FREE Entry to Seaton Delaval Hall, Cragside and Wallington

In celebration of the National Lottery turning 25 this year, holders of a National Lottery Ticket/Scratch Card/Proof of Play (from any date) can enjoy FREE entry to selected National Trust properties on selected dates this Winter.

I LOVE strolling around National Trust grounds and looking at all of the beautiful houses in the build-up to Christmas and think this is an opportunity not to be missed! National Trust sites are the perfect spot for a Magical Winter Walk. 

The National Lottery has provided millions of pounds worth of support to National Trust properties across North East England and this is their way to say thank you.

A Guide to Visiting Liverpool Christmas Markets & Lights

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When National Express asked us to pick a Northern Christmas Market to visit and write about, I immediately knew it had to be Liverpool. We visited the city last October Half Term and have been itching to return ever since. Christmas seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore more of the city.

I feel like a lot of people from North East England visit Edinburgh, York or Manchester Christmas Markets and really hope this post inspires a few of you to give Liverpool a try - we really had the best weekend.

13 Reasons Why Ramside Spa is the Best Spa in North East England

Disclosure: I have visited Ramside Spa a few times this year - a mix of press visits & visits I have paid for myself. Some photos in this post are c/o Ramside Spa.

It was love at first sight for me and Ramside Hall. I have visited a few times this year and can confidently say, it is my favourite North East Spa. I love it so much that I am thinking about treating myself to a 3-month membership from Jan-March when I am not so busy work-wise. The only thing that is putting me off is the pesky traffic on the A1 during rush hour.

10 Magical Winter Walks for Children in North East England

Disclosure - This post features affiliate links. 

Do not let the cold weather put you off, winter is a wonderful time of year to wrap up and take a stroll with the family. In North East England we have plenty of magical Winter walks to choose from. 

1. Kielder Forest 
2. Low Newton
3. Tynemouth to Cullercoats 
4. Cragside 
5. Wallington Hall
6. Bolam Lake
7. Belsay Hall 
8. Hamsterley Forest 
9. RSPB Saltholme 
10. Middlesbrough Snowman (2019 only) 

School Holiday Short Breaks at Potters Resort - A Review

AD - Post features a press trip from October 2019 

We all know that we love our short breaks. Nothing beats quality time away with the family and short breaks with the kids are something I prioritise. I am a definite believer in experience and memories over material objects.

The problem is, with three older kids, holidays are an expensive business. The amount of spending money we can sometimes go through on food and activities is ridiculous (I will never forget the time we spent £130 on one activity at Center Parcs).

Villa Pia Review - An alternative all-inclusive holiday in Italy

Ad - This post features a press trip from October 2019

Snuggled in the library on a rainy October morning with my slippers on, warm and cozy by the fire which had been going all day. I had a glass of red wine in hand, was just about to finish the final chapter of my book and was looking out through the shutters at the rolling Italian countryside outside. I could hear the kids in the kitchen next door tucking into a slice of homemade cake which the cook had just brought through for our afternoon snack and I remember thinking that this is the most relaxed I have ever felt on holiday. 

Scroll to the bottom of this post to check out prices and how to book.

Santa on the Rooftop at Fenwick Newcastle - Review & Tips

Santa on the Rooftop and other Fenwick events 2023

Santa on the Rooftop at Fenwicks is a lovely Christmas experience. Tickets are always in super high demand though and previous booking systems have been a little chaotic.

What I will say, is that although the experience is fantastic, if you don't manage to get tickets DO NOT WORRY. Christmas really won't be ruined and there are lots of other options out there. Santa at Metrocentre always receives excellent reviews and has plenty of experience. 

Personally, I think Santa on the Rooftop is more special for us grown ups than kids. Kids don't usually mind where they go as long as Santa is friendly / creates a bit of magic. 

All you need to know for 2023 including some top tips: 

• Register your interest for tickets here: https://www.fenwick.co.uk/events/kids/santa-on-the-roof-at-fenwick-newcastle/santa-on-the-roof-at-fenwick-newcastle

Here's what' Fenwick say about the new system: 

Registration and Ticket Purchase Process

This year in response to customer feedback we are introducing a pre-registration system for access to Santa on the Roof tickets.

Anyone wanting to purchase tickets for Santa on the Roof in Newcastle will need to pre-register via the link below.

Registration will be open from 10am on Monday 11 September until 11.59pm on Friday 22 September 2023.

Pre-registration does not guarantee access to the sale or to tickets. A limited number of customers who pre-register will be randomly selected by a third party and will gain access to purchase tickets.

Successful applicants will receive an email on Tuesday 26 September informing them they have been selected at random to access the ticket sale. This email will include a unique purchase link, and successful applicants will be able to purchase tickets via that link from 10am on Tuesday 3 October.

From 10am on the 3 October, tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for the following 24 hours to those granted access to the sale. Please note that your unique purchase link will still be valid after this period and you will be informed via email if additional tickets become available.

Customers who haven’t been successful in the initial selection will be placed on a waiting list and may receive an invitation if any further tickets become available. Being placed on the waiting list does not guarantee access to the sale or to tickets.

To ensure you receive all communications make sure you add emails@emails.fenwick.co.uk to your contacts and safe sender lists.

• How it works:

  Stage 1: Registration. Simply fill in the registration form with your name, email and telephone number. Once complete, you'll automatically receive an email stating we received your information. Registrations will be limited to one entry per email address.

  Stage 2: Authentication. You will need to click a link in the email you receive to authenticate your registration. Once authenticated, a limited number of customers randomly selected by a third party will get access to the sale. Registration and authentication does not guarantee access to the sale or to tickets.

  Stage 3: Status Update. Successful applicants will receive an email on Tuesday 19 September letting them know they have been randomly selected to access the ticket sale via a unique ticket purchase link in that email. If not randomly selected, customers will join the waiting list and may receive an invite to join the sale if any further tickets become available.

  Ticket availability is limited. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to those pre-notified and in receipt of a unique ticket purchase link while currently available inventory lasts.Christmas is about family traditions and Santa on the Roof is one of ours. Decorated in a new theme each year, our 'snowy' rooftop is ready to we welcome you to meet the well-known bearded man and his elves from 6 November to 24 December 2023.

  Tickets are priced at £20 per person but we have something new this Christmas, invite your friends and family to join you and group together to book up a whole slot (up to 6 people) for £90 to enjoy our unforgettable festive experience.

  What to expect 

• Santa’s elves will be waiting for you at the Third Floor entrance and take you to the Express Elevator up to the roof.
• At the top, you’ll find Santa’s singing reindeer setting the mood.
• After a much-encouraged singalong you’ll make your way to Santa’s Cabin where the main man will be ready to jot down your Christmas list.
• Check it twice before you’re whisked away to Santa’s workshop where you can get crafty with the elves.
• After all that fun, you’ll need a sweet pick-me-up at Café Claus. Parents can choose from hot chocolate, mulled wine or spiced apple juice (of course, we have mince pies too), and little ones can enjoy a hot chocolate or juice, plus a Christmas cupcake (gluten and dairy-free if wished).
• Your unforgettable experience is complete with a ride on Santa’s sleigh, ideal for that family picture moment.
• Got a question? You can check FAQs and get in touch with Fenwicks here

The rest of this post is our review from 2019, please remember, things may be slightly different for 2023 and use my review as a guide only / to give you an idea of what to expect. 

It was never my intention to buy tickets to Santa on the Rooftop this year. We already have a full festive diary and lots of lovely Christmas events to attend BUT in the end, I was caught up in the frenzy of booking tickets and ended up booking tickets to take my 4-year-old nephew as I knew he would love it.

We visited Santa on the Rooftop in 2018 and had a wonderful experience so I hoped this year would be just as good.

There will be spoilers in this review!