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No sooner have the kids gone back to school after the Easter holidays than it's time to start planning activities again, as the Early May Bank Holiday is upon us (May 5, 2025).
You may have already exhausted some of your options over the Easter break, so here are some last-minute ideas for things to do in the North East before the next public holiday at the end of May.
We've compiled a list of all-ages activities to fill the upcoming long weekend in Newcastle, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Northumberland, and the surrounding area.
What's more, most of the events we've chosen are either free or have a nominal entry fee, so you won't break the bank if your main goal this year is to save for that big family summer holiday.
So, what has quickly caught our attention to help occupy the little ones (or those older ones who get bored easily) over the next bank holiday in the North East? Read on for our suggestions!
17. VE Quayside Festival (3 May 2025)
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the VE Quayside Festival in Blyth! Enjoy a variety of live musical performances, food options, and local businesses. The Military will be present with activities like a climbing wall and bungee run, and you can interact with the Army, Navy, and RAF. See displays from local youth and community groups, plus vintage military vehicles. Funfair rides and stalls will be at the enterprise centre car park, and the RNLI, Blyth Tall Ships, and the new Energy Central Hub will be open to visitors 📌 Blyth Quayside, Quay Road, Grange Close, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2AS. | Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
18. Morpeth May Festival (May 4 2025)
Morpeth May Festival returns for a fun-filled day on the Stanners in the heart of Morpeth! Enjoy exciting fairground rides, a variety of food and market stalls, a junior football tournament, pony rides, vintage car displays, and much more for the whole family 📌 Morpeth Town Centre, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1PR | Provided
19. The Stick Man Trail at Kielder Forest (until Summer 2025)
Embark on a forest adventure with the Stick Man Trail at Kielder Forest! Follow Stick Man's journey back to his family tree with this interactive family trail. Enjoy stick-based activities, discover tree facts, and learn about forest wildlife. Complete your adventure passport and snap a photo at the family tree. 📌 Kielder Castle, Kielder, Northumberland, NE48 1ER. | Provided