What’s On in September 2025 – Newcastle & Northumberland
Great North Run, Festivals, Family Days, Heritage Events, Food & Outdoor Adventures
September in the North East is far from quiet. As summer turns to autumn, Newcastle and Northumberland come alive with iconic events, outdoor fun, cultural celebrations, and the world-famous Great North Run. Whether you're planning a weekend staycation or a midweek break, there’s something for everyone this month.
Great North Run – Sunday 7 September 2025
📍 Newcastle to South Shields
Join over 60,000 runners for the Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon. Expect roaring crowds, Tyne Bridge crossings, and that famous seafront finish.
🎟️ https://www.greatrun.org/event...
🚌 Travel advice: https://www.nexus.org.uk/great...
Related weekend events:
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Great North 5K – Friday 5 September
🔗 https://www.greatrun.org/event... -
Mini & Junior GNR – Saturday 6 September
🔗 https://www.greatrun.org/event...
🛏️ Top tip: Our Newcastle city apartments and countryside hot tub lodges are perfectly located for both spectators and runners!
Explore Castles & Historic Attractions
Alnwick Castle – All Month
Step inside a real-life Hogwarts filming location! Try Broomstick Training, explore the new Great Kitchen, and discover centuries of royal history.
Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens – Sunday Music Sessions
📅 Every Sunday in September
Live music in the formal gardens with family-friendly walks and open ruins.
🔗 english-heritage.org.uk/belsay
Edlingham Castle & Elsdon Castle
Free-to-visit medieval ruins tucked in rural Northumberland – perfect for peaceful day trips and picnics.
🔗 Edlingham Castle – English Heritage
Heritage Open Days – 6 to 15 September 2025
📍 Various Locations
Enjoy free access to hundreds of historical buildings, castles, gardens, and hidden gems across Newcastle and Northumberland.
Family-Friendly Activities
Seven Stories – National Centre for Children’s Books
📍 Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle
Join author workshops, storytelling, and themed craft days.
Life Science Centre
📍 Times Square, Newcastle
Interactive zones, live shows, and a spectacular planetarium.
WWT Washington Wetland Centre
📍 Sunderland Area
Autumn nature trails, otter feeding, and bird-spotting for all ages.
Tynemouth Aquarium
📍 Tynemouth Seafront
Indoor marine world with rays, sharks, and seahorse tanks.
🔗 bluereefaquarium.co.uk/tynemouth
Space Safari Drone Show – Saturday 20 September 2025
📍 Newcastle Racecourse
A jaw-dropping light show featuring 600 synchronised drones telling a galactic story in the sky. Includes food trucks, rides, and live entertainment.
🎟️ Book Tickets
Live Music & Culture
Venues like Utilita Arena, O₂ City Hall, The Sage Gateshead, and The Cluny host big-name acts and intimate gigs throughout the month.
🎵 utilitaarena.co.uk
🎵 sagegateshead.com
Stay Local with Northern Staycations
Whether you're running the Great North Run, visiting a castle, or catching a drone show with the kids, Northern Staycations offers the perfect base.
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Hot tub lodges in the countryside
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Family cottages near castles & trails
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Stylish flats in Newcastle city centre
👉 Check September availability now:
🔗 www.northernstaycations.co.uk