What To Do This Weekend
Where to celebrate Yorkshire Day, the best new openings and what foodies won't want to miss this weekend
What’s New
In Alnwick
Luxury café, bistro and bar Oat & Olive recently opened their doors on Market Street. With everything from delicious breakfasts to late night bites and lots in between, tuck into the likes of cajun corn ribs, brisket croquettes and steak and eggs.
In Newcastle
The Sinful Spine, Newcastle’s first dedicated romance bookshop, is opening its doors this Saturday (1st). Moody and atmospheric, as well as stocking the newest must-read romance novels, the shop also has a great range of gifts and accessories for bookworms. From today (30th), award-winning Gateshead bakery Savour will be popping up in Fenwick on Thursdays and Fridays selling their amazing creations – they’re well worth seeking out.
In Middlesbrough
Butterfold Bakery is a recent addition to Bedford Street that we love. After finding success at local markets, the team recently put down permanent roots on the street and are more popular than ever, dishing up creative sweet treats and speciality drinks.
In Leeds
Indian favourite Dishoom is preparing to open its doors on Vicar Lane and we can’t wait. Beginning this coming Monday (3rd), the restaurant will be hosting a soft launch of their new venue with 50 percent off food. Booking is advised but tables have also been held for walk-ins. On Great George Street, North Star Coffee Roasters have just opened another location, serving up great coffee and homemade bakes.
In Sheffield
Recently taking over a unit on Chapel Walk, Memory Dance is a unique venue we’re loving, bringing together a record shop, gallery and independent cinema which focuses on Yorkshire’s cultural heritage.
Family Fun
Summer holiday family fun on a budget
In Warkworth
As part of the Great British Summer Saving Scheme, families can enjoy reduced admissions across a range of English Heritage sites. Warkworth Castle is one of our favourites and kids will love exploring its fascinating ruins and interactive story telling before taking a stroll along the river.
Near Bishop Auckland
Low Barns Nature Reserve is offering a fantastic (and free) opportunity for kids to get hands-on with nature. The nature explorers club runs on select days through the summer holidays and teaches kids more about local wildlife.
At Rudding Park
From 1st August, head to Rudding Park for their new Great Yorkshire Golf Adventure. The first county-inspired adventure golf experience in the North, guests can expect a story-led 18 hole course showcasing the very best of Yorkshire and its history (including some surprises along the way). This Saturday to mark the beginning of the new experience, kids go free to Gimme Golffest, where they can be the first to play the new course.
In York
This summer at the National Railway Museum, families can embark on a full summer holiday in just one day at this award-winning museum. With a unique programme of free activities, visitors can pick up a ‘passport’ and explore the countryside, have fun at the seaside and even go abroad on a Japanese bullet train – all without leaving the museum.
Hooray for Yorkshire
Celebrate Yorkshire Day in style this weekend
Just outside Whitby, luxury wellness retreat Saltmoore is hosting a fabulous Yorkshire Day barbecue this Saturday (1st) on the Minuty Terrace at Saltmoore House. The day begins at 12pm and will include delicious Yorkshire produce alongside an afternoon of live music.
Wakefield’s Blacker Hall Farm will be hosting its own Yorkshire Day Festival across Saturday and Sunday (1st–2nd). The event promises to bring together local producers, artisan makers and independent businesses for two fun-filled days.
Stockeld Park are attempting a world record for the largest gathering of people wearing flat caps this Saturday, alongside a full weekend of themed activities running across both Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August. Take part in everything from a Yorkshire Tea relay, Yorkshire pudding eating challenge and welly wanging to a Yorkshire-themed pub quiz and flat cap frisbee!
This Saturday will also see the first ever Yorkshire Proms take place at St George’s Hall in Bradford, bringing together the full Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ben Crick, Bantam of the Opera choir, Bradford Festival Choral Society and a host of special guests.
Book Ahead
Don’t miss the return of NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week
NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week in association with Tyne and Wear Metro is back from 3rd to 9th August.The city's biggest celebration of food, from familiar favourites to exciting newcomers there’s somewhere to suit every palate. Enjoy offers for just £15, £20 and £25 per person during the week, and if you’re not sure where to book, we’ve got a list of our favourites here.
Food, Glorious Food
What foodies won’t want to miss this weekend
In Gateshead
This Saturday (1st) is the first ever Baltic Beer Festival. The focus will be on craft beer, featuring a strong line up of local brewers, excellent street food and live DJ Deja Brew, with an exclusively-designed glass also included with your ticket. Expect names like Twice Brewed, Full Circle Brew Co and Wear Beer Brewery. Tickets can be booked online.
In Seaham
Seaham Food Festival returns this Saturday and Sunday (1st–2nd). Headlining the free event is popular TV chef Matt Tebbutt and visitors can also expect to see Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals judge, Cherish Finden; BBC MasterChef winner, Shelina Permalloo; and chef and author, Cyrus Todiwala. Nearly 140 traders will be at the festival, so there will be something for everyone.
In Leeds
CrowdedHouse is inviting guests to celebrate its first birthday with four days of live music, exclusive birthday treats and special food and drink offers from today until Sunday. Every dining guest across the birthday weekend will receive a complimentary slice of birthday cake, with every table in with a chance of winning a round of cocktails on the house. Guests can expect house band performances and vinyl DJ sets spinning funk, soul and disco to Ibiza classics, house music and a laid-back reggae rooftop session to round off the festivities.
In Wakefield
The Hepworth is hosting House of Makers: Yorkshire Pantry this Sunday (2nd). The event is free, and brings together produce, groceries, provisions and store-cupboard essentials from Yorkshire providers.
Fabulous Festivals
Some of the hottest tickets around this weekend
In Newcastle
Newcastle’s answer to Crufts returns to the Quayside this weekend: NE1’s Dog on the Tyne is this Saturday (1st) from 11am until 3pm. Enjoy a day of free canine fun including dog walks, themed market stalls, agility courses and dog yoga. New for this year is The Wag Awards. All dogs are welcome to enter the contest with categories including the Waggiest Tail, the Best Dog Trick, and the Dog Most Like Owner.
In Stockton
Stockton International Riverside Festival returns across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, making its debut in the new Waterfront Park. With more than 100 performances taking place, this outdoor arts festival is not one to miss.
At Harewood House
On Sunday (2nd), Harewood House will host the region's biggest-ever pug meet in honour of their latest exhibition, Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons, about the famous photographer who was known to have a love of pugs. Pug owners will receive complimentary entry for one owner, with the day also including a group photo, a ferry trip and complimentary puppuccinos for every pug.
