Come rain or shine, locals and visitors alike flock to Newcastle’s Town Moor to sample Europe’s biggest travelling funfair. ‘The Hoppings’ will run this year from Friday 16th June to Saturday 24th June. There are white knuckle rides aplenty for the thrill-seekers amongst us, as well as tamer rides for the children, lots of sideshows and, of course, the usual array of fortune tellers.
Visitors to our beautiful lodges in the Yorkshire Dales are right on the doorstep of the amazing adventure playground that is The Forbidden Corner. Situated near Leyburn, this family-friendly attraction consists of a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises galore, and it’s described as ‘the strangest place in the world’ for all the best reasons!
Visit Belford for a fun dog show (open to all breeds) over the weekend of 17th/18th June. Winners from each of 24 classes will go through to the Best in Show. There’s a marquee and plenty of stalls, and food and drink galore. And on the Saturday night, you can enjoy a fun quiz night and disco for all the family.
Head to Bywell Castle, Stocksfield, for a Summer Garden Party on Sunday 18th June. Relax with strawberries and cream in the beautiful gardens as the kids go wild on the bouncy castle and treasure hunt.
There’s still time to visit the brilliant Harry Potter exhibition at Bailiffgate Museum in Alnwick before it ends on 18th June. Children can dress up as they look around the exhibition and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Alnwick Castle is hosting the Mighty Dub Fest on 16th to 18th June, the most northern VW weekend festival in England. Enjoy music, mayhem and awesome vintage campervans along with loads of entertainment for the whole family, including break dancing workshops and dog shows. You can keep your energy levels up by sampling the delicious street food on offer. And on the Saturday night, there will be an outdoor showing of the movie, Grease, in front of the castle. (Visitors are advised to get their costumes ready!)
There are a host of events happening along Hadrian’s Wall throughout the summer. Housesteads Roman Fort whisks you right back to the Roman Empire. You can explore the barrack blocks and the hospital and peer into the oldest toilets you’ll ever see. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and let the mini-cinema take you on a fascinating journey through time.
The Garden Station, near Hexham, is a restored Victorian railway station set in a woodland garden in Langley-on-Tyne. Open Friday to Monday, you can enjoy woodland walks and visit the café and art exhibitions. Or why not visit the Mad for Midsummer art exhibition at the Mary Ann Rogers gallery in West Woodburn? Previews with tea/cake/fizz are on Saturday and Sunday 17th/18th June, 3-7pm. All welcome.