MAY half term is the perfect time to get outside as a family, here's what's on offer in County Durham.
This half term, from May 29 to June 6, is the perfect time to get outside with the family as the weather eases up. There are lots of creative ways to engage your children indoors, but after a year of Covid restrictions, you may be keen to get out and about.
We've put together a list of ideas for half term in County Durham.
Please plan ahead and check if venues require advance booking.
Go swimming
The wait is over for children who have been waiting to head back to the pool, but heading for a swim after school or on the weekend can be hectic as families flock for a paddle after months of closures.
While pools will no doubt be busier during half term than a normal weekday, there is plenty of time to squeeze in a swim.
A lot of pools have reopened, including those run by Durhan County Council.
Council-owned centres are Abbey Leisure Centre, Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre, Consett Leisure Centre, Freeman's Quay Leisure Centre, The Louisa Centre, Meadowfield Leisure Centre, Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, Riverside Leisure Complex, Shildon-Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Teesdale Leisure Centre, Wolsingham Leisure Centre and Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex.
Go to Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest is a huge 2000 hectares of mixed woodland lying between the Wear and Tees valleys on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
County Durham’s largest forest, the site is popular all year round for its outdoor events and attractions including walking, cycling and horse-riding trails, play areas and cafe.
You can stay at Hamsterley Forest for hours if you want to, completing walking trials of different lengths, letting the children enjoy play areas and even settling down for a picnic if the weather allows.
Go to a museum
Museums are a great way to tap into local history and culture after nearly a year of restrictions and not being able to visit inside areas until earlier this month.
Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, said there will be something to see and do every day at the museum.
From a car rally, candle making and 1950s Coronation celebrations to live music, musket firing displays and medallion making, there’s plenty to get involved with.
The Bowes Museum also has loads of fun events and activities happening, especially for families and young people over half term as well as lots of fabulous quilting and painting workshops.
There is fitness and wellness thrown in the mix, so something for everyone to enjoy.
Go to a waterfall
County Durham is not shy of stunning but remote waterfalls, with High and Low Force being a popular spot and a wonderful natural feature in the Durham Dales.
The five-mile circular walk around the falls takes you through Upper Teesdale, within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Close by, there is also Jerry Force Waterfall, in Bishop Auckland, and Black Force Waterfall, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, while Cauldron Snout on the County Durham and Cumbria border.
Go to a farm
Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, is a fantastic place to go if you live near Durham. The award-winning farm is home to donkeys, rabbits, lambs and so much more - including crazy golf. There are lots of little piglets and calves there too.
Anyone heading here over bank holiday weekend may also get to see sheep being sheared.
Teesdale Alpacas offers children something a little more quirky, while Tweddle Children's Animal Farm, Cross Lanes Organic Farm and Broom Mill Farm are also in the area.
You can spend hours playing with, feeding and learning about farm animals no matter the weather.
Go to a castle
Raby Castle, one of England’s Medieval castles, is bringing a big surprise to visitors to its grounds this half term, with its very own Teddy Bears’ Picnic trail.
Raby Castle is encouraging everyone, including the young and young-at-heart, to bring their favourite teddy bear with them and enjoy a picnic* in the 200-acre Deer Park, which is home to two species of deer; Red Deer, the largest British wild land mammal, and the smaller Fallow Deer.
There are plenty of other activities taking place during half term too.
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