Family Activities to Enjoy in the North East and Yorkshire over the May Bank Holidays
Fun filled days ahead
Durham Botanic Garden
1st–31st May
Throughout May you can take part in the Beautiful Birds trail at the Botanic Garden. Perfect for families, pick up a spotter sheet at the visitor centre and see which beautiful birds you can discover in the garden. An amazing display of wild bluebells, usually in mid-May, draws many visitors and the woods surrounding the Botanic Garden are beautiful at this time.
Whitehouse Farm
6th–8th May
Over the King’s Coronation bank holiday weekend there will be an array of superheroes and princesses at Whitehouse Farm joining in with the celebrations. Head down to meet them and get your photo taken with your favourite characters, before enjoying all the usual family fun on the farm. We’re talking tractor rides, feeding the animals, a toboggan slide and indoor racing cars.
Laing Art Gallery
6th May
Get creative at the Laing Art Gallery’s inclusive art class for 10–15 year olds. Whether you fancy yourself as the next Picasso or just find enjoyment in art and want to improve, participants will have the opportunity to work with professional art educators to brush up on their skills, working in different mediums and using different techniques. Why not stay after your class to explore the gallery and get some inspiration?
Seven Stories
7th & 8th May
Nonsense Room Productions are back at Seven Stories with a brilliant interactive musical theatre show for all the family. Based on the book YOU CHOOSE by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, in this show you literally choose what happens! Using the picture book as inspiration and through a series of games and challenges, each show will feature a unique story with different characters every time.
Darlington Hippodrome
27th May
When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus? Find out by heading to the all-singing, all-dancing, action-packed Fireman Sam show at Darlington Hippodrome.
Warkworth Castle
27th May–4th June
Get ready for a right royal knees-up as the Kids Rule event comes to Warkworth Castle this May. Head to the grounds of this ruined medieval castle to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation with merry monarchs, hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun. While you’re there, you can also head down to the nearby beach and if the weather’s playing ball refuel with an ice cream or fish and chips.
Thornton Hall Farm
7th–8th May
Looking for something unique to do? Head to Thornton Hall Country Park as this bank holiday weekend sees the return of the exhilarating Lawn Mower Racing here. Reaching speeds of up to 50mph, teams of professionals (do not try this at home!) race around the track on lawn mowers that they have specifically built for the race – a brilliant day out for the family and something different to enjoy!
East Riddlesden Hall
8th May
To celebrate the Coronation, East Riddlesden Hall are holding a picnic party in their gardens and grounds, and the good news is you’re invited! Bring along a picnic and soak up the sunshine as the country celebrates this historic occasion. Take part in lawn games and face painting, and cool down with a cone from the special ice cream bicycle.
Whistlestop Valley, Huddersfield
13th–14th May
Thomas the Tank Engine and friends are bringing a celebration of noise and colour to Whistlestop Valley this May. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor station sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. With a return steam train ride, photo opportunities, interactive bubble zone, live entertainment and sing-a-longs, it’s sure to be a fun-filled family day out.
Ripon Racecourse
21st May
The much-loved Ripon Racecourse is rolling back the years to bring you the ultimate traditional family raceday this May. Alongside the racing, you can expect lots of free and fun activities, such as Punch & Judy, a magician, bouncy castle, face painting and balloon modelling.
William’s Den, Hull
27th May–4th June
William’s Spring Adventures are back and this year they’re going big! Still with all of their usual forest trails and den building, for the first time they’re welcoming the biggest inflatable assault course to the Den. Kids can jump on board and race their friends to the end. The best news is that it’s suitable for all ages, so parents can have a go too!
Scarborough Castle
27th May–4th June
Get ready for a right royal knees-up as the Kids Rule event comes to Scarborough Castle. Head to the grounds of this ruined medieval fortress to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation with merry monarchs, hands-on activities and lots of fresh-air and family fun. While you’re there, why not head down to the nearby beaches and if the weather’s playing ball refuel with an ice cream or fish and chips.
