Fed up with buying boring gifts for your dad? Well, imagine how he feels opening them.
Something happens to people when Father's Day comes around - which it does this coming Sunday, June 18 - and they struggle to find a present that isn't near identical to the one they bought last year and the year before that. No matter how much your parent might like socks and beer, here's betting he would appreciate something a little out of the ordinary on the one day of the year that is dedicated to him and which celebrates what he means to the family.
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If you're left it late in the day and are still debating over what to do to mark the occasion, we've drawn up a guide to a few ways you can celebrate Father's Day including suggestions of where to go. And there's still time to book as well as availability for those that are selling tickets in advance but you might have to be quick.
Most importantly, the day should mean time spent with your dad - which need not cost anything and could be combined with a walk to enjoy what hopefully will be a continuation of the current good weather - and among our ideas are trips out to share in his company. There are unusual options too, such as a comedy night in aid of charity where you'd be killing two birds with one stone in treating dad and helping out a great cause, as well as fall-back suggestions of food and drink too, if you think he would prefer a more traditional gift.
Classic car show
Dads love cars. They just do and many have an inner yearning to take to the open road in an open-top classic, with the hood down and the wind through their hair, even though they know would be totally impractical for families.
Offering a chance to see how the other half lives will be a classic car show taking place on Father's Day at Raby Castle in County Durham which is teaming up with High Force Hotel to host two special events to mark the day. The show, in a collaboration with Durham Automobile Club, is promising a stunning selection of classic cars throughout Raby’s Deer Park.
Anyone who does own their own classic is encouraged to bring it along too and of course the castle parkland is a stunning spectacle in itself. The estate chef will be serving up wood-fired pizzas too.
Tickets cost £7.50 (£5.50 for four to 15-year-olds). Book here. The Deer Park is open daily and the castle, where a major restoration project is under way, is open 11am-4pm from Wednesdays to Sundays in June, with an additional opening on Tuesdays from July.
An additional idea to combine on Father's Day would be a trip to High Force waterfall which, like the hotel that takes its name, is part of the Raby Estate and just 30 minutes' drive from the castle.
Beer festival
The Tynedale Beer & Cider Festival is back in Northumberland this week and set to enjoy its longest run yet, starting on Thursday and taking it all the way up to Father's Day on Sunday. Held at Tynedale Park in Corbridge, the festival is always hugely popular and this year will see around 120 beers on offer plus ciders and perries, spirits and prosecco.
Adding to the atmosphere will be 15 music acts covering everything from punk, soul, folk, rock and more and there also will be a showcase competition for local young talent aged 18 and under. Closing time from Thursday to Saturday will be 11pm but it will wrap up earlier on the Sunday, at 7pm, but weekend opening is from noon so there still will be plenty time to celebrate.
Sunday's tickets are the cheapest and are available for £7.50, plus 64p fees, which includes a festival tumbler and parking; a camping ticket is £8, plus fees, and a children's ticket is free. Read more about the festival here and to book tickets in advance, and check out full other opening time and prices here.
Newcastle Comic-Con
Combining all thing geek and the much-loved home of Newcastle United could prove the ultimate double treat for dad this Sunday when celebrity TV and film guests will be among the attractions at this popular family event. St James' Park will host the Newcastle Comic-Con from 11am until 5pm and among the attractions will be cosplay, a costume masquerade competition, Star Wars activities and 80 stalls selling the likes of comic books, original art and collectibles.
Actors Will Mellor, best known for Hollyoaks and his Strictly Come Dancing appearance; Chris Barrie from sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf; Angus McInnes - who took the role of Gold Leader fighter pilot Dutch in Star Wars - and North East talent Diane Youdale who was Jet in TV series Gladiators will be there to chat and sign memorabilia.
There will be prizes to be won at a costume masquerade and other attractions will include Star Wars activities and games; model displays; animation artists and authors plus more than 80 stalls selling the likes of comic books, toys, original art and collectibles. The event will run on June 18 from 11am until 5pm.
Read more about it here. Tickets will be available on the door costing £10 and £5 for children (cash only) while advance tickets are available online which allow early entry at 10am. These can be bought here for £12 for adults and £6 for under-16s, with a single £2.95 booking and postage fee to be added at check-out.
Afternoon tea with a twist
The second event being planned between Raby Castle and High Force Hotel is an afternoon tea offering a change from the usual finger sandwiches, dainty cakes and scones. Think sausage rolls and home-made Scotch egg instead plus the likes of Yorkshire puddings stuffed with Raby Longhorn roast beef and a mini lamb burger.
The tea will be served at 4.30pm on June 18 and only 32 places are available. It costs £23.50 per person (£14.50 for children under 12) to be pre-paid at the time of booking: see here or call 01833 622 336.
Fund-raiser comedy night
Britain's Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy will be among the local comedians taking to the stage at The Stand in Newcastle on Sunday night for a very worthy cause. The comedy club in High Bridge will be hosting the Felt Nowt charity night for Bruno's Magic Hat so if your dad is in the mood for a few laughs then a ticket for this could be his Father's Day treat sorted.
The night, in aid of Newcastle Foodbank and the Newcastle United Foundation, was inspired by the efforts of eight-year-old Newcastle fan WIlfy who, for around a year and a half now, has been collecting money for the charities by standing outside St James' Park having been moved was he by the plight of the homeless.
Some of the proceeds from Felt Nowt's night will benefit the Alan Shearer Foundation too. Also on the bill will be Gavin Webster, Anth Young and Elaine Robertson while hosting it will be Raul Kohli.
The promised two hours of laughter will get under way at 8pm. For tickets see here.
Hog Roast
Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle recently revealed its revamped Cloister Garden and a new programme of events to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy al fresco dining in medieval surroundings. One of them takes place this Father's Day: a hog roast with a choice of two sittings, at noon - see here to book - and at 3pm: see here.
It offers an opportunity to enjoy Sunday afternoon drinks in the sun ahead of sharing platters of seasonal starters to be followed by spit-roast pig with pork fat potatoes, fire-roasted veg and gravy then dessert and coffee. It will be served up at tables sheltered under wooden parasols, just in case.
The cost of the three-course meal is £29 (£15 for children). See here.
Free beer
Those who just fancy a meal out and a drink with their dad on Father's Day should keep an eye out for special offers at local restaurants and bars, which often do Mother's Day specials so it's only fair that fathers should get in on the act too.
Among those in Newcastle out to tempt families this Sunday are Mantra Thai on Forth Banks and BrewDog in Dean Street which are offering a free beer to dads who eat there on the big day. Mantra Thai serves Thai food and options include a new lunch menu and sharing platter.
There's also a special Father's Day menu, available between noon and 5pm, of two courses for £28.50. Diners can have a choice of eating in its newly re-fitted lounge-bar or upstairs in the restaurant. Dads there on June 18 will be able to choose a freebie from a selection of beers. See here or call 0191 232 6080.
BrewDog will be giving out a free schooner on Sunday of one of their headline beers to dads with the purchase of a main meal, brunch meal, pizza or Sunday roast. Tables will have to be pre-booked: see here.
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