Robson Green's Weekend Escapes (2023)

Robson spends time with old friend and actor Kevin Whately. They reminisce about their times growing up in north east England before heading to Alnmouth beach to try their hands at making pictures in the sand at low tide. The pair take to the water when a boat comes in to join a team of sea-going rowers and try their hand at the border pipes. Later, Robson spends the night in a cabin on a farm at Tughall before attempting the art of willow weaving.

Robson’s reunited with acting pal Angela Lonsdale on a quest to find relaxation in the Northumberland countryside. Angela lets Robson introduce her to wild swimming at Sweethope Lough under the watchful eye of Team GB cold-water swimmer Fenwick Ridley, before they head to their refurbished railway carriage accommodation at Wannies Retreat. To make up for the cold-water shock, Robson has invited a bespoke perfume maker to join them and teach them how to make their own scents. The following day, they take a singing stroll along the North Tyne with local musician Ian Brown and sample laughter yoga.

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 and take a trip across the lake on a steamer

Actor Denise Welch joins Robson for an escape to the Northumbrian countryside she still calls home. They take up paintbrushes in the stunning Allendale countryside and take to the saddle to immerse themselves in the amazing countryside, before trying a sound bath on the moors. Later, Robson checks into a shepherd's hut with panoramic views across the Tyne Valley, before taking a lesson in the traditional craft of spinning sheep’s fleece into wool.

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.

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.

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. Before Kenny heads back to his kitchen, he shows Robson how to cook the perfect steak using a portable stove. The next day, Robson signs up for a pottery class claimed to help cultivate a sense of well-being.

Robson is joined by sporting legend Tanni Grey-Thompson in Northumberland’s Kielder Forest. They share a bicycle ride on the shores of Kielder Water, and Tanni takes a leap outside of her comfort zone on an accessible zip wire course before leading Robson onto the water and into a canoe. Robson also manages to squeeze in a visit to Kielder Observatory to take advantage of some of the best dark skies in Europe and spend the night in a spectacular treehouse.

The actor is joined by his footballing hero, Shola Ameobi - a former striker with Newcastle United. The road trip to Beadnell is the perfect setting for a chat about Shola's childhood and his career with the city's famous football club. Once at Beadnell Bay, Robson challenges this sporting hero to a wing foiling session and lures him inland to an outdoor ballet session. Robson then spends the night in a hand-built hut before meeting up with wildlife photographer Trai Anfield to learn the art of capturing the perfect shot of a bird in flight.

Robson’s sisters, Dawn and Joanna, join the actor to share a family mini break in Northumberland. Robson takes his sisters to sample underwater views by snorkelling in the North Sea at Beadnell before going with them on a sidecar trip around Northumberland. Robson has booked them into a converted narrow boat sitting in the middle of a farm with views of their beloved Northumberland coast. The family's love of gardening leads them to Howick Hall and its stunning formal gardens and wildflower meadows. Finally, there’s a boat trip from Amble Harbour with a cruise to Coquet Island to watch the puffins and seals that make these Northumbrian waters their home

Robson is joined by Faye Tozer from Steps as they head inland to the Breamish and Ingram valleys, a lesser-known part of beautiful north west Northumberland. Faye, who moved to the region more than a decade ago, is known for her footwork as a dancer, so Robson thinks he’s found her the perfect activity by introducing her to rock climbing. Next, they travel to the banks of the River Breamish to enjoy the peace and quiet and take a watercolour class with a local artist. After quieting the mind with their creative pursuits, it’s time to move the body, and Robson surprises a group of local line dancers with his celebrity guest. After saying goodbye to Faye, Robson makes his way to his overnight accommodation near the village of Branton. On the final day of his escape, Robson joins local walking guide Dave Harris-Jones for a short hike through the Breamish valley. A picnic at the top of Wether Hill ends the actor’s quest - for now - to feed the mind, body and soul.

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 an alpaca walk before they sample a woodland sound bathing session, visit a badger watching hide and visit the pretty St Mary’s Loch to enjoy lunch on a paddle board.

Robson meets up with screen star Lee Ingleby in the historic city of Durham before 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.

Robson invites rugby union legend Sarah Hunter back to her roots in the north east of England. The pair take a lesson in catching a wave at Warkworth and decorate a plate at an outdoor art lesson. As Sarah heads back to her family, Robson checks into his digs - a tree house surrounded by birds singing in its branches. The next morning, he visits the Hauxley Nature Reserve, located on the site of a former opencast mine, to take a look at some Northumberland bird life.

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.