What To Do This Weekend
New openings, a summer market and the best family walks
What’s New
In Whitley Bay
New wine bar-cum-café Flock has just opened its doors on Park View. From the same team behind Assemble and House, this is a relaxed, family-friendly space offering light bites and great drinks.
In Durham
A bright splash of colour on Durham’s Market Place, Norse is hard to miss. A sister venue to Crush Wine on North Road, Norse offers more than 100 wines to try or take home, plus Scandi-inspired small plates like gravlax with dill sauce and smoked venison with beetroot salad.
In York
Inside Fossgate Tap, Foro is the new spot you need to try serving up Roman-style pizzas and pasta. Think courgette and anchovy pizza, classic carbonara and small bites.
In Leeds
A new sauna and ice bath café has just opened on Railway Street. Kontrast offers a sleek, communal take on classic sauna experiences, with plenty of events and group activities to get stuck into (like their regular running club).
Game On
Keep up with the latest from the FIFA World Cup
After a disappointing draw against Ghana on Tuesday, England will be back in action this Saturday (27th) against Panama. Temperatures are set to stay high this weekend, so ditch the couch, dodge the showers and head out to watch the game. Here’s our handy guide to where to watch the World Cup this year.
Gone to Market
Head to Jesmond Dene House for their fabulous Summer Market
Join Jesmond Dene House this Sunday 28th June from 10am–3pm for their Summer Market. Set within the hotel's beautiful grounds, this relaxed outdoor event is the perfect way to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon while supporting local independent makers, artisans, and small businesses. Visitors can browse 26 unique craft stalls and boutique pop-up shops, discover handmade treasures, and enjoy delicious sweet treats throughout the day. Alongside the market, they will be serving their popular barbecue with a selection of summer favourites in a picturesque setting.
Tickets are £6 per person and include a refreshing drink on arrival. Book online at buytickets.at/jesmonddenehouse/2183266 or call 0191 212 6060.
Fabulous Festivals
Niche festivals that fly under the radar
In Newcastle
This weekend (Friday 26th–Saturday 27th), head to Northumbria University Quad for their Meet & Eat event. The event will bring together a curated selection of some of the North East’s most popular independent food vendors and local makers (including Deep North, Made of Crumbs, Weird Dough Pizza and Chicken Ting).
In Gateshead
Head to the Metrocentre for Fan Fest, a Comic Con-style event designed for families. Expect appearances from your favourite characters like Batman, Optimus Prime and Jabba the Hutt, as well as a cosplay competition and an appearance from TikTokker Chris Saunders across Saturday and Sunday (27th–28th).
In Sheffield
The first ever Higher Fields Festival is taking place this Saturday (27th) on Randall Street. The day-long music festival has an excellent line-up of independent artists across its stages to enjoy.
Hottest Tickets in Town
The shows you won’t want to miss
In Newcastle
At Tyne Theatre & Opera House this Friday (26th), don’t miss the award-winning West End comedy Austentatious. Join the cast as they improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen-inspired novel, inspired entirely by the audience.
In Sunderland
Roll up, roll up! Moulin Rouge is at Sunderland Empire until this Saturday (27th). Expect familiar songs, dazzling stagecraft and a heartbreaking romance. Here’s what we thought when we went along on opening night.
In York
Be dazzled at York Barbican this Saturday (27th), where The Night Sky Show will take audience members on a trip across the cosmos. The evening is presented by experienced astronomer and author Adrian West.
In Sheffield
The kids will love Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at Lyceum Theatre on Friday and Saturday (26th–27th). As the family wait for their newest arrival, they need your help to get everything ready for baby Evie.
Out & About
Easy, flat walks for the whole family
In Northumberland
Druridge Bay Country Park is a great destination for the family, comprising a park, lake and beach. There’s so much to explore here including a series of nature reserves, and stretches of sand spanning seven miles.
In Durham
Low Burnhall is a fascinating patchwork of landscapes and habitats begging to be explored. There’s a waymarked walk here that’s easy to follow, as well as parking and 168 acres of woodland to discover.
In North Yorkshire
The walk from Malham to Janet’s Foss is a simple one (though the final section isn’t pushchair accessible) and is just shy of a mile in length. At the end of the walk, Janet’s Foss is an idyllic spot for a paddle with the family.
In West Yorkshire
RSPB St Aidan’s is an accessible area for wildlife lovers. Formerly an open-cast coal mine, the area has been transformed into a thriving hub for local birds, insects and other animals.
