This is a promenade performance of compositions from students of the Composing for Spaces and Places module at Newcastle University, Led by Dr Rob Mackay. Each short performance is inspired by an object or collection in the museum.

These sessions are a chance to develop your English in a friendly and informal setting.

We will use the art collections in the gallery and local history as inspiration for our discussions.

Session themes:

Wednesday 5 March: Find out about the Shipley and other free local museums

Wednesday 12 March: Explore our paintings and make your own

Wednesday 19 March: Learn about our local park and local history. Please note that this session has been cancelled. 

Wednesday 26 March: Explore our ceramics and make your own

Wednesday 2 April: Explore our textiles and make your own

Wednesday 09 April: Talk about your favourite Shipley artwork and celebrate with us

The nearest stop on the Tyne & Wear Metro is Gateshead Interchange.

Bus service 52 from Gateshead Interchange stops outside the Shipley Art Gallery.

10am - 2pm every Wednesday. 

Meet inside of the museum entrance. 

Free, all materials provided. No experience necessary. 

Refreshments provided.

Nurture Nest is a session for babies who haven't learnt to crawl yet. It is an opportunity for young babies to engage in tummy time as a group, learn songs, make new friends, and explore the senses whilst discovering some of our curious museum objects and exploring our sensory environment. 

Tummy time mats will be provided during the session but you are welcome to bring your own if you would prefer. The session will begin with a short singing session, followed by unstructured exploration of the environment.

If your baby isn't crawling but have started to explore their own unique ways to move with confidence, you may find our curious crawlers session more suitable. 

The session theme for this round is 'Sea'. We will explore a new theme each round. 

Upon arrival to the museum, please visit the welcome desk who can direct you to the sessions location. The session will usually take place in the Mouse House but occasionally may need to move to an alternative location in the museum.

Nurture Nest is a session for babies who haven't learnt to crawl yet. It is an opportunity for young babies to engage in tummy time as a group, learn songs, make new friends, and explore the senses whilst discovering some of our curious museum objects and exploring our sensory environment. 

Tummy time mats will be provided during the session but you are welcome to bring your own if you would prefer. The session will begin with a short singing session, followed by unstructured exploration of the environment.

If your baby isn't crawling but have started to explore their own unique ways to move with confidence, you may find our curious crawlers session more suitable.  

The session theme for this round is 'Sea'. We will explore a new theme each round.  

Upon arrival to the museum, please visit the welcome desk who can direct you to the sessions location. The session will usually take place in the Mouse House but occasionally may need to move to an alternative location in the museum.

Discover the Laing with your little ones and support their early development in a fun and relaxed way, exploring a different theme each week. Each session involves a warm up with movement and motion, gallery exploration with fun interactive activities, a practical art activity with various materials, and a short story time. 

There is a different theme each week, but please note that the theme for the Monday and Friday session each week will be the same. 

This activity aims to be fully inclusive and anyone with additional needs is welcome. Sessions are aimed at 1-5 year olds.

If you'd like to have an informal conversation with tutor or member of the team before booking please email learning@laingartgallery.org.uk. 

Can't make these sessions? Our sister venue, the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead, runs Crafty Kids sessions aimed at 2-5 year olds, on Tuesdays during term time. The sessions follow a similar format to Little Artists and are led by friendly Early Years specialists. Find out more about Crafty Kids.

Spark your child’s imagination! In the Tiny Sparks sessions young children can explore science, history and museum collections each week through play, craft, activity, song and story.

A app based activity for families and home educated children.

An exciting free learning adventure for KS2 level learners at the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Time Odyssey is a fun, interactive learning experience that takes children on a quest through their local museum – physically and virtually. 

Created by Art Explora and the British Museum, using pioneering technology, children engage with museum collections in a completely new way!

Time Odyssey is a blended learning adventure which is played on a tablet.  Children work in small groups of 2 or 3 per tablet, assisted by parents and museum staff. At its centre is a dynamic, user-friendly app which encourages children to learn through play and storytelling. 

But it’s not all digital! Children are involved in choosing and analysing museum objects, as well as teamwork, creative activities, photography and discussion.

What happens? 

Students meet characters lost in time:

• Revna – the Viking of the Sea
• Cheng – a Trainee Scribe from Ancient China
• Felix – future Centurion from Roman Britain
• Hori – a tomb painter from Ancient Egypt. 

Children choose a character, then take on a series of challenges to help them get home. How? By gathering enough energy from museum objects to open a time portal!! 

Each family group will have one tablet for an adult and 1 tablet between up to three children. Children will take turns in their family group to complete challenges. 

Some useful bits of information

• A member of our team will give you a briefing and check on you over the day. They are your point of contact over that day. 
• We will provide you with a map and give you a suggested timetable to keep you focused, but you can work on this in your own time until 2.30pm. We understand how this can work better for some families, so want to remove that pressure and allow you the chance to enjoy the experience more! From previous events most families have finished by lunch time.

Join Ben Jones, Shipley project Coordinator, for a short talk on the interesting history of Saltwell Park Museum, which was located in Saltwell Towers in the centre of the park until the late 1960’s and its art, craft and social history collection.

Following this local historian and naturalist Michael Turner, will take you on a fascinating walk around historic Saltwell Park itself. Michael will guide you through the 12 Grade ll Listed Structures and talk about the intriguing stories behind them.

Meet at the Shipley Art Gallery just before 10am. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather.

Part of the National Trust's Blossom Programme.

Our popular Early Years Storytime Group gives families and carers with pre-school children the opportunity to meet regularly throughout the year. 

Join us every Friday (during term time) to read a story together, and take part in a hands-on activity. 

There are extra books and toys available for you to stay and play on the Upper Ground Floor of the Cutter building and the Winding House Café after the session.  

Museum opening times: 11am-4pm

Train running days: Museum opens 30 minutes before the first train departure. Please check Ticketsource for train running times. 

We regret that currently we are unable to offer wheelchair access to our carriages as the door openings are restricted to 55cm.  Wheelchair users must be able to self-transfer onto the passenger carriages to ride on our heritage trains. As a heritage railway, we are exempt from certain aspects of the Equality Act. For further help or information, please visit our access information page.

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This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. Find out more

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro.

Every fourth Sunday of the month between 10-11am is Quiet Hour, when there are fewer visitors in the museum and we turn down the sound in our exhibitions and displays. 

We also have ear defenders available for you to borrow, as some of the experiences around the museum can be quite noisy. 

Bring your favourite bear along for a heritage train ride!

The Mosstroopers will be bringing the magic of the woodland to life with their Woodland Animal Stories puppet shows! Join Reynard the Fox, Isengrim the Wolf and other charming critters for Animal Tales throughout the day - each show lasting around 10 minutes.

Plus, enjoy on a delightful Teddy Bear Trail through the museum, collect clues and complete the adventure with your furry friend by your side!

Puppet Shows with the Mosstroopers at:

10:55-11:05am
11:50am–12pm
12:50–1pm
1:40–1:50pm
2:40–2:50pm

Train running times: 

11:15am
12:10pm
1:10pm
2:00pm
3:00pm

Explore our Roman Gallery and Fort Site to find out more about the people who lived here at Segedunum. Have a go at designing and creating your own Roman Character.

This event is part of our Ways to Play series of free and low-cost family-friendly activities taking place in museums and galleries across Tyneside.

Find out more 

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

Come and get creative with Hatton's Art Cart! Full of help-yourself art activities for families to do together. Available every day throughout the Easter holidays. Everyone welcome.

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. 

Find out more

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro.

Enjoy early access to the Great North Museum: Hancock for a quieter, more relaxed experience. 

This relaxed session is for autistic visitors, visitors with learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders, along with their families and carers. Or anyone else who feels they need a quieter experience of the museum. If that's not you, please visit after 10am. 

You can also enjoy a free 15-minute planetarium show - sign up at the Welcome Desk on the day (limited capacity).

In this ‘meet the expert’ session come along and meet Matthew Jordison who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about green energy and sustainability. 

Matthew is the Net Zero Innovation & Delivery Officer at Gateshead Council and has extensive experience in energy and sustainability. He currently leads initiatives like the District Energy Scheme, developing business strategy, engaging communities in the transition to sustainable energy solutions and developing a regional skill/job plan.

He'd love to meet you so come along with any questions you have and enjoy the Steam to Green exhibition too. 

Get creative this May half term. Both sessions are themed around blossoms as we celebrate the season.

Tuesday 27 May: Create a decorative windsock with a blossom design.

Thursday 29 May: Use a paper plate, card, and tissue paper to create a vase of beautiful blossoms. 

Recommended for age 3+ supported by an adult.

Over the course of 3 days (Tuesday-Thursday), young people are welcome to explore the galleries, talk about art, and create their own work in sessions led by a professional arts educator. Experiment with materials, learn new skills, and create a dynamic set of works in the Laing's Art Studio.

For an extra charge we also have an option to add early drop-off available from 9.30am and late pick up until 4pm. Please select which days you would like to add these when purchasing your general ticket. Please note this additional cost is per child. 

Parents/Carers will need to fill out a registration form for each child attending. The information gathered in these forms is essential to the wellbeing of your child and the success of these sessions, failure to submit these forms may result in your booking being cancelled. 

Be inspired by the new exhibition, Spirit of the North East: Richard Hobson a Retrospective, exhibition and then head to the learning room and paint your favourite local place. Experiment with watercolour and create a beautiful picture.

This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. 

Find out more

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

The session will be most suited to participants who are learning at an age of 5 or under. There will be an interactive story, and songs followed by some simple exploratory play experiences which relate to the story theme. There will also be an opportunity to feel a museum object.

Please note: This session has a small capacity, if your circumstances change and you are no longer able to attend, please contact the learning team at learning@greatnorthmuseum.org.uk so that we are able to offer the space to our waiting list.

We will also offer a Relaxed Mouse Tales session with early Museum entry on Tuesday 27 May, from 9-10.20am. This session is designed for families who need a quieter environment. Free, booking required.

This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. 

Find out more

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

9-9.45am: Access to the museum galleries. 

This is to enable you to enjoy a quieter experience of the museum galleries before the session begins.  

9.45-10.20am: Mouse Tales session.

Relaxed Mouse Tales is a session aimed at families who may require a quieter environment to enable them to participate. This could include autistic visitors, visitors with adhd, learning disability, anxiety or other medical conditions which mean sitting or concentrating for long periods of time without moving; or coping with larger groups of people can be difficult. The session will be most suited to participants who are learning at an age of 5 or under. There will be an interactive story, and songs followed by some simple exploratory play experiences which relate to the story theme. There will also be an opportunity to feel a museum object. A visual story will be provided via email 5 days before the event. 

Please note: if you are booking less that 5 days before the event you may need to contact the venue directly to receive your visual story. This ticket will include early entry to the museum before general opening hours. 

This session has a small capacity, if your circumstances change and you are no longer able to attend, please contact the learning team at learning@greatnorthmuseum.org.uk so that we are able to offer the space to our waiting list.

This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. 

Find out more

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

Use Lego and plastic components to build a model, then programme it using an iPad. Using Scratch block coding, you’ll be able to make your model move, make noise, light up, play music, and more! You’ll learn coding, digital literacy, problem solving, and critical thinking – all through play!

• Suitable for ages 5 – 12, no experience necessary
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• No admittance to under 5s – this includes accompanying siblings

Please note, it is not possible to take your model home as the parts will be used for other workshops.

Excavate objects buried in the table top trays and record them like a real archaeologist. Create detailed drawings of your finds and take your drawings home.

This event is part of our Ways to Play series of free and low-cost family-friendly activities taking place in museums and galleries across Tyneside.

Find out more 

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

Meet the team from Ridgeside Falconry and see their spectacular birds of prey flying display. 

You'll have the chance to ask the team questions and see the birds of prey up close, in a static demonstration. 

This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

During May half term, you are invited to join makers artists Lottie Smith and Molly Barrett for a hands-on, family friendly workshop. Make your own fun hat or musical instrument ready for the Northumberland Miners' Picnic on Saturday 14 June. 

We're going to replicate the North East community jazz bands of the 1960s and 70s and have our very own Woodhorn Community Band who will perform with Mr Wilson's Second Liners at this year's Miners' Picnic. 

You can make and play your own kazoo or drum, or have fun miming along with the band. 

All materials provided. 

This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

Suitable for ages 16+.

Take a mindful pause this spring with Breathe and Blossom as part of the National Trust Blossom Festival. Led by Yoga teacher Rosalind Beaumont, this workshop invites you to explore the Great North Museum: Hancock’s indoor and outdoor spaces through a fresh lens - one of curiosity, awe, and calm. 

You'll go on a slow, sensory wander, with moments of stillness to notice the beauty around you. 

Drawing on simple, Yoga-inspired breathing practices, this workshop offers time to reflect, refocus, and connect with the natural world in bloom. No prior experience is needed - just an openness to breathe deeply, move slowly, and welcome a sense of peace. 

Delivered by Newcastle University, this event is part of our strategic cultural partnership with the National Trust, celebrating nature’s quiet power to inspire and restore.

Come along and create a summer picture using all of the colours of the season. For kids aged 4-11.

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. 

Find out more

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro.

Every spring, blossom declares the arrival of brighter days to come. We invite you, wherever you are, to enjoy blossom’s fleeting beauty and celebrate all the good it can do – for people and for nature.

As part of the National Trust 2025 Blossom Festival, we are very lucky to have an immersive real-time film of a tree coming into blossom from a local innovative creative studio, Novak. Treat yourself to 90 minutes of relaxation and calm in the Blossom space and enjoy a coffee from our cafe while re-focusing your mind and body in serene surroundings. 

It is completely up to you whether you make yourself comfortable on one of our bean bags or chairs, or you might want to take a slow walk around the space. You could even practice some light yoga, whatever feels right for you in this beautiful, peaceful environment.

Join us to get creative and build a LEGO® city together, to celebrate Newcastle upon Tyne being granted city status on 3 June 1882. 

Join us in the art deco Great Hall as we build our own city and celebrate the amazing city we live in over 143 years later.  

Most suitable for Primary school aged children.

LEGO® is a registered trademark of the LEGO® Group, who do not endorse or sponsor this event.

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This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities. Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. Find out more.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro.  

Have a go at creating your own collage or painting. Designed for young people aged 12-18. 

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. 

Find out more

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro.

This week's story is Three Little Pigs, followed by crafts and play activities with the Early Years team for young children aged 3 - 5 years. 

Part of Discovery Museum's Tiny Sparks programme for young children.

Housed in Woodhorn's stunning Workshop Galleries, the annual Northumberland Open is the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland. 

The exhibition attracts submissions from artists from across Northumberland and beyond. Works are selected for exhibition by a professional panel of artists and curators who also select an Overall Winner and Highly Commended artworks to be awarded prizes. 

During the exhibition run, thousands of visitors vote for the 'People's Choice Award' which is announced at the end of the exhibition. 

View past winners and highly commended artworks.

Exhibition: Blossom

Follow the dawn to dusk cycle of a Japanese cherry blossom tree in this immersive experience.

This captivating visual experience was created by NOVAK, a Newcastle-based creative studio, and features a soundscape created by Digital Voice for Communities, who work to empower communities through digital media, in collaboration with the pupils of Riverside Primary Academy. The exhibition also includes poetry created by Lotte Dijkstra, a PhD researcher at Newcastle University, in collaboration with local school children.

The Festival of Blossom is a project by the National Trust that provides opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other. Everyone needs nature, and blossom can be a universal symbol of hope and renewal that we can all benefit from after winter ends. Festival of Blossom is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Blossom Festival events at the Museum 

Monday 26 May - Sunday 1 June, 10am-2pm 

Learn about the Gosforth Wild Web project, and Blossom-related resources from the Natural History Society of Northumbria stall outside the Blossom installation on level 1. Free to take part.

Monday 26 May, 10am-3pm  

Have you ever wanted to learn more about botanical illustration and learn how to develop your creative skills to create some of your own works of art? Join this day-long workshop with a local artist, Ruth Sheldon. Brought to you by the National History Society of Northumbria. Suitable for adults. £35 for non-NHSN members and £30 for NHSN members, booking is essential. 

Tuesday 27 May - Friday 30 May, 10am-2pm 

Join the Natural History Society of Northumbria in the Council Room on Level 2 for a complimentary cuppa and the chance to share your own story of how nature has helped you in times of need. As you sip your tea, enjoy browsing the collection of rare and unique blossom-themed books and archives, and learn more about NHSN's role in North East nature. Free to take part.

Wednesday 28 May, 10am–2pm 

Take part in some blossom-themed mindful paper crafting, and create a blossom-themed butterfly to hang in our beautiful butterfly corridor. Free to take part.

Wednesday 28 May, 1pm–2pm 

For ages 16+, take a mindful pause with Breathe and Blossom as part of the National Trust Blossom Festival. Led by Yoga teacher Rosalind Beaumont, this workshop invites you to explore the Museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces through a fresh lens - one of curiosity, awe, and calm. Free, booking required.

Thursday 29 May, 7.30am-9am

Treat yourself to a special 90-minute early opening for relaxation and calm in the Blossom immersive experience. Free, booking required.

Hear the thunder of hooves as the historical re-enactment group, Equistry, brings the Roman cavalry to life at the 25th Anniversary celebrations of Segedunum's opening as a visitor attraction.  

Come and discover cavalry training techniques, armour and weaponry in the action-packed displays at 12 noon and 2pm. Get up close with the stars of the day. Bella, our 15 year old Irish sports horse, a war horse through and through, and, 10 year old, Raven, a Shire cross who has been part of the team since she was 4 years old. 

Did you know?

The Roman cavalry weren't actually from Rome, the auxiliary were conscripted from all parts of the Roman Empire as they were the best horsemen.

This event is part of our Ways to Play series of free and low-cost family-friendly activities taking place in museums and galleries across Tyneside.

Find out more 

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

What's in Yer Bait Box?

Dinnertime below ground was something to look forward to. Having a break from the hard graft of digging for coal was always welcome. Every miner had his bait box containing delights such as door stopper jam sandwiches or bread and dripping to keep them going. 

What can you create to go inside your miner's bait box? 

Using the materials provided, collage over the drawing of the miner and don't forget a little charcoal for the face! Then decide what food your miner will be eating for his dinner and create it. 

This activity is devised by artist Paul Merrick. 

The Pop Up Ashington Group Hut, designed by artist Imogen Cloët, is inspired by the hut in which the Ashington Group met to make and talk about their artworks. 

Supported by Arts Council England and Northumberland County Council.

This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

Visit the Robson room where you can have a go at some Medieval brass rubbings.

Pick up a free activity sheet to join in at Discovery Museum. Explore what life was like for children on the home front and search for hidden objects around the museum. Complete the spotter trail and receive a free sticker!

Children can also design their own VE Day bunting. One winning design will receive:

• A signed copy of Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson
• A National Art Pass (plus kids) courtesy of Art Fund – giving one adult plus children under 16 free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries, and historic houses across the UK, plus 50% off major exhibitions

Join us this May half term for family-friendly activities inspired by nature and the National Trust Blossom Festival.

All week during Museum opening hours

Exhibition: Blossom
Follow the dawn to dusk cycle of a Japanese cherry blossom tree in an immersive experience. As part of the National Trust Blossom Festival we are showcasing an immersive real-time film of a tree coming into blossom. You can also enjoy nature-based poetry and creative responses to Blossom from local young people. Located on level 1. 

Free to take part.

Learn how to Connect with Nature
Learn more about the National History Society of Northumbria and how you can connect with nature on your doorstep. 

Free to take part.

Underground Adventures with Murray the Mole
This collection of free family trails invites you to explore the Museum, engage with objects, and collect prizes. 

Free to take part. For more information, please visit the Welcome Desk. 

Mouse House
The Mouse House is a multipurpose space for our youngest visitors and their families to enjoy. 

Free to take part.  

Gallery Spinner Challenge
Have a go at our spinners, which you can find in several of our gallery spaces. The spinners are fun interactive games with exciting facts and challenges to explore. 

Free to take part.

Planetarium
Book your tickets on the day at the Welcome Desk, from £2.95 per person.

Hancock Café
Our main upstairs café is open daily. 

Outdoor Café Pod
The pod is conveniently located in front of the museum entrance, next to the picnic benches. Serving soft-serve ice cream, coffee, cold drinks, and snacks.

Monday 26 May - Sunday 1 June, 10am-2pm 

Learn about the Gosforth Wild Web project, and Blossom related resources from the Natural History Society of Northumbria stall outside of the Blossom installation on level 1. 

Free to take part.

Tuesday 27 May, 9am-10am 

Join us for a relaxed early access experience. Our Relaxed Early Openings are designed for anyone who would benefit from a quieter environment at the Museum. 

Free, booking required.

Tuesday 27 May, 9am-10.20am

Join us for our Relaxed Mouse Tales with early Museum entry. This session is designed for families needing a quieter environment. It includes an interactive story, songs, related playtime, and an opportunity to handle an object. Perfect for children under 5 and their families. 9am-9.45am: Access to the Museum galleries. 9.45am-10.20am: Mouse Tales Session. 

Free, booking required.

Tuesday 27 May, 11am-11.45am and 1pm-1.45pm

Join us for our popular Mouse Tales sessions. They include an interactive story, songs, related playtime, and a special opportunity to handle an object. These sessions are perfect for children under 5 and their families. Sessions at 11am-11.45am and 1pm-1.45pm. 

Free, booking required.

Wednesday 28 May, 10am–2pm 

Take part in some blossom-themed mindful paper crafting, and create a blossom-themed butterfly to hang in our beautiful butterfly corridor. 

Free to take part.

Thursday 29 May, 7.30am-9am

Treat yourself to a special 90-minute early opening for relaxation and calm in the Blossom immersive experience. 

Free, booking required.

Learn how to play Six Men's Morris, a popular Medieval strategy board game. 

Create your own board and pieces to take home. 

This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

The Newcastle University Fine Art BA Degree Show brings together the work of emerging artists at the culmination of four-years of study on the BA in Fine Art. The exhibition displays a diverse set of contemporary voices, practices and media including painting, new media, film, video, sculpture, photography, print, sound and installation. 

Free, drop in. Donations welcome.

George Horton, a self-taught artist from South Shields, became one of the most renowned painters of the North East in the early 1900s, celebrated for his watercolours of coastal scenes. Despite a challenging upbringing and no formal training, his talent earned him spots in prestigious exhibitions, including the Royal Academy and the Paris Salon.

Horton’s artistic journey began with determined practice, sketching old works at his local library despite his father’s disapproval. An early fascination with portraiture led him to acquire a human skull for anatomical studies, which resulted in his estrangement from home at seventeen.

A move to South Shields marked a new chapter, where he found support through his marriage. A transformative honeymoon to Holland sparked his lifelong passion for the Dutch landscape, inspiring countless sketching trips.

While beloved in France and Holland, Horton struggled to gain wider recognition in England, partly due to his late entry into the London art scene. Nevertheless, his devotion to art remained unwavering throughout his 68-year career, painting purely for the love of his craft.

This exhibition offers a chance to rediscover Horton’s legacy and celebrate the passion and perseverance of George Horton. 

Five years ago COVID-19 came to our shores. The first confirmed cases were in York, in late January 2020, and the patients were treated at the high-level isolation unit at the RVI in Newcastle. On 23 March Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a televised address to the nation, and lockdown regulations came into effect across the UK three days later.

This display features some of the things the museum collected to represent COVID-19 and the massive impact the pandemic had on all of our lives.

With These Hands explores the representation of craft in paintings, drawings, and prints. The process of making and mending by hand whether a domestic pastime, rural and semi-industrial labour, or essential war effort, is a persistent theme to which artists return. Yet these artworks are rarely straightforward observations of everyday activity. Instead, the act of making is used to symbolise personal and communal identity, leisure and work, tradition and progress.

Produced in Britain and Europe from the 1750s onwards, these images reflect a society undergoing immense change. The growth of industry, the reorganisation of the methods and places of work, the changing status of women and the conflicts of World War I and II all impacted the value placed on hand skill. Some artists were interested in capturing traditions – their works romanticising crafts they perceived as almost lost – while others were drawn to the atmosphere and activity of the workshop and factory.

With These Hands takes you from refined drawing rooms to weaving sheds, from a woodland saw pit to an inner city carpenter’s shop, and from country blacksmiths to industrial forges. It focuses particularly on the changing role of making in women’s lives, the relationship between craft and community, and its impact on our landscape. The exhibition features paintings and prints by artists including Mary Cassatt, G.F. Watts, Stanhope Forbes, Harold Knight, Evelyn Dunbar, and Ralph Hedley.

At a time when we are reassessing the importance of hand making, for mental health and environmental benefits, paintings and prints help us to understand our complex attitudes towards craft. The exhibition will bring together paintings and objects – quilts, embroidery, metalwork, wood carvings, ceramics and basketry – to explore both traditional techniques and contemporary approaches. Makers include C. R. Ashbee, Bernard Leach, Michael Cardew and local quilter Amy Emms.

Loans from Tate, V&A, Royal Academy of Arts, Imperial War Museums and regional galleries complement the strengths of North East Museums’ collections. Objects from the Shipley Art Gallery’s outstanding craft collections and the Discovery Museum’s textile collection are shown alongside paintings from the Laing.

The Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead, is hosting an accompanying craft programme focusing on workshops where you can try your hand at different crafts featured in or related to With These Hands. 

There will also be a Make & Buy Craft Market, where you can interact with local artists and vendors, purchase handmade goods, and try out free crafting activities.

2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the excavations in 1875 at the 'Roman camp' now, Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort. 

This exhibition will look at the progress of the first few years of excavations from 1875 – 1881 when the Roman Remains Park was then established. 

The displays will include what was found, the people involved in the work as well as photographs taken at the time. 

An exhibition featuring models from 19th Century glassmakers Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka.

Imitating Life is an exhibition featuring the museum’s collection of glass marine invertebrate models from the renowned Blaschka family. The exhibition also includes invertebrate spirit specimens, fungi models, and an excerpt from the short film Fragile Legacy, directed by David O. Brown.

The Blaschkas made incredibly detailed, delicate glass models of invertebrate sea creatures through the second half of the 19th Century. Bought by universities and museums across the world, they were a beautiful tool for teaching about weird and wonderful underwater creatures. Today, they invite us to consider the place that models hold in museums as pieces of art, history, and natural science.

This collection of free family trails invites you to explore the museum, engage with various objects, and collect prizes. 

You can use the trail up to four times across one, two, three, or four visits. Complete each trail to earn a sticker. 

If you complete all four trails, you'll earn a special Golden Murray sticker and have the chance to enter a prize draw for a Murray the Mole toy. 

For more information, please visit the Welcome Desk. 

Travel to the museum by Tyne and Wear Metro and up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free with a fare-paying adult.

SHOAL is an exhibition featuring 12 photographs by artist Mandy Barker. The series reveals evidence of marine plastic debris collected during the Japanese Tsunami Debris Expedition in June 2012.

The work focuses on plastics collected and photographed from trawls and net samples at various points between Japan and Hawaii, and also from the tsunami affected shoreline in Fukushima Prefecture. Each image includes a different trawl sample, in some cases represented as tiny plankton, and captioned with the grid reference of where each sample was collected.

Each image is based on a collection of marine plastic that forms a 'shoal', arrangements of different species of fish that the plastic ultimately affects. Objects and particles have been duplicated to represent both the scale of lives lost and the amount of plastic that entered the Pacific Ocean as a result of the Tohoku earthquake and Japanese Tsunami, March 11 2011.

'Shoal' is a description given to a group of fish swimming together, a large number of people, or things. 

This project was made possible by The Royal Photographic Society and Photographic Angle Environmental Bursary Award 2012.

Photograph © Mandy Barker

In this exhibition, discover how Richard Hobson (1945–2004) captured the changing landscapes, industry and communities of the North East.

From bustling shipyards to rugged moorlands and beyond, explore how Richard captured an industrial landscape and a way of life which was on the cusp of change. 

Hobson was possessed of a curious eye, a passion for nature and the great outdoors, and he lived for his art. His paintings feature looming power station cooling towers, and the dilapidated remnants of past industrial might. He also recorded the spectacular natural world of the North Country, on his frequent rambles in the countryside, accompanied by his wife Pat and son Harry. Above all, Hobson painted because he saw beauty before him, no matter what the subject, warts and all. 

This display tells the story of both antecedent regiments of the Light Dragoons and the part they played in North West Germany during the final six weeks of the Second World War, which in turn led to Victory in Europe Day, 8 May 1945. 

The Final Push features the role played by the 15th/19th Hussars who, as part of the 11^th Armoured Division, came across and liberated the internment camp at Bergen – Belsen on 15 April 1945. 

A newly recorded interview with a first hand witness, veteran Ian Forsyth features in a short film which tells the story of his experiences on that terrible day.

The exhibition explores Johnson’s lived experience of rheumatoid arthritis and the subsequent impact of disability on her artistic practice. The works on display have been chosen from a large body of Johnson's work, which was donated to the Laing by the Estate of Nerys Johnson in November 2022. 

The archive is comprised of thousands of works on paper, including sketchbooks, prints, and watercolours, dating from throughout her artistic career.  

Johnson is most well-known for the vibrant and often intense colours in her work combined with dramatic and abstract forms of flowers, often set against dark backdrops. Her work, however, is varied—she uses different media and includes a variety of subjects beyond flowers, notably including self-portraits, abstract nudes, and architectural motifs.  

She was also interested in movement and states of change, which began with studies she produced as a student of Fine Art in Newcastle. During this time, she began to actively consider the parallels between human and plant forms, an important theme that extended throughout her life.     

As part of the exhibition, the Laing Art Gallery has commissioned Surface Area Dance Theatre, a live performance organisation that works at the interface between sign language, D/deaf culture, and dance, to develop and produce a performance to camera in response to the Nerys Johnson archive, titled Down Amongst the Plants.  

Down Amongst the Plants pays tribute to Johnson’s engagement with the rhythms of nature through Butoh, a form of Japanese dance. The choreographer of the performance, Vangeline, is the artistic director of the internationally acclaimed New York Butoh Institute, based in New York, USA.  

Johnson was not only an artist, but also a curator. Her curatorial career began at the Laing Art Gallery in 1968, when she took up the post as a Keeper of Fine Art. She eventually became the Keeper in Charge of the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Arts Centre (DLI) in 1970. During this time, the museum’s Contemporary Art Centre became a regional hub for art, attracting internationally acclaimed artists like Bridget Riley and Henry Moore. 

Nerys Johnson: Disability and Practice celebrates the richness of Johnson’s life and work and explores how her individual artistic practice flourished with the support of her vast social network. 

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre every Saturday morning with a free talk from the Friends of the Laing Art Gallery. Find out more about some of the paintings in our collection and share your experience with fellow art lovers. 

May Sunderland Old Pier and Lighthouse by John Carmichael (1840)

June A Grecian Flower Market by John Waterhouse (1880). Please note that the talk on 28 June has been cancelled and rescheduled for 5 July.

July Meditation Diptych by Nerys Johnson (1992)

August Caravans, Figures and Helter-Skelter by Byron Dawson (1930)

September Kanagawa, View of the Embankment by Utagawa Hiroshige (1833-1834)

Discover our What's On page to explore our events programme. 

Find out more about North Shields 800 here: Visit North Tyneside

Discover our What's On page to explore our events programme. 

Find out more at Railway 200.

A small, friendly group who meet in the gallery to enjoy drawing and painting together.

New members are welcome to join, whatever your level of skill and experience.

Please note, this is not a taught class. Instead, it's an opportunity to work on your art in good company and inspiring surroundings. You'll need to bring your own materials and equipment. Please note that oil paints and aerosol or fixative sprays are not permitted. The group is suitable for adults. 

There's plenty of opportunity for chat and skill sharing at this supportive group. We use shared tables, or you're welcome to borrow a gallery stool and sketch around the gallery. 

Some refreshments are provided.

To join, or try a session, please contact:

Kari Lawson
Email: Karimlawson@gmail.com
Tel: 07867 494 421

Discovery Museum’s new exhibition explores the story of energy in the North East by looking back to the industrial revolution, and forward to the pioneering contributions in green technologies happening now across the North East region.

With exciting new hands-on displays demonstrating wind and solar power, historical science and engineering objects and even a 'cutaway' electric NISSAN Leaf car on display, Steam to Green will showcase how the North East is leading the way in green energy.

The exhibition was created in partnership with Newcastle University.

Headline sponsor: Vattenfall

Follow this link to find out more about Vattenfall our headline sponsor

Supported by: The Reece Foundation, Newcastle University, Faraday Challenge, Friends of Discovery Museum, the Headley Trust and the Art Fund.

Sponsored by: Lumo,  Tyne and Wear Metro and Northumbrian Water

Museum opening times: 11am-4pm

Train running days: Museum opens 30 minutes before the first train departure. Please check Ticketsource for train running times. 

We regret that currently we are unable to offer wheelchair access to our carriages as the door openings are restricted to 55cm.  Wheelchair users must be able to self-transfer onto the passenger carriages to ride on our heritage trains. As a heritage railway, we are exempt from certain aspects of the Equality Act. For further help or information, please visit our access information page.

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This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. Find out more

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro.

Housed in Woodhorn's stunning Workshop Galleries, the annual Northumberland Open is the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland. 

The exhibition attracts submissions from artists from across Northumberland and beyond. Works are selected for exhibition by a professional panel of artists and curators who also select an Overall Winner and Highly Commended artworks to be awarded prizes. 

During the exhibition run, thousands of visitors vote for the 'People's Choice Award' which is announced at the end of the exhibition. 

View past winners and highly commended artworks.

Exhibition: Blossom

Follow the dawn to dusk cycle of a Japanese cherry blossom tree in this immersive experience.

This captivating visual experience was created by NOVAK, a Newcastle-based creative studio, and features a soundscape created by Digital Voice for Communities, who work to empower communities through digital media, in collaboration with the pupils of Riverside Primary Academy. The exhibition also includes poetry created by Lotte Dijkstra, a PhD researcher at Newcastle University, in collaboration with local school children.

The Festival of Blossom is a project by the National Trust that provides opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other. Everyone needs nature, and blossom can be a universal symbol of hope and renewal that we can all benefit from after winter ends. Festival of Blossom is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Blossom Festival events at the Museum 

Monday 26 May - Sunday 1 June, 10am-2pm 

Learn about the Gosforth Wild Web project, and Blossom-related resources from the Natural History Society of Northumbria stall outside the Blossom installation on level 1. Free to take part.

Monday 26 May, 10am-3pm  

Have you ever wanted to learn more about botanical illustration and learn how to develop your creative skills to create some of your own works of art? Join this day-long workshop with a local artist, Ruth Sheldon. Brought to you by the National History Society of Northumbria. Suitable for adults. £35 for non-NHSN members and £30 for NHSN members, booking is essential. 

Tuesday 27 May - Friday 30 May, 10am-2pm 

Join the Natural History Society of Northumbria in the Council Room on Level 2 for a complimentary cuppa and the chance to share your own story of how nature has helped you in times of need. As you sip your tea, enjoy browsing the collection of rare and unique blossom-themed books and archives, and learn more about NHSN's role in North East nature. Free to take part.

Wednesday 28 May, 10am–2pm 

Take part in some blossom-themed mindful paper crafting, and create a blossom-themed butterfly to hang in our beautiful butterfly corridor. Free to take part.

Wednesday 28 May, 1pm–2pm 

For ages 16+, take a mindful pause with Breathe and Blossom as part of the National Trust Blossom Festival. Led by Yoga teacher Rosalind Beaumont, this workshop invites you to explore the Museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces through a fresh lens - one of curiosity, awe, and calm. Free, booking required.

Thursday 29 May, 7.30am-9am

Treat yourself to a special 90-minute early opening for relaxation and calm in the Blossom immersive experience. Free, booking required.

What's in Yer Bait Box?

Dinnertime below ground was something to look forward to. Having a break from the hard graft of digging for coal was always welcome. Every miner had his bait box containing delights such as door stopper jam sandwiches or bread and dripping to keep them going. 

What can you create to go inside your miner's bait box? 

Using the materials provided, collage over the drawing of the miner and don't forget a little charcoal for the face! Then decide what food your miner will be eating for his dinner and create it. 

This activity is devised by artist Paul Merrick. 

The Pop Up Ashington Group Hut, designed by artist Imogen Cloët, is inspired by the hut in which the Ashington Group met to make and talk about their artworks. 

Supported by Arts Council England and Northumberland County Council.

This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

Visit the Robson room where you can have a go at some Medieval brass rubbings.

Pick up a free activity sheet to join in at Discovery Museum. Explore what life was like for children on the home front and search for hidden objects around the museum. Complete the spotter trail and receive a free sticker!

Children can also design their own VE Day bunting. One winning design will receive:

• A signed copy of Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson
• A National Art Pass (plus kids) courtesy of Art Fund – giving one adult plus children under 16 free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries, and historic houses across the UK, plus 50% off major exhibitions

Join us this May half term for family-friendly activities inspired by nature and the National Trust Blossom Festival.

All week during Museum opening hours

Exhibition: Blossom
Follow the dawn to dusk cycle of a Japanese cherry blossom tree in an immersive experience. As part of the National Trust Blossom Festival we are showcasing an immersive real-time film of a tree coming into blossom. You can also enjoy nature-based poetry and creative responses to Blossom from local young people. Located on level 1. 

Free to take part.

Learn how to Connect with Nature
Learn more about the National History Society of Northumbria and how you can connect with nature on your doorstep. 

Free to take part.

Underground Adventures with Murray the Mole
This collection of free family trails invites you to explore the Museum, engage with objects, and collect prizes. 

Free to take part. For more information, please visit the Welcome Desk. 

Mouse House
The Mouse House is a multipurpose space for our youngest visitors and their families to enjoy. 

Free to take part.  

Gallery Spinner Challenge
Have a go at our spinners, which you can find in several of our gallery spaces. The spinners are fun interactive games with exciting facts and challenges to explore. 

Free to take part.

Planetarium
Book your tickets on the day at the Welcome Desk, from £2.95 per person.

Hancock Café
Our main upstairs café is open daily. 

Outdoor Café Pod
The pod is conveniently located in front of the museum entrance, next to the picnic benches. Serving soft-serve ice cream, coffee, cold drinks, and snacks.

Monday 26 May - Sunday 1 June, 10am-2pm 

Learn about the Gosforth Wild Web project, and Blossom related resources from the Natural History Society of Northumbria stall outside of the Blossom installation on level 1. 

Free to take part.

Tuesday 27 May, 9am-10am 

Join us for a relaxed early access experience. Our Relaxed Early Openings are designed for anyone who would benefit from a quieter environment at the Museum. 

Free, booking required.

Tuesday 27 May, 9am-10.20am

Join us for our Relaxed Mouse Tales with early Museum entry. This session is designed for families needing a quieter environment. It includes an interactive story, songs, related playtime, and an opportunity to handle an object. Perfect for children under 5 and their families. 9am-9.45am: Access to the Museum galleries. 9.45am-10.20am: Mouse Tales Session. 

Free, booking required.

Tuesday 27 May, 11am-11.45am and 1pm-1.45pm

Join us for our popular Mouse Tales sessions. They include an interactive story, songs, related playtime, and a special opportunity to handle an object. These sessions are perfect for children under 5 and their families. Sessions at 11am-11.45am and 1pm-1.45pm. 

Free, booking required.

Wednesday 28 May, 10am–2pm 

Take part in some blossom-themed mindful paper crafting, and create a blossom-themed butterfly to hang in our beautiful butterfly corridor. 

Free to take part.

Thursday 29 May, 7.30am-9am

Treat yourself to a special 90-minute early opening for relaxation and calm in the Blossom immersive experience. 

Free, booking required.

Learn how to play Six Men's Morris, a popular Medieval strategy board game. 

Create your own board and pieces to take home. 

This event is part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro

Discover the Laing with your little ones and support their early development in a fun and relaxed way, exploring a different theme each week. Each session involves a warm up with movement and motion, gallery exploration with fun interactive activities, a practical art activity with various materials, and a short story time. 

There is a different theme each week, but please note that the theme for the Monday and Friday session each week will be the same. 

This activity aims to be fully inclusive and anyone with additional needs is welcome. Sessions are aimed at 1-5 year olds.

If you'd like to have an informal conversation with tutor or member of the team before booking please email learning@laingartgallery.org.uk. 

Can't make these sessions? Our sister venue, the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead, runs Crafty Kids sessions aimed at 2-5 year olds, on Tuesdays during term time. The sessions follow a similar format to Little Artists and are led by friendly Early Years specialists. Find out more about Crafty Kids.

A fun-filled 1 hour session led by our friendly Early Years specialist, Steph. Each session is based around a theme found in the artworks, such as colour, texture, line, and animals, which are designed for 2-5 year olds. 

Discover the gallery with your little ones, and support their early development in a fun and relaxed way. In these sessions, families will discover the artworks, get creative with a range of art materials, and explore the gallery together. There will be stories, songs, and fun creative activities - all designed to actively engage pre-schoolers with the gallery.

First, we'll gather for stories and singing. No need to sit still for long though - we'll be going exploring, doing treasure hunts around the gallery, and playing creatively to help us discover the artworks on display. At each session, your child will make something to take home, using a wide range of art materials, including ones that they may not have tried before.

After the session, please enjoy the gallery at your leisure. We provide space for families to enjoy a packed lunch. If you want a cafe, the nearest is at Gateshead Central Library, just along the street.

•  Activities designed for 2-5 year olds, but younger accompanying siblings also welcome.
• Please book a ticket for all children who will be participating. Sibling discount available.
• One adult per participating child, due to space restrictions.
• Disabled parents may bring a PA or Carer for support - please book relevant ticket.
• Sessions run fortnightly on Tuesdays, with a break for school holidays.

Parent/carer reviews:

'Excellent session, well planned short activities for the children. Lovely interaction with the children and parents. Thank you very much.'

'Lovely session. Well paced and very interactive - our first time but we'll come again'.

On the first Wednesday of every month, there is live music in the Winding House Café. 

Dave and Ray from 'Three's a Crowd' will be performing a mix of easy listening songs from the 60s and 70s. 

Come and show your support.

These sessions are a chance to develop your English in a friendly and informal setting.

We will use the art collections in the gallery and local history as inspiration for our discussions.

Session themes:

Wednesday 5 March: Find out about the Shipley and other free local museums

Wednesday 12 March: Explore our paintings and make your own

Wednesday 19 March: Learn about our local park and local history. Please note that this session has been cancelled. 

Wednesday 26 March: Explore our ceramics and make your own

Wednesday 2 April: Explore our textiles and make your own

Wednesday 09 April: Talk about your favourite Shipley artwork and celebrate with us

The nearest stop on the Tyne & Wear Metro is Gateshead Interchange.

Bus service 52 from Gateshead Interchange stops outside the Shipley Art Gallery.

Step behind the scenes of the museum and join Helen, the Assistant Curator of History, on a tour of Discovery Museum’s extensive costume stores. 

Get up close to garments, fabric and accessories from the past 300 years, with exquisite objects from silk shoes to Victorian gowns and contemporary designer classics.

The tour lasts an hour and is largely the same selection of clothing and accessories as in previous years.

Join Georgina and Albany the Great North Mouse for ‘Museum Mice’, a two part series of sessions on Friday mornings at 10:30 - 11:30am.

Our Museum Mice sessions are designed for children under 5, and are the perfect place for your little one to socialise with new people and make friends, whilst exploring our Museum collections though play.

The sessions will begin with songs, followed by free time to explore other play activities within the space and an opportunity to have a closer look at some of our museum handling collections! 

Our current theme  is called 'Our Summer Garden'. Each round will follow a new theme for your little ones to enjoy.

• Part 1: Friday 6 June 2025 at 10:30 - 11:30am
• Part 2: Friday 13 June 2025 at 10:30- 11:30am 

Please arrive at the main entrance of the museum where the welcome desk can direct you to the location of the session. 

Sessions will usually take place in the Mouse House, but occasionally sessions may move to different location within the museum. 

You are booking a two part series. If you are unable to attend a particular date please contact Georgina at georgina.scott@northeastmuseums.org.uk so that we can offer the space on that date to another family.

Join Georgina and Albany the Great North Mouse for ‘Museum Mice’, a two part series of sessions on Friday afternoons 1pm - 2pm.

Our Museum Mice sessions are designed for children under 5, and are the perfect place for your little one to socialise with new people and make friends, whilst exploring our Museum collections though play.

The sessions will begin with songs, followed by free time to explore other play activities within the space and an opportunity to have a closer look at some of our museum handling collections! 

Our current theme  is called 'Our Summer Garden '.
Each round will follow a new theme for your little ones to enjoy.

• Part 1: Friday 6th June 2025 at 1-2pm
• Part 2: Friday 13th June 2025 at 1-2pm

Please arrive at the main entrance of the museum where the welcome desk can direct you to the location of the session. 

Sessions will usually take place in the Mouse House, but occasionally sessions may move to different location within the museum. 

You are booking a two part series. If you are unable to attend a particular date please contact Georgina at georgina.scott@northeastmuseums.org.uk so that we can offer the space on that date to another family.

Spark your child’s imagination! In the Tiny Sparks sessions young children can explore science, history and museum collections each week through play, craft, activity, song and story.

The Newcastle University Fine Art BA Degree Show brings together the work of emerging artists at the culmination of four-years of study on the BA in Fine Art. The exhibition displays a diverse set of contemporary voices, practices and media including painting, new media, film, video, sculpture, photography, print, sound and installation. 

An inclusive art class held on the first Saturday of every month for 10-15 year olds. 

Participants will have the opportunity to work with professional art educators, working in a different medium or with a different technique each month. 

This group aims to be fully inclusive and anyone with additional needs is welcome. If you would like to have an informal conversation with the tutor before attending then please contact the Laing learning team on learning@laingartgallery.org.uk.

Step back to 1825 and witness the dawn of the railway age in Steam, a 50-minute comedy-drama celebrating the ground-breaking launch of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the world’s first public steam railway.

At its heart is the fiery and fascinating relationship between engineering icons George and Robert Stephenson, the father-and-son duo who revolutionized transport and clashed like titans along the way. Think Lennon and McCartney, but with more soot and steam.

This is the true story of coal, ambition, invention, and the very first steps of the modern world, brought to life with warmth, wit, and a spark of steam-powered genius.

Suitable for all the family.

Join us for a monthly Saturday art class for 7-12 year olds and their grown ups. 

At each session you'll be taught by a professional artist, and will try different techniques such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed media, drawing and more. 

Session Themes:
17 May: 'Gods Eyes' weaving and decorative patterns

14 June: Ships on the Tyne, Futurist painting

12 July: Insect screenprint

No session in August 

13 September: A clay receptacle based on objects and paintings in the gallery

18 October: Spooky castle in charcoal

15 Nov: Create a colourful Rangoli for Diwali

13 Dec: Winter animals step-by-step

Accompanying adults are encouraged to join in - the class is a great opportunity for families to enjoy creative time together. 

Our artist has extensive experience of working with young people including those with SEND and Neurodiversities. We understand that some young people may be older than 12 but find the class age appropriate due to SEND - please contact Hannah.Mackay-Jackson@twmuseums.org.uk if this applies to you.

These sessions will be designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all. 

Create your own stunning hand embroidered summer landscape under the guidance of textile artist Louise Goult. 

Layer and piece fabrics together to create the background, then add detail using hand embroidery, embellishments and a variety of threads.

Suitable for beginners and those with some embroidery experience.

The Laing Art Gallery's newest temporary exhibition is With These Hands, which explores the representation of craft in paintings, drawings, and prints from 1750 to the present day. The exhibition is on display from 17 May - 27 September 2025.

The Shipley Art Gallery is hosting an accompanying craft programme focusing on workshops where you can try your hand at different crafts featured in or related to the exhibition. 

The Embroidered Summer Landscape Workshop is part of the With These Hands events programme. 

The Northumberland Miners' Picnic is a jam-packed family day out celebrating our coal mining heritage. Enjoy live music, street theatre, children’s activities and food stalls.  

We are delighted to welcome back Mr Wilson's Second Liners to headline the main stage. 

The main stage programme will be announced soon.

Throughout the day: 

• Look out for pop up street theatre performances. 
• Have a go at family friendly activities and get hands-on with objects from the Museum's collections team. 
• Meet the Age UK gardening volunteers - The Woodhorn Weeders and buy some plants for your own garden. 
• Explore the museums, exhibitions and colliery buildings. 
• Relax and enjoy tasty treats from the Winding House Café, special street food stalls or bring along your own picnic. Only alcohol purchased on site can be consumed at the Picnic. Woodhorn Museum is a no smoking and no vaping site. 
• Remember the people, places and industry that brought us the tradition of the Northumberland Miners' Picnic at the Miners' Memorial Service. 

Assistance dogs are always welcome at Woodhorn Museum and family pet dogs may also accompany visitors in the grounds and historic buildings. The picnic is a busy and loud event, so please bear this in mind when deciding whether to bring your dog to the event. 

This event is supported by Arts Council England, Northumberland County Council and Ashington Town Council. 

The first Newcastle Card Shows at Discovery Museum have been such knock-out events that it's returning for a third time, again over two days.

Discovery Museum's magnificent Great Hall will host another collector's fair this June. 

Newcastle Card Show is suitable for both families and adult collectorsfor, where trading card enthusiasts can gather and celebrate their hobby in the heart of Newcastle.

Expect to see a wide variety of vendors selling: 

Pokemon | Yu-gi-oh | Magic: The Gathering | Disney’s Lorcana | sports cards | so much more

Bring your trade binder and your favourite deck. There will be a social area within the event where you can meet other collectors, make some trades and maybe have a game or two. 

To be the first to get updates about vendors follow the Newcastle Card Show on Instagram. 

Curious Crawlers is a  relaxed session for pre- walking babies who are finding their own unique ways to move around (crawling/ bottom shuffling/ high speed rolling with confidence).

This is an opportunity for early movers to explore their curiosity, learn songs, make new friends and explore the senses whilst discovering some of our curious museum objects.

The session will begin with some group singing, followed by unstructured exploration of the den spaces, a selection of toys and sensory experiences to explore and move between at their own pace. 

Upon arrival to the museum please visit the welcome desk who will be able to direct you. Curious Crawlers will usually take place in our mouse house space but may occasionally move to another location within the museum.

Curious Crawlers is a relaxed session for pre-walking babies who are finding their own unique ways to move around (crawling/ bottom shuffling/ high speed rolling with confidence).

This is an opportunity for early movers to explore their curiosity, learn songs, make new friends and explore the senses whilst discovering some of our curious museum objects.

The session will begin with some group singing, followed by unstructured exploration of the den spaces, a selection of toys and sensory experiences to explore and move between at their own pace. 

Upon arrival to the museum please visit the welcome desk who will be able to direct you. Curious Crawlers will usually take place in our mouse house space but may occasionally move to another location within the museum.

Make & Buy is a celebration of craft at the Shipley Art Gallery.

• We're seeking crafters and makers to sell handmade, non-edible items at the event. 
• We'll also have activity stations run by crafters, where people of all ages can learn about traditional craft techniques and have a go at making.

Requirements for stallholders:

• You must have Public Liability Insurance (PLI) to the value of £5m. and provide proof of this in advance. 
• All items sold must be original and handmade crafts. No food stalls (we will provide a pop-up cafe separately).
• You may book a maximum of one stall (not two adjacent tables).

Display methods:
The price is for one table (provided by the gallery) measuring 182cm L, 69cm W, 70cm H. Stallholders can provide their own table covering to fit these dimensions. You may bring a maximum of two freestanding items to go on the floor in front of your stall (for example browsers, plinths, pop up banners etc.) You must provide details of what you are bringing in advance, and we reserve the right to prevent the use of anything that poses a safety risk. 

Arrival times:
We are staggering arrival times to ensure smooth running. Please book for either 9.45am or 10am and arrive promptly. The market opens at 11am and all stalls must be set up in good time for this. Unfortunately if you arrive after 11am we cannot guarantee your stall. We will be in touch by email regarding all the arrangements for parking etc.

Electricity and Payments:
We are unable to guarantee that you'll be within reach of a plug socket, therefore please do not bring anything that requires electricity.

Stallholders are responsible for managing their own electronic payment facilities. We supply wifi, however cannot provide technical assistance or guarantee its security. You may wish to accept cash too and are responsible for your own cash float. We cannot accept responsibility for anything that is lost or stolen.

Pricing recommendations:
Following our previous craft markets, we expect that customers will be seeking items which are priced between roughly £3 and £30. We found that higher priced items are less attractive to customers at these events, therefore please consider the pricing of your items when deciding whether to book a stall.

Marketing:
After you book a stall you should supply proof of your PLI, and images for our marketing. Please note, we will use our discretion when marketing and do not guarantee to include all of the images you supply.

Proof of PLI and marketing images should be emailed to: Hannah.Mackay-Jackson@twmuseums.org.uk

Try your hand at fused glass and create a beautiful bowl.

Led by a friendly tutor from Kimoci Glass, you’ll be shown how to make a stunning fused glass bowl using Bullseye sheet glass, frits, and metal inclusions.

Your bowl will be taken away to be fired and you’ll be able to collect it at a later date. The workshop is suitable for complete beginners and those who already have some experience working with glass.

Please bring your own refreshments - there will be a break during the session.
Suitable for adults and teens aged 16+
Personal Assistant / Carer to a disabled adult goes free but requires a ticket.

This event is part of a series of glass classes by Kimoci Glass.

The Laing Art Gallery's newest temporary exhibition is With These Hands, which explores the representation of craft in paintings, drawings, and prints from 1750 to the present day. The exhibition is on display from 17 May - 27 September 2025.

The Shipley Art Gallery is hosting an accompanying craft programme focusing on workshops where you can try your hand at different crafts featured in or related to the exhibition. 

The Fused Glass Bowl Workshops are part of the With These Hands events programme. 

Browse an array of stalls where local makers will be selling their handmade crafts at affordable prices.

There will be a wide range of artforms represented and many opportunities to chat with friendly makers. 

The Shipley's drawing and painting group will be running a free drop-in activity where you can paint a greeting card to take away with you. The group meets at the Shipley on Tuesday mornings and is open to new members - come along to have a chat and find out more. Find out more about our drawing and painting activity during the Craft Market.

You can also treat yourself to a hot drink and a sweet or savoury baked good at Urban Bakery's pop-up cafe. 

The Laing Art Gallery's newest temporary exhibition is With These Hands, which explores the representation of craft in paintings, drawings, and prints from 1750 to the present day. The exhibition is on display from 17 May - 27 September 2025.

The Shipley Art Gallery is hosting an accompanying craft programme focusing on workshops where you can try your hand at different crafts featured in or related to the exhibition. 

The Make & Buy Craft Market is part of the With These Hands events programme. 

Back by popular demand! We're delighted to welcome once again to our Tunes in June series The Black Corner Band, a local folk group from Cleadon & Boldon.  

Make an afternoon of it - after visiting the museum, enjoy your own picnic and refreshments on our lawn or in our picnic area whilst listening (and maybe even dancing) to some great live music.

An inclusive art class held on the first Saturday of every month for 7-12 year olds and parents.  

Participants will have the opportunity to work with professional art educators, working in a different medium or with a different technique each month. 

This group aims to be fully inclusive and anyone with additional needs is welcome. If you would like to have an informal conversation with the tutor before attending then please contact the Laing learning team on learning@laingartgallery.org.uk. 

Run in partnership with Arts Connect.

Have a go at painting, at our popular craft market.

Meet friendly artists from the Shipley's Drawing and Painting Group, and have a go at painting something to take home.

The artists will show you how to paint cards, bookmarks or small paintings. There will be examples to choose from, including flowers, fruits, animals, landscapes and seascapes - or you can create your own design. 

This activity is suitable for all ages and we recommend you allow at least 15 minutes for taking part. Children must be supported by an adult.

The drawing group will also be exhibiting some of their paintings. 

This is part of Make & Buy Craft Market: local makers will have craft stalls, and there will be a pop-up cafe by Urban Bakery.