The north of England has so much to offer. We’re not just talking about picturesque countryside and vibrant cities. Whether you’re heading to the north west or north east, you can take your pick from a smorgasbord of outstanding events for kids, adults or all the family. Read on as we look at some of the best…

North west events

Easter egg hunting in the Lakes

Every year, the National Trust puts on incredible easter egg hunts in stunning surroundings. It goes without saying that some of the best are in the beautiful Lake District.

Whether it’s Wordsworth House or Sizergh Castle, kids can enjoy an easter egg hunt for just £3 at some of the most magnificent and historic houses the country has to offer.

You’ll get a trail sheet to show you the way, bunny ears to look the part, and a choice of chocolate eggs to seal the deal. Details are released around February, so keep your eyes peeled!

Pride in Manchester

As the capital and gay capital respectively, London and Brighton are home to the biggest Pride festivals the UK has to offer. Coming in at a close third is Manchester, which celebrates all things LGBTQ+ in its very own Gay Village around Canal Street.

Expect diverse entertainment, lively parties and the most colourful parade you’ve ever seen. The event includes a dedicated family day – Family Pride – where events include crafting, a mini pride parade, and a rainbow disco!

Grand National in Aintree

The Grand National is the most-watched horse race in the UK by some distance. Held just outside Liverpool, the event comprises three days of racing, including the 4.5-mile steeplechase with an estimated audience of 600 million people globally.

The steeplechase is held on the Sunday each year, with 34 runners and 16 fences to contest. Before that brings the weekend to a close, there are over 20 other races to enjoy. If you love getting your gladrags on, Ladies Day gives everyone a chance to show off their style on the Friday.

Kendal Calling

The north west of England has its fair share of music festivals. But it’s hard to beat Kendal Calling, held at Lowther Deer Park in Cumbria. 2024’s lineup includes Noel Gallagher, Paulo Nutini and The Streets to name just a few. The festival is more child-friendly than most with dedicated kids’ areas and quieter fields for families.

Book a luxury holiday home afterwards to recharge those batteries after a weekend of camping. Or go one further and travel in for the music before retreating to your luxury base.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Last but not least in our north west events is Manchester Christmas Markets to close out the year. Open from early November to late December, the markets are amongst the biggest and best in the UK – with everything from mulled wine, mouthwatering food and merry music to a vast array of craft stalls.

With over 200 stalls, the markets take over most of Manchester’s city centre, from Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street to Exchange Square and King Street. Take your pick from nine sites or wander through them all throughout the course of the day.

North east events

Great North Run in Newcastle

Believe it or not, the Great North Run is the biggest half marathon in the world. With over 50,000 participants each year, it’s also the largest running event in the UK. The iconic route starts in Newcastle, before crossing the Tyne Bridge into Gateshead and continuing all the way through to South Shields near the mouth of the Tyne. If you’re looking to tick another big-name run off your list, this could be the ideal event.

Jorvik Viking Festival in York

Another weird and wonderful event comes in York, where you’ll find the annual Jorvik Viking Festival each February. Highlighted as one of our top breaks for February half term, it includes crafts, combat displays and Viking cuisine – not to mention competitions for the strongest Viking and best beard!

Miners’ Gala in Durham

Also known as ‘The Big Meeting’, the Durham Miners’ Gala is a celebration of British coal mining heritage. Taking place just south of Northumberland, you can expect parades of banners, brass bands and speeches by leading trade union figures. Held annually since 1871, it’s attended by over 200,000 people each year – despite Durham’s last mining pit being closed over 30 years ago.

New Year’s Day Dip in Saltburn

Finally, there’s a north east event at the turn of the year. On the morning of New Year’s Day each year, people brave the cold of the North Sea to raise money for charity. The Saltburn tradition began in the 1960s by a few local swimmers. It’s now grown in popularity with people travelling from far and wide to take part and spectate. While many places stake their claim as the home of the ‘dip’ tradition, it’s hard to argue with Saltburn’s longevity!

Enjoy north west & north east events in style

Whether you’re eyeing up an easter egg hunt in the Lakes or York’s Viking Festival, kate & tom’s can help you enjoy the best events across the north with our amazing holiday homes. Experience the best the north of England has to offer before retreating to your luxury base with space for the entire family.

Our houses have plenty of room for even the largest of groups, so you can invite the whole family to north east or north west events. Sound good? Browse our stunning new houses and holiday homes in Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Northumberland, Liverpool and Manchester today or email [email protected] if you have any questions.