The Best Things to Do This Weekend
Get July off to a great start with these fabulous things to do
Jog on…
This Sunday (7th), the AJ Bell Great North 10K will see 5,000 runners taking on a brand new city centre course which showcases the very best of Newcastle. Starting on the Central Motorway the route heads towards the iconic Tyne Bridge before turning and heading back into the city centre, passing Grey's Monument and the Civic Centre before heading up the Great North Road and ending on the Town Moor. Not a runner? Why not head along to show your support along the route and cheer on the runners for what is sure to be a fun-filled day.
Stop and smell the roses…
The summer may have had a slow start but now that it’s here take some time to enjoy the summer blooms in the North East and Yorkshire’s prettiest gardens. The Alnwick Garden Rose Garden has erupted into colour and features an impressive 3,000 English shrub roses and climbers. Sewerby Hall and Gardens in East Yorkshire boasts more than 50 acres of fabulous gardens and woodland including their Rose Garden, Pleasure Garden, and Walled Garden. Want to grow your own slice of paradise at home? Here are some tips on growing quick and colourful summer flowers.
Read More: Everything You'll Want To Do This July
Mad for music…
This is shaping up to be a great weekend for music lovers and gig-goers. At Roker this weekend (6th–7th July), Summer Streets Festival is returning for its 10th year. Expect great music from local artists including singer songwriter Tom A. Smith and rock band Field Music. Best of all? It’s free! In County Durham, The Stanhope Weekender is returning this Friday and Saturday (5th and 6th), and promises to be bigger and better than ever with performances from top tribute bands (including The Copycat Killers, Noasis and Harry Styled), a lively food village and a great community atmosphere. In Yorkshire, you can catch the unbeatable Rick Astley at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Friday (5th), and at The Piece Hall in Halifax on Sunday (7th), while on Saturday (6th) Tom Grennan is making an appearance at Millennium Square in Leeds
Fruit-tastic fun…
July is officially National Picnic Month and what better way to fill your basket than by heading to a farm and to pick some delicious fruit for yourself? In Northumberland, Brockbushes Farm Shop grows an impressive range of fruit throughout the year and right now is the best time to get the most out of your trip as strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and blackcurrants are all ready, but be sure to book your slot in advance. Spilmans family farm near Thirsk is well into its strawberry season and has 12 acres of fresh fruit to explore (including areas dedicated to raspberries and blackberries). If you need more inspiration for where to go for picnic essentials this weekend, check out the best farm shops and delis in Yorkshire and our favourite farm shops in the North East.
Barrel of laughs…
This evening (Thursday 4th) at Middlesbrough Town Hall you can catch the hilarious Ed Byrne as he continues his newest tour Tragedy Plus Time, and on Friday you can find him at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall (you’ll know Ed from his appearances on Mock The Week, Live at The Apollo, and The Great Comic Relief Bake Off). For fans of the Fringe, whet your appetite at The Stand in Newcastle this Saturday (6th) with a double bill Fringe preview performance from Chris Thorburn and Fearghas Kelly, some of the UK’s fastest rising stars in comedy.
For the dogs…
This is one your four-legged friends will love. At Cundall Dog Park near York, get stuck into the Pointer’s Dog Treasure Hunt starting this Saturday (6th) and running until 20th July. This won’t be your average walk in the park and each leg of the treasure hunt will include plenty of treats and tricks for a chance to get closer to the ultimate prize - a grand treasure chest filled with goodies for you and your pooch. The hunt is free to join in.
Read More: TV and Culture Guide: What to Watch, Read and Listen to in July
Life is like a box of chocolates…
Chocaholics unite! This Sunday (7th) is World Chocolate Day so treat yourself to something special this weekend and head to one of the many great independent chocolatiers in the North East and Yorkshire. The Chocolate Spa in Alnwick has a great range of loose chocolates, chocolate bars, fudge and more to choose from and regularly introduces new flavours for customers to enjoy. With a brand new shop on Leeds Road, Fusion Chocolate in Ilkley is a great choice, with chocolates sold in a mesmerising range of shades and flavours. If you want to make something for yourself at home, this chocolate, cherry and pistachio fridge cake is to die for.
It’s coming home…
Can you believe it’s the quarter-finals of the Euros already? As we face off against Switzerland this Saturday (6th), head to your local for a pint or two, or if you’re hosting friends, this is a great chance to show off in the kitchen. For something to snack on, try these rum and honey glazed pork belly bites and for something sweet, these strawberry margarita ice lollies are the perfect way to cool down as the game heats up.
