Barter Books Children's Corner (Alnwick)

Thanks to our writer Bethanie from Girl About Northumberland for this post and photos. 

Visit one of Britain’s largest second hand book shops: the perfect day out with kids if they love reading and eating a tasty shortbread biscuit. Barter Books undoubtedly is one of the most popular places to visit in Alnwick at any time throughout the year.

Personally, my absolute favourite time of year to visit is in the winter. The fires are lit, and it is lovely and cosy.

Killingworth Lakeside Park - Pushchair Friendly Circular Walk with Park

Killingworth Lake and Park is a nice little spot for a circular walk. It's surfaced and pushchair friendly and it takes around 20 minutes to walk around the lake with kids which is the perfect length for little legs. There is free parking, a bus outside, a playground, picnic benches and of course you can feed the ducks, geese and swans too.   

These photos were taken on an overcast Saturday afternoon in January 2022. 

5 Waterparks within a 3 Hour Drive of Newcastle

Prices and info checked in January 2022. Please always check details with venues direct when making plans and before heading out. There are (ad) affiliate links in this post.

Credit Calypso Cove 

I would strongly recommend checking for any slide / activity height restrictions and admissions policies (with adult:child ratios) with venues if you are going to book somewhere to avoid any disappointments. Information may have changed after this post was published and it is always important to check with venues direct.

What's On in January for Kids & Teens

Welcome to my guide to what's on across the North East this January. It's pretty slim pickings this month I'm afraid. 

If you are looking for FREE rainy day ideas with no booking required, scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of ideas. 

Adventure Valley Review & Offers

 

We visited Adventure Valley in Durham a few times when the kids were little, you're probably looking at around 8 years since our last visit. It's an expensive day out and we have Whitehouse Farm on our doorstep which is why we didn't seem to return. 

The Fun Zone Durham Soft Play Review

Thanks to Cat for this review of The Fun Zone in Durham which is based on a visit in December 2021. For more ideas for days out with young children in and around Durham, you can find Cat on Instagram here. Over to Cat.......

The Fun Zone is a soft play and role play centre based at Littleburn Industrial Estate in Langley Moor, a couple of miles from Durham City. It's a relatively new business, having launched in the midst of the Pandemic.

The Fun Zone isn't far off the A690. If travelling by car, DH7 8HG will get you to the Industrial Estate and then follow the road all the way round to the left and The Fun Zone is the very last unit. There is plenty of free parking outside just be mindful that it's a busy Industrial Estate with lots of vehicles moving about.

Round the Twist Benton Soft Play Review

Thanks to our guest writer Jennifer for this review of Round the Twist Soft Play. Over the Jennifer....... 

When it comes to indoor entertainment centres, Round the Twist is definitely at the top of our list. The venue proudly holds the title of the largest soft play in the North East, and has undergone vast improvement works in 2021, which saw the addition of several new attractions.