Family events taking place in Durham from August 27 to September 1 2019

by Richard Fletcher

These are the events this week for all the family to see you through the final few days of the Durham school summer holidays.

With school restarting on Wednesday September 4, you might be running out of ideas to keep the children occupied - but we're sure you'll find something suitable below. You can also take a look through our Durham music events and free events.

#1: Teddy Bears Picnic, Tanfield Railway

Station master Boris the Bear will greet visitors at the Tanfield Railway Teddy Bears Picnic on August 31 to September 1. Children can travel free with a responsible teddy bear, take part in the 'I spy the Bear' competition and enjoy storytelling at East Tanfield station. Steam trains depart Andrews House station at 10.30am, 11.50am, 1.20pm, 2.40pm and 4pm (Sunday only).

No need to prebook. Tanfield Railway tickets cost £27.50 for a family ticket (two adults, two children), £10.50 for adults, £6.50 for children's tickets (under fives go free) and senior citizens £8.50. This allows unlimited travel for a day.

#2: Design Lab, Bowes Museum

From August 27 to 30, explore science and technology, fashion or jewellery. Grab a pencil and paper, some Lego and get creative with the LegoLab technicians.

It's free for annual pass holders or usual admission charges apply. Call 01833 690606 for information.

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#3: Rex the Dinosaur, Derwent Waterside Park

Head to Derwent Waterside Park at Derwent Reservoir on Wednesday August 28 10am to 2pm for a chance to meet Rex the Dinosaur. Rex is an eight foot tall, 18 foot long Tyrannosaurus Rex, who'll be there with his handlers. There will also be an opportunity with the handlers to make footprints.

There will also be appearances from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham Police's Dog Section and Northumbria Police's Marine Unit, plus Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol. You can also park for free at Derwent Reservoir.

Call 03451 550236 for more information.

#4: Family fun day, Durham Marketplace

On Friday August 30, there's a Durham family fun day in the marketplace, with the police community team, Diggerland excavator, vintage bus, and Disney songs from Ashley.

The Durham family fun day will also include face painting, storytelling, and a children's ride, as well as the 'Meet the Mini-Beasts' display in the entrance ramp to the Market Hall. It runs from 11am to 3pm in the marketplace. Some of the attractions will have a charge but others will be free.

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#5: Great Games - Go, Durham Oriental Museum

Learn to play one of the most ancient board games in the world, Go. At 2,500 years old, Go is still widely popular today.

Great Games - Go is on Wednesday August 28, and is included in the Durham Oriental Museum admission price (£1.50 adults, 75p children and over 60s, £3.50 family of two adults and three children) and is generally suitable for children aged five to 11. For information contact Durham Oriental Museum on oriental.museum@durham.ac.uk or 0191 334 5694.

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#6: Great North Festival of Agriculture, Beamish Museum

Beamish Museum's Great North Festival of Agriculture is a month-long celebration of the region’s rural heritage, featuring everything from vehicles and vegetables to harvest celebrations and heritage skills. It runs from Thursday August 29 to September 22. From August 29 until September 1 is Dig for Victory.

Focused in and around the 1940s farm, Beamish's Dig For Victory event tells the story of life on the Home Front and the vital support role the British countryside played during the Second World War.

Call Beamish on 0191 370 4000 for more information.

#7: Viking crafts family fun, Durham Cathedral

Learn more about Viking loom weaving and make your own woven creation to take home. This activity takes place between 10am and 12pm near the visitor desk inside the cathedral and is on Thursday August 29, at 10am. The Durham Cathedral family fun costs £2, from the visitor desk.

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