π FREE entry with no booking/ticket required - 22 & 23 April
πBishop Auckland Market Place in the Town Centre
This is always a brilliant family-friendly event with fab reviews.
π¨π³ FREE-to-watch celebrity chef demos & appearances including Phil Vickery & Rachel Allen
π· Loads of FREE entertainment, music and street performances including the famous 'Grannies', Human Hedges, Waiter Surprise, North Tyneside Steel Band & Hungry Chefs
Fantastic low-cost bookable workshops including:
π¨π³ Gnocchi Making for Kids (ages 5-12 accompanied by an adult). Tickets are just £4. Book here: https://galadurham.co.uk/book-online/?webeventid=0606
π¨π³ Chef Knife Skills for ages 16+. Tickets are £5pp. Book here: https://galadurham.co.uk/book-online/?webeventid=0303
π FREE kids crafts workshops including lino tote bag printing and live graffiti wall
π« Over 150 local traders including street food producers and artisan food producers including Barista Sisters, Churros Barcelona, Fat Hippo, Fire n Dough, Flip n Fast, Little Bubble Box, Parm-o-rama, R Place, Redheads Mac n Cheese, Scranners Arms, The Geordie Banger Company, The Little Profetje Pancake Shack, Twisted Chick, Breaking Bread Durham, Calder's Kitchen, Lacey's Cheese, Le Mini Macaron, Northumberland CheeseSimply Cheesecake, Screaming Chimp, The Hedgehog Bakery & loads more! See the full list here: https://bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk/exhibitors/
π Convenient & accessible park & ride available. See here for details: https://bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk/visiting/
π© Dogs on short leads welcome but be aware, it will be busy
Got a question? There is a comprehensive FAQ section and contact details here:
https://bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk/contact/baff-faqs/
Protest at Northern Stage
Book now for 27 April - 6 May.
Protest shares the story of three girls who prepare to stand up to what they believe in despite the injustices stacked against them. Recommended for ages 8+, this new play explores the importance of your own voice and making a difference alongside the power of friendship.
Book for dates between 27 April - 6 May here: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/protest/
- Audio described: 4 May 6pm
- British sign language interpreted: 5 May 7pm
- Captioned performance 3 May 7pm
Swimming at Paddlepod
- Swim sessions cost £3.50 per swimmer (for a 60 minute session) and should be booked in advance
- PAYG open swim sessions are available at Paddlepod Shiremoor, Killingworth and Whitley Bay
- Warm pools which are maintained between 30-32 degrees
- Adult : child ratios are as follows - one adult can supervise up to two children under the age of 8 years and one adult can supervise up to five children aged 8-16 years
- Modern changing rooms
- Pool toys, floats and small inflatables are included
- Some sessions are available exclusively for families with babies and pre-schoolers
- Some sessions are available for all to enjoy
- Additional open swim sessions available during school holidays
- All venues have on-site cafes and play areas for under 5s
- Pools come with modern viewing areas where family can watch (with a nice cuppa too)
- Find out more, check timetables and book here: paddlepod.co.uk/swim/open-swim-sessions
What's On 22 & 23 April
Events to book now
- 18 - 29 April - Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty at Newcastle Theatre Royal
- 20 - 22 April - Worlds Apart at Northern Stage (11+)
- 22 April - Family Arts Festival Super Saturday Crafts (Cityscapes) at Shipley Art Gallery
- 22 April - Family Bat Watch at Wallington
- 22 April - Wallington Dawn Chorus Safari (12+)
- 22 April - The Magical Music of Harry Potter at Tyne Theatre & Opera House
- 22 April - The Animal Guys Unleashed at Whitley Bay Playhouse
- 22 April - Olly Murs at Utilita Arena
- 22 April - Pup Up Pawty at Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter
- 22 & 23 April - Kids Fun Zone with UNLIMITED rides for 2 hours at Brocksbushes (2-10years)
- 23 April - Dawn Chorus Disco at Ouseburn
- 23 April - St George's Day Twilight Tour at Newcastle Castle
Events with no booking required
- Daily from 22 April - Sun and Seasons Trail at Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden
- Daily - Visit the Cherry Blossom at Alnwick Garden (check out this 2for1 entry deal)
- Daily - Myth Quest : Monsters and Mortals at Great North Museum
- 22 April - FREE Earth Day Activities at Sunderland Winter Gardens
- 22 April - FREE Earth Day Activities at Great North Museum
- 22 April - FREE Earth Day Sensory Trail and Craft at South Shields Museum
- 22 April - Earth Day Activities at The Bowes Museum
- 22 & 23 April - FREE Entry Bishop Auckland Food Festival
- 22 & 23 April - Tractor Gathering at Beamish
- 22 & 23 April - FREE Entry Dinosaur Invasion Funfair at Stobhill Community Centre
- 23 April - Seashore Safari at Souter Lighthouse
- 23 April - FREE St George's Day Dragon at Darlington Town Centre
- 23 April - FREE Cullercoats Dolphin Watch Family Fun Day
What's On 29 & 30 April
Events to book now
- 18 - 29 April - Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty at Newcastle Theatre Royal
- 27 April - 6 May - Protest at Northern Stage (8+)
- 29 April - Osprey Watching Cruise at Kielder (13+)
- 29 April - 1 May - Kids Fun Zone with UNLIMITED rides for 2 hours at Brocksbushes (2-10years)
- 29 April - 1 May - Teddy Bear's Picnic at Whitehouse Farm
Hexham Book Festival Highlights: - 29 April - FREE Sound Explorers Workshops (ages 5+)
- 30 April - Johannes Radebe : Freedom Unleashed at Newcastle Theatre Royal
- 30 April - Sensory Stories with Seven Stories at Hexham Abbey (under 5s)
- 30 April - The Gecko and the Echo at Hexham Abbey (under 7s)
- 30 April - Guess How Much I Love You at Hexham Abbey (ages 3+)
- 30 April - Viking Crafts at The White Room, Hexham (ages 4+)
- 30 April - Two Terrible Vikings at Hexham Abbey (5+)
- 30 April - Farmyard Tales with Poppy and Sam at Hexham Abbey (under 5s)
- 30 April - Twisted Tales at Hexham Abbey (5+)
- 30 April - You Choose at Hexham Abbey (2-7 years)
- 30 April - Dawn Chorus Disco at Ouseburn
- 30 April - Great British Tribute Festival
- Daily - Sun and Seasons Trail at Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden
- Daily - Myth Quest : Monsters and Mortals at Great North Museum
- 24 - 30 April - Blossom Week at Washington Old Hall
- 24 - 30 April - Festival of Blossom at Gibside
- 28 & 29 April - FREE Entry Slice Wars at Wylam Brewery
- 28 April - 1 May - FREE Entry Darlington Food & Drink Festival
- 29 April - FREE Family Crafts & Spring Fair at Shipley Art Gallery
- 30 April - Watergate Cafe Dog Show
The Magical Music of Harry Potter
at Middlesbrough Town Hall
This looks like it's going to be such an incredible evening. Guests will enjoy a spectacular concert like nothing before.
Starring some original actors, star soloists, a choir and the London Symphonic and Philharmonic Film Orchestras, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be brought to life.
Audiences will enjoy a fully immersive experience with jaw dropping visual and magical effects plus state-of-the-art lights and laser alongside music from all of the Harry Potter films and the award-winning play The Cursed Child.
A live concert, not to be missed! Find out more and book tickets here.
Easter at Discovery Museum
New FREE Fantasy Adventure Exprience at Great North Museum
A brand new fantasty adventure experience opens at Great North Museum on 25 March (runs until 3 September). It is FREE to visit with no booking required and open during normal museum opening hours. All ages are welcome. Here's a little about what you can expect from "Myth Quest: Monsters & Mortals":
- An original and interactive fantasy adventure where the visitor becomes the hero
- Part immersive story / part live action game
- 'Myth Quest' players will explore myths and monsters throughout the museum to complete their quest
- Players start in Mary's Study and Archive where they can choose a magical item to help them on their quest alongside a map and quartz crystal
- Then head out into the museum to take part in one of three interactive adventures (Foggy Forest of Forgettings / the Serpentine Sea of Sirens / the Moody Mountains of the Monsters)
- Those who complete the quest will earn their place in the 'Myth Quest Hall of Heroes'
- The exhibition is complemented by Gaming Space for visitors to try out
- Find out more here
Ugly Duckling at Northern Stage
The 40 minute performance (no interval) is recommended for under 8s (+ grown ups) but all are welcome and there is a relaxed performance on Sat 15 April at 11am.
Follow Ugly Duckling as who is ignored by those around her. She tries to make friends with fellow ducklings, frogs, cats and even a fox but realises that she is different to all of these animals. Follow the story as Ugly Duckling overcomes her troubles and learns to love herself and those around her in this classic Hans Christian Anderson fairytale.
As seen on CBeebies, Northern Ballet's productions are usually sell outs and not to be missed.
- Friday 14 April at 2pm and 4pm
- Saturday 15 April at 11am (relaxed performance)
- Saturday 15 April at 1pm and 3pm
Kids Fun Zone at Brocksbushes Farm
- Unlimited Rides
- Unlimited Inflatables
- Unlimited Mini Golf
- Unlimited Garden Games
Dates:
- 31 March and 28 April : Dedicated Toddler Sessions (for ages 2-5 years only)
- 1-16 April : Regular Kids Fun Zone Sessions (for ages 2-10 years)
- 22 & 23 April : Regular Kids Fun Zone Sessions (for ages 2-10 years)
- 29 April-1 May : Regular Kids Fun Zone Sessions (for ages 2-10 years)
- Find out more and book here.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the fun zone area but not the farm shop / tea room / PYO fields and takeaway food and drinks will be available to purchase.
- 1 & 2 April : The Beamish Steam Gala 2023
A weekend focused on all things steam powered with a chance to see 20 road steam engines and rollers and 25 internal combustion vehicles. The Colliery Railway and narrow gauge lines will also be in operation. - 1 - 16 April : Beamish Egg Hunt
Join in with a free egg hunt around the museum and discover the Easter Bunny's real name. Collect your certificate from the museum shop when you leave and you'll be entered into a prize draw to win a fabulous Beamish hamper. - 7 - 10 April : Easter Celebrations at Beamish
Celebrate the traditions of Easter with lots of additional activities available across the weekend including traditional food displays, egg and spoon races, Easter wreath making, egg catapulting, Easter card making and Easter food being prepared in various kitchens through time. - 9 April : Singaround Sunday
Traditional music in the 1900s Pit Village. - 15 April : North East Concert Band
Performing in the 1900s Town Band Stand from 2pm-4pm. - 15 & 16 April : Napoleonic Muster 2023
Watch drill displays and learn about life in the army during this time at the 1820s landscape. - 16 April : Sunderland & District Classic Vehicle Show 2023
A must-visit event for any transport enthusiast.
Plastic Band (ages 5+)
Tickets are just £8 each or a family ticket is available for £30. Here's a little about what to expect:
- Be transported to the year 2142 and discover just how much single use plastic has taken over Durham and the surrounding areas
- The River Wear is overflowing with bottles, the Cathedral is covered with straws and all instruments are trapped under piles of rubbish
- How will you ever hear music again?
- Join Tate and Madonna as they make music out of the plastic that has built up around us and if you'd like to join the Plastic Band, feel free to Rock Out
- An interactive, musical theatre show for families with children aged 5+ exploring our use of single use plastics
Buy tickets for Bishop Auckland Town Hall here: https://bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk/bishoppost/plastic-band/
Newcastle Puppetry Festival - FREE Opening Weekend
Beasts on the Streets (from 11am) will feature a range of 'Beasts' taking over Northumberland Street. Expect a giant (but friendly) Octopus, life-size dinosaurs stomping around the streets, The Squid and the Sea performance, live music and more.
This will be followed by Wor Seahouse Spectacle Parade with over 120 participants, giant puppets and music parading through the street.
Sunday 9 April - FREE Drop In Event at Ouseburn Farm
On Easter Sunday, families are invited to visit Ouseburn Farm and enjoy a FREE Family Puppet Day with lots of free activities including giant bubble sculptures and bubble play, magic, music, outdoor performances, and facepainting for all ages.
+ Bookable Activities
- Rod Puppet Pals Puppet Making Workshops for ages 6+ at Seven Stories - book here
- Sparkle for ages 0-36 months at Seven Stories - book here
FREE LEGO Workshops & Science Shows
at The Common Room, Newcastle
The Common Room is located next door to Newcastle Central Station and super easy to get to by public transport.
- 4, 5 & 12 April
- All ages welcome (children need to be supervised)
- Activities include building LEGO trains, creating your own train whistle and discovering exactly how trains work
- Book your free tickets here
FREE Interactive Science Show at The Common Room
- 11 April
- All ages welcome (although I would recommend for ages 5-12)
- Expect live science demos, discover the deadly dangers of mining and some of the inventions which helped to keep people safe
- Book your free tickets here
The Lion King at Sunderland Empire
I am SO excited that Disney's The Lion King will be showing at Sunderland Empire from 16 March - 6 May. Recommended for ages 6+, it truly is a unique theatre experience that you'll never forget!
Find out more and book tickets here.
Deals & Offers
- Sign up to the Visit Britain Newsletter here and receive £20 per person off your next day out. You must sign up before 31 March and there are only 30,000 codes available. We have used this deal to book Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Make sure you check the t&cs.
- Book a Bird of Prey Handling Experience with over 50% off (from £19 pp) here
- Book discounted tickets to Northumberland College Zoo (with up to 40% off) here
- Book Adventure Golf in Sunderland with a 50% discount here
Easter Holiday Days Out with No Booking Required
- Daily Mon-Sat - Fairytale Forest Creative Play at Theatre Hullabaloo (0-10)
- 25 March - 3 September - Myth Quest : Monsters & Mortals Interactive Exhibition at Great North Museum
- 1 April - Make a Cherry Blossom Picture at Oriental Museum Durham
- 1 & 2 April - Beamish Steam Gala 2023
- 1 & 2 April - Big LEGO Build Weekend at Paxton House
- 1 - 14 April - Baby Dino Egg Hunt at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
- 1 - 15 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Seaton Delaval Hall
- 1 - 16 April - Tynemouth Egg-arium at Tynemouth Aquarium
- 1 - 16 April - Alnwick Ahoy Pirate Treasure Trail at Alnwick Gardens
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Family Fun Activities at Preston Park Museum & Grounds
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Trail at High Force
- 1 - 16 April - Springtime Bird Trail at Discovery Museum
- 1 - 16 April - Bunny Hop Trail in the Deer Park at Raby Castle
- 1 - 16 April - Who Lives Here Trail at RSPB Saltholme
- 1 - 16 April - Pond Dipping at RSPB Saltholme
- 1 - 16 April - Weetslade Spring Trail
- 1 - 16 April - IKEA Gateshead Egg Hunt
- 1 - 16 April - Ugly Duckling Trail at Hardwick Park
- 1 - 16 April - Spring Bunny Trail at Wharton Park
- 1 - 16 April - Duck Detectives at WWT Washington
- 1 - 16 April - Sunderland Easter in the City Trail and Activities
- 1 - 16 Aptil - Easter Quest at Belsay Hall
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Trail at Cragside
- 1 - 18 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Gibside
- 1 - 23 April - Roman Army Survival Guide & Trail at Roman Army Museum
- 1 - 30 April - Signs of Spring Family Event at Durham Botanic Garden
- 2 April - FREE Mini Train Rides at Exhibition Park
- 3 April - Drop in Springtime Glass Painting at National Glass Centre (5+)
- 3 April - Bronze Age Detectives at Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden
- 3 April - Marley the Pony at Bamburgh Castle
- 3 April - Easter Sports at Crook Hall Gardens
- 3 April - Souter Sports at Souter Lighthouse
- 3 - 14 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Wallington
- 4 April - Glass Painted Homes Activity at National Glass Centre (5+)
- 4 April - Design a Beetle Suncatcher at South Shields Museum
- 5 April - The Wild Escape at Oriental Museum Durham
- 5 April - Create a Super Sun Pendant at Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden
- 5 April - Crafty Romans : Make a Beautiful Bird at Arbeia Roman Fort
- 5 April - Make an Easter Sock Bunny at Souter Lighthouse
- 5 April - Pawfect Games - new dog agility course at Derwent Waterside Park opening event
- 5 - 8 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Crook Hall Gardens
- 6 April - Easter Sports at Crook Hall Gardens
- 6 - 10 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Washington Old Hall
- 7 April - Old School Games Day (with tug of war / egg and spoon / three legged race etc) at Derwent Waterside Park
- 7 - 9 April - Easter Egg Hunt at RSPB Saltholme
- 7 - 10 April - Easter Celebrations at Beamish
- 7 - 10 April - Easter Bunny at Woodhorn Museum
- 7 - 10 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Souter Lighthouse
- 7 - 13 April - Spanish City Easter Funfair
- 8 April - Celebrate Easter & Make a Bunny at Oriental Museum Durham
- 8 April - Drop in Springtime Glass Painting at National Glass Centre (5+)
- 8 April - Gosforth Park Easter Trail
- 8 April - Wor Seahorse Parade (Northumberland Street, Newcastle)
- 8 April - Beasts on the Street at Northumberland Street, Newcastle
Beasts on the Street - 8 April - Easter Family Fun Day at Ridley Park Blyth
- 9 April - FREE Family Puppet Day at Ouseburn Farm
- 9 April - FREE Elder Stories : Tales of the Ogham at The Cluny (7+)
- 9 April - Egg Hunt & Easter Crafts at Derwent Waterside Park
- 9 & 10 April - Annual Easter Chick Hunt at Durham Botanic Garden
- 10 April - Marley the Pony at Bamburgh Castle
- 11 April - Glass Painted Homes Activity at National Glass Centre (5+)
- 11 April - Create a Flowering Collage at South Shields Museum
- 11 April - Easter dEGGorating at IKEA Gateshead
- 12 April - A Really Wild Draw at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
- 12 April - Crafty Romans : Wild Arbeia at Arbeia Roman Fort
- 12 April - Souter Sports at Souter Lighthouse
- 12 April - Pin the Tail on the Bunny & Bunny Mask Making at IKEA Gateshead
- 12 April - Pawfect Games at Derwent Waterside Park
- 12 & 13 April - Make a Boat at Oriental Museum Durham
- 13 April - Easter Sports at Crook Hall Gardens
- 14 April - Make a Clay Pot or Sculpture at Oriental Museum Durham
- 14 April - Ways of Looking Adventure at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (4+)
- 14 April - Mini Pride at Preston Park Museum & Grounds
- 15 April - Celebrating Vaisakhi at Oriental Museum Durham
- 15 April - Drop in Springtime Glass Painting at National Glass Centre (5+)
- 15 April - Morris Dancing Day at Market Place, Darlington
- 15 & 16 April - Napoleonic Muster 2023 at Beamish
- 16 April - Sunderland and District Classic Vehicle Society 2023 at Beamish
Free Easter Holiday Fun
These events are all drop in unless stated otherwise.
- Daily Mon-Sat - Fairytale Forest Creative Play at Theatre Hullabaloo (0-10)
- Almost Daily - FREE Kids Movies, crafts, kids eat free and popcorn at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval
- 25 March - 3 September - Myth Quest : Monsters & Mortals Interactive Exhibition at Great North Museum
- 1 April - Make a Cherry Blossom Picture at Oriental Museum Durham
- 1 - 16 April - Sunderland Easter in the City Tral and Activities
- 1 - 16 April - IKEA Gateshead Egg Hunt
- 2 April - FREE Mini Train Rides at Exhibition Park
- 2 April - Create a Bee Friendly Garden Workshop at Dobbies (book)
- 3 April - Bronze Age Detectives at Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden
- 3 April - Souter Sports at Souter Lighthouse
- 4 April - Design a Beetle Suncatcher at South Shields Museum
- 4 & 5 April - (book) FREE Train / LEGO Workshops at The Common Room Newcastle
- 5 April - The Wild Escape at Oriental Museum Durham
- 5 April - Create a Super Sun Pendant at Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden
- 5 April - Pawfect Games - new dog agility course at Derwent Waterside Park opening event
- 5 April - Crafty Romans : Make a Beautiful Bird at Arbeia Roman Fort
- 6 April - Easter Egg Roll at Herrington Park (book)
- 7 April - Old School Games Day (with tug of war / egg and spoon / three legged race etc) at Derwent Waterside Park
- 8 April - Easter Family Fun Day at Ridley Park Blyth
- 8 April - Celebrate Easter & Make a Bunny at Oriental Museum Durham
- 8 April - Gosforth Park Easter Trail
- 8 April - Beasts on the Street at Northumberland Street, Newcastle
- 8 April - Wor Seahorse Parade (Northumberland Street, Newcastle)
- 9 April - Family Puppet Day at Ouseburn Farm
- 9 April - Elder Stories : Tales of the Ogham at The Cluny (7+)
- 10 April - Old School Games Day (with tug of war / egg and spoon / three legged race) at Derwent Waterside Park
- 11 April - (book) FREE Interactive Science Show at The Common Room
- 11 April - Create a Flowering Collage at South Shields Museum
- 11 April - Easter dEGGorating at IKEA Gateshead
- 11 & 13 April - Little Seedlings Easter Club at Dobbies Stockton (book)
- 12 April - A Really Wild Draw at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
- 12 April - Crafty Romans : Wild Arbeia at Arbeia Roman Fort
- 12 April - Souter Sports at Souter Lighthouse
- 12 April - Pin the Tail on the Bunny & Bunny Mask Making at IKEA Gateshead
- 12 April - Pawfect Games at Derwent Waterside Park
- 12 April - FREE Train / LEGO Workshops at The Common Room Newcastle
- 12 & 13 April - Make a Boat at Oriental Museum Durham
- 12 & 13 April - Little Seedlings Easter Club at Dobbies Morpeth (book)
- 14 April - Little Seedlings Easter Club at Dobbies Gosforth (book)
- 14 April - Make a Clay Pot or Sculpture at Oriental Museum Durham
- 15 April - Celebrating Vaisakhi at Oriental Museum Durham
- 15 April - Morris Dancing Day at Market Place, Darlington
Easter Walks, Trails & Egg Hunts
- 1 - 14 April - Baby Dino Egg Hunt at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
- 1 - 15 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Seaton Delaval Hall
- 1-16 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Tynemouth Park (book in advance)
- 1 - 16 April - Alnwick Ahoy Pirate Treasure Trail at Alnwick Gardens
- 1 - 16 April - Springtime Bird Trail at Discovery Museum
- 1 - 16 April - IKEA Gateshead Egg Hunt
- 1 - 16 April - Who Lives Here Trail at RSPB Saltholme
- 1 - 16 April - Weetslade Spring Trail
- 1 - 16 April - Ugly Duckling Trail at Hardwick Park
- 1 - 16 April - Spring Bunny Trail at Wharton Park
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Egg Hunt in the Plotters' Forest
- 1 - 16 April - Bunny Hop Trail in the Deer Park at Raby Castle
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Trail at High Force
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Trail at Cragside
- 1 - 18 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Gibside
- 3 - 14 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Wallington
- 5 - 8 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Crook Hall Gardens
- 6 - 10 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Washington Old Hall
- 7 - 9 April - Easter Egg Hunt at RSPB Saltholme
- 7 & 9 April - Easter Egg Hunt & Activities at Woodlands Bistro & Venue
- 7 - 10 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Souter Lighthouse
- 8 April - Gosforth Park Easter Trail
- 9 & 10 April - Annual Easter Chick Hunt at Durham Botanic Garden
Easter Holiday Dining / Kids Eat Free
- Various Dates - Easter Bunny Breakfast at Dobbies
- 4 April - Breakfast with Knights and Princesses at Seven Stories
- 7 & 8 April - Breakfast with Peter Rabbit at Keel Row Seaton Delaval
- 9 April - Easter Afternoon Tea at High Force Hotel
- 11 April - Breakfast with Knights and Princesses at Seven Stories
- Various date - Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at IKEA Gateshead
- 1-16 April - Kids Eat Free (one free kids meal with every adult meal purchased) at George's Fish Shack in Eldon Square
- Kids eat free at Zapatista during all school holidays (with the purchase of an adult main). There are locations in Newcastle and Durham
- Free kids meal (with the purchase of an adult meal) at Dobbies Ponteland, Gosforth, Morpeth, Birtley and Stockton
- Kids Eat Free during FREE Movies (available 3-8 and 10-14 April) at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval. This looks like a very good deal. You get 2 free kids meals for every adult meal purchased PLUS free popcorn PLUS a free movie PLUS free arts and crafts. See here for timings, more info and to book.
- Kids eat free at Ramside's Pemberton's Carvery Mon-Sat until 15 April. No booking required, one free kids meal per paying adult. Ideal to combine with a trip to Durham.
- Kids eat free at Twenty Twenty Newcastle - available for bookings made for 12noon-4pm Mon-Fri during the Easter break. TWO free kids meals with any 20" pizza (enough to feed 2-3 adults). Kids meals include Make your own pizza, chef hat, ice cream/popcorn and a soft drink.
- Kids eat free at Tomahawk Steakhouse (this link is for Ponteland but I believe it's at every location - check their social media). Before 7pm Mon-Fri during the Easter break. One child eats free per adult meal purchased from their lunch / evening menu.
- Kids eat free at Dobson and Parnell, Newcastle Wednesday - Saturday before 7pm and before 4pm on a Sunday. One complimentary kids main when an adult purchases a minimum of 2 courses. State kids eat free on booking / arrival. Not valid on Easter Sunday.
- Kids eat free at Hinnies Whitley Bay - One complimentary main course for children when an adult purchases a minimum of 2 courses from their set menu Wed-Fri before 7pm during the Easter break. State kids eat free on booking/arrival.
Kids eat free weekend brunch is also an on-going deal here (until 31 May). One free children's brunch with every adult brunch purchased. - Kids eat free at Blackfriars - Valid Mon-Fri druing the Easter break. One complimentary main course for children when an adult purchases at least 2 courses from the set menu over lunchtimes Mon-Fri.
- Kids eat free at Pausa Cafes with every £4 adult spend (Dunelm)
- Kids eat free at Morrisons Cafes
- Kids eat free at Yo Sushi Mon-Fri 3rd-14th April with a £10 adult spend
Easter Holiday Activities to Book Now
Booking in advance is preferred for these events however do check each individual attraction as they may accept walk-ins on the day if space is available. Apologies if any of these events have sold out. I don't remove sold out events from this post as there may be cancellations / more tickets released.- Daily - Dino-Roar Adventures at Lightwater Valley
- 16 March - 6 May - Disney's The Lion King at Sunderland Empire (6+)
If you already have tickets to see The Lion King, check out our guide to the best restaurants near Sunderland Empire here. - 27 March - 1 April - Titanic the Musical at Theatre Royal Newcastle (8+)
- 1 April - The Bubble Show at Alnwick Playhouse (3-12+)
- 1 April - Stories of the Sun Storytelling Sessions at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
- 1 April - Flux at YMCA Ashington (11+)
- 1 April - Woman Like Me Little Mix Show at Alnwick Playhouse
- 1 & 2 April - Alice in Wonderland and Mr Rabbit's Interactive Walk Through Adventure at Rainton Arena
- 1 - 7 April - Craft Your Own Gingerbread at Seven Stories
- 1 - 7 April - Goldilocks and the Cunning Creatures Craft Session at Seven Stories (7+)
- 1 - 7 April - Grimm' Tangled Tales Storytime Interactive Performance at Seven Stories
- 1 - 16 April - Lamb Feeding at Ouseburn Farm
- 1 - 16 April - Goat Walking at Ouseburn Farm
- 1 - 15 April - Artist Makers at Bowes Museum (5+)
- 1 - 16 April - Unlimited Rides & Inflatables with the Brocksbushes' Kids Fun Zone (2-10)
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Eggstravaganza at Whitehouse Farm
- 1 - 16 April - Fairy Tales and Fable Times at Seven Stories
- 1-16 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Tynemouth Park
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Egg Hunt in the Plotters' Forest
- 2 April - Heritage Train Rides at Stephenspn Railway
- 2 April - Create a Bee Friendly Garden Workshop at Dobbies
- 2 April - Open Your Eyes to Fishing at Derwent Waterside Park (7+)
- 3 April - FREE Kids Movie (Sing) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 3 April - Mark Thompson's Spectacular Science Show at The Fire Station Sunderland
- 3 April - Easter Wreath Making Workshop at Hardwick Park
- 3 April - Alpaca Experience at Brocksbushes
- 3 April - LEGO Build Challenge at Paxton House (4-10)
- 3 & 4 April - Rabbit and Guinea Pig Grooming and Holding at Ouseburn Farm
- 3 - 14 April - Family Story Tour (Animals in Unexpected Places) at Bowes Museum (5+)
- 4 April - FREE Kids Movie (Puss in Boots) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 4 April - Springtime Bonnet & Bunny Ear Crafts at Shipley Art Gallery (ages 4+)
- 4 April - Dreamcoat Stars at Alnwick Playhouse
- 4 April - Bird Crafts at Discovery Museum
- 4 April - Marty and the Party at Northern Stage (2-6)
- 4 April - Open Your Eyes to Fishing at Fontburn (7+)
- 4 April - Family Den Building at Northumberlandia
- 4 April - Wooden Bunnies and Chick Crafts at Wharton Park
- 4 April - Rod Puppet Making at Theatre Hullabaloo (6-10)
- 4 April - Little Biscuits Coronation Day Workshop at The Biscuit Factory (8-14)
- 4 April - Reptile Bathing at Ouseburn Farm
- 4 & 5 April - FREE Train / LEGO Workshops at The Common Room Newcastle
- 4 - 6 April - Bugs n Stuff Interactive Animal Show at Woodhorn Museum
- 4 - 6 April - Animal Hour at Wheelbirks Farm (6-13)
- 4 - 6 April - Plastic Band at Gala Durham (ages 5+)
- 5 April - Walltown Wild Sounds Safari (13+)
- 5 April - Alpaca Experience at Brocksbushes
- 5 April - Fantasy Fused Glass Homes Activity at National Glass Centre (ages 6+)
- 5 April - Frogs & Flapjacks at Walltown (5+)
- 5 April - The Magical Music of Harry Potter at Middlesbrough Town Hall
- 5 April - FREE Kids Movie (Minions, Rise of Gru) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 5 April - Bird Builds a Nest Story & Crafts at Discovery Museum (3-5)
- 5 April - Walltown Nature Rangers (7-12)
- 5 April - Baa army Spring Crafts at Wharton Park
- 5 April - The Not So Grimm Twins at Customs House (4+)
- 5 & 6 April - Treasure Island at Theatre Royal Newcastle (7+)
- 5 - 7 April - Heritage Train Rides at Stephenspn Railway
- 7 April - Bunny Hunt with Activate Theatre at Ushaw Historic House
- 7 April -Bunny and Guinea Pig Grooming at Ouseburn Farm
- 7 - 10 April - Easter Teddy Bear's Picnic at Tanfield Railway
- 6 April - Easter Sandcasting at National Glass Centre (6+)
- 6 April - Bird Box Making & Family Birds Activity at Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre
- 6 April - The Tiny Seed Storytime & Crafts at Discovery Museum (3-5)
- 6 April - Milkshake Live at Darlington Hippodrome
- 6 April - Morgan and West Unbelievable Science Show at Alnwick Playhouse
- 6 April - FREE Kids Movie (The Secret Life of Pets) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 6 April - The Not So Grimm Twins at Washington Arts Centre (4+)
- 6 April - Daffodil and Flower Wand Crafts at Shipley Art Gallery (4+)
- 6 April - Northumberland National Park Holiday Club
- 6 April - Down the Rabbit Hole Adventure at Hardwick Park
- 6 April - Rabbit Drawing for Families at Ouseburn Farm
- 6 April - Fairytale Forest Neurodiverse Individual Session (free)
- 6 April - Easter Egg Roll at Herrington Park
- 6 April - Children's Easter Basket Making Workshop at Souter Lighthouse
- 6 - 8 April - Alice in Wonderland and Mr Rabbit's Interactive Walk Through Adventure at Rainton Arena
- 6 - 13 April - Stay & Play for Under 5s at Bowes Museum
- 7 April - Rescue Rapunzel at Seven Stories (5+)
- 7 April - Pop Princesses at Customs House
- 7 April - Milkshake Live at The Fire Station
- 7 April - Shrek at Newcastle Castle
- 7 April - Reptile Bathing at Ouseburn Farm
- 7 April - FREE Kids Movie (Coco) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 7 & 8 April - Hey Diddle Diddle at Alnwick Playhouse (under 6s)
- 7 & 9 April - Easter Egg Hunt & Activities at Woodlands Bistro & Venue
- 8 April - Alnwick Garden Annual Duck Race
- 8 April - Animal Hour at Wheelbirks Farm (6-13)
- 8 April - Alpaca Experience at Brocksbushes
- 8 April - Easter Extravaganza at Paxton House
- 8 April - Plastic Band at Gala Durham (ages 5+)
- 8 April - FREE Kids Movie (Monsters Inc) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 8 & 9 April - Easter Weekend Crafts at Seven Stories
- 8 & 9 April - Easter Storytime at Seven Stories
- 8 & 9 April - Rapunzel Easter Panto at Tyne Theatre & Opera House
- 8 - 10 April - Steam Weekend at Aln Valley Railway
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Rod Puppet Pals Workshop at Seven Stories |
- 9 April - Rod Puppet Pals Workshop at Seven Stories (ages 6+)
- 9 April - Dangerous Dave at The Cluny (all ages)
- 9 April - Du Iz Tak at Seven Stories (ages 4+)
- 9 April - Easter Horse Carriage Rides at South Causey Inn
- 9 April - Alice in Wonderland Music Festival at Rainton Arena
- 9 & 10 April - Heritage Train Rides at Stephenson Railway
- 9 - 16 April - Alice in Wonderland and Mr Rabbit's Interactive Walk Through Adventure at Rainton Arena
- 10 April - Easter Sandcasting at National Glass Centre (6+)
- 10 April - LEGO Build Challenge at Paxton House (4-10)
- 10 April - Reptile Bathing at Ouseburn Farm
- 10 April - Open Your Eyes to Fishing at Derwent Waterside Park (7+)
- 10 April - Pinocchio at Newcastle Arts Centre (ages 5+)
- 10 April - FREE Kids Movie (Shrek) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 10 & 11 April - Rapunzel Easter Panto at Whitley Bay Playhouse
- 10 & 11 April - Bunny and Guinea Pig Grooming at Ouseburn Farm
- 10 - 16 April - Craft Your Own Gingerbread at Seven Stories
- 10 - 16 April - Goldilocks and the Cunning Creatures Craft Session at Seven Stories (7+)
- 10 - 16 April - Grimm' Tangled Tales Storytime Interactive Performance at Seven Stories
- 11 April - Spring Sketchbook Challenge at Shipley Art Gallery (ages 4+)
- 11 April - Spring Flowers Crafts at Discovery Museum
- 11 April - Family Minibeast Hunt and Tracking Activity at Northumberlandia
Pixiematosis - 11 April - Pixiematosis at Newcastle Arts Centre (ages 12+)
- 11 April - FREE Kids Movie (Trolls) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 11 April - Morgan and West's Unbelievable Science Show at Queen's Hall Arts Centre Hexham
- 11 April - Lamb Drawing for Families at Ouseburn Farm
- 11 April - FREE Interactive Science Show at The Common Room
- 11 April - Eggs on Legs at Newcastle Arts Centre (ages 3-8 years)
- 11 April - Moments from In Suspension at Dance City (ages 10+)
- 11 & 12 April - Dada Masilo's The Sacrifice at Theatre Royal Newcastle (12+)
- 11 & 13 April - Little Seedlings Easter Club at Dobbies Stockton
- 11 - 13 April - Art Trail : Light at the End of the Tunnel at Newcastle Cathedral
- 11 - 13 April - Bugs n Stuff Interactive Animal Show at Woodhorn Museum
- 11 - 16 April - Arbuthnot and the Beanstalk Easter Panto at Customs House
- 12 April - Walltown Wild Sounds Safari (13+)
- 12 April - Easter Bunny Art Class at South Causey Inn (6-12 years)
- 12 April - Frogs & Flapjacks at Walltown (5+)
- 12 April - The Gingerbread Man at Dance City (3+)
- 12 April - FREE Train / LEGO Workshops at The Common Room Newcastle
- 12 April - SeedHeart (ages 4+) at Newcastle Arts Centre
- 12 April - FREE Kids Movie (Finding Nemo) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 12 April - Pop Princesses at Whitley Bay Playhouse
- 12 April - Walltown Nature Rangers (7-12)
- 12 April - Little Biscuits Art Workshop at The Biscuit Factory - Bugs and Insects (7-13)
- 12 April - Alpaca Experience at Brocksbushes
- 12 & 13 April - Heritage Train Rides at Stephenson Railway
- 12 & 13 April - Little Seedlings Easter Club at Dobbies Morpeth
- 12 & 13 April - Animal Hour at Wheelbirks Farm (6-13)
- 13 April - Drypoint Print Workshop at Seven Stories (ages 12+)
- 13 April - Family Parachute Challenge at Discovery Museum (7+)
- 13 April - Children's Wildlife Walk at Raby Castle
- 13 April - Plantpots and Bracelets Crafts at Shipley Art Gallery (ages 4+)
- 13 April - FREE Kids Movie (Encanto) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 13 April - Anansi and the Lost Sun Puppet Performance at Dance City (ages 4-9 + families)
- 13 April - Dragon at Newcastle Arts Centre (ages 8+/teens)
- 13 April - Northumberland National Park Holiday Club
- 13 April - LOVO at Dance City (ages 7+/teens/adults)
- 13 April - Open Your Eyes to Fishing at Derwent Reservoir (7+)
- 13 - 15 April - Dinosaur World Live at Darlington Hippodrome
- 13 - 15 April - Am I Alone in This? at Northern Stage (14+)
H & D - Hansel & Gretel - 13 - 15 April - H&B Hansel & Gretel (9+, teens and adults) outside Dance City
- 14 April - Rescue Rapunzel at Seven Stories (5+)
- 14 April - How Long is a Piece of String at Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Hexham (3-7)
- 14 April - Wallington Wildlife Safari (12+)
- 14 April - Clowns Houses at Dance City (ages 16+)
- 14 April - FREE Kids Movie (Frozen) plus FREE popcorn and FREE crafts at Secret Garden Seaton Delaval plus two FREE kids meals per adult meal purchased.
- 14 April - Kids Wildlife Photography at Wallington (7-11)
- 14 April - Introduction to Wildlife Photography at Wallington (16+)
- 14 April - Little Seedlings Easter Club at Dobbies Gosforth (book)
- 14 April - Reptile Bathing at Ouseburn Farm
- 14 April - toooB at Dance City (6-24 months+ and their grown ups)
toooB at Dance City - 14 & 15 April - The Ugly Ducking at Northern Stage (under 8s)
The Ugly Duckling at Northern Stage - 14 & 15 April - Plastic Band at Bishop Auckland Town Hall (ages 5+)
- 14 & 16 April - Bunny and Guinea Pig Grooming at Ouseburn Farm
- 15 April - Dawn Chorus Disco at Ouseburn
- 15 April - Potions Club at Walltown Country Park (7-11)
- 15 April - The Stars in the Sky (ages 4+) at Newcastle Arts Centre
- 15 April - Pinocchio at Theatre Hullabaloo (4+)
- 15 April - JOE 5 at Dance City (14+)
- 15 April - Eurovision Sock Contest at Newcastle Arts Centre (ages 12+)
- 16 April - Heritage Train Rides at Stephenspn Railway
Dog Friendly Easter Holiday Days Out
Dogs are permitted in some areas of the following events. Please check with venues direct for more info regarding which areas dogs are / are not permitted.
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Weetslade Easter Wagtastic Egg Hunt |
- 1 & 2 April : The Beamish Steam Gala 2023
- 1 - 15 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Seaton Delaval Hall
- 1 - 16 April (and other dates) : Kids Fun Zone at Brocksbushes (dogs permitted in the Fun Zone only)
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Trail at High Force
- 1 - 16 April - Bunny Hop Trail at Raby Castle Deer Park
- 1 - 16 April - Weetslade Spring Trail
- 1 - 16 April - Ugly Duckling Trail at Hardwick Park
- 1 - 16 April - Spring Bunny Trail at Wharton Park
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Quest at Belsay
- 1 - 16 April - Easter Trail at Cragside
- 1 - 18 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Gibside
- 3 - 14 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Wallington
- 5 April - Pawfect Games - new dog agility course at Derwent Waterside Park opening event
- 5 - 8 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Crook Hall Gardens
- 6 - 10 April - Easter Egg Hunt at Washington Old Hall
- 7 April - Weetslade Easter Wagtastic Egg Hunt
- 7 - 10 April : Easter Celebrations at Beamish
- 8 April - Easter Family Fun Day at Ridley Park Blyth
- 12 April - Pawfect Games at Derwent Waterside Park
- 15 & 16 April : Napoleonic Muster at Beamish
- Beamish Museum (dogs permitted on transport at the conductor's discretion, inside the Sun Inn Pub and in the undercover picnic area near the funfair)
- Sutton Bank National Park Centre (dogs permitted in all indoor areas including the visitor centre / exhibition)
- Hexham Old Gaol (dogs permitted inside the museum)
- Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre (dogs permitted inside the barns/museum)
- Tanfield Railway (dogs permitted to ride the trains)
- Aln Valley Railway (dogs permitted to ride the trains)
- Heatherslaw Light Railway (dogs permitted to ride the trains)
- Eden Camp Museum (dogs allowed inside the museum)
- Warkworth Castle (dogs allowed inside the castle)
- Berwick Museum & Art Gallery (dogs allowed inside the museum)
- North East Land, Sea and Air Museum (dogs allowed inside the museum)
- Barter Books (dogs permitted inside)
- Woodhorn Museum (dogs permitted in the outbuildings and covered outdoor cafe terrace)
- Ryedale Folk Museum (dogs permitted inside the buildings)
Other Ideas for the Easter Holidays
- 75 things to do in Newcastle with kids
- Easter Egg Hunts and Trails
- The Best Places to see Lambs this Easter
- Indoor dog-friendly attractions
- The Best North East Coastal Walks for kids
- 5 Waterparks within a 3 hour drive of Newcastle
- 15 FREE Days Out for Babies and Toddlers
- The Best Parks and Playgrounds in North East England
- 100 Days Out for Teens in North East England
- 10 Family Walks with a Playground and Cafe
- 50 FREE Days Out across North East England
- 10 FREE Days Out near a Metro Station
- 5 of the Best Picnic Spots in North East England
- 10 Walks with Waterfalls in North East England
Wow! As you rightly said that's quite a list. Now just hoping for dry weather to enjoy some of these events when we have our grandsons here.π
ReplyDeleteOh wow! What an epic list of things to do and places to go. I hope the sun keeps shining! x
ReplyDelete