All The Best Ways to Have A Fab February
There’s so much to look forward to this month
Treat Your Valentine
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start planning how you’re going to spend it. Shop local for those special gifts and decide whether you’re staying in or heading out (if you’re in there’s plenty of inspiration for delicious sharing recipes, but we’ve also got the best places to eat and drink in the North East and Yorkshire if you want to head out, and you can find it all here).
For an extra special treat, try this French Kiss cocktail recipe which is full of fruity flavour. Single and sick of the smug couples? We’ve got your plans covered too. The Stand Newcastle are inviting you to have a laugh with them thanks to their four-act stand-up show Anti-Valentine’s Day on the 14th.
Chase the Moon
Slaithwaite’s popular Moonraking Festival returns in all its glory in February following a successful fundraising campaign. The lantern festival, which last took place in 2017, attracted thousands of visitors to the village for lantern-making workshops, storytelling, music and the spectacular lantern procession finale on the 18th – and this year’s event is sure to be just as amazing.
Read More: Family Fun in the North East This February and All the Art and Exhibitions to Visit
Join the Vikings
Europe's largest Viking festival is back in York from 11th–19th February. Enjoy the incredible tale of Ibn Fadlan as the might of the Vikings is brought to life with fire displays and soundscapes, and dine in style at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. But book your tickets fast – Jorvik Viking Festival is a real must-visit.
See the Stars
The eighth North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival takes place from 10th–26th February, offering you the chance to experience the beauty and majesty of the night sky. There’ll be opportunities to take part in canoeing and night navigation, astrophotography workshops, stargazing safaris, children's daytime trails, art workshops and mindful experiences.
Northumberland Dark Skies Festival is also returning this month at England’s first and largest International Dark Sky Park (12th–28th) and there’ll be events from all five observatories in Northumberland (Battlesteads, Kielder, Stonehaugh, Twice Brewed and Allenheads) from beginner events for families to more specialised astrophotography workshops on how to photograph the Aurora.
Read More: The Best Romantic Retreats to Book with Your Other Half
Have a Flipping Good Time
Tuesday 21st February is Shrove Tuesday, so it’s time to start practicing your pancake tossing skills. Whether you love classic lemon and sugar or pancake stacks covered in Nutella or Biscoff, remember to stock up on ingredients before they fly off the shelves. Need some inspiration? These rainbow pancakes have just four simple base ingredients and not a food dye in sight. Or rather than the usual lemon and caster sugar, try these thin, rolled, pancakes with honey, orange and soft cheese which are then lightly fried. Heading out? Here are our top picks of the best places to get your pancakes in the North East and Yorkshire.
Spend Time With the Kids
February means half term is already here and while the kids are out of school there are plenty of ways to keep them busy. Raby are hosting a series of trails around the estate and you won’t want to miss their Bear Hunt in the Plotters’ Forest. It promises to be fun for all the family (from 18th–26th) but for lots more ideas for fun things to do, click here.
Read More: Five Ways to Get Your Child Interested in Reading
