What's On in Newcastle, Gateshead & Northumberland

STEAM TO GREEN

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Discovery Museum's FREE exhibition tells the story of energy & the climate crisis in the North East by looking back to the industrial revolution, & forward to the pioneering contributions in green technologies...

NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE

Time: Third Sat

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Third Saturday every month, 9.30-11.30am, FREE monthly workshops for deaf children and young people aged 5 - 12 years. North East Deaf Youth Theatre explores all aspects of theatre-making including, creative...

ALNWICK CASTLE OPENS FOR 2026

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ

Website: www.alnwickcastle.com

There are many exciting things to do at Alnwick Castle every day. Take a guided tour & learn about the history of Alnwick Castle or its use as a filming location, have a go at archery & test your abilities...

THE GREAT DINOSAUR ESCAPE

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Dinosaurs have taken over Life Science Centre this Easter with the North’s biggest collection of animatronic dinosaurs. Follow the trail around the centre to hunt them down, from towering four-metre-high...

TREASURE : HIDDEN, LOST, FOUND

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Your chance to see why buried history matters. Step into the fascinating world of treasure & see some amazing archaeological finds from across the North of England. Roman coins, Viking Age silver, & a...

SWING BRIDGE 150

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

A small display in the Turbinia Atrium charting 150 years of the iconic Swing Bridge that connects Newcastle & Gateshead, with historical objects, images & archival material. Unveiled in 1876, Lord...

EXPERIENCE CENTRE FOR LIFE FOR LESS THIS SUMMER

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Life Science Centre, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

You might have heard that the Government is slashing VAT for family organisations like Life over the summer holidays & so they are passing the savings onto their visitors. The new ticket prices...

TREASURE MUSEUM TRAIL

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Explore the museum to find treasure, solve puzzles, & claim prizes in this exciting FREE new treasure trail during museum hours!

MAKE YOUR OWN MANACLES

Venue: Hexham Old Gaol

Address: Hallgate, NE46 3NH

Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk

Medieval Hexham Gaol was not a fun place to be! Discover what life was like for prisoners, including the surprising costs of chains & manacles. Play an interactive game to explore how money was earned...

FAMILY ART CLASS

Time: 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

A monthly Saturday art class for 7 - 12 year olds & their grown ups. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed...

SOUTH TYNESIDE SUMMER PARADE 2026

Time: 1-5pm

Venue: South Shields Town Hall,

Address: NE33 2RL

Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

An afternoon not be missed, & one of the highlights of the region's event calendar -the biggest carnival of its kind in the North East. The parade makes its way from South Shields Town Hall in the Town...

BEYOND VAN GOGH

Venue: Utilita Arena

Address: NE4 7NA

Website: www.utilitaarena.co.uk

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience comes to Utilita Arena Newcastle transforming the arena floor into a 10,000 sq ft world of colour, light & sound. This spectacular event will bring more than 300...

SOUTH TYNESIDE HOLIDAY CLUB

Time: (times vary)

Venue: Various locations across South Tyneside,

Address: NE32-34.

Website: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/holidayclub

Fun, free activities & meals for children receiving benefit related FSM in South Tyneside. Activities include sports, music, arts, crafts, outdoor & indoor challenges, treasure trails, wellbeing & healthy...

DAILY ARTS & CRAFTS

Time: 12-3pm

Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park

Address: NE63 9YF

Website: www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/woodhorn

Six weeks of fun, hands-on arts & crafts activities inspired by local artworks & stories with a different activity every fortnight. Drop-in -  no booking required. Annual pass admission applies; children...

DRAGONFLY FESTIVAL

Time: 10am-5.30pm

Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre

Address: NE38 8LE

Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington

Enjoy a self-led dragonfly family adventure! Pick up a spotter guide to help you & head to the amphibian ponds to spend a while exploring the area & seeing what wildlife you can spot. On a sunny day, you...

ESCAPE THE GAOL TRAIL

Venue: Hexham Old Gaol

Address: Hallgate, NE46 3NH

Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk

Visit Hexham Old Gaol this summer & pick up an escape the gaol trail to find out all about characters linked to the gaol. Collect the letters to discover who will help you escape! Drop-in, no need to...

GREAT BRITISH SUMMER

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

Address: NE20 0DX

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens

Celebrate a classic Great British Summer inspired by timeless holiday traditions & a fun day out for the whole family. Enjoy the fairground activities, pick up new tricks at the circus skills station &...

SUMMER OF FUN

Venue: Gateshead Town Centre

Address: NE8

Website: www.gateshead.gov.uk/events

FREE family events all Summer long. See the advert on Page 6 or visit the website for full details.

BENTS PARK LIVE

Time: Every Sunday

Venue: Bents Park

Address: Sea Road, NE33 2LD

Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

Fabulous Live Concerts every Sunday featuring Joe McElderry (19th July), ABC (26th July) & Judge Jules (2nd August). Book tickets at www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

HERITAGE TRAIN RIDES

Time: Sundays & Thursdays

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

Take a four mile return trip (35-40 minutes) following the route of the coal trains from the collieries to the River Tyne behind a vintage locomotive in 1950s passenger carriages. Adults from £9, Kids...

MINIBEAST HUNTING, DEN BUILDING & POND DIPPING

Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre

Address: NE38 8LE

Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/

Explore the world of soil, leaves & dry wood as you hunt for mini-beasts in Hollowood. Use a dusting brush, magnifying glass & observation trays to get a closer look of woodlice, millipedes, stink bugs...

NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE SUMMER CAMP

Time: 9.30am-12.30pm

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

A week of storytelling & performance for children aged 5–11. BSL provided. Now in its fourth year. Spaces are free but limited, so reserve your spot online.

SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN

Time: Mondays 11am-3pm

Venue: Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum

Address: Buddle Street, Wallsend NE28 6HR

Website: www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk

Free summer series of Roman & Celtic-themed craft activities every Monday 11am-3pm. Normal admission charges apply. Adults £7.75, young people 21 & under & all NE28 residents FREE. Annual tickets available.No...

SUMMER FAMILY CRAFTING

Time: Every Tues 10.30-11.45am or 1-2.15pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

Every Tuesday during the summer holidays 10.30-11.45am or 1-2.15pm.  Each day there will be a different theme with the friendly staffon hand to guide you. A variety of materials will be available for...

FAMILY CRAFT SESSIONS

Time: Wednesdays 11am - 12.30pm & 1-3pm

Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Free craft activities every Wednesdays during school holidays. 11am - 12.30pm & 1-3pm. No need to book, donations welcome.

LEGO CODING WORKSHOPS

Time: Every Wed 12.30-2pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

Every Wed 12.30-2pm, use Lego & plastic components to build a model, then programme it using an iPad. Using Scratch block coding, you’ll be able to make your model move, make noise, light up, play music...

WILD WEDNESDAYS

Time: 11am-3pm

Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park

Address: NE63 9YF

Website: www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/woodhorn

Every Wednesday throughout the Northumberland summer holidays, join our Learning Team for a day of free, family-friendly activities inspired by the natural world. Enjoy wild-themed crafts, take part in bug...

FREE CRAFT ACTIVITIES

Time: 11am - 3pm

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

Every Thursday 11am-3pm Free craft activities with a different theme every week.

TIME ODYSSEY: A FAMILY ADVENTURE

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Time Odyssey is an exciting new interactive learning experience which takes families on a quest through their local museum physically & virtually. Played on a tablet it uses gaming techniques & impressive...

NFR JUNIOR PRIDE RUN 2026

Venue: Leazes Park,

Address: NE2 4BJ

Website: www.newcastlefrontrunners.co.uk

This year's Junior Pride Run will take place at 6pm with the return of the children’s 1-mile race. All entrants will receive a goodie bag & finishers medal. Entry fee £5 for Junior Pride Run entries​....

KNIGHT'S TOURNAMENT

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

Address: NE20 0DX

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens

Go back in time & get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength & skill. Four armoured knights & their squires will clash in a variety of gruelling rounds. Experience...

KNIGHT'S TOURNAMENT

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Warkworth Castle

Address: Northumberland, NE65 0UJ

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage

Go back in time & get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength & skill. Four armoured knights & their squires will clash in a variety of gruelling rounds. Experience...

GCT BEER FESTIVAL

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/gct-beer-festival

Family friendly weekend with crafts, live music, street food & gaming. £8 for over 18s - kids go free. Pay on the door.

GLADIATOR ENCAMPMENT

Time: 11am - 3pm

Venue: Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum

Address: Buddle Street, Wallsend NE28 6HR

Website: www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk

Explore an authentic gladiator encampment set up by The Historical Living Company. Watch gladiators train, learn how they lived, ask questions, & try hands-on historical crafts. You can also practice your...

THINGS THAT GO - OPENING SUMMER 2026

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Discovery Museum’s brand-new gallery space will launch with a free playful transport exhibition. From boats & bicycles to tractors, trains & planes, explore the exciting world of transport through hands-on...

MEET THE TUNGRIANS

Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Meet a re-enactment group portraying the First Cohort of Tungrians from what is now Belgium. Explore their encampment, discover Roman food, arms & armour, & learn about daily life on Hadrian’s Wall....

STEM SUMMER CAMP

Time: 9.30am-3.30pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

An unforgettable way to keep curious minds inspired this summer in a week-long package of hands-on experiments, lab-based workshops, team challenges & daily access to Life. Explore different STEM (Science,...

KIDS FUN FEST

Time: 2-4pm every Tues & Thurs

Venue: Amphitheatre

Address: Sea Road, NE33 2LD

Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk.

Every Tuesday & Thursday enjoy afternoons of Free fun, games & activities featuring a host of amazing performers & entertainers. It's a great way to keep the kids entertained during the school summer...

LIVING HISTORY DAY

Time: 11am – 3pm

Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

During this event, you can try on armour, helmets and equipment, handle the weaponry of the Roman Legionary or British warrior, see what life might have been like in Roman occupied Britain, & try throwing...

GCT GAMING SUMMER SLAM

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/gct-gaming-summer-slam

Gaming summer camp days for 7-16 year olds. 10am-3pm. Play old favourites, enjoy new ones, take part in competitions & make friends! £35 each day. Book online.

TIME ODYSSEY: A FAMILY ADVENTURE

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Time Odyssey is an exciting new interactive learning experience which takes families on a quest through their local museum physically & virtually. Played on a tablet it uses gaming techniques & impressive...

NOVUM FESTIVAL

Venue: Newcastle

Address: NE1

Website: www.novumnewcastle.com

NOVUM Newcastle Summer Festival returns for a three-day takeover of Newcastle’s city centre, transforming streets, squares & unexpected corners into a playground of performance, creativity & community...

FAMILY ART CLASS

Time: 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

A monthly Saturday art class for 7 - 12 year olds & their grown ups. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed...

TEACH REX LIVE

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Teach Rex uses life-like dinosaurs to perform their 1 hour shows at 10am, 12.30pm & 3pm teaching children about the anatomy & life of one the most mesmerising creatures that have ever roamed our planet....

KNIGHT'S TOURNAMENT

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Warkworth Castle

Address: Northumberland, NE65 0UJ

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage

Go back in time & get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength & skill. Four armoured knights & their squires will clash in a variety of gruelling rounds. Experience...

HADRIAN CELEBRATION

Time: 11am - 3pm

Venue: Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum

Address: Buddle Street, Wallsend NE28 6HR

Website: www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk

Enjoy a two-day programme of Roman living history featuring around re-enactors & horses bringing ancient sports & training to life in an outdoor arena. You can also encounter Emperor Hadrian & his servant...

GET CREATIVE DANCE SUMMER SCHOOL

Time: 9.30am-3pm

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Over four high-energy days, step into the spotlight, master street dance moves, dive into the drama & storytelling of musical theatre, learn the latest pop craze, perform dances & finish by becoming the...

AFTER THE FIRE:HANDS-ON ARCHAEOLOGY

Time: 11am – 3pm

Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Discover how a devastating fire around AD 300 has helped archaeologists uncover life at Arbeia. Learn how charred remains reveal diet, animal care & land use & try soil flotation to uncover clues from...

TIME ODYSSEY: A FAMILY ADVENTURE

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Time Odyssey is an exciting new interactive learning experience which takes families on a quest through their local museum physically & virtually. Played on a tablet it uses gaming techniques & impressive...

DINKY DINOSAUR ADVENTURE DAY

Time: 10.30am-3.45pm

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

Calling all young explorers & dinosaur fans - get ready for a roar-some adventure on August Bank Holiday. Meet & greet a bunch of adorable baby dinosaurs & take a train ride, too! Book your time-slot online.