Families will be looking to spend quality time together during the Easter weekend and County Durham will hold some of the biggest and best attractions across the North East.
The county will see several events take place over the break in spectacular fashion, with a special event on at Beamish Open Air Museum and an Alice in Wonderland themed maze at Dalton Park to name but a couple.
There are also special events taking place at heritage sites across Durham too, from a stunning Queen by Candlelight tribute at the glorious cathedral to a family brunch club taking place at the historic Bowes Museum. Here is a round-up of some of the biggest and best events taking place this Easter in County Durham.
Read more: Fun-filled family activities you can do in Northumberland this Easter
Easter Celebrations 2022 at Beamish Museum
When: April 15-18
Where: Beamish Open Air Museum, Stanley
How much: £19.50 for adults, £14.50 for seniors and students, and £11.50 for children with each ticket guaranteeing free visits for the rest of the year on an annual pass basis.
Beamish Museum will be holding traditional Easter celebrations over the bank holiday, with egg jarping, decorating and rolling all on the itinerary. Those already holding an annual pass for the museum can enter free of charge as with all special events, and first timers can return for the rest of the year as always should they choose to visit and purchase a membership.
Queen by Candlelight at Durham Cathedral
When: April 22 and 23
Where: Durham Cathedral
How much: £27 for general admission or £70 for VIP tickets.
Following a string of sell-out shows across the nation last year, a cast of West End singers and live rock band will take to Durham Cathedral on April 22 and 23 in a tribute show. Performers will play timeless classics from the world-renowned band's catalogue with an exiting twist - such as iconic tracks like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions, It's a Kind of Magic and many more.
A fully licensed bar will also be serving drinks throughout the duration of the event, for those who want to enjoy refreshments.
Brightwoods Forest School Book Walk: Whose Odd Eggs?
When: April 12
Where: Raby Castle, Staindrop
How much: £10 per adult and £8 for children
The team at Bright Woods Forest School CIC are inviting interested parties in learning about species both native and foreign and the eggs that they lay over the fitting Easter period. Inspired by Emily Gravett's book The Odd Egg, visitors can expect to 'lay' their very own eggs before building a nest and creating a new animal to hatch from it.
People are then invited to join staff around a controlled campfire to toast a marshmallow and share stories.
Easter Family Brunch Club at The Bowes Museum
When: April 12
Where: The Bowes Museum
How much: £15 per child
Youngsters can join in with an abundance of activities taking place at the Bowes Museum on April 12. Children can expect to take part in Alice in Wonderland themed party games with the White Rabbit himself in Cafe Bowes, where photo opportunities will also be available. Easter egg decoration is also on the itinerary, with young ones being able to cover their own in chocolate and sprinkles before taking their treats home.
Alice's Wonderland Maze at Dalton Park
When: April 11-20
Where: Dalton Park, Seaham
How much: Free of charge
Alice’s Wonderland maze arrives at Dalton Park on Monday April 11, opening from 11am until 3pm every day throughout the Easter holidays. Visitors are encouraged to try to find their way through the tricky maze, with unlimited attempts as the attraction is completely free of charge.
On Good Friday and Easter Saturday, the Red Queen, Alice herself and the Mad Hatter will all be making visits, providing plenty of photo opportunities for the whole family to make the most of.
Easter Afternoon Tea at Lumley Castle
When: April 17
Where: Lumley Castle
How much: £29.95 for adults and £21.95 for children under 12.
Many will be wanting to celebrate the Great British tradition of enjoying afternoon tea over the Easter holidays, and Lumley Castle is opening its doors to allow local punters to sample some. Hot drinks are on offer as well as prosecco, beer and soft drinks to wash down a variety of handmade sandwiches, scones, cakes and fancies alike.
Easter Egg Hunt at High Force Waterfall
When: April 9-24
Where: High Force Waterfall, Alston Road
How much: Free with waterfall admission (£2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children aged 5-16)
Keen visitors have helped design this year's Easter egg trail at High Force, in which participants are asked to spot 'winning designs' throughout the surrounding woodland. Visitors are also encouraged to trial a sumptuous hot chocolate in the High Force Hotel after frequenting the route, to warm them up from the unpredictable spring weather.
As well as all of these fantastic events, there is much more taking place across County Durham throughout Easter. To find out what else is on in your local area, visit This Is Durham's official website, here.
