- Play Hard
- 9th Apr 2025
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Hop into half term: Unique Easter events in the North East
Spring is here – one season closer to summer…
But before we start dreaming of beach days and BBQs, let’s take a moment to appreciate the season of fresh blooms, lighter nights, and a whole host of quirky Easter traditions.
The North East knows how to welcome spring in style, with everything from competitive egg rolling to boats made of Yorkshire puddings (yes, really).
So, if you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate the season – beyond just working your way through an alarming amount of chocolate – here are some of the best and most unusual events happening across the region.
Eggsplorers Easter Egg Hunt
When: 5th April – 27th April
Where: Raby Castle, County Durham
Tickets: From £11.00 entry
Get ready for an Easter egg hunt like no other. Visit The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle, where giant, colourful eggs are tucked away amongst the trees and winding woodland paths. Solve clues, explore epic play zones and spend time in nature. After your adventure, pop into The Plotters’ Pantry to refuel with some sweet seasonal snacks before adventuring further into the estate’s beautiful grounds.
Easter Activities at Life Science Centre
When: 12th April
Where: Life Science Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets: From £10.50 entry
Want to play and learn at the same time? This one is for you. Dive into a world of science with hands-on activities, including making egg catapults and exploring the science behind egg rolling, alongside fun and interactive play zones.
Tipsy Easter Egg Decorating with Oli the Choc
When: 13th April 2025
Where: Gino D’Acampo Restaurant, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets: From £37.54
Who says Easter fun is just for kids? At Tipsy Easter Egg Decorating with Oli the Choc, you can unleash your inner chocolatier while sipping on something a little stronger than hot cocoa. Taking place at Gino D’Acampo’s esteemed restaurant on Newcastle Quayside, this hands-on event lets you decorate your own delicious Easter egg under the expert guidance of celebrity chocolatier Oli the Choc – all while enjoying a cocktail or two. Whether you’re a meticulous artist or more of a ‘splash it on and hope for the best’ type, this relaxed, boozy workshop guarantees plenty of laughs, tasty treats, and Instagram-worthy creations. Perfect for a fun night out with friends or a unique date idea, this is Easter with a grown-up twist.
Easter Trail at Cragside
When: 18th April – 21st April
Where: Cragside, Rothbury
Tickets: From £13.80 entry
Hop to Cragside for a cracking time along the Easter trail. There are ten activity stations to find. Youngsters can test out their balancing skills on the egg and spoon obstacle course, see who can jump the furthest at long jump, play bunny hoopla, build a bird’s nest and make paper daffodils. Once the trail is complete, the children can collect their chocolate egg for a sweet treat.
Forage Easter Market
When: 18th – 19th April 2025
Where: Rigg & Furrow, Acklington Park Farm, Northumberland
Tickets: £1.00 entry
If your ideal Easter treat involves artisan food, handmade crafts, and a touch of the countryside, then the Forage Easter Market at Acklington Park Farm is the place to be. This charming market is a celebration of all things local, seasonal, and delicious. Wander through stalls bursting with fresh produce, gourmet treats, unique homeware, and handcrafted gifts, all while soaking up the relaxed, rural atmosphere. Whether you’re on the hunt for an alternative Easter gift or just fancy a leisurely weekend browse with a coffee in hand, this market is a must-visit. And let’s be honest – chocolate eggs are great, but artisan cheese and homemade bakes? Even better.
Easter Egg Trail at Northumberlandia
When: 18th – 21st April 2025
Where: Entrance to Woodland, Northumberlandia
Tickets: £3.00 per child
It wouldn’t be Easter without a bit of an egg hunt, right? This self-led adventure invites you to explore the stunning Lady of the North while searching for hidden Easter surprises along the way. Armed with a trail sheet, little explorers can follow the clues, solve puzzles, and uncover chocolatey rewards at the end. It’s a great way to get outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and take in the panoramic views from this unique land sculpture. Make sure to grab your tickets early for this one.
Easter at Beamish Museum
When: 18th – 21st April 2025
Where: Beamish Museum, County Durham
Tickets: From £20.00 entry
Why not head back in time and see how Easter was celebrated in the past at Beamish? Take part in unique traditional Easter Weekend celebrations and experience how Easter was marked in different eras, from the Georgian period to the 1950s. Get involved in egg-rolling competitions, watch historic baking demonstrations, and discover how families celebrated the season over a century ago. Whether you’re exploring the 1900s Pit Village or enjoying the sights and sounds of the 1940s Farm, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained. Best of all, the event is included with standard admission, making it a perfect springtime day out for families, history buffs, and chocolate lovers alike.
Doggy Wagtastic Easter Meet Up
When: 18th April 2025, 9:30am-11:30am
Where: Weetslade Country Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets: Free, booking required
If you think Easter is just for the kids, think again – because at Weetslade Country Park, it’s all about the pups! This relaxed outdoor gathering is perfect for dog lovers looking to enjoy a scenic walk, meet like-minded people, and learn more about the fantastic conservation work happening in the area. Hosted by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the event includes a visit to their gazebo, where you can chat with the team, grab a treat for your four-legged friend, and set off on a self-guided spring trail through the beautiful parkland. Just remember to dress for the weather – muddy paws (and boots) are pretty much guaranteed!
Tanfield Railway Easter Eggstravaganza
When: 18th – 21st April 2025
Where: Tanfield Railway, County Durham
Tickets: From £5
All aboard for an egg-stra special Easter adventure at Tanfield Railway. Over the Easter weekend, families can hop on a heritage steam train and take part in the railway’s much-loved Easter Eggstravaganza. As the train chugs through the scenic North East countryside, little ones can enjoy a fun-filled Easter egg hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, and take part in craft activities at the stations. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia and festive fun, with something to delight visitors of all ages. Plus, what’s more magical than celebrating Easter with the world’s oldest railway as your backdrop?
Easter Bonnet Train Ride and Afternoon Tea
When: 21st April 2025
Where: South Causey Inn, County Durham
Tickets: £56.00
A unique way to celebrate Easter. Start your experience by boarding the charming Tanfield Railway train, winding through the countryside, followed by an Easter Afternoon Tea in the Farmhouse Orangery at South Causey Inn. All guests are encouraged to wear their most creative Easter bonnets, with a prize for the most impressive.
Crafts and Capes at Eldon Square
When: 17th – 26th April 2025
Where: Eldon Square, Newcastle
Free
This free Easter extravaganza at Eldon Square is filled with creative crafts, superhero adventures and lots of fun for all ages. On the 17th and 18th of April, the Community Quarter will be transformed into a creative space where children can enjoy Easter card-making and paper glasses crafting. From Monday 21st of April, the space will be transformed into a hub of superhero action, with superhero mask-making, superhero training, and the opportunity to meet Spider-Man, Captain America and Wonder Woman.
From the quirky to the traditional, the North East offers a whole host of fun-filled Easter and springtime events that are sure to put a smile on your face. So, this Easter, hop to it and embrace all the wonderful, eccentric, and downright fun traditions the North East has to offer.
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