What's On for Kids in North East England | Easter 2021

This post is currently being updated. Please check back soon. 

Attractions regularly change their opening hours, admission fees, booking policies and offerings. I try to keep this post as updated as I can but it is important that you check updated details with the venue direct before setting off.

Please follow Government guidelines. It is not my job to ensure that the public follow the guidance - it is down to personal responsibility so please make yourselves familiar with the ins and outs of the UK roadmap and key dates. I have already received countless messages around the subject and some people don't even think I should publish this guide at all. It is important to me that I get the balance right and support local businesses & promote wellbeing whilst being careful to not encourage unsafe behaviour. 

So here is my disclaimer - please read the official guidance here. Don't break the law, please follow the guidance, if you travel somewhere and it is busy - consider leaving and returning another time, park considerably, stay safe, wash your hands, continue to social distance, wear a face covering when required and be responsible for your own actions. 

The Government has said their roadmap out of lockdown has been set out to allow families and friends who may not have seen each other for months to meet outdoors over Easter and I cannot wait to catch up with family and friends.

We are still being asked to limit travel (although not a legal requirement) which of course, is open to interpretation. For us, we will be staying local to North East England over Easter, avoiding crowded places and finding quieter spots to safely meet up with friends and family and still enjoying time at home. We won't be going wild with epic adventures everyday but we have barely left Cramlington for the last 5 months and as a family, we really need to start getting some normality back for our own wellbeing and sanity. For us, the Easter holidays are the first tentative steps towards this.

I know some people have regularly left their hometown already and travelling to the woods / beach / into another town for a takeaway is nothing new for them, others plan to travel a little further to meet up with relatives over Easter who they have not seen in ages, others may feel safer staying at home for a little longer. The law allows us to leave home over Easter and who are we to judge others and their circumstances - we are all doing our best. 

Walks and picnics will probably be the main focus of this post as most attractions are unable to open until after the holidays. 

I have previously worked with many of the attractions mentioned in this post but nobody has paid to specifically feature in this post. 

(Ad) Discovery Museum Competitions & Events

The Discovery Museum is currently closed (in line with Government guidance) however their team have still been working hard to bring the museum at home to you this Easter with two virtual events and a lovely competition. 

Competition 

The Discovery Museum is inviting families to create their own Egg Invention using recycled materials and at least one egg (can be real, chocolate or egg shape). There are three prizes to be won: 

• Ages 4-7 (Discovery Museum story and craft pack)
• Ages 8-11 (A family ticket for the RAF Flight Simulator (up to six people over 1.07m in the same household/support bubble)
• Ages 11-14 (A family ticket for the RAF Flight Simulator (up to six people over 1.07m in the same household/support bubble)

Prizes can be claimed once the museum re-opens. 

To enter, email Learning@DiscoveryMuseum.org.uk with an image and description of the entry. Also include the child's name, a guardian's name and telephone number. All entries will be shared on Discovery Museum's Social Media. 

Competition ends 1pm Wednesday 8 April 2021. Find out more here. 


Easter Egg Catapults 

This virtual workshop takes place on 1, 8 and 15 April and will guide you through the process of making your very own catapults. Tickets are £5 per screen. Find out more and book here. 

Egg Drop Challenge 

This virtual workshop takes place on 30 March, 6 & 13 April and will guide you through the process of designing your very own egg parachute to protect your egg. Tickets are £5 per screen. Find out more and book here. 

Mini Golf

• Some outdoor mini golf courses are able to open from 29 March. Check out this guide to outdoor mini golf courses across North East England for inspiration and ideas for places to book. 

Outdoor Swimming Pools

I am not sure many will open and it may still be too cold, but technically, outdoor swimming pools can open from 29 March. Check out this post for inspiration and individual pools for their plans. 

• 5 Outdoor Swimming Pools within a 2 hour drive of Newcastle 

Easter Sport/ Outdoor Camps 

Please read the Government guidance around eligibility before booking. 

• Moor House Adventure Centre is offering a half day Easter Holiday camp for children aged 8+. Activities include air rifles, tomahawks, bushcraft and orienteering. Please read the eligibility criteria and find out more / book here.  
  
  
• Next Generation Easter Holiday Sports Camps (various locations) - find out more and book here. 
  
  
• B GR8 Football are running Easter Holiday Camps at Great Park - find out more and book here.
  
  
• Wilde Farm Outdoor Easter Farm Club. Email wildefarmponteland@gmail.com to book (more info in the image below). 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Walks, Parks & Picnics

• 30+ Walking Trails for Kids 
  
  
• Download / purchase a Treasure Hunt / Spy Mission from Treasure Trails 

Carlisle Park, Morpeth

• 10 Easy Coastal Walks 
• 11 of the Best Woodland Walks 
• 10 Family Walks with Cafes and Playgrounds nearby 
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Beamish Hall Adventures in Wonderland Trail (pre-booking required)
  
  

• A FREE nature trail and adventure playground at Derwent Waterside Park 
• Durham Heritage Coast Walk / Blast Beach / Sea Glass Hunting
• Thornley Woodland Centre Sculpture Trail 
  
  
  
• Take part in the FREE Augmented Reality Easter Trail around Sunderland 

• Plessey Woods Play Park & Sculpture Trail  - why not purchase a Little Wood Walkers Plessey Woods adventure book filled with trails to follow and activities? Find out more here. 
  
  
• A Guide to Visiting Northumberlandia
• Druridge Bay Country Park 

Fontburn Reservoir 

• Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle Walk 
• Fontburn Reservoir Play Park & Walk 
• Whitley Bay to St Mary's Island Walk 

• Rising Sun Country Park Walk & Farm 
• How to Climb Roseberry Topping 
• How to find the Cramlington Giant Spoon 

• Hardwick Park & Dinosaur Trail 
• Wildlife Warriors Trail 
• Low Hauxley Nature Reserve Accessible Walk 

• 10 Walks with Waterfalls 
• Ridley Park, Blyth 
• Tyne Green Park, Hexham 

Penshaw Monument

• Auckland Castle Deer Park 
• A Guide to Climbing Penshaw Monument 
• Where to Find Steppy Stones across North East England 

• Causey Arch Picnic Area 
• Treasure Trails Guide 
• 15 of the Best Playgrounds across North East England

• The Best Places to Paddle in Streams across North East England
• A Guide to Visiting Bedlington Country Park / Humford Woods
• Queen Elizabeth II Countryside Park 

• A Guide to Visiting Ingram Valley 
• Collision and Conflict - a new geolocated sound walk around Northumberland National Park (with accompanying app) launches on 26 March. 

Outdoor Pursuits 

• At time of print, Battlezone Paintball in Yarm and Newcastle can open from 29 March for outdoor paintball, laser tag and more (for adults and kids aged 8+). Find out more and book here. 
  
  
• Moor House Adventure Centre is taking bookings for outdoor rifle shooting, crossbows, archery and tomahawk throwing. Find out more and book here. 
  
  
• Family guided Goat Walks with Birkheads Wild - find out more over on their Facebook page

Cycling

• Take part in British Cycling Newcastle Bingo - it is free to take part at any time and includes lots of 'at home' activities such as 'clean your bike' or 'map out a cycle route'. Share photos of you completing the challenges with British Cycling Newcastle for your chance to win a prize. For full details and to download the activities, visit the British Cycling Newcastle Bingo Facebook Page here. 
  
  

• 30+ of the Best Cycle Route for Kids 
  
  

Easter Egg Hunts 

• Click here to read my guide to North East Easter Egg Hunts 
  
  

Family Days Out & Events 

NB - schools in the North East return on different dates so some of these events may not fall in your specific school holidays. 

• Take part in the St Cuthberts Bunny Hop. Register before 31 March to guarantee a medal and take part between 1 - 11 April. Find out more here. 
  
  
• 6th April - The Runaway Rabbit Craft Day at Lanchester Garden Centre (various craft sessions available to pre-book). Find out more and book here. 
  
  
• 8th April - Forest School (We're Going On a Bear Trail) at Lanchester Garden Centre - find out more and book here. 
  
  
• 9th April - Forest School (Gruff-Hello) at Lanchester Garden Centre - find out more and book here. 
  
  
• 9th April - The Runaway Rabbit Teatime Treat at Lanchester Garden Centre - find out more and book here. 
  
  
• 10th April - Forest School (Stick Family Tree) at Lanchester Garden Centre - find out more and book here. 
  
  
• 12th April - Burn It Up North Shields opens (formerly Lost in Wintertown) - find out more over on their Facebook page here. 
  
  
• From 12th April - The Valentine's Funfair at Team Valley takes place. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for information. 
  
  
• From 12th April - Roller skating and Spring Funfair at Rainton Arena - find out more and book here. 

Raby Castle & Grounds : https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/

Raby Castle 

• Public transport -  Yes, via bus. Click here for information. 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - Click here for information
• Dog friendly -   Yes in the grounds and Stables cafe 
• Pre-booking required - Yes 

Raby Castle has organised a couple of Easter events this year: 

• Private Hire Trailer Rides around the Deer Park from 2 April - book here. 
• An Easter Trail around the Park & Gardens from 27 March - 11 April - find out more here
• High Force Wildlife Trail from 27 March - 11 April - find out more here

Bamburgh Castle - https://www.bamburghcastle.com/ (grounds only from 29 March) 

• Public transport -   Yes, via bus to Bamburgh
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - See here for information
• Dog friendly -   Yes in the grounds 
• Pre-booking required - Yes 

Bamburgh Castle will be hosting Marley the Pony, Dave the Moneyer and stepping back in time with a WWII event on various dates across Easter - see here for dates and info. 

Alnwick Castle : https://www.alnwickcastle.com/

Alnwick Castle Grounds Only will be open for exercise and recreation. Pre-booking required. 

Hamsterley Forest  : https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest

Hamsterley Forest 

• Public transport -  Not available 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - Click here for info
• Dog friendly -   Yes 
• Pre-booking required - No,  but do check the Hamsterley Forest Facebook page for information before setting off as they post if they are busy / have to temporarily close their car park. 
  
  

• 10 Roman Sites to Visit with Kids 

• Outdoor adventures to enjoy in Durham with Grandparents in Tow

Howick Hall :  https://howickhallgardens.com/

Howick Hall

• Public transport -  Yes, via bus. See here for info. 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - Click here for info. 
• Dog friendly -   No 
• Pre-booking required - No but at busy periods there may be a 'one in, one out' system in operation. 
  
  

Theatre & Cinema 

• Subscribe to the National Theatre at Home
• Watch online performances with Alphabetti Theatre 
• Stream 'The Ball' with Northern Stage 

National Trust 

National Trust properties are open to both members and non-members. You need to pre-book a ticket/time slot online. Tickets are released every Friday morning just after midnight. Please check with each individual site's social media and website to check which areas are open/closed before booking as not all areas (particularly indoors) will be open at this time. 

Gibside : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside

The Walled Garden at Gibside

• Public transport -  Yes by bus, click here for info. 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - click here for info
• Dog friendly -   Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads 
• Pre-booking required - Yes 
  
  

Seaton Delaval Hall : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seaton-delaval-hall

Seaton Delaval Hall

• Public transport -  Yes by bus, click here for info
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - click here for info
• Dog friendly -   Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads 
• Pre-booking required - Yes 
  
  

Wallington : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

Wallington

• Public transport -  No access 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - click here for info
• Dog friendly -   Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads 
• Pre-booking required - Yes 
  
  
  

Cragside :  https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside

Cragside House

• Public transport -  It is possible however involves walking along a busy roadside. See here for info. 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - click here for info
• Dog friendly -   Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads 
• Pre-booking required - Yes 

Cherryburn : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cherryburn 

• Public transport -  Yes, by bus. Click here for info. 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - click here for info
• Dog friendly -   Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads. 
• Pre-booking required - Yes (closed at time of publishing but please keep checking their website for re-opening dates / details)
  
  

Souter Lighthouse: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas

• Public transport -  Yes, by bus. Click here for info. 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - click here for info
• Dog friendly -   Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads. 
• Pre-booking required - Yes 
  
  

Lindisfarne Castle -  https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lindisfarne-castle

Lindisfarne Castle 

Please check the causeway crossing times before planning a trip to Holy Island and only cross when safe to do so. 

• Public transport -  Yes, via Border Taxis / Border Buses subject to tides. See here for details. 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - click here for info 
• Dog friendly -  Lindisfarne Castle is a mostly indoor attraction. Dogs are able to visit Holy Island and outdoor grounds but it is assistance dogs only in the castle. 
• Pre-booking required - Yes (closed at time of publishing but please keep checking their website). 
  
  

Dunstanburgh Castle - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstanburgh-castle

Dunstanburgh Castle

• Public transport - Yes, via bus to Craster. See here for info. 
• Pushchair/wheelchair friendly  - see here for info 
• Dog friendly -   I cannot find info online but from memory, they are allowed. 
• Pre-booking required - Yes, National Trust members can visit free of charge.  Book via the English Heritage website and type 'National Trust' in the membership number box. Dunstanburgh Castle is closed at time of publishing but please check their website regularly for updates as I imagine they will re-open soon. 

English Heritage 

Warkworth Castle 

• Partially open from 29 March. Pre-booking required - find out more & book here. 

Belsay Castle, Hall & Grounds 

• Partially open from 29 March, pre-booking required. Find out more and book here. 

Tynemouth Priory 

• Partially open, pre-booking required. Find out more and book here. 

Lindisfarne Priory

• Partially open from 29 March, pre-booking required. Find out more and book here. 

Dunstanburgh Castle 

• Partially open from 29 March, pre-booking required. Find out more and book here. 

Stay-at-home ideas 

Credit : Discovery Museum

• Enter the Discovery Museum Easter competition - create a mini invention using at least one egg and recycled material. Prizes to be won! Find out more here. 
  
  
• The Discovery Museum has organised an' Egg Drop Challenge' virtual workshop. Find out more and book your place here.
  
  
• Sunderland Winter Gardens have organised a virtual Dinosaur Egg hunt. Find out more here. 
  
  
• The Discovery Museum has organised an 'Easter Egg Catapults' virtual workshop. Find out more and book your place here. 
  
  
• (ad affiliate) Make your own Cadbury Easter Cottage Kit
  
  
• Art Adventurers have various Easter Craft Boxes available to be posted out. 
  
  
• Sunderland Libraries are running several virtual events including The Very Hungry Caterpillar Storytime, Caterpillar Craft Session, Supertato Run Veggies Storytime and Sir-Fruit-A-Lot Craft Sessions. Find out more over on their Facebook page here. 
  
  
• Northumberland Fairytales 
  
  
• Tiny Tasters Morpeth are running an Easter online cookery class where they will make Rabbit Cinnamon Rolls. 
  
  
• Easter Science Kits from Science with Noss
  
  
• Easter Craft Boxes from Junkyard Girl
  
  
• Canny Crafty will have Paint-at-home Easter Kits available to hire / purchase
  
  
• Easter Sensory Kits from Outdoor Nature Tots 
  
  
• Discover your Art Crush 
  
  
• When the World is Loud 
  
  
• 15 Star Wars Activities to Try at Home
  
  
• 35 Ways to have fun and relax with tweens at home 

Foodie Treats & Afternoon Tea 

• My Top Afternoon Tea Delivered Recommendations 

• How to Bake Easter Cookies in the Slow Cooker 
• Easter Mini Cheesecakes Recipe 
  
  
• A Guide to Visiting Morwick Ice Cream Parlour
• How to plan an evening pizza picnic in Ouseburn
• Where to buy the best fish & chips in North East England - reader recommendations 
• 10 of the Best Ice Cream Parlours across North East England

Our recent favourite food deliveries include: 

Fat Hippo Cook at Home

• Fat Hippo Cook at Home Burger Kits 
  
  
  
  

  

  Running Fox Afternoon Tea and Treats Delivered 

  
  

• Running Fox Afternoon Tea
  
  

MEAT : STACK at Home

• MEAT:STACK Cook at Home Burger Kits 
  
  
  

  

  You, Me and Afternoon Tea Kids Treat Box

  
  
• You Me and Afternoon Tea Treat Boxes for Kids
  
  
  

  

  Bento Box from Umai Mi Bento

  
  
  
  
• Bento Boxes from Umai Mi Bento 
  
  
  
• Tapas Takeaway from Thyme Bistro Cramlington
  
  

  

  Harry Potter themed Afternoon Tea from Curiously Wicked 

  
  
  
  
• Harry Potter themed Afternoon Tea from Curiously Wicked 
  
  
  

  

  Redheads Mac n Cheese

  
  
• Redheads Mac n Cheese 
  
  

  

  Cook at Home Steak and Dumplings from The Coach House

  
  
  
  
• Coach House Cook-at-Home Meals 
  
  
  

  

  Halloumi Wrap from Santa Quaranta 

  
  
  
  
• Greek Gyros and proper chips from Santa Quaranta
  
  
  

  

  Sunday Lunch from The Anglers Arms 

  
  
• Sunday Lunch delivered from The Anglers Arms Sheepwash 

If you fancy a treat, you can sign up to Uber Eats and enter my special code. It is valid for new customers only and gives you a £10 discount when you spend £15. We use Uber Eats for McDonalds, Subway and Dicksons delivered.

 Download the Uber Eats App and enter this code at check out: eats-samanthar3510ue

Well done for making it to the end of this post! I will try to keep it updated as new events are announced so do please check back. 

If you have enjoyed this post and found it useful, here are some ways you can say thanks and support North East Family Fun: 

1 -  Click here to buy me a virtual coffee

2 - Join our  Days Out Facebook Group here which includes lots of ideas for things to do - you can post your own recommendations too. 

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4 -  Click here to sign up to our FREE monthly guide to what's on. This monthly email will feature lots of ideas for things to do for the month ahead plus exclusive deals. 

5 - Share this post with your friends 

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Thank you for your support as always. 

Please follow social distancing rules & Government guidelines , respect the local area, leave no trace, take litter home, park responsibly and if somewhere is busy on arrival, please consider leaving and returning at a later date. 

Remember face coverings are required for indoor attractions / shops for those aged 11+ (usual exemptions apply)  

Check for local lockdowns / travel restrictions before visiting anywhere. 

Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed after this post was published. 

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