Hi Everyone,
We've put a list together of a few activities happening over October half term that we think look good. Due to limited numbers and the current situation we do recommend early booking.
Showing posts with label Original Ultimate Activities List. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Original Ultimate Activities List. Show all posts
Tuesday, 15 September 2020
Tuesday, 4 August 2020
Ultimate Activities List August 2020
Hi Everyone,
Alot of people have been asking about places to take the kids over the summer holidays so we have created a new guide of places and activities all spilt into areas so you can pick from where is local to you. As more and more places and businesses are opening up over the coming weeks we have included some places that are currently closed but may open during the summer so please do check before heading out.
Due to the current situation please stick to social distancing guidelines and try to plan your visits to avoid peak times and have a back up plan incase where you visit is too busy.
As always this is not a complete list and is subject to change. If you know of any places not included please let us know so we can update our list.
Below are the links to all our past reviews that are highlighted in yellow on the guide:
Derwent Waterside Park
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=996253947460633&id=674273372992027
Tyne Green Park
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=992321361187225&id=674273372992027
Bolam Lake
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=986753855077309&id=674273372992027
Richardson Dees Park
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=983576372061724&id=674273372992027
Treetop Nets
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=978464465906248&id=674273372992027
Saltwell Park
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=889896324763063&id=674273372992027
Bowlees and Highforce Waterfalls
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=864669687285727&id=674273372992027
Wallington National Trust
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=840307593055270&id=674273372992027
Gibside National Trust
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=800459313706765&id=674273372992027
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=788025034950193&id=674273372992027
Spilmans Farm
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=787759851643378&id=674273372992027
Plessy Woods
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=773081293111234&id=674273372992027
Stephenson Steam Railway
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=768378250248205&id=674273372992027
Web Adventure Park
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=759774267775270&id=674273372992027
Safari Zoo
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=756175354801828&id=674273372992027
Fountains Abbey
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=743386959414001&id=674273372992027
Ouseburn Farm
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=736436443442386&id=674273372992027
RSPB Saltholme
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=733993197020044&id=674273372992027
Whitworth Hall Hotel and Deer Park
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=721439304942100&id=674273372992027
Jesmond Dene
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=712807612471936&id=674273372992027
Knowsley Safari Park
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=703851510034213&id=674273372992027
Life Science Centre
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=703803120039052&id=674273372992027
Carlisle Park
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=699510043801693&id=674273372992027
Tilesheds Nature Reserve
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=692704047815626&id=674273372992027
Herrington Country Park
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=685944905158207&id=674273372992027
Friday, 31 July 2020
Treasure Trail
Hi Everyone,
We recently had our first try at a Treasure Trail Hunt. The trail is a self guided walk which led us around Seaburn starting near Roker Park and along to Whitburn.
Along the way we were solving clues to identify a person and a weapon in our murder mystery themed trail. We absolutely loved the trail with clues that are a good mix of skill levels. There are clues which are easy enough for the kids to get involved and some hard enough to make the adults think. It is sometimes hard to find activities to keep the whole family entertained but this certainly ticked that box.
The trail itself is very scenic and despite visiting Seaburn and Whitburn many times we have now discovered places we didn't know existed. We also had the pleasure of visiting and discovering different landmarks that we usually wouldn't pay too much attention to.
There is a fair amount of walking involved but it's easy to split the trail up and do it over 2 days if little legs start to get tired. Alternatively, there's plenty of places to stop for a picnic or a break along the route as you head along the coast. There are also two brilliant play areas enroute too within Roker park and Cornthwaite park.
We are really looking forward to trying more trails as there is a huge amount to choose from in different areas of the UK. This is a brilliant idea as it helps everyone to explore both locally and areas further afield. The directions given are fabulous so there is no need to worry about getting lost.
If you'd like to try a trail you can get one at a discounted price on the below link:
https://tidd.ly/2PaQ7Q1
For more information visit:
www.treasuretrails.co.uk
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Tuesday, 28 July 2020
Tynemouth Park
Hi Everyone,
There's lots of outdoor fun to be had at Tynemouth Park they have the Jungle Wipeout Inflatables back priced at £5 (book a slot on the day) , Lost World Adventure Golf from just £3 and Pirate Quest Maze just £2. (£1 extra for fun treasure map and prize)
Tynemouth Park itself also has a free play park, a lake, green areas and toilet facilities. It is also directly across the road from the beach making it an ideal spot for a full day out. On our last visit we even managed to see dolphins 😁
Friday, 24 July 2020
Gibside National Trust
Hi Everyone,
Today we visited Gibside National Trust for the first time since it had reopened. There is currently a new booking system in place to ensure the sites don't get too busy and I must say it worked wonderfully. We booked the 10:00-10:30am entry slot and it felt like we had the site to ourself.
We headed straight along the beautiful avenue (completing some wild challenges along the way) upto the stables and onto the play scape, which comprises of various wooden obstacles and objects to navigate round.
From there we headed to the low ropes challenge, this is a favourite spot of ours. Set in beautiful woodland you navigate various rope obstacles. We always time each other and see who can be the quickest to complete the challenge. The ropes are trickier than they appear and keep us entertained for a good while. We stayed here to enjoy our picnic on the table and benches.
After lunch, we headed to the den building area. Another favourite pass time of ours. We spent almost two hours on our creations today and they were pretty impressive, if I do say so myself.
We spent a full day here and didn't get round half of the site. We will keep the river walk, walled garden and geo-caching for our next visit.
The toilet facilities and cafe are open but the main playground and stables are still closed. This didn't take away at all from our day as there is so much to do at Gibside.
Gibside is chargeable but free for National Trust members. I couldn't recommend the benefits of a National Trust membership enough there are a huge amount of sites to visit and enjoy. We've found that the Scottish National Teust membership is cheaper and allows you into all the English sites. For more information on the National Trust Memberships follow the below link:
https://tidd.ly/3eZrU9X
#Ad
Thursday, 23 July 2020
South Shields
Hi Everyone,
We just wanted to share some of the stunning views from the South Shields coast that we have capture during lockdown. We are very lucky living in an area with such beautiful sandy beaches, amazing rock pools teaming with wildlife and spectacular views. Sometimes it's easy to forget the beauty on our door steps.
Tuesday, 21 July 2020
Finchale Priory
Hi Everyone,
We visited Finchale Priory on Sunday and wow what a beautiful place it is. The area is free to visit but there is a very reasonable £3 all day parking charge.
The priory itself is large with lots of ruins to explore, it reminded us alot of Fountains Abbey. The kids loved being able to run around and explore all the different areas. There is also a large grass area surrounding the ruins which is perfect for taking a break and enjoying the views.
The priory is connected to a woodland walk by crossing a bridge over a stunning section of the river wear. The woodland walk is very picturesque taking the path to the right hand side will lead you to lots of different routes to take. In this section there are plenty of tree climbing opportunities and we found a tree swing which we thoroughly enjoyed. You can even have a splash in the river or just relax on the sandy river banks.
The path to the left of the bridge is a straight narrow walk along the river with some very sweet looking pigs near the end. It is a lovely walk but can be restrictive if people are trying to pass.
We arrived for opening time and the area was fairly quiet which made it very easy to maintain social distancing but by the afternoon the area really started to get busy. We definitely recommend arriving early or later in the day so you can enjoy the priory and walks. Very importantly the toilets facilities and the cafe kiosk were open.
Saturday, 18 July 2020
Plessey Woods and Northumberlandia
Hi Everyone,
Today we visited Plessey Woods Country Park, this is a firm family favourite but it was extra special today as the play area, toilets and cafe have now reopened.
We arrived at around 10am and the playground was fairly quiet. We had no problems enjoying the fab equipment that has been recently re-built. The play park would suit a range of ages from little ones upto around 12.
After enjoying a play, we headed into the woods and enjoyed the trails taking in the sculptures along with tree climbing and having a paddle in the river. We took the scenic route into the Blagden Estate which takes you along the river path. It was very peaceful and we even spotted a lovely family of ducks.
When we emerged from the woods at around 2pm the playground and visitor centre was a lot busier so we decided to head along to Northumberlandia.
Northumberlandia is a very quirky and unique tourist spot. It takes you on a lovely walk around a lady carved into the landscape. Along the walk there are lots of viewing points to see the beautiful countryside. The kids loved being able to climb onto the top of the various body parts.
There is also a woodland trail to be enjoyed, which included areas for den building, stepping stones and wooden sculptures to enjoy along the route, all under an amazing woodland canopy.
When we arrived at Northumberlandia there was a few people milling around but its so spacious keeping a distance wasn't a problem. We had lots of opportunities to admired the views undisturbed. The cafe and toilets are also open with picnic tables dotted throughout the site.
We had a wonderful full day out at these two amazing outdoor sites. We would definitely recommend visiting earlier or later in the day to avoid busy periods and the combo definitely worked well for us.
Beamish Museum
Hi Everyone,
Some exciting news from Beamish Museum!
Beamish is set to reopen 23rd July, entry will be by pre-booked timeslot for ALL visitors (including Friends of Beamish members and Unlimited Pass holders). Tickets will be available on their website from Monday, 20th July at 10am.
📷 Beamish Museum
Tuesday, 14 July 2020
Ultimate Activities List
Hi Everyone,
Alot of people have been asking about places to take the kids over the summer holidays so we have created a new guide of places and activities all spilt into areas so you can pick from where is local to you. As more and more places and businesses are opening up over the coming weeks we have included some places that are currently closed but may open during the summer so please do check before heading out.
Due to the current situation please stick to social distancing guidelines and try to plan your visits to avoid peak times and have a back up plan incase where you visit is too busy.
As always this is not a complete list and is subject to change. If you know of any places not included please let us know so we can update our list.
Below are the links to all our past reviews that are highlighted in yellow on the guide:
Derwent Waterside Park
Tyne Green Park
Bolam Lake
Richardson Dees Park
Treetop Nets
Saltwell Park
Bowlees and Highforce Waterfalls
Wallington National Trust
Gibside National Trust
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Spilmans Farm
Plessy Woods
Stephenson Steam Railway
Web Adventure Park
Safari Zoo
Fountains Abbey
Ouseburn Farm
RSPB Saltholme
Whitworth Hall Hotel and Deer Park
Jesmond Dene
Knowsley Safari Park
Life Science Centre
Carlisle Park
Tilesheds Nature Reserve
Herrington Country Park
Monday, 6 July 2020
Tyne Green Park
Hi Everyone,
At the weekend we visited Tyne Green Park in Hexham this was a first visit for us after receiving a recommendation from a friend.
It took just under an hour from South Shields to get there. When we arrived there were plenty of free car parking spaces which was great.
We headed straight to the play area which firstly, was open and well equipped. There is also alot of outdoor fun equipment which has a ninja warrior feel to it, the kids loved.
The park was very quiet so we had it to ourselves but the equipment is quite spaced out so social distancing wouldn't be too much of an issue when children are supervised.
Very importantly, the toilet facilities were open and were directly opposite the play area which is ideal. There was also a lovely ice cream van and even a mobile barber van!
Tyne Green Park also boasts a lovely walk along the Tyne which is perfect for bikes and scooters. There was vasts amounts of open green space with picnic tables dotted about. They even have a professional golf course.
We spent a lovely few hours here and Hexham is a beautiful town so you could easily make it a full day out.
Sunday, 28 June 2020
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.
Saturday, 20 June 2020
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.
Sunday, 19 January 2020
Ultimate Activities List
Hi Everyone,
Last year we published an incredibly popular ultimate activities list. This is something that we will be updating in the near future. For now though, if you are looking for some fun activities around the North East of England, this list will give you some great ideas.
Last year we published an incredibly popular ultimate activities list. This is something that we will be updating in the near future. For now though, if you are looking for some fun activities around the North East of England, this list will give you some great ideas.
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