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Take Tea with The Bowes Saturday 4th February until Saturday 29th July.  The magic and mystery of The Bowes Museum is explained by its founders as they guide you through their intriguing lives and ambitious museum project £1.50 with admission. 

Meet Jingle the donkey and Sooty the Shetland pony, this inseparable couple are always waiting to greet visitors to Thorpe Farm Peel House Greta Bridge, Barnard Castle.  After browsing around enjoy a relaxing coffee in the bistro.

Travel back in time and enjoy a winter visit to Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum.  Life in North East England is vividly recreated at Beamish.  Begin your journey into history with a tram ride to the town where you will find period shops including the Jubilee Confectioner’s packed with traditional glass jars full of sour plums, black bullets and sugared almonds.   Please note a winter visit is centred on The Town and tramway only. Other areas of the Museum are closed and admission charges are, consequently, reduced.  Winter Season 2005/2006 Monday, 31st October 2005 to Friday, 31st March 2006 inclusive.  Open 10am to 4pm, last admission 3pm. Closed Mondays and Fridays.  www.beamish.org.uk

I Can’t Stop Loving You Musicals at Darlington Civic Theatre, Parkgate, Darlington 06/02/2006 Mon-Thur 7.30pm Fri-Sat 5.30pm & 8.30pm First we saw the film "Ray", detailing the fascinating life and music of Ray Charles, and now, direct from New York, this spectacular musical event celebrates the music of this great legend of popular music in a show that caused a sensation when it appeared in London's West End last year.

See the ‘Must Have Toys’ at the Museum of Hartlepool until the 26th February.  This is the ultimate exhibition of the most sought-after toys from the last century.  From Star Wars to Harry Potter, from Bionic Woman to Bionicles, from Meccano to K’Nex, from Care Bears to Furby and from Power Rangers to Barbie.  Must-have Toys is the most comprehensive collection of desirable toys ever seen in the UK. An exhibition for all generations as everyone remembers their ‘must-have toy.’

‘A History of Surfing-Captain Cook Celebrations 2006’ at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, Middlesbrough until the 19th March.    A major exhibition from the British Surfing Museum, Brighton, looking at the story of surfing from its 'discovery' by Cook and his crew the exhibition includes the Museum's first international loan of a late 18th / early 19th century surfboard from Hawaii, lent by the Bishop Museum.

The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick.  February is the month to see the stunning effect from the tens of thousands of bulbs that have been planted.   In the town of Alnwick discover the history of the town at the Bailiffgate Museum, which includes everything from border warfare to the old shops of Alnwick.  Or check out what’s going on at the Alnwick Playhouse @www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

The Queen’s Hall in Hexham has something for all the family, find out more from www.queenshall.co.uk The Queen's Hall is located close to Hexham Abbey, opposite an attractive park. 

Otter Weekend 4-5th February at Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth: a weekend of otter related activities aimed at raising awareness of the various threats facing otter species around the world.  As well as special talks and feed demonstrations about the aquarium’s family of short claw otters, visitors will be able to find out more about local otter conservation projects. Activities will also include swimming lessons for baby otters.

Ricky Gervais, John Peel and David Bowie are amongst the stars on show in the exhibition ‘Exposure – Focusing on photographs from the National Portrait Gallery’ at the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne 21st January – 16th April 2006.  Contemporary figures who have challenged convention, including people from the North East, will be shown in the exploration of British popular culture. 

Gateshead Visitor Centre, St Mary’s Church, Gateshead is a fascinating exploration of Gateshead Quays. From Roman Times, through the Industrial Revolution and Victorian era to the new developments including BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead Millennium Bridge and The Sage Gateshead. 

For further information on the region and opening times of all the attractions listed call 08701 601 781 or log onto www.visitnortheastengland.co.uk call into your local Tourist Information Centre.

Contact Details

The Bowes Museum
Newgate,
Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
T: (01833) 690606
F: (01833) 637163
W: http://www.bowesmuseum.org.uk

Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum
Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG
T: 01913 704000
F: 01913 704001
W: http://www.beamish.org.uk 
E: museum@beamish.org.uk

Greta Bridge, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9TY
T: (01833) 627242
F: (01833) 627737
W: http://www.thorpefarm.co.uk

Darlington Civic Theatre
Parkgate,
Darlington, DL1 1RR
T: (01325) 486555
F: (01325) 368278
W: http://www.darlingtonarts.co.uk

Museum of Hartlepool
Jackson's Dock, Maritime Avenue,
Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS24 0XZ
T: (01429) 860077
F: (01429) 867332
W: http://www.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com 
E: info@hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com

Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
Stewart Park, Marton,
Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS7 8AT
T: (01642) 311211
F: (01642) 515659
W: http://www.captcook-ne.co.uk 
E: captcookmuseum@middlesborough.gov.uk

Denwick Lane,
Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU
T: (01665) 511350
F: (01665) 511351
W: http://www.alnwickgarden.com 
E: info@alnwickgarden.com

Bailiffgate Museum
14 Bailiffgate,
Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1LX
T: (01665) 605847
F: (01665) 605394
W: http://www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk 
E: ask@bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk

Alnwick Playhouse
Bondgate Without,
Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
T: (01665) 510785
F: (01665) 605962
W: http://www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
E: info@alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

Beaumont Street,
Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3LS
T: 01434 652477
F: 01434 652478
W: http://www.queenshall.co.uk

Blue Reef Aquarium
Grand Parade,
Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, NE30 4JF
T: (0191) 258 1031
F: (0191) 257 2116
W: http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk 
E: tynemouth@bluereefaquarium.co.uk

New Bridge Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8AJ
T: (0191) 232 7734
F: (0191) 222 0952
W: http://www.twmuseums.org.uk 
E: laing@twmuseums.org.uk

Gateshead Visitor Centre
St Mary's Church, Oakwellgate,
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE8 2AU
T: (0191) 477 5380
F: (0191) 478 7983
W: http://www.gateshead-quays.com 
E: judithmilburn@gateshead.gov.uk