A Day of Adventures at Cragside

AD. This is an advert for July 2024. Any edits / reshares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. This post is based on a visit in July 2024 (where we travelled by bus) but does also include a few photos and info from previous visits too.

 

Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information before heading out. Especially regarding opening hours, timetables, current offers and prices.

You can do that here:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/cragside/useful-information-for-your-visit-at-cragside

The Viking Village & Kynren 2024 : All You Need To Know

 AD - This is an advert for July 2024 and based on a visit to Kynren's Press Performance in July 2024. Always check with venue direct for the most up-to-date info as it can change over time. You can do that here: https://www.11arches.com/kynren

7 Reasons to Visit the Grainger Market

 AD - This is an advert for July 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check information with venues direct when making plans as information can change over time. 

You can check their website here:
https://ourgraingermarket.co.uk/welcome-grainger-market

The Grainger Market! A place to wander and wonder since 1835. For me, it's a place that holds so many special memories.

The Ultimate Guide to What's On in the North East for Kids | Summer Holidays 2024

Disclosure : AD This post contains advertisements and affiliate links. The information in this post is for guidance only and it is super important you check with venues direct for the most accurate and up-to-date information when making plans or before heading out.

I am in the process of updating this post for Summer 2024. In the meantime, please check out my Instagram which has LOADS of ideas for things to do: Follow North East Family Fun on Instagram Here

A few people have also asked for my 'buy me a coffee' link to say thanks so here it is: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/NEFamilyFun

New Playground at Danby Lodge National Park Centre

 AD - This is an advert for July 2024 and based on a visit in that month. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been paid for. 

The information in this post was last checked in July 2024 - it's important to always check info with venue direct before heading out as info can change.

You can do that here: https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/things-to-do/attractions/Danby-Lodge-National-Park-Centre

A brand new playground has opened at Danby Lodge National Park Centre this summer and it's definitely worth adding to your summer plans. 

What's On in North East England for Kids & Teens | July 2024

 This is a short what's on guide covering the first two weeks in July. My main 'Summer Holiday What's On' guide will cover from 19 July - start of Seot and will be published w/c 15 July so look out for that one.

 If you'd like a list of events and ideas for things to do for the coming weekend send straight to your inbox every Thursday, please sign up to my mailing list here. It's FREE. 

Recent posts you may have missed: 

• The Story Durham Review (a free indoor day out)
  
  
• Pegswood Park Review (it's a brill park - you need to add this to your list of summer days out)
  
  
• Del Garda Village and Camping Review (a car-free Eurocamp holiday from Newcastle)

The Story Durham | A Free Day Out in Durham

AD - This is an advert for June 2024 and is based on a visit in June 2024. Any edits / shares after this date have not been asked or paid for. Please always check info with venue direct before heading out, especially regarding opening hours and events as these can change at the last minute. 

• The Story Durham is a brand new visitor attraction in Durham 
  
  
• Free to visit and open daily (closed Bank Holidays)

Pegswood Park Review

This post is based on a visit in May 2024. Always check with venue direct for the most up to date info as information and facilities can change over time. 

This is one of the best playgrounds I've visited recently. I had no idea it was here until one of the design team messaged me on TikTok to let me know about it and suggested I pop in if I was passing. I was intrigued so decided to make a special trip. I'm so pleased I did. 

Del Garda Village and Camping : Lake Garda Eurocamp Review

 This post is based on a stay in June 2024. As always, it's important to check details with venues direct when planning your own trip as facilities and info can change. 

Our accommodation was provided via a competition win. We paid for our own flights and activities. 

What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens - June 2024

This post contains adverts. There are loads of events planned for June and it certainly feels like a bumper month. This post is scheduled in advance and information can change - always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information before setting off. 

If you visit anywhere and would like to recommend to others this month, please share your photos and a mini review in our Facebook group here. You can do this at any time. 

If you're an event organiser, you can share upcoming events in our Days Out Facebook Group every Friday (one event per business per week). The group has almost 60k members and this is a FREE service. 

Wylam Jubilee Field and Playground

This post is based on a visit in May 2024. As always, please check with venue direct for any changes before heading out. 

A small (ish) playground which is very accessible by car and public transport with a good range of equipment for under 10s in good condition. River walks and cafes nearby. 

Souter Lighthouse to Marsden Grotto | A Short Pushchair Friendly Walk

 This post is based on a visit in May 2024. Please check with venues for the most up-to-date info, especially regarding car parking, costs and opening hours as these regularly change. 

This is a lovely short walk to enjoy along the South Tyneside Coast. 

National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool | Review

 This review is based on a visit in May 2024 with three adults, one 8 year old (Evan) and one 13 year old (Jack). This is not an ad/collaboration.  Please check with venue direct for the most up to date information as opening times, prices and other info can change over time. 

Is Ad Gefrin Child Friendly?

 This post is based on a visit which we paid for ourselves in April 2024. As always, please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info, especially regarding opening times and costs. 

Ad Gefrin is a visitor attraction in Wooler, Northumberland. There are three main parts to Ad Gefrin and you can visit just one aspect, two areas or go all out and enjoy the full experience as we did. The main areas are: 

• Anglo-Saxon Museum 
• Distillery (Tours & Tastings) 
• Bistro 

May 2024 : What's On for Kids & Teens across North East England (+ Half Term)

ADVERT. 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, age guidance and whether booking is required. This info is subject to change. 

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Thrunton Woods Crag Top Circular Walk

 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. 

25 FREE Days Out for Rainy Days in North East England

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. 

Alnwick Castle 2024 Review

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).

Drop In Play Areas in Newcastle City Centre

This post was published in April 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info as details can change over time. ALWAYS check opening hours direct before heading out. 

Now that Jungle Jack's has closed in Eldon Square, it kind of feels like there is a bit of a lack of play areas in Newcastle City Centre so I thought I would put together a few ideas. 

Not all of these suggestions are traditional play areas, but they all should provide entertainment / something to do for kids. 

5 Car-Free Eurocamp Holidays from Newcastle

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. 

The Best Places to Stay in Seahouses

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. 

What's On for Kids in North East England | Easter & April 2024

AD. - This post contains adverts & affiliate links. Please always double check informtion with venues direct before setting off as things can change.

Middleton Lodge Forest Spa Review

 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) £300pp spa day ended up costing us around £160pp which although still expensive, was exceptional value when you consider what was included. 

Explore Alnwick with the Visit Northumberland App

 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 some options for a day out which I'd never even heard of! 

Athens with a Teenager - Itinerary & Tips

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. 

What's On in the North East | March 2024

AD - This post contains adverts and affiliate links. This post was published in February 2024 and full opening hours may not have been announced. It's SUPER important you check up-to-date opening hours & info with venues direct before heading out, especially over Bank Holidays. 

16 Things to Do in Sunderland with Kids

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. 

Thompson Park Sunderland Guide

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. 

North Shields Fish Quay to Tynemouth Market Weekend Walk Idea

 

This is such a lovey weekend walk idea to try as a couple, with friends or kids. It's dog friendly too. We park at Low Lights Car Park on North Shields Fish Quay which is free and walk up to the market then back again.

It's around 3k in total so not a big walk but it is up hill on the way there (although there are seats and I've managed to push a buggy up here a few times). 

Blast Beach to Seaham Harbour 5km Pushchair Friendly Walk

This post is based on multiple visits over the years and was published in February 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date info. 

 

This is a lovely pushchair friendly walk to enjoy along the Durham Coastline. It should be suitable for some wheelchair users too - there is a very slight incline along the walk but it's a surfaced path.

10 of the Best Swimming Pools in North East England

Thanks to our writer Bethanie for this post which was published in February 2024. Prices and info were last checked in February 2024 and will change over time so please check with venues direct (we have added their links) for up-to-date timetables, prices and policies before heading out. Over to Bethanie........ 

A few years ago we made the new year's resolution to take the kids swimming more. It’s a great option for a wet weekend or for filling in a couple of hours during the school holidays.


In doing so we discovered some new swimming pools and soon found which ones were our favourites and why.

A Farm Stay with Games Barn & Eco Spa (Yorkshire Hideaways)

This is an advert for January 2024 and based on a visit in January 2024 by our writer Gaia. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. As always, check with venue direct for the most up to date information. 

Yorkshire Hideaways offer hand-picked cottages across Yorkshire. Expect personal service and a team who will go the extra mile with local knowledge, exceptional reviews and 24/7 support. Gaia booked with Yorkshire Hideaways and stayed at West Shaw Cote Cottage - a stunning dog friendly cottage on a farm in the Yorkshire Dales. Here's how she got on........ 

What's On in the North East : February 2024 (inc Half Term)

This post was published in February 2024 and contains adverts and affiliate links.

ALWAYS check details with venues direct by clicking the blue links before heading out, especially opening hours and booking details. Information can change. 

The Treehouse Softplay Whitley Bay Review

This is an advert for January 2024 and based on a visit in January 2024 by our writer Gaia and her 5 year old daughter.

Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Please always check with venues direct before visiting for the most up to date info, especially regarding opening hours and prices as these can change over time. You can do that here: https://www.treehousewhitleybay.co.uk/. Over to Gaia: 

If you're looking for a soft play that's perfect for little ones then the Treehouse Soft play in Whitley Bay is it! With a play structure that's perfect for under 7s, talking trees, ride on toys and a separate area for non-walking babies (on selected days), it's the perfect option for babies, toddlers pre-schoolers and young children. 

Bamburgh Playground | All You Need to Know

This post is based on a visit in January 2024. Please check for up to date info with venues direct before heading out (especially bus timetables). 

Why we love this playground: 

• Perfect for under 8s 
• Fully enclosed with a rubber base
• Beautiful castle views 
• Excellent condition and fairly new 
• Pirate ship 
• Tractor 
• Fairly accessible - there is an accessible swing, space for a wheelchair user on the roundabout and the pirate ship features ramped access. 
• A proper see-saw 
• Basket swing 
• Bus stop outside 
• Benches inside and lots of seating next to the playground overlooking a large grassed area 
• Very close to the beach and nice cafes / pubs nearby 

A FREE Day Out at Baltic

*This post is based on a visit in January 2024. Exhibitions do change over time and information can change too. It's important you check details with venues direct before visiting for the most up-to-date info. 

Kiki's Kabin North Shields Review

This post is an advert for January 2024. Any shares/edits beyond that date have not been asked/paid for. Information correct as of January 2024. This post was published by our writer Gaia who visited with her daugher Ada (5). 

It's important to check with venue direct for the most up-to-date info before heading out, especially regarding prices and opening times as information can change over time.  You can do that here: https://www.kikiskabin.co.uk/

How to Spend 5 Hours in Amsterdam with Kids

AD. - this post contains affiliate links and includes a mix of information photos taken on press trips and trips I have taken and paid for myself. All activities mentioned in this post were chosen and paid for by myself. 

This post was published in Jan 2024 and updated in June 2024. Prices and info were last checked on this date and are subject to change - check with attractions direct for the most up-to-date info. 

The DFDS Mini Cruise is a cheap way to enjoy a weekend away with kids. You get two nights on board a ship and time in Amsterdam. It is best to see this as a full trip away - your break starts from the second you step on board, rather than just a few hours in Amsterdam.

9 Northumberland Coast Playgrounds to Visit

This post was published in Jan 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date info. 

You can access most of these playgrounds (I feel like Druridge Bay is the only one that would be tricky) by bus. Check out the Arriva X18 service timetable and you can read my blog about Visiting the Northumberland Coast by Bus. 

If you'd like to see a map with the locations of these playgrounds, I have added one at the bottom of this post. 

Explorer Trail Circular Walk at Gibside

 
We love this walk at Gibside and have enjoyed it a fair few times now. It's one of our go-to walks with Fozzy as there is lots for him to sniff, the paths are mostly wide, it's pretty quiet and it includes the dog exercise field at the Stables where he can safely run around as we enjoy a coffee. 

Access to this walk is included with National Trust Membership / admission to Gibside. 

• 2.2 miles / 3.52km circular route 
• Dogs welcome on leads (there is an enclosed exercise field where you can let them off lead en-route)
• Lots of activities to try en-route including a play area, animal sculptures, den building zone and low ropes course 
• Cafe at the start/end
• Pushchair accessible - step-free, roughly surfaced paths with a few steep gradients
• Suitable for a powered mobility vehicle - there are two available to hire 
• Toilets at the start/end, Strawberry Castle Play Area and Stables 
• Well signposted route 
• Should take 1 hour but you can easily extend this by spending time on activities 

Tynemouth Aquarium Review

 This post is based on a visit in November 2023. Please check with venue direct for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding prices and opening hours. 

One of the first posts on this website was a review of Tynemouth Aquarium (back then it was Blue Reef). 10 years ago, I paid £18 (with some money off vouchers) for us to visit and felt like it was a bit of a rip off. 

Whitburn to Seaburn Pushchair Friendly Walk

This post is based on a visit in November 2023. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date info. 

We are gradually trying to walk the full North East Coast with Fozzy. In this post, I'm going to share the stretch between Whitburn and Seaburn. 

It's 1.2 miles each way and should take around an hour to walk there and back. This walk is very easy to continue onto Roker. If you did this, it would be around 2 miles each way and take around 1hr 20 mins and you'd pass a further two playgrounds.

Cawfield Quarry Walk, Stargazing & Picnic Spot

This post is based on a visit in January 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date info as this can change. 

 

Cawfields is a free entry section of Hadrian's Wall which is open 24/7. There's a car park and it's accessible by bus. It's the easiest way to reach a Milecastle by car (Milecastle 42 is a very short walk from the car park) and a fantastic place to start a walk along Hadrian's Wall with excellent views. 

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Walk with Playgrounds

This post was published in January 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date info. 

 

This is a lovely walk along Newbiggin prom with plenty to see and do along the way. I'd definitely recommend giving it a try. It's around 2km each way (it's linear so you walk there and back). 

20 Indoor Attractions Open in January across North East England

Are you looking for some indoor fun this January but you're not sure where to visit? This list is for you. I have checked all of the attractions below and they are open in January but do check direct before visiting as some are open on reduced hours / days over the winter months. 

All of these venues are accessible by public transport - click on their website links for more information. 

Do check my full guide to rainy day ideas in North East England and if you're looking for specific events, you can read my guide to what's on in January across North East England.

Cub Play Cafe Blyth Review

This post was published by Bethanie and is based on a visit in October 2023. Please check with venue direct for the most up to date info (especially regarding pricing and opening hours). Over to Bethanie: 

 

In October I took my youngest daughter along to the Cub Play Cafe which is in Blyth. We both had a really enjoyable morning, playing and snacking, so I wanted to share with you our experience and what to expect from your visit. 

What's On in the North East | January 2024 ( for Kids and Teens)

 Always check with venues direct for up to date opening hours and event info before heading out as information can change. 

What's On in the North East - 20 & 21 January 

Throughout January I will be sharing over 20 walks to try on my Instagram. Make sure you care following along here: www.Instagram.com/northeastfamilyfun