What To Do This Weekend
New openings, family walks and top tips for barbecue hosting
What’s New
Grantley Arms is the newest addition to Grantley Hall’s already eclectic food offering and is welcoming its first guests today. At this relaxed yet refined country pub, expect hearty Yorkshire dishes prepared with seasonality in mind. In York, Instagram-worthy Thai restaurant Giggling Squid has finally opened its doors and brunch lovers will love Ginkgo which recently put down roots in Harrogate offering brunch and lunch options with a healthy twist. For a sweet treat in the North East, head to the new Hjemmelavet in Ponteland for exceptional homemade gelato. For a health-conscious option, Fuel’d in North Shields is a new health kitchen and coffee house with a macro-friendly menu.
Open Air Delights
Make the most of the weekend’s weather at a local outdoor cinema or open-air show. Screen on the Green in Newcastle’s Old Eldon Square shows at least two films every day for free – this weekend, enjoy The Incredibles, Happy Feet and even The Greatest Showman singalong (on Saturday 16th at 3pm). Yorkshire is the place to be for open-air theatre this weekend, including Twelfth Night at Newby Hall & Gardens on Friday (15th) and family favourite pantomime The Snow Queen at Kirkstall Abbey on Friday (15th).
Garden Party
This is the perfect weekend to host a get-together in the garden with friends. We’d always recommend getting your guests to pitch in when it comes to family-style dishes, but to have your bases covered give these versatile barbecue recipes from Peter Sidwell a try. Having a pitcher of pre-made cocktail on hand for guests is always a good idea, and why not take it one step further with these refreshing strawberry margarita ice lollies, the perfect sweet summer treat for grown ups. For the kids, have a stash of these kiwi and strawberry ice pops on hand to keep them happy.
Hit the Beach
Enjoy the last of this week’s heatwave with a simple day at the beach. Although popular, Druridge Bay in Northumberland has enough space that it never feels crowded and is as picturesque as it gets. Saltburn Beach benefits from plenty of nearby amenities, with dogs also welcome along the promenade and in designated zones. Further south, Hayburn Wyke is an often overlooked stretch of sand between Cloughton and Ravenscar which has the added bonus of an adorable waterfall only a short distance up nearby Hayburn Beck.
Fabulous Festivals
Hardwick Festival returns to the North East this weekend with headline arts including Scissor Sisters, Olly Murs and Sam Ryder. Taking place from Friday to Sunday (15th–17th), explore seven stages of live music plus a family area, wellbeing space, comedians, and plenty of food and drink. Derwent Fest also returns to Derwent Riverside Park this weekend (15th–16th) with a schedule packed full of tribute acts and fabulous food vendors. In Yorkshire, this is the final weekend of the famous Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival where the picturesque village is adorned with elaborate homemade scarecrows, making the perfect family day out.
Out and About
Get the family out and about this weekend. For an accessible and convenient walk, we love Carlisle Park in Morpeth which features a paddling pool, William Turner Garden, and the impressive Ha’ Hill, an 11th century motte and bailey to the west of the park. In East Yorkshire, the Hudson Way Rail Trail (between Beverley and Market Weighton) is another easygoing walk and takes in the stunning greenery of the area.
