Wallace & Gromit trail at Hopetown Darlington – review (AD)
We were kindly invited to Hopetown Darlington to visit the Wallace & Gromit trail and we couldn’t wait to check it out.*
As a family of huge Wallace & Gromit fans (especially Elsie!), it sounded like the perfect excuse for another visit to Hopetown.
This time it was a mammy daughter day as Steve had to work.
A trail full of invention
The trail is completely free to take part in – you simply download the app on your phone (available on both iOS and Android), enter the location code 1825, and you’re ready to go.
We downloaded the app at home before setting off.
As you make your way around Hopetown, you scan different markers which unlock augmented reality experiences featuring Wallace, Gromit and even the mischievous Feathers McGraw.
Each stop gives you a different challenge to complete as you help Wallace prepare his latest rocket for launch.
It’s such a clever idea and really brings the characters to life.
Elsie absolutely loved seeing Wallace and Gromit appear on the screen in front of us.
Watching her excitement as she completed each challenge and discovered the next surprise was amazing.
Plenty of photo opportunities
One of our favourite parts of the trail was taking photos together.
You can pose alongside Wallace and Gromit, try on Wallace’s famous Techno Trousers and even transform yourself into Feathers McGraw.
We came away with some brilliant family photos that are a little different from the usual holiday snaps.
It’s one of those activities that’s just as much fun for adults as it is for children.
Back to Wagon Woods
Of course, no visit to Hopetown would be complete without another trip to Wagon Woods – I think it’s Elsie’s favourite play area in the North East!
Even though we’d visited before, Elsie couldn’t wait to get back onto the climbing frames, bridges and slides.
It was lovely to see how much more confident she was this time around.
She raced around exploring even making a few friends and I enjoyed watching her having so much fun.
I have a feeling Wagon Woods will be a must-do every time we visit!
Why we love Hopetown
What I love most about Hopetown is that there’s always something new happening.
The museum itself is fascinating, the interactive exhibits keep children engaged, and events like the Wallace & Gromit trail give families another reason to come back.
Because entry to Hopetown is free, you can easily make it an affordable day out.
Whether you bring a picnic, enjoy lunch in the café or just stop by for a few hours, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
We brought a packed lunch and there’s lots of places to sit inside or out and under shade too.
After completing the trail we rewarded ourselves which a much-deserved and delicious ice cream.
Final thoughts
If your children enjoy Wallace & Gromit, this trail is well worth a visit.
The augmented reality experiences are easy to use, fun and genuinely interactive, and they’re a great way to encourage little ones to explore the whole site.
Combined with Wagon Woods, the museum exhibits and the lovely outdoor spaces, it made for another low cost, fantastic family day out.
We had such a lovely time and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different over the school holidays.
There’s also lots of outdoor games such as giant four in a row, bat and ball and little dens too.
Hopetown has quickly become one of our favourite places to visit, and I’m sure we’ll be back again soon to see what adventure awaits next!
Find out more about the Wallace & Gromit trail on the Hopetown website.
We were at Hopetown from 11am until almost 4 and we could’ve spent even longer as there’s so much to see including the really interesting Arthur Wharton exhibition and of course the building blocks area.
Where is Hopetown Darlington?
Hopetown Darlington, McNay Street, Darlington, DL3 6SW
01325 405060
hopetown@darlington.gov.uk
Hopetown opening hours
School Holidays
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Term Time
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
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*Disclaimer
This review has been written with 100% honesty.
I was not financially compensated for this post. I was invited to this museum and given free entry to Wagon Woods, in return for an honest review.
The opinions expressed in this post are completely my own based on my own experience.
If you would like your company/service featured on rachaelstray.com either in the form of review, sponsored post or an advertising slot, please feel free to contact me at rachaelstray@gmail.com
Please visit my contact/work with me page for more information.
Other family day out North East related posts
Space Zone at Life Science Centre
Potter’s World Lanchester Garden Centre
Family day out at Lilidorei The Alnwick Garden
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