January 25, 2024
A popular and charming series on BBC2 featuring outdoor activities and interesting places to stay in the North East.
Whether you have watched the 2 Series or not, there are some great and unusual activities that Robson Green and his guest experience. You could take a trip based on these activities and combine with the interesting places where they stay.
Alternatively if there is an activity you would like to try, it’s probably available locally.
We’ve listed the activities and the episodes in which they appear and you can check them out on BBC iPlayer
List of Activities
Northumberland
Electric Bike Cycling Fishing
Paddle Boarding Horse & Carriage Ride
Birdwatching Survival Skills Workshop
Gliding High Ropes Course
Kite Buggying Nordic Walking
Safari Flying
Outdoor Painting Outdoor Drumming
Power Turns ( Two Wheel Buggies) Ice Dip
Durham
Sailing Steam Train Ride
Canoeing Outdoor Woodwork
Wild Animal Watching Sand Art Class
Dragon Boat Racing Forest Bathing
Northumberland
Series 1
Episode 1
Hires an electric bike to cycle the stunning Coast and Castle cycle route. Stays at Bamburgh Under Canvas and the following day tries stand up paddle boarding with KA Adventures at beautiful Beadnell Bay.
Episode 5
Takes a birdwatching tour on the serene banks of the River Coquet. Stays at Abbeyfield, in a luxury horsebox glamping site, for the night before a big adventure the following day with Millfield Borders Gliding Club.
Episode 8
Travels to Druridge Bay for a kite buggying experience with KA Adventure before coastal foraging with Linus from Northern Wilds before ending the day at Huts in the Hills. He then visits Northumberland National Park and enjoys the fascinating Ingram Valley Safari.
Episode 11
Starts with an outdoor painting session with The Allendale Forge Studios then trys Go Ape at Matfen Hall. Go Ape is a high ropes course as well as axe throwing. The night is spent at Langley Dam Glamping Pods, nestled away in the Tyne Valley and then a spot of fishing the following morning.
Episode 12
Robson heads straight to the Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre for a peaceful horse and carriage ride, before travelling to nearby Belford for an overnight cottage stay. The following morning he visits Twizel Estate for a survival skills workshop with Northern Outdoor, before moving onto Slaley Hall for an exhilarating afternoon driving Allout Adventures’ Power Turns.
Episode 14
Starts at Lindisfarne Priory, Lindisfarne Castle and the fantastic sea views that Holy Island has to offer, before heading to Budle Bay and joining a Nordic Walking session with Strolls with Poles. Overnight is at Middlemoor Farm and visiting Longframlington the next morning for Athey’s Moor Flying School, where Robson takes flight over Northumberland once again.
Episode 15
A visit to Chillingham Wild Cattle then move onto Beadnell Beach for an outdoor drumming lesson. Robson Green heads to Sugar Sands Beach for the ultimate, Scandi-inspired wellbeing activity of an ice dip guided by Ice Dip Socials.
Series 2
Episode 1
Kicks off with Claire from Soul 2 Sand, who offers therapeutic, group sand art experiences in Northumberland. Robson watches the waves wash away his creation before joining Alnmouth Community Rowing Club and heading out onto the water at Alnmouth Bay. Then, he makes his way north to Chathill, where he meets teacher and piper Ian Gelston, before visiting their incredible accommodation for the night, Trees at Tughall. This is a luxurious cabin accommodation hidden amongst the trees just a short distance from Beadnell.
Episode 2
Robson is joined by Angela Lonsdale as they set off to explore south Northumberland. Their first stop is Sweethope Lough, near the village of Bellingham, for a thrilling outdoor, cold swimming experience. They do this with the guidance of expert Fenwick Ridley from H20 trails, who runs guided cold water swimming activities in Northumberland as well Sauna and Dip and Stand up Paddleboarding. Their accommodation for the night, a stunning refurbished railway carriage at the edge of Northumberland National Park named Wannies Retreat.
Here, Michele Riveroll, qualified perfumer and founder of Scentica Studio, meets them to guide them through a perfumery workshop. The following day, they visit Bellingham village to meet Northumbrian musician Ian Brown, for a musical walk along the banks of North Tyne, before enjoying a laughter yoga experience with teacher Katie Williams from Laughter Love.
Episode 4
Robson and Denise Welch visit Broadgate Farm to meet up with Sam from Art by Sam Folcarelli for an animal painting workshop in Allendale. They then go on a staggering guided horse ride through the remote moorland of the North Pennines valleys with Sinderhope Pony Trekking Centre. Next, it’s time for a sand bathing experience guided by Cumbria-based Gabriel from Healing Sounds, before settling down for the night at beautiful Panoramic Pods. Each luxury glamping pod has its own log fired hot tub, nestled at the centre of a working farm overlooking the Northumberland countryside. The next morning, Robson is joined by Jackie for yarn spinning.
Episode 8
Robson pops in to see his accommodation for the night, Skylark at Hesleyside Huts, an incredible luxury Treehouse just on the outskirts of Bellingham and a short drive from Kielder. He then visits good friend and astronomer Dan Pye at Kielder Observatory for some summer stargazing, marvelling at the visible stars and planets using the world-class equipment the observatory has to offer. The next day, Robson meets with Tanni-Grey Thompson, one of Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, in Kielder Forest.
Ready to explore all things accessible and wheelchair friendly in Kielder, Tanni and Robson first try out Bike 4 Health’s two-person bike and explore Kielder Lakeside Way, a smooth, wide trail that skirts Kielder Reservoir. Then, they meet up with the Calvert Kielder team to try out the thrill-seeking Kielder Zip-Coaster which is wheelchair accessible and has them dipping and diving mid-air above beautiful Kielder. They end their day with a canoeing experience on Kielder Water, also guided by the Calvert Kielder team.
Episode 9
In episode 9, Robson Green and Shola Ameobi head to Beadnell to meet up with KA Adventures for a guided Foiling Experience at Beadnell Bay. With Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance, they try their hand at this exhilarating water sport before moving on to meet Melissa from Melissa Black Method for an outdoor ballet lesson. They then get some well-deserved rest at their amazing accommodation Hillside Huts, the luxury, eco-friendly huts with hot tubs, incredible views, stargazing windows and beautiful interiors.
Episode 10
On episode 10 it’s back to Beadnell for Robson but, this time, with his sisters. They meet up with Scuba Steve for a fascinating snorkelling experience at Beadnell Bay, before heading to the Northumberland countryside for a unique tour of the landscape with the Sidecar Guys. They head to their accommodation for some much-needed rest, the restored narrowboat Miss Ellie on Middlemoor Farm, a self-catering site offering cosy cottages and quirky longboat stays in beautiful rural Northumberland. Then it was on to meet head gardener Robert at the stunning gardens of Howick Hall. They also head out on a wildlife boat experience from Amble as they sail out to Coquet Island, lesser known than The Farne Islands but home to thousands of puffins and other birdlife. They spot puffins, roseate terns, seals and more.
Episode 11
Robson Green is joined by Faye Tozer for an active day out in the Breamish Valley. They drive to East Woodburn, 30 minutes north of Hexham, for a thrilling rock climbing session with expert Tom Hopper from Climb GB. They then head to the village of Ingram to meet Anthea Wood from Amwood Art for a relaxing water colour sketching workshop in the great outdoors, looking onto the River Breamish. They then go on and enjoy a laughter-filled, outdoor line-dancing class in Branton, with instructor Mary Allison, before Robson heads to his accommodation. Robson is impressed by Breamish Valley Cottages’ amazing Roundhouses, the luxury glamping pods with incredible views of Breamish Valley and outdoor bathtub.
The next day, Robson meets up with Dave from Wild Experiences Northumberland who offer bespoke experiences including hikes and stargazing and also run eco-friendly glamping accommodation Laverock Law. They explore the Breamish Valley and Wether Hill, where they tuck into an al-fresco picnic with staggering views.
Episode 14
Robson and Sarah Hunter pop into Morwick Dairy for some delicious homemade ice cream, then head to the southern end of Warkworth beach, renowned for its beautiful sandy bay. They try their hand at surfing with Northside Surf School, before heading to their stunning Treehouse accommodation at Woodland Chase Glamping. These luxury cabins tucked away in woodland are a cosy haven with log burners and hot tubs and Lorna Watkinson from Rainbow Pottery Painting meets them there for some guided pottery painting. The next day, Robson heads to Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre where he admires the 60 acre wildlife-haven and spots an Oystercatcher from the nature hide.
Durham
Series 1
Episode 4
Derwent Valley is where there are many peaceful walks including Lanchester Valley Railway Path and Derwent Railway Path Walk. At the Derwent Waterside Park, Robson and guest take to the water with the Derwent Sailing Club. Overnight is spent at the Lord Crewe Arms.and the following day at the Weardale Adventure centre who offer a great range of outdoor adventures, including canoeing, rock climbing, gorge walking and caving.
Episode 6
Gorge walking in Teesdale at Hudeshope Beck with Dragon Den’s Sara Davies before staying overnight in a shepherds hut. A visit to Raby Castle and Deer Park. where Robson wants to explore how watching animals in the wild can be good for our sense of wellbeing as he joins the Raby gamekeeper on an inspection of the estate’s ancient deer herd.
Episode 7
Robson and companion triy dragon boat racing on the River Weir before heading to a forest camp where the night is spent In the hands of expert forager Andy, the actors find food for dinner in the wild plants of the woodland, before a campfire singsong and a night in a self-erected hammock. The following day it’s a steam train ride at Tanfield Railway, the world’s oldest railway, travelling in Victorian carriages pulled by lovingly restored locomotives.
Episode 9
Robson’s pursuit of finding outdoor activities to keep our mental health in tip-top condition sees him at High Force Waterfall to feel the power of being surrounded by water and to listen to the sounds of one of the UK’s mightiest waterfalls. At the rewilded Harehope Quarry Robson takes part in an Outdoor woodwork class. Overnight is a converted railway carriage on a farm near Bishop Aukland Robson investigates the outdoor theatrical re-enactment extravaganza telling the story of English history, Kynren.
Episode 13
Robson is joined by actor Charlie Hardwick take an art class on the sand and beachcomb to create a piece of art. A wellness choir teacher holds an outdoor singing session to show how singing outdoors can be good for mind and body. Robson signs up for a session with a forest bathing instructor amongst the trees of Hamsterley Forest. Overnight is spent at The Barn at Easington. Take your pick from the luxurious two-bedroom log cabin, glamping pods and caravans alongside beautiful camping spots. If you watch any of the episodes, you realise it’s about reconnecting with the beauty of the countryside and making yourself feel better, physically and mentally.
Series 2
Episode 13
Robson meets up with screen star Lee Ingleby and the pair head deep into the Weardale countryside.
The pair sample a forest fitness class in Hamsterley Forest and take control of a Rolls Royce-powered train at the Weardale railway before heading to their digs on a local farm. After a night of listening to nature, they take on a raft-building course in a disused quarry.
Cumbria
Series 2
Episode 3
Robson is reunited with acting pal Mark Benton for a back-in-time weekend away. The pair leave the horsepower behind for an actual horse-drawn caravan as they pass through the back lanes of the Eden Valley.
In Ullswater, they get a taster session of tai chi on the sandy lakeside with Chris Shaw and take a trip across the lake on a steamer.
Episode 15
Robson is joined by his Uncle Matheson as the pair head to the Lake District.
Taking the scenic route and Matheson’s four border collies for company, the adventure begins in the gullies and ravines near Honister for some Ghyll scrambling, before they sleep in a yurt, take a lesson in textile art in Buttermere and visit Long Meg and Her Daughters, one of the biggest neolithic stone circles in England.
Yorkshire
Series 2
Episode 5
Robson is joined by his brother David and uncle Matheson for a two-day break on a canal boat in the Yorkshire Dales.
Taking the cross-country route, they marvel at the Ribblehead Viaduct and learn to navigate the Leeds-Liverpool canal, with its locks and swing bridges, in a downpour. After a spot of fishing and family competition, Robson lines up an abseiling challenge for former scaffolder David at the famous Cow and Calf.
Episode 6
Robson invites acting friend and fellow Grantchester star Tessa Peake-Jones for a North York Moors weekend away. They take in the simple pleasures of a picnic in the Rosedale Valley, and at Abbey Farm they make cheese and enjoy outdoor yoga with goats.
Spending the night in a golf ball-shaped geodome, the pair learn to cook around a campfire, and before heading home, go head-to-head in tractors with Farm Adventure.
Scottish Borders
Episode 7
Celebrity chef Kenny Atkinson is Robson’s guest at the picturesque border fishing village of St Abbs. Robson introduces Kenny to a local farm shop to gather ingredients for dinner before taking him on a wildlife watching boat trip to look at the bird colonies living in, and on, the cliffs of St Abb’s Head.
Episode 12
Robson invites Olly Smith, award-winning wine enthusiast and TV personality, to sample a weekend escape in the Scottish Borders. Hoping to tickle his palette, Robson drives cross country from Newcastle to Jedburgh to show Olly one of his favourite scenic car journeys. Once across the border, Robson leads his guest directly to a walk with Rulewater Alpacas before they sample a woodland sound bathing session, visit a badger watching hide at Ruberslaw and visit the pretty St Mary’s Loch to enjoy lunch on a paddle board ( or you can Kayak).
We should point out that some of the activities may not be suitable for those of a certain age.
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