For the family
Raby Castle - Plotters Forest Playground
Plotters Forest is a new adventure playground at Raby Castle which offers an exciting play experience for all ages with a mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue. Enter the playground via a towering gateway and disappear into the thick woodland to explore. There are ground-level forest trails, the chance to climb up to high walkways and towers. Enjoy outdoor musical instruments, matching pairs on the giant memory game, strike a ‘Plotters’ Portrait’ pose and have fun with the spinning signposts. There is also a dedicated toddler area with mini turrets, climbing equipment, slides and a chalkboard for drawing ‘secret squiggles’.
Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum is a world famous, open-air museum which tells the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. The museum experience includes a 1900s town and pit village, a 1900s colliery, a 1940s farm, a 1950s town and farm as well as authentic shops and cafes and a tramway to help visitors get around the site. Summer activities run from 2 July - 31 August.
Darlington Vintage Vehicle Rally
23rd July 2022, 10-4pm
Bring the family along to see and learn about the golden age of transport.
Darlington by the Sea
26th – 28th July 2022, 11am – 5pm
This yearly event takes place in Darlington and from Tuesday July 26 to Thursday July 28.
Families can enjoy sandcastle building, face painting, balloon modelling and plenty of fun.
Those who like to feel the rhythm
Tom Jones
Tuesday 26th July
Enjoy global star, Tom Jones as he performs at Scarborough Open Air Theatre this summer.
Lewis Capaldi
11th August
Experience Scottish singer-songwriter at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
Simply Red
Saturday 13th August
As part of their summer 2022 tour, Simply Red will be playing at Darlington Arena.
Saltburn Folk Festival
11th – 14th August
Saltburn Folk Festival will be a mix of free and ticketed concerts with outdoor entertainment for all.
Those who seek culture
Kynren
Starting 3rd June
An epic tale of England, an outdoor spectacular event
Kynren is a gripping summer family event, beginning on 3rd June for a special performance during The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and every Saturday in August until mid-September. Each show of 90 minutes of history, myth and legend will take you through two thousand years of history.
950th Anniversary - Durham Castle
From 31st July
Take part in the 950th anniversary celebrations of Durham Castle. Explore life in a medieval castle, be a knight for the day or join in with the party to enjoy family activities, live music and pizza.
Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF)
4th – 7th August
This annual event offers street theatre, music, dance and outdoor arts.
Darlington Pride
13th & 14th August, 11am - 7pm
Darlington PRIDE Weekender returns for its annual celebration for all to enjoy Darlington’s LGBT+ community. Another event is a picnic in South Park for a relaxed lunch and fun.
Those who love to laugh
Carl Hutchinson Show – Middlesbrough Town Hall
16th July, 8pm
After two sell-out years, Carl Hutchinson is back with his brand new show! There will be stories, observations and audience interaction.
Joel Dommett, MC Matt Reed, Emmanuel Sonubi & Jen Brister – Live at Middlesbrough Town Hall
24th July, 7.30pm
This event Live is inspired by the BBC’s Live at the Apollo.
Big Mouth Comedy Club, Stokesley
Saturday 30th July
Starring: MC Hayley Ellis, Sam Avery, Andrew Bird and Catherine Young
Those sport enthusiasts
Cricket - England v South Africa ODI
19th July, 1pm
The Emirates Riverside hosts international cricket this summer 2022 with the first of the three-match Royal London Series against South Africa. Premium tickets are available.
SG Petch Darlington - 10K Run
7th August, 10.30am
The SG Petch Darlington 10km has become one of the most popular north east 10km running events. There is also a fun run for all ages and a Junior 2km run beforehand.
Tour de Britain
6th September
Stage 3 - Durham to Sunderland, 168km
The Tour of Britain enters England in stage three between Durham and Sunderland. It is the first time that Durham has been host to a stage start or finish in a professional edition of the Tour of Britain. The route will go through the North Pennines before going back through County Durham and into Sunderland.
Rockliffe Hall has been shortlisted in four categories of the 59club Service Excellence Awards 2025.
Rockliffe Hall has had its second planning application approved, which focuses on restoring the hotel’s iconic Grade II listed Old Hall. The refurbishment will preserve its historic charm while enhancing guest accommodations and experiences at the resort.
Adam Molloy joined the Rockliffe team in 2024 from the two-Michelin starred Raby Hunt.
We sat down with Head Chef, Adam to talk about his career as a chef so far, how he finds his inspiration for dishes and where is next on his must-visit list.