What's On in the North East : February 2024 (inc Half Term)

This post was published in February 2024 and contains adverts and affiliate links.

ALWAYS check details with venues direct by clicking the blue links before heading out, especially opening hours and booking details. Information can change.

Top Picks for February 2024

I am so pleased to see February! Remember we have an extra day to enjoy this month too as it's a leap year.

We have plans for snowdrop walks, theatre trips, more castle visits and will be taking our annual trip to Center Parcs for their Winter Forest Lights events in half term.

Don't forget:

10 Feb - Chinese New Year
13 Feb - Pancake Day
14 Feb - Valentine's Day
29 Feb - Extra Leap Year Day

(ad) A Day Out to Durham by Bus with Go North East X20

Visit Durham by bus with the new Go North East X20 service from Sunderland

Ideas for things to do in Durham this half term:

FREE Fire & Ice Trail on 23 & 24 Feb

See Durham Cathedral in LEGO & create your own brick masterpiece (plus kids eat free in the cafe) at Durham Cathedral

FREE Craft Workshops & Activities at Oriental Museum Durham including a chance to create your own clay duck on 21 Feb

Enjoy Durham's beautiful outdoor spaces including the Botanic Garden, Crook Hall Gardens and Wharton Park (which has a fab playground too)

Watch Migration at Odeon DeLuxe

Test your Bowling Skills at Lane7

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book is playing at Gala Theatre from 23-25 Feb

Or just enjoy a walk around the city and see where the day takes you. Durham has many hidden gems tucked away with lots of beautiful coffee shops and independent businesses to choose from.

The X20 service includes free Wi-Fi on board, USB/wireless charging ports, air conditioning plus modern & comfy seats with tables. Plus there is no stress about trying to find a city centre parking space.

Under 5s travel free

£1 single fare for young people aged 21 and under

Find out more and check timetables: https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/services/GNE/X20

(ad) Lambing at Spilman's Farm

This event takes place on selected dates across February and is the perfect opportunity to experience life on a real working farm. There are over 100 expectant ewes with lambs expected to be born each day. Your ticket includes:

Meet the farm animals including rare breeds, alpacas and pigs
Live farmer talks with Q&A
Lambs born every day
Fun sheep and wool themed crafts
Photo opportunities
Visit the new lambs

Booking is essential! Find out more and book: https://www.spilmans.co.uk/lambing-at-spilmans/

(ad) Half Term at Beamish

This February Half Term (17-25 February), visitors can enjoy a special 'Changing Tunes: Music Through Time' event. All activities are included with the Beamish Unlimited Pass. Expect a week full of music with drop-in activities across the day including:

A music lesson with Mrs Smith the music teacher in the 1900s Town
Local Mining Songs Sing-A-Long in the Pit Village (Tues/Wed/Thurs only)
Get Crafty and make a Paper Record in the Welfare Hall
Enjoy a huge daily schedule of performers including Brass Bands, Choirs, Georgian Music, Local Songs and more......
Check the performance schedule here: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/february-half-term-2024/

Of course the usual Beamish fun is available including Tram Rides, Farm Animals, the Schoolroom & Playground Games, the 1950s Town, 1900s Colliery, 1900s Town with Sweet Shop and more. Dogs on leads are welcome in most outdoor areas, on transport at the conductor's discretion and inside the Sun Inn Pub (who I'm sure will have the fire on alongside a warm welcome).

(ad) Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Showing from Mon 12 - Sat 17 February and perfect for families with children aged 8+, this fantastic take on Peter Pan is packed with laughs, slapstick comedy, technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes. Will they ever make it to Neverland??

Tickets are available to book here: Book Peter Pan Goes Wrong tickets here

(ad) Zog and the Flying Doctors at Northern Stage

Credit Mark senior

Showing at Northern Stage between 21-25 February, Zog and the Flying Doctors is the perfect half term treat for families with children aged 3+ (all ages are welcome).

Zog and his flying doctor crew head out on another adventure to help a a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with too many horns and a lion with the flu.

Part of his crew (Princess Pearl) has been told by her Uncle the King that Princesses can't be doctors and is soon locked up in the castle with a crown and silly dress.

Can Princess Pearl prove her Uncle wrong in this truly modern fairytale? Join Zog and pals to find out.

Tickets are available from £14.50 and there is a relaxed performance on 21 Feb at 1:30pm. BSL interpreted performance on 23 Feb at 1:30pm.

Find out more and book here: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/zog-the-flying-doctors/

(ad) Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World at Newcastle Theatre Royal

This kick ass-pirational stage show is perfect for families to enjoy with young people aged 6+. Brought to us by one of the producers of SIX and based on a popular children's book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst, audiences are invited to join our inquisitive heroine Kate as she meets some incredible women from history.

Expect scientists, secret agents and to hear stories from some of the world's strongest mothers. Leave feeling empowered as you celebrate some of history's most incredible women with a pop soundtrack that packs a punch.

Showing from Wed 21 - Sun 25 Feb. Tickets are available from £13. Book Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World Tickets here

(ad) We're Going on a Bear Hunt at Newcastle Theatre Royal

This is one of my all time favourite stories and a real favourite amongst families. Now is your chance to see We're Going on a Bear Hunt live on stage in this lively interpretation filled with music and song.

There will be plenty of interactivity and lots of adventure as audiences join the cast and their musical dog on their quest to find the bear. Recommended for ages 3+.

Showing from Friday 23 - Sunday 25 Feb. Find out more and book: We're Going on a Bear Hunt tickets

(ad) February Days Out with National Trust

There are lots of ways to make the most of your National Trust membership this February. From snowdrop planting at Wallington and welly trails at Gibside to nature activities at Seaton Delaval Hall and hidden gems like Crook Hall Gardens.

There's plenty to enjoy on a rainy day too including the sheltered Den Building Area at Gibside, the Dolls Houses and Soldiers at Wallington or the Upside Down Room and Giant Game of Delaval Hall at Seaton Delaval Hall.

Why not make a plan to re-visit your favourite National Trust playground this month? Gibside's new play equipment is now open too.

Discover what's on & how to make the most of your National Trust Membership here: Family-friendly places in North East England | National Trust

(ad) Silent Disco at Newcastle Cathedral

Taking place at Newcastle Cathedral on Saturday 24 February, this event is not to be missed. There's a child-friendly version in the afternoon and two adults-only discos in the evening.

Don your headphones as three DJs battle it out with the best of the 80s, 90s and 00s. Rave together in the stunning illuminated Cathedral with family and friends. Festival face painters will be on hand, there's a premium bar & VIP options are available.

Find out more and book here: Book Silent Disco Tickets

(ad) STEM Activities at The Common Room

Calling all Mini Mariners and Shipnuilders....... Get ready to set sail in a Boat Material Testing Workshop. Expect hands on fun and experiments as you test the best materials to make the sturdiest and most bouyant boats.

Through trial and error, discover the secrets to creating a boat that can withstand the high seas without spinging a leak.

This event runs from 21-23 February and tickets are £5 each with discounts available for additional children. The Common Room is located next door to Newcastle Central Station. All welcome. Find out more and book here: Mini Mariners tickets

(ad) FREE SmileyWorld® Trail in North Tyneside

This free drop-in trail takes place across North Tyneside from 27 Jan - 2 April 2024. There are 15 SmileyWorld® bright and brilliant sculptures to find across North Shields, Forest Hall, Killingworth, Tynemouth, Culletcoats, Wallsend and Whitley Bay.

Designed to get people talking about their emotions AND raising funds and awareness for St Oswalds at the same time. You can find out more / download the app or map here: SmileyWorld® Trail