Bolam lake

Hi Everyone, 

Today we visited Bolam Lake in Northumberland, which is about a 40 min drive from South Shields. We had heard alot about the lake so we were very excited to visit.

There are lots of carparks around the lake so there was no problem parking at all. We deliberately chose a colder day to visit in the hopes it wouldn't be too busy. Despite the weather there was still a fair few people about but there are lots of opportunities to move away from others and we had no problem at all keeping our distance. To aid with distancing, the lake is operating a one way system.

The lake itself is beautiful and teaming with swans. What we loved the most was all the little jetties around each side of the lake so you could really get out among the swans and the water.

Surrounding the lake are areas  of forests and opening spaces which are beautiful and filled with trees ideal for climbing and lots of  opportunists to explore.

There are lots of seating and picnic tables dotted around and ideally placed to take in the stunning views.

We spent over two hours exploring and taking in the views. The toilet facilities were open and there was a very nice looking ice cream van which accepted card payments. Parking is chargeable so remember to bring some change for the parking machines.

Richardson Dees Park

Hi Everyone,

We recently visited Richardson Dees Park in Wallsend. It's a park we have been to before but have never fully explored until our last visit. The park is spaced out over 3 huge areas, the first has a very large and well equipped play park and has been maintained to a high standard and is our usual first port of call (at present the play park is closed) but we went to see what else the park had to offer. There is also a large field in this section with picnic tables and a beautiful duck pond filled with ducks, we even saw a water vole.

  

The second area has a small river runing through it with lots of open spaces and trees which are perfect for climbing. We came across a wild flower garden and paths that had a jungle like feel to them.

The third section is probably my favourite which again boasted  a river with ducks and swans. We were lucky enough to see nests with eggs and newly hatched ducklings. There is a little fairy trail which was very magical as it felt almost like a forest area, covered with with ivy. Our girls really enjoyed spotting all the fairies.

This park is more than big enough to enjoy a lovely day out while maintaining social distancing with lots of things to do and explore.

Peter Pan

Hi Everyone, 

We have really been enjoying the What's On Stage series of free musicals. It's been so much fun getting our 'tickets' and snacks ready and having front row seats to some wonderful productions. 

The next instalment in "The Shows Must Go On" series has been revealed, with Peter Pan being streamed for FREE from Friday (19th June) at 7pm and will remain available for 48hrs on the below link:

https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/all-star-peter-pan-allison-williams-walken-stream_51775.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=15June2020

It stars Allison Williams as Peter Pan, Christopher Walken as Captain Hook, Kelli O'Hara as Mrs Darling, Christian Borle as Mr Smee and Taylor Louderman as Wendy, with Minnie Driver acting as Narrator.

We hope you enjoy a family night in at the theatre 🎟️🎭

Raby Castle Father's day offer

Hi Everyone, 

It's lovely that more outdoor spaces are now opening up including Raby Castles park and garden. 

At the moment they are offering FREE admission* to Dads on fathers day this Sunday (21st June) 

You can get your tickets using the link below:

https://tickets.tygit.com/tickets/buy-now/attractionId/259/l/1/mode/group/ignoreGroups/Annual%20Pass%20Upgrade

*Free admission applies to Park and Gardens tickets when accompanied by a paying adult or child purchasing the same ticket type. You also need to select the free fathers day ticket to allow accurate visitor numbers so social distancing can be maintained. 

Photo taken from Raby Castle Facebook page.

Butlins Youtube

Hi Everyone, 

We love a Butlin's holiday and as cheesy as it sounds it really is fun for all the family. We have been countless times and have always had the best experience. 

Which is why we were so excited when we seen that Butlin's had their very own you tube channel to keep us entertained at home. Which includes  dancing with the Skyline Gang, taking part in a Dick v's Dom challenge, a diversity master class and much more ...head to  Butlin's At Home Youtube playlist for a full range of videos and activities to keep your little ones entertained

 #ButlinsAtHome

https://rebrand.ly/youtubeplaylist_butlinsathome

Free Pingit Keyfob

Hi everyone,

Pingit (through Barclays) is offering a Pingit contactless key fob for free with the promo code Device01.

Pingit is free of charge so we've ordered ours so the kids can spend there pocket money once the shops fully reopen.

To order yours use the link below:

https://web.pingit.com/product/pingit-fob/Fob~PP201011

South Lake Safari Zoo Offer

Hi Everyone,

We're so happy that Zoos and Safari Parks will be allowed to re-open. We wanted to share this offer with you from South Lakes Sari Zoo for half price admission which you can use upto 3 months from date of opening.

https://www.southlakessafarizoo.com/buy-tickets-online/

Follow the link for a full review from our previous visit:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=756175354801828&id=674273372992027

The Wiz

Hi Everyone, 

What's on Stage are streaming All-star THE WIZ this Friday (12 June)  for FREE with Queen Latifah, Mary J Blige and Amber Riley. The show will be available from 7pm and will remain viewable for 48hrs.

For all the details and to watch click the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/93923905895/posts/10157042689975896/

Sea Lion Show

Hi Everyone,

We're super excited to watch the Flamingo Land Sea Lion Show tomorrow (8th June) at 12 noon, we've really missed not being able to visit this season so we are very happy that we will still get to see the amazing Clive and his friends doing their amazing tricks while learning about these wonderful animals.

You can watch the show live here:

 'Attractions Near Me' Facebook Page.

https://www.facebook.com/attractionsnearme/

Reading Challenge

Hi Everyone, 

We are very happy to share this years summer reading challange which we did worry might not happen due to the current situation but it is yay! As a family we have taken part in the challange for the past 10 years since our eldest was a baby and have loved each and every year. We can't wait to see how it is going to look. 

This years theme is  the #SillySquad and it's going to be seriously silly!  

Join the reading agency on Facebook on 5 June to catch all the fun - and check out the schedule of silliness: 

https://readingagency.org.uk/news/media/the-summer-reading-challenge-launch-party---schedule-announced.html

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3890571237638390&id=348066881888861

Peter Pan Live

Hi Everyone, 

Peter Pan Live starring Christopher Walken and Allison Williams will be streamed for FREE on Friday 5th June at 7pm and will be available to watch for 48 hrs as part of the show must go on series. 

Link to watch below:

https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/all-star-peter-pan-musical-christopher-walken_51697.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=1Junw2020

The Get Active - Summer Challenge 2020

Hi Everyone, 

The Get Active - Summer Challenge 2020 looks like lots of fun and a great way to keep the kids active.

"It is an accumlative distance challenge which  will take place during the months of May, June, July and August making it a perfect challenge to complete as a family during this period of lockdown and restrictions

Simply select the total distance you want to achieve during the above months. This could be a straightforward 2km run or why not choose a longer distance and complete it over the period of the four months.

What's more, whilst some of the distance must be achieved by running, you can choose to swim, cycle, jump, ride or even roll some of the distance. This adds an extra element of fun to the challenge. For example, you may want to complete it as part of your own triathlon.

Entry to this challenge is just £3.99! And once you have completed your distance, simply submit your evidence (photos etc) and we will put one of these fantastic medals in the post which has a purple ribbon. This medal has a striking Multi-Coloured 'rainbow' effect with each medal having a unique finish. An eye-catching medal which is certainly guaranteed to stand out from the crowd!"

Info taken directly from:

https://www.ukschoolrun.com/enterarace/prod_7154591-Get-Active-Summer-Challenge-2020.html