The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in North East England 2026

I can't believe how quickly Christmas Market season has come around. As usual, I'm sharing my guide to the region's best Christmas Markets.

If you know of any other Christmas Markets in our region, please email the details to sam@northeastfamilyfun.co.uk You must include a website / FB event link to be considered for this post. 

Dog Friendly Days Out for Autumn

🐶 Dogs are welcome at Spilman’s Pumpkin Festival where you’ll find lots of fun activities (including pumpkin slingshot) and a pumpkin patch. Selected dates across October.

🐶 Dogs can join you for a walk around the grounds at Beamish Museum. We love an autumn walk here! You can stop for refreshments with your dog in the Sun Inn Pub, Drovers Tavern or Cafe at the Museum Entrance.

What's On for Kids & Teen - October (+ Half Term) | North East England

This post contains adverts and affiliate links. Always check t&cs direct with venue when booking events and deals and check details with attractions direct before heading out as info can change. You can do this by clicking the blue links in the post. 

If you're looking for more ideas for days out, why not join our FREE days out Facebook group here. 

Please note, Half Term dates do vary depending on your county/school so make sure you double check before booking or planning everything. 

One Night in Pisa

This post was published in September 2026. We paid for this break ourselves. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info before heading out. 

During a recent trip to Tuscany, we had a morning return flight from Pisa. We were staying in a fairly remote area and would have needed to hire an (expensive) driver for our transfer to the airport in the early hours which we didn't really want to do so instead, decided to travel to Pisa by train the day before our flight and spent the evening here. 

20 + FREE North East Events for October 2026 (including Half Term)

 As always - please double check with venues direct for up to date info before heading out as info can change. You can do this by clicking the blue links in the post. 

If you're looking for a FREE activity this October, this post shares ideas for weekends and half term in October. 

Spilman Farm Pumpkin Patch is NOW OPEN for 2026

(ad) This is an advert for September 2026. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for.

Spilman’s Pumpkin Festival is BACK for 2026

Mrs. Doubtfire Review (Newcastle Theatre Royal)

 AD - We were provided with press tickets to review this show in September 2026

📆 Wed 23 Sept - Sun 11 Oct 2026. Please note, evening performances start at 7pm

🫶 BSL interpreted and captioned perf on 1 Oct at 7pm, Audio described with pre-show touch tour perf on 3 Oct at 2pm.
⌚ 2 hr 30 mins including interval
🎫 Standard tickets available from £24
✅ Suitable for ages 6+ (flashing lights)

📽 You can watch a preview here: Mrs. Doubtfire Trailer

🎟️Book: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/mrs-doubtfire/