What's On in Sunderland & Durham

SWIMMING LESSONS WITH EVERYONE ACTIVE

Venue: Sunderland

Address: SR1-SR6

Website: https://www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/

Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre, Houghton Sports Centre, Silksworth...

DURHAM CATHEDRAL NATURE TRAIL

Venue: Durham Cathedral

Address: The College, DH1 3EH

Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

This nature trail has been developed with local school children to help you explore the woodlands & riverbanks around the cathedral. Look out for animals, birds, trees & flowers on your way round....

WWT WASHINGTON APP

Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre

Address: NE38 8LE

Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington

Browse the NEW WWT Washington app – your digital pocket journey to enjoy before, during and after a visit. Download from Apple & Google Stores now & get 10% off admission.

DURHAM CATHEDRAL NATURE TRAIL

Venue: Durham Cathedral

Address: The College, DH1 3EH

Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

This nature trail has been developed with local school children to help you explore the woodlands & riverbanks around the cathedral. Look out for animals, birds, trees & flowers on your way round. The...

SATURDAY ART CLUB

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/arts-centre-washington/whats-on/

This Saturday Art Club is suitable for children aged 8+ with an interest in art who would like to develop their skills further. Often taking inspiration from exhibitions & artists working within the arts...

WASHINGTON YOUTH THEATRE

Time: 10am - 12pm

Venue: Arts Centre Washington,

Address: NE38 8AB

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/arts-centre-washington/whats-on/

Weekly sessions for 8-12 years olds to practice & develop their theatre skills, increase confidence, & make new friends! £6 per child. Book at sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/washington-youth-theatre.

ARBEIA ROMAN FORT

Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Arbeia Roman Fort once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne & was a key garrison & military supply base to other forts along Hadrians Wall. Step into the fort & immerse yourself in the world of the Romans...

SHAKESPEARE RECOVERED

Time: 11am-4pm

Venue: Durham University Palace Green Library

Address: DH1 3RN

Website: www.dur.ac.uk/palace.green

In December 1998, the Durham First Folio, a copy of William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, was stolen along with six other items while on display in Cosin’s Library. In 2008, a badly...

WEAVING STORIES

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

A vibrant free exhibition celebrating the creativity & voices of community groups who regularly collaborate with the Oriental Museum. Spanning generations and cultures, each group explored a different...

HAMILTON

Venue: Sunderland Empire

Address: SR1 3EX

Website: http://sunderlandempire.net.

This is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War & helped shape the very foundations...

DRAGONFLY FESTIVAL

Time: 10am-5.30pm

Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre,

Address: NE38 8LE

Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington

Enjoy a self-led dragonfly family adventure! Pick up a spotter guide to help you & head to the amphibian ponds to spend a while exploring the area & seeing what wildlife you can spot. On a sunny day, you...

DURHAM COUNTY SHOW

Time: 9am-5pm

Venue: Durham County Show

Address: Showfield Thornley, DH6 3LY

Website: www.durhamcountyshow.com

The annual Durham County Show with so much to see & do over the show weekend. Be sure to keep checking the website for updates on all the events. Adults £10, Child £5, Family £25.00.

RIDE THE WAVE

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Spot the boats in the museum & make a 3D sea sculpture. Free event.1-3pm.

SUMMER OF PLAY

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Gibside NT,

Address: NE16 6BG

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/gibside

Follow the Summer of Play trail, a self-led festival of fun that stretches across Gibside. From Georgian games to racket sports, music making to nature creating, it's a summer packed with discovery. Tiny...

DURHAM MINERS GALA 2025

Time: From 8.30am

Venue: Durham Market Place,

Address: DH1

Website: www.durhamminers.org/gala

The Durham Miners' Gala is the world's greatest celebration of community, international solidarity, & working class culture. It is a unique & inspiring spectacle.  Beautiful banners celebrating the region’s...

THE PATH OF KINDNESS

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Discover the latest scientific research we've been doing on a very special statue of Guanyin & use your imagination to recreate how it might have looked like 500 years ago. Free event.1-3pm.

ACTIVE SUNDERLAND BIG BIKE RIDE

Time: 9am-4pm

Venue: Beacon of Light,

Address: SR5 1SN

Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/bigbikeride

Take the family on a 5 mile traffic free led ride, attempt a 12-mile adventure, stretch your legs on the 20-miler or challenge yourself to the 38-mile route (approx route distances).. Cycle through a mixture...

DURHAM BRASS FESTIVAL 2025

Venue: Durham

Address: DH1

Website: www.brassfestival.co.uk

Taking inspiration from the brass band heritage of Durham and celebrating brass music in all its forms, the annual Durham Brass Festival brings together all musical genres into an eight-day festival taking...

DURHAM CITY RUN FESTIVAL

Venue: Durham

Address: DH1

Website: www.durhamcityrunfestival.com/

Experience a midsummer evening of running through some of Durham’s most iconic historic landmarks, & collect a medal & goody bag to celebrate your achievement. Enter online.

ADVENTURE CINEMA

Venue: Raby Castle,

Address: Staindrop, DL2 3LH

Website: www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/

A host of outdoor classic film screenings & sing-a-longs over 3 days set in the stunning surrounds of Raby Castle. Full details online.

FANTASTIC!

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Make a beautiful fan to help you stay cool over the summer! Free event.1-3pm.

KYNREN 2025 - AN EPIC TALE OF ENGLAND

Time: Every Saturday

Venue: 11Arches Flatts Farm,

Address: Bishop Auckland, DL14 7SF

Website: www.kynren.com

Running every Saturday evening throughout the summer from 19th July – 13th September, two thousand years of history, myth & legend rush by in 90 minutes in a truly unique experience not available anywhere...

PAULA'S FAMILIES ON TRACK

Venue: Durham

Address: DH1

Website: www.durhamcityrunfestival.com/

Get the whole family active in this team relay, complete with fancy dress, fun activities & different lap lengths for everyone to get involved! Get the whole family active together in this fun team relay!...

SUMMER FESTIVAL

Venue: Locomotion - The National Railway Museum at Shildon,

Address: DL4 1PQ

Website: www.locomotion.org.uk

Head down to Locomotion for a summer of fun. There will be opportunities to play on the pop-up beach, enjoy a passenger ride on the steam train & take part in a varied programme of daily activities throughout...

SUMMER OF PLAY

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Crook Hall & Gardens,

Address: Frankland Lane, DH1 5SZ

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/crook-hall-gardens

Get active & challenge your family with self-led outdoor games & activities all summer long. Spend quality time together & make the most of being outside during the school holidays. If you need a break...

SUMMER OF PLAY

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Washington Old Hall NT,

Address: NE38 7LE.

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit

Get active & challenge your family with self-led outdoor games & activities all summer long. Spend quality time together & make the most of being outside during the school holidays. If you need a break...

PETERLEE SUMMER FUN DAY

Time: 10.30am-3.30pm

Venue: Woodhouse Park,

Address: SR8 2NX

Peterlee Town Council is bringing you FREE Family Fun Days packed with entertainment, activities, & summer vibes! Lots of activities and games for all ages, food & drink units with tasty treats, ️stalls...

SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN

Time: Wednesdays 11am-3pm

Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort,

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Free craft activities every Wednesday during the school holidays 11am-3pm.

SUNKEN SHIPWRECKS

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Hunt for the Tek Sing shipwreck & learn how underwater archaeologists study shipwrecks. Free event.1-3pm.

A SQUASH & A SQUEEZE

Venue: Gala Theatre Durham,

Address: DH1 1WA

Website: www.galadurham.co.uk.

Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn’t happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man’s solution of bringing...

MYSTERIOUS MUMMIES

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Learn how archaeologists study Ancient Egyptian mummies & make an x-ray of your own! Free event.1-3pm.

DRESS UP

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

See a beautiful Japanese kimono & try dressing up your own mini doll. Free event.1-3pm.

SPOT'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Time: 2pm & 4pm

Venue: Empire Theatre Consett

Address: DH8 5AB

Website: www.empireconsett.co.uk/

Join Spot for the best birthday party ever! Celebrate with Spot & his friends in this engaging & interactive show for everyone aged 2+ & their grownups with integrated Makaton, catchy songs, dancing &...

CERAMIC COILED POTS

Time: 10am every Monday

Venue: National Glass Centre

Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/national-glass-centre/

Learn how to create a pot using coiled techniques & simple decorations. Ages 6+. £12pp. Advance booking online advised.

GLASS FUSING

Time: 10-11am every Tuesday

Venue: National Glass Centre

Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/national-glass-centre/

Use glass fusing techniques to create create your own glass fused tile using pattern & texture.Ages 6+. £12pp.Book online.

FAKES & FORGIVENESS

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Be a detective & hunt down some objects that might not be exactly what they seem & make one of your own. Free event.1-3pm.

PRINTING.PATTERN & TEXTILES

Time: 10-11.30am every Thursday

Venue: National Glass Centre

Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/national-glass-centre/

Learn the processes involved with pattern printing onto textiles. Ages 6+. £12pp.Book online.

COLLABORATIVE COLLAGE

Time: 10am-5pm every Friday

Venue: National Glass Centre

Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/national-glass-centre/

Drop-in every Friday between 10am & 5pm to help create a huge collaborative collage in the Learning Gallery. Join in & add your creation to this large scale seascape. Free event.

EXPLORING ANCIENT JAPAN

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Learn about prehistoric Japan & make a clay dogu figure. Free event.1-3pm.

GLASS PAINTING

Time: 10-10.45am & 12-12.45pm every Friday

Venue: National Glass Centre

Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/national-glass-centre/

Paint your designs on glass tiles to take home. Ages 4+. £5pp. Book online.

MAPPING THE PAST

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Find out how archaeologists record their discoveries & draw a giant site plan of the museum & its treasures. Perfect for budding archaeologists. Free event.1-3pm.

SEAHAM FOOD FESTIVAL 2025

Venue: Seaham

Address: SR7

Website: www.seahamfoodfestival.co.uk

A fantastic foodie festival down by the sea! Alongside the tempting food stalls, this year, Seaham Food Festival will once again feature an open-air cookery theatre with demonstrations from a star stuuded...

MG CAR DISPLAY

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Durham University Botanic Garden,

Address: Hollingside Lane, DH1 3TN

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/botanic-garden/whats-on/tours-talks-trails/

The Durham MG & Classic Car Club was formed in 2001 for local car enthusiasts interested in MG cars, both classic & modern. This informal gathering will showcase cars representing models produced from...

PETERLEE SUMMER FUN DAY

Time: 10.30am-3.30pm

Venue: The Pavilion,

Address: Helford Road Playing Fields, SR8 1ER

Peterlee Town Council is bringing you FREE Family Fun Days packed with entertainment, activities, & summer vibes! Lots of activities and games for all ages, food & drink units with tasty treats, ️stalls...

GLORIOUS GLASS

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Spot some objects made from glass in the museum & make your own glass tile mosaic. Free event.1-3pm.

BOLD GOLD

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Learn about a special golden chest on display, then create your own glittering, golden artwork. Free event.1-3pm.

FESTIVAL OF BOOKS

Venue: Ushaw Historic House,

Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH

Website: www.ushaw.org/whats-on-at-ushaw/

A magical day of stories, imagination & creativity with live performances, creative crafts, inspiring workshops, & hands-on activities. A fun-filled day for families where there’s something for everyone...

RAMAYANA STORIES

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Learn about the stories & characters of the famous Indian epic poem, the Ramayana and help make a giant storyboard of your own. Free event.1-3pm.

ANIMAL SANDCASTING

Time: 9.30am & 10.30am every Wednesday

Venue: National Glass Centre

Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL

Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/national-glass-centre/

Using sandcasting techniques with hot glass to create animal shapes which you can personalise & decorate to make individual to you. (hedgehog, cat, fish, butterfly). Ages 5+. £20pp.Book online.

SPICE CHEST

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Discover the smells & spices of the Silk Road & make spice map & spice bag to take home.Free event.1-3pm.

CRAZY CREATURES

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Durham University Botanic Garden,

Address: Hollingside Lane, DH1 3TN

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/botanic-garden/whats-on/tours-talks-trails/

Get interactive with Crazy Creatures who are visiting the Garden for the day. Animal encounters with rabbits, frogs, snakes, spiders, mice & other animals to enjoy. Free event but normal admission charges...

SUPER SCULPTURES

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

The Oriental Museum is full of sculptures. Find your favourite then make a colourful skewer sculpture to take home. Free event.1-3pm.

GOOD CAT, BAD CAT

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Learn about the Ancient Egyptian gods Sekmet & Bastet & make a colourful lion spinner. Free event.1-3pm.

BROOCH MAKING WORKSHOP

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Take inspiration from the heavenly Korean jewellery on display made by artist Seeun Kim & make your own brooch.Free event.1-3pm.

INDUS MYSTERIES

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Uncover the mysteries of the Indus Valley civilisation, try decorating in geometric patterns & try our online Indus exhibition. Free event.1-3pm.

WOMEN'S RUGBY WORLD CUP

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Sunderland Stadium of Light,

Address: SR5 1SU

Website: www.tickets.rugbyworldcup.com

England's Red Roses take on the USA in the opening match of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. The 2025 tournament marks the first time the Women's Rugby World Cup will be expanded to include 16 teams &...

ELEMORE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025

Time: 11am-5pm

Venue: Elemore Park,

Address: DH5 0QS

Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/elemorefestival

Get ready for a fantastic August Bank Holiday Saturday at the newly tansformed Elemore Park! Expect a vibrant celebration of local talent, family-friendly fun, & a great atmosphere. Lineup details & artist...

MASK MAKING WORKSHOP

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Check out the new Telling Tales exhibition & make your own theatre-style mask. Free event.1-3pm.

PETERLEE SUMMER FUN DAY

Time: 10.30am-3.30pm

Venue: Eden Lane Play Park,

Address: SR8 5DJ

Peterlee Town Council is bringing you FREE Family Fun Days packed with entertainment, activities, & summer vibes! Lots of activities and games for all ages, food & drink units with tasty treats, ️stalls...

THE POWER OF POSITIVITY

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Explore the community exhibition & a special Chinese plate, then make your own plate of positivity decorate with things that inspire you.Free event.1-3pm.

TEA TIME

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Learn about the Japanese tea ceremony, get hands on with Japanese objects & decorate your own tea bowl. Free event.1-3pm.

BEAUTIFUL BIRDS

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/things-to-do/venues/oriental-museum/

Spot the crystal bird perching in the Silk Roads Gallery & make your own birdy mobile. Free event.1-3pm.

THE 155TH WEARDALE SHOW

Time: 8am-5pm

Venue: Show Field,

Address: St Johns Chapel, DL13 1QF

Website: www.weardale-agricultural-show.co.uk

A traditional family agricultural show with something for all the family including FREE children's entertainment. Organised by the Weardale Agricultural Society (a small group based in the small village...

USHAW CLASSIC CAR & BIKE SHOW

Venue: Ushaw Historic House, Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH

Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH

Website: www.ushaw.org/whats-on-at-ushaw/

Ushaw's Second Classic Car & Bike Show takes place on Sunday 31 August 2025 featuring hundreds of vintage & classic vehicles, live music, trade stalls & family friendly activities. ! Entry free with Annual...

HORRIBLE HISTORIES:GORGEOUS GEORGIANS & VILE VICTORIANS

Venue: Gala Theatre Durham,

Address: DH1 1WA

Website: www.galadurham.co.uk.

Are you ready to swing with a Georgian king? Does the Duke of Wellington get the boot? Would you stand & deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin? Can you help detectives find the headless man? Dare you dance...

MARY POPPINS

Venue: Sunderland Empire

Address: SR1 3EX

Website: http://sunderlandempire.net.

Cameron Mackintosh & Disney’s spectacular production of the the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane MARY POPPINS featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects & unforgettable...