This post is based on a visit in April 2024. Please check with venue direct for the most up to date info, especially regarding areas of the woods which are closed, before setting out. You can do that here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/thrunton-wood AD. - I have worked with Breamish Valley Cottages and Copper Beech Cottages in the past, however they have not asked or paid to be included in this post.  Thrunton Woods near Rothbury in Northumberland was badly affected by Storm Arwen in November 2021 and actually had to be closed for a while. It is still clear to see the devastat ..read more

This post will share 25 FREE days out across North East England and was published in April 2024. Please always check with venues direct for the most up to date information and opening hours before heading out.  Public transport info was checked in April 2024 but timetables do change. Please either check a venue's website for current travel info or use Rome2Rio to plan your route before checking timetables direct with providers.  This post shares 25 FREE indoor days out across North East England, ideal for a rainy day. Of course there is nothing wrong with wrapping up and explo ..read more

This post was published in April 2024. Please check with venue direct for the most up-to-date info, especially regarding opening hours and admission costs. Our most recent visit was in April 2024 however some of the photos/info in this post is from previous visits. We love visiting Alnwick Castle and have visited a few times over the years, especially back in the day when you could buy a combo annual pass for both the castle and gardens (no longer available). We haven't visited so much in recent years though and I think this is due to a number of factors:  Cost - for all five of u ..read more

This post was published in April 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date pricing and travel info.  We love a Eurocamp (or similar) holiday. They're generally nice and relaxed with good facilities on site and relatively inexpensive when compared to other holiday types.  I know the idea of driving abroad terrifies some (read about my own experience here). So this post aims to share some of the places you can enjoy a Eurocamp holiday from Newcastle without the need to take your car.  How to Plan Flights & Transfers  Use SkyScanner to find fl ..read more

This post was published in April 2024. Prices last checked April 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date-info.   AD - Post includes previous press stays however nobody has asked / paid to be included in this article. The link for Bamburgh Castle Inn is an affiliate link.  Why Stay in Seahouses?  Seahouses in Northumberland is one of my favourite places to stay by the seaside. I honestly love staying here and will try and stay at least once a year.   We are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation types and there is genuinely ..read more

 This post is based on a visit in March 2024 which was paid for by myself. Please check with venue direct for the most up-to-date info and pricing.  Middleton Lodge Forst Spa had been on my friend's bucket list for ages and when she asked if I'd like to join her for the day as part of her birthday celebrations, my arm was easily twisted. It's fairly expensive though so we decided to wait for their Black Friday deals which I'm glad we did. We managed to purchase discounted vouchers and booked as part of their Christmas sale so what should have been an (out of budget for me) £300p ..read more

 AD - This is an advert for March 2024. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info. Step into Alnwick is funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority.  The Visit Northumberland app is FREE to download for both Apple and Android users. Now I was born and bred in Northumberland and raised my children here. Plus thanks to my job, I reckon I have probably enjoyed more days out in the region than the average person.   So you can imagine my surprise when the Visit Northumberland app presented som ..read more

This post is based on a visit in April 2024. We have chosen and paid for everything mentioned in this post ourselves however most of the links are (ad) affiliate. Information last checked and correct March 2024. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information as it can change.  Why Athens?  As a parent of three children with very different personalities, holidays were always fairly easy to choose when they were younger. I mean everyone loved cheesy entertainment, the beach and the pool. We were all happy with our caravan holidays in the UK, Eurocamp style ..read more

This post was published in February 2024. Always check with venues direct for the most-up-to-date info before heading out, especially regarding opening hours.  Most of the places mentioned in this post are in the City Centre and easy to walk to on foot however a few are located on the outskirts and a quick bus/Metro ride may be easier with little legs.  You can download a free google map with the locations of these venues & websites here: Download a FREE Google Map of Sunderland  OR scroll to the bottom of this post for a map embedded in this post.    Sunder ..read more

This post is based on a visit in February 2024 and information/facilities can change over time. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info.  Thompson Park in Sunderland has recently received a substantial £740,000 investment and is a fantastic place to spend the day.  Facilities include:  Large enclosed playground with equipment for all ages and abilities (including a swing and roundabout and seesaw for wheelchair users) An interactive football wall with LED lights to help impove aim. The wall offers a range of games and challenges for all abilities  ..read more