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.  

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 'Splish Splash Under the Sea'. Each round will follow a new theme for your little ones to enjoy.

• Part 1: Friday 2 May 2025 at 10:30 - 11:30am
• Part 2: Friday 9 May 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 at 1-2pm.

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 'Splish Splash Under the Sea'. Each round will follow a new theme for your little ones to enjoy.

• Part 1: Friday 2 May 2025 at 1-2pm
• Part 2: Friday 9 May 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.

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.

Sustainable Clay explores the environmental impact of this naturally occurring material. Potters and artists have long valued clay for its connection to a particular place, the very earth beneath our feet, but they are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of this material. From industrial mining to international transportation, the toxicity of glaze ingredients to the intense energy and heat required every time the kiln is fired, contemporary artists are questioning the sustainability of clay and adapting their work in response.

All of the contemporary artists in this exhibition have a link to the North East of England, through study, teaching, residencies or commissions. This reflects the important role of Newcastle University’s Fine Art Department as a centre for ceramic creativity and innovation. As this exhibition shows, the North East provides them with a unique context – a place where the industrial production of ceramics once thrived due to plentiful supplies of coal, the clay that was dug up as a by-product, and the waterways and railways that transported raw materials and finished products around the globe. Clay continues to be a global commodity and sustainability is now a global concern.

The artists featured in this exhibition are taking an experimental approach to clay as a sculptural material while striving for sustainability within their creative processes. Some are digging local clay to work with or finding more sustainable ways to fire their kilns, others are no longer firing their clay or choosing not to glaze their work, and some are using their ceramic skills to work with alternative materials.

Sustainable Clay features work by 12 artists at different stages of their careers: Wolfgang Weileder, Laurie Powell, Katie Cuddon, Shitanshu Mauyra, Andrew Burton, Lady Kitt, Rosie McLachlan, Brigitte Jurack, Paul Scott, Xiang Yang, Eva Masterman and Bethany Stead. Their work will accompanied by studio interviews, filmed by Jason Thompson, and an introductory space with highlights from the Laing and Shipley Art Gallery’s outstanding ceramics collections.

This exhibition has been curated as a collaboration between Matthew Jarratt, Visiting Professor of Creative Practice, Newcastle University and the Hatton Gallery.  

Image: Cumbrian Blue(s), Sellafield No:9, 5/5. Transfer print collage on bone china platter with platinum, 410mm x 345mm x 24mm. Paul Scott 2005.

Watch interviews with the artists on YouTube.

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.

Join us for a family-friendly workshop on Dandyism with artist Ziza Patrick. 

Step into the world of Dandyism, where elegance meets rebellion, and fashion becomes a powerful tool for self-expression. Participants are encouraged to bring their own outfits, but a curated selection of flamboyant clothing and accessories will also be available to explore your individual style.

This is more than just a styling workshop, it’s an invitation to deconstruct traditional formalwear and rebuild it with flair, individuality, and bold imagination. Whether you're drawn to crisp tailoring or extravagant silhouettes, this is your moment to reimagine what sophistication can look like and on your terms.

We’ll celebrate beauty, uniqueness, and joyful self-expression, helping you to present the most authentic and radiant version of yourself to others on a makeshift runaway.

Take a look at the step-by-step guide to prepare you for the event.

Ziza Patrick is a multidisciplinary artist and a dance theatre maker of Rwandan heritage. He creates a variety of work that explores the themes of African traditions and cultural norms, investigating the effect they have on people from the global south who were born or have lived in the western communities most of their lives. 

GIFT 2025 is made possible with the generous support of funding and support from Arts Council England, Gateshead Council, Newcastle University, Quebec Government Office in London, High Commission of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts.

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.

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

Join us as we commemorate 80 years since VE Day. Step back in time with hands-on activities for families. Children can try on real ARP (Air Raid Precautions) uniforms and helmets, explore ration books and wartime food tins and study a map showing German bombing targets along the river. 

Newcastle University’s new MA Curating Art presents three exhibitions of roughly one month each. First is a ‘one-work’ exhibition, looking again at a treasure from the Hatton’s permanent collection. The second exhibition is a re-examination of historical and modern artworks acquired by the Hatton across its first century of teaching fine art. The third exhibition combines contemporary art and historical artworks in unexpected ways.

Image: 'Wentworth Woodhouse', William Cowen, oil on canvas, Hatton Gallery

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.

10am - 2pm every Wednesday. 

Meet inside of the museum entrance. 

Free, all materials provided. No experience necessary. 

Refreshments provided.

Join volunteers from Charge! The Story of England's Northern Cavalry for a talk to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. 

Hear about the final 11 months of the Second World War from D-Day to VE Day with a focus on our regiments the 13th/18th Hussars, 15th/19th Hussars and the Northumberland Hussars. 

The talk includes the opportunity to take part in a Q&A, and visit the Charge! gallery which brings the 300 year history of England's Northern Cavalry regiments to life. 

Join us for the 10th anniversary display of work by the North East Modern Quilt Guild (NEMQG). 

The NEMQG formed in May 2015 when a small group of likeminded sewists came together. Since 2017, the group have met at Shipley Art Gallery. 

The NEMQG is part of a thriving worldwide community of modern quilters and is a not-for-profit organisation, looking to not only promote the modern ethos in quilting style and techniques, but also looking to educate and support the wider community through its projects. 

Over the years the NEMQ has donated group-made quilts to local community groups, as well as raised funds for northeast charities and organisations including North East Museums. 

The support that the guild receives from the Shipley is invaluable and the group are delighted that the gallery is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the NEMQG with them.

Acrylic pouring is a fascinating way to make abstract art. Pour liquid acrylic paint onto a surface and tilt it gently, making the paint flow into a completely unique abstract design. 

In this workshop you will decorate a serving / chopping board using the technique of acrylic pouring. Choose between lava or seascape, and use the flip cup technique to make the paints flow across the surface.

You'll pour onto a 29.5 x 20 x 1.5cm food safe board. There's the option to add embellishments using locally sourced seaglass / sea coal and your own handmade polymer clay animals. 
   
This workshop is led by Rebekah of Redeemed Arts who has a passion for upcycling and acrylic pouring. Rebekah will guide you through the process, in which you'll make a beautiful, functional artwork.

The results of this technique are surprising and unique every time, allowing anyone to be an artist. Your items will be left to dry after the workshop, and Rebekah will resin seal them ready for you to collect from the gallery approximately three weeks later. The resulting pieces will be foodsafe and suitable for everyday use.

This workshop is suitable for ages 16+. If you need a carer / personal assistant to accompany you, please book them a free ticket.

Acrylic pouring is a fascinating way to make abstract art. Pour liquid acrylic paint onto a surface and tilt it gently, making the paint flow into a completely unique abstract design. 

In this workshop you'll decorate a set of 4 coasters using this technique. Choose your colours and have a go at one or two techniques to make them flow across the surface. 

This workshop is led by Rebekah of Redeemed Arts who has a passion for upcycling and acrylic pouring. Rebekah will guide you through the process, in which you'll make a beautiful, functional set of artworks.

The results of this technique are surprising and unique every time, allowing anyone to be an artist. Your coasters will be left to dry after the workshop, and Rebekah will resin seal them ready for you to collect from the gallery approximately three weeks later. The resulting pieces will be heat resistant to 90°c and suitable for everyday use.

This workshop is for adults (age 16+).

What to expect: 

• Participants will receive a safety brief and induction at the beginning of this experience.
• Upon the completion of your experience day, you'll receive a certificate and a complimentary North Tyneside Steam Rail Association mug.
• You’ll learn how to prepare, start up and operate this powerful machine before collecting some wagons and taking a freight train for a run out on the line. 
• Your driver experience includes a workshop tour and a visit to the museum at your leisure.
• There will be a max of 2 participants per session.
• Refreshments provided. 

We reserve the right to cancel and amend the experience at any time. In the event of cancellation due to operational issues, the rescheduling of the event or a refund will be offered. 

This experience involves climbing up / down vertical steps to the height of 6 feet. Before booking, you must inform us of any illness or disability. Failure to do so may result in the experience being cancelled on arrival. 

Please email: info@stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk for more details.

Participants must: 

• Be physically fit and aged over 18 at the time of the experience. Our risk assessment process requires that a doctor’s letter be provided confirming that participants over the age of 75 are medically fit and capable to participate in the Drive a Diesel Engine experience. This must be made available to the railway before the day of the experience.

• Be able, in the event of an emergency evacuation; to climb on/off the locomotive from ground level unaided, this may be up to a 1.5 metre (5 feet) vertical climb with steps at up to 0.6M (2ft) spacing. You must also be able to cope with discomfort, variable temperatures, weather and lighting, heights, noise and vibration.

• Be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate from 20 metres.

• Must be able to hear and understand verbal instructions in noisy surroundings.

• Disclose any medical conditions and treatment/medication that may affect mobility, concentration, dexterity, co-ordination, consciousness and ability to understand and follow instructions.

• Drive a Diesel Engine experience may not be suitable for those with some disabilities, particularly where these affect mobility, concentration, dexterity, co-ordination and ability to understand and follow instructions. We advise you to contact us prior to booking one of our experiences if you believe this may affect the participant to ensure the activities are suitable.

• Alcohol & Drugs: Participants must not come on the Drive a Diesel Engine experience under the effects of alcohol, or any drugs which may affect their vigilance, whether medically prescribed or not, or consume such while on the Drive a Diesel Engine experience

• Safety Information: On the day of your Drive a Diesel Engine experience, participants will receive a short Safety Briefing relevant to the day’s activities.

• Mobile Phones / Photographic Equipment – Whilst driving, participants are prohibited from using mobile telephones/other interactive mobile devices and photographic equipment. Opportunities for photographs are available once the locomotive has come to a stand and is secured by the crew.

• We will permit you to transfer the place to someone else yourself, under the same booking conditions, but you must advise us of the details immediately when they are known.

• We reserve the right to terminate, without refund, your Drive a Diesel Engine experience if the participant is deemed unsafe on the day.

• We reserve the right to cancel a Drive a Diesel Engine experience in the event of circumstances beyond our control, but we will provide an alternate date or provide a refund.

• Locomotives will be used from the current fleet available and cannot be specified in advance.

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'.

The young people will get to work like an Egyptologist and examine different evidence to discover some of the secrets of mummification. They will use original source material and will look at x-rays and CT scans from the two Egyptian mummified people in the Great North Museum: Hancock. The group will also consider the ethics around displaying human remains in a museum. 

This session aims to provide a 'real' insight into the journey the mummified people have been on and includes close-up imagery of our unwrapped person which may be unsuitable for some children. Please speak to a member of staff before booking to discuss any concerns you have.

May marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day and is also local history month. Join us at Woodhorn to commemorate these and meet other home educator families too. 

Book a workshop to take part in with your child and explore the museum for the rest of the day for free. 

Bevin boys and evacuees: 

Who were the Bevin Boys and why were they important during World War II? Find out about the lives of these conscripted miners, what life was like working down the pit and why coal was so important to the war effort. 

Later, find out about evacuees and their lives during the war. 

Recommended for children aged 8+, but younger children are welcome to join if appropriate. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

This workshop may contain air raid siren noises. 

Book your tickets for Bevin boys and evacuees.

WWII Colliery Tour "Bomb Blast":

During World War II a bomb landed on the Walker Fan building at Woodhorn. Find out what happened as we take a tour of the site and look at historical documents. 

Recommended for children aged 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

Book your tickets for WWII Colliery Tour "Bomb Blast".

For Terms and Conditions and information on planning your day, visit the Woodhorn Museum website.

While you're here, why not relax in our café with a hot drink and take part in free activities at our mini museums stations?

The Survive and Thrive project is an intervention by Newcastle University’s Museum Studies students in collaboration with the Great North Museum: Hancock. 

It brings together objects from across the museum in surprising ways through its exhibit, guided tour, and learning activity. From 1-14 May, discover unexpected connections between ancient tools, natural wonders, abandoned objects, and more!

Find the exhibit at the back of the Hadrian’s Wall gallery. Tours will run during the launch on 1 May from 4-5.30pm. See you there!

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.

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. 

Explore the museum after hours and take part in creating a large-scale collaborative artwork with Moving Parts Arts, inspired by THE HERDS with support from Art Fund.

The Late Shows is an award-winning late-night free culture crawl.

During The Late Shows, open art studios, music and performance venues, galleries, museums, studio collectives and landmark historical buildings come together to host intriguing interactive events for visitors. It’s all about encouraging people to do something cultural with their evening.

Come along to the Hatton for an array of art activities. Featuring music by Novyi-Lef, a synthesiser duo who have written pieces based on Kurt Schwitters’ work. Also featuring a short film by artist Rebecca Etheridge entitled ‘Mum’. Create a collage postcard and send it from the gallery. Take part in exciting drawing activities. Buy a gift or two from our makers' mini-market featuring local crafts people and artists.

The Late Shows is an award-winning late-night free culture crawl.

During The Late Shows, open art studios, music and performance venues, galleries, museums, studio collectives and landmark historical buildings come together to host intriguing interactive events for visitors. It’s all about encouraging people to do something cultural with their evening.

Join us for The Late Shows on Saturday 17 May. 

The Laing Art Gallery will have two events on this year: 

Craft & Creativity 

In celebration of the new exhibition, With These Hands, which explores the representation of craft in paintings, drawings, and prints, turn your hand to crafting in a series of drop-in creative activities. 

With These Hands - exclusive access tour

Esme Whittaker, Keeper of Art at the Laing and curator of With These Hands, will give an exclusive tour of the new exhibition, which explores the representation of craft in paintings, drawings, and prints from 1750 to the present day. Limited tickets are available, so pre-booking is essential. 

Have a dance around Turbinia! Join us for a (silent) Disco at Discovery Museum. There will be a variety of music channels available for most tastes with games and other fun activities too.

A dedicated quiet space will be available for visitors who need a place to relax. Noise-cancelling headphones and sensory packs (fidget toys, weighted blankets) are also available.

Enjoy a night of crafting and creativity led by Gateshead based makers, creators and organisations.The evening will be a showcase of activities that take place both within the gallery and beyond, including local creatives, groups and live music.

Join the Museum’s Librarian for a tour of the Library, then meet NHSN's Heritage Researchers to explore some of the treasures held in NHSN's North East Nature Archive. There will be intriguing letters, beautiful books and stunning artworks to discover. 

You will also have the opportunity to share your reflections on nature as part of Nature's Cure in Times of Need project, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Your stories can be added to the archive collection, helping create a record of local people's connection with nature across the North East. 

Refreshments will be provided in NHSN’s Council Room after the tour. 

Places will be limited. Please email joanne.charlton@northeastmuseums.org.uk to secure your place. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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).