Planning our February Half Term Break in the Peak District - I need your help!

We're spending 4 days in the Peak District over February Half Term this year. Obviously, I've planned a full itinerary of activities for us and thought I'd share what we're going to be up to. We're staying at Darwin Forest in the Peak District (press trip) and I am super excited to explore more of what the Peak District has to offer.

Day One (evening)

We're going to arrive at Darwin Forest in the evening.  Our go-to meal after a car journey is homemade burgers - we can make them up before we leave, they travel well in a cool bag and they are quick and easy to cook on arrival. Steve normally takes care of that while I unpack. The kids always eat them without any whining and it's a nice treat. Our lodge comes with it's own hot tub so we'll definitely jump in and hopefully relax under night under the stars.

Day Two (morning)

We love a lazy weekend morning but after our lie-in we're going to head into the forest for a nice and long woodland walk. I think there are a few trails we can try too.

Day Two (afternoon)

The kids are desperate to go swimming and I know that an afternoon in half term is probably peak time but I'm just going to go with it! There is a pool on-site we can use at no additional charge.

Day Two (evening)

You can pre-book water walkerz for 10 minute sessions (those big clear balls kids can stand inside and walk on water). This is only £5 and the kids love it so I've booked them all in for a try. We're then going to head back to the lodge for a movie night - I feel like we've exhausted most family movies so please let me know if you have any recommendations.

Day Three (morning)

Another relaxing morning in the lodge with homemade pancakes for lunch I think. This might be followed by another woodland walk or a dip in the hot tub.

Day Three (afternoon)

I've booked Harry and Heidi into a special snorkelling session in the pool - they LOVED snorkelling in Florida and I know this is an activity they'll all thoroughly enjoy. Then we're all going to take part in a 90 minute archery session. When we were looking at on-site activities Harry told me if archery is ever an option, we always have to book it!

Day Three (evening) 

We're going to spend this evening in Forresters Pub. After our busy day, I think a proper pub meal and a bottle of wine will be most welcome!

Day Four (morning)

Here is where I need your help, we'll be checking our of our lodge at around 10am and heading straight to the village of Bakewell to buy some proper Bakewell Tarts. I'm at a loss as to where to visit next. I really wanted to visit Eyam and learn all about the Bubonic Plague but their museum is closed over half term. Alton Towers would be an obvious choice but it's also closed. I don't want to do anything generic like a farm visit either..... I did consider the Heights of Abraham but this would set us back quite a bit of cash and I'm not sure Harry would enjoy it as he's pretty scared of heights! We have National Trust cards and would like to visit somewhere where we'll learn something and have fun that isn't too expensive so if you have any ideas....please let me know!

Where can we visit in the Peak District for the afternoon in February? Please help......

Villages Nature® Paris | A New Family Holiday Destination in Paris by Euro Disney® and Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs

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Today I'm sharing news of a brand new tourist destination in Europe. Villages Nature® Paris is a collaboration between two family favourites - Euro Disney® and  Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs and brings together five immersive worlds and countless new experiences.

Find out more about Villages Nature® Paris and book online here

Five immersive worlds for families

A Stay at Villages Nature® Paris includes accommodation by the lake or set in the forest with a la carte services, selected activities and unlimited access to these 5 immersive worlds for the whole family:

The Aqualagon

The Aqualagon is one of the largest covered waterparks in Europe. Set at a temperature of 30 degrees Celcius, it's perfect for year-round swimming.

Features include a wave pool, slides, climbing wall, 5 areas that are just for little ones (including a fabulous splash pad area) plus spa areas and treatments for the grown-ups.

The Bellevie Farm

The Bellevie Farm offers families the chance to step into the boots of a real farmer. With cows, chickens, ponies and goats, you can truly experience what life is like on a farm and maybe learn a new skill or two in the process.

The farm has its own tearoom and offers a range of workshops from beekeeping to breadmaking and pony rides can also be enjoyed by children during your stay.

The Extraordinary Gardens

The Extraordinary Gardens are an immersive experience where guests can discover and contemplate. Covering 5.2 acres and split into 4 areas (air, earth, fire and water), guests are invited to explore and enjoy life at their own pace.

Families will love the discovery trail which features life-size board games and in the evening the gardens are a real meeting point where you can gather around the fire with friends or take part in a garden treasure hunt.

Find out more about Villages Nature® Paris and book online here

The Forest of Legends

The Forest of Legends is an area that encourages imagination and creativity. Discover hidden play areas, build dens, cross rope bridges, try a zip-wire through the tree-tops or create your own magical fairytale with the characters of the forest.

The Lakeside Promenade

The Lakeside Promenade is at the heart of Villages Nature® Paris and where you'll find a large range of entertainment and restaurants.

You can partake in wine tasting, visit mini-disco with the little ones, enjoy a concert at the waterside amphitheatre and more.....

A Fantastic range of activities

There really is something for everyone at Villages Nature® Paris, whether you're a food-lover, thrill-seeker, enjoy nature, love sports or are keen to explore life and learn new skills, you'll find a whole range of activities that you simply must try.

Here is a small selection of what's on offer:

• Aqua-jump
• Water basketball
• Paddle boarding
• Breadmaking workshops at the farm
• Beekeeping 
• Butter-making workshops
• Kids cookery
• Trails and life-size family games
• Den building
• Family raft-building
• Animal care workshops
• Pony rides
• Kids clubs in partnership with Disneynature
• Adventure river with whirlpools and waterfalls
• Forest zip wires
• Tree-top climbing
• Thrilling waterslides 

Cocoon VIP at Villages Nature® Paris

If like me, you're a fan of VIP touches during your holiday, the Cocoon VIP cottages and apartments are for you. Designed by Ana Moussinet, the forest outside is reflected indoors with lots of natural materials and luxurious touches.

Filled with faux-fur throws and pastel tones, bedrooms are a soothing place to relax and your bathroom is like a private spa including a top of the range shower and your own jacuzzi where you can enjoy panoramic forest views.

How to find Villages Nature® Paris

Villages Nature® Paris could not be easier to get to from the UK and is perfectly located to combine with a trip to Disneyland® Paris.

Accommodation and how to book 

There are three types of cottage and apartment available and they all include the following:

• A fully equipped kitchen and dishwasher
• A terrace or balcony
• Baby beds and highchairs
• Complimentary Wi-Fi 
• Beds made on arrival
• Parking spot
• Welcome kit
• End-of-stay clean
• Bath linen 
• Safe

Find out more about Villages Nature® Paris and book online here

Staying with Villages Nature® Paris is not as expensive as you may think either with a weekend for 6 people in staying in a Clan Comfort Cottage from €770 per accommodation and a mid-week stay in Country Premium accommodation for a family of 4 during school holidays available from €1169.

I have to say, Villages Nature® Paris ticks all of my boxes and I'd love to stay - what about you?

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What to do in Felton, Northumberland - 5 reasons to visit with kids

Welcome back to my new series exploring the towns and villages of Northumberland. Last time we paid my hometown of Cramlington a visit and today it's one of my favourite spots in Northumberland - Felton.

Felton is a village in Northumberland situated halfway between Morpeth and Alnwick. It's population is just under 1000. Felton is a close community and famous visitors include Oliver Cromwell who is said to have stayed in Felton on his way to the Battle of Dunbar. Felton has an average house price of £247,156 and is a fab place to dream house shop. Here are 5 reasons to visit Felton with kids:

 

1 - Enjoy a kids picnic at The Running Fox

The Running Fox is a fantastic bakery/tearoom in the heart of the village. They offer a wonderful children's menu which includes 'The Picnic Fox'. Children can choose a sandwich, any slice of cake from the counter, a bag of crisps and a glass of milk or juice for only £5. Bargain!

2 - Feed the happiest ducks in the world

You can feed to ducks on the River Coquet outside of The Running Fox via a wooden walkway. We've always found the ducks to be super happy here and they always come and say hello.

3 - Enjoy family Sunday lunch at The Northumberland Arms

The Northumberland Arms is one of our favourite country pubs and the perfect place to get together with the family for Sunday lunch. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming and the food is spot on.

4 - Take a walk around Swarland Wood (2 miles away)

Swarland Wood is just 2 miles away from Felton. You'll find a variety or trees, walking routes and paths plus wild flowers to enjoy. Perfect for a stroll after a Running Fox cake!

 

5 - Northumberland Country Zoo

Not technically Felton, but Northumberland Country Zoo is right on Felton's doorstep so it had to be included. The zoo is home to farm animals, exotic species, mammals, birds, reptiles and more. Watch out for the cheeky armadillos! Entry is super reasonable too. Check out our review here.

So there you have my mini guide of what to do with the kids when visiting Felton. It really is a lovely village and worth popping by for a few hours. Let me know if you fancy visiting or if it's one of your favourites.

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The Badger, Ponteland | Sunday Lunch & Children's Menu Review

*This is a collaborative post

The Badger in Ponteland has had a little spruce up and we were invited along to sample a family Sunday lunch last weekend. The Badger was already on our ever-growing list of places to try for Sunday lunch after reading this review by Here Come The Hoopers a few months ago so the invitation was very timely.

The Badger is part of the Vintage Inns chain (The Snowy Owl and The Falcon's Nest are others you may recognise) but I always feel like Vintage Inn pubs never feel as if you are visiting a chain - there's no identikit layout, menu or set routine with service, it all very much feels unique and every pub has it's own charm. The pub is just outside of Ponteland next door to Dobbies Garden Centre and super convenient for the airport. We arrived in time for our 1pm reservation and found that the car park was completely full - The Badger certainly is popular and I'd definitely recommend booking a table if you can. So we parked at Dobbies next door (where we did also visit to pick up some pet food) and walked over to the pub.

I LOVE that The Badger is dog-friendly. There's a bowl of water by the door along with a basket full of dog blankets you can borrow for the duration of your stay. I know The Adventures of Fenton and Holly Bobbins would appreciate these touches.

The Badger is everything you'd like from a country pub. Exposed stone walls, candles, country fabrics, art featuring various local wildlife, lots of nooks and areas and of course, a lovely roaring fire. Built in the 1700s, the building is full of history and charm. It's perfect. We ordered our drinks and the kids settled down with the complimentary children's activity booklet which is packed with jokes, puzzles and anecdotes.

Fireplace goals..........

The children's menu is super easy to navigate - £5 for a main course, £6 for Sunday lunch and £1 for pudding. You won't find any complicated pricing structures here. Heidi and Harry ordered tomato pasta which was served steaming hot with plenty of sauce and two pieces of garlic pizza bread. They enjoyed the dish and once it had cooled a little, it didn't touch the sides.

Jack asked for his favourite fish and chips and was disappointed that they weren't available due to stock issues. He settled for sausages instead and is actually pleased he did as he declared them to be 'lush'. The next day he told my mam that badger sausages were his new favourite. She didn't know what to think! haha! I was obviously not allowed to taste them and try for myself but they looked to be good quality.

I think the kids are missing out by not choosing to eat Sunday lunch when it's offered. There's no way Steve and I would ever select an alternative but there are plenty of options to choose from at The Badger. Should we go for the Roast Trio for Two, the Roast Beef Duo which includes Short Rib of Beef or perhaps we could squeeze in one last Turkey Dinner??? Sunday lunches are served with a homemade Yorkshire Pudding, fluffled Roast Potatoes, Honey & Thyme Roasted Carrots, Pasnips, Seasonal Greens and as much gravy as you'd like. There are alternatives too if you're not in the mood for a roast and they have an allegen menu available on request (which I noticed the staff took the time to go through with customers when they weren't sure of something). In the end we opted for the Roast Trio for two which was served as a giant platter of meat and potatoes and an oversized dish of vegetables for us to share. 

We both decided that the roast potatoes and yorkshires were absolutely spot on - perfectly cooked and very moreish too. The carrots had no hint of honey or thyme to them so I'm wondering if they were missed on this occasion/ I would have liked to have seen some of those caramelised crispy bits you normally get when roasting with honey but they were still nice all the same. 

The real star of the dish was the meat. There were four generous slices of each type for us to share. The thick slices of herb crusted pork loin with lemon and thyme were lovely and flavoursome, the beef was served a tiny bit rare so nice and tender and the turkey was perfect too - not at all dry and I actually think it was my favourite meat on the plate. We were also treated to a pig in blanket each too. Can't believe I've already had my first pig in blanket of the year! haha! 

The portions were generous and our plates were loaded with food but there wasn't so much food that we ended up feeling too full or bloated - it was just the right amount for a couple with a normal appetite I would say. There wasn't anything left on our plates as it was all delicious.

One thing that really sets The Badger apart is the wonderful service we received. We were served by Anne who was kept super busy with a full service but still had time to chat with all of the customers around us. She asked our plans for the rest of the day, played Peppa Pig with the toddler on the table next to us, helped an elderly lady with her coat, managed to keep the fire going AND serve food and take orders all at the same time. If I was going to run my own pub, Anne is exactly the type of person I'd like to have working for me. She's a star. Extra gravy was not too much trouble, in fact nothing was.

There was a brief rest between courses and with the children's desserts costing just £1 it would be rude not to take them up on this deal. Pretty good marketing if you ask me as of course, Steve and I had to order one too. We wouldn't normally order dessert after Sunday lunch as it's just not needed but on this occasion, we agreed to split a slice of Apple Pie which is served with ice cream and custard (I think it was £5.95).

The children enjoyed their warm chocolate brownies and ice cream sundaes and our dessert was just the right amount between the two of us. I couldn't be sure if it was homemade/bought in - it was borderline! Still nice though and a nice way to end our meal.

Our total bill was £61 for the 5 of us. This is for 2 courses and one round of drinks (including a large glass of Merlot for me). I think this offers excellent value and we all said we'd definitely be back soon. Jack can't wait to try some more Badger sausages! Haha! (to clarify - they are Pork sausages, not actual Badger). After our meal, we had a potter around Dobbies Garden centre which is obviously what Sundays are made for once you hit a certain age. If the weather was a little warmer I'm sure we'd have enjoyed a walk around Ponteland Park too.

Have you paid The Badger a visit recently? Are you tempted? 

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