How to Have the Best Weekend
Make it a fun-filled weekend whatever you do
Dearest gentle reader…
In honour of the hotly anticipated return of Penelope and Colin this week in season three of Bridgerton, treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon tea. Matfen Hall in Northumberland host luxurious afternoon teas in their drawing room from Tuesday to Saturday, complete with stunning views over their acres of parkland. Swinton Park near Ripon is another great choice, and afternoon tea can be taken on the South Terrace, Drawing Room or Private Sitting Room. If you prefer making your own at home, we’d recommend trying these three recipes to upgrade your afternoon tea.
Sing your heart out…
This Saturday (15th), pop star Jess Glynne (Hold My Hand, Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself, Rather Be) will be playing Scarborough Open Air Theatre in her long-awaited return to the stage in the UK. In Newcastle at the Utilita Arena the last few tickets are still available to see global sensation Doja Cat as part of The Scarlet Tour, complete with wild costumes, intense pyrotechnics and more. If you missed Girls Aloud in the North East don’t worry, you can still catch them at Leeds First Direct Arena on Saturday and Sunday (15th and 16th).
King of the castle…
For something a bit different this weekend, be transported back in time at Bamburgh Castle as they mark the 560 years since it became the first fortress to fall to gunpowder. On Saturday and Sunday (15th and 16th) there will be a War of The Roses Tournament including world-class jousting displays performed by fearless knights on specially trained horses. You can also expect tours with the actors, tales of the original siege, and the chance to get up close and personal with the impressive weaponry used in the wars.
A day with Dad…
Father’s Day is this Sunday (16th) and sometimes the best gift you can give is quality time spent together, so head out into the countryside with your dad for a stroll and some fresh air. The Simonside Hills are a great place to explore in the North East and the views from the top are truly breathtaking. Take the circular four and a half-mile walk to the top of Simonside, walking though forests and over moorland before taking a moment to look out over the Cheviots and the North Sea coastline. In Yorkshire, the area surrounding Fountains Abbey is as pretty as the ruin itself. Follow the footpaths and roadways through the estate as you try to spot the local deer. With views of Ripon Cathedral, this route boasts a wide variety of trees, from cherry and oak to impressive sweet chestnuts which were planted on the hillside in 1710, before you reach the magnificent views of Fountains Abbey lake at the end of the trail.
A full plate…
After months of anticipation, Europe’s biggest food hall is now officially open in Yorkshire. With so much to offer, you could spend the whole day at Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield. You can expect 20 street food vendors spread across three floors, live music, interactive games and more. Further north, Tide has opened its doors on Seaham seafront. Taking over the former Clean Bean site, the restaurant has initially opened for breakfast, brunch and lunch with plans in the near future to launch an evening tasting menu. In the meantime, expect classic morning options with a twist like smoked beef hash or French toast with marmalade and whipped mascarpone.
Time for wine…
Not that we need an excuse for a boozy night with friends, but this Saturday (15th) marks the beginning of English Wine Week so get everyone over and crack open a bottle or two. There are so many great independent places to source your wine from including Victor Indigo November in Newcastle, The Gilded Grape in Ilkley and Jorvine in Fulford. Take advantage of local expertise to find out more about what you’re drinking (and maybe find a new favourite). Who says wine’s just for drinking? Impress your friends with this indulgent dessert of roast peaches with sweet wine, clotted cream and caramelised pistachios.
Football crazy, football mad…
This Sunday England face off against Serbia – the perfect excuse for a cold pint somewhere with friends. There are plenty of venues across the North East and Yorkshire that will be showing the game including Hwkrland in Gateshead, a street food market and container park right on the river (with a huge LED screen). In Yorkshire, Spark:York works in a similar way, offering a fantastic range of delicious street food and drinks so you can enjoy the game in comfort. Find more places to watch the game here, and if you’re hosting a Euros get together, try these chicken tacos with sweet potato which are sure to go down a treat.
