Most of our events are group based and follow a regular pattern of meetings or activities including Bridge, Current Affairs, French, Italian, Reading, Spanish, 10-pin Bowling, and Walking Cricket (summer only). You will find more details about each of these on the respective group pages and also on the calendar. This page provides information about irregular or one-off events so please check back often to see what is new.
You will also find a calendar showing all of our u3a events and activities with a month to a view.
Forthcoming Events
21st April 2024
12:15 pm
Social
The Black Horse, Front St, Ingleton, Darlington DL2 3HS
(Group: Sunday Lunch Club)
Traditional village pub well-known for its Italian menu Wednesday through Sunday but Sunday lunch is also on offer on Sundays. This will be our first visit to The Black Horse […]
Cost: Each member pays for his/her own meal plus an appropriate tip.
Booking Required
22nd April 2024
to 25th April 2024
Holiday
25th April 2024
9:00 am
Coach trip
Harrogate Spring Flower Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate…
(Group: Friends and Flowers)
Harrogate Spring Flower Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate HG2 8NZ Flowers displays from vase arrangements to murals. A selection of small planted gardens (a la Chelsea) to inspire. Marquees of […]
Cost: Admission fee and return coach fare at cost
Booking Required
30th April 2024
10:15 am
Walk
Herrington Park and Penshaw Monument
(Group: Walking (4-6 miles))
Herrington Park and Penshaw Monument led by Richard.
Cost: This is a free event for group members
2nd May 2024
10:00 am
Talk
Mercury to Apollo – American Space Missions 1958 – 1975. Chris Winner
(Group: Science, Engineering & Technology)
Methodist Church, 21 Cockton Hill Rd, Bishop Auckland DL14 6EN. ZOOM presentation
Venue: Bishop Auckland Methodist Church
Cost: Included in annual subscription for group members
Booking Required
3rd May 2024
10:00 am
Study Visit
Guided Visit to Darlington Central Library
(Group: Art & Architecture)
We have arranged a guided visit to the newly refurbished and reopened Central Library in Crown Street, Darlington, This is a splendid Victorian building which has been beautifully restored and […]
Cost: Free - make your own way there
Booking Required
9th May 2024
10:00 am
Walk
Isobel M leads on a route to be…
(Group: Walking (6-8 miles))
Isobel M leads on a route to be advised. However most likely around the Etherley/Witton le Wear area.
Cost: This is a free event for group members
10th May 2024
10:00 am
Talk
“Shabby Wedding” – Linda Dodds
(Group: Local History)
“Shabby Wedding” – Linda Dodds
Venue: Bishop Auckland Methodist Church
Cost: Included in annual group subscription
19th May 2024
12:15 pm
Social
The Spotted Dog, 6 The Green, High Coniscliffe, DL2 2LJ
(Group: Sunday Lunch Club)
Recently re-opened after refurbishment this venue was recommended by some members who celebrated a birthday soon after the opening. It will be our first Sunday Lunch visit. The menu varies […]
Cost: Each members pays for his/her own meal plus an appropriate tip.
Booking Required
22nd May 2024
Social
North East Region Womens Institute Meeting
(Group: String Band)
St David's Church Hall, Tudhoe - private event by invitation only
Cost: Private Event
27th May 2024
10:00 am
Outing
(Group: Friends and Flowers)
Thornton Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 2NB Information from Thornton Hall's website:- There is ample parking. There are no picnic facilities. Whilst we welcome and do have access […]
Cost: £10 for charity
28th May 2024
10:14 am
Walk
Tudhoe Woods bluebell walk led by Sue M
(Group: Walking (4-6 miles))
Tudhoe Woods bluebell walk led by Sue M
Cost: This is a free event for group members
30th May 2024
10:00 am
Meeting
(Group: Science, Engineering & Technology)
Provisional - 9.30 for 10 am start and likely at the Methodist Church. To be confirmed.
Booking Required
30th May 2024
10:45 am
Study Visit
Darlington Hippodrome backstage tour
(Group: Art & Architecture)
Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington DL1 1RR On Thursday 30th May, Chris Marsh has organised a backstage tour of Darlington Hippodrome for us. Please arrive by 10.45am for an 11.00am start. […]
Cost: £2.50 or less (cash)
Booking Required
4th June 2024
Coach trip
Coach trip to Embsay Railway and Skipton Canal
(Group: Science, Engineering & Technology)
We've waited a long time for this day trip but finally rail tickets, canal tickets, and a coach are all available on the same day. We'll start the day with […]
Cost: Rail and canal fares plus return coach fare at cost
Booking Required
6th June 2024
Social
U3A Northumbria Region Celebration of Music
(Group: String Band)
This will be held at Sunniside Club, Sunniside Road NE16 5NA. Details to follow
Booking Required
7th June 2024
Coach trip
National Trust - Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX.…
(Group: Friends and Flowers)
The house is late 19th Century and was commissioned by Lord William and Lady Margaret Armstrong, a Victorian inventor and a keen gardener. William is known for the Swing Bridge […]
Cost: Admission fee and return coach fare at cost
Booking Required
7th June 2024
Coach trip
National Trust - Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX.…
(Group: Local History)
The house is late 19th Century and was commissioned by Lord William and Lady Margaret Armstrong, a Victorian inventor and a keen gardener. William is known for the Swing Bridge […]
Cost: Admission fee and return coach fare at cost
Booking Required
7th June 2024
Coach trip
National Trust - Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX.…
(Group: Science, Engineering & Technology)
The house is late 19th Century and was commissioned by Lord William and Lady Margaret Armstrong, a Victorian inventor and a keen gardener. William is known for the Swing Bridge […]
Cost: Admission fee and return coach fare at cost
Booking Required
16th June 2024
12:15 pm
Social
(Group: Sunday Lunch Club)
The Honest Lawyer Hotel, Croxdale Bridge, Croxdale, Durham, DH1 3SP This is another new venue for us but it comes highly recommended. Larger parties are requested to choose their order from the […]
Cost: Each member pays for his/her meal plus an appropriate tip.
Booking Required
18th June 2024
Open Meeting
Ellie McIntyre will talk to us about the…
Ellie McIntyre will talk to us about the Great North Air Ambulance
Cost: Included in annual membership fee but £2 for visitors
19th June 2024
6:15 pm
Entertainment
(Group: Theatre Visits)
Coach from Bondgate carpark at 6.15pm, return approx. 11pm.
Venue: Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Cost: Tickets £39 + £15 Fare (£54)
Booking Required
25th June 2024
10:15 am
Walk
Richmond and Easby Abbey led by Kath
(Group: Walking (4-6 miles))
Richmond and Easby Abbey led by Kath
Cost: This is a free event for group members
11th July 2024
9:30 am
Coach trip
Hutton-in-the Forest in Cumbria.
(Group: Friends and Flowers)
This will be a joint visit with Local History to Hutton-in-the Forrest in Cumbria. The house has a rich heritage going back to 1292 in the time of King Edward […]
Cost: Admission £9 or £14 depending on access required plus coach between £16 and £22 depending on number booking
Booking Required
11th July 2024
9:30 am
Coach trip
Hutton-in-the-Forest in Cumbria
(Group: Local History)
This will be a joint visit with Local History to Hutton-in-the Forrest in Cumbria. The house has a rich heritage going back to 1292 in the time of King Edward […]
Cost: Admission £9 or £14 depending on access required plus coach between £16 and £22 depending on number booking
Booking Required
15th July 2024
Outing
(Group: Friends and Flowers)
Date for your diary. This is a follow-on from Heidi Varley's talk in November and will be a self-drive visit to the flower farm. More details to follow.
Cost: TBA
Booking Required
16th July 2024
Open Meeting
A talk entitled 'Durham Cathedral - A different…
A talk entitled 'Durham Cathedral - A different Perspective by Malcom Wilkinson
Cost: Included in annual membership fee but £2 for visitors
21st July 2024
12:15 pm
Social
(Group: Sunday Lunch Club)
Venue to be decided
Cost: Each member pays for his/her meal plus an appropriate tip.
Booking Required
18th August 2024
12:15 pm
Social
Cross Keys Country Pub, Hamsterley, DL 3PX
(Group: Sunday Lunch Club)
The Cross Keys is becoming a firm favourite as this will be our third time of visiting. The menus do not include a specific one for Sunday Lunch but Sunday […]
Cost: Each member pays for his/her meal plus an appropriate tip.
Booking Required
20th August 2024
Open Meeting
Our speaker is Historian. Neil Storey who will…
Our speaker is Historian. Neil Storey who will talk to us about Women in World War One
Cost: Included in annual membership fee but £2 for visitors
3rd September 2024
Meeting
Annual meeting - to be confirmed
(Group: Friends and Flowers)
Annual meeting - to be confirmed
Venue: Bishop Auckland Methodist Church
Cost: Included in annual subscription for members
13th September 2024
10:00 am
Talk
“It all began with an old picture” –…
(Group: Local History)
“It all began with an old picture” – Frances Wilson
Venue: Bishop Auckland Methodist Church
Cost: Included in annual group subscription
15th September 2024
12:15 pm
Social
Thomas Wright House, High St, Byers Green, DL16 7PF
(Group: Sunday Lunch Club)
This will be a repeat visit by the Sunday Lunch Club. The menu can be found at the bottom of this page. The venue is set back from the road […]
Cost: Each member pays for his/her meal plus an appropriate tip.
Booking Required
24th September 2024
10:15 am
Walk
Shildon railway paths led by John
(Group: Walking (4-6 miles))
Shildon railway paths led by John
Cost: This is a free event for group members
11th October 2024
10:00 am
Talk
“The Missing Bishop” – Joe Ward
(Group: Local History)
“The Missing Bishop” – Joe Ward
Venue: Bishop Auckland Methodist Church
Cost: Included in annual group subscription
15th October 2024
Open Meeting
Steve Cox will be talking to us today…
Steve Cox will be talking to us today about Air Traffic Control.
Cost: Included in annual membership fee but £2 for visitors
20th October 2024
12:15 pm
Social
The George & Dragon, 4 E Green, Heighington DL5 6PP
(Group: Sunday Lunch Club)
This is a popular venue with u3a members and is used by several groups for their Christmas lunches. It will be a return visit for the Sunday Lunch Club. The […]
Cost: Each member pays for his/her meal plus an appropriate tip.
Booking Required
30th October 2024
Outing
Thorp Perrow - Arboretum and Bird of Prey…
(Group: Friends and Flowers)
Thorp Perrow - Arboretum and Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale DL8 2PS. Joint visit with Walking and Photography groups? Provisional - to be confirmed
Cost: Admission fee and return coach fare at cost
Booking Required
8th November 2024
10:00 am
Talk
“John George Lambton” – Peter Welsh
(Group: Local History)
“John George Lambton” – Peter Welsh
Venue: Bishop Auckland Methodist Church
Cost: Included in annual group subscription
17th November 2024
12:15 pm
Social
Dun Cow Inn, 43 Front St, Sedgefield, TS21 3AT
(Group: Sunday Lunch Club)
This is a regular venue for our group and we always enjoy lunch here. The menu is quite extensive compared to many venues. Parking is limited in front of the […]
Cost: Each member pays for his/her meal plus an appropriate tip.
Booking Required
19th November 2024
Open Meeting
Peter Barron from the Northern Echo will be…
Peter Barron from the Northern Echo will be talking to us again and the title of his talk is 'Cloudy, Rain Later - A Life in Newspapers'.
Cost: Included in annual membership fee but £2 for visitors
10th December 2024
Open Meeting
Our very own u3a String Band will entertain…
Our very own u3a String Band will entertain us.
Cost: Included in annual membership fee but £2 for visitors
10th December 2024
10:30 am
Social
(Group: String Band)
SPENNYMOOR TOWN HALL Another year, another Christmas and our very own u3a String Band will entertain us again with some foot-tapping, sing-along favourites and a few new songs. Please note […]
Cost: Included in annual subscription
13th December 2024
10:00 am
Talk
“The Twelve Lambtons” – Peter Welsh
(Group: Local History)
“The Twelve Lambtons” – Peter Welsh
Venue: Bishop Auckland Methodist Church
Cost: Included in annual group subscription