February Half Term Events in the North East
Friday 13th January, 2023 by hs-admin
Visit Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle dates back to the Norman period and has over 950 years of history to discover. You may have already seen the castle on the big screen as it was used as the set of the first two Harry Potter films, Transformers, Downton Abbey and Robin Hood! You’ll have plenty to do if you choose to visit such as guided tours, trails and archery. If you have a little Harry Potter fan on your hands, they can even learn to fly a broomstick in the very spot where Harry took his first flight!
Kids will love also the Artisans Courtyard! Here you’ll find a Dragon’s Lair where you can battle mystical forces, conquer challenging obstacles and come face to face with a terrifying dragon.
Life Science Centre
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s both fun and educational, Life is the perfect place. Located in Newcastle City Centre near the central train station, it is an exciting science centre which will certainly inspire curious minds. It opened back in 1998 and over the past two decades, it has welcomed an average of 250,000 people through its doors each year!
There are so many interesting things to discover at Life. Little ones will love the Hello World! exhibit where they can see earth as an astronaut would. Older kids can explore the Brain Zone which involves memory games, an optical illusion and exhibits that require mind over matter. The Experiment Zone is another great one for older children – this fascinating exhibit is all about the sea and climate change. There’s also a brand new interactive area for February half term called the Wow Zone! with brain teasing exhibits and brilliant demonstrations that you control.
Beamish
Step back in time at Beamish! This incredible open air museum tells the story of life in the North East during 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. Learn all about how families lived in the lead up to World War I in the 1900s Town and what life was like on the Home Front during the Second World War in the 1940s Farm. Little ones will love the traditional fairground and taking a ride on the Beamish Tramway! Explore the Pit Village where kids can experience what school was like in the 1900s and practice their handwriting before having a go at playground games.
When it comes to food, Beamish have lots of fantastic options! Head to the Pit Village for fish and chips at Davy’s Fried Fish Shop or get some snacks from Sinkers’ Bait Cabin. The best baked goods can be purchased from Herron’s Bakery in the 1900s Town and no visit to Beamish is complete without a visit to Jubilee Confectioners for the best sweets!
Go Ape
Little daredevils will love Go Ape at Maften Hall. Just 20 minutes from Newcastle, this outdoor adventure park is set amongst the beautiful Northumberland scenery and has a Treetop Challenge which is guaranteed to thrill! You’ll see a replica Tyne Bridge as well as other landmarks as you travel through the trees on the high rope course. Take on the half trapeze and free-fall on the Tarzan swing before taking on the ultimate skateboard zip. Some important things to note: kids must be 10 years or older, the minimum height is 1.4m and the course takes 2 – 3 hours to complete. Go Ape are currently running an offer where families can save 15% with the code: FAMILY15 if you book before March 30th 2023.
Once you’re finished at Go Ape, we’d recommend exploring the village of Maften. There’s a lovely village store and coffee shop where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a nice hot beverage.