What's on March 2008
With Easter falling early this year, it gives grown ups the chance to get away for the weekend before the kids break up for the school holidays.
And with North East England voted the most tranquil region of the UK it is a great spot to get away for a luxury break.
Of course, if you can’t leave them with the in-laws for the weekend, there’s always plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Easter
Mother’s Day
Over 50s
Places to See Spring Lambs
Grace Darling Museum
March Events
Easter
Hop into Easter at Killhope, County Durham
Come to Killhope and enjoy an exceptional day out plus Easter quizzes and trails on 21 March.
Equipped with hard hat, lamp and wellies you will be guided down the original tunnel to experience life underground. On the surface, work as a washer boy and find your own lead ore next to the largest working waterwheel in the North. The museum also boasts quiet woodland walks and informative exhibitions and was the inaugural winner of the most family friendly museum.
http://www.durhamtourism.co.uk/cgi-bin/click/clickmanager.cgi?dl=http://www.killhope.org.uk
National Railway Museum, Tees Valley
Easter Egg Hunt - plus Decorating Egg and Egg Rolling on 21 March.
The award winning locomotion celebrates Shildon’s history as one of the world’s oldest railway towns. It includes Timothy Hackworth’s original Sans Pareil locomotive which competed against George Stephenson’s Rocket in the famous Rainhill Trials. Admission free.
http://www.locomotion.sedgefield.gov.uk/
Annual Easter Chick Hunt – Botanic Garden, Durham City
23 - 24 March, anytime between 10am and 3pm. Free goodies for the winners!
A fun family event around the garden organised by our 'Friends of the Garden'. A nest full of Easter chicks have hatched and escaped! They are believed to be hiding in the Botanic Garden! Come along and see how many you can spot on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
Easter Sunday Lunch and Easter Egg Hunt – Hardwick Hall, County Durham
£15.95 per person, bookings from 12pm until 2pm on 23 March.
3 course Sunday lunch with a clue on each table to where your Easter Egg will be hidden.
http://www.durhamtourism.co.uk/cgi-bin/click/clickmanager.cgi?dl=http://www.hardwickhallhotel.co.uk
Easter Egg Trail – Stewarts Park, Middlesbrough
Stewart Park covers about 120 acres and consists both of mature woodland and arboretum on the southern side, with open parkland on the northern side.
Two sets of lakes provide habitat for water fowl. A big favourite with all the family is pets’ corner with domesticated animals, fallow deer, highland cattle, llamas and goats. Stewart Park also houses the Captain Cook museum.
Easter egg trail on 24 March.
Easter Egg Trail - Souter Lighthouse, South Tyneside
The world’s first electric lighthouse, with fantastic views of Marsden Bay and the notorious currents of ‘Whitburn Steel’ Take a cliff top walk along The Leas before rounding off your visit enjoying local specialities at their tea-rooms.
Come to the shop and pick up a free trail. Complete the trail along the coastal park and receive a bag of chocolate eggs.
Easter egg trail on 23 March.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Saltburn Speciality Market – Saltburn, Tees Valley
Come and browse local produce and crafts in the picturesque spa town of Saltburn by the Sea. Market is on 23 March.
http://www.visitsaltburn.co.uk/
Easter Trail – Bede’s World, North Tyneside
Follow the clues around the museum using Anglo-Saxon kennings (a type of Anglo-saxon word-play used in Beowulf) on 22 March. A prize for all who find the answers!
Mother’s Day
Tanfield Railway, County Durham
The railways original purpose was the movement of coal from nearby collieries to ship on the River Tyne but now carries visitors along the length of its route. Since the early 1970s a small group of railway enthusiasts have rebuilt the railway which is now the world’s oldest working railway.
Mothers travel at child's fare. Every 25th Mother receives a bunch of flowers.
www.tanfield-railway.co.uk/docs/2008-Leaflet.pdf
Hardwick Hall Hotel, County Durham
Three course Sunday lunch Bookings from 12 noon until 2pm served under the Crystal Chandeliers of the Coleman Suite.
http://www.durhamtourism.co.uk/cgi-bin/click/clickmanager.cgi?dl=http://www.hardwickhallhotel.co.uk
Over 50s
Garden
Chesters Walled Garden, Chollerford, Northumberland. This two-acre, 18th century walled garden is truly a hidden gem. Chesters has one of the largest herb collections in Britain and is home to the National Collections of Thyme, Marjoram and Burnet.
With its wide gravel paths, secret corners where you can sit and dream and specially planted borders, it is a great place for spotting wildlife, including 67 species of birds as well as red squirrels.
http://www.chesterswalledgarden.co.uk/
Gallery
FiFieFoFum, Newton, near Stocksfield, Northumberland. Nestled in the beautiful Tyne Valley the gallery was set up by Sue Moffitt, who you can often see working on her now infamous cow paintings. As well as a range of exhibitions on display every year you can also head to the gallery for workshops covering everything from Painting from Music and Poetry to Proggy and Hooky Rug Mats.
Music
Fancy a night at the opera then catch the classic love story Madama Butterfly at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle in a new production from Opera North on 4 March at 7.15pm. Puccini’s touching story of innocent love betrayed resonates as strongly as ever in today’s world. The poignant score includes such universally popular music as the rapturous love duet, the Humming Chorus and Butterfly’s aria ‘Un bel dì’ (‘One Fine Day’). Beauty combined with realism will intensify the emotion in Opera North’s new production of a heartbreaking opera. Sung in Italian with English titles.
http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/
Stately Home
Wallington, Cambo, near Morpeth, Northumberland. Escape to the 18th and 19th century Wallington House and Walled Gardens which is renowned for it red squirrels. As well as a doing a spot of wildlife watching you can also see pre-Raphaelite paintings of Northumberland as depicted by William Bell Scott, or enjoy a walk in the beautiful gardens and woods.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Self-catering
Falstone Barns, Falstone, near Kielder, Northumberland. Head to the most tranquil place in the UK (as named by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England) and stay in this 5* barn conversion. These newly converted 200 year old barns provide luxurious holiday accommodation of outstanding quality steeped in history (the site is of outstanding historical interest), and surrounded by 38 acres of private estate, we offer private fishing, shooting, walking and water-sports at nearby Kielder Water; also cycling opportunities, pamper breaks and tailor made stays for that special celebration and corporate entertaining. When you arrive, you will experience a personal service and relaxed atmosphere second to none. Themed apartments offer classic opulence, French Bourgeois, Versace Glamour and romantic medieval delights. Falstone Barns truly is your place in the country.
Prices from £250 per week.
http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/
Pampering
Gisborough Hall, Tees Valley. Take a break in the Hotel’s Revival Zone where you can select your own treatments to make your own package. Afterwards why not take lunch in the beautiful Main Hall or Drawing Room.
http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/
Serenity in the City, Newcastle, is the stylish place to go for all those essentials in life. Manicure, pedicure, tinting, tanning, shaping, waxing, massage and facials. In and out as quick as you like or linger in the Buddha lounge over a coffee or a smoothie.
Serenity has brought the Asian influence of the award-winning Serenity Spa to the heart of Newcastle with the style, attention to detail and top class service you’d expect. But with a twist.
There are seven individually designed treatment rooms, one for men, two for couples, both with walk-in showers (one even has a decadent water bed) and nail stations. Whether you’re in a rush or you’ve got all the time in the world, feel special, look better and walk with a lighter step.
It’s that kind of place.
http://www.serenityinthecity.com/
Boutiques
Corbridge, Northumberland. This picturesque Northumberland village is heaving with independent boutiques where you can buy everything from hand-made jewellery to Italian leather shoes, you can also stop for lunch or dinner at one of a number of high quality tea rooms, pubs and restaurants.
The upmarket suburb of Jesmond is just minutes from the centre of vibrant NewcastleGateshead. Head to the stunning Clayton Road which is lined with fantastic shops.
Call into Eden which specialises in Italian fashion and is also home to the exclusive Ophelia Lingerie Boutique. Eden is a relaxed and friendly, shopping environment with the personal touches and attention to detail seldom found anywhere else.
Eden – 11-12 Clayton Road, Jesmond 0191 281 7929
Or go to Edo, where you can find menswear which is exclusive to North East England.
Edo – 13a Clayton Road, Jesmond, 0191 239 9666.
Yarm was voted the UK's best high street by BBC News viewers, with its perfect balance of charming old-fashioned specialist shops, alongside trendy boutiques and convenience for the 21st century shopper.
www.visitteesvalley.co.uk/site/things-to-do/shopping
Afternoon tea
Close House, Heddon-on-the-Wall set in acres of wonderful parkland overlooking the beautiful Tyne Valley.
Cream Teas can be taken in the Cocktail Bar and Lounge or on the terrace outside and include a selection of scones, clotted cream and preserves, a selection of cakes and tea and coffee.
Places to See Spring Lambs
Conundrum Farm, Berwick, Northumberland
A great place to take the grandkids to see the first spring lambs is Conundrum Farm, Berwick, Northumberland. The centre is England’s most northerly Farm Visitor Centre and as well as sheep has Highland Cattle, Horses, Goats, Pigs and much more.
http://www.conundrumfarm.co.uk/
Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth, Northumberland
Whitehouse Farm is a 40 acre farm centre that has been entertaining and educating people of all ages since 1997. Particularly suitable for families and school visits we are located in the heart of Northumberland just 1 mile off the A1.
There is something here for everyone and 75% of the farm is undercover, so come rain or shine it’s a great day out.
Newham Grange Leisure Farm, Tees Valley
Animal pens and byres allow visitors to see pigs, cattle, donkeys and goats at close quarters. The pig unit provides the change to see several breeds of pig, including the Gloucester Old Spot, Berkshire, Saddleback, Middle White and also new litters of piglets
Grace Darling Museum
Grace Darling was 22 years old when she risked her life in an open boat to help the survivors of the wrecked SS Forfarshire on 7th September 1838. With her father, she rowed for over a mile through raging seas to reach them. The courage that Grace and her family showed on that day is now legendary.
Grace was the media celebrity of her day. She was celebrated internationally and was showered with honours, including the RNLI's Silver Medal for Gallantry. A museum was established in 1938 to commemorate her life. The museum includes the famous rescue coble, Grace's dresses, letters and family belongings and a cornucopia of commemorative ware.
The museum has completed a major rebuild project and officially opens again at the start of March.
March Events
Spark Art
If art is more your child's thing, then head along to Spark Art on Saturdays during January, February and March.
A professional artist will run the sessions where youngsters can learn all about different art forms in a safe, friendly environment.
Price includes materials. Activities must be pre-booked.
For full details, contact Spark.
Bishopton Road West, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 0QH
+44 01642 527696
spark@stockton.gov.uk
Northern BMX Championships
The regional heat of the Northern BMX championships takes place on Sunday 9th March at Summerhill, Hartlepool.
The event features BMX clubs from the North East, Yorkshire and Lancashire. The BMX course consists of 400m downhill with five turns and lots of doubles/ triples and table-top jumps.
Summerhill, Summerhill Lane, Hartlepool TS25 4LL
+44 01429 284584
http://www.sunnysummerhill.com/
Darlington's Folk Festival Spring Thing
Darlington’s Folk Festival Spring Thing comes to Darlington Arts Centre in March with a feast of folk entertainment, including singarounds, concerts and the family folk ‘n’ fun day.
Darlington Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, Darlington DL3 7AX
+44 01325 388427
marion.bynoe@darlington.gov.uk
http://www.darlington.gov.uk/Culture/Events
Farm Club at Bill Quay Farm
Put on your wellies, old clothes and get stuck in. An opportunity for young people to help on the farm.
8 - 16 yrs
Limited places, please book in advance
Bill Quay Community Farm, Hainingwood Terrace, Bill Quay, Gateshead NE10 0UE
+44 0191 433 5780
billquayfarm@gateshead.gov.uk
http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/countryside/Bill%20Quay%20Farm.aspx
The Science of Colours
Find out how the Anglo-Saxons made dyes, inks and stained glass with our special activities for National Science Week.
Bede's World, Church Bank, Jarrow NE32 3DY
+44 0191 489 2106
visitor.info@bedesworld.co.uk
http://www.bedesworld.co.uk/
Spring into Easter
Get out and active before Easter with these fun nature themed activities on the Nature Reserve.
Maidendale Local Nature Reserve, Salters Lane, Darlington DL1 2AW
+44 01325 388648
countryside@darlington.gov.uk
http://www.darlington.gov.uk/environment
The Witch's Bogey
People’s Theatre Company present The Witch’s Bogey
Baba Yaga is an evil witch who likes nothing better than eating sweet, young girls for dinner.
Virtue is a sweet, young girl. When the two of them meet in this magical pop musical it can only wind up with someone coming to a grotty, dotty and quite possibly snotty end!
The People's Theatre Company is proud to present its smash hit musical for adults and children. Based on the classic Russian tale of "Baba Yaga the Witch", The Witch's Bogey is a funky fairytale about good versus evil and the magic of family guaranteed to delight absolutely anyone who's ever lived, loved or blown their nose!
A glittering cast, colourful characters and memorable songs make The Witch's Bogey the unmissable show of the year, so if you're picking just one musical this year…pick The Witch's Bogey!
Town Hall Theatre, Raby Road, Hartlepool TS24 8AH
+44 (01429) 890000
http://www.destinationhartlepool.com/
St Cuthbert's Festival
St. Cuthbert's Festival takes place in two parts, on 22nd to 24th March and 1st to 7th September 2008. Visit some of the wild places and discover animals and birds that feature in the stories of the saints of Northumbria’s Golden Age. The programme includes guided walks, themed boat trips, cycling routes and other outdoor activities that will take you to sites associated with key characters and events of period. The events are based around the two Feast Days (20th March and 4th September) associated with Cuthbert, Northumbria's best-loved saint.
St. Cuthbert's Festival is part of the year-long Golden Age of Northumbria project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Berwick Upon Tweed TD15
+44 01289 330218
timetoexplore@btinternet.com
http://www.goldenageofnorthumbria.com/
Fired Up
Join talented Steven Lunn at his Medieval Blacksmith's forge, as he demonstrates the ancient craft of Blacksmithing. Try your hand at making your own souvenir to take home.
Bede's World, Church Bank, Jarrow NE32 3DY
+44 0191 489 2106
visitor.info@bedesworld.co.uk
http://www.bedesworld.co.uk/
North Tyneside 10k Road Race
The North Tyneside 10k Road Race 2008 will be the fourth running of the annual race and attracts a top field of athletes from the region and across the UK. The race starts at the Parks Sports Centre in North Shields and runs along the Fish Quay to Tynemouth Priory and Castle and up the scenic North Tyneside coastline to the finish line near St Mary's Island. Places are limited so runners are advised to book early. Prizes are awarded in a number of categories and there is also a team competition. A race entry fee is applicable and all competitors will receive a goody bag.
The Parks Sports Centre (Race Start), Howdon Road, North Shields NE30 1QA
+44 0191 200 8909
Thomas.Wilson@northtyneside.gov.uk
http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/
Rockpool Ramble
Come and explore the shoreline at Souter.
Meet in Foghorn Field by the Paint Store Pantry.
Souter Lighthouse, Coast Road, Whitburn SR6 7NH
+44 191 529 3161
souter@nationaltrust.org.uk
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Kick Off
A story about football, friendship and fantasy.
This light-hearted piece delves into the world of football through the eyes of two friends. Injuries and arguments, winners and losers, rules and tactics are all explored.
Post-performance talk with the dancers after every show.
Tees Valley Dance also offers a comprehensive range of supporting workshops for schools, to supplement the show and encourage further exploration of the subjects. Please contact Tees Valley Dance on 01642 525191 or email info@teesvalleydance.co.uk to receive more details.
ARC, Dovecot Street, Stockton On Tees TS18 1LL
+44 01642 525199
info@arconline.co.uk
http://www.arconline.co.uk/
Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering
Three exciting jam-packed days presenting Northumberland's traditions, with concerts, street events, dances, exhibitions, children's events, crafts, dialect, workshops, films, puppets, tours, competitions, storyteller's garden. Held on the weekend after Easter in medieval market town Morpeth. 2008's 41st Gathering theme is "Crossing Borders" plus events celebrating 500 years of William Turner.
Westgate House, Dogger Bank, Morpeth NE61 1RE
+44 01670 513308
enquiries@northumbriana.org.uk
http://www.northumbriana.org.uk/
The Orient Verses the Occident Workshop
A practical look at drawing methods used by the Chinese and Western Silverpoint drawing.
£25, Friends of The Bowes Museum £18. Booking required.
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
+44 01833 690606
info@thebowesmuseum.org.uk
http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/