Spend this Summer exploring what the North East has to offer with the family, all free of cost!
📍Newcastle upon Tyne
🚗Approx. 24 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
The Discovery Museum offers a mixture of science and local history. Inside, you’ll find a science maze and three floors filled with captivating galleries that showcase the rich history of Tyneside.
Entry is FREE! However, for those seeking an even more exciting experience, there’s a Red Arrows Flight Simulator available for a small fee.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy regular, complimentary crafts. If you need a lunch break, the museum features a café and indoor picnic tables.
Pets Corner
📍Newcastle upon Tyne
🚗Approx. 12 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
Jesmond Dene has long been cherished by families as a destination for a picturesque day out. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings as you take leisurely walks or bike rides. Then take a visit to Pets Corner, where you can enjoy meeting friendly farm animals. And to top it all off, why not have a picnic on the grass near the ruined mill?
Baltic
📍Gateshead
🚗Approx. 21 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
At this Contemporary Art Gallery, you’ll find a great experience with its ever-changing exhibitions, often featuring interactive and thought-provoking displays. Families will appreciate the fantastic facilities, including an indoor picnic area for breaks.
Complimentary tea, coffee, and juice are also available.
Children can enjoy various free activities tailored for toddlers and kids at different times throughout the week. It’s a perfect destination for art enthusiasts and families alike!
Ouseburn Farm
📍Newcastle upon Tyne
🚗Approx. 16 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
Take your children to an exciting farm experience! They’ll have the opportunity to meet a diverse range of animals, including the renowned Susie the Psychic Pig, who achieved fame for her past match predictions during the Euros.
In addition to the new lamb attractions, the farm is home to goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Entry to the farm is FREE, but they warmly welcome donations to support their efforts.
Stephenson Railway Museum
📍North Shields
🚗Approx. 7 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
At the Stephenson Railway Museum, located in North Tyneside, you can explore a fascinating collection of vehicles, including George Stephenson’s creation, ‘Billy,’ which served as a precursor to the world-famous Rocket.
The museum offers a captivating journey into the rich history of locomotive development, making it a must-visit destination for history lovers and families alike.
Chain Bridge Honey Farm
📍Berwick
🚗Approx. 1 hour and 21 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
Nestled in Berwick, Chain Bridge Honey Farm is a family business. Their visitors’ centre, established in the 1990s, is dedicated to educating the public about the fascinating world of bees and honey.
Explore bee behaviour and discover a selection of beehive products, including honey, wax, and propolis. The centre also has an observation hive, allowing you to witness the bees in action!
Shipley Art Gallery
📍Gateshead
🚗Approx. 19 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
Experience a perfect family day out at the gallery! Enjoy exciting events such as talks and workshops suitable for all ages. For added fun, the gallery is close to Saltwell Park, making it an ideal destination for a delightful day filled with art and nature exploration for the whole family.
Tynemouth Market
📍Tynemouth
🚗Approx. 13 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
Every weekend from 9 am to 3:30 pm, Tynemouth Market springs to life at Tynemouth Station. From vintage clothing and collectibles to delectable produce, there’s something for everyone. On the third Saturday of each month, the local farmers market joins in, featuring an array of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, preserves, and home baked goods.
Rising Sun Country Park
📍Benton
🚗Approx. 10 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
Located at the heart of North Tyneside, this 400-acre country park welcomes visitors all year round.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the park’s wildlife and may even catch a glimpse of the resident stag. The centrepiece of the park is a lake area, designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
For avid bird watchers, there’s a bird hide overlooking the Swallow Pond, providing a perfect spot to observe feathered friends in their natural habitat.
National Glass Centre
📍Sunderland
🚗Approx. 22 minutes from the Tyne Tunnels
Discover the fascinating history of glass making in Sunderland! From Saint Benedict Biscop’s introduction of glass making in the 7th Century to the world-class craftsmanship of modern factories like Pyrex and Hartley Woods.
Experience the magic of glass blowing during daily demonstrations or get hands-on with a glass-making experience of your own.
To find out what else is happening in the North East, check out our Explore the North East page here.