In the diary – June

June brings a packed calendar of culture, creativity and outdoor adventure across the North East, Borders and further north in Morayshire. From live jousting at Bamburgh Castle and inspiring exhibitions at Belsay Hall and Berwick-upon-Tweed, to literary conversations in Melrose and scenic walks in Moray, there’s plenty to discover this month. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, a creative escape or a chance to explore the region’s landscapes and heritage, our June highlights offer something for everyone. 

Make and mend at Belsay Hall

Belsay Hall is hosting a new exhibition in partnership with Northumbria University over the summer months. Make and Mend brings together around 20 artists and invites their creative responses to Belsay’s rich heritage through a range of disciplines including textiles, furniture, photography, and architectural studies. The exhibition blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques, celebrating both the history of making and the ongoing art of preservation.

27 June – 27 September 2026, 10am to 5pm

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/belsay-hall-make-and-mend-27-jun-to-27-sep/

Live Jousting at Bamburgh Castle

Celebrate Father’s Day weekend at this iconic castle with the Knights of Royal England as they battle in an action-packed show filled with stunts, sword fights, and medieval drama – promising a fun day out for the whole family.

20 –21 June, 1 – 3 pm

https://www.bamburghcastle.com/events/live-joust-weekend/?eventdate=2026-05-21

Joan Eardley: The Sea at Catterline at The Maltings in Berwick-upon-Tweed

Joan Eardley developed an extraordinary body of landscape painting inspired by the fishing village of Catterline on Scotland’s north-east coast, which she first visited in 1951, returning regularly before eventually making it her home. This exhibition will focus on works made between 1958 and 1963, when Eardley was at the height of her creative powers, and includes work by artists who were part of her creative community including Lil Neilson and Margot Sandeman.

6 June – 11 October, Wednesday – Sunday, 11am to 4pm

https://www.maltingsberwick.co.uk/whats-on/joan-eardley-the-sea-at-catterline-exhibition-entry-day-ticket/

Borders Book Festival

With than 100 events for all ages, plus festival bookshops and a food and drink village – all within Harmony Garden and The Orchard in Melrose – this annual event is packed with highlights, including talks with Prue Leith, Tom Kitchin, Alan Titchmarsh, Alexander McCall Smith, Judy Murray and Sam Heughan. Authors appearing in the Harmony Garden venues will be signing books after their events in the Harmony Garden Bookshop.

11–14 June

https://bordersbookfestival.org

Foraging Walk at Wooler Common

Discover the hidden treasures of the natural world on a guided Foraging Walk at Wooler Common, beginning and ending at Ad Gefrin. Led by Rachel Abbott from Among the Woods and Waters, the walk will follow part of St Cuthbert’s Way, guiding you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Northumberland. Along the way, you’ll learn how plants and trees were once used, develop skills in identifying local species, and enjoy a taste of Thirlings Dry Gin in the great outdoors.

14 June, 9:30am – 12:30pm

https://adgefrin.co.uk/events/foraging-walk-at-wooler-common-2026-06-14

Alnmouth Arts Festival

This annual festival brings together over 50 artists, makers and designers in venues across Alnmouth that range from halls to private homes and gardens, creating a vibrant and informal atmosphere. Browse paintings, blown glass, textiles, woodwork, jewellery and ceramics over the two-day festival, along with ticketed musical events throughout the weekend.

20 June, 10am – 5pm, and 21 June 21, 10am – 4pm

https://alnmouthartsfestival.org.uk

Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival

From the foothills of the Cairngorms to Moray’s stunning coastline, enjoy long summer days discovering Moray’s natural, historical and cultural landscape. Highlights include From The Woods To The Sea – Guided Forest Bathing Nature Walk, a relaxing sensory walk in the Findhorn Hinterland woodland and the surrounding dunes (13 June, 1am – 3pm); Drawn Into the Landscape: Geology and Art Along the Moray Coast (13 June, 10:30am – 2:30pm), a circular walk and sketch around the Portknockie coastline, exploring the geology, heritage and landscape of the area; and Brodie Castle Estate Walk (19 June 2–3.30pm), a unique insight into the estate from the Assistant Head Gardener.

12 June – 22 June

https://www.moraywalkoutdoorfest.co.uk/events/