Family events happening across Durham from July 12 to July 14 2019

Durham family activities are certainly not in short supply as the city and county gear up for the summer holidays.

Now that the weather is improving, it's the perfect time to enjoy outdoors events. There are also craft activities and fun family things to do. So whatever your family enjoys, you'll find something below in our list of Durham family events this weekend, July 12-14.

#1: Durham Miners Gala

This year's Durham Miners Gala is here again and promises a whole day of family entertainment. From the Gala banners and music to the stalls and Miners Gala speeches, there's plenty to keep you occupied.

The Big Meeting is on this Saturday.

#2: Durham Brass Festival

The Durham Brass Festival returns for 2019 this weekend, and there are plenty of family events in among the brass festival concerts. Some of the brass concerts are free, too.

Read more in our Durham Brass Festival information roundup.

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#3: Young Archaeologist Club, The Auckland Project

On Saturday July 13, head to No 42 Market Place in Bishop Auckland to take part in the Young Archaeologists' Club. Children aged from seven to 11 can explore archaeology with the Auckland Project's learning officers.

Sessions cost £2 each. Booking is essential, on bookings@aucklandproject.org or by phoning the Auckland Project on 01388 743 797.

#4: Forest School, Durham Cathedral

Running on Friday mornings and afternoons, the under fives forest school is designed to help children develop a love of the outdoors by exploring Durham Cathedral's woodlands and riverbanks in tailored sessions for little learners, led by Durham Cathedral's education team.

The Durham Cathedral Forest School is on Friday July 12 at 9.45-11.45am, and an afternoon block is at 1-3pm. Booking is essential as places are limited by calling Durham Cathedral on 0191 338 7178.

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#5: Roman Festival Weekend, Binchester

Roma Antiqua, along with other elements of the Roman Army such as Barbaratus the cavalryman, joins battle with the enemies of Rome. See demonstrations of archery, slingstaffs, and firing of the full-size replica of the artillery catapult, the ballista.

You can also visit the tented encampment and inspect the weapons, armour and equipment of Roman soldiers as well as the stalls of civilian traders and artisans.

The Binchester Roman Festival Weekend is on Saturday and Sunday July 13 and 14 at Bincheter Roman Fort (postcode DL14 8DJ), not far from Bishop Auckland. Binchester is open 10am to 4.30pm and entry costs £5 adults, £4 concessions, £3 children.

Call Binchester on 01388 663 089 for more information.

#6: Chinese Calligraphy, Durham University Oriental Museum

The Durham Oriental Museum has a chance to try your hand at Chinese calligraphy, helped by the student curators of the new exhibition.

Chinese calligraphy at Durham Oriental Museum is on Saturday July 13 from 1-3pm. It's 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 queries contact Durham Oriental Museum on oriental.museum@durham.ac.uk or 0191 334 5694.

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#7: Princess and Superhero Weekend, Hall Hill Farm

From Saturday to Sunday July 13-14, it's Princess and Superhero Weekend at Hall Hill Farm in Lanchester. There's half price admission to anyone dressed in full costume.

Hall Hill Farm is open 10.30am-5pm Monday to Sunday and tickets cost £8.95 adults, £7.95 children two to 15, £8.20 students and over 60s, and family tickets £29.95 (two adults and two children or one adult and three children) or £37.50 (two adults and three children or one adult and four children). Contact Hall Hill Farm on 01388 731333 for more information.

#8: Alice in Wonderland, Bowes Museum

The Castle Players perform Alice In Wonderland in the grounds of Bowes Museum, regardless of the weather. It's on Wednesday July 10 to Saturday July 13, at 2.30-5pm and 7.30-10pm.

Tickets cost between £10-15 from the booking site.

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#9: Gangsta Granny, Raby Castle

Raby Castle will be hosting a production by Heartbreak Productions of David Walliams' Gangsta Granny on Saturday July 13, at 5.30pm. Picnics are available to prebook and there will be food in the Walled Garden.

Tickets cost £15 adults, £10 children from the booking site.

#10: Family fun afternoon, Pity Me

At the Recreation Ground, Abbey Road, Pity Me, there's a free family fun event on Saturday July 13 from 2-4pm run by Gospel Outreach International. There's face painting, magic and a bouncy castle.

You can find out more on the Gospel Outreach International website.

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#11: The Ugly Duckling, Hardwick Park

This is designed for children under five and includes storytelling, fun trails, outdoor activities and themed crafts.

The Ugly Duckling at Hardwick Park is on Saturday July 13 from 10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm and costs £4. Booking essential - call 03000 262 899 for more information.

#12: Animal Games, Museum of Archaeology

As part of its nature exhibition Wild, the Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library gives families a chance to make and play a classification game to help you learn all about animals in the British Isles.

The Animal Games at Museum of Archaeology is on Saturday and Sunday July 13-14, and you can drop in anytime from 1-3pm. It is included in the admission price and is suitable for children aged five to 11. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Feature image: bingguo pang on Flickr

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