Discover Spring Across The Northern Saints Trails

Explore the Northern Saints Trails across North East England this spring. As the season brings longer and brighter days, take the opportunity to explore historic routes that offer some of the region’s most rewarding walking experiences. Why not extend your walk and discover one of the events highlighted below.

The Angel's Way

May Day Celebrations at Beamish Museum

In the Edwardian period, May Day was second only to Christmas in popularity, and each town or village all over the country would have its own range of traditions and customs. Visit the Beamish Museum from 3 to 4 May and find out more about the history of this day, and to have a go at some of the special activities.

Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found curator tour at the Great North Museum: Hancock

The Keeper of Archaeology at the Great North Museum will lead a tour exploring some of the fascinating stories of burial and discovery behind the objects in the exhibition. Spend time looking at the relationship between archaeology and the idea of treasure. 

The Way of Learning

Smoke and Mirrors at the National Glass Centre  

Running until May 26,  Smoke and Mirrors draws on artworks from the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art’s collection in a group show exploring contemporary landscapes through photography, painting, sculpture, film, digitally generated artwork and drawing.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend at Herrington Country Park  

Radio 1’s Big Weekend will be held in Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, from 22 to 24 May. Over the course of the weekend, around 100 acts will perform, from the biggest names in music to exciting new and emerging artists. With around 80,000 music fans expected to attend, the event promises to be an unforgettable start to the UK’s festival season.

The Way of Life

Garden Fun Day at the Botanic Garden

Enjoy the Durham University Botanic Garden annual Fun Day this Bank Holiday Monday 25 May. There will be a host of free, family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, from face-painting to flower arranging, to crafts and Samurai sword demonstrations and discover the garden’s Crazy Creatures, all accompanied by live music from Pittington Brass Band.

The Way of Love

Cuthbert, Bede and the Renewal of Culture with Tom Holland at Durham Cathedral

In the Cathedral where Cuthbert and Bede still rest, renowned historian Tom Holland will be interviewed by the Dean of Durham, Philip Plyming, about how Cuthbert and Bede both challenge and encourage us to think more deeply about our cultural roots, our shared story and our basis for hope. 

The Way of Light

Light and Shadow Photography Exhibition at Hexham Abbey

After almost fourteen centuries on this site, it’s easy to assume there is little left to discover in the Abbey. Yet these new 21st‑century photographs invite you to see the Abbey afresh, casting its remarkable treasures and architecture in a new light and offering an experience of the building as never before. The exhibition runs from 6 May to 24 May.

The Way of the Sea

King Oswald and the Battle of Heavenfield Re-Enactment at Bamburgh Castle

From 2 to 4 May, Acle Early Medieval Re‑Enactment Society returns to Bamburgh Castle to bring history to life with a re‑enactment of King Oswald and the Battle of Heavenfield. Set in the year 633, the story follows King Oswald’s return from exile as he seeks to reclaim the Kingdom of Northumbria and take his rightful seat at Bebbanburg.