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What To Do This Weekend Clockwise from top left: The Minster Gate Bookshop, Bolton Abbey, Fayre Play, Mother Mercy
What's on
August 2025
Reading time 3 Minutes

New openings, live shows and how to spend a rainy day - here's what to do this weekend

We're finally saying goodbye to August, so make sure your summer goes out with a bang.
Red Bull Tyne Ride Red Bull Tyne Ride

Sporting Chance

This is set to be a great weekend for sports fans. Returning to Newcastle Quayside, Red Bull Tyne Ride will be wowing spectators this Saturday (30th). Free to the public, watch as some of the world’s best BMX riders test their nerve and get jaw-dropping airtime. At Longsands you can also do your part for charity this Saturday (30th) by giving your all at the Charity SAS Beach Bootcamp, in support of Feeding Families. Open to all abilities and free to attend, you can book your spot online now. If you caught last weekend’s match, you’ll know that the Red Roses are off to a flying start in the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Their next match is this Saturday (30th) against Samoa and if you’re having friends over to watch, these tacos make for the perfect weekend fakeaway.

What’s New

In Newcastle, a one-of-a-kind fairground experience is welcoming its first guests at The Gate this Friday (29th). Fayre Play brings together your favourite fairground games with great cocktails and a moreish menu of food. Lubber Kitchen is another recent opening in Newcastle which has largely flown under the radar. This is a café-cum-restaurant serving a collection of contemporary small plates on its evening set menu. Finally, Assemble (a natural wine bar and café) is opening its doors tonight on Old Eldon Square. Further south, Flight Ranch has recently opened by Fishburn Airfield, and pays homage to the history of aviation in the area. Biya2 is Leeds’ latest arrival, offering a mouthwatering mixture of Persian and Mediterranean cuisine on Wellington Bridge Street. 

strawberry cocktail Over and Above

Out & About

It’s shaping up to be a wet one this weekend, but don’t let that stop you from getting out and about. A trip to one of our many great castles and historic sites always keeps the kids entertained. There’s always something different to do at Alnwick Castle, join the Pirate Treasure Hunt at Bamburgh Castle and if you time it right, Lindisfarne Castle is another fantastic spot for the family (just keep your eye on the tide times). At Castle Howard, join Rover’s Grand Tour where young adventurers can follow in famous Rover the dog’s footsteps, or you can head to Bolton Abbey for a great blend of indoor and outdoor spaces with woodland walks (but you might want to bring your waterproofs).

Cocktail Crazy

Any time is a good time for cocktails and the North East and Yorkshire have so many great spots to choose from. Over and Above is Harrogate's newest bar – inspired by speakeasies and hidden behind a bookcase. Find our ultimate guide to the best cocktail bars in Leeds here, including Below Stairs whose bartender Lottie Barnard recently made the final of the World Class GB Cocktail competition. The much-loved Twist of Fate machines have returned to Mother Mercy in Newcastle, offering guests a lucky dip chance of trying one of their new margaritas. Want to to one at home? This blackberry and sage margarita offers the perfect balance between the flavours of summer and autumn.

Heppni Bakeri Heppni Bakeri

Keep it Seasonal

This weekend we say goodbye to August and hello to September, and we’re giving you permission to go all-in on autumn vibes. One of our favourite places to see the leaves change is along the riverside walk in Durham which takes you past the Cathedral and back around to Flat White Kitchen where you can pick up a hot drink (and maybe something sweet). If you like spending your rainy days in a bookshop (who doesn’t?), The Minster Gate Bookshop is a stone’s throw from York Minster and just around the corner from Heppni Bakeri, which does the best bakes in the city. Barter Books is another favourite in Alnwick, and has the added bonus of deep armchairs for a cosy afternoon spent reading. 

Put on a Show

Rock N Roll Circus returns to Don Valley Bowl in Sheffield this weekend for a fantastic live event. This Thursday (28th) catch rock royalty Queens of the Stone Age along with a whole host of other talented rock bands. On Friday, Bryan Adams will be headlining the show alongside Melanie C and others. Tickets are limited so get yours now while you still can. Fans of Eurovision will be delighted to know that Sam Ryder, who took the UK all the way to second place, will be performing at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster this Saturday (30th) alongside indie musical guests. 

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