What To Do In Durham – Week Beginning Monday August 14th.

The summer holidays are now in full swing and the weather seems to be holding up so I thought I would highlight some of the fabulous ways you can spend next week in beautiful Durham.  As well as all of the fabulous free activities such as walking along the riverside, visiting the cathedral or simply a stroll around one of the many fabulous parks Durham has to offer here are a few ideas for what to do next week.

Gruffalo Spotting at Hamsterley Forest.   I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t know who the Gruffalo is and what better way to bring the book to life than to go on a hunt to find him in the fabulous Hamsterley Forest.  We completed the Gruffalo trail shortly after it opened and although it is essentially a kids project it is based on the black trail in the forest, this is the longest walk possible and some little ones might get tired so be prepared to carry some of the way!

Amelia loved spotting all of the different animals and eventually finding Gruffalo himself at the end of the trail.

Download the Gruffalo app and watch the animals all magically appear before your eyes, simply point your phone at the footprint markers and voila! Remember to pick up Gruffalo Activity Kit! The kit contains an evidence collection bag, 5 fact and activity cards, stickers of the Gruffalo characters, a special magnifying glass, ruler and a pencil! Buy your activity pack from the Hamsterley Forest Café and Information point for just £3.

KYNREN.

With a cast of over 500 Kynren is Britains biggest open air show of its kind.  Kynren is a fast-paced production with an original script, amazing special effects, water geysers, video projections, fireworks, magnificent sets and an evocative original sound-track which you will experience in surround-sound movie-like quality. Encompassing the Roman occupation, the Viking and Norman invasions, medieval feasts and jousting, the splendour of the Tudors, the English Civil War, the Georgian Renaissance, Industrial Revolution and two world wars – and many other scenes in between – Kynren takes you on a spellbinding voyage through history, myth and legend, as seen through the eyes of Arthur, the son of mining family from the north east.

(Thanks to Sam at North East Family Fun for the image – click to read their full write up!)

With just 17 shows from July to September this is one spectacular event you don’t want to miss.  From £19 to £55 with offers available it is worth checking online first to ensure dates aren’t fully booked.

Down At The Farm.  We are so lucky to have a few different farms on the doorstep and our favourites so far has to be Down At The Farm, situated just off the A690 just off Stoneygate between Houghton le Spring and Sunderland.

There are lots of fabulous farm activities on offer from pig washing, donkey grooming and bottle feeding which are on daily in the farmyard. Join in with mini keepers sessions- helping us feed the animals around the park and learn about the animals in more depth, from the farm to the zoo animals. Lots of lovely baby bunnies and chicks to hold and stroke too! At peak times Zena the giant snake will be making an appearance. They are also hosting Magic shows as well as birds of prey shows and bushcraft sessions on selected days.   Don’t forget our fabulous Tractor rides to meet the cows (£50p) as well as barrel rides (£1.50) plus lots of play areas for you to enjoy.

Priced at just £23 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children this really is a great day out and we highly recommend it.

XOXO

Debbie