Robson Green's Weekend Escapes

Former Newcastle United footballer Les Ferdinand shares his insights into switching off as he and Robson journey along the Northumberland coast. For Robson, it’s an emotional trip in more ways than one. The actor and the footballer share memories and laughs while taking in the sights of Craster and Beadnell Bay. Later, they take to the North Sea in wetsuits as they challenge themselves and each other to stand up on a paddle board long enough to take in the stunning views.

Footballer Jill Scott joins Robson on his mission to find new ways of engaging with the great outdoors. A gentle stroll around the Helmsley Walled Garden is followed by a picturesque drive through the landscape of North Yorkshire, while Jill provides an insight into the world of football at the highest level. The pair arrive at the River Esk to embark on a lesson in paddleboarding with the added challenge of performing yoga moves on the water. Robson continues his trip solo to the National Bird of Prey Centre, where he gets the chance to fly some of the birds.

In a family affair, Robson is joined by his uncle Matheson and nephew Daymon on his quest to spend more time in the great outdoors. The trio head to Rothbury in Northumberland, where they sample a guided birdwatching walk before setting up camp on a farm, renting out converted former horse boxes. Joined by folk singer Sandra Kerr, a campfire family sing-song ends the day. The weekend closes with a bird’s eye view of Northumberland as the trio test claims that the gentle act of gliding over the landscape can be good for the soul.

Robson plays host to his Grantchester co-star Tom Brittney on a road trip around County Durham. Their mission to find peace and relaxation in the countryside finds the duo dragon boat racing on the River Wear, before heading to a forest camp where they spend the night. 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.

Robson’s pursuit of finding outdoor activities to keep our mental health in tip-top condition sees him joined by Sunderland-born actress Melanie Hill. The former Coronation Street star joins Robson 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. Robson takes Melanie to a rewilded former quarry to take part in an outdoor woodwork class. After overnighting in a converted railway carriage on a farm near Bishop Aukland, Robson investigates the outdoor theatrical reenactment extravaganza telling the story of English history, Kynren.

Robson joins forces with his brother David and uncle Matheson in his pursuit of new ways to spend time in the great outdoors. The trio turn their hand to landscape painting in the fresh air, before a trip to an organised treetop adventure park and the family favourite of fly fishing on a picturesque Northumbrian lake.

Actor Charlie Hardwick shows Robson the hidden gems of the east Durham coastline as part of Robsons journey to find fresh ways of spending time in the outdoors. The pair 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. Later, Robson signs up for a session with a forest bathing instructor amongst the trees of Hamsterley Forest.

Robson is joined by Hairy Biker Si King on his quest to find new ways of spending time in the great outdoors. Taking the scenic route north to Chillingham, the pair head out to visit the estate’s famous wild cattle. And with a shared interest in mental wellness, they sign up for an outdoor music session to explore the health benefits of group drumming. Later, Robson heads off to experience the potential restorative qualities of mixing cold-water swimming in the North Sea and the heat of a portable sauna.

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.

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 shepherds hut with panoramic views across the Tyne Valley, before taking a lesson in the traditional craft of spinning sheep’s fleece into wool.

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.