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Broom House Farm Forest Adventure

Navigate woodland obstacles, spot wildlife, and quest for Bark the dragon in this immersive forest adventure.

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Broom House Farm Forest Adventure is an action-packed woodland playground nestled in Witton Gilbert, Durham, where families navigate through acres of leafy forest tackling climbing frames, zip wires, balance beams, and tunnels. The site combines nature-based exploration with physical challenges, featuring interactive tasks like the wishing tree, woodland hides for wildlife spotting, and family games. An on-site café serves light refreshments, and the surrounding farm offers additional play equipment and picnic areas, making it an ideal half-day or full-day family outing.

A brief summary to Broom House Farm Forest Adventure

  • Broom House, Durham, Witton Gilbert, Burnhope, DH7 6TR, GB
  • +441913718382
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
  • Saturday 10 am-3 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy boots or trainers and long sleeves and trousers; the forest floor is often muddy and vegetation can be dense. Waterproof clothing is advisable, especially during wetter months.
  • Plan to spend 2–4 hours to experience the main attractions comfortably, or a full day if your children are highly engaged. The lack of a one-way system means you can revisit favourite spots and take breaks at the café.
  • Arrive early on weekends or during school holidays to secure parking and avoid peak crowds. Tickets are released on Thursdays for upcoming weekends, so book in advance when possible.
  • Use the café for a substantial break midway through your visit; the quality of food is notably good, and the outdoor seating overlooks the play field, allowing supervision of younger children.
  • Bring a camera or smartphone to capture wildlife sightings and memorable moments; the woodland setting provides excellent photography opportunities, particularly in golden-hour light.
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Getting There

  • Car with On-Site Parking

    Drive directly to Broom House Farm in Witton Gilbert, Durham (postcode DH7 6TR). The site has ample on-site parking available at no additional charge. Journey times from Durham city centre are approximately 15–20 minutes; from Newcastle city centre, approximately 45–60 minutes. Parking is typically available even during busy weekends, though arriving early (before 11 AM) is advisable during school holidays.

  • Public Transport and Walking

    Take a bus service from Durham city centre towards Witton Gilbert (approximately 30–40 minutes depending on route and service frequency). From the nearest bus stop, a 10–15 minute walk through village roads leads to Broom House Farm. Services run less frequently on weekends, so check timetables in advance. This option is most practical for visitors staying in Durham city.

  • Taxi or Ride-Share

    Use a local taxi service or ride-share app from Durham city centre (approximately 15–20 minutes, typically £12–18 GBP depending on exact pickup location). This is a convenient option for groups or families without access to a personal vehicle, though advance booking is recommended during peak times.

  • Cycling

    Cycle from Durham city centre via local roads to Witton Gilbert (approximately 6–8 km, 25–35 minutes depending on fitness and route). The journey is relatively flat and passes through quiet village roads. Secure bike parking is available on site, though facilities are basic. This option suits families with older children or experienced cyclists.

Broom House Farm Forest Adventure location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Broom House Farm Forest Adventure

A Woodland Playground Designed for Young Adventurers

Broom House Farm Forest Adventure transforms acres of natural woodland into an immersive play environment where children aged three and upwards can test their courage and coordination. The forest is dotted with carefully constructed obstacles and challenges: sturdy balance beams span between trees, tunnels invite scrambling and exploration, rope swings dangle from sturdy branches, and zip wires provide thrilling descents through the canopy. Climbing towers and slides are interspersed throughout, creating a landscape where physical play and natural surroundings merge seamlessly. The design encourages children to move at their own pace, with no rigid one-way system forcing a particular route—families can loop back to favourite spots, take breaks, and return to areas that captured their imagination.

Nature Connection and Forest Discovery

Beyond the constructed play elements, the forest itself becomes part of the adventure. Woodland hides positioned throughout the site offer opportunities to observe local wildlife, and visitors frequently spot woodpeckers, squirrels, and other forest inhabitants. Interactive tasks attached to trees—such as placing a stick in the wishing tree to make a wish or searching for forest fairies—encourage children to engage with their surroundings mindfully. A forest quiz challenges adults' knowledge of woodland trees and plant life, ensuring that parents and guardians remain engaged alongside their children. The immersion in birdsong, rustling leaves, and dappled sunlight creates a restorative atmosphere that balances excitement with calm.

The Quest for Bark the Dragon

Central to the experience is the narrative thread of searching for Bark the dragon as families wander through the forest. This storytelling element transforms the woodland into a quest landscape, giving children a sense of purpose and discovery as they navigate between activities. The combination of physical challenges and imaginative play keeps engagement high, particularly for younger visitors who thrive on narrative-driven exploration.

Facilities and Practical Amenities

The on-site café overlooks a large open field and serves light lunches, sandwiches, cakes, coffee, and ice creams. A farm shop is also present, and the grassy play area outside the café features additional equipment including swings, slides, climbing frames, and hay bales for younger children. Picnic areas are available, though outside food is not permitted within the forest itself. The site includes ample on-site parking and accepts well-behaved dogs on leads. Public footpaths nearby offer extended walking opportunities for those wishing to explore beyond the main adventure area.

Seasonal Operations and Weather Considerations

The Forest Adventure operates weekends year-round and extends to daily opening during school holidays. Tickets are typically released several days in advance, usually on Thursdays. The site is closed Mondays, including bank holidays. Given the woodland setting, muddy conditions are common, and sturdy boots or trainers are strongly recommended, along with long sleeves and trousers for protection. Weather conditions influence daily operations, and staff provide safety briefings that may vary based on seasonal conditions.

Family-Centred Design and Safety

Adult supervision is required at all times; this is not a drop-off facility where children can roam independently. The forest ranger provides a safety briefing upon entry, covering essential rules such as toilet visits before entering the forest and staying with your group. Children under 17 may not visit the woodland unattended. This structured approach to supervision ensures that families remain connected while children experience genuine independence and challenge within a secure framework.

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