What's on in Tan Hills

The pub quizzes, craft fairs, and village fêtes the big sites miss — here's what's on around Tan Hills.

Editorial picks

Families this weekendPlans the kids will actually like Free this weekendCracking local plans for free Rainy-day picksCosy plans for when it turns

Don't miss the next one

One email a week with the local stuff worth knowing — before it's already happened.

Free. Unsubscribe whenever you like.

Workshops & Classes

Around £75.00

Embroidery General Day Class

Learn traditional or contemporary hand embroidery techniques in Tracy’s studio in Fowlers Yard, Durham City.

Thu 23 JulTracy A Franklin(3.2mi)

via Tracy A FranklinLocal gem

Live Music

Around £4

Thirsty Thursday | Quiz & Karaoke

Come join us for a night of fun and entertainment at The Library Durham in Durham! Get ready to test your knowledge and vocal skills at our Quiz and Karaoke Night. Show off your trivia prowess during the quiz rounds, then unleash your inner rockstar on the karaoke stage! Don't miss out on our amazing drinks offer - enjoy £4 craft beers and cocktails all night long. Sip on delicious drinks while you compete in the quiz or cheer on your friends as they belt out their favorite tunes. Gather your friends and get ready for a memorable evening of laughter, music, and friendly competition. See you at The Library Durham for a Quiz and Karaoke Night you won't forget!

Thu 23 JulThe Old Library(3.6mi)

via The Old LibraryLocal gem

Food & Drink

Around £7.50

Lunch and a Drink

Come join us at The Library Durham for our delicious Lunch and a Drink daily deal, available Monday to Friday! Indulge in our mouthwatering burgers paired with a refreshing drink, all at a fantastic price. Looking for a great lunch spot? Look no further! Our Lunch and Drink offer starts from just £7.50, making it the perfect midday treat for you and your friends. With a variety of options to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on this amazing deal at The Library Durham - where great food meets great value. Grab your friends and head over for a delightful dining experience that won't break the bank!

Thu 23 JulThe Old Library(3.6mi)

via The Old LibraryLocal gem

Sports & FitnessWorkshops & Classes

Pilates Mat Class - Beginner

Our group Pilates classes are designed to help you connect to your body again with exercises and cueing that focus on * Diaphragmatic breathing * Spinal movements to enhance strength and flexibility * Shoulder and neck girdle alignment and strength * Learn the true core and control of it * Focused relaxation in every session * Master the original repertoire taught by Joseph Pilates Equipment is provided, however please purchase your own mat ASAP and once you are happy to learn Pilates and continue every week.

Thu 23 Jul09:30Claire Louise Pilates(4.9mi)

via Claire Louise PilatesCurated

Community

Active Families North East

The group is currently running on Thursday Mornings at 9.30am and is held in the community annexe.

Thu 23 Jul10:30Fatfield Park(4.9mi)

via Fatfield ParkLocal gem

Children & FamilyTheatre

Summer of Play at Crook Hall Gardens 2026

This year at Crook Hall Gardens Summer of Play is bigger than ever! When you visit choose to get involved with a led pop-up event or play in your own time with our self-led activities available every day from July to September. There'll be different games you can pick up and play with dotted around the gardens including dress-up areas, nature-based creative activities or football, sack racing and more. On top of all this, check back on our events page soon for our pop-up activities (dates TBC). As a sneak peek here's what to look out for: • Free family yoga sessions with Kalma Life UK • Free games of rounders and dodgeball • Free nature crafts • SEND sports and games with Smile Through Sport • Axe Throwing with B Outdoors With imaginations running wild and competitive fun happening throughout the gardens you'll head home tired yet refreshed from connecting with beautiful nature.

Thu 23 Jul11:00Crook Hall Gardens(2.9mi)

via Crook Hall Gardens

Community

Jimmy

Food bags

Thu 23 Jul11:30The Hut(3.6mi)

via The Hut

Likely freeTheatre

Outdoor theatre with Illyria: Pinocchio

Carlo Collodi’s classic is a perennial favourite. It is the third most translated book in the world, having appeared in no fewer than 260 languages since it was published in 1883, and has never been out of print. Childless toymaker Geppetto buys a piece of wood to make a puppet – little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds glorious attractions containing hidden dangers. He returns home hoping to be showered with sympathy and learns his tribulations are just beginning. Running away hasn’t worked; lying won’t work; he must become a real boy to achieve the belonging he craves. Collodi describes the development from puppet to real boy in the same way that useless green timber is matured into useful well-seasoned wood – a transformation only achieved through trials of water and fire. Illyria celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in a thrilling musical outdoor show. The running time is approx. 95 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. Free entry for carers, one per paid booking. Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted.

Thu 23 Jul19:15Crook Hall Gardens(2.9mi)

via Crook Hall Gardens

Children & Family

Youth Group

Our youth group runs on Thursdays between 4pm and 6pm in the Community Annexe. It is a vibrant group for young people aged 11-18.

Fri 24 JulFatfield Park(4.9mi)

via Fatfield ParkLocal gem

Community

Around £29