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North East Blossom

A visitor holds up her phone to photograph a cluster of pink blossom on the tree she stands under.
A visitor taking a picture of Blossom | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

As the days grow longer and the trees burst into beautiful bloom, explore a variety of blossom-inspired events across the North East. From hands-on art sessions where you can create your own blossom-themed masterpiece, to wellbeing walks and inspiring garden talks, there’s plenty to enjoy right on your doorstep. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Durham

Blossom History Walk

Take a walk through time from Crook Hall, Durham City, to the Oriental Museum. This is a guided tour with historian Charlotte Spink (with an introductory talk from Peter Thompson, Botanic Garden manager), and includes lunch at the Botanic Gardens.

  • Dates and times: Friday 17 and Sunday 19 April, 10.30am-4pm
  • Location: Crook Hall Gardens, Durham DH1 5SZ

Go blossom spotting in Durham

This year, we’re joining up with partners across Durham City to celebrate the joy of Blossom and have created a Durham City blossom map features blossom hotspots that you can follow throughout the city. 

Whether you’re commuting through the city, enjoying lunch in the park, or spending quality time exploring with the family, there’s a wide range of activities for you to join and experience blossom in different locations around the city. 

You can use this map to see which places are taking part and find North East blossom hotspots. And from early April you can pick up a free map at Crook Hall Gardens, the Oriental Museum and other venues across Durham, showing blossom hotspots, with routes to take you from city streets and visitor attractions to Durham’s green spaces.

Crook Hall Gardens

Gateshead

Art Diamonds: Play with blossom with Sofia Barton

Celebrate the joy and 'wow' factor of spring blossom in this session with artist Sofia Barton. You will be using inks, pastels and pencils to celebrate the colour and vibrancy of nature and this season of new life.

Blossom @ The Late Shows

Join us for some Blossom origami and papercraft as part of the North East Museum’s Late Shows.

  • Dates and times: Saturday 9 May, 5.30-10pm
  • Location: Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead NE8 4JB Shipley Art Gallery - The North East's leading gallery for craft and design

Blooming June at the Tyne Derwent Way

Join us for a month of Blossom-themed activities to inspire you! Please keep yourself posted as to what is on offer: whether you like crafting, planting or walking and wheeling there is something for you!

Gateshead's green getaway - Tyne Derwent Way

 

Gibside

Festival of Blossom: Our Story Isn’t Over art exhibition.  An exhibition of women, recovery and renewal at Gibside.

  • Dates: Monday 30 March – Monday 15 June, 10am – 4.30pm
  • Location: Gibside, Free, admission applies.

Blossom and Bloom Trail 2026

  • Dates: Monday 13 April – Sunday 10 May
  • Location: Gibside, Free, admission applies.

Origami Blossom crafts: create tiny petals or full spring blossoms. 

  • Dates: Monday 13 April and Thursday 16 April, 10.30am-12.30am
  • Location: Gibside, Free, admission applies.

Festival of Blossom: City Nature Challenge pop-up stall.  Join the City Nature team for friendly introduction to the City Nature Challenge and discover how simple technology can help you notice more of the wildlife around you.

  • Dates: Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April, 10.30am -12.30pm
  • Location: Gibside, Free, admission applies.

Festival of Blossom: Meet the beekeepers. Drop in to meet our resident beekeepers and learn about the role of honeybees as pollinators during the Festival of Blossom.

  • Dates: Saturday 2 May, Monday 4 May and Saturday 9 May, 11am – 2pm
  •  Location: Gibside, Free, admission applies.
Gibside
Blossom bathing in the Walled Garden
Blossom bathing in the Walled Garden | © National Trust Images/Tony Blackett

Newcastle

Celebrate the arrival of spring with free blossom‑themed events across Newcastle, working alongside Newcastle City Council. Enjoy creative workshops, nature activities and family‑friendly experiences as the city comes into bloom.

  • Date: Thursday 9 April

Celebrate Blossom with Artist Sofia Barton, 12pm - 2pm

Wildflower Seedball Making with Wild Intrigue (Drop In), 12pm - 4pm

Blossom & Bird Safari with Wild Intrigue, 3pm - 4pm

  • Location: Springbank Pavilion (Leazes Park, Newcastle)

 

  • Date: Thursday 16 April

Blossom Kites with Pallas Family Flyers and Artist Sofia Barton, 12pm - 2pm

Wildflower Seedball Making with Wild Intrigue (Drop In), 12pm - 4pm

Blossom & Bird Safari with Wild Intrigue, 1pm - 2pm

Create & Bloom with Artist Pui Lee, 2pm - 4pm

  • Location: Paddy Freeman’s Pavilion (Paddy Freemans Park, Newcastle)
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A close up of pink and white apple blossom in full bloom, flowering in clusters with young green leaves between.
Apple blossom in full bloom | © National Trust/Alison Elrick

Sunderland

Community Garden Week

Community Garden Week will take place from 5 to 11 April and will include the launch of the Blossom Project. Also look out for the Charles Muir floral artwork collection touring from Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens to Houghton and Washington libraries.

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