How to Keep the Whole Family Entertained in the North East and Yorkshire this June
Keep everyone entertained all summer long
CHILDREN’S WILDLIFE WALK
1ST JUNE
Raby Castle, Staindrop
01833 660202
raby.co.uk
Join Raby’s deer herd manager for a morning walk through the 200-acre deer park to learn more about the wildlife there. Raby has two species of deer: red deer (the largest British wild land mammal) and fallow deer. You’ll learn fun facts along the way, including that some antlers might grow up to 1.5cm per day, and they start growing in the spring and continue throughout the summer.
LONGBOW DEMONSTRATIONS
1ST–4TH JUNE
Alnwick Castle
01665 511100
alnwickcastle.com
These live-action longbow demonstrations, with master archer Andy Rice, are sure to impress. The English used longbows with deadly effect; Alnwick Castle’s own Harry ‘Hotspur’ Percy is thought to have been killed by an arrow fired from a longbow in the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403. Fancy having a go yourself? Now’s the time, under expert guidance and supervision.
THE WORST PRINCESS
2ND JUNE
Arc Stockton Arts Centre
01642 525199
arconline.co.uk
A feisty princess escapes the clutches of her prince in this funny, feminist twist on the traditional tale. It’s all about adventure, mischief and an unlikely friendship, and it’s packed full of music and mayhem. Based on the best-selling book by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, this show is for children of all ages.
ROALD DAHL’S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD AND THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
14TH JUNE
Gala Durham
0300 026 6600
galadurham.co.uk
The award-winning Ballet Cymru present two stories from the mind of Roald Dahl. Featuring stunning costumes, spectacular dancing and video projections, this production was a huge hit for Ballet Cymru in 2016 and we’re thrilled to see its return.
BRADFORD SCIENCE FESTIVAL
23RD MAY–4TH JUNE
Bradford
scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk
Bradford Science Festival returns from 23rd May to 4th June with a jam-packed programme of hands-on experiences and events. Find out how the way we pay for things has changed over time, learn the fascinating story of a brave young scientist from 11th-century Arabia or see a fantastic Bollywood take on a puppet show.
TREASURE ISLAND
27TH MAY–4TH JUNE
Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
01423 864600
mothershipton.co.uk
Collect your treasure map and follow the clues to uncover hidden riches at Mother Shipton’s Cave. During your quest, there’ll be plenty of brilliant photo opportunities but watch out for the swashbuckling pirates. Venus the Voodoo Princess will tell your fortune and might even conjure up some magic. Don’t forget to dress your best, hooks and all – prizes will be awarded to Mother Shipton’s best-dressed shipmates.
PIRATES RULE AT WHITBY ABBEY
27TH–29TH MAY
Whitby Abbey
english-heritage.org.uk
Set sail for Whitby Abbey for an adventure on the high seas. History’s most famous pirates will fight it out and tell their treacherous tales and there’ll be shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities for the whole family.
WETWANG SCARECROW FESTIVAL
1ST–4TH JUNE
Wetwang Village Hall
wetwang.org.uk
The 2023 annual Scarecrow Festival will take place over four days starting Thursday 1st June and this year there are two categories: ‘animals/wildlife/insects’ and ‘other’ (anything goes). Plus, Foster a Scarecrow returns – if you can’t make your own scarecrow you can foster one for the four days and have it in your garden. The Village Hall will be open daily for the Scarecrow Café, tombola, Scarecrow Trail maps, games, goodies and more.
