Northumberland is a historic county in North East England known for its castles, Roman heritage, rugged coastline, and rich cultural links with Scotland, offering diverse landscapes and accessible transport options.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A talk by Northumberland Coast Ranger James Porteus explores the shorebirds of the Long Nanny reserve and the work to protect them. Afterwards, attendees can spend time in Cherryburn’s garden, listening to birdsong or relaxing.
Cherryburn is an 18th-century historic cottage and museum in Northumberland, birthplace of wood engraver Thomas Bewick, featuring period furnishings, original artworks, and printing demonstrations.
1 Dec
An exclusive Christmas-decorated tour of Belsay Hall explores locations that inspired LJ Ross’s crime novel *Belsay*, with stories about the Hall and its links to the book. The experience includes a welcome drink and a festive turkey stottie served in the Tea Room.
20 Oct
Join a volunteer-led 3.5-mile guided walk across farmland on the Wallington estate, hearing stories and history including how a shepherd and poultry maid met during the Second World War.
Wallington Hall is a Grade I listed Palladian country house with rococo interiors and historic murals set in 100 acres of parkland and gardens in Northumberland, featuring wildlife reintroductions and cultural heritage exhibits.
28 Nov 2026–17 Jan 2027
A woodland trail at Gibside invites visitors to discover fairy-themed details, including tiny homes tucked among tree roots and toadstools. The trail follows the woodland path outdoors.
18 Sep, 20 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Washington Old Hall 2026 offers free entry to explore the historic manor house and gardens on 18 and 20 September. Visitors can learn about the building's history related to George Washington's ancestors, browse the second-hand bookshop, and enjoy a picnic on site.
9–10 Oct, 16–17 Oct…
At Gibside’s Walled Garden, gardeners demonstrate pressing apples and talk about the heritage varieties grown there. Visitors can also taste freshly pressed apple juice.
Birkheads Secret Gardens is a biodiverse hillside garden near Newcastle upon Tyne, featuring formal and cottage gardens, woodland areas, wildflower meadows, an orchard, and specialty themed gardens. Visitors can enjoy plant sales and refreshments during free access times for RHS members.
Gateshead in Tyne and Wear, England, is a historically rich market town known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene including the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. It features a walkable town centre, excellent rail and public transport connections, and notable landmarks such as the Angel of the North and Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
5–6 Dec
Children can join Father Christmas for a seasonal storytelling session, then meet him, take photographs and receive a traditional present.
20 Oct, 2 Dec…
Join a guided walk through Wallington’s formal gardens and along the River Wansbeck, learning about the estate’s history, the former Great Wallington Railway and wildlife habitats. The 2.6-mile walk takes about 90 minutes.
Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval pele tower with attached manor house ruins, situated in Northumberland and managed by English Heritage, offering visitors a mix of historic architecture and garden party history.
7 Sep, 5 Oct
Local musicians perform live traditional music from England and Western Europe in Washington Old Hall, bringing the historic hall to life. Performances by duo Julie and William occur on the first Monday of the month, featuring music from the medieval period to the 20th century. No booking is needed, but venue admission charges apply.
30–31 Aug, 3–7 Sep…
The North East Festival of Blossom 2026 presents the 'Blossom Through a Wearside Lens' photography exhibition at Washington Old Hall. This exhibition showcases a selection of photographs from a competition celebrating the beauty of nature in Sunderland. The photos are displayed around the gardens. The event is free to attend but normal venue admission charges apply, and no advance booking is needed.
1 Sep
Storytime: Summer of Play is an outdoor storytelling event for children up to 8 years old, featuring weekly stories about the adventures of wildlife. It takes place at Gibside Walled Garden and does not require booking. The event is free but normal admission charges to the venue apply.
Washington Old Hall is a historic 12th-century manor house in Washington, Tyne and Wear, England, notable as the ancestral home of George Washington's family. Preserved and managed by the National Trust, it offers an indoor historical experience focused on England's medieval and early modern heritage.
1 Oct
This event is a talk introduced by Sandy Nairne featuring Vanbrugh scholar Sir Charles Saumarez Smith discussing Vanbrugh’s career and links to Seaton Delaval Hall. Archaeologist Mark Newman shares insights from investigations into Vanbrugh’s involvement with the hall. It is part of the year-long Vanbrugh 300 festival celebrating the architect's life and legacy.
Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed English Baroque country house in Northumberland, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718. Visitors can explore its historic architecture, fire-damaged central block, extensive 18th-century gardens, and estate features like a stone mausoleum and orangery. The venue is owned and maintained by the National Trust and offers both indoor and outdoor experiences.
15 Dec
Children can meet the elves in Wallington House, play festive games and make a Christmas craft before meeting Father Christmas in the Reading Room. Each child receives a gift to take home, and there is an opportunity to take photos.
7 Oct, 13 Oct…
Visitors can drop in to make handmade Christmas decorations using techniques such as crochet, knitting, felting, stitching and recycled materials. The decorations will reflect Wallington’s heritage and different craft styles.
19 Oct
A guided tour takes visitors into Wallington’s attic, a space not normally open to the public, to hear about the servants and evacuees who lived there.
26 Sep
The Nest - Guided bird sketching (Session three) is a guided workshop event at Cherryburn focused on bird sketching led by local artist Johnnie Foker. The event includes a workshop session teaching sketching techniques followed by exclusive access to the garden for relaxation and further sketching. It is part of a series of monthly birding events celebrating birds and nature.
Prudhoe Castle is a ruined medieval castle on the south bank of the River Tyne in Northumberland, featuring historic stone structures including a 12th-century gatehouse, keep, and a 14th-century barbican, reflecting its Norman origins and historical significance under the Umfraville and Percy families. Open to the public under English Heritage care, it offers outdoor exploration of its ruins and grounds.
19–20 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Lindisfarne Castle allow visitors to explore this historic castle and its gardens for free. The castle, converted by Sir Edwin Lutyens, features a summer-flowering garden by Gertrude Jekyll and offers shoreline walks and a National Trust shop in the village. Visitors should check the tide timetable before crossing the causeway to the island.
Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island offers a unique visit across a tidal causeway to explore atmospheric Anglo-Saxon priory ruins, a museum with historical stones, family trails, and beautiful coastal wildlife. Visitors experience both indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration amid stunning scenery.
17 Oct–8 Nov
Children under 8 can follow a harvest-themed quest around the Walled Garden, solving puzzles and discovering facts about apples along the way.
17–19 Oct, 22–26 Oct…
Families can follow a self-guided Halloween trail through Washington Old Hall and its gardens, discovering historic markings associated with beliefs about witches and spirits and taking part in outdoor activities such as broomstick racing.
7 Oct, 14 Oct…
A sociable guided health walk around Gibside, with opportunities to enjoy the views and spot wildlife. The route is adapted to the group and may cover up to five miles.
13 Dec, 20 Dec…
A series of Christmas music performances at Gibside Chapel features local groups, including an orchestra performing music from The Nutcracker, a male voice choir and classical piano pieces.
17 Oct–15 Nov
Families can follow an interactive Stranger Folk trail through Gibside’s landscape, solving clues and encountering creatures from British folklore as part of an app-based adventure. The app is designed for children aged 7–12, and the group can play together at their own pace.
Gibside is a historic Georgian country estate in Tyne and Wear featuring landscaped parkland, architectural ruins, and restored buildings such as the Palladian chapel and Banqueting House. Visitors can explore both outdoor grounds and significant indoor heritage structures.
28 Nov–23 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can see Cragside’s living Giant Redwood Christmas tree illuminated with more than 1,300 lights. The tree is presented as a festive outdoor spectacle against the winter sunset.
Cragside is a Victorian Tudor Revival country house in Northumberland, renowned as the first house powered by hydroelectricity. It features innovative hydraulic technology, distinctive historic interiors, and extensive gardens with woodland and rhododendrons. Visitors can explore both the house's indoor heritage and the surrounding outdoor grounds and estate.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Tonewood performs live music in the House at Wallington, with the performance taking place in the Central Hall.
31 Aug–1 Sep
Parachute play: Summer of Play is an outdoor event at Gibside where families can drop by to play classic parachute games like creating a giant colourful mushroom, playing cat and mouse, and shark attack. It is a free event but normal venue admission charges apply.
10 Oct, 15 Nov
A historian leads a challenging six-mile walk around Gibside, exploring its industrial past, the Bowes family and historic remains hidden across the estate.
Gibside is a Grade I-listed Georgian landscape garden near Rowlands Gill featuring historic ruins, extensive walking trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities including adventure play areas and den building. The venue includes a café, bookshop, and hosts seasonal events and guided tours, welcoming visitors and dogs alike.
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Father Christmas will walk around Wallington House and meet and greet visiting families, with appearances also by the sleigh outside. Visitors can look out for him during their Christmas visit.
27 Oct
Meet Mabel, a rescued common pipistrelle bat, while Ranger Tim explains bat biology, dispels myths and discusses how to help protect bats. The encounter takes place in small timed sessions.
Derwentcote Steel Furnace is an early 18th-century cementation furnace near Newcastle upon Tyne, preserved as a Grade I listed industrial monument and scheduled site, showcasing historic steel production methods.
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Historian Rory Fraser discusses the life and character of architect John Vanbrugh, drawing on his research into Vanbrugh’s time in India. The approximately 45-minute talk is followed by a Q&A.
26 Sep
Seasonal floristry workshops at Gibside led by Debbie from The Northern Flower Garden, teaching floral design techniques in a small group setting with hands-on guidance. Ticket includes refreshments and entry to Gibside. Suitable for adults 16+. A creative day out with a nature backdrop.
7 Oct–27 Nov (another 49 days)
An outdoor exhibition at Wallington featuring winning and highly commended photographs from a competition themed around autumn and nature. Visitors can view the images displayed through the woodland and enjoy an autumnal walk.
14–15 Nov
A two-day Christmas craft fair featuring more than 50 regional crafters and local artisans, with festive food and handmade gifts on display.
Ushaw is a historic house, chapels, and gardens near Durham City offering visitors both indoor heritage spaces and extensive outdoor parkland. Designed by Augustus Pugin with accessible facilities, it features events, a cafe, and family friendly amenities including dog-friendly grounds.
24 Sep, 1 Oct
History Hunters: Home Ed sessions at Seaton Delaval Hall offer a relaxed afternoon of history, creativity, and discovery for home-educating families. Activities include drop-in crafts, self-led trails, and family-friendly tours inspired by architect Sir John Vanbrugh, celebrating the 300th anniversary of his masterpiece. No booking is required and activities are included with National Trust membership or standard admission.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Children can join Wallington’s gardening team in the courtyard, using a wheelbarrow and rake to collect autumn leaves and add them to the compost bin.
28 Nov, 12 Dec
A florist-led workshop where attendees learn floral design and create either a traditional Christmas wreath or a Christmas door swag. Each session is a standalone hands-on craft experience.
2 Dec, 28 Jan
A guided walk through Wallington’s West Woods, including the Wellbeing Woods and farmland, exploring how the area has changed and how it is managed. The 2.3-mile walk takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and includes historical information.
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
The autumn almanac is a season-long programme at Gibside featuring autumn décor, exhibitions, floristry workshops, a poetry walk, a Head Gardener’s talk, apple tastings, forest bathing and heritage pottery glazing.
10–11 Sep, 17–18 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Cherryburn 2026 is an event celebrating Thomas Bewick, the artist and naturalist, with opportunities to explore his birthplace cottage, farmyard, and a museum with an exhibition about his life and work. The event features a talk by an archaeologist about Cherryburn's history and recent archaeological finds. The site includes renovated gardens accessible to wheelchair users and is set in a tranquil environment with views over the Tyne Valley. Visitors can attend without booking and the event is free.
George Stephenson's Birthplace is an 18th-century stone cottage in Wylam, Northumberland, showcasing the home of the rail pioneer and featuring exhibits about early steam locomotives. It is a historic house museum owned by the National Trust, though currently not open to the public.
10–11 Oct, 17–18 Oct…
Visitors can hire a range of bikes, including children’s bikes and trikes, to explore the Dragon cycle trail at Wallington.
13–14 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Wallington allows visitors to explore the history of Wallington and its former residents. Attendees can visit the house, gardens, take woodland or riverside walks, and enjoy play areas. The event is part of the Heritage Open Day festival and is free to attend without the need for booking.
1–2 Dec, 8–9 Dec…
Guests can enjoy festive afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and sweet treats in Wallington’s Central Hall, accompanied by a pianist playing seasonal music. After tea, guests can explore the festively decorated ground floor of the House.
17 Oct–15 Nov
Follow a self-led trail through Wallington’s West Woods, using storyboards to follow Beatrice and Bertie as they encounter nocturnal creatures. The trail is suitable for all ages.
5–6 Dec, 12 Dec…
Children and their accompanying adults can hear a festive story with Mrs Christmas, make a Christmas craft and meet Father Christmas in Wallington’s Reading Room. Children receive a gift to take home, and there is an opportunity to take photos.
1 Nov
A guided walk exploring Wylam’s railway history, including its early railway pioneers and historic lines. The route also visits Wylam Railway Museum and George Stephenson’s Birthplace.
Heddon on the Wall is a free-to-access segment of Hadrian's Wall, a historic Roman frontier completed in AD 122 or 123. Visitors can explore this substantial outdoor stretch of the wall and nearby Roman heritage sites, with parking nearby and no entrance fee.
11–12 Sep
Heritage Open Day at Seaton Delaval Hall offers free admission on 11 and 12 September 2026, allowing visitors to explore the house, discover the history of the Gay Delavals family through portraits, enjoy the late summer gardens, and join drop-in potted history or garden tours. Additionally, visitors can explore the nearby Church of Our Lady and learn about its National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project.
8 Oct
Guided walk along a former train line and farmland at Wallington estate led by knowledgeable volunteers explaining the landscape and history. The walk is 6 miles long, includes some woodland, farmland, steps, and possible livestock presence. Dogs on leads are welcome. It is suited for experienced and fit walkers and is not suitable for children.
2 Nov
A three-hour guided forest bathing experience involving sensory exploration, gentle movement, breathwork and moments of stillness. Attendees will also make simple eco-art and enjoy tea and cakes made with foraged produce.
13 Sep
The Wagonway walk at Seaton Delaval Hall is a guided estate walk featuring points of interest and historical insights about the Delaval family and the local area's industrial past, including a centuries-old wagonway used for coal transport. The walk covers approximately 4 miles and includes stops at landmarks such as the old harbour, Starlight Castle folly, and the Mausoleum.
27–29 Oct
Families can drop in to the yurt by the Adventure Playground in West Woods to make autumn-themed crafts to take home.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can follow an interactive trail through the Hall’s Basement and Stables, exploring immersive scenes inspired by ghost stories, witches and other mysterious creatures. The event also includes family-friendly Halloween fun with costumes and imaginative play on the West Wing stage.
29 Oct, 26 Nov…
Join Gibside’s Head Gardener on a guided walk through the formal gardens and inner pleasure grounds, with seasonal highlights, horticultural history, gardening-team insights and tips.
8 Oct
Join the Gateshead Libraries team for a guided walk through Gibside’s gardens, hearing poetry and prose from different periods that reflect the autumn season. Attendees are welcome to bring a favourite poem to share.
17 Oct–8 Nov
A community art exhibition at Gibside featuring nature-inspired self-portraits created by women and girls from Gateshead. The works reflect on identity, resilience and the restorative power of nature.
6 Nov, 4 Dec
Explore Ushaw’s Big Library at your own pace and view historic books and manuscripts, including rare editions and changing items from the collection. The introductory experience runs on the first Friday of each month.
Crook Hall Gardens offers interlinked gardens with varied plantings, tranquil water features, and views of Durham Cathedral close to the city centre. The garden showcases seasonal flowers, a walled garden, an orchard, and a living maze, providing a peaceful outdoor experience for visitors.
7 Nov
At Gibside Stables, visitors can talk to volunteer bird ringers and watch them demonstrate bird ringing. The demonstration explains how information recorded about wild birds supports research and conservation.
15 Nov
A hands-on living-history event exploring Northumberland during the Second World War. Visitors can try activities such as building Anderson shelters and military drills, examine wartime artefacts, and hear stories about the period.
Whalton Manor offers a historic East Wing holiday rental featuring period interiors and a large garden originally designed by renowned landscape architects. It provides a unique combination of indoor historic ambiance and extensive outdoor gardens, though it is not dog friendly and not free to enter.
19 Jul, 7 Aug…
Live music in the garden at Gibside features performances by local musicians in the Walled Garden. The event takes place outdoors with various musical acts scheduled throughout the summer, including acoustic folk, brass quintet, male voice choir, community wind band, and classical piano. No booking is needed to attend, but normal venue admission charges apply.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct
A festival celebrating architect Sir John Vanbrugh and his legacy, presented by The Georgian Group with several historic properties. The listing gives event dates and times but directs visitors to individual event listings for details.
12–13 Dec
Make a festive wreath from rustic and natural materials during a sociable session led by Wallington’s Head Gardener, with a demonstration and support provided.
13 Sep, 20 Sep
Heritage Open Days at George Stephenson's Birthplace 2026 offers a guided tour uncovering the life of railway engineer George Stephenson in the cottage where he was born. Visitors can explore memorabilia, period furnishings, and learn about The Rocket steam locomotive, with time to enjoy the surrounding natural environment.
11–13 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Gibside offer free entry on Friday 11, Saturday 12, and Sunday 13 September 2026. Visitors can explore parts of Gibside usually closed to the public, including the chapel crypt and special tours of the Banqueting House by the Landmark Trust. Activities include traditional demonstrations and hands-on experiences such as apple pressing. The event provides a relaxed opportunity to explore the historic estate and its natural surroundings.
Denton Hall Turret is a historic Roman site featuring the foundations of a turret and 65-metre length of Hadrian's Wall beside the A186 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Visitors can see the unique large stone construction with a platform used for ladder access and explore nearby Roman historic sites such as Corbridge Roman Fort.
21–22 Nov
A Christmas craft fair at Belsay Hall featuring handmade gifts and crafts from local makers and independent traders, alongside food and refreshments.
13 Oct, 20 Oct…
Join walk leaders for a relaxed, approximately one-mile stroll along Gibside Avenue. The walk takes place every Tuesday and is described as a gentle health walk.
10 Nov
A 4.5-mile guided walk from Wallington Courtyard through farmland and Cambo village, passing historic landmarks before returning through Wallington’s gardens.
30–31 Aug
Summer of Play at Washington Old Hall 2026 is a family-friendly event featuring US-inspired games and activities, including lawn games like sack racing, skittles, and cornhole, along with crafts such as flag-making and facilitated sports. The activities are self-led in the gardens with some organised pop-up fun. The event runs on the 30th and 31st of August 2026 from 11:00 to 16:00. Admission to the venue is charged, but the event itself is free to attend without booking.
WWT Washington Wetland Centre is a wetland nature reserve in North East England featuring diverse wildfowl species, wildlife watching hides, and conservation projects focused on endangered birds and amphibians.
Washington is a historic new town in Tyne and Wear, England, known for its ancestral links to George Washington and a variety of cultural, industrial, and natural attractions.
11 Oct, 8 Nov…
A beginner Nordic walking session at Wallington includes instruction in the technique and its benefits, followed by a two-mile walk in the grounds and a cool-down stretch.
30–31 Aug
Summer of Play at Seaton Delaval Hall is a family-focused event offering theatrical, musical, and playful activities inspired by the Georgian heyday of the Delaval family. Attendees can join drop-in circus activities, watch mini circus performances, participate with a recycled junk orchestra, play in the Delaval Playdium play area, engage in hobby horse races and traditional games, and enjoy craft sessions in the Community Kitchen Garden. The event takes place both indoors and outdoors during the summer holidays.
20 Oct
Participants can use foam leaf-shaped stamps and fabric-printing techniques to add their own print to a collaborative portrait of Mary Eleanor. The completed artwork will be displayed in the Walled Garden alongside self-portraits from the Roots of Me project.
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition of artwork by Bridgewater Primary School pupils, inspired by nature and Belsay Hall. It features sunflower and tree-themed works, alongside photography and collage created with local artist Lindsey Robinson.
27–28 Nov, 5 Dec
Participants can make a Christmas door wreath or table decoration in a floristry workshop led by professional florist Sue McGhee. Complimentary hot drinks, mulled wine and mince pies are provided.
A 25-acre University Botanic Garden featuring diverse plant collections, accessible glasshouses, woodland areas, and a children's play area, with food available on-site and partial wheelchair accessibility. Access is free for RHS members on select days.
20 Sep
White-clawed crayfish ranger engagement days at Wallington are outdoor events where visitors can meet rangers on the river walk to learn about the native white-clawed crayfish, their conservation and monitoring programme, and see the species up close.
5 Dec
Participants use cutters, texture rollers and stamps to decorate four clay Christmas tree decorations, then choose a glaze colour. The finished pieces are dried, glazed and fired at the pottery for collection later.
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a daily fancy-dress competition.
29–31 Oct
Join a guided tour of the cellars at Wallington to explore their passageways and rooms and hear about the history of the house.
4 Jul–1 Sep
Pokémon joins Gibside's Summer of Play 2026, offering a summer of free family activities with play zones including Pokémon Trading Card Game, Georgian games, racket sports, music making, hobby horse racing, wildlife discovery, and guided sessions such as football and axe throwing. The event runs daily from 4 July to 1 September 2026, with activities for children of all ages and a range of outdoor and indoor experiences.
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
During a Christmas visit to Wallington House, visitors can purchase a glass of prosecco with a mince pie, or a non-alcoholic alternative with a mince pie, in the House kitchen.
4–6 Sep
Northumbria lace makers demonstration at Wallington allows visitors to explore lace from Wallington's collection and watch lacemaking demonstrations by Northumbria lacemakers celebrating the Lace Guild's 50th anniversary.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Celebrate red squirrels with the Wallington ranger team. Visitors can colour in, learn facts about native red squirrels and guess how many nuts are in a jar.
24–26 Oct, 28 Oct–1 Nov
Children can make nature-inspired autumn crafts using card, pens and natural materials, with the possibility of creating a corn dolly to take home. The drop-in craft sessions take place at various times during the week.
10 Oct, 23 Oct…
A guided safari with beaver ecologists in Wallington’s beaver enclosure, exploring wetlands, looking for signs of beaver activity and learning how beavers affect the landscape. The safari is not intended for viewing beavers themselves.
6 Dec
Participants can learn traditional willow-weaving techniques in one of two festive workshops: making a willow angel in the morning or a starburst wreath in the afternoon.
29 Oct
A wildlife photography workshop for children aged 7–12 and their accompanying adults. Participants will learn about animal behaviour, caring for wildlife and composing photographs, and may use any camera, including a camera phone.
19 Sep
Crafted Christmas: create a clay leaf is a drop-in workshop event at Wallington where visitors can create their own unique ceramic clay leaf decorations guided by Ravn Clay Pottery. The event celebrates handmade Christmas decorations and Wallington's heritage with a ceramic installation made of handcrafted leaves. Suitable for all ages, visitors can participate without advance booking and collect their leaves after Christmas.
11–13 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Wallington Estate Rothley Lakehouse offers a chance to visit and learn about Rothley Lakehouse through a guided tour. Discover its history from being a hunting lodge to its current use as a holiday cottage during the festival.
29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Children can make Christmas cards, paper baubles and wreaths during drop-in seasonal craft sessions, and take their creations home.
29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Children and families meet an elf and Father Christmas at Gibside Stables for an interactive festive story. The 20-minute experience includes time for children to join in, followed by a small gift for each child and an opportunity for family photos.
29 Oct
Families can take part in outdoor agility games, racing through ladders and jumping over hurdles to test their speed, balance and coordination.
27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Live musicians perform in Wallington’s Central Hall during the festive period, with a different act or group scheduled each day. The programme includes folk music, piano, guitar, choir and Northumbrian pipes.
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Mrs Christmas reads a series of short stories in the Reading Room at Wallington, with visitors invited to settle in for storytime during the festive season.
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
An exhibition exploring extinction, from the demise of dinosaurs and ice age mammoths to the effects of human activity on wildlife. Visitors can explore information panels, replica objects, interactive displays and historic engravings, including images of prehistoric life.
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
A photography exhibition showcasing the work of National Trust volunteer photographer Tony Blackett, exploring the details and perspectives found around us.
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Enjoy seasonal live music in the house at Wallington, with folk performers, pianists and Northumbrian pipers playing on selected dates.
25 Sep
Delaval Discoveries: Gardens Tour is an event at Seaton Delaval Hall where participants join expert gardeners to explore the historic gardens and learn about the care of the landscape, including the history of Sir John Vanbrugh's pleasure grounds and seasonal plant tips. The event is outdoors and does not require booking, though normal admission charges apply for the venue.
3 Nov
Join a Gibside ranger for a guided walk exploring seasonal nature and conservation, including insects, fungi and plant folklore. The 2.5-hour ramble may also include a wildlife survey or sightings of roe deer.
31 Aug
Family Games: Summer of Play at Gibside is an outdoor family event featuring classic school sports-day games such as egg-and-spoon race, parachute challenge, foam javelin throws, space hopper races, and blindfold games. Participants can drop by without booking to take part in the family challenge on the grass, with the meeting point at Green Close Field beside Gibside Hall. The event requires normal venue admission fee and runs on 31 August 2026 from 13:30 to 15:30.
8 Oct
An illustrated talk examines John Vanbrugh’s Queen’s Theatre in the Haymarket, exploring its architecture, relationship with opera and drama, and cultural and political significance.
7 Nov–9 Dec
Visitors can follow an outdoor sculpture trail through the grounds, discovering twelve Snowmen decorated by different artists around the theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas. A trail map and letter-collecting activity are available to help reveal a festive word.
9 Dec
Make folded-book Christmas decorations in a small-group workshop in the Kitchen at Wallington, with materials provided. After the workshop, attendees can look around the downstairs of the House with a guide.
31 Oct
An annual Halloween celebration at Seaton Delaval Hall featuring costume and carved-pumpkin competitions, followed by a parade through the grounds led by samba band The Bangshees.
31 Aug
Summer of Play: BubblePlaY is a family-friendly event featuring pop-up performances by bubble specialists, BubblePlaY. Attendees of all ages can enjoy chasing, catching, and popping bubbles, including giant bubbles and bubble tricks, with entertainment provided by expert bubbleologists. The event is free with membership or standard admission and does not require booking.
13 Dec, 22 Dec
A quieter Christmas experience for children and families at Wallington, featuring a festive story with Mrs Christmas, a craft activity, and a meeting with Father Christmas in the Reading Room.
24 Aug–1 Sep
Summer of Play at Wallington offers a range of led and self-led activities every day during the school holidays, including sports like hockey, volleyball, badminton, tennis, basketball, soft archery, sports day, adventure challenges, tabletop games, sound bathing, and mindful movement. Activities are drop-in and weather dependent. Children must be supervised by adults. Normal admission charges for the venue apply.
12–13 Sep
Heritage Open Days on the Farne Islands invites visitors to land on Inner Farne and explore its cultural heritage including St Cuthbert's Chapel and views of Bamburgh Castle and Longstone Lighthouse, with opportunities to see Atlantic grey seals. The event includes a boat ride to the island and is free to attend, but a separate boat ticket fee applies.
The Farne Islands in Northumberland are a National Nature Reserve famous for their large breeding seabird colonies including puffins and Atlantic grey seals. Visitors can take boat trips from Seahouses harbour to explore the islands, enjoy guided tours of historic sites like St Cuthbert's Chapel and Longstone Lighthouse, and experience significant wildlife and cultural heritage in a sensitive natural environment.
30–31 Aug
Delaval Discoveries: Potted History Talk is a daily 30-minute talk at Seaton Delaval Hall introducing the history of the Delaval family and the architecture of Sir John Vanbrugh's 300 year old masterpiece. The event does not require booking and is free, but attendees must pay the venue's normal admission charges.
7 Nov
An adults-only Christmas card-making workshop where participants reuse pages from second-hand books to create handmade cards. Refreshments and a sweet treat are included.
26 Oct
A family craft activity where attendees can make a bat-themed winged disguise for imaginative play and Halloween-season fun. The activity is suitable for children aged 3 and over, who must be accompanied by an adult.
Penshaw Monument is a Grade I listed Greek-style Doric temple folly on Penshaw Hill near Sunderland, England. It commemorates the Earl of Durham and features 18 columns, a spiral staircase leading to a parapeted walkway, and expansive views. Owned by the National Trust, it is a prominent North East England landmark with guided tours, cultural significance, and nighttime floodlighting.
16 Oct (next Friday)
Join a guided tour and talk in Wallington House to learn how women who lived or spent time there influenced its history and appearance.
5 Dec
This outdoor guided tour explores how people at Warkworth Castle celebrated Christmas in medieval times, bringing the castle’s history to life.
Warkworth Hermitage is a historic 14th-century chapel and priest's house carved into a sandstone cliff on the River Coquet bank, featuring religious carvings and accessible by ferry from Warkworth Castle, managed by English Heritage.