Richardson Dees Park, Wallsend : Visitor Information

Richardson Dees Park in Wallsend, North Tyneside is somewhere we used to visit a lot when Harry and Heidi were little and we lived in Wallsend. It was lovely then but having a bit of cash spent on it, it's even better now.

Richardson Dees Park has a large enclosed play area with decent play equipment for all ages, an outdoor gym, sports pitches (including tennis courts and a bowling green), woodland walks, ducks to feed, a cafe, a skate park, lots of green space and public toilets. It is very easy to reach via public transport or car too. There are picnic tables and benches dotted around the grounds but it does get popular and I recommend bringing a picnic blanket if you're going to spend a few hours here. 

Pirate Themed Crazy Golf, Morpeth (Review)

This post is based on a visit in March 2021. Please check the Crazy Putt website and social media for up to date information.

I love Crazy Golf and it's a nice activity to enjoy for all ages. One of my children who shall remain nameless is not a fan though and has multiple meltdowns whenever we play / spends the whole time accusing others of cheating or not following the rules properly which can be stressful for us if we play together as a family. I guess it's one of those activities you either love or hate! 

I still persist and book these things though and recently we tried Crazy Putt Adventure Golf at Morpeth Family Golf Centre. Despite one child pretty much crying the whole way around because the rest of us were 'cheating' 😳 the rest of us really enjoyed this course and declared it the best outdoor crazy golf course we have tried. 

30 of the Best Things to do at Kielder with Kids

This post was published in April 2021. Not all of these facilities will be open at all times and many are seasonal. Please ensure you contact venues direct to check facilities and opening hours/booking requirements before making plans. Also note that prices may have changed since posting so please do check this too. 

We absolutely love Kielder. The remote village, forest and reservoir is just three miles South of the Scottish border and it is one of those places where you really feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere. There is very limited phone signal making Kielder the ideal spot to really switch off from the world.

Durham Botanic Garden : Visitor Information

This post is based on a visit in April 2021 when not all facilities were open due to Gov restrictions. Please check their website for up-to-date information before visiting or making plans. 

At time of publishing, Durham Botanic Garden is free to visit and open Monday-Friday 10am - 2:30pm. You do not need to pre-book and can just walk in. The cafe, toilets and indoor facilities/bird hides are currently closed. I would still recommend as a nice peaceful walk with points of interest or a place to meet up with friends/family (within Gov guidelines) and it is lovely for a stroll. There is plenty of seating throughout the gardens and it wasn't too busy at all on the day of our visit in the school holidays. 

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Visitor Information

This post is based on a visit in April 2021. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date information. 

Tyne Riverside Country Park is situated on former industrial land by the River Tyne near Newburn. It is a lovely spot with various facilities and perfect for riverside strolls and woodland walks. The park is very well connected and part of the Wylam Waggonway and some areas are suitable for cycling and horse riding. 

Wansbeck Riverside Park

This post is based on a visit in April 2021. 

Wansbeck Riverside Park is a large nature reserve in Ashington, Northumberland.  Expect riverside walks, a large public play park with lots of space to run around, flat surfaced paths, green space, lots of seating and a cafe. It is FREE to visit.

We used to take the kids often when they were little as it was an ideal spot for dog walking and also a good spot for blackberry picking. We revisited on Easter Bank Holiday and it was just as good as I remember. 

Nelly's Moss Lakes A 1.5 Mile Easy Pushchair Friendly Walk at Cragside

This post was published in April 2021. Please check details with venue direct before setting off as facilities, opening hours and information can change. Please follow Government guidelines. 

At time of writing, visits to Cragside must be pre-booked for members and non-members. We pre-booked our visit online. Tickets are released in the early hours of Friday morning (just after midnight) for the following week. If you are unable to book a slot, I recommend giving Cragside a call on the day you would like to visit. They usually have a number of no-shows and cancellations and can often squeeze you in.