Spring bank holiday: boredom-busting activities in the North East
Family fun doesn't have to cost the Earth. Discover 10 activities in the North East for the Spring bank holiday.
The Late May bank holiday is fast approaching – after what feels like endless four-day weeks. It's been blissful – right?
Well, sort of. The idea of bank holidays is great. But before long, you find yourself twiddling your thumbs, rearranging furniture and vacuuming the living room for the 14th time. Meanwhile, the kids are demanding that you all do something – anything. And no – another trip to the local park won't cut it.
We understand how boring back-to-back days off can feel, especially when you're trying to watch your purse. That's why we're sharing 10 affordable, boredom-busting activities in the North East for May 26. We hope it will bring some joy to your next long weekend.
1. Great North Museum: Hancock.
There's nothing quite like entertaining the kids with life-size statues of dinosaurs and great woolly mammoths. But that's just the tip of the museum-berg.
The Great North Museum has tonnes of exhibits to enjoy. With amazing animal models, real fossils and stunning ancient Greek artefacts, it's sure to be a hit with the whole family.
And the best bit? Entry is free. Bonus!
2. Druridge Bay Country Park, Morpeth
Nothing screams 'bank holiday' more than a walk along the beach with your four-legged friend and family in tow.
Situated on the beautiful Northumbrian Coast, Druridge Bay Country Park boasts a large freshwater lake with various walks – plus direct access to miles of sandy beaches. There's also a nature reserve, in case you fancy yourself as a bit of a birdwatcher.
Entry to the park is free. The visitor centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
3. Karting North East, Sunderland
If you fancy something a little more thrilling, Karting North East may just be what you're looking for.
This 1,200-metre outdoor go-kart track is packed with tight turns and bends. It's the perfect way to get the adrenaline pumping and blow off steam this Spring bank holiday.
Anyone at least 14 years old can zoom around the main track. There's also a kid-friendly 850-metre circuit open to those aged eight and above.
Plus, with archery, tomahawk and paintball ranges on site, the venue promises a full day of adventurous fun.
At the time of writing, family tickets cost upwards of £25.
4. Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, South Shields
This free-to-enter theme park makes for a great opportunity to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy some downtime. For them, it means spending more time outdoors and having barrels of laughs. For you, it means saving some pennies without compromising on fun.
The park has pay-as-you ride options, keeping costs down for those with little ones who are too small for larger rides. Spectators, meanwhile, can roam for free. It's a win-win.
5. Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Alnwick
Featured in the Harry Potter movies, Alnwick Castle offers a great excuse for a steady stroll and a spot of historical education.
Why not take a tour of the castle – the second largest inhabited castle in the UK – and learn about Northumberland's rich history? Afterwards, you can wander through the beautiful gardens, where you'll find a bamboo labyrinth, an adventure golf course and water features aplenty.
Entry to the castle costs £21.55 for an adult when booked online. Garden tickets cost £18.95 for adults, while kids go free.
6. North East Falconry, Ryton
If you'd like to try something a little different this Spring bank holiday, head to North East Falconry in Ryton. You'll get the chance to interact with birds of prey and learn all about the different species that live there. You can even handle them – if you're brave enough.
7. South and North Marine Parks, South Shields
South Shields has two beautiful public parks that are both worth visiting if you want to get out and about with the family.
North Marine Park overlooks Littlehaven Beach and boasts public art installations, a children's play area and beautiful coastal views. South Marine Park, meanwhile, has a boating lake (with pedalo hire), two soft play areas and a miniature steam train.
You can enjoy some stunning walks through the parks and around the lake. There are plenty of picnic spots, too – and no doubt you'll spot an ice cream van on your way.
8. The Grotto, Marsden, South Shields
The Grotto is a family-friendly beach bar and restaurant that's famous for its panoramic coastal views and unusual décor. See, The Grotto is set within a cave on the Marsden coast.
Why not bring the family during daytime hours and fuel up with a snack before heading out to enjoy the golden sands of Marsden Beach? Alternatively, you could book a table at its seafood restaurant and turn the Spring bank holiday into a special date night.
9. Haven Point, South Shields
Let's be honest. This is the UK, so the chances of rain are pretty high. (Because what's a bank holiday in England without a couple of showers here and there?)
Haven Point might be the perfect place to spend a rainy day over the Spring bank holiday. This state-of-the-art leisure centre boasts a huge 25-metre adult pool, plus loads of slides and water activities for the children.
10. Hadrians Wall, Northumberland
Have you really experienced the North East if you haven't walked alongside Hadrian's Wall?
Built in AD 122, this iconic structure is a former defensive fort of the Roman province of Britannia. In its heyday, the wall ran from Wallsend on the River Tyne in the east right up to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. And luckily for us, this magnificent piece of history can still be experienced today.
Walking the wall is a great way to live a bit of Roman history – as well as enjoy the beautiful Northumberland countryside. Why not visit the Roman Museum in Greenhead while you're at it?
Need a car to get around this bank holiday weekend? At MVH Rental, we've got you covered. As one of the most trusted
vehicle rental companies in the North East, we can always promise competitive prices and friendly, flexible service. To get started,
explore our fleet of rental cars or give us a call on (0191) 4888 700.
