What To Do This Weekend
New openings, the best beaches, discounted dining and great local festivals you don't want to miss - here's what to do this weekend
What’s New
In Durham
A flurry of new openings have popped up in Durham recently. You'll find House Kitchen downstairs besides Chapters on Elvet Bridge, serving up brunch, small plates and coffee from 12pm until late. At Prince Bishop’s Place, stop by Brasserie Quartier – the place to head for French-inspired classics. Think steak frites, poulet rôti and French onion soup.
In Darlington
Flameroom Steakhouse & Grill is Darlington’s latest opening. Expect to find grill classics as well as burgers, steaks and chops on the menu here, there’s a good vegan selection, and the chef’s signatures are not to be missed.
In York
Throughout April, the hugely popular The Whippet Inn are offering 30 percent off your bill in celebration of their new menu. The kitchen here turn out consistently great food – think beef tartare with truffle emulsion, seared scallops with brown butter hazelnuts and pickled apple, and port-braised beef cheek with glazed carrots, leeks and black truffle pommes Anna.
In Harrogate
Lincolnshire-based roastery Seven Districts Coffee have made the move north and opened a location on Harrogate’s Royal Parade. Stop by for exceptional coffee, bakes and light bites in the heart of the town.
In Helmsley
For adorable homeware and must-have accessories, This Other Eden in Helmsley is the newest opening you need to know about. Shop everything from artwork and kitchen utensils to home fragrance and gifts.
In Leeds
Tori Nori is a contemporary spot on Vicar Lane which centres around Japanese grilling. Tuck into the likes of yakitori skewers, fresh sashimi, mixed vegetable tempura and yuzu miso lamb chops.
Out & About
Our favourite beaches for family strolls
Ross Back Sands
We love this vast stretch of sand between Bamburgh and Lindisfarne. The walk through the dunes to reach the sea is longer than you’d expect (around a mile in total) which adds to the feeling of remoteness at this stunning beach.
Saltburn Beach
Famous for its iconic peer and cliffside tramway, this is a great spot for a beach walk with a selection of pit-stops and cafés within easy reach, making it a convenient choice for families.
Fraisthorpe Beach
This long stretch of coast between Bridlington and Barmston is one of many stunning beaches in the area. Of particular interest are the anti-tank blocks found at the edge of the dunes.
Fun at the Fair
There’s only one week to go until the return of Living North LIVE to Newcastle Racecourse!
Living North LIVE 2026 (24th–26th April) is the North East’s leading homes, gardens, shopping, food and lifestyle event. With stylish shopping, live demonstrations, talks and tastings, Living North LIVE brings you inspiring ideas for your home and garden, great gifts, delicious food and unique accessories that you won’t find anywhere else. We can’t wait to welcome you, and Early Bird Discounted Tickets are available to buy now. This year for the first time you can also enjoy street food in the sunshine in our new street food area – think Greek wraps, loaded fries and freshly-brewed coffee.
Getting Arty
York Open Studios returns to the city this weekend
This is the first weekend of York Open Studios 2026, running across Saturday and Sunday (18th–19th) and again the following weekend. Visitors are invited to take a peek into the workplaces and studios of local artists. More than 25 artists will be inviting the public in, and their work covers everything from traditional and contemporary painting and print, illustration, drawing and ceramics, to mixed media, glass and sculpture, jewellery, textiles and photography. Find an interactive map of all artists involved online.
Curlew Champions
Throughout April, Nidderdale National Landscape is backing the curlew conservation appeal with a range of events.
On Friday (17th)
A Pennine Hills Curlew Choir refresher evening is taking place at Pateley Bridge Memorial Hall ahead of performances during World Curlew Week. All singers are invited to come along, and the evening will be led by musician Mary Keith.
On Saturday (18th)
On Saturday morning, a six-mile choir walk will take place from Marsden Moor, with founder of Curlew Action Mary Colwell, with the choir singing across the landscape where Pennine curlews breed.
On Sunday (19th)
Supporters will take on The Curlew Challenge, covering the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Alongside the walkers will be Cathy and Heathcliff, two giant curlew puppets, created by Matt Trevelyan.
Book your tickets here or to donate, head to justgiving.com
Fun Festivals
The festivals you don’t want to miss this weekend
In Newcastle
For those into the indie scene, Aelius Alternative Music Festival returns to Newcastle this Saturday (18th), with performances across The Globe, Head of Steam and Mosaic Tap. Highlights include Ewan Slim, Social Habits and Fawns.
In Scarborough
Sci-Fi Scarborough returns to Scarborough Spa this Saturday and Sunday (18th–19th). This is the ultimate destination for all things science fiction with appearances from screen legends including Paul McGann of Doctor Who fame, and Red Dwarf’s Danny John-Jules.
In Sheffield
This Saturday and Sunday (18th–19th) is Sheffield Ceramics Festival at Kelham Island Museum. The weekend promises to be a showcase of fabulous potters, artists and more.
