With half term just around the corner for schools in Durham (20th February – 2nd March 2026), it’s the perfect opportunity for some family fun at Bertie’s Play Village!

Join the team at Bertie’s Play Village for imaginative role-play, ride-on cars, and sensory play areas, with plenty of space to burn off energy. Located in the heart of Durham city centre, it is the perfect place to pop into after a day of shopping with the kids or a fun indoor activity on rainy days.

As if a visit to Bertie’s Play Village wasn’t good enough, adults go completely FREE while the kids play (just £3 for 30 mins or £4 for an hour). No booking needed – just turn up, grab a drink, and let the kids explore to their hearts content. 

So if you are looking for fun half term activities in Durham for the kids to enjoy (and give you a little bit of peace and quiet!) then pop into Bertie’s Play Village. We’re open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am-4pm on Sundays.

We know you’ve saved the dates for half term already, now just save the destination! 

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On Friday 27th & Saturday 28th February 2026, the annual ice sculpture trail returns to the city centre for a two day extravaganza, bringing with it breathtaking live displays of ice carving, fiery performances, and interactive installations the whole family can enjoy.

For 2026, Fire & Ice is going bigger than ever before with its intergalactic theme, “Out of This World!” Think space travellers, sci-fi icons, and astronomical marvels from across the stars.

Here at Prince Bishops Place, we’ll be hosting our own interactive ice sculpture. Take your seat on the Space Throne and rule the galaxy at this fun photo opportunity for future cosmic commanders.

Finish off your February half term holiday with a trip to Fire & Ice 2026 that will wow the whole family with an unforgettable experience that showcases Durham city and its brightest and most imaginative.

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Dads, grandads, step dads and father figures that bring so much joy to playtime, join us at Bertie’s Play Village this Father’s Day, where wholesome family memories are made!

Our toddler and baby-friendly role play village offers endless fun. Imagine your little ones cooking up a Father’s Day feast in Bertie’s kitchen or taking you for a ride around the play village in Bertie’s ride-on cars – guaranteed smiles all around!

Adults Go FREE!

Enjoy 30 minutes of play for just £3, or a full hour for £4, with FREE entry for all adults! Join us on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 15th, 2025) from 11:00am to 4:00pm. No booking is required.

Plan Your Visit

Although no booking is required to play at Bertie’s Play Village, it’s best to plan ahead. The most convenient parking is at the Prince Bishops Place Car Park, just a short 2 minute walk away.

You’ll find us located next door to Durham Coins at Prince Bishops Place, Durham, DH1 3UJ.

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Join us at Bertie’s Play Village this May half term for endless fun! Children can unleash their imaginations in our miniature role-play village or whizz around on our ride-on cars and play dress up, while the non-walking siblings explore their senses in our colourful baby zone!

Not forgetting the essentials for adults – coffee and cakes from Bertie’s Snack Cabin!

Opening Hours And Prices

Bertie’s Play Village is open Monday to Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00pm and 11:00am – 4:00pm on Sunday. We’re also open 11:00am – 4:00pm on bank holiday Monday (26th).

It costs just £3 for 30 mins of play or £4 for 1 hour. And the best part, adults go FREE!

Parking

New to Bertie’s? The closest parking is at Prince Bishop’s Place Car Park. We’re only a quick 2-minute walk from there once you’ve parked up.

Make it a half term the kids will remember!

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The Easter Bunnies have hidden all of Bertie’s Easter Eggs, and he needs your help to find them!

FREE To Take Part

A special Easter mission awaits! Join Bertie in the search for his hidden eggs, tucked away in the shop windows at Prince Bishops Place by the mischievous Easter Bunnies.

Collect a trail form from Elvet & Bailey (next to Costa Coffee) and write down the name of each Easter Bunny on the hidden Easter egg stickers. There’s eleven to find in total.

Return your completed form to Elvet & Bailey to receive a delicious Easter treat!

It’s FREE to take part, making it the perfect family activity this Easter.

Trail Dates & Times

Bertie’s Easter Bunny Trail runs over Easter and throughout the school holidays from 15th – 27th April 2025.

Berties Play Village Easter Opening Hours

Good Friday 11:00am – 4:00pm
Easter Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Easter Sunday CLOSED
Easter Monday 10:00am – 4:00pm

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Bertie’s Play Village is the perfect family-friendly spot to drop by for a little mother-child quality time for Mother’s Day.

Suitable for ages 0-8, you can spend some special bonding time with your mini me’s as they rustle you up a Mother’s Day tea party in Bertie’s Tea Room or let them take you shopping in Bertie’s Bargains for your favourite gift.

Watch your children’s imaginations soar in our immersive pretend play village while adults relax with a coffee and treats from Bertie’s Snack Cabin.

Adults Go Free

It costs just £3 for 30 minutes of play, £4 for 1 hour of play and adults go FREE!

Opening Hours

Bertie’s Play Village is open 11:00am – 4:00pm on Mother’s Day (Sunday 30th March 2025). No booking is required, just turn up at your preferred time and join in the fun.

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Join us at Bertie’s Play Village every day during the February half-term for non-stop fun!

Step inside a magical world created for little people with huge imaginations. From our miniature role-play village and ride-on cars to our colourful baby zone and tasty snack cabin, there is something for all of the family here at Bertie’s.

Opening Hours And Prices

Bertie’s Play Village is open Monday to Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00pm and 11:00am – 4:00pm on Sunday.

It costs just £2 for 30 mins of play or £3 for 1 hour. And the best part, adults go FREE!

Parking

If you’re new to Bertie’s, the closest car parking is Prince Bishop’s Place Car Park. We’re just a short 2-minute walk once you’re parked.

Beat the winter blues and give the kids a treat they won’t forget!

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Welcome the Year of the Snake!

Join in the vibrant celebrations for Chinese New Year in Durham City on Saturday 1st February 2025!

Start your day at Durham Market Place at 12:30pm (time to be confirmed) as the Mayor of Durham attempts to catch a lucky lettuce, bringing good fortune to the city for the coming year.

Witness the dazzling Lion Dance performed by Oceans Apart Kung Fu Club as it winds its way through Prince Bishops Place.

Feasts and Festivities

After the exciting performances, why not make a day of it? Head to Bertie’s Play Village where children can explore their imaginations in our colourful play village.

A busy day calls for a hearty lunch! Enjoy delicious food and refreshments at Bertie’s Play Village, too! View our child-friendly menu here.

Convenient Parking

For hassle-free parking, choose Prince Bishops Place car park. With accessible and EV charging bays, affordable rates, and a central location, it’s the perfect choice for easy access to the Chinese New Year celebrations.

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Bertie’s Play Village at Prince Bishops Place is delighted to be the newest Platinum Sponsor of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), County Durham group (Nearly New Sales).

NCT is the UK’s largest parenting charity, with a long history of supporting parents during pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

A perfect sponsorship match

The volunteer-led Durham NCT group is dedicated to building a close-knit support network for new and expecting parents across the county—a perfect sponsorship match for Bertie’s Play Village and the community of Durham parents who visit us!

Throughout the year, NCT runs Nearly New Sales, helping parents sell and recycle preloved baby clothes, toys and equipment. We hope to play host to an NCT Nearly New Sale at Prince Bishops Place in the near future.

Bertie’s Play Village is Durham City’s leading stay-and-play village, and we warmly welcome members of Durham NCT, where children can play from as little as £2, and adults can visit for FREE!

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Grab your glue sticks and googly eyes, it’s time to get crafty! Enjoy FREE spooky crafts every day this half term, from Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November!

Your little monsters can explore their creative side with plenty of ghoulishly good, Halloween crafts. Find Bertie’s Play Village spooky crafts table located within Northern Stores & Deli at Prince Bishops Place.

The Fun Doesn’t Stop There!

Make a day of it with the family! Head into Bertie’s Play Village for a fun play session or take part in Bertie’s Sugar Skull Trail.

Spooky Crafts Opening Times

Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November, 11:00am – 4:00pm

Free Crafts To Enjoy At Home!

Enjoy FREE spooky crafts at home with our downloadable Sugar Skull Masks and colouring-in sheets! Just click each link for an instant download, then print them off and get creative at home!

Sugar Skull Masks: 

Bertie’s – Sugar Skull Mask 1

Bertie’s – Sugar Skull Mask 2

Bertie’s – Sugar Skull Mask 3

Colouring-In Sheets: 

Bertie’s – Colouring Sheet 1

Bertie’s – Colouring Sheet 2

Bertie’s – Colouring Sheet 3

Bertie’s – Colouring Sheet 4

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