Puffin Crafts Amble | A Review

Thanks to our writer Bethanie for this post. 

A great rainy day in Northumberland activity, Puffin Crafts Amble is an independent craft shop and Making Space. It is a light and calm space where you can enjoy painting and crafting. 

Not just to be saved for a rainy day however, you can have birthday parties here or meet up with family for a fun hour and a half of painting. The shop space has been well thought out and accessible for all visitors. Read on to find out more about what to expect from your visit.....

Does Craster Have A Play Area?

Whenever I share my blog post about the walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle, I will often receive comments from people not realising that Craster has a play area. It does indeed have a playground and it's kind of hidden away which is why I think some people don't realise it's there.

In fact it was only after I'd visited Craster a few times myself that I stumbled across it. 

The playground is in a beautiful location overlooking the sea and just next to the Northumberland Coastal Path. In fact I think it may actually be right on the path. 

15 Things to do at Ford & Etal

Ford and Etal is one of our favourite places to visit in Northumberland. Not far from Berwick, there are three main areas to explore (as well as a few off shoots). It's the kind of place you could just walk around and take in the beautiful scenery/bring a picnic or spend £ visiting multiple attractions - the choice is yours. 

A lot of Ford & Etal is dog-friendly and it's definitely somewhere you can feel comfortable visiting with your dog. We drove between Ford and Heatherslaw (and caught the train to Etal) as they are all several miles apart. If you are keen, you could walk it. 

Hulne Park, Alnwick | A Guide to Visiting

Thanks to our writer Bethanie for this post. 

Hulne Park in Alnwick has long been a favourite walking spot for my family and I. We

started walking here when my son was a baby (nine years ago!) and enjoy the space it

provides.

In a nutshell, Hulne Park is located in the market town of Alnwick and makes

up part of the Northumberland Estates. Among the various walking routes, expect to

find parkland, Alnwick Abbey, a Priory and farmland.

Visiting Cragside's Formal Gardens

 

We have been National Trust Members for over 10 years now and despite visiting many, many times, I am always discovering new areas. One such area was the Formal Gardens at Cragside. 

How to Find Hownsgill Viaduct

Thanks to our writer Gaia for this post featuring a scenic walk with small children, a beautiful picnic spot and tea room with free parking. 

• Address: Howngill farm and tearooms
  Consett DH8 9AA
• Public transport - get the bus to Consett bus station or derwentside college and join the route at Consett Telescopes which is a mile from the Hownsgill Viaduct.
• Accessibility - this railway path is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. The climb down from the top of the viaduct is not accessible (but easy to avoid).

Ingram Valley Cafe & Riverside Walk

Ingram Valley is a beautiful place to visit in Northumberland. Expect rolling hills, riverbanks, waterfalls and winding paths alongside lots of lovely plants and wildlife. It's in a fairly remote location and it's easy to find places to stop for a picnic where you'll have the immediate area completely to yourself. 

We always usually park in Bulby's Wood. I like it here as there are toilets, lots of flat green space for a picnic and easy access to the water for paddling (read about parking at Bulby's Wood and spending the day at Ingram Valley with kids here). 

What's On at Little Lindi Festival 2022

This is a non-paid guest post by Little Lindi Festival (and not an advert). The images in this post are for guidance only and taken by myself at similar events. 

Little Lindi Fest is a family festival taking place at Lambton Park in County Durham 22-25 July 2022.

All workshops, music and performances are included with your ticket. There is an additional cost for fairground rides, food, therapies and drinks. 

Billionaire Boy On Stage | Review & Top Tips

This is an advert. 

David Walliams' Billionaire Boy is showing at Sunderland Empire this weekend and tickets are available for performances on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May from just £13 + bf.

Find out more and book here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/billionaire-boy/sunderland-empire/

15 Places to Visit where No Dogs are Allowed

A question which regularly pops up in our Facebook group is people asking for places to visit where no dogs are allowed. Obviously, we are a family who loves dogs but I do understand they aren't for everyone whether this be due to previous trauma, fear, allergies or something else. 

All of the places in this list are outdoor as I feel like the indoor options such as museums / galleries / cinema etc.... are all obvious.

14 Things to do in Morpeth with Kids

Morpeth is a market town in South Northumberland and a place I have been a regular visitor from being very small. It's a lovely place to spend a day with a nice variety of things to do. This post will share some of my favourites.

Morpeth is easy to get to by public transport - there is a train and bus station in the town centre as well as a few car parks. Parking in most car parks is free with a Northumberland Parking Disc (within restrictions). You can buy a disc from machines in car parks or the leisure centre. 

20 Things to do in Durham City Centre with Kids

Durham City Centre is a nice and compact city (if a little hilly) with plenty to offer visitors for the day. Durham is easy to get to by train (just 10 minutes from Newcastle), bus or car. If driving, I recommend Belmont Park and Ride. 

7 Pubs with Play Areas in Northumberland

Please always check facilities with venues direct before setting off as they can change over time. 

When my children were under 8, a decent pub with a play area was the holy grail for me. Being able to relax in the sunshine with a small glass of wine as they played or finish a meal and actually hold a conversation with friends and family as the kids were entertained was a little piece of heaven.

10 Tips for Visiting Eden Camp

This post was published in May 2022. Please check with Eden Camp direct for the most up to date information. 

Eden Camp in North Yorkshire is somewhere I have wanted to visit for a long time. We finally got around to it over Easter 2022. My family have a keen interest in history, especially the boys, and I knew it would be somewhere they'd enjoy. Not always an easy task with teenagers. 

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons in North East England

 
As part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations this year, over 1500 beacons will be lit across the the UK and commonwealth on the evening of 2nd June 2022 in recognition of the Queen's long and selfless service. 

Please always check details with venue direct before setting off as information may change. 

These beacons are designed to bring local communities together to celebrate this historic milestone. 

10 Fun Travel Games to Play with Tweens in 2022

This is an advert for May 2022, any edits or shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. 

Planning days out and things to do in the evening with tweens and teens on holiday can be tricky and I am often asked about ideas for things to do with older kids that won't break the bank. It's tricky when they're too old for mini discos and find holiday entertainment 'boring'.

Something I would highly recommend doing is packing a few age-appropriate travel games in your bag to enjoy in the evening when you go on holiday (home or abroad). Or why not plan an afternoon in your local pub or beer garden (obvs drink responsibly) and enjoy a games afternoon with your tweens this summer? 

Little Land of Adventures Review | Newton Aycliffe

Thanks to our writer Grace for this post. 

How great is it when there’s a fab little children’s play café on your doorstep! Come rain or shine, I can get a latte and a slab of cake while my two girls run round being doctors, mummy’s, policemen and builders! 

Little Land of Adventures is fairly new but thanks to Covid we’ve not had chance to visit much. Now we are restriction free, we’ve been able to pop in for an hour on one occasion and on another we stayed for a couple of hours! 

Disney On Ice Returns to the North East this December

This is an advert for May 2022. Any edits/shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. 

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big will visit Newcastle's Utilita Arena from 7-11 December 2022. Tickets will go on pre-sale at 9am on Friday 6 May and general sale at 9am on Friday 13 May. 

What's On Across North East England for Kids & Teens | May 2022

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Please always double check event information with event organisers direct before heading out for the most up-to-date information. 

Credit : Tynemouth Food Festival 

 

Shiremoor Adventure Playground | A Guide to Visiting

Thanks to our writer Jennifer for this post and photos. This post was published and last updated in May 2022. Please check with Shiremoor Adventure Playground for the most up-to-date information before setting out, especially regarding opening hours. 
 

Shiremoor Adventure Playground is one of our favourite outdoor spots to visit in the North East; a wonderful community-based play space which for me, really captures the essence of childhood.

Stump Cross Caverns Cavewoman Party

 This is just a quick post to share some information I was sent through by a reader who attended a Cavewoman and Magician Party at Stump Cross Caverns in Pately Bridge and wanted to share their experience with others. 

Their photos certainly caught my eye so I am happy to share. Please note, I have not personally attended this so won't be able to help with any questions (please contact the venue direct if you need further info). This post is simply to raise awareness and a reader recommendation. 

Why You Need a Disposable BBQ Stand

Ad - the links in this post are affiliate links 
 

When ever I post about our disposable BBQ stand, I am always asked about where I bought it from so I thought it was about time I put a post together. 

We bought our stand five years ago and it is still as good as new (although granted, we do only use ours a few times a year). 

Ours is part of the Asado brand who specialise in BBQ stands and accessories. 

Unfortunatley, the product we purchased is no longer available but their updated Dual BBQ Stand is available and looks just as good, if not better as it is adjustable and fits different sized disposable BBQs (although it doesn't come with a cool bag). 

The Asado Dual BBQ Stand can be adjusted to fit most disposable BBQs and lift them off the ground. One side of the stand is suitable for family size disposable BBQs and the other side is suitable for standard size disposable BBQs. If there are slight adjustments to be made, you can do this to secure the BBQ. 

Find out more and by the Asado Dual BBQ Stand here. 

I have not personally used the particular stand above but I am very happy with the previous model of the stand we bought and it has stood the test of time for us. Make sure you read the Amazon reviews before buying (overall 4* at time of publishing). 

Asado Dual BBQ Stand 

Asado Dual BBQ Stand 

We love a good BBQ but sometimes finding stones to raise a BBQ off the ground can be a bit of a nightmare and not always possible. It is super important to always raise your BBQ from the ground to avoid any damage. 

In the past, we've enjoyed a BBQ at the beach, near a stream on a family day trip and our local woods. We have also taken the stand with us when staying in a cottage, when we stay at the caravan and camping. It's such a versatlie bit of kit. 

Obviously please always check that BBQs are permitted in the places you are visiting and follow all safety guidance. Enjoy your BBQs responsibly. 

We usually fill a 2L pop bottle with water and pour this on the BBQ when we're finished with it which cools it down quickly and by the time we've finished / are ready to leave, it's generally cooled completely down and able to be disposed of responsibly and safely. Do not leave your BBQ unattended and leave no trace. 

Disposable BBQ stands are designed to be much more safe and secure than simply standing on the ground or on a table and reduce the risk of fire/damage too. Definitely a product I am pleased we invested in. 

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How to Find Consett Telescopes

Thanks to our writer Gaia for this post. ‘The Telescopes’ are a local landmark in Consett, County Durham and something my kids love to visit. As they’re located on the Coast 2 Coast cycle route we normally take the bikes for a little ride while we’re there. If you’ve never seen them before they’re definitely worth a visit and one to tick off the list along with the Giant Spoon in Cramlington.