1. Middleham Stables Open Day

Middleham Stables Open Day is a well-established Easter attraction in North Yorkshire. The stables will be open to the public on Good Friday, with more than 500 horses for visitors to see. This year, the two main charities to benefit will be the Jessica Bethell Charitable Foundation, in memory of the daughter of James Bethell, the chairman of Middleham Trainers’ Association, and The Household Cavalry Foundation.
middlehamstablesopenday.co.uk

2. Easter Fun at Locomotion

Easter Fun at Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon, runs from March 28 to April 12. This Easter the museum welcomes the Super D locomotive, the sole survivor of the London North Western Railway G2 Class. It was built in 1931 and is a great example of a 20th century steam locomotive built for freight work. There are also free arts and crafts from March 30 to April 10. Families can design their own train between 10am and 4pm with last admission 3.30pm. Telephone: 01388 777999.
nrm.org.uk

3. Eggstraspecial Easter at Head of Steam

On Sunday, April 5, between 10am and 4pm, Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum, North Road Station, Darlington, has an “Eggstraspecial” Easter treat. Activities include, egg hunt, face-painting, arts and crafts. £1 entrance fee per person, family members go free. Telephone: 01325 405060.
www.head-of-steam.co.uk

4. Beauty & The Beast, Darlington Civic Theatre

Pantomimes aren’t just for Christmas. Darlington Civic Theatre is staging an Easter pantomime, with a production of Beauty and the Beast. The show stars Bobby Davro as Silly Billy, along with children’s TV star Dani Harmer as Belle and Lee Latchford-Evans from Steps as the Beast/Prince. Showing on April 1-2. Tickets from £16.
www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

5. Easter activities at The Sage Gateshead

The Sage Gateshead has become one of the region’s most iconic buildings and it stages an Easter Family Craft Fair on Saturday April 4 from 11am – 4pm. The event features a musical egg hunt, a colouring challenge, Easter arts and crafts, and live music. Entry to the event is free although there will be some activity charges. Then on April 8, at 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm, there is Sage Gateshead’s Big Family Hop. This is a one-hour show aimed for children under 7 and their families over the Easter holidays. Led by some of Sage Gateshead’s musicians, this Easter show will allow young children and their families the chance to dance, sing and have lots of fun. Tickets: £2.50 per person.
www.sagegateshead.com

6. Designer Makers Market, Barnard Castle

The Designer Makers Market, at The Witham, Barnard Castle, is held over two days on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, 10-4pm. It will showcase the work of more than 20 artists and craftspeople from around the region and will be an opportunity to buy quality handmade goods direct from the makers. There will also be demonstrations by some of the craftspeople and “have-a-go” sessions. Admission is free, but a small donation to St Teresa’s Hospice will be gratefully received.
www.designermakersmarket.co.uk

7. Easter exhibition at NRM, York

The National Railway Museum in York is staging a new exhibition for Easter, exploring childhood fascination of trains. Generations of children have grown up with railway toys, but what makes the love of them so enduring? The Playing Trains, from March 28 to April 18, will let children decide for themselves. The exhibition will be a place for children, not just about them, and will be filled with toys to play with, games to try, and books to read.
www.nrm.org.uk

8. Easter fun at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, near Ripon, have loads of events over the Easter holiday to keep everyone entertained. Join in the little lambs craft workshop or track down the tiny golden egg, plus some more traditional egg fun. Bring your hardboiled eggs and compete in the egg and spoon race, best decorated egg and egg rolling contests.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey

9. Easter traditions at Castle Howard

Castle Howard is celebrating Easter between April 4 and 6 with a traditional fairground, farm and children's activities, including an Easter Egg Trail. Try your luck at 'hook a duck' and test your aim on their coconut shy, before having a go on the traditional fairground rides. There’s also a chance to meet animals at a mini farm, including rabbits, ducks, lambs, mini pigs, and a mini pony. Telephone: 01653-648625.
www.castlehoward.co.uk

10. Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, Harlow Carr Garden

There’s a Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Harlow Carr Garden, Harrogate, plus plenty of indoor craft activities and outdoor workshops for all ages. From March 28, until April 12.
www.rhs.org.uk

11. Easter Egg Hunt at The Angel, Thirsk

The Angel pub at Thirsk has a range of Easter attractions. On Easter Sunday, there’s an Easter Egg Hunt at midday followed by a children’s disco and activities in the afternoon, including the opportunity to meet birds of prey in the gardens.
theangelattopcliffe.co.uk

12. Crafts fair, Masonic Hall, Middleton-in-Teesdale

The Masonic Hall in Middleton-in-Teesdale has a craft and collectors fair, with 16 stalls selling a range of items, from plants, hand-crafted goods, shabby chic, soaps, collectables, books and much more. Entry is free. For more information call 07969 842345

13. Craft fun at Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

Bowes Museum has fun drop-in craft activities, including Easter baskets with a treat. Make a spring daffodil, create beautiful butterflies and explore the museum and outdoors with an Easter-themed egg hunt. It all happens on Easter Monday, 11-4pm.
thebowesmuseum.org.uk

14. Coastal break at Cober Hill hotel

Scarborough is a great place to visit at Easter. The award-winning Cober Hill hotel at Cloughton is recommended for an enjoyable break in a relaxed, informal and cheerful atmosphere. Children under five stay for free and, aged 5-16, stay for half price. Located in idyllic surroundings to ensure peace and relaxation; the other coastal towns of Whitby, Filey and Robin Hood's Bay are only a short distance away. It’s also ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside; the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest and the Heritage Coast. There is also a wide variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment; including tennis, putting, bowls, croquet, pool and table tennis. The site includes a well-equipped play area and playhouse. Telephone 01723 870310.
coberhill.co.uk

15. Grab a bargain at a Nobles Car Boot Sale

Those on the hunt for an Easter bargain might consider a day out at one of the Nobles Car Boot Sales at Chester-le-Street, Thirsk Racecourse and Willington. Car booters should arrive early to grab a bargain or sell their unwanted items, with handmade goods, crafts, clothing, tools, pet supplies among the goods for sale.
nobles-promotions.co.uk

16. Easter break at Solway Holiday Village, Cumbria

There are some great deals at Solway Holiday Village in Cumbria this Easter. Up to 33 per cent off Orlando Caravan Holiday Homes (sleep 6-8) and Borrowdale Lodges (sleep 4). The discounts are subject to booking before March 31 and staying before October 31. There is 25 per cent off all accommodation for booking before March 28 and staying before October 30. Facilities include a full daytime and night-time programme with family games, kids club, bingo and discos, indoor pool, spa bath, bistro, takeaway, amusements, pool table, train, pitch & putt. Telephone: 016973 31236.
hagansleisure.co.uk

17. Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, Alnwick Garden

Alnwick Garden is a beautiful place to visit at Easter and this year there is The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt from March 28 to April 12. Collect your activity pack and explore the gardens to discover where the gold bunny is hiding. Follow clues and learn about the other inhabitants of the gardens along the way. At the end of the hunt, hand in your completed clue sheet and receive a delicious Lindt Gold Bunny reward for a truly magical moment. Admission to The Alnwick Garden includes a 5% discount when buying tickets online.
alnwickgarden.com

18. Bottle-feed lambs at Hall Hill Farm

Easter isn’t Easter without some cute new-born lambs and Hall Hill Farm at Lanchester is the place to go. The farm has several different breeds of sheep which will lamb during March and April. Children can bottle-feed the pet lambs and see the fluffy Easter chicks, as well as viewing all the usual farm activities. There is a Lambing Live Event on Friday 27th March and the farm is open daily from 10.30am-5pm. Telephone (01388) 731333. Hall Hill Farm can be found four miles from Lanchester on the B6296 near the village of Satley. The postcode is DH7 0TA - please note the neighbouring farm (just before Hall Hill Farm if travelling from Lanchester) also has the same postcode. Hall Hill Farm has a large sign at the end of the drive.
hallhillfarm.co.uk

19. Park Resorts coastal and Lakeside family breaks

Park Resorts is offering Easter school holiday breaks, from £113, with up to 20 per cent off. The company’s 45 coastal and lakeside holiday parks come alive at Easter with themed entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Entertainment passes, use of facilities, beds made on arrival and discounts at local attractions are all included in the price of your holiday. Call their booking hotline on 0843 561 1084.
park-resorts.com

20. Easter break at Stanwix Park, Cumbria

There are great value Easter holidays at Cumbria’s premier holiday centre Stanwix Park, Silloth on Solway. Book before March 31 and get 25 per cent off self-catering holidays* in one of their apartments, holiday homes or camping pods. The park boasts an indoor pool, leisure centre, shop and garden café. To book, telephone 01697 332666 or visit their website. * All breaks must be a minimum of 3 nights, terms apply.
stanwix.com