Looking for something to do in the middle of January 2025 in the North East? I’ve got you covered with this list. As part of my feature on BBC Tees and Newcastle, I select my top picks of things happening across the North East, and here’s what I’ve chosen for Thursday 9th to Friday 17th January 2025.
Unlimited January – Raby Estate (High Force Waterfall and Deer Park & Gardens) – from now until Fri 31st Jan
We’re starting out at the gorgeous Raby Estate because they’ve got a fantastic offer on from now until the end of January. They’re calling it Unlimited January and they’re giving you as many visits to the deer park and walled gardens at Raby Castle or High Force Waterfall in Teesdale as many times as you like throughout the month. All you need to do is buy a standard ticket to the waterfall route or deer park and gardens, and that will give you entry to that location for the entirety of January. This could be a great opportunity to dust off any January blues, get your steps in and just breathe in some fresh air. You might spot some wildlife in the deer park and little ones will love the woodland sculpture trail at High Force, so it’s a great one for the whole family. To find out more, take a look at the Raby website.
Kids go free to Adventure Valley – now until Fri 21st Feb
This another great offer that I think parents and carers won’t want to miss out on. Adventure Valley in Durham are running their kids go free deal again, so it’s one child goes free per paying adult to the family fun destination. There’s absolutely everything you could possibly want here to keep kids of all ages entertained, like go karting, animal petting, soft play, interactive shows and so much more. You could quite easily fill an entire day there, so it’s a fab option if you’re looking to fill the weekends. This offer is on from now until Friday 21st February, so definitely make the most of it while you can and book on the Adventure Valley website.
Country and Western Murder Mystery – Gisborough Hall – Sat 11th Jan
This is something a bit different to do to start off 2025 and I think it sounds like lots of fun. Charm Productions are putting on a Country and Western Murder Mystery Night at the beautiful Gisborough Hall on Saturday 11th and you’re invited to go along and figure out whodunnit. You’ll need to don your Stetson and head along for an evening of twists, turns, suspicious characters and red herrings. You’ll arrive to a welcome drink, enjoy a three course meal as the plot unfolds, then once you’ve got to the bottom of the mystery, the dance floor will be open. It sounds like it’ll be a brilliant time and something that would be great to do as a couple or with a group of friends. If you want to know more or book your tickets, take a look at the Charm Productions Facebook page.
Guided walk from Crook Hall Gardens to the Oriental Museum – Sun 12th Jan
I’m all about getting wrapped up and heading outdoors in January, and if you’re the same, you might like the guided walk that Crook Hall Gardens are hosting Sunday 12th. You’ll join two walk leaders as you head from the gardens to Durham University’s Oriental Museum, discovering the city’s history as you go. Obviously, with the Great British weather we’ve been having lately, I’d say to put your big coat on and some walking shoes, but otherwise, the route is on surface footpaths with some gentle inclines, so it should be a really nice walk out. It’s totally free of charge, but you will need to book your spaces via the National Trust website, and to make it even better, your space includes a visit to the Oriental Museum too, so this is a fab option for this weekend.
Newcastle Restaurant Week – Mon 13th to Sun 19th Jan
Newcastle Restaurant Week is back and bringing a touch of tastiness to the North East winter from Monday 13th to Sunday 19th. This is one of the biggest Restaurant Week’s in the region with over 100 venues taking part across the city with offers for £15, £20 and £25 per person. As a food lover, it’s hard for me to pick out my highlights, but some examples of the offers include a starter and main for £20 at dirty burger restaurant Fat Hippo, two brunch dishes for £15 at the gorgeous Horticulture and a street plate and curry for £20 at the award-winning My Delhi. We’re totally spoiled for choice and there’s something for absolutely everyone, so take a look at the full list of participating restaurants on the Get Into Newcastle website and get your tables booked.
Murder on the Orient Express – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Tues 14th to Sat 18th Jan
If it’s a trip to theatre you want next week, you might be interested in Murder on the Orient Express at Newcastle Theatre Royal. It’s winter 1934 and an avalanche stops the Orient Express in its tracks. There’s a chilling murder and trapped in the snow with the killer still on board, it’s down to Hercule Poirot to crack the case before the train reaches its destination. This is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest stories with a final twist that is one of her best and it’s guaranteed to keep you guessing the entire time. It’s on from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th and you can book your tickets online, and why not pair up a show with a bite to eat for Restaurant Week as well?
Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat – Sunderland Empire – Tues 14th to Sun 19th Jan
If it’s a musical you want, then Sunderland Empire have got the perfect thing for you. Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat is on from Tuesday 14th to Sunday 19th and it stars the North East’s very own Joe McElderry as the roof-raising Pharaoh. This is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s most beloved musicals and it’s hitting the boards in Sunderland after multiple runs in the West End and Broadway, and international tours in over 80 countries. This is a great show for theatre fans and families, so if you want to grab last minute tickets, hotfoot it to the Sunderland Empire website ASAP.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
