How To Have Fun This Weekend

Take a hike: This weather is perfect for getting out and about. Discover our favourite Yorkshire walks (with a hint of history) here (and don’t forget the suncream!).

Eat good food: Sunderland Food and Drink Festival has started and will celebrate some of the city’s best restaurants and food retailers with a combination of virtual and real events. On Saturday, join Jean Christophe Novelli’s live demo at 11am to learn how to make chocolate chicken with red wine and gratin dauphinoise leger. There’s a Q&A with the famous French chef at 2pm, and on Sunday you can join another cook-along with him too.

Enjoy summer sipping: This Saturday is World Gin Day, so where better to treat yourself to a tipple than at our favourite gin bars? Here are the perfect places to take a sip across the North East and Yorkshire.

Go to the circus: Circus Extreme is coming to Newcastle’s Nuns Moor with a brand new death-defying show. It’s a one-of-a-kind performance which has been years in the making and features some of the most talented performers in the world, all housed in a theatre-style Big Top. Merging modern and contemporary styles with extreme stunts, you’re sure to be amazed. Acts include a Troupe, who will be preforming a high wire and wheel of death stunt which has never been seen before in the UK. Henry, the world-famous Prince of Clowns, a legendary figure in the circus industry, will keep you laughing throughout the show too.

Family fun by the sea: When the sun has its hat on, where better to head than the coast? How about Scarborough? Sea Life’s mini golf course, which features 12 holes of piratical putting, is open to once again welcome visitors to have some family fun. The course includes challenges featuring everything from Jolly Roger galleons and treasure chests to gunpowder barrels and more. Then, head to Sea Life to discover the amazing underwater world.

Watch the Euros: A classic summer of sport is ahead, and where better to enjoy the matches than outdoors in the sun? There’ll be parties for the Euros across the region – some small, some epic. The ‘North East’s biggest beer garden’ at Newcastle’s Central Park in Times Square and The Boiler Shop’s screenings are already sold out for this Sunday, so you’ll need to book fast elsewhere. Sunderland’s newest beer garden, at the historic Langham Tower, will also have a big screen for the matches and street food traders will be nearby, while Stack Seaburn’s big screens are a good option too (just walk up on the day – but be prepared to queue). Hogarth’s in South Shields are screening all the games for you to enjoy with a pint in hand, and Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield will be showing selected matches too (including the England game this Sunday). The Lowther in York are screening Sunday’s game too – message them on social media to book. Likewise, message The Mount At York to watch the game indoors or outdoors. Plus, The Masons Crookes in Sheffield will be screening all games across this weekend with craft beers, cask ales, premium wines and spirits on tap. But, if you struggle to get a seat, why not hold your own Euros party in the garden?

Book a luxury staycation: Need a break? You deserve one. Let’s plan ahead. Here’s our pick of the best hotels to book for just a few days of luxurious downtime when you can.  

Win: Henshelwoods Delicatessen has recently launched a range of luxury hampers packed full of tasty treats that have been handpicked from some of Yorkshire’s finest food and beverage suppliers. We’ve teamed up with Henshelwoods to give you the chance to win your own – think Henshelwoods terrines, preserves and chutneys; Yorkshire honey; Lottie Shaws biscuits and Yorkshire pasta.