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. The...

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.

KILLHOPE MUSEUM OPENS

Time: 10am-4.30pm

Venue: Killhope - The North of England Lead Mining Museum

Address: DL13 1AR

Website: www.killhope.org.uk.

A visit to Killhope is a unique & unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Why not go on an underground mine trip, visit the fascinating exhibition & new addition the Weardale Tub, look for lead...

SUMMER POSTCARD TRAIL

Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre

Address: NE38 8LE

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

Oh no! Pelican Postie has dropped their postbag, scattering mail across the wetland centre. Can you find the lost postcards, discover who wrote them, & work out where the world's animals are spending their...

WASHINGTON 60 : ROCK & COAL

Time: 12-3pm

Venue: Washington 'F' Pit, Albany Way,

Address: NE37 1BJ

Website: www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/washington-f-pit

Celebrate 60 years of Washington New Town looking back at music & fashions from the 1960s to the 1980s. Free event. Check website for more details.

MINIBEAST HUNTING, DEN BUILDING & POND DIPPING

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre

Address: NE38 8LE

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

Explore the world of soil, leaves & dry wood as you hunt for mini-beasts in Hollowood. Use a dusting brush, magnifying glass & observation trays to get a closer look of woodlice, millipedes, stink bugs...

SUMMER SPORTS

Time: Thursdays 10am-4pm

Venue: Crook Hall & Gardens,

Address: Frankland Lane, DH1 5SZ

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

Have a go at outdoor games & mini-sports activities for all the family. Activities are self-led in the morning, so you can join in whenever you fancy. Challenge a family member to a kickabout or a race...

LITTLE LINDI FAMILY FESTIVAL

Venue: Lambton Park, Chester-le-Street, DH3 4PD

Website: www.littlelindi.co.uk

A brand new family camping festival for the North East at the picturesque Lambton Park in County Durham. Experience something different, see great acts, & discover wonderful ways to enjoy yourself with...

PEACE DOVES

Venue: Durham Cathedral, DH1 3EH

Address: The College, DH1 3EH

Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

Fifteen thousand individually handmade paper doves will be suspended above the cathedral’s Nave as part of Peter Walker’s installation. The artwork will be set to music by composer David Harper making...

KYNREN 2024 - AN EPIC TALE OF ENGLAND

Time: Every Saturday

Venue: 11Arches Flatts Farm,

Address: Bishop Auckland, DL14 7SF

Website: www.11arches.com

Running every Saturday evening throughout the summer from 27th July – 14th September, two thousand years of history, myth & legend rush by in 90 minutes in a truly unique experience not available anywhere...

TOY BOX

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Explore the new exhibition, try the new playful gallery trail & make your own game. Free event.1-3pm.

SEASIDE MINI GOLF EXPERIENCE

Venue: Dalton Park, Seaham, SR7 9HU

Website: www.dalton-park.co.uk.

ACTIVE SUNDERLAND FAMILY FUN

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Cliffe Park,

Address: Seaburn, SR6 9NS

Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/familyfun

Keep the children entertained during the school holidays with these FREE Family Fun sessions. Games & activities available include archery, running, cycling, mini golf, dodgeball, tennis, hula hoops, swing...

SKETCHBOOK MWORKSHOP

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Get a free mini sketchbook & try some easy, fun drawing ideas. Free event.1-3pm.

AWESOME ARMIES

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Learn about the Chinese terracotta army & make your own terracotta warrior from clay. Free event.1-3pm.

SEAHAM FOOD FESTIVAL 2024

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 celebrity chefs....

TERRIBLE TEETH

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Find out why many Ancient Egyptians had terrible teeth & make a set of chompers from plasticine. Free event.1-3pm.

ACTIVE SUNDERLAND FAMILY FUN

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Silksworth Sports Complex,

Address: SR3 1PD

Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/familyfun

Keep the children entertained during the school holidays with these FREE Family Fun sessions. Games & activities available include archery, running, cycling, mini golf, dodgeball, tennis, hula hoops, swing...

GORGEOUS GLASS

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Decorate a glass jar with your favourite colours. Free event.1-3pm.

PAPER MARBLING WORKSHOP

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Experiment with colour & try paper marbling. Free event.1-3pm.

FAMILY FUN FEST

Venue: Adventure Valley

Address: Brasside, DH1 5SA

Website: www.adventurevalley.co.uk

Adventure Valley's fun summer festival for all the family including tribute acts to Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift & Little Mix plus meet the animals, enjoy the rides, arts & crafts, food stalls...

SCULPTURE SATURDAY

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

See the huge Ancient Egyptian temple frieze & then make your own relief sculpture. Free event.1-3pm.

TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Durham University Botanic Garden,

Address: Hollingside Lane, DH1 3TN

Website: www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden

A fun-filled day of exploring bear habitats on an interactive guided walk through the Garden, a messy bear art workshop & all your favourite bear stories. Suitable for families with children aged 2+. Free...

ACTIVE SUNDERLAND FAMILY FUN

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Hetton Lyons Country Park,

Address: DH5 9NL

Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/familyfun

Keep the children entertained during the school holidays with these FREE Family Fun sessions. Games & activities available include archery, running, cycling, mini golf, dodgeball, tennis, hula hoops, swing...

MOUNTAIN ZINE MAKING

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Explore the sights & sounds of the Himalayas & make a cool mountain zine. Free event.1-3pm.

CRAZY CREATURES

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Durham University Botanic Garden,

Address: Hollingside Lane, DH1 3TN

Website: www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden

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...

SAIL AWAY

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

See a beautiful boat on display & make your own watercolour sail boat. Free event.1-3pm.

AWESOME OBELISKS

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Find out about the ancient Egyptian obelisk on display & create your own 3D model to take home. Free event.1-3pm.

OUTDOOR ARTISAN MARKET

Time: 10am-6pm

Venue: Dalton Park, Seaham, SR7 9HU

Website: www.dalton-park.co.uk.

DURHAM CHILDREN'SBOOK FESTIVAL

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Durham Market Place

Address: DH1

Website: www.durhammarkets.co.uk/event/childrens-book-fest/

It's all about bringing books to life for kids … & giving them great days out in the heart of Durham. Two days of free fun book-themed events to encourage youngsters not only to read, but also to write,...

ACTIVE SUNDERLAND FAMILY FUN

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Mowbray Park, City Centre, SR1 1PP

Address: www.mysunderland.co.uk/familyfun

Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/familyfun

Keep the children entertained during the school holidays with these FREE Family Fun sessions. Games & activities available include archery, running, cycling, mini golf, dodgeball, tennis, hula hoops, swing...

CHINESE WRITING WORKSHOP

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Learn some Chinese characters & try writing your own. Free event.1-3pm.

ELIZABETH BAKER STORYTELLER

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Durham University Botanic Garden,

Address: Hollingside Lane, DH1 3TN

Website: www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden

Join storyteller, Elizabeth Baker, for a whole host of stories & legends from some of the different countries where the wonderful plants in our Garden grow. Drop-in sessions run between 11am & 3pm and...

BEAUTIFUL BASTET

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Bastet was the Ancient Egyptian goddess of protection. Find out why she was so important & make a fun cat painting. Free event.1-3pm.

DERWENT FEST 2024

Venue: Derwent Waterside Park, Edmundbyers,

Address: Consett DH8 9TT

Website: www.watersideparksuk.com/park/derwent/

A weekend festival of live tribute music, food & drink, & children’s activities & entertainment, set in a stunning location, not far from you. Bring all the family, including the dog, & enjoy some fun,...

THE SHANG DYNASTY OF CHINA

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Find out about the Shang Dynasty of China & make a scary taotie mask with embossed metal detail. Free event.1-3pm.

MUGHAL MINIATURES

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Create your own Indian-style miniature painting. Free event.1-3pm.

MAKE A MOSAIC

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Create your own mini mosaic from glass tiles. Free event.1-3pm.

GLORIOUS GARDENS

Time: 1-3pm

Venue: Oriental Museum

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH

Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Get creative & make a mini Japanese Zen garden. Free event.1-3pm.

THE 154TH WEARDALE SHOW

Time: 8am-5pm

Venue: Show Field, St Johns Chapel,

Address: DL13 1QF

Website: www.weardale-show.co.uk

A traditional family agricultural show with something for all the family organised by the Weardale Agricultural Society (a small group based in the small village of St. John's Chapel in Weardale, County...