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 Friday 26 May - Monday 5 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.

New for 2023, Lilidorei is the Alnwick Garden's latest addition, where it will always be Christmas! The world's largest play structure is a hidden wonderland is 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 will be open just in time for May Half Term! Each ticket gains you entry to a timed session, with the opening times in school holidays being from 9:00- 19:00. Tickets start at £15 for a child and £12 for an adult. You can book your ticket here.

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Explore how to bend beams of light, see yourself in an infrared camera, discover what sound looks like, operate our 6metre tall ‘Big Machine’ and much much more in the WOW Zone. Get stuck into brain teasing exhibits, explore how amazing science is used in everyday life, and be wowed by dramatic demonstrations that YOU control! Wow Zone aims to be a fun and memorable experience for children and adults.

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Enjoy an after hours visit to the Castle Keep where your guide will lead you around the atmospheric Keep, with a range of activities to take part in along the way. Will you dare to brave a visit to the castle dungeon? Can you triumph against renowned knight Sir Aymer de Atholl in combat? Test your aim as an archer with an archery challenge! After your challenges, take a break in the Tavern, where our brave participants will receive a drink and snack. The tour will then head up to the roof to take in the amazing views of Newcastle, where, in full sight of the city, the children will be knighted and receive a certificate of knighthood. Book your place here. 

Want to experience the magic of Harry Potter from the Castle Keep? Newcastle Castle's film nights continue over May Half Term with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Book your place here.

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Reimagine the wonder of wetlands and nature through the eyes of the UK’s best loved illustrator Quentin Blake. Come and enjoy wetland adventures of imagination, inspiration and illustration. Collect an illustrated guide full of Quentin Blake’s drawings and journey around our wonderful wetland world this summer. New seasonal trails will be launched later in the year, each with a different illustrated guide to collect and keep. The centre has got a whole host of art and illustration activities aimed at all ages and abilities, including nature-inspired creative challenges, art workshops and much more, with new events and activities to enjoy throughout the year. Plus take part in crafty competitions with lots of Quentin Blake goodies up for grabs including the chance to win a one-off, special edition Quentin Blake print. Find out more here.

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The Great North Museum: Hancock has opened a brand-new interactive exhibition - an original fantasy adventure in which the visitor becomes the hero. Part immersive story, part live-action game, ‘Myth Quest’ players will take on the role of an adventurer, exploring myths and monsters throughout the museum to complete their quests.

This museum-wide experience begins with Mary Hancock, sister of the museum’s original founders. Mary discovered a way to travel through space and time, and encountered many monsters and magical artefacts through her journeys through the Parallel. Her findings aided her in overcoming many challenges, and were documented in Mary’s Study, the Mythical Archive and an intriguing newly discovered letter.

Players are welcomed to Mary’s Study and Archive where they can choose a magical item to help them on their quest. Taking a map and quartz crystal, players head out into the museum on one of three interactive adventures – through the Foggy Forest of Forgettings, the Serpentine Sea of the Sirens, and the Moody Mountains of the Monsters - to uncover all the Parallel’s secrets and become a true hero. Those who complete their quest will earn their place in the ‘Myth Quest Hall of Heroes’, where they will learn more about all the fascinating objects, magical animals, mythical creatures and quirky characters they have encountered on their journey.

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