What To Do This Weekend
New openings, free days out with Dad, and the return of The Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair - here's what to do this weekend
What’s New
In Kirkharle
Ceramicist Rebecca Ridley has recently opened her own studio and shop. You’ll find it alongside a collection of other independents in Kirkharle Courtyard, selling beautiful handmade crockery – think bowls, cups, mugs, trinket dishes and more.
In Durham
Book ahead now for Faru’s upcoming culinary event you won’t want to miss. On 29th June, Michelin-starred chef Jake Jones from the Forge at Middleton Lodge will be working in collaboration with the Faru team for an exclusive tasting menu experience. Availability is limited so get your tickets now.
In Sunderland
Newly redesigned, Cherry Blossom on Cleveland Road is reopening this Friday (19th), offering beautiful blooms, coffee, cakes and a curated selection of homeware. Best of all, the space is dog friendly.
In Harrogate
Popular womenswear brand Nobody’s Child have recently opened a new bricks and mortar shop on Prospect Place, joining the likes of Jo Malone and Me + Em. This is their second Yorkshire location after their Leeds shop opened last year.
In York
Mila is a chic new wine and espresso bar on Fishergate you need to visit. Moody and intimate, this is the place to head for tipples and artisan charcuterie boards after work. For something a little quirkier, visit the new Puss & Mew sculpture outside York Distillery, a two-foot cat which dispenses a shot of gin when you place a coin in its mouth. The sculpture is inspired by historic vending machines which flouted the restrictions on gin in the city during the 1700s.
In Sheffield
Hama is the new authentic Korean restaurant you need to try on Chesterfield Road. Stop by for everything from classic tteokbokki and bibimbap to crispy kimchi pancakes. The restaurant is new to the city, after relocating from Leeds.
Put on a Show
Don’t miss Proms at the Castle in Wakefield
Proms at the Castle (20th June) returns with a magnificent evening of music and light as Pontefract Castle proudly presents the West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy a special evening of music with familiar melodies from family films, to music from the world of ballet and opera. Follow it up the next day with Tributes at the Castle, an evening of nostalgic 80s tunes.
Out & About
Where to see local wildlife this weekend
Low Hauxley Nature Reserve
This reserve lies a stone’s throw from Druridge Bay in Northumberland. Entry is free, and the reserve includes the Wildlife Discovery Centre, a circular walk and six hides. This is an especially good spot for birdwatching.
Washington Wetland Centre
This charity protects and supports the local wetlands and their unique wildlife in Tyne and Wear. From spectacular birds of prey to dragonflies, damselflies, herons and terns, so many creatures great and small call this area home.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Home to the UK’s largest mainland seabird colony, RSPB Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire are a sight to behold. Most famous for their puffins, there’s plenty of birdlife to enjoy, and activities to get stuck into.
Bradford Pennine Gateway
This nature reserve covers a unique area in West Yorkshire, connecting eight sites across the Bradford and South Pennines area including well-known sites like Ilkley Moor, and hidden gems like Bingley Bog.
Summer Solstice
How to while away the hours on the longest day of the year
Sunrise Dips
On Sunday (21st), the sun rises just before 4.30am. If you can drag yourself out of bed, a morning dip to greet the day is heavenly. Ross Sands in Northumberland is a wonderfully secluded stretch of sand we love, and further south Sandsend Beach is a more easily accessible spot.
Daytime Dining
After a refreshing dip and beach walk, we recommend a lunch enjoyed al fresco. The Bay Horse in Hurworth has a particularly nice walled garden and is a great spot for foodies. Otherwise, The Fairfax Arms near Helmsley is another LN favourite featuring an elegant terrace.
Late Night Sipping
You’ll have time to spare as the evening draws in, and plenty of daylight left, so why not fit in a tipple or two? Life on Mars is York's newest cocktail bar we’re loving on Lendal Bridge, and Leeds has become a thriving hub for independent bars. Further north, Wren in Ouseburn remains a favourite, or head to the new Freight Island for a range of bar and foodie options.
Fun at the Fair
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair is back in Newcastle this month
With the first preview evening taking place tonight (18th), don’t miss the return of The Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair. Taking place art Sport Central, Northumbria University, meet more than 100 fascinating makers and artists, covering everything from ceramics and textiles to jewellery and fine art.
greatnorthernevents.co.uk
Days Out with Dad
Where can dads go free this Father’s Day
In Northumberland
When accompanied by a full-paying child, dads can go free at Whitehouse Farm Centre this weekend. The offer runs until 21st June and families can enjoy animal encounters, tractor rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, and interactive farm activities for all ages.
In County Durham
This weekend, Raby Castle are offering free entry for dads (Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st). Free entry applies to one dad or father figure per family and to claim free entry book a Park and Gardens or Plotters’ Forest ticket online, and show it at the Portcullis entrance on arrival.
In Leeds
Hosted by Leeds Dads, sign up online and head to Leeds City Museum for a free celebration this Sunday (21st). Enjoy family dance workshops, up cycling sessions, arts and crafts, and sensory story time.
In Doncaster
Yorkshire Wildlife park are offering dads, step-dads and grandads free entry across Saturday and Sunday (20th–21st). Available to book online only, spaces are limited so books your spot now.
