(ad) What's On in the North East - May Half Term
May Half Term is almost upon us and I’m back with a round-up of things to do.
If you’d like to read our full guide to what’s on this half term including daily listings, check out our full guide here: May Half Term What’s On
🦋The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is playing at Northern Stage from 28 May - 1 June. Suitable for all ages, you can expect 75 colourful puppets, magical storytelling and lots of fun. Find out more and book tickets here: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/the-very-hungry-caterpillar/
👑Character visits are taking place at Whitehouse Farm across the week and are offering meet and greets, photos, sing-a-longs and activities at no additional cost. You can meet Spider-Man, Ariel, Batman, Woodie, Barbie, Elsa, Olaf, Belle and more. Check dates and timings and book your tickets here: https://www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/event/character-week-bank-holiday-and-half-term-fun/
🚂The Festival of Transport takes over Beamish for 9 full days over half term (24 May - 1 June) and I am super excited as for the first time since 2020, visitors will be able to enjoy a short steam train ride from Rowley Station. There will be a host of vintage and veteran vehicles around the museum across the week and as always, it’s included with the Beamish Unlimited pass and there’s no need to book ahead. Find out more: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/festival-of-transport-2025/
🌸National Trust North East have organised lots of drop in activities across half term including a blossom themed trail Seaton Delaval Hall, a week of insect themed activities at Wallington and a chance to play detective at Gibside. And of course there are wonderful playgrounds and opportunities for fresh air too. Check what’s on and plan your week here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly
🦆And if you fancy a day trip, a visit to a National Trust Yorkshire site is a good option, especially if you’re already a member. Nunnington Hall near York is hosting a Village Fete week which sounds really cute. Expect a host of traditional activities including a coconut shy and hook the duck.
Or if you fancy a decent leg stretch, Fountains Abbey is hosting a Bird Spotters Trail around the grounds and there’s a lovely playground and cafe too. Check what’s on and plan a day trip here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/family-friendly
🧱If you’re looking for some low-cost indoor fun which is easily accessible by Metro, Discovery Museum is hosting a Big LEGO Brick Build on 29 May. Guests are invited to collaborate and create a giant LEGO city in celebration of Newcastle being awarded city status for over 140 years.
Sessions are just £1.50 per child with adults and under 5 going free. Bargain! Book your tickets here: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/discoverymuseum/whats-on/build-a-city
🌬️Over at Science at Life, you can use code INSTA25 for 25% off tickets booked in advance (24 May - 1 June only). This will be the first chance to check out the centre’s brand new Lightbox exhibition which provides lots of creative and immersive fun.
You can climb inside a 6 foot tornado, play with digital water, listen to your heartbeat on a drum, send cloud rings through the air and try and creep down sneaky feet corridor without making a sound. This is somewhere you can easily fill a full day with activities. Find out more and book ahead online: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/lightbox/
🌸Then finally, if you’re looking for a free day out in Newcastle, Great North Museum always delivers. Over May Half Term visitors can enjoy an immersive Blossom Exhibition and the fabulous Murray the Mole trail continues - simply collect a trail map on arrival and don’t forget to return for your sticker once you have completed the trail. Find out more about what’s on here: https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk/whats-on
If you’d like to read our full guide to what’s on this half term including daily listings, check out our full guide here: May Half Term What’s On
🎠 Ridley Park Fun Zone (Blyth) is BACK and available daily from 11am during the holidays (24 May - 1 June). FREE Entry, simply pay for the attractions you use on the day (cash and card accepted). There will be kids rides, giant inflatables, bumper cars, soft play, games, Punch and Judy, the Bubble Man, dinosaurs, surprise visits and more. AND the Ridley Park Splash Pad will be in full operation so don’t forget your swimwear! Find out more: Ridley Park Fun Zone
Have a lovely week x