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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Tonewood performs live music in the House at Wallington, with the performance taking place in the Central Hall.
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.
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.
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.