I absolutely love Italy and I think it is probably my favourite holiday destination. In fact, we are travelling to Italy again this summer. Cannot wait! I realised I have a fair bit of Italy content on my site now so thought I would bring it all together in one post.
This post is based on a visit in June 2024 which we paid for ourselves. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date info.
This is based on a visit in June 2024 which we paid for ourselves. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date pricing and info.
Many people warned us that Sirmione is super busy but it was only a short boat ride from where we were staying in Pescheria del Garda and there was a nice looking lakeside spa there which I thought wouldn't be too busy so we decided to risk it. I'm so pleased we did as it was a lovely day.
AD - We have been provided with press tickets to review this show.. Look out for a review on 13 May 2026
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We have visited three times over the year with our kids ranging from toddlers to teens. This particular post is based on a visit in May 2026 which we paid for ourselves.
As always, do check with venues direct for the most up to date information, especially regarding opening hours, facilities and costs. You can do that here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/birdoswald-roman-fort-hadrians-wall/
This is based on two visits in 2025 which we paid for ourselves. Please check with venue direct for the most up to date information when booking.
This post was published and based on a visit in May 2026. As always, please check with venues direct for the most up to date info (especially opening hours).
This is an advert for April 2026. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date info.
Despite supporting NUFCW for a number of years, this was the first season we were able to go ‘all in’ (mostly thanks to a reduction in weekend work commitments and that our kids have grown up and do their own thing on weekends so we have much more free time).
This post was published in April 2026. Always check information with venues direct before heading out as timings can change.
As always, please make sure you check with venues direct for up-to-date details including dates and timings before heading out as these are subject to change.
Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information before heading out as changes are possible.
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| Morpeth Paddling Pool opens on the last weekend in May (weather permitting) |
This post is based on a visit in April 2026. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info especially regarding opening hours and menus.
AD - We were provided with tickets to review this show in April 2026.
Everyone has one book that they read at school that stays with them forever right? Well for me, this book is Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. It was my GCSE text way back in the year 2000 and up until then I was very much a Babysitters Club / Sweet Valley High / Point Horror kind of gal and had never read anything quite like this. It was a book that had real meaning to it and literally sweeps you away to another time and place whilst raising issues that are still prevalent today.
AD - This post was published in April 2026 and based on a visit in April 2026. Any edits/shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information as this can change with time.
This post was published in April 2026. Please check with venue direct for the most up to date information (especially opening times and admission costs).
This post was published in April 2026. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info and this can change over time.
We love a trip to Scarborough. North Bay is traditionally known as the ‘quiet end’ of the town although I’m not sure why as there is plenty going on.
You can easily spend a full day in this section alone or walk through the town (or catch an Open Top Bus) to South Bay where you’ll find amusements, bars, restaurants, a fairground, bowling, boat trips, fishing, shops and more.
This post was published in April 2026. Price changes and info can change over time so do always check with venue direct for the most up to date info.
Hire a Beach Hut at Blyth Beach 
Sunday 9 August 2026. Building will take place from 2.30pm The Grand Fall will take place at 4:30pm and will be a spectacle like no other seen in our city. Get down early to secure your preferred viewing spot. There will be loads of other cool free stuff happening in the city that day as part of the NOVUM festival. More info to follow. The Domino Run Tumble should last a mega 30 minutes
AD - This post contains affiliate links.
Sadly not in the North East, but it's located inside Chessington World of Adventures and entry is included as part of a wider day out here. 
AD - We were provided with press tickets to review this show at Newcastle Theatre Royal in April 2026
Need to know:
📆 13 - 18 April
🫶 Audio described and captioned performance with touch tour available
⌚ 2 hrs including interval
⚡Triggers: Strobes, flashing lights, auditorium blackouts, strong language, smoke, pyrotechnics and sudden loud noises.
🎫Tickets available from £27. Tickets for 18-30 year olds available for £10.
✅Recommended for ages 12+
🎟️Book: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/222-a-ghost-story-2/
(ad) We were provided with press tickets for this review in April 2026.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is performing at Newcastle Theatre Royal this week.
This is based on a performance in March 2026 at Northern Stage Newcastle. I paid for these tickets myself.
Ad - We were provided with press tickets in March 2026.
Royal Shakespeare Company, Hamlet is performing at Newcastle Theatre Royal this week.
I love going to the theatre but have somehow made it to the age of 42 and have never watched a production of Hamlet. My preconceptions were that it was a long, wordy play. However, like a lot of us, I absolutely adored the recent film Hamnet which is entwined with the famous Shakespeare play and I wanted more!
Please always double check information with venues direct before setting off as things can change and some venues may close / change hours over Easter and school holidays.
If you're looking for even more FREE days out, check out this post: The Ultimate Guide to FREE Days Out in North East England (over 50 attractions)
As always, double check event details with venues direct before heading out as changes and cancellations are possible.
As always, make sure you double check event details with venues direct before heading out for changes including prices, entry method, timings & cancellations. These are all subject to change.
A note for Feb Half Term - this falls on different dates for different local authorities in the region this year. Attractions primarily plan school holiday activities for the area they are based which may not coincide with your own school holidays.
Plan a Weekend in Durham - 27/28 Feb
This is based on a visit in December 2025 which I paid for myself. As always, please check details with venues direct when making plans as info can change. The currency in Dublin is euros but I have converted everything to pounds for the purpose of this post.
If you're looking for a day out where your dog is welcome too, check out some of these ideas:
