YOUNG visitors to an historic house, chapels and gardens in County Durham countryside are urged to "hold on to their hats" on a newly opened activity adventure.

They can join a witch and cat on a magic broom to take a flying tour of the grounds of Ushaw, the former Roman Catholic seminary on the outskirts of Durham, now a heritage and cultural visitor attraction

Ushaw’s new Room on the Broom Activity Trail is based on the children’s story characters from the creators of The Gruffalo, writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, which was adapted for the screen in a BAFTA-winning animation by Magic Light Pictures.

Participants on the family adventure take in magical woods, meadows, gardens and pass by a lake in a bid to complete the trail.

Trail entry is free for Ushaw annual pass holders and is included with daily admission. Pass holders can visit as often as they wish through the year, with free parking and access to live music events and permanent exhibitions.

Day passes are priced at £9 for adults, or £6 for children, with free admission for under-fives.

Ushaw is on Woodland Road, near Ushaw Moor, with further information available on 0191-334 5119.

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