Days Out in Devon – Cadover Bridge, Plym Valley, Dartmoor

Dartmoor is a place that we often drive across, on good weather days, possibly stop for a short walk and take in the views, or head to in search of Sunday lunch when we are staying in Devon on a family holiday, however it’s not somewhere we have spent a whole day in one place before on a family day out … until this past summer while on a staycation in Devon.

Prestige Hampers Review – Not just for Christmas (AD)

It's September so I think I can now write about the 'C' word!

I always associate hampers with Christmas. A little (or sometimes large) basket of treats full of amazing goodies that you can enjoy over the festive period. 

One of the best things about Christmas is the food and drink. I love the gift giving and being with family and friends, but its also so good to be able to indulge without the guilt that comes at any other time of year. Hampers, therefore, can make a great gift especially for those loved ones or are really hard to but for because they already have everything they need.  

Frieze Sculpture 2018 in Regent's Park, London

I had to travel to London for business last week, and after finding myself with a few hours to spare before meeting up with colleagues, I decided to take a walk from Kings Cross along the canals, through Camden Town and eventually ended up in Regent’s Park where I very happily stumbled upon Frieze Sculpture 2018 – a free art exhibition featuring 25 works by contemporary and modern artists. It made for a very lovely Sunday stroll.

Family Theatre at Northern Stage this October (AD)

There is a whole host of family shows on offer at Northern Stage in Newcastle this October. From theatre inspired by much-loved children's books to dinosaurs, we preview them here for you ... and over on our FACEBOOK page there is the chance to win a family ticket to see The Snail and The Whale ...

Days Out in Devon – Totnes Castle in Totnes

Totnes is a place that I’ve driven through many a time on route to other places in Devon. It’s a town in South Devon just 5 miles from the English Riveria but inland and located on the River Dart. Apart from stopping off there to watch a Newcastle United game one year in a pub and the end destination of the South Devon Railway where we visited the rare breeds farm, until this summer. it’s not a place in Devon that I’ve really explored even though I lived in the county for 2 years …  So if you want to find out more about Totnes and whether its a good place for a family day out in Devon, read on.

#EatDrinkSunderland this September Preview - (AD)

Sunderland Restaurant Week is back this weekend from Saturday 8 until Sunday 16 September 2018, with plenty of top-notch bars, cafes and restaurants all involved again!

We were invited to a preview, a night of showcasing the best of the city’s food scene with organisers Sunderland BID where lots of eateries around the city shared with us the delights that will be on offer to customers over the next week.

Book Review: Bill Bryson - A Short History of Nearly Everything

I love second-hand bookshops. Leafing through other people’s no longer needed and discarded books that you’ve discovered on dusty shelves in a quirky retail environment is one of my guilty pleasures. Guilty, because I have so many books still to read. Yet a pleasure because I don’t think you can ever have too many books. And when your purchases also help Amnesty International, as they do from my local second-hand bookstore in Newcastle then, all the better.

* Please note this post includes an affiliate link.

How to Help Your Child Survive the First Week at Secondary School

Starting big school is such a big step for parent and child. My eldest starts Secondary School tomorrow. He is 11. And growing up fast. He’ll go out of the door by himself, wait for the bus and buy a ticket that will take him to school on time for registration and we won't hear from him again until after school. Up until now, it has been the three of us on the school run. Now it will only be two. Read on to find our 10 point plan to help both parent and child survive their first week at secondary school.

Free Family Fun in the North East this September

It's September. I can't quite believe the boys go back to school this week and the summer holidays are over but that doesn't stop there being plenty of opportunities to get out and about in the northeast and enjoy some free family fun and activities. If you are looking to find out what's on this month for families here in the North East don't forget the Great Exhibition of the North is still on until September 9 and we've found these great events happening too. Check them out here.

This is a FREE listing service for FREE events in North East England. If you would like to submit an event for October and beyond please email myboysclub@debsharratt.co.uk

How To Prepare Your Child for Secondary School

How did you prepare your children for school? In less than a week my eldest son will start high school. Starting school is such a big deal at any age. It is one of life’s great milestones. And so memorable. 

It is such a big part of your life and shapes your future. From the inspiring (and sometimes not so inspiring) teachers to best friends, friendship groups and form classes. To education itself, the journey to and from and who you make it with. It’s such a big transition at an age, but this one, moving on to secondary school, I think is the one that defines you most.