Head to Seaton Sluice for the bigger than ever North East Chilli Fest 2017, which runs from Friday 30th June to Sunday 2nd July. Eighties music icons Heaven 17 will be one of the many fantastic attractions at this big celebration of food, drink, music and entertainment, where the numerous stalls, bars, marquees and stages will be set up on a site overlooking the sea. And while in Seaton Sluice, why not pop along to visit nearby Seaton Delaval Hall, a fine Grade I listed country house set in its own estate with lovely gardens to explore.

There’s a pop-up indoor market in Etal Village Hall every Wednesday and Thursday (11am to 3pm) during July and August – just a few miles inland from Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and Seahouses. Visit the nearby Heatherslaw Light Railway, the most northerly steam railway in England, and enjoy a trip along the banks of the River Till between Heatherslaw Station and Etal Castle, pulled by steam locomotive ‘Bunty’. The Heatherslaw Cornmill is a restored 19th Century working watermill, still making quality flours in the traditional way. View the whole milling process and keep the kids amused in the Victorian Cottage with dressing up clothes, a junior miller quiz and baking days.

The Lantern Walk 2017 is a very special event taking place in memory of loved ones no longer with us. Organised by St Oswald’s Hospice on Saturday 1st July, the venue is the Rising Sun Country Park, near Newcastle upon Tyne, and everyone is welcome.

Attention dog-lovers! Visit Alnwick Castle on Sunday 2nd July for the Percy County Dog & Hound Show. The many classes include Terriers, Lurchers, Foxhounds, Family Dog Show, Gun Dogs, Have-a-go Agility and Terrier Racing. And while you’re in the area, head along to The Alnwick Garden, one of the world’s most contemporary gardens. Lots to see and explore, including the famous Treehouse restaurant, which sits high in the treetops and is reached by walkways in the sky and wobbly rope bridges! (All accessible by wheelchair and buggy.)

Witness an amazing Roman Cavalry Pageant on Saturday/Sunday 1st/2nd July at Bitts Park, Gilsland, Carlisle. Enjoy the dramatic sight of 30 cavalrymen performing intricate manoeuvres and showcasing their skills with spears and other weapons.

Join an Osprey Watch at Leaplish, Kielder, where you can observe birds on the nest using telescopes and a live nestcam. Volunteers are on hand to answer any questions. (Sunday 2nd, Monday 3rd and dates throughout the rest of July.)