24 Things to Do in 2024

A New Year often calls for a taste for new and exciting things to look forward to, and where better to delve in new experiences than Catch the Breeze Retreats? With activities spanning across Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales, we’ve collated a list of 24 things to do in 2024 that will be fun for all the family and allow you to embrace the beauty, wonder and quirks of our wonderful properties and the environments they are home to. From outstanding natural beauty and exciting filming locations to water sports and delicious local delicacies, this list will provide you with everything you would want and more from a 2024 trip with us at Catch the Breeze Retreats. 

Northumberland

1. Cragside

The first on our list is Cragside, a Victorian home surrounded by a beautiful canopy of woodland and wildlife to explore. Steeped in rich Victorian history and situated within the Northumberland forestry and with an adventure park and trim trail to keep the little ones entertained, Cragside is a great day out if you are visiting one of our Northumberland properties.

2. Cherry Blossom at the Cherry Garden

A must-see at Alnwick Garden is the stunning Cherry Blossom in their Cherry Garden. With a total of 329 beautiful trees that are home to the largest collection of ‘Taihaku’ in the world, the cherry blossom is a picture-perfect experience if you are looking for a magical day out that will double up as ‘Instagrammable’, especially around springtime when they bloom together. 

3. Distillery Tour of Ad Gefrin

It is not just gin lovers who will enjoy this activity, although it may enhance your experience if you are! Rich with heritage, history and of course, spirit, you are invited on a journey to travel back to the time that has inspired Ad Gefrin and shaped the gin they produce today. Their museum, exhibitions and distillery tours and tastings all work together to create a unique and unforgettable day out in Northumberland that will leave you wanting more

4. Walk The Pilgrims Way to Holy Island

Walking shoes often go hand-in-hand with activities when you are looking to explore the natural beauty of Northumberland, and this iconic landmark is no exception. Famous for the poles that indicate safe passing between the mainland and the island, step into the footsteps of the medieval ancestors who roamed the lands and experience the wonders of Northumberland’s history whilst enjoying the fresh sea air. 

5. Howick Hall

If you are looking for a classic cup of tea with the story of majestic ancestry to go along with it, Howick Hall is the spot for you. Home of the Earl Grey Tea, Howick Hall is situated amongst its grand gardens which hail back to the 1920s and the beautiful shrubs of the Arboretum. With an array of flowers, wildlife and woodland setting the scene as a backdrop to the history of the Earl Grey, this is a perfect spot for a relaxing and intriguing afternoon for historians and tea-lovers alike. 

6. The Last Kingdom display at Bamburgh Castle

The enchanting Bamburgh Castle is inviting enough as it is for a family day out and is now even more irresistible with the exciting display of props and costumes from Netflix’s hit T.V show, The Last Kingdom. An exhibition that is exclusive to Bamburgh Castle, this is a truly unique experience that will be sure to have enough intrigue and excitement for everyone. Situated amongst the sweeping sands of Bamburgh Beach, what more could you want from a day out? 

7. Warkworth Castle

Further explore the majestic nature of Northumberland’s heritage by taking a trip to Warkworth Castle. From coastal views from the castle walls to interactive trails that transport you back in time, this is a gem of Northumberland history that is not to be missed. 

8. The Fish Shack in Amble

In case you missed it on T.V, an unmissable spot for a taste of the Northumberland Coast is The Fish Shack in Amble, where The Hairy Bikers raved about the best seafood fresh from the North Sea. Dishes range from small plates of oysters and prawns to delicious traditional fish and chips; it does not get better than this! We recommend booking your table now to avoid disappointment.

9. The Rocking Horse Café

A dog-friendly café is a must if you are bringing a four-legged friend on a staycation to one of our properties, and it does not get friendlier than the Rocking Horse Café in Alnwick. Suited with doggy agility equipment to keep your dog happy, this spot is a treat for both you and your furry friend.

10. Water Sports

Our Northumberland properties are the perfect place for a base if you are looking to embrace the North Sea, and there are plenty of ways to explore the waves. From surfing and coasteering to stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing, you will truly experience the eclectic nature of the Northumberland Coast and have an exhilarating experience. 

11. Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden 

Our Northumberland properties are the perfect place for a base if you are looking to embrace the North Sea, and there are plenty of ways to explore the waves. From surfing and coasteering to stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing, you will truly experience the eclectic nature of the Northumberland Coast and have an exhilarating experience. 

The Alnwick Garden is a firm favourite of ours at Catch the Breeze Retreats and is sure to be yours too once you visit. Perfect for a winter trip to experience the magic of Santa’s Grotto, Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden is the epitome of Christmas escapism. Home to the world’s largest play structure, this is an experience worth waiting for! 

12. Dark Skies Experiences 

Both Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales boast beautiful stargazing spots where you will be wowed by the marvels that await you. Whether it is the star-studded Northumberland Dark Sky Park where the Northern Lights have been known to prance, or the view of the Milky Way at the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a Dark Skies experience is surely one of the most enchanting ways to end your day. 

The Yorkshire Dales 

13. Grassington 1940’s Weekend Festival

Speaking of the Yorkshire Dales, a colourful adventure in the form of the Grassington 1940’s Weekend Festival awaits you this September! With live music filling your ears as you wander the cobbled streets, you are invited to travel back in time and experience the vintage cars, market stalls and town hall dances that are hard to find in the modern era. Featured amongst the beautiful backdrop of the Grassington landscape, this experience is pure fun and true escapism.  

14. Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival 

If you are staying with us in the summer months, why not head down to the Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival this August? A fun and quirky day out for all the family, the festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary from the 10th-18th August in 2024 and will be sure to have an array of creative characters to feast your eyes upon! 

15. The Ribblehead Viaduct 

In the Yorkshire Dales there is certainly no shortage of stunning walking routes, as was made clear in Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes T.V show! Located in the middle of the Three Peaks, the Ribblehead Viaduct was one of the stops on Robson’s trip, showcasing the incredible piece of Victorian engineering surrounded by greenery that is a true marvel and a staple of the Yorkshire Dales landscape. 

16. Dales Countryside Museum 

A fascinating exploration into the Yorkshire Dales history is the Dales Countryside Museum, telling the story that spans across thousands of years around how the culture and landscape has been shaped by its people. With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities to give you a real flavour of the history of the Dales, this is certainly a must-visit to find out more about the land of your staycation. 

17. Grassington House 

Delicious local food is an important element to any trip, and who better to cook it up than award-winning chef, John Rudden? Serving up the finest local food you could wish for, Grassington House embodies the charm and warmth that the Yorkshire Dales is known for. Tables book up fast (with a table even being booked for New Years Day 2025!), so book now to avoid disappointment, and keep an eye out for John’s personally recommended dish, the rag pudding! 

18. The Wensleydale Railway 

If you would like to explore the Yorkshire Dales landscape but are not too keen on all the walking, look no further than the Wensleydale Railway! Enjoy the sweeping scenery from the comfort of your train seat with historic stations and costumed interpreters to bring the trip to life. If you are thinking of visiting Catch the Breeze Retreats in the winter, the Wensleydale Railway also operates a Polar Express, an additional delight for all the family. 

19. Ingleborough Cave  

To learn more about the underground wonders of the Yorkshire Dales, why not embark on a voyage of discovery at Ingleborough Cave? The caves invite you to journey through the winding footpaths and explore the hidden world beneath your feet, but do not fret if caves are not to your liking; the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail is the perfect route to keep you occupied. 

20. Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery 

A truly unique venue to give you a real flavour of a local brew is the Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery. Bound by passion and a commitment to keeping the drinks truly local, each drink name has a tie to the local area and is brewed in the heart of the town. Whether it is a brewed beer or a freshly roasted coffee, pop in for a drink that will undoubtedly tickle your tastebuds.  

21. Wensleydale Ice Cream  

A trip to the Yorkshire Dales would not be complete without treating yourself to a Wensleydale ice cream, and where better to get it from than Hardbanks Ice Cream Parlour! Converted from an old barn but still retaining the rustic look and feel, the range of 24 mouth-watering flavours on offer are irresistible after an afternoon of wandering. 

22. The Forbidden Corner  

Brimming with excitement and adventure for the thrill-seekers is the Forbidden Corner, an attraction like no other! Full of twisting tunnels, labyrinths and chambers hidden in the underworld, a unique and fun day out is guaranteed to delight and challenge, no matter the age.  

23. Outdoor Adventures

Gorge walking, mountain biking, climbing and abseiling; these are just a few of the exhilarating adventures that are on your doorstep in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. If you would rather a more relaxing outdoor activity, you are spoiled for choice with stunning waterfalls to sit back and enjoy to help you make the most of your trip.  

24. Film and T.V Locations 

As well as waterfalls, there are certainly no shortage of film and T.V locations in both the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. To name just a few: 

The Yorkshire Dales 

• Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Wuthering Heights and All Creatures Great and Small 
• North Yorkshire Moors Railway – the Downtown Abbey film, as well as the film for Dad’s Army 
• Sutton Park – the T.V show, Gentlemen Jack 
• The village of Kettlewell – Calendar Girls 

Northumberland  

• Alnwick Castle – Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Downton Abbey 
• Craster – the T.V show, Vera 
• Hadrian’s Wall – Game of Thrones 

For fans of any of these films and T.V shows, a trip to these filming locations are a must-visit for a fun day out to experience the real-life thrills of cinematic escapism. 

And that is a wrap of our list! After all the fun and excitement of any of the above activities, our properties are the perfect place to sit back, relax and mull in the day’s enjoyment. As the areas surrounding our properties hold so much opportunity for adventure and new experiences, it was hard to narrow it down, so please do explore to your hearts desires and truly embrace 2024 as a chance to experience Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales like you have never before.  

For further information on our properties and their availability all year round contact us on 01829 830 388 or email at info@catchthebreeze.co.uk. And do not forget to tag us in any pictures you may take and use the #MyCTBR, we love seeing your fabulous pictures and all the fun you have whilst staying with us in our properties. 

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