Things to do in May Half Term in Newcastle Gateshead

Are you looking for things to do with your family in NewcastleGateshead during May half term? Taking place in the North East from the 24th May until the 1st June, this break is a perfect time to explore the city and spend time in the outdoors.

With so much going on at attractions and venues across NewcastleGateshead, it can be difficult to decide what to do, where to go and when to do it. Don’t worry, we have picked out some highlights in a handy guide of things to do in the North East during May half term.

Hop on and take a tour of NewcastleGateshead from the top of the city's open-top tour bus. Visitors can hop on and hop off to their heart's content as they explore Newcastle's attractions and take in the city's sights atop the latest sightseeing bus experience. The service will run every 30 minutes, starting from Central Station in Newcastle and then serve stops on a circular route which takes in some of the finest sights around the city including Discovery Museum, St James' Park, Great North Museum, Ouseburn, Quayside, Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, Baltic and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. See the route here. 

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Embark on a fascinating journey at the Life Science Centre this May Half Term. Dive into interactive exhibits exploring the wonders of all things science with immersive events and installations this May. Step inside a 6-metre-high tornado, the largest of its kind in Europe, play with digital water and even hear your own heartbeat bang a drum. With something for every young explorer, a week of adventure and learning awaits! 

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What better way to enjoy May Half Term than with a trip back in time to Beamish Museum: The Living Museum of the North. Step into the enchanting world of time gone by at Beamish, where the past comes to life, and discover what life was like in North East England during Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, war time and fifties Britain There’ll be a whole host of fun activities to take part in too, all included in your entrance ticket. Travelling to Beamish from Newcastle? You can get the Go North East number 28 bus to the entrance gates of Beamish. Plan your journey here. 

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Take part in family-friendly crafting and get creative at Shipley Art Gallery this May half term. With two fun-filled days of workshops throughout the week, a visit to Shipley Art Gallery is a sure way to provide fun for the full family. Create a decorative windsock on Tuesday 27th or explore different crafting techniques using a range of materials from paper plates to tissue paper to make your very own vase of beautiful blossoms. Pre-booking is essential so book your space here.

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Lilidorei is the Alnwick Garden's latest addition, where it is always Christmas! The world's largest play structure is a hidden wonderland designed to encourage children to use their own imagination to uncover the secrets of Lilidorei and its many clans, who plan for Christmas all year round. The 26-metre tall structure, named Elfvindrin, is the height of an eight story building and is waiting to be enjoyed this half term. Get your tickets here. 

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Explore a diverse mix of wetland, woodland, wildflower meadows and nature reserve home to a collection of exotic birds including Chilean flamingos, a family of Asian short-clawed otters, and enjoy flocks of wild waders, grey herons, woodland birds, insects and amphibians. Take on the challenge of minibeast hunting, build your own bug house and have a go at pond dipping in a week full of events this half term.

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