What To Do This Weekend
The new openings to know about, the best places to celebrate Burns Night and the art shows to see now - your guide to the weekend starts here
What’s New
Northumberland’s first-ever bouldering wallI, The Coliseum, is set to open this Friday (23rd) in Morpeth with walls for all abilities, ranging from beginner to expert, all designed to test different skills. Steam & Salt have opened their new Scandinavian-style saunas on Tynemouth Longsands. Cosy and contemporary with unparalleled sea views, sign up for a sea dip and sauna. In Newcastle, Neighbourhood Coffee’s second location is now open on St Mary’s Terrace. Iced oat matchas are on tap and the counter is piled high with sandwiches and bakes. In Harrogate, The Drunken Piglet is a recent opening we’re loving. From the menu, which is a blend of small plates, pizzas and sharing boards, we recommend the slow-braised pork shoulder in red wine. Salt Pig is a newcomer to York’s Fossgate, offering schiacciata sandwiches made fresh daily. Upping the fashion stakes for Yorkshire, Wyse London recently opened their first northern store in York, bringing their signature timeless womenswear to Stonegate, while over in Harrogate, designer womenswear boutique Me+Em has also opened its first Yorkshire location on Prospect Crescent.
Burns Night
This Sunday (25th) is Burns Night, and celebrations are held across the UK in honour of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns. Traditionally, it’s a night of feasting on Scottish classics like haggis, neeps and tatties, whisky and a dessert of cranachan (a sweet blend of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and oats). The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest in Slaggyford is hosting a special Burns Night this Friday (23rd), Expect a three-course dinner alongside music, poetry, bagpipes and generous servings of whisky and wine. The Swine Bistro in Leeds is also hosting its own Burns Night celebration on Sunday (25th) with mushroom and whisky parfait, followed by haggis, neeps and tatties, and finishing with a generous helping of tipsy laird (a boozy Scottish trifle).
Watch The Birdies
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch takes place this weekend (23rd–25th), and they’re encouraging everyone to get stuck in at home to help, joining in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey which helps record important changes in bird population. All you need is a spare hour to keep an eye out for birds and record what you see in your garden. Results can be submitted online, where you’ll also find information on common species to watch out for (including blue tits, house sparrows and starlings). If you want to make your garden more bird-friendly, here's our guide on how best to keep them fed and watered.
Show Time
This is the last weekend to catch the outrageous and hilarious Rocky Horror Show at Sunderland Empire, with the final performance on Saturday (24th). For another classic, head to Hull New Theatre for Miss Saigon, also showing until Saturday (24th). At York Barbican tonight (22nd) there are still tickets left for An Evening with Davina – a night of hilarious stories from the beloved Davina McCall with the chance for an audience Q&A. The world premiere of Horrible Histories Live (and Dead)! The Concert is coming to Darlington Hippodrome this Friday (23rd) where your favourite songs from the TV series will bring history to life on stage. Looking ahead to next week, get your tickets now for the world premiere of Weird at Newcastle Theatre Royal, an electrifying new musical reimagining Shakespeare’s Macbeth through the eyes of the three witches. Opening night is Wednesday (28th).
Out and About
It looks like a damp and windy weekend, but we’re big advocates of a blast of fresh air whatever the weather, and starting at Stanhope we love the eight-mile circular quarry walk which takes you through some historic industrial sites with great views over Weardale. Venturing into North Yorkshire, Arkengarthdale is a particularly beautiful area. The largest village here, Langthwaite, is famously used as a filming location in All Creatures Great and Small, and there are so many paths to explore, but for lots more options off the beaten path, here are just some of our favourite winter walks.
Art Full
There’s so many great new art exhibitions to visit this weekend. Catch Monet: In the Presence of Nature at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery as part of The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour. Showing now (for free), guests will have a chance to see a rare piece by the famous painter until March. Northern Soul is Beverley Art Gallery’s first exhibition of 2026, bringing together a lifetime of work from artist Ian Scott Massie, honouring his deep love of the North. For the latest upcoming talent, head to Sunny Bank Mills in Leeds for their Ones to Watch 2026 exhibition.
