The Land of Oak and Iron are proud to host a wide range of wonderful events and activities, from exciting seasonal children’s trails and school holiday activities, to music events, creative workshops and heritage talks.
Wednesday, 7th January until Sunday, 1st March 2026 - Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre - 9:00-16:00
The Land of Oak & Iron starts the New Year with this stunning exhibition of Brian Eyler’s landscape photography in their Inside Out Gallery at Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre. ‘Traces of a Journey – Explorations of Depth, Light, and Presence’.
Brian is a professional landscape photographer originally from San Diego, now living in Newcastle, UK. After moving in 2019 to join his wife, Brian shifted gears when the COVID-19 pandemic paused his video production business. Instead of stepping back, he returned to photography - his passion for over a decade.
During this time, he drew inspiration from classical oil painters like Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Kinkade, whose romantic use of light and atmosphere influenced his evolving style.
Brian’s work blends the realism of photography with the emotive qualities of fine art, often using panoramic formats to convey immersive, expansive scenes. His images reflect cinematic technique and painterly composition, exploring themes of emotion, memory, and quiet reflection. Each image he creates is a window into a world shaped by natural beauty and personal perspective.
You can find Brian selling his pieces every weekend at Tynemouth Market and the Quayside where he enjoys connecting with the local community and sharing his passion for visual storytelling.
Brian’s solo art exhibition is visible from our Courtyard to the rear of the Heritage Centre in our ‘Inside Out Gallery’. All framed photographs, along with mounted prints are available to purchase - please speak to a member of the team.
Full information can be found here.
Saturday, 24th January 2026 - 10:00-12:00
What if a key from your drawer, a stone from the riverbank, or a scrap of fabric could tell the story of thousands of years?
This workshop will explore what it means to nest. Everyday objects can be more precious than gold or hold all the potential of an acorn.
Using found natural materials, fabric and other repurposed materials, you will be building nests to protect and celebrate keepsakes from home. The Land of Oak & Iron will provide a wide variety of building materials to use, but please bring something you hold precious to work with.
Travelling Through Tyne is a creative journey through time, exploring local history, personal memories and future dreams through walks, storytelling, sketching, object-handling and hands-on creative activities. Led by artists Chris Folwell and Liv Hunt we’re looking closely and imagining boldly with the people and places that make the Tyne Derwent Way home.
This is a free, drop-in activity, part of the Tyne Derwent Way Partnership in collaboration with Dingy Butterflies CIC. Suitable for all ages, young and older.
Further information can be found here.
Sunday, 25th January 2026 - 9:30-12:00
To welcome in the New Year and nature - join the Land of Oak & Iron for a guided walk around the Derwent Valley as part of the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch.
Winter is a great time to discover the rich bird life that lives in this beautiful valley. From the iconic Red Kite to flocks of Siskin and Redwings, local ornithologist Michael Turner will help you identify birds by sight and sound.
All of our findings will be recorded and sent to the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and BirdTrack, two national projects that collate data on birdlife, helping in their conservation.
Suitable for all ages - the walk will be on regular pathways with some slight gradients.
Please bring binoculars if you have them and dress appropriately with stout footwear, waterproofs may be necessary depending on the weather.
No dogs please.
Tickets £9.50, limited places - booking essential.
Book here.
Sunday, 25th January 2026 - 12:30-14:00
Ever thought about learning to play a musical instrument - what about the ukulele? Then come along to our uke’ sessions and learn how. The 2025 sessions have proved hugely popular, so The Land of Oak & Iron is already planning sessions for 2026!
They’re always on Sunday afternoons between 12.30-14:00 in a private space at the Heritage Centre.
Tutor Philip has played ukulele for longer than he can remember. Having ran uke’ workshops at JG Windows Music in Newcastle, as well as being a full time guitar/uke teacher, he’s now bringing his workshops to the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill.
Each session will involve learning some songs from scratch, with parts for beginners to more complex parts for those with previous experience. All the songs guaranteed jams that will be stuck in your head all week!
If you have your own ukulele please bring it along - let The Land of Oak & Iorn know on the booking form if you would like the tutor to provide one for you.
Booking essential as limited places available. £9.50 per session. Please add in the booking notes if you have played before and if you can bring your own ukulele (or not).
Please note - tickets for all workshops, sessions and courses are non refundable. The Land of Oak & Iron may at their discretion transfer your ticket to another similar event.
Further information and how to book can be found here.
