- Play Hard
- 9th Apr 2025
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12 things to do this weekend in the North East


Hot Cross Bun Masterclass – Raby Castle
When: Friday 11th April 11:30am – 4:00pm
Where: Raby Castle
Price: £35.50
Is there anything more quintessentially Easter than hot cross buns?
Join estate chef Tom Parry for a Hot Cross Bun Masterclass in Raby Castle’s Medieval Kitchen. You’ll learn how to bake traditional hot cross buns, then enjoy a guided tour of the Castle while you wait for them to rise and bake.
Top off the experience with a tea or coffee and take your homemade buns home with you, still warm from the oven!
The Evolution of Psychopaths: From Neanderthals to the Internet Age – Newcastle Castle
When: Friday 11th April 6:00pm – 7:15pm
Where: Newcastle Castle
Price: from £8
Hosted by research psychologist and psychopathy expert Cheish Merryweather, this fascinating talk explores psychopaths over time.
You’ll learn how psychopathic traits have shaped human history, from early survivalists to the digital masterminds of today.
With elements of science, storytelling and plenty of insights, this talk challenges common perceptions of psychopathy by asking the question: “Are psychopaths a necessary part of human evolution?”


Starbathing Walk – Ad Gefrin
When: Friday 11th April 7:15pm – 9:00pm
Where: Ad Gerin
Price: £45
Walk beneath the constellations during this unforgettable nighttime starbathing experience.
Starting at twilight, you’ll walk from Ad Gefrin to Humbleton Hill under the guidance of a Wild Experiences Northumberland team member.
Take in your beautiful natural surroundings as the night unfolds above you and enjoy some of the clearest dark skies in Britain.
Once you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be rewarded with hot drinks, snacks and an optional toast with Ad Gefrin’s Tácnbora Whisky Blend.
Steve Steinmans Eternal Love: The Musical – Tyne Theatre & Opera House
When: Friday 11th April 7:30pm – Saturday 12th April 7:30pm
Where: Tyne Theatre and Opera House
Price: from £24
This original rock musical celebrates 22 years of Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock chronicles.
With a full cast of singers, dancers and musicians, the fangtastic night will feature more than 20 original songs from two #1 albums – ideal for musical theatre and rock fans alike!


Willow Crafting: Weave Your Own Hare – Raby Castle
When: Saturday 12th April 11;30am – 4:00pm
Where: Raby Castle
Price: £95.50
Create your very own willow hare sculpture in this beginner-friendly craft workshop.
Led by an expert, you’ll learn how to weave willow into a charming hare-shaped piece to take home – a lovely decoration for spring!
Everything you need is included in the ticket price and there will be a light lunch to keep you refreshed during the session.
Easter at Lilidorei – The Alnwick Garden
When: Saturday 12th April 10:00am – 6:00pm
Where: The Alnwick Garden
Price: from £17
Celebrate the season of new life at Lilidorei this Easter! There will be a range of activities for the kids to get involved in:
– Explore the Lilidorei village and answer riddles on your Soar Into Spring trail card
– Hunt for the golden eggs hidden throughout the village
– Marvel at the soaring bord that takes flight around Lilidorei
– Hear The Legend of the Golden Eggs during story time
– Take part in fun Easter games with the Secret Keepers
– Make a pretty spring stained glass ornament
Don’t forget there’s also Elfwin Drin to explore – the world’s biggest play structure!


Easter Holidays – Life Science Centre
When: Saturday 12th April 11:30am – Sunday 27th 5:00pm
Where: Life Science Centre
Price: from £10.50
The Life Science Centre is hosting a variety of fun and informative activities this Easter!
Make your own egg catapult in the Making Studios, learn how to win an egg-rolling contest, explore interactive activities, head to space in the Space Zone and much more.
See the Life Science Centre’s website for the full programme of activities.
Build a Bug House & Explore our Bug Hotel – Washington Wetland Centre
When: Saturday 12th April 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where: Washington Wetland Centre
Price: included in price of general admission
Explore Washington Wetland Centre’s bug house and insect garden with volunteer Kate.
Soak up the fresh spring weather as you learn which flowers you should plant to help bees and butterflies thrive.
You’ll also have the chance to build a bug house using recycled milk cartons and card board tubes, which you can take home for your own outdoor space!


Made Up North’s Spring Market
When: Sunday 13th April 10:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Boiler Shop
Price: £2
Made Up North is hosting its spring market in the heart of Newcastle, bringing together 65 of the best northern makers, artists, creative businesses, and food vendors under one roof!
Enjoy a drink from the BOILER SHOP’s in-house bar while viewing the incredible work of local potters, textiles artists, jewelers, soap makers, and so many other independent northern creatives.
The first 10 people through the door will get a free gift!
The market will also be acting as a drop-off point for food donations and hygiene donations for East End Women.
Spring Wreath Making with Harvest Moon – The Biscuit Factory
When: Sunday 13th April 10:30am – 1:00pm
Where: The Biscuit Factory
Price: £68
Bring spring to your front door with a beautiful handmade wreath.
The experts from Harvest Moon Floral Art will show you how to build your wreath using a willow base, foliage, dried flowers, and spring flowering plants and bulbs that will come into flower.
Finish your masterpiece with a pretty ribbon, then hang it on your door and watch it change with the season!


Make Your Own Pair of Plant Pots: Ceramic Workshop – Newcastle Cathedral
When: Sunday 13th April 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Where: Newcastle Cathedral
Price: £68
Craft a pair of ceramic plant pots during this hands-on workshop led by potter Amy Rutherford.
You’ll learn how to mould clay into perfectly sized pots, then add your own touches with stamps and patterns.
By the end of the session, you’ll have created two pretty and practical pots ready for planting!
Brainstorm – Gosforth Civic Theatre
When: Sunday 13th April 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Where: Gosforth Civic Theatre
Price: £8
Mortal Fools’ Ensemble Young Company presents this fast-paced, enlightening show that delves into the messy mechanics of the teenage brain.
Following a script developed in collaboration with neuroscientists, 11 young performers will share their stories and give an insight into their brains, explaining how it affects their relationships with adults.
This is a fantastic show for teenagers, young people and any adults who live with or support them!

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