PaddlePod - Private Hire Swimming Pool & Lessons in Shiremoor

 This is an advertisement. This post is based on a visit in August 2020. 

Apologies if this page takes a little longer to load than normal - google are in the process of updating their blogging software which is causing a few issues. If you wait 5-10 seconds, the page should fully load. 

PaddlePod Shiremoor is a 15m swimming pool (1.3m deep) available for private hire (£80 + booking fee for up to 20 people per hour - price includes inflatables, toys, swimming aids and lifeguard) and swimming lessons from babies up to juniors. 

Jarrow Hall and Anglo-Saxon Re-enactments

This is an advertisement based on a press visit in 2020. Any subsequent shares of this post have not been asked or paid for. 

Jarrow Hall is a Anglo-Saxon Village and Farm in South Tyneside, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Tyne Tunnel / A19. Admission is super reasonable and if you buy a ticket now, your ticket will provide you with unlimited entry throughout the year which provides very good value. 

10+ Walks with Waterfalls in North East England

 
A list of picturesque walks with beautiful waterfalls to enjoy across North East England. 

1. Routin Linn  
2. Linhope Spout
3. Low Force
4. High Force
5. Hareshaw Linn 
6. Falling Foss
7. Hindhope Linn
8. Hardraw Scar Falls
9. Janets Foss
10. Aysgarth Falls
11. Hackfall Woods 
12. Cauldron Falls
13. Gibsons Cave & Summer Hill Force
14. Jesmond Dene

Mortal Fools - When The World Is Loud #WTWIL

 Advertisement Feature 

When The World Is Loud is a new & innovative piece of audio theatre which has been designed to help us reflect on the past few months, escape the world for a while and look forward to what lies ahead in the future. 

Carriages Tea Room Bellingham - A unique place for lunch near Hareshaw Linn

Carriages Tearoom in Bellingham is a lovely quirky place to stop when visiting nearby Kielder / Hareshaw Linn or if you just fancy a trip out to Northumberland for a delicious homemade afternoon tea or bite to eat in a quirky setting. 

At the moment, indoor tables should be booked in advance for meals/afternoon tea only. Outdoor seating is available without booking ahead (but it may be busy) for cake / drinks / scones. 

Details correct as of August 2020 - please check opening hours etc... with venue direct before setting off. 

Cheeseburn Sculpture Gardens Review | Opening Dates & Top Tips for Visiting

Cheeseburn is a unique venue featuring contemporary art in Northumberland. Entry is via donation (suggested donation of £5 per adult) and a fantastic day out in North East England for the whole family.

You can walk around the estate's beautiful gardens, admire the plants and flowers and check out some pretty cool sculptures too. Cheeseburn is only open over selected weekends throughout the year, so make sure you plan your visit in advance. 

11 Tips for visiting Newcastle with kids post-lockdown

 I recently worked with NE1 Newcastle on a Social Media Campaign. This post is not part of that campaign and has not been paid / asked for. 




We visited Newcastle mid-August and really had a brilliant day. Here are a few tips I have picked up......

1 - Make the most of our beautiful outdoor space

Lots of bars and restaurants have added extra outdoor seating plus we have some lovely city parks where you can enjoy lots of fresh air. 

Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland

 A beautiful well-kept park in Northumberland with two play areas, water play area, cafe, toilets, lots of space for picnics and free parking. Also accessible by public transport. 

 

Getting to Ridley Park is easy - there is a small-ish free car park on-site (see map below) or there is plenty of parking in the surrounding streets or town centre. Please park responsibly. There are plenty of buses which serve Blyth Town Centre and it is a short & easy 8 minute walk from the bus station to the park. 

Yorkshire Sculpture Park - Top Tips for Visiting

This post is based on a visit in August 2020. 

A budget-friendly day out in Yorkshire. Perfect for those who enjoy long walks in beautiful countryside with various modern sculptures to enjoy. Lots of space, open loos, dogs welcome on leads and a fabulous spot for a picnic. 

Yorkshire Sculpture Park has always been on my list of places to visit but we have just never made it. My friend posted a few photos from her visit last week on Facebook though and I was sold. It looked fab so I booked us tickets. It is just under a 2 hour easy drive from Newcastle straight down the A1. 

14 Reasons to Visit Seaton Delaval Hall

This post was first published in August 2020 and updated in October 2020.

Beautiful gardens near Whitley Bay with a surprise around every corner. Perfect for a stroll (many areas are suitable for a pushchair) or as a place for little ones to run about. You can grab a coffee / ice cream from the kiosk and toilets are open. Dogs are welcome on leads. 

Tyne Green Park Hexham | Playground, Accessible Walk & Picnic Spot

This post was first published in July 2020. 

A beautiful walk, suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, cycling and scooters with open public toilets, an ice cream van, large play area and lots of space for ball games and picnics. Free parking & accessible by public transport. 

15+ Places To Stop Off When Driving South From Newcastle

I am not the biggest fan of service stations - they are generally soulless places with overpriced fast food, queues for loos and busy outlets. I always try and find a service station alternative where I can and this is where National Trust and English Heritage membership can come into its own.

Below are a few suggestions for places to stop off if you are driving South from Newcastle. Prices & info correct as of July 2020. Always check up-to-date information direct before setting off. During the pandemic, a lot of these places will require pre-booking. 

30+ North East Farms & Animal Attractions

Prices and info correct July 2020. With the ongoing pandemic, some of these attractions may be closed at the moment or running a reduced offering. Many will require pre-booking. Always check for up-to-date information with an attraction direct before setting off. 

 

We have over 30 animal attractions here in North East England. I have popped the most popular ones together in one post and organised them into price brackets. There is something for everyone from free attractions to personal VIP animal experiences. 

Let me know your favourite animal attractions in the North East.