What To Do This Weekend
How to make the most of what's on in the North East and Yorkshire
If You Go Down to the Woods Today
The sun is finally shining and we can’t think of anything we’d rather do than wander through stunning woodlands in the North East and Yorkshire. In County Durham, Hamsterley Forest covers a whopping 2,000 hectares and the Three Becks Walk takes in much of it, swooping down into the surrounding valley with ruins and sculptures along the way. Ecclesall Wood in Sheffield is three separate sections of ancient woodland connected together, with lots of pretty areas to explore.
Family Fun
For many families, this weekend marks the start of the school holidays. Keep them entertained without breaking the bank with a trip to one of many free local museums and attractions near you. For curious minds, Leeds Discovery Museum is great, and for history buffs Binchester Roman Fort in Bishop Auckland is totally fascinating. Budding artists will love the Baltic in Gateshead and the Laing in Newcastle too.
Food Glorious Food
If like us you’re always on the prowl for new foodie hotspots to try, then we have good news. Head to Heaton’s Chillingham Road for the new Mokka Café and Bakery for a delightful Turkish-inspired breakfast this weekend, and in Malton, The Blue Fig is a cool new spot serving up brunch classics. Staying in? Try these Mexican baked eggs with halloumi and watercress.
Flower Power
With the return of spring sunshine comes plenty of lovely blooms, so this weekend get out and smell the flowers. Our favourite place for daffodils is along the historic walls of York and surrounding the base of Clifford’s Tower. In the North East, the stunning carpet of daffodils at Alnwick Castle and around Warkworth Castle are now in full bloom too.
Shop ’Til You Drop
Whether we’re refreshing our interiors or grabbing a last-minute gift, we love to shop local. With two stores in Settle and Ilkley, Seddon and Davison can’t be beaten for unique homeware. Sunderland has also recently welcomed a brand new homeware store, Ashbrooke Home which has just landed at Mackie’s Corner, and we love Jesmond’s Nucasa for quirky gifts and cards.
Green Fingers
Enjoy the sunshine from the comfort of your garden as April comes with a decent checklist of to-dos for gardeners, including planting and potting. It’s the time for sowing wildflower seeds along borders for a burst of colour later, and laying down protection for new shoots that are just coming in. Find more great tips on making more of your outside space here.
