10 Reasons to Stay at Matfen Hall in Northumberland with Kids

This is an advertisement feature

We fancied something a little different as a treat to end half term this year so packed ourselves and the kids up to spend a night at Matfen Hall in Northumberland in celebration of our 12th wedding anniversary. We had the absolute best time and I can't wait to share it with you. Matfen Hall is a grand 4* resort and it does feel pretty fancy but on the other hand, it is super warm and welcoming and not the kind of place you feel like you have to keep your children seen but not heard. If you're looking for a luxury family staycation in Northumberland, Matfen Hall really delivers. Here are 10 reasons to stay here with kids: 

Where to Visit & Feed Reindeer across North East England this Christmas 2021

This post was published in 2021. After careful consideration, we have decided not to update it for 2022 and won't be promoting events with reindeer in future years.

Before we jump into this post, I want to make you aware of the RSPCA's view on visiting reindeer at events across the UK. The RSPCA have called for reindeer not to be used at events across the UK and have raised concerns about their welfare. They suggest visiting events which do not use live animals. 

You can read more about this over on the RSPCA website here. https://www.rspca.org.uk/-/28_11_18_not_such_a_happy_christmas_for_santas_helpers

Pirates Village Santa Ponsa | Jet 2 Holidays Review

We stayed at Pirates Village during the first week of October in 2018. The holiday was to celebrate my brother's 30th birthday (and first holiday abroad in 5 years!) plus it was my toddler nephew's first holiday abroad.

We travelled in term time as it's the only time Mark could get off work. Steve and Harry stayed at home for this trip (I'm not planning on taking Harry out of Secondary school to go on holiday) and I took Heidi and Jack out of school for the trip (I don't mind taking kids out of Primary School to go on holiday for 5 days).

My mam also came along with us so there were 6 of us in total. Pirates Village is such a fun hotel for kids and definitely a place I'd recommend to visit with children in Spain. 

Pirates Village Exterior

10 Magical Christmas Events to Book Now

This is an advertisement feature 

Has anyone noticed that as soon as we hit November 1, Christmas has hit us in full-force? I'm actually surprised at how quickly it's come around and now that the kids are back to school after half term, my planning is in full-force. Many Christmas events have already sold out (some as much as a year in advance) so today I am bringing you 10 Christmas events across Gateshead which either don't require pre-booking or still have tickets available (at time of publication). There are some fantastic events on the list - let me know if you fancy any.......

The Big Blue Hotel Blackpool | Pleasure Beach Package & Deluxe Family Room Review

Blackpool is generally somewhere you love or hate. For me, I can take it or leave it but I am always drawn to the fact that it's not far to drive and there's absolutely loads to do for families there. I also enjoy visiting the illuminations. We've visited Blackpool as a family 3-4 times now and have previously stayed at the Premier Inn Bispham (good if you're on a budget), the Hilton (lovely) and a couple of B&Bs. I've always wanted to visit The Big Blue Hotel which is joined onto the Pleasure Beach so this October half term, I treated us all to an overnight stay. 

Santa on the Rooftop at Fenwick Newcastle | A Review

Please note, I do not know when tickets for 2019 will go on sale. Last year it was early October. As soon as I know, I will post in my North East Christmas Facebook group. Please join here if you'd like to keep in the loop. 

Click here to read my guide to North East Christmas Events 2019

Yes, we are that family who visited Father Christmas before Bonfire Night but when my friend messaged me to ask if I wanted her spare tickets to see Santa on the Rooftop at Fenwick Newcastle, how could I resist? We sadly missed out on Fenwick Window's launch this year as we had already booked into Matfen Hall that night to celebrate our wedding anniversary and a trip to visit Santa on the Rooftop seemed like a very good alternative way to experience some of that special Fenwick Christmas magic.

The Snowman at Fenwick's window 2018, etiquette and why I hate people who push in

Visiting Fenwick's Christmas Window is a tradition most families around the North East will carry out across the festive season and this year's window is nice and traditional - The Snowman. We tend to visit on launch night but couldn't make it this year so instead, visited on opening weekend. Perfectly paired with a trip to see Santa on Fenwick's Rooftop.