perfect for animal lovers, you can get up close with friendly residents like llamas, alpacas, and goats. There are daily scheduled activities like pony grooming and rabbit cuddling. Don’t miss the chance to meet Bertie, who holds the record for being the world’s fastest tortoise!
• Massive Indoor Play: If the clouds roll in, head to the 18,000 square feet of indoor fun. There’s a giant three-storey Play Town for older kids and a dedicated “Little Play” area for those under five. The Wild West Play Town is a particular hit, featuring a “Cannon Saloon” where you can fire soft foam balls.
• Special Highlights: The tractor ride is a must-do; it takes you on a bumpy, fun tour down towards the River Wear with some lovely scenery. There is also an 18-hole adventure golf course and a roller disco to burn off even more energy.

Tips for Your Visit

• Planning Your Time: Expect to spend at least 4 to 5 hours here. Many visitors find they still haven’t seen everything by the end of the day.
• Food & Drink: There is an on-site cafe serving typical park fare like pizza and burgers. However, many regular visitors suggest bringing a packed lunch to save money. There are plenty of picnic tables, including covered indoor areas if it’s raining.
• Extra Bits: While most things are included in your ticket, a few small rides or activities (like the electric karts or animal feed) might require a few pound coins, so it’s handy to have some change ready.
• Discounts & Offers: Look out for Blue Light discounts or online booking specials. If you live locally, annual memberships are often cited as great value because of how often kids want to return.
• Getting Around: The top part of the site is level and very accessible, but it does slope down quite steeply towards the bird shows and go-karts. The paths are tarmacked, but it can be a bit of a workout pushing a buggy back up!

Essential Information

• Postcode: DH1 5SG
• County: County Durham
• Parking: There is ample free parking on-site.
• Restrictions: Most activities are designed for children up to 12. Some specific rides like the adventure golf or certain karts may have height or age guidance for safety.
• Nearby Extras: If you have time to spare or want to combine your trip, the historic Finchale Priory is very close by for a peaceful walk among ruins. For a more “grown-up” meal afterwards, there are several family-friendly pubs within a short drive, such as the Three Horseshoes.