Stephenson House - Gorgeous Accommodation in Hebden Bridge that Sleeps 12

*This post has been written as part of a press trip to Calderdale. See my disclosure policy for details.

A few week's ago we stayed at the glorious Stephenson House in Hebden Bridge, Calderdale. Calderdale is only around a 2.5 hour drive from Newcastle and is a beautiful part of West Yorkshire. Stephenson House is perfect for an extended family stay, for birthday celebrations or for walking groups too. With five bedrooms and bathrooms, a large family room with a pool table and wood burning stove, ample parking, extended gardens and summerhouse plus large kitchen, utility room and dining room, there's ample space for up to 12 guests.

We received such a warm welcome with a homemade cake using apples from the garden. The kitchen was a kitchen of dreams with integrated appliances, plenty of surface space, everything you could need plus a separate utilty room too. The kids loved pulling a stool up to the breakfast bar in the morning whilst Steve cooked for us. 

The dining room is a grand affair with a long extending table which will be perfect for family meals and get togethers. I can just picture us all sitting down to a Sunday roast in this room. 

There's not one but two family rooms which worked really well for us. The kids would play with their toys and the pool table in the larger room and we could relax with a nice glass of wine and magazine in the other.

This house is the PERFECT place to play hide and seek. The kids spent hours doing just this and were also super chuffed to find a little snug hidden by a window upstairs where they could play chess. The beauty of this house is that whilst there are plenty of places to bring family and friends together, there are also ample opportunities for you to hide away and do your own thing if you want to.

Stephenson House has been thoughtfully designed with families in mind. From reading nooks and story books to jigsaws, family recipes and a chest full of board games. There's so much to keep you all entertained. There is free and decent WiFi and Netflix too.

It's also the perfect place to relax. With fresh flowers, magazines, stunning fireplaces, gorgeous bathrooms, four poster beds and rolling countryside views, it would be difficult not to. 

In all honesty, Stephenson House was far too big for just the five of us but we'd love to return one day with my brother and parents, it is probably the best self-catering accommodation we've ever stayed in and I would highly recommend if you're looking for group accommodation for a weekend away. 

Find out more and book online here

If you're looking for things to do whilst visiting Calderdale, check out the following posts/sites:

• How to spend a weekend in Calderdale by North East Family Fun
• A canal cruise in Calderdale (can also be privately hired for groups of 12)
• Eureka Museum with older kids review
• Visit Calderdale Website
• Local Attractions in Hebden Bridge

Afternoon Tea Delivered in and around Newcastle

This post features afternoon teas delivered which have been tried and tested by myself. I have worked with some of the businesses in the past but this specific post has not been paid for. 

Prices and information correct as of January 2021 however businesses regularly change their offerings so please visit each business direct and check up-to-date info before ordering. 

Fenwick's Window 2017 Revealed - It's Paddington Bear themed!

This year's Fenwick's window was unveiled in Newcastle on Friday 3 November. Fenwick invited us down to Northumberland Street to be one of the first to check out this year's theme (eeeek). We attended last year's unveiling and have to say the atmosphere was simply fantastic. I really would recommend taking the kids down after school next year if you get the chance. 

I had my suspicions and I am SO excited to reveal that I was right and this year's window is themed around Paddington Bear. There did seem to be a lot of heavy hints in the build-up to the big reveal such as the Paddington Bear pop-up Christmas restaurant, Paddington artwork dotted about the store and a dedicated Paddington Bear gift section. I also can't help but notice the window's coverings say 'Please BEAR with us......'

I love the build-up to the window unveiling and just like last year there was a big countdown, Christmas songs were playing, there was a 'sound like a Turkey competition' and it even managed to snow!

Scenes from the much-loved Michael Bond books include Paddington's first meeting with the Browns at Paddington Station and tea in Mr Gruber's antique shop and I justt love the final Christmassy scene featuring Paddington help Jonathan and Judy to decorate the tree in time for Christmas.

Here are some photographs from 2017's Paddington Bear themed window.......

I'm not sure which scene is my favourite but I think it may be Paddington in the bath. He's so sweet! As a special opening night treat we also managed to meet Paddington Bear himself who had popped down just for the occasion. He was pretty smitten with Heidi's coat.

If you love Paddington, I'd highly recommend a trip to 'The Marmalade Jar' pop-up Paddington-themed restaurant on the second floor of Fenwick as part of this year's Christmas department. They serve cakes, turkey sandwiches and even marmalade on sourdough. Click here to take a peek inside and a look at their menu.

Or why not head up to the toy department on level 3 and treat yourself to burgers, shakes, coke floats or hot chocolates.

Thank you Fenwick for a wonderful evening! Let me know which is your favourite scene in the comments below.