What To Do This Weekend
It's the Easter Bank Holiday weekend so be sure to make the most of it, come rain or shine
What’s New
In Chathill
The Tempus, one of Northumberland’s most stylish hotel destinations, has announced what’s new for guests in time for the Easter Weekend. Diners can enjoy an updated and refined menu from the Orangery, as well as the return of The Tipi complete with fire pits, and tempting tipples. The Tempus will also be laying on a family-friendly Easter trail with a free map available from reception with an Easter egg at the end.
In Jesmond
Tantara is the new dining spot on Osborne Road you need to try, bringing traditional Bengalese cuisine to the North East, inspired by cabin café culture of Calcutta. From the same owners behind Delhi 6 in South Shields, tuck into a blend of street food dishes and curries.
In Ouseburn
For authentic Vietnamese cuisine, a visit to the new Thao's Kitchen is a must. Think delicious banh mi options, summer rolls, rice dishes and more. Plus, expect plenty of seasonal specials and a good range of speciality iced and hot drinks.
In Chapel Allerton
This new spot in Chapel Allerton is the second site for Nyla’s, who already have a busy and Instagrammable spot in the centre of the city. This is the opening weekend for the Chapel Allerton location – expect small plates, brunch options and vibrant cocktails.
In Harrogate
Gilt Bakehouse opens this Bank Holiday Monday and we can’t wait. This new contemporary space will be serving up delicious sandwiches, fresh bakes and tarts from its spot on Harrogate Market Place.
Easter Egg-stravaganza at Dalton Park
Head to Dalton Park for an unmissable Easter weekend
Head to the North East’s largest outlet shopping destination this weekend for a packed line-up of family-friendly events, including an unmissable Easter Egg Hunt, and its first ever Easter-themed artisan market. From 10am on Saturday (4th) take part in Dalton Park’s spectacular Easter Egg Hunt, where kids will have the chance to meet Patrick the Bunny, receive their own bunny ears and take part in interactive activities. And across Saturday and Sunday, take part in Dalton Park’s first ever Easter Artisan Market, with independent traders offering lots of handmade gifts. dalton-park.co.uk
Fun Festivals
In Newcastle
Battle of the Burger returns to Wylam Brewery this weekend (Friday and Saturday) where local vendors will duke it out to be named the city’s best burger. Featured exhibitors include Hake, 40 Ounce, Brack Burger, Meatstack, Smoke and Sear and more. Entry is free, and children and dogs are welcome.
In York
York Chocolate Festival returns from 1st April until Sunday 5th April. Discover everything from live chocolate sculpting and a free egg trail through the city, to chocolate tastings at York Cocoa Works, and of course the fabulous Chocolate Festival Market.
In Whitby
From Friday to Monday (3rd–6th) head to the Easter Made in Whitby Festival, celebrating local artisan makers and creatives. From locally-made tipples and skincare to jams, jewellery and chocolate, there’s so much to enjoy in this seaside town.
In the Kitchen
Keep the family busy in the kitchen this Easter weekend
If the kids are wanting to get hands on in the kitchen, these easy traybakes come together quickly and are perfect for little hands. Hoping to impress dinner guests?
We love this simple yet delicious chocolate Easter torte and these showstopping Lindt recipes are bound to go down a treat. For savoury options, these golden lamb cutlets are a fresh alternative to the classic roast, and if lamb isn’t your joint of choice, here's how to make our favourite Easter ham.
With the Family
In Gateshead
Beginning this Monday (6th), head to Exhibition Square at the Metrocentre with the kids for Retro Mini Metro, a miniature retail role-play world where kids can run their own shops, stop by the salon to be pampered or even serve hotdogs at the miniature cinema. Admission is free, though donations are welcome, and all money raised goes to the Daisy Chain Project.
In Bamburgh
Head to Bamburgh this Saturday and Sunday (4th–5th) for egg launching with a trebuchet! Back by popular demand, visitors must crack the challenge and figure out exactly how heavy your egg has to be to travel the furthest, and it’s kids versus grown ups.
In North Cave
Head to adventure play park William’s Den for their fabulous Easter Adventures. Meet the Easter Bunny, join in the Easter Hunt, decorate your own biscuits and build your own teddy bear.
In Scarborough
North Yorkshire Water Park is set to reopen for the 2026 season from Saturday (4th). Discover one of the largest aqua courses in England at the Wipeout Aqua Park, or take part in everything from kayaking to paddleboarding, with a host of land activities too.
Tickets, Please!
In Newcastle
This is your last chance to catch The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedy, Hamlet is a tale of revenge, ghosts and betrayal that is not to be missed.
In Sunderland
At Sunderland Empire, hit musical Mean Girls is showing from the 6th, pitching naive newcomer Cady against cruel Queen Bee Regina George in a battle for high school supremacy.
In York
Catch everyone from Elizabeth I and Boudicca, to Cleopatra, Dick Turpin and Charles II at York Barbican when Horrible Histories: The Concert, Live and Dead on Stage takes over the venue for the first time. Darkly funny, this is not one to miss.
In Bradford
From Bank Holiday Monday head to Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre for the wickedly funny Operation Mincemeat, telling the true story of how a dead body, a fake love letter and Ian Fleming all helped to wrong-foot Hitler and win the war.
