10 Back To School Rules For Parents of Teenagers

This is an advert for August 2023. Any edits / reshares after this date have not been asked or paid for. 
All items featured are from Very. 

It's almost time to go back to school and this year, my children will be going into years 8, 10 and 12. I have been thinking about how crazy back to school shopping was when my children were little. It certainly seemed a lot more stressful than it is now. Or maybe I'm just an old hand? 

I thought I would share a little post about how back to school shopping has changed for us now that my kids are older. 

Beamish Museum : Top Tips for Visiting

This post is based on (and includes photos from) our numerous visits to Beamish over the years. Prices and information last checked in Summer 2023. Please always check with venue direct for the most up-to-date info before heading out as information can change over time. 

I do sometimes work with Beamish but this specific post is not an advert. 

 

Beamish Museum is one of the best attractions in the North East (I would argue the world). It's an award winning open-air living museum where you can step back in time and experience history from across the North East from the 1820s to the 1950s. 

There is lots of hands on fun and walk through experiences, many special events across the year and your Beamish Unlimited Pass allows unlimited entry for a full year during normal daytime opening hours. 

Beamish is accessible to all and dog friendly. 

Visiting Paxton House and Grounds

This post was published in August 2023 by our writer Bethanie. Please check with venue direct for the most up-to-date information before heading out as information can change with time. 

Up in the Scottish Borders, just a short drive from Berwick Upon Tweed, you will find Paxton House. We always have a lovely day out when we visit here and I wanted to share more information with you about what’s on offer for families. 

Spittal Splashpad, Playground & Beach

This post was published by Gaia in August 2023. Always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info before heading out. 

Gaia and her kids met up with friends in Spittal, which is a seaside town just 5 mins away from Berwick-upon-Tweed. It's a perfect place for a day out or a stopover on the way to Scotland as it's just off the A1, about halfway to Edinburgh (St Abbs to see Thor's House or Harestanes Accessible Playground are other stop off ideas). 

• Splashpad which is regularly maintained
• Newish playpark with pirate theme
• Free parking (for up to 72 hours)
• Typical seaside cafe selling chips, hot dogs, ice-creams, candy floss
• Small traditional amusement arcade 
• Accessible with an accessible swing, a private changing place for wheelchair users and beach wheelchairs available to hire (this scheme is in it's final stages and will be open very soon)
• Large stretch of sandy beach with bathing water classified as 'excellent' 
• 5 mins south of Berwick-upon-Tweed
• Good stopover on a journey to Scotland

Haltwhistle Outdoor Pool Review

This post has been published by our writer Gaia and is based on a visit in August 2023. Always check with venues firect for the most up to date info, especially regarding prices and opening hours as these can change over time. Over to Gaia...... 

We had a brilliant day at Haltwhistle swimming pool, and would definitely recommend it for a fun day out. In fact it's our new favourite North East pool!

Our highlights include:

Woodhorn Museum Review

This is an advert for August 2023. Any edits / reshares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. We have visited Woodhorn a lot over the years and this post shares photos and information from previous visits but is up to date and checked for correct information as of August 2023. If you're visiting after this date, please check with venue direct for the most up to date information as changes may be made. 

What is Woodhorn Museum? 

Woodhorn Museum is a popular visitor attraction in Northumberland. The museum brings to life Northumberland's mining history through a range of permanent interactive exhibitions, special tours, art and contemporary exhibitions and events.

FREE Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Thanks to our writer Alyssa for this guest post. 

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Another day- another challenge! 

This one will not have you walking 5-10 miles like my usual challenges - instead, I'm encouraging you to put your feet up and relax - there are so many ways to take part and it’s completely free! *insert happy dance here* 

Check out Alyssa's previous challenges here: 

Visit 12 Lighthouses in One Day Challenge 

Cross the River Tyne via 7 Bridges in One Day Challenge 

This challenge is fantastic for encouraging children (ages 4-11) to continue reading throughout the summer, avoiding that pesky summer slide (the decline in reading/ other academic skills over the course of the summer).