Starting the new year with a bang, as this January 2026, the North East is brimming with plenty of fun things to do, see and explore
From charity walks to taking up new hobbies and, of course, marking Burns Night, January is bound to be a great start to the year.
New Year’s Day Charity Walk at Raby Castle Deer Park
When: 1 January
Price: Donations to charity
The picturesque Deer Park will be open on Thursday 1 January for its annual New Year’s Day charity walk, this year in aid of the UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie. Raby Estates recently announced Marie Curie as its Charity of the Year 2026 and has committed to raising funds and awareness for end-of-life and palliative care. Because giving back might be the best way to kick off 2026.
Ouseburn Brewery Tour
When: 9 January
Price: £30
Get ready to spend over three hours exploring Ouseburn’s brewery scene, with behind-the-scenes access to a selection of local breweries and pubs where you’ll taste some of their finest products. That’s your Friday evening sorted!
Knitting and Crochet Classes at Petrichor Wool Studio
When: Various dates throughout January
Price: From £35
If there’s ever a time to pick up a new hobby, it’s January. Petrichor Wool Studio, in Bishop Auckland, is inviting you to start the year learning how to knit and crochet, a hobby with plenty of benefits that go far beyond making yourself a pair of socks or a cosy jumper.
Winter Twilight Sound Bath at Middleton Lodge
When: 12 January
Price: £45
This will be the perfect treat after the Christmas and New Year chaos. Spend 90 minutes listening to crystal singing bowls, soft vocals and therapeutic frequencies, all designed to put your mind at ease, before enjoying a seasonal alcohol-free cocktail to finish off your relaxing experience. There’s no doubt about it – you’ll leave feeling brand new and ready for what 2026 has in store.
Candlelight: Tribute to Adele at Durham Cathedral
When: 17 January
Price: From £15
Adele fans, gather — this one’s for you. This January 2026 in the North East, Durham Cathedral is inviting you to experience Adele’s music like never before, surrounded by beautiful, romantic candlelight. The programme includes some of her biggest hits, including ‘Hello’, ‘Water Under the Bridge’, ‘Send My Love (To Your New Lover)’ and many more.
Seafood Masterclass at South Causey Inn
When: 17 January
Price: £95
Level up your kitchen skills with this intimate seafood masterclass at South Causey Inn. Led by Peter Miskin, this small, eight-person class will guide you through the skills of working with fresh, delicious seafood. Start the evening with a welcome drink, move on to making a fish stock and soup, followed by an oyster masterclass, filleting and preparation, and finally, enjoy the dishes! Bob’s your uncle (or whatever they say).
Shrek 2 at Eatflix
When: From 23 January
Price: £75
If there’s anything better than Shrek 1, it’s certainly Shrek 2, and Eatflix is taking the whole “dinner and a movie” thing seriously. Expect plenty of creative, and most importantly, delicious dishes while watching this funny classic. If anyone wants to take me on a date, I wouldn’t say no to this!
Burns Night Supper at Blackfriars
When: 24 January
Price: £69,50
Say goodbye to January with a Burns Night supper at Blackfriars. The evening will feature all the traditional elements, including the Selkirk Grace, the address to and cutting of the haggis, followed by a supper of traditional Cock-a-Leekie soup, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Cranachan, and cheese. Of course, every meal will be served with whisky and the occasional toast, plus an iconic Burns poem.