All The Best Things to Do This Weekend
Whether you're a home-bird or want to spread your wings, we have you covered this weekend
Stay up late…
Tyneside’s biggest evening culture crawl is back this weekend from Friday to Saturday (17th–18th). Highlighting the vibrant cultural scene of Newcastle and Gateshead, The Late Shows has more than 60 performance spaces, galleries and museums which will open their doors for two great nights of fun from 6pm until 10.30pm. You can also expect five brand new art commissions for the event at The Common Room, Dance City, Grainger Market and Blackfriars. So whether you get stuck in on a heritage tour, live demonstrations, hand-on crafts or performance art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at The Late Shows this year.
Motoring along…
In the North East and Yorkshire this Sunday it’s all about petrolheads, with a great range of classic and vintage car events taking place up and down the region. In Huddersfield, the Tolson Museum and YTCC Classic Car Show (10am until 4pm). Is where you can explore a great range of classic cars dating back to the 1930s. There’ll also be food stands, an ice cream truck and live music performed in the Memorial Garden. On the same day at Burton Constable Hall and Grounds in East Yorkshire they are hosting their own Classic Car Show hosted by EYTCC including a fleet or cars and motorcycles dating back to the 1920s Model T Ford. In Bishop Auckland head to the Vintage and Classic Car Show at The Manor House Hotel and Spa with free entry, kids’s games and a bouncy castle too.
Fun in the sun…
This Saturday (18th), the RNLI is holding a lifeboat fun day in Bamburgh which is open to all (and it’s free). Head along to be shown around a serving lifeboat, get the chance to try on the crew kit and meet the real-life heroes who keep us safe along the coast. There will also be story-telling sessions at the nearby Grace Darling Museum (and some classic shanty singing too).
A laugh a minute…
This weekend sees some heavy-hitting comedy legends touring the regions. In Yorkshire, you can see comedian and actor Tom Davis at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall on Friday and Sunday (17th and 19th) and at Scarborough Grand Hall on Saturday (18th) and there are still a few tickets left to catch irreverent stand up Frankie Boyle on Saturday (19th) at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle and John Bishop at Stockton Globe on Saturday (18th) and Sunderland Empire Theatre on Sunday (19th).
Chug a cheeky dram…
World Whisky Day is taking place this Saturday (18th) and we can’t think of a better way to spend it than heading to Ad Gefrin, the Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery in Wooler, Northumberland. Book a guided tour of the distillery to find out how the magic is made (and sample a dram or two of their single malt whisky). For another way to celebrate, make an evening of it at Pairings in York where you can enjoy an expertly-crafted whisky tasting experience for two (alongside delicious food of course).
Walk with history…
Saturday is International Museum Day and the North East and Yorkshire have so many fabulous spots to go that it’s hard to choose. For something with the kids head to Eden Camp near Malton which brings the history of World War Two to life for families. Further north, Beamish Museum is the award-winning open air museum that explores the history of the North and brings it to life: visit the 1900s sweetshop and bakery, and don’t miss the 1950s-inspired town.
Bake the day away…
World Baking Day has just been so why not take time out to visit your favourite local bakery this weekend? If you’re looking for a new haunt we would recommend trying out Bakerman in Darlington. This not-for-profit bakery specialises in authentic sourdough bread as well as a rotation of delicious weekly specials. Further south, Bondgate Bakery in Yorkshire is another great option, with a wide range of fresh bread and sweet treats made using traditional methods. For more ideas check out this list of six great bakeries across the North East and Yorkshire. If you want to try your own hand in the kitchen give this cinammon bread with a caramel butter dip a try.
Grand day out…
With scenic spots across the region, we can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than heading out into the countryside with a picnic. Holystone Wood in Northumberland is a tranquil spot and a great place to explore, with waterfalls, crags and a former 12th century nunnery. In Yorkshire, enjoy some bracing sea air with a picnic on the beach at Runswick Bay. For ideas for treats to pack in your picnic, check out our pick of Yorkshire farm shops and delis and farm shops in the North East.
