What To Do This Weekend
Food, films, and fun for all the family…
Go Down the Rabbit Hole
Take the kids to wonderland this weekend, with two Alice in Wonderland-inspired events promising to keep them entertained. A new immersive experience awaits in The Riding School at Raby with illuminated tunnels, kaleidoscope projections, a magical garden with LED trees, giant mushrooms and dandelions and the iconic Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Outdoors, follow the new trail in The Plotters’ Forest where children can collect clues and solve riddles. From Saturday 26th, Leeds City Centre is also transforming into a wonderland with Wonderland Awaits, a new trail inspired by both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Children will love recognising some of the iconic scenes from these stories and familiar characters in this immersive experience. There’s a chance to take part in crafts and story time too.
Show Time
The award-winning and hilarious The Book of Mormon is back in the region, with shows at Newcastle Theatre Royal this weekend and until 9th August. This hugely popular and outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair and is the perfect introduction to musicals for those who think they don’t like them! The theatre’s brand new spot for a pre-show tipple or interval drink, The Green Room, is also now open for those attending shows prior to its public opening in September. Meanwhile Derren Brown is back on tour with another hauntingly clever show, and at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday, so act fast to get your tickets. Find out why everyone should see the summer spectacular Kynren as it continues its outdoor performances for its 10th anniversary season this Saturday too. Tickets are still available so don’t miss it.
On Screen
When the sun’s shining why not enjoy your favourite films outdoors? Castle Howard is showing Bridget Jones' Diary on Friday 25th, a classic Queen concert and Bohemian Rhapsody on Saturday 26th, and The Gruffalo's Child and Zog on Sunday 27th. Prefer something new? Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award-nominated writer Alex Garland have reunited for 28 Years Later which was filmed across the North East and Yorkshire. Go behind the scenes here, and watch it in cinemas now. Life: The Greatest Story is a unique new show narrated by actor Alex Kingston (star of Doctor Who and ER) screening in Life’s state-of-the-art planetarium in Newcastle. This 25-minute immersive show combines 3D animation with live action filming to discover the origins of life on planet Earth. The UEFA Women's EURO 2025 final takes place at St. Jakob-Park in Basel on Sunday 27th July. BBC Sport and ITV will host live coverage. Need more inspiration? Catch up with our culture guide here.
Fun at the Races
On Friday and Saturday York Racecourse’s popular Music Showcase Weekend is back. As well as thrilling racing action, racegoers will enjoy live performances from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Natasha Bedingfield and Ronan Keating. The most glamorous raceday of the flat season, Ladies Day returns to Newcastle Racecourse this Saturday, and racing will be followed by a Bongo's Bingo Party. Dress to impress.
What’s New?
It’s National Wine and Cheese Day on Friday 25th, so what better time to try out Jesmond’s new wine bar, Angel's Share. There’s self-pour tasting measures from 50ml to 250ml glasses, so it’s the perfect chance to find your new favourite. We go behind the scenes here. Over on Heaton Road, Burts, from the team behind Flint, is tempting smashburger lovers. We were one of the first through the door. For craft beer and cocktails, The Raven is Cleadon’s newest bar. Opening on Friday, Cafebar Eighteen38 at Dalton Park is serving up small plates, steak, burgers and pizzas – the perfect place for a mid-morning coffee, leisurely lunch or late-night cocktail. There’s a kids menu too. The Psalter in Sheffield serves up modern British sharing plates, and you can stay the night in its urban hotel. The Garden Room at The Devonshire Arms in Skipton has launched a brand-new dining venture, The Charcuterie & Wine Bar – a must-try – as is Saltmoore’s new pizzeria at The Beach House.
Take a Walk
Why not explore somewhere different this weekend? The Tyne Derwent Way is a new nine-mile trail connecting the centre of Gateshead with the Derwent Valley, stretching from St Mary’s Heritage Centre past Gateshead Riverside Park and Dunston Staiths through the Derwent Valley and ending at Gibside. Find out more about the trail itself here. Out with the dog? Here are nine of our favourite dog walks across Yorkshire and the North East.
