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 27th until the 31st May, 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.

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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Embark on a fascinating journey at the Life Science Centre this May Half Term. Dive into interactive exhibits exploring the wonders of nature and science with special guest ZooLab. Get face to face with minibeasts – including tarantulas and snakes and discover that crawlies don’t have to be creepy. Unleash your inner scientist in the Experiment Zone and combine chemicals that will fizz, heat, cool and solidify. 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. Step into the enchanting world of Timeless Toys at Beamish Museum! Discover the magic of play with nostalgic treasures and vintage marvels. Discover toys from the past as the museum prepares to open a 1950s toy shop later this year. 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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Learn all about wetland nature and wildlife with a little help from Bing and his friends. Become a Nature Explorer with Bing's Nature Explorers activity trail this May Half Term. Enjoy a host of activities including storytelling, arts and crafts, pond dipping and many more. Follow Bing’s Nature Explorers trail to discover fun-filled challenges and amazing wildlife facts. Be sure to pick up a trail guide at the start of your visit and collect your sticker once you’ve completed the trail. Enjoy a Bing story with a fun storytelling session and pop on your Bing ears and get comfy for the10-20 minute sessions. Want to take the fun home with you? Visit the shop for a range of Bing gifts and toys!

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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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Take part in the Family Arts Festival this May half term at Shipley Art Gallery. Taking place on Tuesday 28th and Thursday 30th May, get hands on and let your inner artist shine! On Tuesday 28 May, the session is inspired by the ceramics on display. You will find ceramics decorated with fish designs, and learn about artists who've been inspired by aquatic nature. You can then create your own crafts inspired by underwater creatures - choose to make an octopus with wavy legs, or a paper fish that really moves. If you have time, you might even be able to make both. On Thursday 30 May, make a small keepsake box using air drying clay. Use the clay to shape small decorations to add to your box; and a variety of tools to make marks such as patterns or your name. At home, let you box dry for 24hr, then paint it yourself if you'd like to add colour. This session is led by Sunderland University who specialise in ceramics. While you're here, you'll be able to view a small exhibition of their work and find out more about their creative processes and inspiration. Book now. 

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