Trainmaster North East Review

Thanks to our writer Jennifer for this guest post.....

Like a lot of little ones his age, my 3-year-old is completely obsessed with trains. Don’t get me wrong, as much as I
enjoystanding in the freezing cold watching the Metros with him, I have often wished his interest could be fulfilled in a somewhat warmer setting. So, when I stumbled across the Trainmaster events; local, indoor, with loads of trains, I knew I must be on the right ‘track’.

Trainmaster North East Review
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Room on the Broom Trail at Ushaw Durham

 

Room on the Broom Trail at Ushaw Durham

A new Room on the Broom themed activity trail has opened at Ushaw Historic House & Gardens in Durham. It will run from 21 January 2022 - 1 September 2022. 


SCROLL TO THE SECOND PART OF THIS POST TO READ OUR REVIEW 

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New Adventure Play Area at Raby Castle

 

New Adventure Play Area at Raby Castle
Artist Impression of the new world-class playground at Raby Castle



WORLD-CLASS PLAYGROUND DESIGNERS HAVE STARTED WORK ON OUR ENCHANTING NEW CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE PLAY AREA INSIDE A MYSTERIOUS FOREST AT RABY CASTLE.

Here is what Raby Castle have to say about this exciting new development whihc is due to open in Easter 2022: 
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How to Find Morpeth Stepping Stones

 
This post shares information on how to find Morpeth Stepping Stones, a circular riverside walking route which incorperates them and things to do nearby including two playgrounds, an aviary, cafe, outdoor paddling pool, ducks to feed, rowing boats to hire and the legendary Morpeth Chinese Van. 

How to find Morpeth Stepping Stones

Whenever I share photos of our trips to Morpeth Stepping Stones, I am always asked for their exact location and although I have mentioned them in this post featuring places to visit steppy stones across the North East, I thought it was about time I dedicated a whole blog post to them. Kids love visiting and it is a lovely free day out in Northumberland. 
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Pizza Punks Newcastle Review (with Kids)

I worked with Pizza Punks in 2021 but this post is not part of that collaboration and has not been asked / paid for.  Prices / menus correct as of January 2022. Please check with Pizza Punks direct for the most up-to-date info when booking. 

Pizza Punks Newcastle Review (with Kids)

You will find Pizza Punks on Grey Street in Newcastle City Centre. It is just next to Zizzi and on the same side (but further down the road) as the Theatre Royal. We absolutely love it here and would recommend to families looking for a pre-theatre meal or a decent pizza restaurant in town. 
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Winter Forest Lights at Center Parcs Whinfell - A Review

 
This experience is brand new at Center Parcs for 2022 and available to all guests staying on site from 10 January - 27 February 2022. This experience was actually announced after we had booked our break so a lovely little extra. It is included at no additional cost, you don't need to book and you can visit as many times as you like during your stay. 

Winter Forest Lights at Center Parcs Whinfell - A Review
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Hallowtween at York Maze | A Review

Hallowtween at York Maze claims to be the UK's only Halloween event for 10-15 year olds. This post is based on our visit in October 2021 and designed to give you an idea of what to expect plus a few top tips. 

Hallowtween at York Maze | A Review


Last year we bought our tickets on 20 September which is around the same time they were released for sale. Our tickets were £14.50 each. We booked a 1:30pm time slot which did give us just enough time to see and do everything at a leisurely pace before it closed at 5:30pm (it opens at 12:30pm during October Half Term). 
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Prudhoe Waterworld Swimming & Soft Play Review

Thanks to Gaia from Toon Lunch Club for this review of Prudhoe Waterworld which is based on several visits and swimming lessons at the centre across Winter 2021/22. Over to Gaia.......
 

If you’re looking for a swimming pool that’s great for kids, why not pay Prudhoe Waterworld a visit. It’s got a wave machine, a waterslide, inflatables and fountains - kiddie heaven! There’s also a little soft play if you really want to get parent points. Read on for all the details…

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Alton Towers February Half Term Deal

 
Alton Towers has put together a nice little short break idea for February Half Term. This deal is available from 18-27 February 2022 (do check your school holiday dates as they do vary this year). Always check information direct with venue when booking as the info in this post may change. 



The deal DOES NOT include full access to the theme park which will be closed but there is still plenty to do and it is a good option if your kids love indoor waterparks as it includes access on one day. 
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Yorkshire Wildlife Park | A Review

This post is based on a rather rainy visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Park in August 2021. As always, please check with venue direct for the most up to date info, prices and booking. Apologies for the distinct lack of photos in this post - the rainy weather just didn't lend itself to animal photography on the day! 

Yorkshire Wildlife Park | A Review


We visited as part of a 'Sunset Safari' deal where you pay a reduced fee and the park stays open late from 4:30pm-9pm ish. It was ideal as we travelled down from the NE during the day, got checked into our hotel and then visited the park in the evening.

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A January Break at Center Parcs Whinfell with Tweens & Teens

 
We're going to Center Parcs! I will be sharing photos from our stay but didn't want to spend time typing out loads of info so thought I'd share a pre-visit post which I can link to with my photos with all of the info you need. 



January is (in my opinion) a good time to stay at Center Parcs. We all know it can be ridiculously expensive, well January is the cheapest time to go. Our short weekend break was £579 staying in a 3 bed 2 story detached new style woodland lodge Fri-Mon.
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Barter Books Children's Corner (Alnwick)

Thanks to our writer Bethanie from Girl About Northumberland for this post and photos. 

Barter Books Children's Corner (Alnwick)

Visit one of Britain’s largest second hand book shops: the perfect day out with kids if they love reading and eating a tasty shortbread biscuit. Barter Books undoubtedly is one of the most popular places to visit in Alnwick at any time throughout the year.

Personally, my absolute favourite time of year to visit is in the winter. The fires are lit, and it is lovely and cosy.

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Killingworth Lakeside Park - Pushchair Friendly Circular Walk with Park

Killingworth Lake and Park is a nice little spot for a circular walk. It's surfaced and pushchair friendly and it takes around 20 minutes to walk around the lake with kids which is the perfect length for little legs. There is free parking, a bus outside, a playground, picnic benches and of course you can feed the ducks, geese and swans too.   

Killingworth Lakeside Park - Pushchair Friendly Circular Walk with Park

These photos were taken on an overcast Saturday afternoon in January 2022. 

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5 Waterparks within a 3 Hour Drive of Newcastle

Prices and info checked in January 2022. Please always check details with venues direct when making plans and before heading out. There are (ad) affiliate links in this post.

5 Waterparks within a 3 Hour Drive of Newcastle
Credit Calypso Cove 


I would strongly recommend checking for any slide / activity height restrictions and admissions policies (with adult:child ratios) with venues if you are going to book somewhere to avoid any disappointments. Information may have changed after this post was published and it is always important to check with venues direct.
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What's On in January for Kids & Teens

Welcome to my guide to what's on across the North East this January. It's pretty slim pickings this month I'm afraid. 


If you are looking for FREE rainy day ideas with no booking required, scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of ideas. 

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Adventure Valley Review & Offers

 Adventure Valley Review & Offers

We visited Adventure Valley in Durham a few times when the kids were little, you're probably looking at around 8 years since our last visit. It's an expensive day out and we have Whitehouse Farm on our doorstep which is why we didn't seem to return. 
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The Fun Zone Durham Soft Play Review

Thanks to Cat for this review of The Fun Zone in Durham which is based on a visit in December 2021. For more ideas for days out with young children in and around Durham, you can find Cat on Instagram here. Over to Cat.......

The Fun Zone is a soft play and role play centre based at Littleburn Industrial Estate in Langley Moor, a couple of miles from Durham City. It's a relatively new business, having launched in the midst of the Pandemic.

The Fun Zone Durham Soft Play Review

The Fun Zone isn't far off the A690. If travelling by car, DH7 8HG will get you to the Industrial Estate and then follow the road all the way round to the left and The Fun Zone is the very last unit. There is plenty of free parking outside just be mindful that it's a busy Industrial Estate with lots of vehicles moving about.

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Round the Twist Benton Soft Play Review

Thanks to our guest writer Jennifer for this review of Round the Twist Soft Play. Over the Jennifer....... 

Round the Twist Benton Soft Play Review


When it comes to indoor entertainment centres, Round the Twist is definitely at the top of our list. The venue proudly holds the title of the largest soft play in the North East, and has undergone vast improvement works in 2021, which saw the addition of several new attractions.

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