What to Do on the Last Bank Holiday Weekend of May
With another bank holiday, as well as the start of half term, you'll be looking for ways to make the most of the long weekend
Fun in the sun…
The sunshine’s finally arrived and at Living North we’re loving it! This Bank Holiday Monday make the most of the weather with a trip to the beach, after all we have some of the most amazing coastline in the UK in the North East and Yorkshire. While you’re there, brush up on your watersports skills (find out where here) before treating yourself to well-earned fish and chips (these are the best places to find them). Or if keeping your feet firmly on dry land is more of your thing, we’ve also picked out golf courses on the coast with stunning views and beautiful beach walks with pub stops – you’re welcome!
Science city…
Bradford Science Festival kicks off for another year this Saturday with an unmissable programme of hands-on experiences and events. Taking place at the Science and Media Museum, and across the city, this year the festival is spilt into three activity zones; one to discover how we use science and technology to see things invisible to the naked eye, another where you can find out about some of the exciting jobs that are available in STEM, and the BradLab which explores some of the amazing science happening locally. Don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in this weekend, as the festival’s running until 4th June.
Read More: 12 Fun Half Term Activities across the North East and Yorkshire
The best outdoor bars…
Nothing beats a cold pint or chilled glass of wine in the sunshine and with the weather finally playing ball we’d argue there’s some catching up to do considering it’s almost June and we’ve hardly had any sunshine so far this year. We’re here to help you decide where to go to make up for lost time! From beer garden terraces to rooftop bars, we’ve picked out our favourite outdoor drinking spots across the North East and Yorkshire so you can sip in the sunshine all weekend. Check them out here.
Spring into action…
William’s Den’s Spring Adventures are back for half term and this year they’re going big! Kicking off on Saturday 27th May, they’re welcoming the biggest inflatable assault course in the North to the Den, for the first time, alongside all of their usual forest trails and den building. Kids can jump on board and race their friends to the end. The best news is that it’s suitable for all ages, so parents can have a go too! Once you’ve worked up an appetite head to William’s Pizzeria where they top their hand-stretched dough with the best of Yorkshire produce before baking them off in a wood-fired oven.
Extraordinary eats…
Set across the streets of Yorkshire’s Food Capital, Malton Food Lovers’ Festival is a celebration of Yorkshire's finest produce and cooking, and the festival is back this Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can expect artisan stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, celebrity chefs, demos, a festival bar, and live music. Meanwhile, for foodies in the North East, one of 44 Events’ popular food battles is taking place this Friday and Saturday. The Return of the Mexican Standoff at Wylam Brewery has 15 food specialists hoping to be crowned the winner – we’re talking tacos, nachos, chilli con carne, churros and loads more.
Read More: Inside Ad Gefrin's New Museum and Whisky Distillery in Northumberland
Blind tipple tasting…
Head to the Friary this Friday for a fun spin on a blind-whisky tasting. Blackfriar’s in Newcastle are holding a ‘Would I Lie to You’-style blind tasting in which they will provide different whiskies to sip on while two of their in-house whisky experts will try to convince you to believe them based on two different tasting profiles. But who’s telling the truth and who’s the liar? You have to guess! With a total of six samples of whisky to try altogether, as well as snacks, even if you don’t guess correctly it’s sure to be a fun evening and you might find a new favourite drink along the way.
Award-winning art…
The exhibition of the winners of the inaugural North East Emerging Artist Award is now on at Seaton Delaval Hall and it’s well worth a visit this weekend. A collaboration between the National Trust at Seaton Delaval Hall and Curator, Matthew Jarratt, the award’s aim is to showcase site-specific contemporary art in a historic context and to encourage emerging artists to develop proposals at one of the region’s most distinct historic settings. The three winning proposals on display include a reimagined 16th century painting, an interactive outdoor game and a contemporary dance piece.
