High Oaks Grange Review : A Dog Friendly Weekend with Hot Tub

Advert - This post includes a press stay for our writer Gaia in May 2023. 

Gaia and her family recently spent a weekend in North Yorkshire staying in a luxury 2 bedroom lodge with a hot tub at High Oaks Grange.

It's only a half hour drive from Scarborough and they had a great weekend in this luxurious and comfortable self catering lodge.

What's On for Kids & Teens across North East England : May Half Term 2023

ADVERT. Please check back for new events soon. This post contains adverts & affiliate links. Please always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information before setting off, especially regarding dates/times and whether booking is required. This info is subject to change. 

This post will be split into the following sections: 

1. Our Top Picks for May 
2. Deals and Offers 
3. Kids Eat Free / Dining Out Offers 
4. May Days Out to Book Now 
5. May Days Out with NO Booking Required 
6. Walks, Parks & Picnics
   
   

Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT Washington

This is an advert for May 2023. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for.

Drawn to Water is a year long partnership between WWT and Quentin Blake who is one of the UK's best-known illustrators probably best known bringing the stories of Roald Dahl to life. 

Quentin Blake is a huge nature / wetlands lover and the partnership aims to connect us more with nature, encourage us to slow down, pause and take in our surroundings and notice the changes throughout the seasons. 

Sycamore Glamping Pods in Northumberland | A Review

Thanks to our writer Bethanie for this post. Photo Credits: Sycamore Glamping and Girl About Northumberland. Photos in this post are from both pods. This post is based on a stay in May 2021. Please check with venue direct for the most up to date info. Owner Debbie is lush and will be happy to answer any questions. 

Last May (2021), we had a fun family night away glamping in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside. It was everything I love about camping with the added bonus of a hot shower, microwave, hob and fridge. Oh, and a comfy bed to sleep in, plus no extra socks needed to keep warm. Amazing!

Disney On Ice Returns to Newcastle in December 2023

This is an advert for May 2023. Any shares / edits beyond this point have not been asked for. This post is based on an official press release but please note, I do not work for Feld Entertainment and will be unable to help with ticket queries. 

It's time for my favourite announcement of the year....... 

How to Plan a Day at Brimham Rocks

Thanks to our writer Bethanie for this post which was published in May 2023. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date information. 

10 Fun Things to do in Wooler

Thanks to our writer Bethanie for their help in writing this article which was published in May 2023. Please always check with venues direct for the most up to date information.  

Despite only being up the road from where we live, it is very rare we seem to visit Wooler. However, we recently enjoyed an overnight stay in the area and spent some time exploring this small market town in the very north of Northumberland.

My family all agreed it was such a lovely location and couldn’t think why we didn’t visit more. 

 

In case you also have been wondering “what is there to do in Wooler?” I have put together this guide on how to spend either a day or a weekend break in Wooler. 

PaddlePod Whitley Bay

This is an advert for May 2023. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info as details can change. The photographs in this post were taken with permission. 

There are currently three PaddlePod venues across North East England (Killingworth, Shiremoor and Whitley Bay). They're best known for their state-of-the-art swimming facilities but did you know, they're also a fantastic hub for activities aimed at families with children aged 5 and under?

You can expect lovely play areas, fantastic cafes, baby/toddler/pre-school classes, sensory rooms and more. Check out everything that's on offer here: PaddlePod Facilities 

Preston Park, Museum & Grounds | A Visitor's Guide

This is an advertisement for August 2021 and May 2023. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Information checked May 2023 but do check with venues direct for any changes before setting off. 

Preston Park in Stockton-on-Tees is somewhere we have visited many times over the years and a place I have recommended time and time again. It is low-cost, there is lots to do with indoor and outdoor options and easy to get to by car or public transport.

Whitehouse Farm or Hall Hill Farm - Which is Best?

 

This is a question that regularly pops up in our Facebook Group so I thought I would try and figure the answer out. 

I have visited both on several locations and although they are not a cheap day out, both are fantastic places where you can spend a full day whatever the weather. I'd recommend them both and would probably say if you've been to neither, start with the one that's closest to you. 

But which is best? This post will hopefully help us figure this out........

All information checked via the Whitehouse Farm and Hall Hill Farm websites in May 2023. Information can / may change so always re-check with the venues direct before visiting. 

The Gruffalo Trail & Zog Trail - Hamsterley Forest, Durham

Thanks to our writer Gaia for helping with this post which was last updated in April 2023. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info. 

Visiting Hamsterley Forest 

Hamsterley Forest is County Durham's largest forest. It's FREE to visit although car parking charges do apply (currently not accessible by public transport). There's lots going on for families and it's the kind of place you can easily spend a full day.