There are lots of family friendly and fun things to do this half-term in NewcastleGateshead. From spooky Halloween activities to experiencing the outdoors, there is plenty to do to keep you and your family occupied.
October half-term trail
Gibside is getting all cozy and autumnal with its new Autumn trail. They’re on a mission to teach people about the snooze-loving critters of the season, like badgers, deer, and those teeny-tiny insects. Plus, you’ll get to stumble upon some pumpkins, some satisfyingly crunchy leaves, and an apple harvest extravaganza right in the Walled Garden. Taking place on the 28th – 31st October and available to drop-in for free with normal admission charges, this event is one for all the family this Autumn! Find out more here.
Halloween ghost train at Stephenson railway station
Calling all fans of the eerie and supernatural! Prepare to hop on the Halloween Ghost Train for a spine-chilling adventure. Get ready for your hair-raising experience as you listen to bone-chilling stories and terrifying tales from Newcastle’s most peculiar storytellers, the creepy Mosstroopers!
Once you’ve survived the terrifying train ride, be sure to explore the museum and embark on the spooky trail. You can also get creative with some colouring activities that are sure to keep the Halloween spirit alive. This event is taking place on the 29th of October and is priced between £1-£8. Find out more here.
Halloween Evenings at Beamish
Get ready for a spooky adventure at Beamish as it turns into The Un-living Museum of the North! There’s some ghostly friends hanging around Pockerley Old Hall, which happens to be the oldest original building at Beamish. Are you brave enough to visit it after the sun goes down?
And don’t be fooled by the folks in the Pit Village – there’s more to this quaint village than meets the eye. As you stroll through Birch Wood, keep your eyes peeled for surprises lurking among the trees. Don’t forget your camera – you might just capture some shadowy figures or fleeting orbs (ever wonder what are these orbs?). Who knows what might be lurking there?
For some good old-fashioned family fun, head over to our 1950s welfare hall and play the night away.
Even the cobbled Edwardian Street has some unexpected guests during Halloween. You’ll meet some new residents and enjoy captivating entertainment. So, join Beamish for a spine-tingling good time! Beamish Halloween Evenings are happening on the 27th, 28th and 31st and is £19 for adults and £12.50 for kids. Find out more here.
Daschund Pup-Up Café at Halloween
Join Revolution Newcastle as they host the Dachshund Pup-Up Café Halloween social on the 22nd of October! Bring your dog to meet and socialise with other owners, with a spooky twist.
There will be photo opportunities for you and your pup as well as a lucky dip trick or treat, and unlimited puppucinos, as you mingle with other Dachshunds in the toon. Prices start at £9.50 for humans and is free for Daschund’s! Find out more here.
Halloween half-term at Warkworth Castle
On 28 October to 5 November, grab your broomsticks and get ready for a bewitchingly brilliant day out at Warkworth Castle. Gather round for tales from some spooky storytellers and solve creepy clues in this Halloween Quest.
Joining in for the Halloween Half Term Event at Warkworth Castle is a breeze. Your event admission is included in the standard ticket price, and if you’re an English Heritage Member, it’s free! Find out more here.
Ancient Egypt gallery
The Egyptian gallery is really special – not only because of the large number of perfectly preserved artefacts it contains, but for the huge variety of objects on display.
At the Great North Museum you can marvel at enormous stone statues, tiny lucky charms, precious burial goods and entire coffins. The cartonnage of Baktenhor is currently on loan to the British Museum for the Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt exhibition. The exhibition is on from 27th September – 24th November. Find out more here.
Oktoberfest Newcastle
Oktoberfest Newcastle boasts to have the biggest Bavarian-themed party tent that the North of England has ever seen, with an event capacity of almost 4000 people every Saturday. Featuring a full traditionally dressed German marque filled with party benches adorned in the Bavarian blue and white chequered table cloths, some of the best “oompah” bands from across Europe, as well as a wide range of authentic German beers and food.
The event will take place between Friday 13th October through to 28th October 2023, every Friday and Saturday, tickets are £10. Find out more here.
Autumn skies and planetarium experience
Set just a stone’s throw away from Hadrian’s Wall, and surrounded by some of England’s most breathtaking scenery, The Twice Brewed Inn is a popular country pub and bed and breakfast in the heart of rural Northumberland.
Autumn constellations are full of variation; they include Pegasus, Cygnus and Hercules. Using Twice Brewed Inn’s telescopes you will be observing these stunning objects along with the Planet Saturn and Jupiter Star and more. The ticket also includes an immersive planetarium show! Find out more here.
Live Theatre at Newcastle Castle
Join Newcastle Castle for an unforgettable evening of theatre exploring the Reivers, who were a lawless border family who terrorised the Anglo-Scottish border for 400 years. Writer Steve Byron weaves tales of ordinary people confronting their murderous ways. Will good or evil prevail? Don’t miss it! Find out more here.
Hallowe’en at Escape Key
Escape Key, the portal to the ominous and unknown, offers a selection of spine-tingling, Halloween themed escapes in 2023. Join your group and delve into hair-raising mysteries that lurk in the shadows. Choose from the witch, plague, electricity and armageddon escapes to save the world! Ideal for bigger groups and parties, the Escape Key Halloween experiences run from the 1st to the 31st of October and start at £22.50 per person. Find out more here.
To see more Halloween experiences, check out Visit NewcastleGateshead in every season | NewcastleGateshead
For more things to do this half-term visit NewcastleGateshead’s official tourist… | NewcastleGateshead
