What To Do This Weekend
We're here to help make this weekend a great one
What’s New
Wear is Sunderland’s newest opening, combining curated secondhand clothing with coffee under one roof. Shop top brands like Barbour and Stone Island before tucking into deli sandwiches and cakes. Further north, we’re loving Oswald’s of Bamburgh – a chic little lifestyle store that’s ideal for Christmas gifts. In Newcastle, Sunday Coffee & Kitchen has reopened on Pudding Chare serving specialty matchas, brunch options and açai bowls in totally Instagrammable surroundings. Bookworms will love Next Chapter Books, a cosy new women-led book shop in Leeds Corn Exchange. Still playing catch up? Here's a list of our favourite recent openings to try.
Fabulous Festivals
This weekend is packed full of festivals you won’t want to miss. From Thursday to Sunday (16th–19th) the Keighley & Worth Valley Beer & Music Festival returns, offering live music and more than 100 varieties of brews to try. Travel along the scenic railway line to explore the festival hubs at Oxenhope, Ingrown and Keighley stations. Head to The Tetley in Leeds for their first ever sober Oktoberfest by Mash Gang. This sober-spin on the classic festival is taking place tonight, and will include steins of alcohol-free beer, authentic Bratwurst and plenty of music. In another first, Gala Durham is hosting the inaugural Women of the World, North East Festival this Saturday (18th) with former Lioness Jill Scott MBE headlining the programme – you can book a spot now.
Out & About
We’re loving the brisker weather, and there’s plenty to do outside this weekend. For a free family day out, head to Whitby and explore the Whitby Sculpture Trail. Consisting of nine wire figures honouring Whitby’s heritage, this is a great way to get some fresh sea air. Another hidden gem we love is Starlight Castle in Holywell Dene in the south east corner of Northumberland. Beginning at The Melton Constable, head down into the Dene following the river upstream. The ruins of Starlight Castle are only a short distance away, and there’s a crossing which takes you along the other side of the river in a circular route. Our next stop would be The King’s Arms for a pint (keep your eyes peeled for the mermaid that lives under the bridge here).
Scare Factor
Get Halloween started early at one of the North’s top spooky trails. Psycho Path in Durham is popular for its heart-stopping scares and spooks including haunted dolls and killer clowns. Doncaster Fear Factory is equally as scary. For a more family-friendly weekend, head to the Flower Belt in Helmsley this Saturday and Sunday (18th–19th) for pumpkin picking, and Brocksbushes in Northumberland still has slots available for their pumpkin picking experience this Friday (17th).
In the Kitchen
Prefer to hunker down this weekend? Why not try out some new recipes in the kitchen? This apple, brown butter and whiskey caramel cake from Michelin chef Jess Murphy is unbelievable and is a real show stopper. If you’re short on time this Sunday, here's how to make a whole roast dinner in your air fryer, or better yet head out for your roast. The Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland does an unbelievable Sunday roast (you can see their chef Paul Johnson in action at our Christmas fair). The Highland Laddie in Leeds is another must, and their whole roast rump is wood-fired.
Fun at the Fair
There’s only one week to go until the return of Living North’s Christmas Fair, the North East’s biggest Christmas shopping event! Explore more than 250 carefully-selected stands, from artisan designer-makers, local food producers and fashion retailers to homewares, gifts and accessories, and of course special Christmas decorations. In the Chef Demo Kitchen, some of the region’s best culinary talent will be cooking up a storm and giving guests their expert advice for the festive season. Early bird discounted tickets are still available to buy here.
