Cycle hire at Wallington (September to 1 November)
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.
Northumberland
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.
Near Wallington
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.
Vanbrugh 300
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.
Near Seaton Delaval Hall
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.
Beaver enclosure safari at Wallington
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.
Extinction
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.
Near Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
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.
Apple afternoons - taste the produce
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.
Near Gibside
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.
Bridgewater Primary Art Exhibition at Belsay Hall
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.
Near Belsay Castle
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.
The autumn almanac
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.
The art of noticing: a photography exhibition
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.
Near Gibside
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.
Red Squirrel Awareness Day at Wallington
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.
Autumn Photography Exhibition 2026
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.
Hidden Gibside, a history walk for those seeking a challenge
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.
3 miles from Derwentcote Steel Furnace
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.