Why you should take the family to Newcastle this half term

Enjoy a train ride to the north east of England to make the most of the autumn

(BBC Newcastle)

A tour around Newcastle uncovers a city that seems to be relentlessly carving a path into the future. Its embrace of industrialisation has left stunning monuments such as the towering Tyne Bridge, as well as train tracks that slice through its medieval fortress without a care for its history. There are less obvious sights too, if you know where to look, such as the old colliery tunnel that takes you beneath a section of Hadrian’s Wall, and the nearby Tanfield Railway, which claims to be the world’s oldest. Here are five places to get you started exploring this fascinating cultural destination.

Lights, camera, action!

The cameras are ready to roll at this hands-on tour of BBC Newcastle’s broadcasting house which aims to inspire and entertain with behind-the-scenes secrets of how television and radio are made and a host of activities to fire up children’s creativity. Try your hand at presenting or directing in a specially designed studio (above), where you can make your own TV or radio programme.
23 October; children £7.50, adults £10, family £28; www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/newcastle

Medieval majesty

Castle Keep and its gatehouse (above), are all that remains of the much larger stronghold that was founded by the son of William the Conqueror and gave Newcastle its current name. This was no fairy tale castle; it was a projection of royal authority and a place where armies mustered. A fascinating collection of exhibits offers a glimpse into its turbulent history and the battlements offer great views of the city and river Tyne.
Under-5s free, 5-15s £4, adults £7; newcastlecastle.co.uk

All aboard the ghost train

There will be an eerie rattling and wailing along the rails of this historic steam railway when the Tanfield ghost train (above), departs on a spine-tingling journey full of spooks and witches. Dress up in your most horrifying costume, join in the ghoulish games and try a witch’s potion. Is that you or the train that’s shaking?
October 27-28; under-3s free, tickets £14, pre-booking essential; tanfield-railway.co.uk

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More destinations to discover this half term

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A stroll beneath the streets

This Victorian waggon way (above), takes you below the landmarks of Newcastle from Town Moor to the river. Originally built to transport coal to the docklands, it was converted into an air raid shelter to protect thousands of people during the Second World War and now draws adventurous souls into its depths on immersive guided tours. Must be booked in advance.
Ages 7-15 £4, adults £7; ouseburntrust

The science of robots

Robots have taken over the Life Science Centre (above), but there’s no need to panic. This special event charts their inexorable march through history and the implications for humanity in the future. Are they incredible feats of creativity, or just really creepy? Afterwards, check out the rest of the centre, which is packed with engaging exhibits and boasts the largest planetarium in the north of the UK.
Under-4s free, 5-17s £8, adults £15, family £36; life.org.uk

Think the car is the cheapest option for a family day out or getaway? Think again. With the LNER Family Return ticket, up to two adults and four children can travel for one great fixed price, starting from just £59*. Leave the car at home and hop onboard an LNER train for a hassle-free trip. With savings of up to £315** for families, why wouldn’t you get the train? Book your Family Return now

*Ticket must be booked at least 7 days in advance.
**Based on a weighted average of all Advance journeys sold on routes offering the LNER Family Return ticket.

For more great half term ideas, click here