The Easter holidays are almost here again, so here are some of my favourite places to visit for a family day out here in the North East. If you’d like to have a little fun first – head to my social media pages and see if you can guess the locations from the photos – then come back here to find out more about their Easter activities.
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens,
Located near Durham, explore the rich blend of history, architecture, and family-friendly activities in the old Catholic Seminary and its beautiful grounds, which are just coming into bloom.
From April 12th to 27th, 2025, Ushaw celebrates the launch of its new exhibition, The Discovery of Birds, with the Feathers & Fun event. This family-oriented program features a variety of activities inspired by avian themes, such as mosaic making, Backpacks & Birdsong and stop motion workshops.
On April 17th and 18th, 2025, you can decorate egg and bunny-shaped clay hanging decorations and on April 24th there will be a Young Stitchers workshop . All materials are provided, and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens – Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
Hall Hill Farm
From 22nd March to 5th May 2025, the farm celebrates Lambing Time, where visitors can witness the birth of lambs from various sheep breeds and have the opportunity to feed pet lambs and see fluffy Easter chicks.
In addition, children can enjoy tractor rides, an indoor soft play area, outdoor adventure play, and the Wonky Donkey crazy golf course. Animal enthusiasts have the chance to handle friendly rabbits, guinea pigs, and chicks, as well as interact with donkeys, goats, sheep, and the farm’s renowned Highland cows.
The farm also features bouncy pillows, sledges, and a barrel train, ensuring a fun-filled day for the whole family.
Hardwick Park
Over the Easter holidays, Hardwick Park is offering a number of family friendly events such as the Easter Forest Club, The Great Easter Escape and a Cheeky Chicks trail.
- Easter Forest Club: Tuesday, 15 April 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, this hands-on experience is designed for children aged approximately 2 to 6 years. The session includes a hot chocolate Easter treat.
- The Great Easter Escape: Thursday, 17 April 2025, with workshops between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, families can collaborate to crack codes and assist the Easter Bunny in this interactive challenge.
- Cheeky Chicks Trail from Saturday, 12 April, to Sunday, 27 April 2025. Families can purchase trail sheets for £1 from the café during opening hours. This self-guided activity invites participants to explore the park, solving clues provided by the “cheeky chicks” to uncover a mystery word.
Beyond these events, Hardwick Park features scenic walking trails around a large lake, diverse wildlife, and ornamental buildings. The park also offers play areas suitable for children, providing ample opportunities for outdoor fun.
The park’s visitor centre provides educational exhibits and information about the park’s history and natural environment and refreshments are available in the on-site café.
Hardwick Park – Durham County Council
Lanchester Garden Centre
The centre features expansive grounds perfect for leisurely walks, and children can enjoy the dedicated play tunnel, providing a safe and fun environment to explore as well as visiting the animals in the small zoo.
Throughout April, the Greenhouse Restaurant serves themed afternoon teas suitable for both adults and children. These special teas are available daily, with no need for pre-booking.
There are also a variety of family-friendly workshops during the Easter period – Easter Fused Glass Workshop, Big Chocolate Science and Hair Braiding are just some of the events on offer.
Home – Lanchester Garden Centre
Broom House Farm
Broom House Farm, a working farm near Durham, offers a variety of engaging activities and facilities for families during the Easter holidays.
You might be lucky enough to spot the animals in their fields or barns and weather permitting, the Forest Adventure is expected to open mid April. Families can explore woodland trails featuring tree-based challenges, zip wires, slides, and nature quizzes.
The on-site farm shop offers a selection of locally sourced meats and produce, while the coffee shop provides a cosy setting to enjoy homemade meals and refreshments.
Home – Broom House Farm Shop, Coffee Shop & Forest Adventure
Durham Botanic Gardens
Durham University’s Botanic Garden, nestled within a 10-hectare mature woodland on the southern outskirts of Durham city, is hosting special events for families during the Easter holidays. Over the Easter weekend, there is a chick hunt in the gardens and on the 24th April, Crazy Creatures will be visiting.
Among its diverse landscapes, the garden features a charming cherry blossom collection that bursts into delicate pinks and whites during springtime. In addiiton, the garden boasts an array of attractions, including glasshouses showcasing tropical rainforest flora, desert plants, and Mediterranean species, as well as tropical insects such as stick insects. The woodland areas offer serene trails, while the on-site café provides refreshments, making it an ideal spot for a family day out.
Botanic Garden – Durham University
Morpeth Gathering
The Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering is an annual three-day festival held in the historic market town of Morpeth, Northumberland, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. In 2025, the 57th Gathering is scheduled from Friday, 25th April, to Sunday, 27th April.
This vibrant event showcases traditional Northumbrian music, dance, crafts, dialect, and heritage through a variety of activities suitable for all ages. Attendees can enjoy concerts, dance performances, craft exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and workshops. A highlight of the festival is the Border Cavalcade and Pageant, a colourful procession through the town that reenacts historical events and features participants in period costumes.
For those interested in history, Morpeth Castle will host open days on Saturday, 26th April, and Sunday, 27th April 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm. These free events provide an opportunity to explore the historic castle and learn more about its past.
Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering | Northumbriana
Alnwick Gardens & Lilidorei
The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland is one of my favourite destinations at this time of year. It’s famous Cherry Orchard – the world’s largest collection of ‘Taihaku’ cherry trees, usually blooms for up to two weeks around the end of April and beginning of May creating a spectacular sight. There is also an Easter Trail to complete as well as the Water Garden, Labyrinth, Poison Garden, Grand Cascade, Ornamental Garden and Crazy Golf course to explore.
Adjacent to the garden is Lilidorei, a magical village home to nine clans who celebrate Christmas year-round. From April 12th to 27th, 2025, Lilidorei hosts the ‘Soar Into Spring’ event, featuring the Legend of the Golden Eggs. Families can embark on golden egg hunts, marvel at giant birds taking flight, enjoy storytelling sessions, and participate in traditional games like egg and spoon races. The centerpiece, Elfwin Drin, stands as the world’s largest play structure, inviting children to explore and create their own adventures. You can buy a combined ticket to visit both attractions on the same day.
The Alnwick Garden Homepage – The Alnwick Garden
Seaton Delaval Hall
Once home to the flamboyant Delaval family, known for their theatricality and mischief, Seaton Delaval Hall offers a rich history and engaging experiences for visitors. During the Easter holidays, from 12th to 27th April 2025, families can enjoy a special Easter trail through the beautiful gardens, featuring nature-inspired activities such as wheelbarrow racing, egg and spoon races, and a honey bee maze. The trail costs £3.50 per participant, including an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears, and a choice of dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg. Beyond the seasonal events, the hall boasts expansive gardens, interactive exhibits like the Delaval Playdium play area, and the intriguing Upside Down Room, reflecting the family’s playful legacy. You can also discover Luke Jerram’s latest sculpture, Helios – a 7m diameter sculpture of the sun, in the Central Hall.
Seaton Delaval Hall | Northumberland | National Trust
The North East Coast
Finally, I believe the beach makes a brilliant day out at any time of year, especially now that the weather’s starting to warm up a little so I couldn’t write a post like this without including at least one beach. We’re so lucky in the North East to have so many gorgeous beaches to choose from. This photo is from Alnmouth – it’s one of my favourites for a stroll with the family (or the dog!) and there’s a lovely play area tucked away by the river. If you’re planning a picnic, the village deli, Scotts of Alnmouth, is a great place to stop – their custard tarts are a must try! Over the Easter weekend, there’s also an Easter Market in Hindmarsh Hall with a variety of crafts, jewellery and tasty treats plus live music.
Explore Alnmouth | Visit Northumberland
