What to Do with the Whole Family over the May Bank Holidays
Exciting adventures await
North East
Whitehouse Farm
2nd–4th May
Whitehouse Farm is a local favourite for families, and they never fail to entertain over the bank holiday weekend. Expect magic shows, trampolines, tractor rides and of course plenty of time with the animals. Children can bottle feed and cuddle the lambs and make sure to book to meet characters such as Mickey and Minnie, Jessie, Buzz and Woody – even Taylor Swift and Spiderman are making an appearance!
Durham Botanic Garden
25th May
Enjoy the annual fun day this bank holiday at Durham’s Botanic Garden. Bring a picnic or relax at the café, with various actives to fill the day. Watch the brass band or sword demonstration, get involved with crafts and face painting or bring home a treat from the Friends of the Garden plant sale.
Raby Castle
2nd–4th May
Reconnect with nature with a range of actives, music and seasonal traditions at Raby Castle to welcome the return of summer. Expect some exciting May Day crafts for little ones before they explore The Plotters’ Forest adventure playground. The Castle in Bloom installation is also being unveiled across the weekend, where several rooms of the stunning castle have been transformed by beautiful floral arrangements. With a range of unique classes and workshops, there is something for everyone.
Beamish Museum
3rd–4th May
Join in on the May Day Celebrations at Beamish Museum. May Day was a popular tradition during the Edwardian period, with each town or village celebrating with their own traditions and customs. Find out more about the history behind this exciting day and join in on some of the activities to immerse yourself in the past.
Newcastle Theatre Royal
21st–24th May
The second bank holiday weekend is bringing a treat to Newcastle Theatre Royal with The Enormous Crocodile. The Enormous Crocodile is on the hunt through the jungle all the way to Newcastle in search of little fingers and knees. Can the other jungle creatures put a stop to his greedy plans and save the day? Find out with this fabulous musical based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book.
Alnwick Castle
23rd–25th May
Alnwick Castle are taking you back in time this spring with their Raphael Historical Falconry show. Elizabethan Falconers recreate the art of falconry in the stunning castle grounds as they share the history behind the display (the white falcon was the personal motif of Anne Boleyn). This thrilling show includes a range of beautiful birds, taking you back to the Elizabethan period with captivating stories.
Bamburgh Castle
From 25th May
Viking warrior Ormhildhr is training King Oswald’s youngest recruits in the art of shieldwall combat. See if your children have what it takes to fight like a true warrior. Plus, whilst taking in the mighty history of this coastal castle, children will also enjoy a new indoor sculpture trail inspired by familiar sayings, hidden throughout the castle’s rooms.
Yorkshire
William’s Den
1st–4th May
With all the usual excitement to be had, children can explore this one-of-a-kind adventure play park. William’s Den has climbing towers, zip lines, water play and their incredible indoor play if the weather disappoints. With imaginative structures and sensory experiences, there is something for everyone.
DINO Live at Thornton Hall Farm
2nd May
Are you ready for a prehistoric adventure this May bank holiday? Meet the live rangers to learn about their baby dinos, T-Rex and Velociraptor. If you’re brave enough, come face to face with a gigantic dinosaur for a fantastic photo opportunity. Finish your day at the FoamZone for a party and experience the fun and madness for yourselves.
Wizard Fest: York City Centre
23rd–25th May
WizardFest is all about celebrating the best of magic and family fun in York. Embark on the Wizard Walk to experience spellbinding magic, entertainment and get your very own wand kit. Are you up to the task of the Black Cat Quest? Find all the cats in shop windows to spell a magic word to claim your own super-mini magic cat. Or why not take home a sweet treat at the chocolate frog and unicorn making workshop at York Cocoa Works? Make sure to try Iggy’s Dragon Sundae with cola candy rocks, magical sauce and a dragon wafer. With a range of exciting actives, food and shows, there is something for everyone this weekend.
Stockeld Park
23rd–31st May
Embark on the Storybook Spring Trail to meet live-action fairytale characters who will feature in your story. Are you brave enough to venture through the Magical Maze, solving storybook riddles to find your way out? Using the trail book, name each character and sketch your encounters, collecting ideas for your story. You become the writer as you decide how the characters’ stories unfold. Finish your story at the story creation station to complete your day as an author. Don’t forget to enter your story into the competition for a chance to win prizes and have your story brought to life next year.
Mother Shipton’s
23rd–31st May
Embark on a magical Maytime adventure and follow the yellow brick road for an Emerald Adventure this spring. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, the woodland has been transformed into a world of magic and intrigue. Meet the Green Witch of the Forest and the Good Witch of the Glade and come dressed in your most magically wicked outfits.
Whitby Abbey
23rd– 31st May
Visit the home of Dracula for their mystery mission this May. A top secret message has gone missing and it’s up to you to find it! Follow the trail, hunt for clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret. Be on the lookout for the secret agent who can help you on your journey. Are you up to the challenge?
