A Day Trip to Verona

This is based on a visit in June 2024 by myself and Steve. We paid for our own activities. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information. 

During our trip to Lake Garda in June 2024, we decided to take two train trips. One to Venice (90 mins by train direct) and another to Verona (13 mins by train direct). 

Venice, I Love You

This post is based on a visit (just myself and Steve) in June 2024 paid for by ourselves. Always check with venues direct for the most op to date info. 

I absolutely love Italy and have previously enjoyed trips to Genoa, Tuscany and Florence (plus we are off to Rome in the Autumn). Venice has never really been a bucket list destination for me though. 

However when we were planning our trip to Lake Garda, lots of people mentioned that we must visit Venice as it's only 90 minutes on the train direct. It felt like we had to. I debated for ages about actually staying over and in the end, I did book a hotel and I'm so pleased we did as Venice at night was just magical. 

The Coastal Cruiser Walk from Whitley Bay to South Shields

Ad - this is an advert for August 2024. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info, especially regarding public transport and road/path closures. 

Go Smarter, Go Active is a campaign dedicated to getting more people across the North East walking & cycling whether this be for a day out or everyday journey. 

Their website is packed with lots of FREE handy resources to help with walking and cycling across the region. 

We recently tried one of their Travel Itineraries which was FREE to download to our phone.

High Force Waterfall Walk and Lunch

 AD - This is an advert for August 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. It's really important you check with the venue direct for the most up-to-date info as this can change (especially opening hours). You can do that here: https://www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/

This post is based on a visit in August 2024 but does contain a few photos from previous visits too. 

High Force Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England. Located at Forest-in-Teesdale in the Durham Dales, it's a stunning part of North East England and certainly worth a visit. 

The waterfall falls an impressive 21 metres and the surrounding rocks date back over 300 million years! You can physically see the changes in the rock formation and there are information boards where you can learn more. 

A Guide to North East National Trust Playgrounds

 AD - This is an advert for July 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding opening hours. When I talk about dogs in this post I am referring to pet dogs rather than assistance dogs who are of course, permitted everywhere. 

We are blessed with some absolutely fantastic playgrounds at National Trust sites across North East England. These playgrounds are excellent places to visit all year round, are very well maintained with seating nearby and usually somewhere to grab a drink too. 

Happy Rooms Review

AD - This is an advert for August 2024. All thoughts are our own. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. As always, please check with venue direct for the most up-to-date information as info can change. You can do that here: https://stellarcreates.co.uk/product/happy-rooms/

Happy Rooms is a fun, inclusive and colourful self-led indoor trail designed to bring joy and happiness to all. Located in Middlesbrough Town Centre, it's £5 per child and £7 per adult (under 2s are free but still require a ticket) and needs to be booked in advance.

You visit 12 'Happy Rooms' in your own time and order and can stay as long/little as you like (well, until closing). We spent 90 minutes there but think with younger children, a visit will probably last around 2 hours. 

Warwick Castle Hotel Short Break Review

 AD - this post is based on a press stay in July 2024 and includes affiliate links. Any shares / edits beyond this have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venue direct for the most up to date info. Evening entertainment will change depending on the time of year.

You can check for the most up-to-date info here: Warwick Castle Website 

We recently enjoyed a fantastic weekend at Warwick Castle. We stayed in the recently opened Warwick Castle Hotel, dined in the Knight's Kingdom restaurant, enjoyed free evening entertainment including Archery, Knight School and Face Painting and had the best day at Warwick Castle.