What To Do This Weekend
New openings, the best summer days out with the kids and must-visit family festivals - here's what to do this weekend
What’s New
In Morpeth
House of Stories is Morpeth's newest bookshop which recently opened on Newgate Street. The shop is home to a carefully-curated selection of new, pre-loved and antique books that bookworms will love.
In Newcastle
Northern favourites Stupid Good Pizza have finally arrived on Chillingham Road. Enjoy delicious New York-style slices, and we love their luxe menu (think whipped ricotta with hot honey, or wild mushrooms, Italian sausage and aged Parmesan).
In North Shields
Low Quay Brew Co on Northumberland Street has just expanded its outdoor space, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a pint. The space includes covered and uncovered seating, plus a great menu from Low Quay Kitchen and an outdoor bar.
In East Boldon
New café lounge Blossoms recently welcomed the first guests to their spot on St Bedes. Expect delicious seasonal drinks, freshly-baked goods and a relaxed atmosphere. This is a great option for the Instagram-obsessed too.
In Hebden Bridge
On Bridge Gate, Sandre Café & Bar is the new place to head for coffee, cocktails and light bites. The space is moody and warm, made for conversations over drinks with friends – stop by for brunch or head over for an evening tipple.
In Sheffield
Kin Pottery Works is a recent opening in Abbeydale that we’re in love with. With taster sessions, workshops and courses, this social pottery studio is an amazing place to get creative with gentle guidance from experts.
Family Fun
Summer holiday activities on a budget
In Alnwick
This summer, Alnwick Castle is taking part in the Great British Summer Savings Scheme and there’s so much to get stuck into. This weekend, master archer Andy Rice shows his skills with a longbow on the Archery Lawn. Their fabulous Outdoor Adventure Cinema returns next Wednesday too, with a packed schedule of screenings.
In Gateshead
Metrocentre has lined up a summer-long programme of free and budget-friendly activities all summer, including the England Netball North East Festival this Saturday (25th). The free festival offers the chance to learn about throwing, catching, footwork and shooting, plus five to 11 year olds can enjoy the introductory Bee Netball aimed at younger players.
In County Durham
Cool down under the dense shaded canopy of Hamsterley Forest, County Durham’s largest woodland. Keen cyclists can perfect their skills or tackle the extreme single-track routes at Danny Hart's Descend Bike Park, the North East's only dedicated downhill and 4X park, whilst younger kids can explore the themed play areas, discover the Gruffalo sculptures and have a go at a Gruffalo orienteering course, whilst everyone will want to try out disc golf.
In Ripon
After a recent renovation, Ripon Workhouse Museum has reopened to the public offering visitors a look into the lives of the Victorians. Visit a real former Workhouse, including the original Workhouse Kitchen Garden, Gatehouse and Guardian’s Room. A museum pass covers entry to the Workhouse Museum, Courthouse Museum, and Prison & Police Museum, and tickets last for 12 months.
Near Thirsk
The Wildflower Meadow at Spilmans Farm is an amazing place to pick your own flowers with the family. The Meadow features everything from cornflowers, poppies and corn chamomile to red and white campion. The five-acre site is adjacent to their strawberry fields and is open until the end of August.
Near Harrogate
Get the kids out into the fresh air and enjoy a fabulous and free day out at Brimham Rocks. This is a special place with pathways to race down, amazing rock formations to scramble over and acres of wildlife-filled moorland to explore.
Tickets, Please
The summer celebrations you won’t want to miss
In Hexham
Hexham Bluegrass and Americana Festival will return for its fifth year this Saturday and Sunday (25th–26th). This free festival will include a range of workshops as well as performances from the Truffle Valley Boys, Dan Walsh and The Rye Sisters.
In Newcastle
Newcastle Pride returns to Newcastle city centre this Saturday and Sunday (25th–26th) for the biggest pride celebration in the North of England. Headliners this year include Nadine Coyle, Danny Beard and Katy B. By the Tyne, Hotel du Vin has partnered with Sicilian winery Planeta to host a series of Mediterranean-inspired outdoor dining events. The first Wood, Fire & Vine event will take place this Friday (24th), with another event planned for Friday 21st August. On Sunday (26th) join Aoife Forbes at Motel One for an elegant afternoon of luxe gift wrapping with a welcome drink on arrival. Expect to learn four to five new gift wrapping techniques, including how to avoid Sellotape, and how to make your gifts look too good to open.
In Sheffield
Tramlines Festival returns to Hillsborough Park from 24th–26th. Headliners include icons like Fatboy Slim, Kaiser Chiefs, Wolf Alice and indie darlings Wetleg. Into the Trees is their dedicated family area at the festival, and there are five unique stages to explore.
In Topcliffe
Don’t miss Deer Shed festival at Baldersby Park. This fantastic music event takes place across three days (24th–26th) and is a great time for lovers of indie music, comedy and literary talks.
In It to Win It
Discover Leeds’s newest family adventure trail
Marking the 400th anniversary of Leeds, the city is being transformed into a giant game of Trivial Pursuit from this Saturday (25th). Put your knowledge of all things Leeds to the test, travelling across the city centre from category to category to answer questions and collect wedges, just like in the classic game. A full breakdown of locations and rules can be found online, and there’s a fantastic prize draw to enter at the end.
Fighting Fit
The new fitness openings you need to know
In Gateshead
Pikup Padel have just launched their first padel centre featuring 11 premium courts at Follingsby Lane. Expect a great range of sessions, in-house coaches and a great community spirit.
In Hull
Offering Reformer Pilates, Hot Pilates and Barre sessions, Elethea Studios has recently opened a new studio in Hull on Saxon Way. This is the perfect place to unwind and re-centre after a stressful day.
Hop to It
The North East has a new must-visit art trail
Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne has just launched, scattering 96 Peter Rabbit sculptures across Newcastle and the surrounding area until 14th September. Each sculpture is individually designed bringing local spaces to life with vibrant colour. Once the trail is over, the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice (celebrating its 40th anniversary this year). The support will help the team continue their work for North East families affected by life-limiting conditions.
