Things To Do 2021

Christmas 2021 Events With Tickets Available To Book Now

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As the song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” which is why I believe it’s never too early to start planning for Christmas. If you want to make the most of the fun and excitement that the festive period brings, now is the ideal time to start looking at, and booking, Yuletide days out. Much of the usual celebrations were heavily restricted over Christmas 2020 so I can see a lot of these events selling out fast.

BELIEVE At Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield

About: BELIEVE Christmas is an immersive magical world taking you on a journey through theatrical performances and interactive activities. Your Elf Guide will lead you around the Elf Tipi Village where you will meet all the Elves who are there to entertain and bring family favourite fairy-tales to life.

Date(s): Various dates throughout December

Prices: Adults – £34.50, Children – £36.50, Toddler – £18.00, Children Under 6 Months – £0.00

Booking & Further Details: https://believe-uk.com/your-adventure

Festive Rating: 🎅🎅

BELIEVE At Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield

Breakfast With Santa At Spanish City, Whitley Bay

About: Give your little elves a special treat this Christmas and enjoy a magical breakfast with Santa. To make it even more special, everyone will get to meet the main man himself in his Grotto and there will be lots of fun and games with an interactive disco.

Date(s): 18th, 19th, 23rd & 24th December

Prices: Adults – £22.50, Children – £17.50

Booking & Further Details: https://spanishcity.co.uk/breakfast-with-santa/

Festive Rating: 🎅🎅

Breakfast With Santa At Spanish City, Whitley Bay

Christmas Adventure At Holmside Park, Chester-Le-Street

About:

Date(s):

Prices:

Booking & Further Details:

Festive Rating:

Christmas Adventure At Holmside Park, Chester-Le-Street

Christmas At Gibside, Rowlands Gill

About: Light up the dark winter nights with a festive after-hours experience at Gibside and be amazed by a new, Christmas themed illuminated trail this December.

Date(s): Various dates throughout November, December & January

Prices: Adults – £18, Children – £13 when booked in advance

Booking & Further Details: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/features/christmas-at-gibside

Festive Rating: 🎅

Christmas At Gibside, Rowlands Gill

Forest Of Light At Beamish Hall, Stanley

About: At night, when the moon takes its place in the sky the magical forest comes to life. Forest of Light is a captivating illuminated experience set within Beamish Hall’s Enchanted ancient Woodland. So gather the family and explore through the doors a wonderful world of magical illuminations and fantastic lighting displays this festive period.

Date(s): Various dates throughout November & December

Prices: £8 per person

Booking & Further Details: https://www.beamish-hall.co.uk/forest-of-light/

Festive Rating: 🎅

Forest Of Light At Beamish Hall, Stanley

A Frozen Christmas With Santa At The Discovery Museum, Newcastle

About:

Date(s): 20th – 23rd December 2021

Prices: £15 per person

Booking & Further Details: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/letitsnowproductions/563398/

Festive Rating: 🎅

A Frozen Christmas With Santa At The Discovery Museum, Newcastle

Nightfall Festival At Stewart Park, Middlesbrough

About:

Date(s):

Prices:

Booking & Further Details: https://www.nightfallfestival.co.uk

Festive Rating: 🎅

Nightfall Festival At Stewart Park, Middlesbrough

Road To The North Pole At Utilita Arena, Newcastle

About:

Date(s):

Prices:

Booking & Further Details: https://roadtothenorthpole.co.uk/

Festive Rating: 🎅🎅

Road To The North Pole At Utilita Arena, Newcastle

Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey At Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth

About:

Date(s):

Prices:

Booking & Further Details: https://www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/events/santas-enchanted-elf-journey-pre-booking-essential-2021/

Festive Rating: 🎅🎅

Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey At Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth

The Snowman At Durham Cathedral, Durham

About:

Date(s):

Prices:

Booking & Further Details: https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173611703/events/428373358

Festive Rating: 🎅🎅🎅

The Snowman At Durham Cathedral, Durham

Winter Light Trail At Alnwick Garden, Alnwick

About:

Date(s):

Prices:

Booking & Further Details: https://www.alnwickgarden.com/christmas/

Festive Rating: 🎅

Winter Light Trail At Alnwick Garden, Alnwick

I couldn’t write a blog post about Christmas events in the North East without mentioning the big one – Fenwick. No official dates have been released so far but I’ve heard whispers that the revealing of Fenwick’s famous Christmas window will be on Tuesday 9th November 2021. To be in the loop about when tickets for Santa’s Grotto and the Rooftop Experience will be available, make sure you sign up to Fenwick’s newsletter https://www.fenwick.co.uk/sign-up/

Let me know in the comments which festivities you’re planning on attending

Free Events Taking Place Throughout The Summer In And Around The North East

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Looking for ways to occupy the children over the holidays without having to spend a penny? Below is a list of events taking place across the region that are family – and budget – friendly

Art In Action Trail hosted by BALTIC, Gateshead

About: Walk from BALTIC to Dunston Staiths this summer and power up your creativity with fun activities, videos, sound and movement to discover along the route.

Website: https://baltic.art/whats-on/art-in-action-trail

Image by BALTIC

Into The Wild hosted by The Galleries, Washington

About: Take a walk on the wild side and discover the animals inhabiting the malls of the Galleries this summer.

Website: https://www.gallerieswashington.co.uk/into-the-wild/

Screen On The Green hosted by NE1, Newcastle

About: NE1’s open-air cinema is back at Old Eldon Square from the 26th July. You can enjoy two movies a day with a six-week programme filled with family favourites, cult classics, rom-coms and some new blockbusters.

Website: https://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/ne1-events/screen-on-the-green

Summer In The City hosted by NE1, Newcastle

About: A series of free pop-up interactive installations, activities and exhibits at various city centre locations.

Website: https://www.ne1summerinthecity.co.uk

Unlock The Magic hosted by Metro Centre, Gateshead

About: From Monday 26th July 300 Mickey Mouse stickers will be hidden around Metrocentre. Explore the centre to find them and scan as many as you can to unlock magical rewards from retailers inside Metrocentre.

Website: https://themetrocentre.co.uk/unlockthemagic

Image by Metro Centre

And if you’re travelling anywhere by Metro over the Summer Holidays, remember Kids Go Free when accompanied with a fare paying adult

Let me know in the comments below of any other free family-friendly events happening over the Summer.

Looking to feed the family after a day out, check out https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/05/17/all-kinds-of-kids-eat-deals/

North East Family Days Out – Summer Deals

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The Summer Holidays are in full swing now and we all know just how expensive days out with little ones can be. Fortunately, a few local businesses have set up Summer Saver Deals to help with the pennies, details of which I’ve published below.

I’ll be updating this post regularly so keep checking back for more offers

The Alnwick Garden

What’s The Deal: Kids Go Free

Terms & Conditions:

Website:

Angry Birds Adventure Golf

What’s The Deal: 2 Play For The Price Of 1

Terms & Conditions:

Website:

Gutterball Alley

What’s The Deal: Two Games Of Bowling Plus A Milkshake For £10

Terms & Conditions:

Website:

And if you’re travelling anywhere by Metro over the Summer Holidays, remember Kids Go Free when accompanied with a fare paying adult

Looking to feed the family after a day out, check out https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/05/17/all-kinds-of-kids-eat-deals/

A Day Out At The Gate, Newcastle

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When The Gate first opened back in 2002, it was one of my go-to places for cocktails and shots. Starting in Wetherspoons then visiting the likes of Players, Beyond, Opera and Mood before nipping next door to finish the night at Sam Jacks and Tiger Tiger. Good times!

Twenty years later and the leisure complex on Newgate Street couldn’t be more different from The Gate I ventured to most Fridays and Saturdays in my late teens/early twenties. Gone are the bars blaring out loud music with their various drinks offers trying to entice the punters and in their place is a much more chilled, family friendly scene.

So, what’s in The Gate now?

Leisure Facilities

• Cineworld a multiplex cinema showing the latest blockbusters in 2D and 3D https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/newcastle-upon-tyne/8117

• The CTRL Pad Newcastle’s first video gaming lounge https://thectrlpad.com/

• Escape Newcastle’s premier escape rooms https://www.escape.game/escape-newcastle

• Game Of Throwing urban axe throwing experience https://www.gameofthrowing.co.uk/

Image by Game Of Throwing

• Mr Mulligans crazy golf course https://mrmulligan.com

• Selfie Central the ultimate pop-up selfie studio https://www.selfie-central.com/

Image by Selfie Central

• WonderBar digital darts https://wonderbar-newcastle.co.uk

• YuMe World state of the art amusement arcade and virtual reality entertainment centre https://www.yumeworld.co.uk/

Food & Drink

NB – when it comes to dining, the options are very chain heavy so the lack of independent businesses is slightly disappointing

• The Mayfair offers a menu packed with traditional home cooked meals

• Nando’s and it’s legendary flame grilled Peri-Peri chicken

• Pizza Hut serves up pizzas, sides and desserts

• Starbucks the world famous American Coffeehouse

• WonderBar serve a range of delicious breakfast, lunch and main meal offerings, as well as a traditional Sunday Lunch, and a variety of bar snacks and sharing platters

• Wetherspoons budget friendly pub grub

Parking

The Gate has a 24 hour, manned car park with over 250 spaces including designated accessible bays, parent parking and EV charging points.

Accommodation

We live on the Northumberland Coast so Newcastle Centre is about a 30 minute drive from us. Despite being so close, we often book a hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in the city followed by a full day of exploring. If you fancy doing this, hotels close to The Gate include

• Hotel Indigo https://www.ihg.com

• Maldron Newcastle https://www.maldronhotelnewcastle.com

• Motel One https://www.motel-one.com

• Premier Inn Newgate Street https://www.premierinn.com

• Sandman Signature https://www.sandmansignature.co.uk

Read about why we love the Premier Inn here https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/03/23/reasons-why-we-love-premier-inn/

Keep up-to-date with what’s happening at The Gate here https://www.thegatenewcastle.co.uk/whats-on

We all love a bargain so check out https://www.thegatenewcastle.co.uk/offers to see what deals The Gate is currently running

A few years ago I read that the owners of The Gate wanted to “rebalance the occupier mix to cater for a wider cross section of consumers, including families” and it seems like this has very much been achieved. For us, The Gate is definitely a place where we would visit and spend a full day. It’s a brilliant way to occupy children of all ages in Newcastle City Centre.

Have you visited The Gate recently? What did you think about it? Let me know in the comments

Looking for ideas for days out that include age-suitable activities for teens and pre-teens? Have a read of https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/06/03/teen-preteen-friendly-activities-in-around-the-north-east/

Summer 2021 At Beamish

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Find out what’s happening this Summer at Beamish; the world famous open air museum which tells the story of life in North East England from 1820 onwards.

First Things First, About Beamish

Beamish is a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of County Durham countryside, where you can experience a real sense of the past and discover what life was like in North East England in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times.

Areas Of Beamish:

• 1820’s Pockerley

• 1900’s Town

• 1900’s Colliery & Pit Village

• 1940’s Farm

Getting Around Beamish:

Beamish has an amazing collection of working vehicles from through the decades ready to transport you around the museum. Although the Tramway remains closed for now, the 1950’s buses are operating. Beamish is also running its Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle every day that the museum is open.

Food Options Inside Beamish:

Although the sit down cafes (located at the main entrance, on the 1940’s farm and next to Redman Park) are currently closed, there are still a few places to grab a bite to eat within the museum.

1900’s Town

• Herrons Bakery

• Jubilee Confectionery

• Sun Inn Pub

1900’s Colliery & Pit Village

• Davey’s Fish & Chip Shop

• Sinkers Bait Cabin

Future Plans For Beamish:

Remaking Beamish is the biggest development in Beamish’s history. The exciting project includes over 25 new exhibits and attractions and is bringing a new era to the museum in the form of a 1950s Town and 1950s farm. Read all about it here https://www.beamish.org.uk/remaking/about-remaking-beamish/

Contact Details:

Address – Beamish Museum, Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG

Website – https://www.beamish.org.uk

Planning Your Visit

ALL visitors, including Friends of Beamish members and Beamish Unlimited Pass holders, MUST pre-book an entry timeslot online in advance of your visit.

Admission Costs:

One major bonus about Beamish is you pay once for entry and can visit again, as many times as you like, over the next 12 months for free.

Adult – £19.50

Senior / Student – £14.50

Child – £11.50

Opening Times:

The museum is open 10am-5pm daily.

Getting To Beamish Via Public Transport:

Waggonway Service 28/28A offers regular buses from Newcastle City Centre, Gateshead, Birtley, Ouston and Chester-le-Street, the service stops at Beamish’s Main Gate.

Dogs:

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the museum. There are a few rules and guidelines for dog owners which can be found here https://www.beamish.org.uk/plan-your-visit/dogs/

What’s On This Summer

Beamish have a range of activities planned for every day of the Summer Holidays starting from 17th July 2021.

Mondays – join in with Georgian games at Pockerley Old Hall

Tuesdays – enjoy a spot of croquet in The 1900’s Town park

Wednesdays – get creative with chalk drawing in The 1900’s Pit Village school yard

Thursdays – have a go at adventurous play by the 1950’s Welfare Hall

Fridays – head to the 1950s welfare hall for ice cream making

Saturdays & Sundays – den building will take place by Hetton Silver Band Hall in The 1900’s Pit Village

Other activities include

• The Teddy Bear Trail

Follow the paw prints on the map to find all 16 teddy bears hidden within the museum

• The Flower Trail

There are 20 colourful flowers blooming in the windows around Beamish, watch out for them as you travel around the museum

• 100 Things To See & Do At Beamish

How many visits will it take to complete the bumper to do list?

Plenty of activities for people of all ages to enjoy over the Summer

Family Friendly Pubs & Restaurants Close To Beamish

If you fancy a sit down meal after your day at Beamish, we recommend these

Black Horse, Beamish https://www.blackhorsebeamish.co.uk/fooddrink.html

Oli & Joes, Whickham https://oli-joes.com/locations/whickham

Rustica, Stanley https://www.rusticaitalian.co.uk/stanley/

The Shepherd And Shepherdess Inn, Beamish https://www.shepherdbeamish.co.uk

South Causey Inn, Stanley https://www.southcausey.co.uk

Thanks for reading, let me know if you’re planning a day out (or two!) to Beamish Museum this Summer

Date Nights With A Difference In And Around The North East

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Between working, the kids and day-to-day responsibilities, finding the time to squeeze in a date night isn’t very easy for couples, let alone thinking of something that’s unique and creative to do when you have.

Below are a list of nights out that are a far cry from the usual dinner and drinks. Give them a go for a date night you’ll never forget.

Axe Throwing At The Axe House, Spennymoor

About: Whether you’re after some friendly competition or some cut-throat axe throwing rivalry, The Axe House will show you why the sport is becoming more and more popular in the UK.

Does The Avenue Serve Alcohol: ❌

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: From £15 per person

Website: https://theaxehouse.co.uk

The Axe House

Black Friars Cookery School, Newcastle

About: Blackfriars’ Cookery School is one of the leading independent purpose-built culinary training facilities in Newcastle covering everything from Chocolate Making to Perfect Pasta, Bread Basics to Advanced French Patisserie. With classes being held most evenings and weekends, it’s a brilliant way to learn a new skill.

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: From £45 per person

Website: https://www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/cookeryschool

Black Friars Cookery School

Bowling At Lane 7, Newcastle & Middlesbrough

About: Imagine the best bar you’ve ever been to, then add a first class dining experience, ten-pin bowling, ping-pong, pool, Karaoke and an unrivalled atmosphere into the mix – a brilliant venue for a class night out.

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: From £7 per person

Website: https://lane7.co.uk

Lane 7

Boulevard, Newcastle

About: Join one of the UK’s top cabaret entertainers, Danni Dee and her full cast of Broadway Dancers for a memorable night out. Expect stunning costumes, hilarious comedy and fabulous dance routines in this spectacular extravaganza that consists of everything from slapstick comedy to brilliantly choreographed dance routines. With Miss Rory, the wicked witted host and compere, keeping everyone entertained throughout the evening, you’re always guaranteed ‘A Night Out Like No Other’

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: From £10 per person

Website: https://www.boulevardnewcastle.co.uk

Boulevard

Digital Darts At Wonderbar, The Gate

About: Play for fun, or get competitive, with Wonderbar’s interactive darts experience, which allows you to battle through different games to become the ultimate interactive darts champion. No experience is necessary and anybody can play.

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: From £15 per hour

Website: https://wonderbar-newcastle.co.uk

Wonderbar’s Digital Darts

Everyman Cinema, Newcastle

About: Everyman is redefining cinema. Bringing an innovative lifestyle approach to their venues, where you can swap your soft drink for a nice glass of red wine and a slice of freshly made pizza served straight to your seat. They create a warm and friendly atmosphere, with an excellent food and drink selection and fantastic customer service. With a wide array of mainstream, independent and classic films, special events, launches and a diverse calendar of live satellite broadcasts, there is something for everyone at Everyman.

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: From £12.90 per person

Website: https://www.everymancinema.com/newcastle

Everyman Cinema

Ghetto Golf, Hoults Yard

About: Ghetto golf is the only venue in the North East that offers a seriously twisted 18 hole urban crazy golf course with an exceptional cocktail bar.

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: From £12 per person

Website: https://www.ghettogolf.co.uk

Ghetto Golf

Gin Tasting At Poetic Licence Distillery, Roker

About: An independent small-batch distillery making big, bold gin in the North East of England.

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: TBC

Price: TBC

Website: https://www.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk

Poetic Licence Distillery

Grown Up Play Factory, Thornaby

About: If you’ve ever been to a soft play and thought “this would be mint with my mates” then this is the night for you. Adults take over the venue for the night and have free reign over the activities including the laser tag.

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: £15 per person

Website: https://www.facebook.com/The-Grown-up-Play-Factory-Thornaby-Teesside-635654583237681/

The Grown Up Play Factory

Murder Mystery Night, Stockton-On-Tees

About:

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: TBC

Website: https://www.murder-one.com/portfolio/detail/murder-mystery-county-durham-north-yorkshire/

Murder Mystery Night

Point Blank Shooting, Newcastle

About: Simulation shooting range and speakeasy bar in the heart of Newcastle.

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: From £10 per person

Website: https://www.pointblankshooting.co.uk

Point Blank Shooting

Pottery Throwing At The Pottery Experience, Jesmond

About:

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ❌

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: From £33 per person

Website: https://www.thepotteryexperience.co.uk

The Pottery Experience

Shuffle Board At New Bridge Neighbourhood Bar, Shieldfield

About:

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: TBC

Website: https://www.newbridgeneighbourhoodbar.co.uk

Shuffle Board

Spa Day At Ramside Hall, Durham

About:

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: Various packages available

Website: https://www.ramsidespa.co.uk

Ramside Spa

The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle

About:

Does The Venue Serve Alcohol: ✅

Is There Food Available To Order: ✅

Price: Various

Website: https://www.thestand.co.uk/newcastle/whats-on

The Stand

Teen And Pre-Teen Friendly Activities In & Around The North East

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Now Evie and Harry are a little older, planning days out that include age-suitable activities as well as things we haven’t done every school holiday since they were younger, is becoming more and more difficult. Luckily, businesses seem to be recognising this gap in the market and have started running session for that awkward stage between “little ‘uns” and adults.

Below are a list of boredom busting days out for older children

Alpaca Walk at Barnacre Alpacas, Heddon-On-The-Wall

About: Barnacre’s hugely popular ‘Alpaca Walk n Talks’ are a great way of experiencing alpacas up close. The experience, where everyone gets their own alpaca, lasts at least an hour during a 1 mile gentle walk on the farm

Minimum Age: 10 years

Price: £25 per person

Website: https://barnacre-alpacas.co.uk

Barnacre Alpacas

Axe Throwing at Valhalla North, Durham

About: A bad*ss axe throwing centre with a Viking theme

Minimum Age: 8 years

Price: £20 per person

Website: https://www.valhallanorth.co.uk

Valhalla North

Batting Cage at Gutterball Alley, North Shields

About: Step inside the Bull Pen and practice your batting skills

Minimum Age: TBC

Price: from £7.50 for 30 mins

Website: https://www.gutterballalley.co.uk

Gutterball Alley

Climbing at Newcastle Climbing Centre, Newcastle

About: The premier indoor climbing venue for Tyneside and the North East and one of the best indoor climbing venues in the U.K.

Minimum Age: 7 years

Price: from £30 per person

Website: http://www.newcastleclimbingcentre.co.uk/

Newcastle Climbing Centre

Smart Cookies Cookery School at Blackfriars, Newcastle

About: For the slightly more confident 11-15 year olds who are fed-up with making fairy cakes and want to get their teeth stuck into something a little more challenging. These sessions are all about building on from the basics and really developing their culinary skills and confidence – but at their own pace. They’ll have a choice of delicious dishes to make which can be challenging or well within their own comfort zone. The sessions include refreshments throughout the day, a communal lunch in the Cookery School and recipes to take home

Minimum Age: 11 years

Price: from £45 per person per day

Website: https://www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/cookeryschool

Blackfriars Cookery School

Digital Darts at The Wonderbar, Newcastle

About: Whether you’re playing for fun, or get competitive, Wonderbar’s interactive darts experience allows you to battle through different games to become the ultimate interactive darts champion. No experience is necessary and anybody can play

Minimum Age: Nothing official but best suited to 8 years plus

Price: from £15 per hour

Website: https://wonderbar-newcastle.co.uk/darts/

Wonder Bar

Escape Room at Clue HQ, Sunderland

About: Teams of 2 to 6 are locked in a room and given 60 minutes to find the clues and solve the puzzles in order to figure out a way to escape

Minimum Age: 7 years

Price: From £10 per player

Website: https://cluehq.co.uk/sunderland/

Clue HQ

Gaming at The CTRL Pad, Newcastle

About: Newcastle’s first and only video gaming lounge

Minimum Age: Game dependant

Price: £5 per person per hour

Website: https://thectrlpad.com

The CTRL Pad

High Ropes at Air Trail, Stockton-On-Tees

About: Set over 4 levels, over 38 unique challenges, Air Trail is the UK’s biggest high ropes adventure course

Minimum Age: As long as you’re taller than 1.2m

Price: from £11.50 per person

Website: https://www.airtrail.co.uk

Air Trail

Paint Balling at Bedlam, Sunderland

About: Bedlam Paintball is renowned for its realistic, purpose-built paintballing Game Zones and imaginative game scenarios that transport you into another world

Minimum Age: 12 years

Price: from £15 per person

Website: https://bedlampaintball.co.uk

Bedlam Paint Balling

Pottery Throwing & Painting at The Pottery Experience, Jesmond

About: Newcastle’s best pottery making and painting experience

Minimum Age: 10 years

Price: from £33 per person

Website: https://www.thepotteryexperience.co.uk

The Pottery Experience

Quad Biking at The Quadfather, Cramlington

About: TBC

Minimum Age: TBC

Price: TBC

Website: TBC

Snowboarding at Silksworth Sports Complex, Sunderland

About: Home to the North East’s premiere ski facility with three ski slopes consisting of a 160m floodlit and misted main slope plus two dedicated nursery ski slopes. Lessons run by our highly qualified instructors are available for skiers of all abilities.

Minimum Age: N/A

Price: from £30 per person

Website: https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/silksworth-sports-complex-and-ski-slope/ski-slope/

Silksworth Sports Complex

Stargazing at Kielder, Northumberland

About: All year round – a star gazing and astronomy heaven! Kielder Observatory is located in the heart of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. They have the largest expanse of dark night sky in the whole of Europe, thanks to minimal light pollution. Winter nights are darkest and best for viewing deep sky objects such as galaxies, while in summer you can view the beautiful Milky Way, passing comets, shooting stars and see the Sun’s surface using our incredible telescope.

Minimum Age: TBC

Price: TBC

Website: http://www.visitkielder.com/visit/kielder-observatory

Kielder Observatory

Virtual Reality at YuMe World, Newcastle

About: YuMe World is the first entertainment centre in the UK To unveil some of the most exciting and challenging Virtual Reality game concepts the world has ever seen. Sourced Exclusively by industry specialists, these stunning units will blow the minds of even the most dedicated gamers

Minimum Age: TBC

Price: TBC

Website: https://www.yumeworld.co.uk

Water Sports at Tees Barrage, Stockton-On-Tees

About: Tees Barrage International White Water Centre is Teesside’s award-winning home of adventure, which was reopened in 2012 after extensive redevelopment. This magnificent centre of activity can be found on the banks of the River Tees between Stockton and Middlesbrough and offers a unique variety of watersports the whole family can enjoy

Minimum Age: 14 years

Price: sport dependent

Website: https://tbiwwc.com

Tees Barrage

Young Driver Lessons at Young Driver Experience, Newcastle

About: The Young Driver training programme mirrors what you would learn when driving on the road. The only difference is you will learn to drive in a safe environment on a specially constructed road course

Minimum Age: 10 years

Price: from £39.99 for 30 mins

Website: https://www.youngdriver.eu

And finally, something totally different at Selfie Central, Newcastle

About: Selfie Central is a fun, interactive experience. Think of it as the ultimate photo studio with 11 totally different sets

Minimum Age: 12 years

Price: £10 per person

Website: https://www.selfie-central.com

Selfie Central

Thanks for reading, I hope I’ve given you some new ideas to try. If you do give any of the above a go, I’d love to know what you thought of them in the comments ☺️

Museums In & Around The North East

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Arbeia, South Shields

About: Standing above the entrance to the River Tyne, Arbeia South Shields’ Roman Fort guarded the main sea route to Hadrian’s Wall. It was a key garrison and military supply base to other forts along the Wall and is an important part of the history of Roman Britain. Step into the fort and immerse yourself in the world of the Romans right in the heart of South Shields. Explore inside the full-scale reconstructed Roman buildings including the West Gate, Commanding Officer’s house and a soldier’s barrack block, and see one of the finest collections of finds from Roman Britain all found in and around Arbeia

Website: https://arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Beamish, Durham

About: Beamish is a world famous, living & working, open air museum, telling the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s

Website: http://www.beamish.org.uk

Berwick-Upon-Tweed Barracks

About: Built in the early 18th century, the Barracks were among the first in England to be purpose built. The ‘By Beat of Drum’ exhibition gives you an insight into the life of the British infantryman from the Civil War to the First World War

Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berwick-upon-tweed-barracks-and-main-guard

The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

About: The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the museum is filled with diverse collections that spans three floors of the magnificent building

Website: https://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum, Saltburn-By-The-Sea

About: A legacy of blood, sweat and ironstone. Discover the people, communities
and industry behind Britain’s Land of Iron

Website: https://landofiron.org.uk

Discovery Museum, Newcastle

About: The Discovery Museum is a science museum and local history museum. It displays many exhibits of local history including the ship, Turbinia

Website: https://discoverymuseum.org.uk

Durham Museum & Heritage Centre

About: Durham Museum and Heritage Centre is a museum that details the history of the City of Durham from medieval times to the present day

Website: http://durhammuseum.co.uk

Eden Camp, Malton

About: Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on the Home Front and the Front Line, all set in the buildings and grounds of an original World War 2 Prisoner of War Camp

Website: https://www.edencamp.co.uk

Great North Museum, Newcastle

About: The Great North Museum is a museum of natural history and ancient civilisations situated in Newcastle City Centre

Website: https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Head Of Steam, Darlington

About: Museum of local rail history situated in restored 19th-century railway buildings, with antique steam engines.

Website: https://www.head-of-steam.co.uk

Hexham Old Gaol

About: This 14th-century prison now houses a museum with exhibits on history, music, weapons, armor & more.

Website: https://museumsnorthumberland.org.uk/hexham-old-gaol/

Housesteads Roman Fort, Hexham

About: English Heritage site of a Roman fort with a visitor centre, museum and guides in period costume

Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/housesteads-roman-fort-hadrians-wall

Jarrow Hall

About: Discover the incredible world of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria at a historic and environmental oasis in the heart of South Tyneside. Set across 11 acres, Jarrow Hall features a museum dedicated to exploring the life and legacy of Bede, alongside an extensive Anglo-Saxon farm and reconstructed Anglo-Saxon dwellings

Website: https://jarrowhall.com

Killhope, Bishop Auckland

About: Tours of an old mine with displays on local mining history, with a play park and wildlife hides as well

Website: https://killhope.org.uk

Life Science Centre, Newcastle

About: Life Science Centre is the science centre of the North. They’re not like other museums where you’ll only find stuff in cases, here you’re encouraged to get stuck in: explore, create and have fun – whatever your age.

Website: https://www.life.org.uk

Locomotion

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National Museum Of The Royal Navy

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Newbiggin Maritime Museum

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Newcastle Castle Keep & Black Gate

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North East Land, Sea & Air Museum

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Preston Park

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RNLI Grace Darling Museum

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Ryhope Engines Museum

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Segedunum

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Seven Stories

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South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

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Stephenson’s Rail Museum

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Sunderland Winter Garden

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Vindolanda

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Woodhorn Museum

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Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Take a look at this blog post for Historic Attractions In And Around The North East https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/04/13/historic-attractions-in-and-around-the-north-east/

Outdoor Pools And Play Parks With Splash Pads In & Around The North East

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Fancy making a splash in the sun? Here’s our guide to outdoor pools and play parks with splash pads in and around the North East

Haltwhistle Swimming & Leisure Centre, Haltwhistle

About: There are 3 heated open air swimming pools at Haltwhistle – the paddle pool, the learner pool and the main pool.

Address: Greencroft, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, NE49 9DW

Carpark: ✅

Food/Drink Options: ✅

Price: Family Swim from £15.50

Reopening: Now open but with restrictions so booking is essential

Toilets: ✅

Website: http://www.haltwhistleleisure.co.uk

Haltwhistle Swimming & Leisure Centre, Haltwhistle

Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool

About: The only heated open air swimming pool in County Durham. There’s a main pool with a springboard and a smaller pool with a slide. Both pools are heated to 27°c (82°f)

Address: Castle Park, Stanhope, Co Durham, DL13 2LU

Carpark: ✅

Food/Drink Options: ✅

Price: TBC

Reopening: Planned for 26th July 2021

Toilets: ✅

Website: https://stanhopepool.co.uk

Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool

Carlisle Park, Morpeth

About: Carlisle Park is a multi-award winning park in the heart of Morpeth, Northumberland. It contains formal gardens, an aviary, play areas, a paddling pool, ancient woodland, picnic areas, tennis courts, bowling greens, a skate park and much more.

Address: Morpeth, NE61 1YD

Carpark: ✅

Food/Drink Options: ✅

Price: Free

Reopening: 21st July 2021

Toilets: ✅

Website: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Local/Carlisle-Park-Morpeth.aspx

Carlisle Park, Morpeth

Hirst Park, Ashington

About: The park features a play park, splash park, a woodland, relaxing gardens, bowling greens, tennis courts, community pavilion and lovely areas of greenery.

Address: Ashington, NE63 9FX

Carpark: Street parking available

Food/Drink Options: ✅

Price: Free

Reopening: 29th May 2021

Toilets: ✅

Website: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Local/Hirst-Park-Ashington.aspx

Hirst Park, Ashington

Ridley Park, Blyth

About: Ridley Park provides many fun and recreational activities for people of all ages to enjoy, including a water play area, woodland walking and a bowling green.

Address: Wensleydale Terrace, Blyth, NE24 3HF

Carpark: ✅

Food/Drink Options: ✅

Price: Free

Reopening: 17th June 2021

Toilets: ✅

Website: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Local/Ridley-Park-Blyth.aspx

Ridley Park, Blyth

Riverside Park, Chester-Le-Street

About: Children of all ages can enjoy the play area or get their feet wet in the splashpad. Take a riverside walk or relax in the gardens, each of which is inspired by a different planet or star.

Address: Ropery Lane, Chester-Le-Street, Durham, DH3 3PL

Carpark: ✅

Food/Drink Options: ✅

Price: Free

Reopening: 12th July 2021

Toilets: ✅

Website: http://www.durham.gov.uk/riversidepark

Riverside Park, Chester-Le-Street

Whitley Bay Water Park, Whitley Bay

About: Whitley Bay Water Park is a great facility for younger children. The water park has a variety of splash and spray features as well a water rill with channel and damn leading to a pooled area. There is also a multi-use sports area near the park so children can play ball games in a safe enclosed space.

Address: Park Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 1EJ

Carpark: ✅

Food/Drink Options: ✅

Price: Free

Reopening: TBC

Toilets: ✅

Website: https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/facility/1025

Whitley Bay Water Park, Whitley Bay

Essential Items To Bring

Even though Evie and Harry are 10 & 9 years old, if we’re going anywhere near any of the parks listed above, I always throw these items in to the boot just in case they fancy a play (which they almost always do despite being “too old for that now”)

• Change of clothing

• Goggles

• Suncream

• Towels

• Water toys

Thanks for reading. Let me know in the comments which water feature is your favourite and if there are any I’ve missed off which are worth a visit.