03 Dec 2025
New hotels, exciting new music festivals, major exhibitions and anniversaries makes 2026 the perfect year to visit North East England.
New Hotels and self catering:
Hotel Gotham, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle
Phase 1 Opened Nov 2025; Phase 2 opening Summer 2026
Housed within a stunning Grade II-listed former fire, police and magistrates' building on Pilgrim Street, Hotel Gotham is Newcastle's most decadent new destination for luxury stays, stylish dining and immersive nightlife. Part of a growing family of Gotham hotels, the new five-star venue opened in November 2025, promising guests a multi-sensory escape packed with personality and panache.
With interiors that marry theatrical flair with refined design, every element of the hotel has been created to surprise and delight—from brass fittings and velvet finishes to opulent linens and a suite collection that includes the Gotham Suite, Station Master Suite and showstopping Director's Suite. The hotel's accessible room options also ensure that no luxury is left behind.
There are 57 rooms in the Fire Station part of the hotel, with a further 30 due to open in Spring 2026 in the Police Station phase of the development.
New Yurts and Cabins – The Tempus, Northumberland
Opened in late Summer 2025
The Tempus expands with luxury lakeside retreats in Alnwick. The Doxford Group has announced the launch of The Lake Cabins at The Tempus, 8 stylish retreats overlooking a private lake on its countryside estate in Alnwick. The cabins will complement the estate's existing accommodation, bringing its total capacity to 100 guests.
Opened in 2025
The museum is giving visitors a chance to spend a night at the museum in one of two Georgian-style cottages. Guests can enjoy a trip back in time and stay in the self-catering cottages, which are located in the museum's stunning 1820s Landscape, in renovated original buildings.
New Restaurants/Bars:
The Sandhill Arms – Wylam Brewery pub, Newcastle
Opened Nov 2025
Wylam Brewery is expanding and is to open pub in prime Newcastle location on the Quayside. Wylam Brewery said The Sandhill Arms would be a 'place in the Toon to enjoy all their beers and more'.
Stack Newcastle, Worsick Chambers
Opened Dec 2025
The new Stack Newcastle is located at the Grade II listed building, Worswick Chambers at Pilgrim Street. The new flagship venue will be split over three floors and include eight bars, seven street food units, two cocktail bars, which will also be utilised as function rooms along with a roof terrace.
Michelin Star Freyja at Close House Estate (previous owners of Hjem), Northumberland
Opening Autumn 2026
This is a new offering from the team behind Michelin starred Hjem. They've announced plans to open a new restaurant, Freyja, in autumn 2026 on the Close House Estate. Alongside it, they will include on-site rooms—so this qualifies as a brand-new accommodation opportunity in Northumberland in 2026.
No.31, Hexham
Opening 2026
Beaumont Hotel in Hexham are opening a new restaurant following the success of their pop-up restaurants. It will be called No. 31 and will serve Italian tapas.
Freight Island, Eldon Square, Newcastle
Opening 2026
A brand-new dining and entertainment destination from the UK's leading hospitality operators, inspired by the likes of Coney Island in New York and Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
Taking over the former Debenhams unit atop Eldon Square, Freight Island Newcastle is set to be the largest single-site F&B and entertainment venue in a UK city centre. The 60,000-square-foot venue will create hundreds of jobs and drive regional economic growth.
With a total investment of £16 million from all parties involved, Freight Island Newcastle will breathe new life into the previously underused retail space, transforming it into a vibrant hub offering a dynamic mix of experiences – from family-friendly events and global street food by day to high-energy DJ sets and live performances by night.
Grainger Market – Restoration and new pavilions, Newcastle
Opening Summer 2026
Two new 'pavilions', one at each end of the Arcade, will create impressive new spaces for a variety of uses, both in the day and into the evening, whilst still having traders located to each side.
The Nun Street Pavilion will include tiered seating and steps up a first-floor table seating area, and new retail and storage spaces below. Other improvements include the entrances, upgraded decor, refurbished signage and toilet facilities.
Flat Iron Steak, Grey St, Newcastle
Opening 2026
Flat Iron, the affordable steak concept which already operates 18 other restaurants around the UK, is now poised to convert the former Co-operative Bank premises on Grey Street in the heart of Newcastle into one of its latest sites, with an opening date planned for next year.
Tantara, Bengali Bistro restaurant, Osbourne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle
Opening 2026
Inspired by the cabins of old Calcutta, Tantara will bring the warmth, charm, and chatter of a bygone era to modern Newcastle.
Pablo Eggs Go Bao, Pilgrim Street
Opening 2026
It's hard to describe just how good a bao bun is from Pablo, but if you know you know! They've already sprinkled the bao dust across Whitley Bay, Sunderland and Newcastle, but next year they are opening a new flagship store on Pilgrim Street.
Opening TBC
A purpose-built two storey building with a roof terrace at Newgate Street. The mixed-use building will house local independent food traders and bars, as well as having a space which will be used for a wide variety of live entertainment.
Opening TBC
Another STACK will pop up in the North East in 2026. The development will repurpose an existing building to provide a large range of town centre uses including a coffee shop, food kiosks, bars and a roof terrace.
New Attractions, exhibitions and re-openings:
Opened Oct 2025
A brand new Entertainment Centre. With a 43-bay Toptracer driving range, six-lane bowling alley, interactive games, a huge sports bar with curve-round screens and delicious food and drink offer. Day time and lively night-time offer.
Opened in Nov 2025
Redhills Durham Miners Hall — often described as Durham's other cathedral — is a vibrant hub of community activity, celebrating and sharing the rich history of our mining communities while inspiring future generations. The building hosts a wide range of cultural events, conferences, and exhibitions, welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond. As a landmark of working-class organisation and solidarity, Redhills offers an important window into the social and economic transformation of North East England. Step inside this beautifully refurbished, nationally significant building with our new guided tours.
One of Durham's best kept secrets, the Town Hall has been a centre of life in this historic city for more than 650 years. Join us for talks and activities including talks from the current Mayor, the Mayor's Bodyguard and the Durham City Freemen.
Now open to the public again following refurbishment with interpretation, interactive information points, short films and audio guides bringing this stunning heritage building, and the amazing stories within it, to life. Learn about how the Town Hall of today developed over the centuries from a timber structure built in 1356.
Peppa Pig: Surprise Party, MetroCentre
Opening February 2026
Brand new immersive Attraction
Mummy and Daddy Pig are planning the ultimate surprise party for Peppa. But there's lots to do to get ready for the party and they're counting on YOU, Peppa's friends to help!
Embark on an adventure into Peppatown in a brand-new experience that brings Peppa's world to life. Explore beloved locations, take on fun missions, and uncover hidden surprises along the way… all to help Peppa's friends plan the best party ever!
Stop by The Aquarium to find the perfect party gift with the ever-talented Miss Rabbit, help Granny Pig decorate the cake, then head over to Peppa's House to meet Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George, Evie, and Peppa herself for plenty of giggles at the ultimate surprise celebration.
And of course, no Peppa party would be complete without a (virtual!) muddy puddle or two to jump in.
So, grab your party hats – a whole world of fun awaits at this brand-new immersive attraction opening soon in Upper Green Mall.
What ages is Peppa Pig: Surprise Party suitable for?
Peppa Pig: Surprise Party is perfect for Peppa fans big and small, and the experience is recommended for ages 1 – 6!
Older siblings and family members are absolutely welcome to join in the fun too!
National Gaming and E-sports Arena, Sunderland
Early 2026
Europe's first-of-its-kind 5G facility from a federation can support esports players in major future tournaments including Esports World Cups and Olympic Esports Games.
Early 2026
The National Centre for Creative Smart Cities will be a multi-purpose cultural venue, home to the City Library. It will be packed with interactive, digital features and a year round programme of fun things to do. The space will offer digital murals, AR Tours, gamified cultural scavenger hunts, 360 degree digital story-telling studio and an Inventors Lab.
Killhope, Durham
Reopening Early 2026
The Killhope Lead Mining Museum is expected to reopen for the 2026 season after restoration works including repairs to the underground mine, washing floor, mine shop, buddle house, and jigger house. These works are part of a larger effort to protect the museum's unique features and ensure its continued operation.
Vivienne Westwood @ The Bowes Museum
March 28 – Sept 6
A multi-gallery exhibition honouring one of fashion's most provocative and imaginative British designers, Vivienne Westwood (1941-2022). Spanning the early 1980s to 2000s, the show charts Westwood's extraordinary journey following the rebellious energy of punk to her reinvention of historical dress and couture in the 1980s and '90s.Featuring many pieces from rarely seen private collections.
Kynren: The Storied Lands, Bishop Auckland
Opening Summer 2026
This exciting daytime attraction will immerse visitors in a time-travelling adventure that brings history, myth, and legend to life.
Unlike traditional theme parks that focus on rides, Kynren – The Storied Lands invites exploration and connection with the past, delivering multiple live action shows featuring heart pounding moments of action, thrilling stunts, incredible performances, immersive storytelling, epic music and innovative technology as it takes visitors on an emotional journey through time.
Kielder Castle Reopening, Kielder
Summer 2026
After closing in 2020 and beginning its refurbishment in August 2025, Kielder Castle is slated to reopen to the public in Summer 2026.
The Discovery Museum, Newcastle
Major investment into new exhibition space opening Summer 2026
The Discovery Museum has received more than £200k in funding from the National Lottery to fund a new, flexible, exhibition space. The first exhibition, taking place in Summer 2026, will be Things That Go.
Details TBC
Occupying the site of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery building and its grounds, the new Aykley Heads Cultural Venue will bring together a fusion of art, heritage and science to look to the future and celebrate the county's creativity.
Entry to the venue will be free of charge, in line with the belief that the Durham Light Infantry belongs to us all.
Expected to attract between 60,000 and 150,000 visitors a year, the venue will be refurbished and expanded to include a dedicated space to display key objects from the DLI Collection as well as an exhibition centre, gallery, and a café.
Work will also be carried out to preserve and enhance the grounds of the building to create a reflective garden area.
Anniversaries:
Kielder Forest 100th Anniversary
Kielder will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2026 as the Kielder Forest, while also seeing the reopening of Kielder Castle in Summer 2026 following a major refurbishment, and the 10th anniversary of the Dirty Reiver cycling event in April 2026. Plans TBC
A year-long celebration of the anniversary, details TBC
Gateshead Millennium Bridge – 25th Anniversary
September 2026
Gateshead Millennium Bridge will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next September - from when it was open to the public. It was opened the following year by the Queen who tied it into her Jubilee tour.
New Events:
Spring 2026
Visit Hexham are looking to host a festival in spring next year as it is 750 years since the Vikings burnt down the abbey. Further info to come.
Sporting events:
International Cricket at Durham
England Women vs New Zealand Women – One Day International
Sunday 10 May 2026
England Men vs India Men – T20 International
Wednesday 1 July 2026
England Men vs Sri Lanka Men – One Day International
Tuesday 22 September 2026
10th Anniversary of the Dirty Reiver, Kielder Forest
April 24-26, 2026
The 10th anniversary edition of the Panaracer Dirty Reiver gravel cycling event will take place on the weekend of April 24-26, 2026, at Kielder Forest in Northumberland. Entries opened at 8:00 AM on September 1, 2025, and are expected to sell out quickly. Riders can choose between three routes: 200 km, 130 km, and 65 km, with options for standard and e-bikes.
Music Festivals and Events:
Radio 1s Big Weekend, Sunderland
May 22-24
Sunderland is to play host to BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026, with thousands of music fans expected to attend the live music spectacular in Herrington Country Park
A Stone's Throw, multiple venues North Shields
Sat May 23rd
A Stone's Throw Festival returns to North Shields on Saturday 23rd May 2026 for its fourth edition, a full-day multi-venue celebration of new music across one of the North East's most exciting coastal towns. The festival brings together some of the best emerging and established artists from around the UK and beyond, championing North Shields' thriving grassroots scene while welcoming audiences into a walkable route of independent venues, community spaces, and intimate stages.
Past headliners and highlights include Shame, The Horrors, Katy J Pearson, White Lies, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Sundara Karma, Pip Blom, Vistas, BILK, and more. Each year delivers a packed day of discoveries, high-energy sets, and standout performances.
Paul Weller In The Park, Exhibition Park, Newcastle
Fri July 10th
In the Park Newcastle returns to Exhibition Park next summer, ready to deliver it's biggest and most memorable edition yet. Leading the charge for 2026 is the first announced headliner – the legendary Paul Weller, who will take to the stage on Friday 10th July.
Coast Fest 2026 – (Dates TBC)
Loosefest – August (Dates TBC)
Newcastle's Noughty 90s Festival - Sat 29th August, Leazes Park, Newcastle
Take in a show:
Book yourself a theatre break and choose one of the many top shows coming to the North East this year.
Newcastle's Theatre Royal will be hosting an array of great shows including:
Priscilla Queen of the Desert – Apr 6-11
Legally Blonde the Musical – May 12-17
Annie – Aug 4-8
Mrs Doubtfire – Sept 23- Oct 11
Whilst at the Sunderland Empire there is:
Matilda – Feb 11-28
Mean Girls – Apr 6-11
Dirty Dancing – Sept 22-26
Annual events:
January Restaurant Week Newcastle
With over 100 venues participating, you can indulge at some of Newcastle's best restaurants.
National Stottie Week – Feb (Dates TBC)
A week celebrating the North East's very own Stottie break with baking classes, creative writing workshops, community gatherings, and stottie-themed walks. Organised by The Big River Bakery.
Late Shows - across NewcastleGateshead May 2026
The Late Shows, an award-winning late-night free culture crawl will return in May 2026
During The Late Shows, open art studios, music and performance venues, galleries, museums, studio collectives and landmark historical buildings come together to host intriguing interactive events for visitors. It's all about encouraging people to do something cultural with their evening.
The Late Shows take place between 6-10.30pm, with last entry at 10pm. Friday night is for Ouseburn Valley venues. Saturday night's event takes place at venues across central Newcastle and Gateshead with Gateshead venues open from 6-10pm, last entry at 9.30pm.
Northern Pride – Town Moor, Newcastle, Saturday July 19th
The largest LGBTQ+ Pride Festival in the North East.
Pride in Gateshead – August (Dates TBC)
Mela Newcastle – August (Dates TBC)
A vibrant two-day event. The festival showcases the rich heritage of Pakistani, Bengali, Indian, and other South Asian cultures. Immerse yourself in the lively music, mouth-watering food, and captivating entertainment that these cultures have to offer.
Great North Run Weekend - Sunday September 13
The AJ Bell Great North Run is the world's biggest and best half marathon, with 60,000 runners taking on the route from Newcastle to South Shields each year. It's famous for its inclusive atmosphere, unbeatable route-side entertainment and warm Geordie welcome, not to mention the millions of pounds raised each year for worthy causes. Great North Run magic can be hard to understand – until you've experienced it for yourself. With an epic start line in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, a unique city to sea route, and a huge after party in the event village at the end – it's no wonder that this event is loved and treasured by so many each year.
The Great North Run is more than just a one-day event - it's a packed weekend of celebration, personal achievement and fun for all ages!
During the Great North Run weekend, many events will take place such as: the Great North 5k and the Mini and Junior Great North Runs.
The UK's biggest and best kids running event, the Junior Great North Run, gives everyone a chance to shine on Great North Run weekend. Minis aged 3-8 take on a 1.2km dash, while Juniors aged 9-16 tackle a 4km sprint.
The AJ Bell GreatNorth 5k is the curtain-raiser for the North East's biggest weekend of sport, starting this year on Friday September 11th.
Christmas Markets, Newcastle, Nov 14th-Dec 23rd 2026
Info to come
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