A Day at Hamsterley Forest

 This is an advert for November 2025. Any edits / reshares after this date have not been asked or paid for. As always, do check with the venue direct for up to date info as details can change over time. You can do that here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest

Hamsterley Forest is County Durham's largest forest and a fantastic place to spend a day out with family and friends. We've been visiting with the kids since they were little and it's still a firm favourite. 

What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens | November 2025

Always check with venues for the most up to date info when making plans and before setting off as sometimes events can change. You can do this by clicking the blue links. 

I have not included most Christmas Market listings in this post (too many!), you can read my full guide to North East Christmas Markets here: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2018/10/guide-to-north-east-christmas-markets-2018.html

20+ FREE Things to do in North East England - November 2025

This post includes FREE things to do across weekends in November 2025. Always check with venues direct for up to date info before heading out. 

• 8 Nov - FREE Waggonways Exhibition and Family Activity Day at The Common Room Newcastle 
  
  
• 8 Nov - FREE Learn Turkish at Great North Museum 

The Cheapest North East Light Trails 2025

This post contains adverts. 

Just to let you know, the light trail at Gibside has now ended and they will be sharing a more traditional Christmas experience this year. 

The Best Santa Experiences in North East England

This post is an advert. 

Over the past 13 years, we have visited many, many Santas. In our house, we believe that you only meet the real Father Christmas once and you never know when that will be. All of the others are just helpers.

While I do believe that we shouldn't put too much pressure on ourselves to book the best Santa or feel like we have to, it is still a question that comes up time and time again so I thought I would share some ideas for where to book this year. 

54 FREE Activities for October Half Term 2025 (North East England)

1 - FREE Halloween Treasure Hunt with FREE Trick or Treat Lucky Dip at PlantsPlus Garden Centre (nr Ponteland)

2 - FREE Monster Trail with FREE Sweet Treat at Druridge Bay Country Park

3 - FREE Ghost Trail with FREE Sweet Treat at Tyne Riverside Country Park

(ad) Where to See Santa in Newcastle Upon Tyne 2025

This post shares some of the best places to see Santa in Newcastle Upon Tyne in 2025. Of course, there is only one Santa but did you know he pops up across the city in lots of different forms? 

This year you can meet Geordie Santa, Scientist Santa, Storytelling Santa and more......

If you're looking for more festive ideas, make sure you check out this post too: 20+ North East Christmas Events to Book Now 

1 - 🧑‍🎄🖤🤍 The Geordie Santa

📍A Canny Christmas Grotto at Discovery Museum, Newcastle
🫰 £16.99 per person when you use the limited earlybird code JOLLYROBIN (£18.99 thereafter)

Includes: A hot chocolate, sweet treat and festive crafts for all in attendance plus a personal visit for your group to Santa’s Geordie Grotto with Black & White elves and a gift for every child. A 40 minute experience and you’re welcome to enjoy the rest of the museum before and after your experience (within opening hours).

🎟️Book here: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/discoverymuseum/whats-on/a-canny-christmas-grotto