Christmas activities in the North East

Step back in time at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, where historic streets, working trams, farms and costumed staff bring regional history to life. Children can explore hands-on exhibits, meet animals and move between different periods of North East life.

A National Trust manor house associated with the family of George Washington. Explore the furnished hall, gardens, nuttery and orchard. A small wooden-castle play area sits near the orchard, with additional family activities during selected holidays. National Trust members and under-fives enter free. Opening days vary seasonally, so check the official calendar before travelling.

A museum, reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village and working heritage farm exploring the life and times of Bede. Families can see rare-breed animals, explore historical buildings and use nearby Drewitts Park. Allow at least half a day. These are the regular term-time hours; the museum also opens on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during school holidays and closes for part of winter.

A remarkable Norman cathedral and World Heritage Site with family trails, architecture and views across the historic city. Opening times and prices can change seasonally, so check the official website before travelling.

Auckland Palace, also known as Auckland Castle, and its surrounding visitor attractions tell the story of County Durham through art, faith, gardens and history. It is part of The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland. A combined ticket covers the palace, Auckland Gardens and Faith Museum; other attractions and experiences have their own ticket arrangements. Check each venue's opening times before travelling.

A brilliant home for children’s books and storytelling in Ouseburn. Families can explore interactive floors, discover new stories and join performances, workshops and events designed to make reading and imagination come alive.

An interactive science centre with hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, experiments, making activities and the North's largest planetarium. The programme changes throughout the year and frequently includes activities designed for preschool children, families and teenagers. Standard admission includes the principal science-centre activities and planetarium shows, although spaces are allocated on a first-come basis.

A welcoming city-centre library with children’s books, quiet spaces, family activities and regular events. It is a useful indoor stop for reading, relaxing and finding something creative to do in Newcastle.

Explore contemporary art across the galleries of BALTIC, with changing exhibitions and striking views over the River Tyne. The open spaces, family activities and creative displays make it an accessible cultural visit for adults and children alike.

A free cultural venue and library overlooking the River Tyne, with books, interactive exhibitions, family activities, creative facilities and regularly changing events. There is also an on-site café, although its hours are slightly shorter than the main building's. Some workshops and ticketed events need to be booked separately. Check the events programme before visiting to see what is currently available.

A free hillside park close to Durham railway station with panoramic city views. Facilities include a children's play area, miniature-car track, outdoor gym, amphitheatre, community garden, café and walking routes. Some paths are steep because of the park's hillside setting. Café and community-building hours are shorter than general park access and can vary.