Loved Durham’s Cathedral and Castle, but now wondering how to explore the rest of County Durham without a car? You’re not alone. Many visitors feel “stuck” in the city centre, assuming top attractions are inaccessible or worrying about complex rural bus timetables with their unpredictable schedules and multiple changes.
This guide is for you. We’ve mapped out 5 amazing family adventures and the simplest, most reliable way to get to them. Forget the transport stress; here’s how to unlock the best of the North East, door-to-door.
The bottom line: Every single one of these fantastic destinations is easier, faster, and less stressful to reach by pre-booked taxi than by public transport—and for some, a taxi is the only practical way to visit at all.
📍 Key Takeaways
- Beamish Museum is just 13-15 minutes by taxi (vs. 48 minutes by bus with a transfer)
- Hall Hill Farm is virtually inaccessible by public transport (110 minutes with multiple changes vs. 20 minutes direct)
- Raby Castle sits in a “transport desert”—a 30-minute taxi is the only practical family option
- Insider savings: Book Diggerland tickets online during your taxi ride and save £48+ for a family of four
- Pre-booking with Durham City Cabs means fixed prices, the right vehicle for your family, and local expert drivers
Quick Guide: Durham’s Top 5 Family Trips at a Glance
| Destination | Best For Ages | Est. Taxi Time | Public Transport Challenge | Family Price Guide (2A+2C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beamish Museum | 5-16+ (All ages) | 13-15 mins | Medium (1 transfer, 3x slower) | ££££ (£82) |
| Raby Castle | 4-12 (Playground focus) | 30 mins | High (1-2 transfers, 3x slower) | £££ (£63) |
| Adventure Valley | 2-12 (All-weather) | 8-12 mins | Low (Direct bus, but walk required) | £££ (£52, weekend) |
| Diggerland | 4-14 (Height dependent) | 10-15 mins | Low (Direct bus, but walk required) | ££££ (£103.80, pre-booked) |
| Hall Hill Farm | 2-10 (Hands-on focus) | 15-20 mins | Very High (Multiple transfers, 6x slower) | ££ (£46) |
1. Beamish: The Living Museum of the North
Why It’s a Family Favourite
Beamish is a world-famous, 350-acre open-air museum that brings North East England’s history to life through immersive, interactive exhibits. Winner of the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, this isn’t just looking at history—it’s stepping into it.
- The 1900s Town: Smell freshly baked goods from Herron’s Bakery, watch sweets being handmade in the Jubilee Confectioners, and explore meticulously recreated shops, a bank, and even a period dentist’s office.
- The 1900s Pit Village & Colliery: Explore authentic miners’ cottages, a schoolhouse, and even go down the Mahogany Drift Mine to experience real mining conditions.
- The 1940s Farm & 1950s Town: A powerful multi-generational experience—grandparents can share their memories while children discover post-war life through hands-on exhibits.
- Heritage Transport: A fleet of vintage trams and replica buses operates continuously around the site. These aren’t just exhibits—they’re your essential (and fun!) transport around the vast museum grounds.
Address: Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG
Opening Hours: Main Season (Mar-Oct): Daily, 10am-5pm. Winter (Nov-Feb): Reduced days (typically Wed-Sun), 10am-4pm. Always verify on the official website before travel.
Admission: Beamish Unlimited Pass (your standard day ticket): Adult £33, Child (5-16) £20, Family (2A+2C) £82. Online booking often offers better prices.
The “Insider” Tip for Your Visit
Don’t be confused by the “Beamish Unlimited Pass”! This is your standard day ticket, not a costly annual membership. Here’s the brilliant part: your day ticket automatically lets you return free for a whole year. It’s not an expensive upgrade—it’s just a fantastic bonus. Many visitors hesitate because they misunderstand this, but you’re simply paying for a day out with year-long return access included.
Getting There: The Easy Way vs. The Hard Way
The Hard Way (Public Bus): The journey takes approximately 48 minutes and requires a transfer at Chester-le-Street. According to official sources, this route can also be subject to short-notice cancellations, adding unnecessary stress to what should be an enjoyable family day out.
The Easy Way (Durham City Cabs): A direct, 13-15 minute ride from Durham city centre, door-to-door. You save over 30 minutes of travel time each way, avoid any complex changes, and eliminate the risk of cancelled services. We drop you right at the museum entrance—no walking, no hassle, no worrying about getting back.
2. Raby Castle: A Medieval Giant with a Modern Playground
Why It’s a Family Favourite
Raby Castle is one of England’s most impressive and best-preserved medieval castles, built in the 14th century by the powerful Nevill family. But it’s not just about history—the estate has transformed into a brilliant family destination that combines heritage with modern outdoor adventure.
- One of England’s Greatest Medieval Castles: Explore authentic castle rooms, hear tales of intrigue, and walk in the footsteps of medieval nobility.
- The 200-Acre Deer Park: See herds of wild red and fallow deer roaming freely across the vast parkland—a genuinely memorable wildlife experience for children and adults alike.
- The Plotters’ Forest: This is the star attraction for families with younger children—a huge, immersive outdoor adventure playground set in a magical Christmas Tree Plantation. It’s what sets Raby apart from more traditional castle visits.
- Seasonal Family Events: Look out for special events like the popular “Horrible Histories Takeover Trail,” which adds interactive fun to your castle exploration.
Address: Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington, Co Durham, DL2 3AH
Opening Hours: Deer Park/Gardens: Daily, 10am-5pm. Castle: Daily, 11am-4pm. Plotters’ Forest: Weekends & School Holidays only. Seasonal variations apply—always check before you travel.
Admission: Castle, Park & Gardens: Adult £22, Child £13, Family (2A+2C) £63. Separate tickets for just Park/Gardens available. Online booking recommended for savings.
The “Insider” Tip for Your Visit
The Plotters’ Forest has different opening times from the main castle—it’s typically open weekends and school holidays only. It’s worth checking the official website before you promise this adventure playground to excited children. Nothing worse than disappointed faces when you arrive!
Getting There: The “Transport Desert” Problem
The Hard Way (Public Bus): This journey is extremely difficult and genuinely impractical for families. It takes up to 90 minutes (three times longer than a taxi) and involves 1-2 bus transfers in Bishop Auckland or Cockfield. You’ll be waiting at bus stops in small villages, hoping connections align, while managing tired children and bags.
The Easy Way (Durham City Cabs): For Raby Castle, a taxi is the only practical solution for a family. We get you there directly in about 30 minutes via a straightforward route. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making the trip actually possible.
Our recommendation: Ask us for a fixed-rate return journey when you book. You’ll have total peace of mind, budget predictability, and we’ll be waiting for you at your agreed pickup time. No scrambling for buses, no rushed exploring because you’re worried about missing the last connection.
3. Hall Hill Farm: The Ultimate Hands-On Animal Adventure
Why It’s a Family Favourite
Hall Hill Farm is an award-winning, family-run working farm that’s been welcoming visitors since 1981. This is the real deal—a genuine, authentic farm experience where children get properly hands-on with animals. It’s particularly magical for families with younger children (ages 2-10) who want more than just looking at animals behind barriers.
- Animal Encounters (The Main Event!): This is what families come for. Bottle-feed lambs, hold fluffy baby chicks, and get up close with goats, llamas, alpacas, and even wallabies. It’s interactive, educational, and absolutely delightful for little ones.
- Classic Farm Rides: The ever-popular Tractor and Trailer Ride gives you a tour of the wider working farm. There’s also a Barrel Train ride that younger children adore.
- Outdoor Adventure: A large adventure play area, a Mega Slide, and a giant Bouncy Pillow provide hours of energetic outdoor fun.
- All-Weather Facilities: The indoor Playbarn with soft play means Hall Hill Farm remains a brilliant choice even when County Durham’s weather is less than cooperative.
Address: Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0TA
Opening Hours: Seasonal opening, typically closed during deep winter months (Dec/Jan) for farm maintenance. Essential to check the official calendar online before planning your visit.
Admission: Standard: Adult £12.95, Child (2-15) £11.95, Family Saver (2A+2C) £46.00. Extra charges apply for some rides like the Barrel Train.
The “Insider” Tip for Your Visit
Don’t trust Sat Nav alone for Hall Hill Farm! The farm’s postcode (DH7 0TA) is shared with a neighbouring property, and standard navigation can direct you to the wrong entrance. Our Durham City Cabs drivers know the exact entrance and will get you to the right spot first time—no confused driving around country lanes.
Getting There: The 20-Minute Drive vs. The 2-Hour Bus Ride
The Hard Way (Public Bus): We genuinely advise against this. The journey takes 96-110 minutes and involves multiple, complex transfers through different villages. It’s not just slow—it’s highly impractical for a family day trip. You’d spend almost as much time on buses as at the farm itself.
The Easy Way (Durham City Cabs): We make this trip possible. A simple, 15-20 minute direct drive turns what would be an impossible journey into an easy, stress-free family memory. This is genuinely one of our most popular family day trip fares, and for good reason—we’re the transport solution that enables the entire experience.
For Hall Hill Farm, Durham City Cabs isn’t just more convenient than public transport; we’re the only realistic way to visit if you don’t have your own car. We can offer you a pre-booked return journey at a fixed price, so you know exactly what you’re paying and can relax and enjoy the day.
4. Diggerland Durham: Get Hands-On with Real JCBs
Why It’s a Family Favourite
Diggerland Durham offers something genuinely unique: a construction-themed adventure park where both children and adults can ride, drive, and operate real, full-size construction machinery in a safe, supervised environment. It’s primarily aimed at families with children aged 4-14, and the hands-on experience with actual JCBs and dumpers is an absolute novelty that kids never forget.
- Signature Rides & Experiences: The famous “Spindizzy” spins passengers in a modified excavator bucket—absolutely thrilling. The “Skyshuttle” lifts you 50 feet in the air for panoramic views. And the main event: driving real JCB 3CX diggers and dumper trucks around a designated course.
- Hands-On Challenges: Younger visitors can operate mini diggers to complete fun challenges like “hook-a-duck” or navigate a course in mini Land Rovers—perfect for skill-building and confidence.
- Important Planning Note: Many rides have height restrictions. Children under 100cm in height enter free, but they won’t be able to participate in all the main machinery-based attractions. It’s worth checking the height requirements before you visit to manage expectations.
Address: Riverside Industrial Estate, Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9TT
Opening Hours: Seasonal opening—not open daily year-round. Primarily operates weekends and school holidays. It’s essential to check the official calendar online before planning your trip.
Admission: Pay on the Day: £38.00 (over 100cm). Online Pre-booked: £25.95. Under 100cm free.
The £48+ “Insider” Tip for Your Taxi Ride
This is our best money-saving tip, and it perfectly demonstrates how a Durham City Cabs driver can add real value beyond just transport:
Book your tickets on your phone during the taxi ride.
Here’s why this matters: The “pay on the day” price is £38.00 per person. The “online pre-booked” price is only £25.95—that’s a saving of £12.05 per person.
On the 10-15 minute journey from Durham to Diggerland, you can book online on your smartphone and save a family of four over £48! Our drivers know this, and we’ll remind you. It’s simple advice that makes a huge difference to your day out budget, and it’s the kind of local knowledge that sets Durham City Cabs apart.
Getting There: Solving the “Last Mile”
The Hard Way (Public Bus): The bus ride itself is relatively quick at around 20 minutes, but it drops you off with a 5-10 minute walk from the bus stop to the Diggerland entrance. When you’re managing excited children and carrying bags, that final walk adds unnecessary hassle to the start and end of your day.
The Easy Way (Durham City Cabs): A 10-15 minute direct ride, and we drop you right at the entrance gate. No walking, no hassle. Plus, you’ll have your tickets booked (and money saved) by the time we pull up. We solve the “last mile” problem and help your family budget—that’s the Durham City Cabs difference.
5. Adventure Valley: Durham’s Biggest All-Weather Play Park
Why It’s a Family Favourite
Adventure Valley markets itself as the North East’s largest family adventure park, and its key strength is variety. It offers a comprehensive day out with activities designed for all ages, spanning large-scale indoor and outdoor play zones as well as animal encounters. Most importantly, it’s a reliable all-weather destination—perfect for the North East’s unpredictable climate.
- Massive Indoor Play Town: The star attraction for rainy days is the 18,000-square-foot indoor play facility. It features large slides, ball pools, and extensive play structures. There’s also a Showtime Theatre and Creature Corner inside.
- Outdoor Adventures: Go-karts, giant jumping pillows, tractor rides, and an 18-hole adventure golf course provide tons of outdoor fun when the weather cooperates.
- Farmyard Fun: A dedicated farmyard area allows for classic farm park experiences, including animal encounters and petting activities, which younger children particularly love.
Address: Union Hall Farm, Brasside, Durham, DH1 5SG (Use DH1 5SA for Sat Nav)
Opening Hours: School Holidays/Summer: Daily. Term Time: Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Always verify on the official website before travel to avoid disappointment.
Admission: Tiered pricing based on demand: Off-Peak from £9.95, Weekends from £12.95, Special Events from £14.95. Under 2s are often free. Prices vary significantly by date, so check online.
The “Insider” Tip for Your Visit
Check their calendar before you set off! Adventure Valley is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during school term time. A quick check of their website saves a wasted journey and disappointed children. Our drivers know this and can advise you, but it’s always worth double-checking when you’re planning spontaneous trips.
Getting There: Avoiding the Final Walk
The Hard Way (Public Bus): The Arriva service 20/20A offers a relatively quick 20-minute bus ride, but it leaves you with a “short walk” from the bus stop in Brasside to the park entrance. That might not sound like much, but when you’re managing young children, bags, or a pushchair, that final walk can be the difference between arriving fresh and arriving frazzled.
The Easy Way (Durham City Cabs): It’s one of our shortest trips—only 8-12 minutes from Durham city centre. We take you door-to-door, solving that “last mile” problem that makes all the difference for families. This is the perfect spontaneous trip if the weather turns or if the kids need to burn off energy. Just call us, and we’ll have you there in minutes.
The close proximity makes Adventure Valley ideal for quick, spontaneous bookings with Durham City Cabs, especially on unpredictable weather days when you want to guarantee indoor play facilities.
Planning Your Stress-Free Family Trip with Durham City Cabs
Why Pre-Book Your Day Trip Taxi?
Based on years of serving Durham families and visitors, I can tell you that the families who pre-book their day trips have a fundamentally better experience than those who try to navigate public transport or hope to find a taxi on the day. Here’s why:
Reliability & Peace of Mind: No waiting, no uncertainty, no checking timetables or worrying about cancellations. Your driver arrives at your hotel at the set time, every time. This is the number one thing visitors tell us they value.
The Right Vehicle for Your Family: Need space for a pushchair and 5 people? Travelling with a baby seat? We’ll send the appropriate larger vehicle to ensure everyone is comfortable. Just tell us your requirements when you book.
Budget Predictability: We can offer fixed-price return fares for destinations like Raby Castle or Hall Hill Farm. No surprises, no meter anxiety, no hidden fees—just a clear price agreed upfront so you can budget your entire day out with confidence.
Local Experts, Not Just Drivers: Our drivers aren’t simply transport providers; they’re local guides who know these routes intimately. They know the insider tips (like the Diggerland booking savings), the quirks (like Hall Hill Farm’s shared postcode), and the best times to visit. They’ll get you there efficiently and share knowledge that enhances your entire day.
All-Weather, Any-Time Service: Whether it’s a spontaneous trip to Adventure Valley on a rainy Tuesday or a carefully planned summer visit to Beamish, we’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.
How to Book Your Family Adventure
📞 Call Us: 0191-3034-234
Speak to our friendly team and discuss your plans. We can advise on timing, vehicle size, and fixed-price options.
💻 Book Online: Booking Your Ride Now
Quick, easy online booking with instant confirmation for your chosen date and time.
For day trips to Hall Hill Farm or Raby Castle, mention you’d like a fixed-price return fare when you book for the best value and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest way to get from Durham to Beamish without a car?
The easiest way is a pre-booked taxi with Durham City Cabs. It takes only 13-15 minutes direct to the entrance, whereas the public bus takes nearly 50 minutes and requires a transfer at Chester-le-Street. The bus route is also subject to short-notice cancellations. Our direct service eliminates all that complexity and gets you there three times faster.
How do I get to Hall Hill Farm from Durham?
The only practical way for a family is by taxi. The direct drive with Durham City Cabs is approximately 15-20 minutes. The public bus route is genuinely not recommended—it takes almost 2 hours (96-110 minutes) and involves multiple complex transfers through different villages. It’s highly impractical with children. We make this wonderful farm accessible for families staying in Durham.
Is Raby Castle accessible by public transport?
It is very difficult and impractical for families. The bus journey takes three times longer than a taxi (90+ minutes compared to 30 minutes) and requires 1-2 changes in Bishop Auckland or Cockfield. For a family day trip, a 30-minute pre-booked taxi is the only realistic option. We can offer you a fixed-rate return journey so you know exactly what you’re paying.
Are there reliable taxis for families in Durham?
Yes, absolutely. At Durham City Cabs, we specialize in family trips. You can pre-book larger vehicles to accommodate your family and pushchair, and request child seats if needed. All our drivers are fully licensed, experienced local experts who know these family destinations intimately and can provide helpful advice during your journey. We’re available 24/7 for bookings.
Can I book a taxi for a whole-day tour or multiple destinations?
Absolutely. If you’d like to visit multiple attractions in one day or have a driver wait for you at a destination, contact us for a private day-hire rate. This can be excellent value if you’re planning to visit several locations, and it gives you complete flexibility and a personal driver-guide for the day. Just call us to discuss your plans and get a quote.
What if the weather is bad on the day we’ve booked?
The beauty of pre-booking with Durham City Cabs is flexibility. If you need to change your destination (for example, switching from an outdoor location to Adventure Valley’s indoor facilities), just give us as much notice as possible and we’ll accommodate the change. We understand that North East weather can be unpredictable, and family plans need to adapt!
Your Best Next Step: Make It Happen
You now have everything you need to plan an incredible family day trip from Durham. Whether it’s the living history of Beamish, the medieval majesty of Raby Castle, the hands-on fun of Hall Hill Farm, the unique thrills of Diggerland, or the all-weather guarantee of Adventure Valley, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences for families.
The difference between a good day out and a stressful one often comes down to transport. Don’t let complex bus routes, multiple transfers, or “last mile” walks diminish your family adventure.
Pre-book with Durham City Cabs and unlock the best of County Durham—door-to-door, stress-free, with local experts who genuinely care about your family’s day out.
Ready to turn possibility into reality? Book your family adventure today.
Durham City Cabs: Your trusted partner for exploring County Durham since [Year]. Available 24/7. All major cards accepted. Professional, licensed, local drivers.
