There are plenty of fun things to do in the North East of England no matter the weather or time of year! From castles brimming with historic tales to forests full of ziplining fun, we’re bringing you some of our top-rated attractions which you can easily reach by train. Plus, we’ve included lots of free things to do, because North East England has something for everyone!
1. Newcastle Castle
Nearest station: Newcastle
Ever wondered where Newcastle gets its name? It comes from the city’s great castle, built by King Henry II during the 12th century. Well-preserved, it’s located in the heart of the city, making it very easy to get to by train. Some of the castle’s greatest features across its multiple floors include period costumes you can dress up in, pillories and stocks where you can take photos and an activities room. As you’ll spend most of your time exploring inside the castle, it’s also a great choice for a rainy day.
Zooom there with our family train ticket and save for your next trip.
2. Newcastle Discovery Museum
Nearest station: Newcastle
Also located in Newcastle is the Newcastle Discovery Museum where kids can have fun for hours! One of its most interactive permanent exhibits is the Science Maze which features a shadow wall and air hockey table, where children can learn about science and engineering. The museum also has a café where you can enjoy a range of hot and cold refreshments – perfect for getting your coffee-fix after a long day of exploring.
Grab a partner and enjoy a smooth trip and get there for less with our duo tickets.
3. MIMA Gallery
Nearest station: Middlesbrough
The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a day out in Middlesbrough! With an ever-changing selection of contemporary art exhibits, there’s plenty to see. You can even create your own masterpiece at the Family Art Trolley & Picnic taking place each Saturday, where you can chat with other parents and kids can enjoy lunch from MIMA Kitchen for only £1. Sound like your next family day out?
Buy a family train ticket and save when travelling with a group of two adults and up to four children.
4. Dorman Museum
Nearest Station: Middlesbrough
Also located in Middlesbrough is the Dorman Museum where entry is free! Travel the world through its interesting displays from items that tell the city’s stories to those from the four corners of the world going as far as the Jungles of South America. Among them, you’ll find the largest public collection of colourful Linthorpe Art Pottery in the world! The museum is also home to a beautifully decorated Victorian-style Dressers Tearoom serving cakes, food and drinks.
Plan your visit ahead of time and save up to 65% when you book our advance train ticket.
5. Darlington Hippodrome
Nearest station: Darlington
Fancy a day out in Darlington? Why not visit the Darlington Hippodrome, an Edwardian theatre dating back to the early 1900s. With beautiful architecture inside and out, seeing a play here is sure to be a memorable and magical experience. If you get peckish before or after your show head to the Hippo Lounge for a variety of snacks, sandwiches, pastries and drinks. There are also accessible bars on all floors.
Save money when you travel as a pair with our duo train ticket.
6. Explore Hartlepool
Nearest station: Hartlepool
A mix of history and sea, Hartlepool is a great town to explore during a family day out in the North East. Kids will love visiting the historic HMS Trincomalee, learning about its story and what life at sea entails as they clamber its decks. Seaton Carew beach is also a wonderful place to relax on a sunny day while kids enjoy building sandcastles and collecting shells. If the weather isn't cooperating, head to the Heugh Battery Museum where you can explore Hartlepool's wartime past. Don't forget to check out quirky attractions like Tweddle Children's Animal Farm or Lofty's Crazy Golf.
Get there in a breeze with our same-day tickets, available for up to 15 minutes before departure.
7. National Glass Centre
Nearest station: Sunderland
Looking for a unique day out? Then the National Glass Centre in Sunderland could be the place for you. Throughout July they’ll be hosting free glass making demonstrations daily, with a range of other activities available throughout the year. The Glass in Sunderland exhibit will also take you on a journey through the city’s glass-making heritage. When hunger strikes, head to the Centre’s Glass Yard for scones, tea and more!
Get there faster and for less when you plan ahead with our advance ticket.
8. GO APE Maften Hall
Nearest station: Wylam
If you need an activity that will help the kids burn some energy, GO APE in Maften Hall is the perfect day trip, with a range of rope courses and activities to choose from. In the Treetop Challenge kids can zipline between the trees and enjoy incredible views of the surroundings. Kids can also put their precision and strength to the test with axe throwing, sure to make them feel like little warriors!
Ditch the car and get there faster with a Northern family train ticket.
9. Arbeia Roman Fort
Nearest station: Sunderland
For history buffs, the Arberia South Shields Roman Fort is full of engaging activities and artifacts that people of all ages will enjoy. Once the Roman Emperor's headquarters for the invasion of Scotland, acting as a supply base, it's also proposed to be the birth place of King Oswin. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its stories include eventful tales of historic fires, crimes and more.
Ditch the car and enjoy the views when you travel there by train with our anytime tickets.
10. Beamish Museum
Nearest station: Chester-le-Street
Beamish Museum is a childhood memory for many and what better than to recreate those memories with your children! A short bus ride away from Chester-le-Street train station, this famous open air museum allows you to walk through times gone by with a series of historic villages and towns centuries old. Dogs are welcome, so long as you keep them on a lead and are welcome on Northern Trains too!
Save on your train travel with our off-peak tickets.
There's a world of things to do and places to explore in North East England. We hope we offered some inspiration for your next day out and remember, you don't have to choose just one, you can do them all! Planning a trip? Check out our family train ticket and see how you can save on your journey.
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.