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What To Do This Weekend Clockwise from top left: The Cumberland | The Tipi at The Tempus | Elbows on the Table | Hethpool Linn | Beer Festival, Unsplash
What's on
May 2026
Reading time 3 Minutes

It's going to be another warm one, so make the most of it

The new openings you'll love, great dog walks and the best places for a family picnic - here's what to do this weekend.
Front Room Front Room

What’s New


In Amble

Bridge Street Books is Amble's newest bookshop which just opened its doors. Friendly and relaxed, this is a great independent spot for bookworms. Keep your eyes peeled for updates as the team continue to strengthen and refine their offering. 

In Newcastle

Looking ahead to Monday (1st) Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao is launching its newest site on Pilgrim Street. Their viral breakfast bao buns can now be bought from locations in Sunderland, Whitley Bay and Newcastle. Elsewhere, Newcastle-based Tendr Pasta is the new pop-up pasta club you need to try. Their first event was held at Cosmic Social in Low Fell, with events in Newcastle to follow.

In York

The Cumberland is York's newest restaurant to know.  Beside the river on Cumberland Street, the menu is full of elegant seasonal dishes covering lunch, dinner, Sunday lunch, and pre-theatre options.

In Boroughbridge

After beginning their book business by trading online, the team behind Beloved Books have finally opened a bricks and mortar bookshop on Horsefair. Stocking general fiction, a great children’s section and accessories, book-lovers need to stop by.

In Leeds

Head to Wellington Street (near the train station) for Elbows on the Table, a lively new bar for wine, beer and excellent salted beef sandwiches (as well as an assortment of other moreish sandwiches).

In Sheffield

Head to The Hide on Scotland Street for the newly opened Front Room. As relaxed as the name would imply, this is the place to go for great coffee, light bites, music and events. Keep an eye on their socials for late-night events and cocktail hours. 

Unsplash Unsplash

Out & About

Fabulous countryside walks your dog will love


Cod Beck Reservoir

You’ll find this idyllic spot on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park. It’s an easy and leisurely one-and-a-half-mile walk, which is perfect for a weekend stroll, and much of the walk follows the water’s edge.

Hawthorn Trail

The circular three-mile route begins in Hawthorn village and takes you through Hawthorn Dene, across Hawthorn Meadows and towards the sea. There’s plenty of variety on this walk to keep things interesting. 

Hardcastle Crags

There are more than 15 miles of footpath to explore across the 400 acres of countryside at Hardcastle Crags, all punctuated by tumbling streams, grassy meadows and trees. You’re spoilt for choice, but the three-mile circular Railway Trail is our favourite.

Brimham Rocks Brimham Rocks

Perfect Picnic Spots

Plan the perfect picnic and head somewhere scenic 


Bolam Lake Country Park

This is a great family-friendly, accessible option for a picnic. Take the waterside path to find the perfect spot, or head into the woodland to explore before settling down.

Brimham Rocks

There are picnic benches to take advantage of here, or find a spot amongst the rock formations to enjoy your lunch. This area is ancient, and the striking rocks date back millions of years.

Hethpool Linn

Rural and rugged, this scenic spot can be found in College Valley. We recommend finding somewhere to perch near the cascading water (and taking a dip afterwards).

The Karate Kid: The Musical (c) Manuel Harlan The Karate Kid: The Musical (c) Manuel Harlan

Put on a Show

The hottest tickets around right now


In Berwick

Experience a new live public performance from artist Lewis Hetherington inspired by Berwick’s ecology and heritage. Encounter The Visitors on Saturday 30th May in Berwick Town Centre from 12pm, and Sunday on Spittal Promenade from 12pm, where a procession will appear and move through the landscape. Produced by The Maltings, this mysterious performance will not be one to miss.

In Newcastle

Folk darling Ray LaMontagne will be playing O2 City Hall Newcastle this evening as part of his tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of hit album Trouble. Limited tickets are still available so grab yours while you can. 

In Leeds

The UK premiere of The Karate Kid: The Musical is now showing at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday (30th) so get your tickets now. See the classic movie brought to life with amazing choreography and musical numbers.

In Bradford

At St George’s Hall until Saturday (30th) catch the family classic Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Fabulous costumes, amazing sets and songs everyone knows and loves, this will be a spectacular show.

The Tipi at The Tempus The Tipi at The Tempus

Tipples at The Tipi

The latest offering from The Tipi at The Tempus you need to know about


This Friday and Saturday (29th and 30th) will see the first of The Tipi’s new Summer Soirée’ series, which will feature special themed events at the end of each month. This weekend, enjoy their lively Mexican fiesta weekender. Open to guests of The Tempus in Northumberland, and visitors, expect a bespoke cocktail list featuring South American-inspired margaritas, mojitos, and summer classics. Also on offer, courtesy of The Tipi’s food truck, will be an exclusive menu drawing from the best of Mexican street food. To accompany, enjoy live music with sets from Jo McGarry on Friday, followed by local favourites, the Alnwick Allstars, on Saturday. Best of all, entry is free with no need to book in advance.

Eboracum Roman Festival Eboracum Roman Festival

Weekend Festivals

The local festivals you won’t want to miss 


In Ponteland

Ponteland Beer Festival returns this Friday and Saturday (29th and 30th). Head to the Rugby Club for more than 100 cask ales and beers, plus cider, Prosecco, street food vendors and live music.

In York

Visitors still have time to enjoy Eboracum Roman Festival in York, which ends this Sunday (31st). There are plenty of Roman-themed activities to get involved in, including Romans at the Minster (until Saturday) where you can discover the Minster’s fascinating past, and a screening of Gladiator at the City Screen Picturehouse on Sunday.

In Scarborough

Part of the summer-long Scarborough Fair, Scarborough Streets is a curated three-day festival taking place this weekend (Friday 29th–Sunday 31st) which promises to be fun for all the family. Taking place across the town centre, enjoy a range of public art, workshops and public performances. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the spa town, and we learned more about its fascinating history.

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