What’s On This Weekend
Love is in the air, the stars are shining bright and snowdrops are blooming in Northumberland. Between Valentine’s Day and the North East Dark Skies festival, there are so many fun events to enjoy in Northumberland this weekend. If you're looking for inspiration, here’s what’s happening across Northumberland from 13–15 February....
Celebrate the stars with the North East Dark Skies Festival
From 13-21 February, Northumberland is celebrating its gold-tier rated International Dark Sky Park with the North East Dark Skies Festival. A number of events will take place throughout the week, but this weekend specifically you can enjoy:
Guided Dusk Walk and Beer Tasting | Saturday 14th February 2026 | 5pm - 7.30pm | The First and Last Brewery Tap Room, Bellingham NE48 2DA
Stargazing Experience at The Tempus | Friday 13th February 2026 | 7pm | The Tempus, Charlton Hall Estate, NE67 5DZ
Dark Skies Crossing to Holy Island | Friday 13th February 2026 | Holy Island Causeway, TD15 2PB | 6pm - 8pm
Battlesteads Observatory various events | Friday 13th February Dark Sky Discovery | Saturday 14th February Cosmology for Beginners | Sunday 15th February Stargazing for Kids
Exploring the Milky Way | Saturday 14 February 2026 18:00 - 20:00 | Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre
Stroll through Snowdrops
February is the perfect time to admire snowdrops at various attractions, especially if you're looking for a romantic Valentine's Day in Northumberland:
Howick Hall - Visit the stunning Snowdrop Festival during February and enjoy winter woodland walks through carpets of Snowdrops at Howick Hall. They are planted in large drifts throughout the garden, often with winter aconites, and make a beautiful display reminding us that spring isn’t far away.
Belsay Hall - See the spectacular snowdrops at Belsay Hall, where snowdrops give a spectacular display in the quarry garden and woodland floor. Along with the common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, the double-flowered species of Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno' can be seen. The taller Galanthus 'Sam Arnott' can be found in the winter garden.
Wallington House - Visit Wallington Hall to enjoy the snowdrops in their beautiful gardens. If you have kids, explore the Snowdrop Festival Fairy Trail and wander through the East Woods where fairy doors are tucked beneath mossy logs, nestled inside hollow trees, and hidden in secret woodland nooks.
Ford and Etal - Beside Etal Castle lies an abundance of snowdrops flowering in the nearby copse. Snowdrops can also be found along Etal’s riverside path and on walks around Ford Village, where keen-eyed visitors may even spot a few early primroses.
Valentine’s Events in Northumberland
From an Anglo-Saxon Galentine’s evening to a romantic candle-lit dinner, here are some Valentine’s events to enjoy in Northumberland this weekend.
Ad Gefrin Galentine’s in Bēodern | Friday 13th February OR A Valentine’s Evening in Bēodern | Saturday 14th February | Ad Gefrin Anglo Saxon Whisky and Distillery Museum
This Friday 13th is all about spending time with your friends at Ad Gefrin. No booking required, just arrive within their opening hours and enjoy Bēodern, a laid-back Galentine’s evening celebrating friendship, laughter and spending time with the people you love. Expect a cosy atmosphere, Valentine’s-inspired cocktails and a lovely menu of food to choose from. If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, head along on Saturday 14th for a romantic, candlelit dinner. You can choose between their usual evening menu or, to really mark the occasion, enjoy a Valentine’s set menu for £90 for two people. Advance booking is recommended.
Concerts by Candlelight at Hexham Abbey: The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight | Friday 13 Feb | Performances at 6:15 pm & 8:30 pm OR Italian Candlelit Concert – With Love from Italy | Saturday 14 Feb | Performances at 7.30pm and 9.30pm
Spend a romantic evening in the staggering surroundings of Hexham Abbey and enjoy a candlelit concert experience with iconic Fleetwood Mac music on Friday 13th, or enjoy an evocative evening of Italian favourites from opera to classic songs on Saturday 14th.
Valentine’s Dinner at The Running Fox Powburn | Thursday 13th February
Not quite this weekend but a Valentine’s celebration nonetheless, book a Valentine’s dinner at The Running Fox, Powburn and enjoy Oyster Rockefeller and a glass of fizz, followed by a sharing board, 32oz Charred Porterhouse steak with all the trimmings, and an indulgent Foxy Hot Fudge Sundae. A truly special evening for two for £90.
Other Adventures
If stars, snowdrops and sweet nothings aren’t for you, here are some other fun things you can get up to this weekend in Northumberland.
Dog friendly day out at The Alnwick Garden | Sunday 15th February | 10am-4pm
Dog Days are back at The Alnwick Garden, every Wednesday and Sunday. Well behaved dogs on leads are warmly welcome for the first time in 2026, so treat yourself and the dog to a beautiful day out enjoying the variety of gardens and flowers here.
Discover Kielder Forest’s Room on the Broom Trail | Forestry England
Set off on a magical journey with the Witch and her friends at Kielder Forest. Perfect for families, this interactive trail features Room on the Broom activities, fascinating woodland facts, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. Pick up a Room on the Broom trail pack for just £4, complete with all you need to bring the magic to life.
Step into the Cosmos in Northumberland National Park at The Astronomy Photographer of the Year 16 exhibition • The Sill | Any time within opening hours | Exhibition open until 15 March 2026
In association with BBC Sky at Night Magazine, The Sill: National Landscape Discovery has opened a stunning exhibition produced by Royal Museums Greenwich, featuring 31 selected images from the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 16 competition. Discover the universe through the lens of the world’s best astro-photographers and get inspired.
A weekend at Rigg and Furrow and celebrate their 9th birthday | Pie Night on Friday 13th February | Rigg and Furrow 9th birthday party Saturday 14th February
Head to Rigg and Furrow this Friday for a pop-up pie night, or go along this Saturday 14th to celebrate their 9th birthday. You can expect a couple of new beers on the bar, including something specially brewed for the occasion, top notch food from Copper Ricebox & Andre’s Sandwiches and general good times. And of course there will be birthday cake!
Recent Finds Exhibition at Vindolanda and The Roman Army Museum | Every day until 30th September
Discover standout finds from the 2025 Vindolanda excavations, now on display. From social media favourites unveiled to the public for the first time to newly revealed hidden treasures, these artefacts offer an exciting glimpse into last season’s discoveries and make for an unmissable visit.
Now go and enjoy your Valentine's weekend in Northumberland and don't forget to share your experiences with us on social media by tagging @visitnorthumberland.
