Jungle Jacks Soft Play Review (Eldon Square Newcastle)

Thanks to our writer Jennifer for this post and photos. 

2024 Update - Please note, Jungle Jacks has now permanently closed. 

2024 Update - Please note, Jungle Jacks has now permanently closed. 

We recently visited the newly re-opened Jungle Jacks; a spacious, city centre jungle themed soft play, suitable for little monkeys aged 0-8. Many of you may remember this popular central Newcastle venue, which unfortunately fell casualty to Covid two years ago. 

Having been a big miss, it’s reopening on Monday 14th Feb was a very welcome Valentine's treat for many of the North East’s youngest residents.

Restaurant Hjem & The Hadrian Hotel Review

 This post is based on our visit in June 2021. Please visit the venue's website and social media for the most up-to-date information when making plans. 

Restaurant Hjem was awared a Michelin star and included in the 2021 (& 2022) Michelin Guide. They are the first restaurant in Northumberland to receive a coveted star (now joined with Restaurant Pine). This is huge news for our region and while I don't always agree that the best food can be found in Michelin starred restaurants, they generally do provide an unforgettable experience so it seemed like the perfect place for me to book as a special treat for Steve's 40th birthday. 

How to Access FREE Walking & Cycling Maps

This is an advert for February 2022. Any shares beyond this date have not been asked / paid for.  

You may remember I featured Go Smarter, Go Active last summer when I shared 15 Walking & Cycling Routes Across North East England. This post included set itineraries and specific instructions for days out where you can walk or cycle across the region which have been put together and shared on the Go Smarter, Go Active website. It's a fab resource and one I definitely recommend checking out once you've finished this post. 

Today I would like to share another aspect of the Go Smarter, Go Active campaign. They have put together a comprehensive and interactive map covering County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland featuring every walking and cycling route across the North East. 

Animal Farm at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Ad - We were provided with press tickets but not asked/paid to share this blog post and the theatre has had no input. 

Harry is studying GCSE Drama at the moment and has aspirations to become a screenwriter / director one day. We have always loved going to the theatre together and jumped back in the saddle tonight with a trip to Newcastle Theatre Royal to see Animal Farm. 

Seven Stories Is Now FREE To Visit | An Updated Guide To Visiting

This is an advert based on a visit in February Half Term 2022. Any future shares of this post have not been asked or paid for. 

As always, please double check information with Seven Stories direct before visiting as the information in this post may have changed. Please pay particular attention to opening hours. 

I visited with Harry (Yr 10), Dee (Yr 8) and Jack (Yr 6). 

How to Walk to Sycamore Gap with Kids

Thanks to Bethanie from Girl About Northumberland for this post. Photo credits are a mix of Bethanie's and my own. Over to Bethanie.......


The county of Northumberland is steeped in history. From the iconic castles to the mining colliery at Woodhorn, there is so much to learn visiting these places and Hadrian’s Wall is no exception. Here I share with you what it is like walking to Sycamore Gap (part of Hadrian’s Wall) with kids. 

Bailiffgate Museum Review (Alnwick)

Thanks to Bethanie from Girl About Northumberland for this review of Bailiffgate Museum in Alnwick. Image credits: Girl About Northumberland + Stacey Herberson (taken from a previous North East Family Fun review of the museum). Over to Bethanie: 

Did you know that Alnwick has its very own museum? Located just down the road from Alnwick Castle, Bailiffgate Museum shares the history of Alnwick and its District areas.