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Events run all year long, with trails for children, Roman soldier training, gallant gladiators and noble knights battling against each other, as well as dramatic open air theatre there’s never a dull moment!

From mighty warriors and clashing heroes to lazy Sunday afternoon band concerts and evenings of outdoor theatre. The opportunity to get hands on with history from dressing up as a Roman and digging for treasure to meeting a real medieval knight, English Heritage brings the story of England to life with a packed year round events programme.

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Pumpkins
Shows & Displays

Let your little horrors scare themselves silly this Halloween with creepy crafts, spooky activities and ghost hunting galore! Meet our Victorian costumed performer for shocking tales of grave robbing!

Welcome to Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens
Historic sites
Belsay
With so much to see and do, a trip to Belsay is one of the best value family days out in North East England. Stunning gardens, beautiful architecture and magnificent views all in one
Housesteads
Shows & Displays

Meet an iconic Roman Legionary stationed at the famous Housesteads Roman Fort. Our soldiers recalls the building of the wall, his service in the Roman army and the pursuit of the enemy.

Chesters
Shows & Displays

The stunning ruins of Chesters Roman Fort play host to a spectacular weekend of Gladiatorial combat. Come along and cheer your champion as fully armoured Gladiators take on their opponents in this ancient sport.

Lindisfarne Priory
Shows & Displays

Celebrating both the Festival of the North East and the display of the unique Lindisfarne Gospels at Durham Cathedral during the summer, we highlight the place of origin of the famous Gospels with a magnificent piece of land art. 

Chesters
Shows & Displays

At Chesters Roman Fort for half term we will train youngsters to be Roman Gladiators with hands on activities for all children willing to become the next Gladiator!

Warkworth Castle
Exhibition

Join the 15th Century folk of the York City Levy as they take up residence within the castle walls.  Demonstration of various medieval past times and crafts depicting the variety of medieval jobs and positions that would keep a castle running.

Etal Castle
Shows & Displays

A trio of costumed actors re tell the conflict of England v Scotland which is brought to a head in 1513 at the infamous battle of Flodden.

Housesteads
Shows & Displays

At Housesteads Roman Fort for half term we will train youngsters to be Roman soldiers with hands on activities for all children willing to join the imperial army under the instruction of Maximus the Centurion.

Christmas Gift Fair
Shows & Displays

Beat the Christmas rush! A great variety of specialist crafts and unique gifts on sale throughout the hall.

Christmas
Shows & Displays

Come and gather in the Library at Belsay Hall for a series of Victorian inspired ghost stories told by the Lady and Gentleman of the house in this unique storytelling event for adults. Experience the darkness and candlelight of the Hall after dark.

Belsay Hall
Outdoor Event

A weekend of Regency life. Reflecting the “Frills & Frivolity – Costumes from Jane Austen” display of replica regency TV and film costumes inside the Hall, we bring together a Regency gardener who can be found exploring the grounds telling of the landscaping of Belsay and maybe passing hints and tips too.

Castle and Keep
Historic sites
Warkworth
Set in a quaint Northumberland town, this hill-top fortress and hermitage offers a fantastic family day out.
Lindisfarne Priory
Shows & Displays

Reflecting the summer display of the iconic Lindisfarne Gospels in Durham Cathedral we present a selection of medieval artisans demonstrating the skills and crafts that would have been used in the constructing and careful making of the original gospels.

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

A wide array of vintage cars from the North East Pre-War Austin Club on display with models ranging from 1920’s to the 1970’s. Plus an afternoon performance of one of the North’s best traditional bands.

Lindisfarne Priory
Guided Walk

Throughout each day our costumed medieval monk tells stories and tales from the time of the Gospels creation.  Stories unfold en promenade around the ruins of the Priory.  Also the Gospels on Grass artwork remains in situ for all visitors to enjoy

Belsay Hall
Outdoor Event


Experience the splendid Belsay garden after hours on what is officially the longest day of the year. During this special open evening of entertainment, visitors can promenade around the grounds of this historic estate at dusk.

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

Especially for children and families – a non stop programme every day of activities and hands on history. From the Pirate Trail to the Highwayman assault course.

Belsay Hall
Guided Walk

Our Regency era Town Cryer will take you on a journey through Regency England, using flags to create an intricate weaving of stories exploring the excess and intrigue of the Regency.  This event reflects the “Frills & Frivolity – Costumes from Jane Austen” display of Regency TV and film costumes inside the Hall.

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

Enjoy beautiful displays of flowering fuchsias and expert advice from Northumberland Fuchsia Society. Plus the “Frills & Frivolity – Costumes from Jane Austen” display of replica regency TV and film costumes inside the Hall

Lindisfarne Priory
Dance

Contemporary dance performances reflecting Turner's famous paintings of these North East landmarks. Especially commissioned for the Festival of the North East.

Warkworth Castle
Shows & Displays

Chapterhouse Theatre return to Warkworth Castle with a brand new production of one of Shakespeare’s classic plays. Bring your chairs, picnics, wine and friends and enjoy an enchanting evening of outdoor theatre at its best.

Warkworth Castle
Shows & Displays

Thrill to the clash of steel as knights from The Plantagenets perform a medieval ‘Tournament of Foote’. Enjoy this living history spectacular and marvel at the weapons and martial skills on display.

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

Rain or Shine Theatre return to Belsay with a brand new production of one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies. Bring your chairs, picnics, wine and friends and enjoy an enchanting evening of outdoor theatre at its best.

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

Take a step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company as we meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters. Whilst their interfering mother engineers various courtships, sisters Elizabeth and Jane must pursue their own quest for true love.

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

This children’s classic is brought to life by Chapterhouse Theatre. Wrapped in a blanket of nostalgia, this performance guarantees to have the whole family, whatever their age, on their feet and cheering. Bring your chairs, picnics, wine and friends and enjoy an enchanting evening of outdoor theatre at its best.

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

Belsay Hall plays host to displays, in several of its ground floor rooms, of a fabulous collection of the actual costumes worn by stars of TV and film from a variety of Jane Austen film and TV productions.

Chesters
Shows & Displays

Chesters Roman Fort was home to many horses and riders of the roman cavalry. This weekend we look at the cavalry and riders of the late Roman period, the “Arthurian” age.

Warkworth Castle
Shows & Displays

 This event reflects the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden in 1513, where the flower of Scottish nobility was slain as was the Scottish king, King James, the last British monarch to die in battle.

Warkworth Castle
Shows & Displays

A trio of costumed actors re tell the conflict of England v Scotland which is brought to a head in 1513 at the infamous battle of Flodden.  An epic battle which saw the death of King James of Scotland – the last time a British monarch was killed in battle. 

Aerial photo of Aydon Castle
Historic sites
Corbridge
A beautiful 13thC manor house with strong fortifications against Scottish raiders, Aydon Castle stands in a secluded woodland setting.
Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

Let the festivities commence. Bringing together a collection of period performers, from military soldiers from Wellington’s army, master musicians and even a camera obscura are all gathered at Belsay alongside the “Frills & Frivolity – Costumes from Jane Austen” display of replica regency TV and film costumes inside the Hall.

Christmas
Shows & Displays

Actor Chris Cade brings to life this Dickens’s classic especially for Dickens’s 200th anniversary year. Scrooge meets the unusual Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, but will he repent in time for Christmas, or is Scrooge doomed to a life of misery?

Lindisfarne Priory
Shows & Displays

Encounter the terrifying Vikings as they spread a wave of terror and turmoil with their raids on the North eastern coast of England, where Lindisfarne was first to be set upon in 793 AD.

Lindisfarne Priory
Shows & Displays

Celebrating the return of the famous Lindisfarne Gospels to the North East, Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island is introducing a new display which delves into the lives of those who lived and worshipped at the Priory during the time the Gospels were created.

Chesters
Shows & Displays

Could you hack it in Roman Britain? Take part in a variety of hands on activities from games to drills and crafts. Hear about Roman life as a soldier and citizen, try on costume, and handle Roman weapons and objects.  Plus try the roaming Romans fun family trail to find our missing mini Romans.

Belsay Hall
Outdoor Event

One of the regions best traditional bands plays outside the front of Belsay Hall.  An ideal way to enjoy some superb music.  Please feel free to bring your own deck chairs or rugs.

Christmas
Shows & Displays

The Victorian Cook tells how her kitchen would run on the build up to Christmas, the planning, preparation, the foods and supplies, the staff and their duties and then the day itself , an opportunity for the “below stairs” to be credited for their work.  Here Cook’s own words.

Chesters
Shows & Displays

Let the kids get stuck into history with the chance to uncover clues, and handle artefacts. Take part in a sand pit dig to unveil secrets from the late Roman period – the time of King Arthur!

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

Meet Thomas Turlis, Georgian hangman to his majesty.  Hear his tales of felons and crimes and their punishments.  Children and visitors can take part in trials and hear grisly tales and complete the crime and punishment trail in the grounds.

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for an evening of Regency wonderment, as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the excitingly decadent world of eighteenth-century society.

Belsay Hall
Shows & Displays

To celebrate the opening of the “Frills & Frivolity – Costumes from Jane Austen” display of replica regency TV and film costumes, we bring together both the genteel and graceful side of Regency society with the dramatic and theatrical side.

Belsay Hall
Outdoor Event

Have a go at the noble art of archery with the local team of experts.  A small extra charge applies to take part in this activity.

Warkworth
Dance

Contemporary dance performances reflecting Turner's famous paintings of these North East landmarks. Especially commissioned for the Festival of the North East.

Etal Castle
Shows & Displays

A solo costumed actor tells of the conflict between England and Scotland which was brought to a head in 1513 at the infamous battle of Flodden. An epic battle which saw the death of King James of Scotland – the last time a British monarch was killed in battle.

Outside Lindisfarne Priory
Historic sites
Holy Island
Experience the serenity of Lindisfarne Priory, cut off from the world on the beautiful Holy Island. Take in panoramic views of the Northumbrian coast, unpack a picnic in the priory grounds, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of life.
Christmas
Shows & Displays

Meet our Victorian Father Christmas dressed in traditional colourful costume, reciting famous yuletide stories and poems. Join the audience to relax and listen to these heart warming stories, there will be opportunity for photos. 

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