Eggscape to Durham this Easter

If you’re after some egg-citing family friendly fun during the Easter Holidays, Durham has an egg-ceptional range of exciting events and world-class attractions the whole family can enjoy together.

If you’re planning a family getaway this Easter, then Durham is the perfect place to spend some quality time together. From award winning family (and dog) friendly hotels, to awesome outdoor adventures, sensational attractions, egg-cellent events and a wide variety of child-friendly places to eat. There really is something to keep everyone entertained this Easter in Durham. 

The Great North Festival of Transport at Beamish - The Living History Museum of the North.

Discover amazing pedal powered vehicles, a celebration of all things steam and the fascinating story of horses at war.

Pedal Power: 24th and 25th March. The whole museum will come to life with amazing pedal-powered inventions, contraptions and vehicles – you may even find yourself having a go at operating one!

The Great War Steam Fair: 5th to 8th April. This year Beamish’s annual steam celebration will have a First World War focus. Marvel at the extraordinary line-up featuring around 120 exhibits including steam locomotives, road steam vehicles, motor vehicles and a fire engine or two.

Horses at War: 13th to 15th April. Travel on horse-drawn vehicles, watch horses at work around the museum – from pit ponies to heavy horses and learn more about the fascinating stories of horses during the First World War.

Mad Hatter’s Easter Eggstravaganza at Lumley Castle.

Tumble down the rabbit hole and discover a tea party beyond your wildest imagination at Lumley Castle.

Bring the entire family to enjoy delicious Easter themed sweet treats and classic savouries with Alice-inspired drinks plus lots of egg-cellent activities. Bank Holiday Monday 2nd April from 2.30pm

Explore the Outdoors at Hamsterley Forest

Riders of all ages are invited to bring along their horses and ponies for the annual Easter Horse and Pony Parade through the picturesque Hamsterley Forest on Saturday 7th April.
The route will take riders on a 13km hack through the forest, promising beautiful views of the local countryside. A shorter, lead rein route of 6km is also available for younger guests.

If horse riding isn't your thing, the whole family can enjoy a forest adventure following the Highway Rat Trail. Complete fun activities and spot characters from the story as you follow the panels. It’s a great way for the little ones to get outside, get active and blow off some steam.

14th Annual Easter Chick Hunt at Durham University Botanic Garden.

Easter Chicks are hiding in the Gardens at Durham's Botanic Garden. Pick up your spotter sheet and see how many you can find in this fun family event. Let the children go searching for the chicks while you admire the beautiful spring flowers and relax in the Garden’s tranquil setting.

Step back in time at Raby Castle

One of England's finest medieval castles: Raby Castle in the heart of the Durham Dales re-opens on 24th March. The beloved castle will once again welcome visitors to their grounds which includes a 200 acre Deer Park, refurbished stable tea rooms, gift shop and stunning walled gardens.

From the 30th March until 2nd April families can enjoy Easter themed activities including crafts, trails, giant outdoor games and more.

Egg-scape to Rockliffe Hall

Looking for a luxury family Easter escape? Look no further than Rockliffe Hall where children stay free this Easter!

Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in a New Hall Superior bedroom. With plenty of space and the luxurious bathroom including separate shower and a swish tile TV in the bathroom. Enjoy relaxing and having fun as a family with use of the swimming pool for the younger guests and use of the hydropool, outdoor hot tub, foot spa and five heat treatment rooms for the grown ups.

If you choose to stay for 2 or 3 nights, your stay will also include a family ticket to Beamish Museum.

Plus on Easter Sunday families can enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea, fresh from the Rockliffe Kitchen. Nibble on an assortment of tasty sandwiches and dive into the sweet selection which includes cranberry and orange scone, white chocolate and raspberry tart, a black cherry sundae bitter chocolate and mini chocolate eggs. Children can also take part in the annual Rockliffe Hall Easter Egg trail and outdoor gamnes including croquet and outdoor jenga.

Through Easter there's a whole range of exciting events and amazing attractions to visit across the county.