With warm weather beckoning and long days to enjoy, many of us are keen to make the most of the summer by getting out and about in our free time.
The North East offers up all sorts of possibilities but often people stick to the usual routine rather than think of new things to try, with fall-back options often being their usual walk, trip to the pub or meet-up with friends. And that's all lovely of course but how much better to add something new to the mix.
Alternative ideas for a weekend outing or after-work treat can include anything from getting up close and personal with wildlife on a rural safari to trying out axe-chucking during a day in the city centre. The region offers all of this and a whole lot more.
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For those keen for a change and willing to try out something different, here's a pick of what's on offer around Newcastle, Northumberland and County Durham. Not only might they add some spice to life but they could also lead to a whole new hobby.
Days out with a difference in the North East
Axe-throwing
A great way to practise your aim - and let off steam - is urban axe-throwing and Newcastle is well placed to do it, with Hatchet Harry's having opened first in the city, behind Central Station at Forth Banks Yard, followed by Game of Throwing in The Gate, Newgate Street. You can book a throw lane for a group of six, including a 15-minute training session with an expert to teach everyone how to safely throw an axe.
The session will involve throwing axes from 12ft away from a target board and various scores are awarded for the different rings and for the board's bullseye. The latest game to try comes with a word of warning: wear closed-toe shoes. For more information or to book, see Game of Throwing here and Hatchet Harry's here.
Among the other locations that offer axe-throwing is Matfen Hall in Northumberland - see below -as well as, in County Durham, The Axe House at Spennymoor, see here, and Vanhalla at Newton Aycliffe: find more here.
Wildlife Safaris
Those fancying a blast of fresh and some stunning scenery could sign up with The Ingram Valley Farm Safari - as shown on BBC programme Robson Green's Weekend Escapes in January - for a drive into the wilds of Northumberland National Park. It offers a chance to explore the natural history and archaeology of the farm, whose Iron Age hillforts are described as England’s largest Scheduled Ancient Monument, where the glaciers of the last ice age melted to leave a beautiful tundra landscape with deer and wild cattle.
It all promises a trip out with a difference, in Traxter off-road vehicles where you can spot the red deer and enjoy a picnic. Also on offer is a sunset tour, travelling 1,100 feet above sea level to the summit of Cochrane Pike where guests can expect 360-degree views and watch the sun set over The Cheviot Hills as the stars start to appear. There's an option to toast the sunset with some fizz too. See here to book.
Paint & Sip
These drink-accompanied arty classes are proving popular with groups of pals taking up the invitation to unleash their creativity, with the help of a tot or two. You bring along your own booze (and nibbles) to the two-hour sessions - which are hosted by a range of local venues - but all the art materials, such as canvas, paints, apron and brushes, are provided, along with free soft drinks plus tea and coffee.
Expert teachers are also on hand to offer guidance and tips - and perhaps steady your hand - as you create your own work of art to take home. No experience is needed; they're out to create a fun and casual atmosphere with plenty of party vibes and music as well as occasional spot prizes and raffles.
Inspiration is provided by way of more than 200 paintings or you might have ideas of your own. The Paint & Sip Party Co. has plenty of events on the horizon.
To see details about Paint & Sip evenings at The Chesters in Sunderland on June 20; Banyan in Newcastle on July 12 and The Irish Centre in the city on July 21 see here. There'll be another afternoon party too: at Mother Mercy at By The River in Gateshead on July 8.
Extra-crazy golf
In what is about as far away from a sedate golf course as you can get, two city attractions have created weird and wonderful worlds where you swing a club in a variety of bizarre settings. The adults-only Ghetto Golf opened in Hoults Yard, Byker in 2019 and has now become Gold Fang and there's The Junkyard Golf Club in Newcastle's Newgate Street.
Both boast striking indoor courses - 18 holes and nine holes respectively - where groups can play crazy golf against a party backdrop of cocktails and music. Each hole has its own theme and backdrops can include scrapyards, a circus and, in the case of Gold Fang, a mini replica of Newcastle's Crown Posada pub. For various package deals at Gold Fang see here and find out more about Junkyard Golf Club here.
Go Ape
One for those with a love of the outdoors is this tree top rope course where those with a head for heights can explore the forest canopy. And it's on offer at Matfen Hall in Northumberland. The country house location is a first for the adventure company (which also offers axe throwing there).
Go Ape fans will be temped by what's described as the Treetop Challenge, a Goliath of a high ropes course with super-fast and super-high zip wires. Look out for a replica Tyne Bridge and other familiar local landmarks among those trees as well as a half-trapeze, free-falling Tarzan swings and the ultimate challenge of a Skateboard Zip. See here.
Coastal adventures
An early morning kayaking trip on the North Sea followed by a cooked BBQ breakfast and coffee on the beach is certainly a different way to start the day and that's one of the experiences available this summer from Cullercoats -based CBK Adventures. The company offers all sorts of coastal tours and lessons for those keen to develop some skills on the water, from where they can enjoy the North East scenery from a whole new perspective.
The SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding for the uninitiated) and kayak school has become known for a packed programme with everything from Cook Outs, which combine paddling with a rural stop-off for some open-air cooking, to night-time illuminated kayak tours on the Tyne; sunrise tours; explorations of local coves and caves; trips out to spot grey seals and coasteering. To find out more see here.
Walk with a Hawk
If you're bored with your usual routine and looking for somewhere new to stretch your legs on a day off, how about combining a walk on the wild side with seeing it from a bird's point of view. Those who enjoy wildlife will no doubt make the most of an opportunity to join a falconer and a bird of prey on a summer woodland stroll.
North East Falconry, which is based in Ryton, runs Hawkwalks - alongside other experiences such as photography days - which enable people to get up and close with the beautiful birds. The hawk will be flying free, following you and responding to calls to take morsels (provided) from your gloved hand - and you'll learn plenty about them en route. The days are private experiences - to find out more see here.
Another option is Falconry Days, a bird of prey centre near Simonburn in Northumberland National Park, which offers tours and hands-on experience days: find out more here about what's on offer.
