Guest blog: Written by Deb Sharratt: My Boys Club.

Durham is a place where you can step back in time during the February half-term school holidays. Where exciting attractions, enthralling experiences and events bring the county’s fascinating past to life with lots of hands-on activities to keep the children entertained.

With a UNESCO World Heritage Site, award-winning museums, stunning coastline and train journeys to enjoy, Durham is the perfect place for families to visit and delight in the outstanding heritage. We live close by but just three hours by train from London, and less than two from Edinburgh, the county of Durham makes a great place for a family half-term break.

STEP INTO THE 1820S, 1900S AND 1940S

At Beamish Museum take a tram ride into the past to experience unforgettable sights, sounds and smells whilst you meet costumed folk going about their business. The winner of the 2016 North East Tourism Large Attraction of the Year Award will be marking the centenary of the Washington Children’s Strike during half term. From February 18-26 they’ll have lots of hands-on activities for families to join in with protest songs in the Pit Village Chapel, flag making in the Pit Village School and a daily march at 1pm from the Pit Village Chapel to the Town.

HISTORY OF THE RAILWAYS

At Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon explore the history of the railways and discover over 70 heritage rail vehicles from the National Collection. Admission if FREE and on 18-19 February, Locomotion will host a Winter Toy Fair with a collection of traders selling model railways, railwayana and collectables between 10am & 4pm.

GEORGIAN SPLENDOUR

At the 13th Century, Crook Hall in Durham City join the Mad Hatter for some tea party frolics on February 19 & 20. Play a game of croquet with the mighty Queen of Hearts, careful not to win as it will be off with your head! Families can look out for the White Rabbit but must be quick as he’s very late and is impossible to catch.

WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Harry Potter turns 20 this year so what better time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Durham Cathedral and Castle featured in the first two Harry Potter films. You can also explore Open Treasure, the Cathedral’s new world-class exhibition experience which opens up previously hidden spaces inside this majestic building where on February 20 BEASTS opens. An exhibition of the weird and wonderful beasts and monsters which have fascinated people from earliest times. And on February 22 why not enjoy a family-focused tour around Durham Castle.

FRENCH STYLE

The Bowes Museum is the jewel in the heart of the historic market town of Barnard Castle in the beautiful Durham countryside. Housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts, the Museum was purpose built in the 19th century by wealthy businessman John Bowes and his French actress wife Josephine. Their romantic story is revealed as you wander around this graceful and elegant Grade I Listed building. On the 21 February help celebrate the 125th Anniversary of The Bowes Museum opening with a variety of fun drop-in activities for all the family.

A HERITAGE COASTLINE

For a coastal adventure head to Durham Heritage Coast to beach comb and discover treasure. Sea glass, or ‘sea diamonds’ is the name given to the tiny fragments of discarded glass found along the Durham Heritage Coast that has been tumbled and smoothed by the waves. Durham’s coastline now offers a dramatic landscape with beaches, rugged cliffs and imposing headlands – perfect for a winter coastal walk with a treasure trove at the end for little fingers and thumbs. Read about My Boys Cub day out collecting sea glass at Seaham.

@MyBoysClub is a lifestyle blog by Deb Sharratt all about enjoying life in a family of boys. Follow at myboysclub.co.uk or on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

More ideas for half term

For more ideas take a look at this list of family-friendly attractions, or see all half term events.