A weekend at Ladram Bay, Devon | Tin Box Traveller

Photo Credit | Tin Box Traveller

Ladram Bay is perfectly situated to explore Devon's Jurassic park. With a private beach, supermarket, take away, entertainment complex, swimming pools and play parks, there is plenty to see and do. Read a full review of Ladram Bay over on Tin Box Box Traveller.

Bristol Cathedral | Practically Perfect Mums

Image Credit | Practically Perfect Mums

Bristol Cathedral is a fantastic FREE day out for families. With beautiful stain glass windows, breath-taking architecture and supervised crafts, Practically Perfect Mums tell us more here.

Fountains Abbey | Mandy Charlton

Photo Credit | Mandy Charlton

Mandy Charlton takes us on a tour around Fountains Abbey which has to one of the best picnic spots in the North. See more photographs and read more here.

Enchanted Village at Alton Towers Resort - A Review | Monkey Footed Mummy

Photo Credit | Monkey Footed Mummy

Monkey Footed Mummy checks out the lodges at the Enchanted Village, Alton Towers. With impressive customer service, free wifi and great activities on offer, the village is definitely worth considering for your next family break. Read their full review here. 

Primrose Valley Holiday Park, Scarborough - A Review | Motherisms

Photo Credit - Motherisms

Amanda and her family enjoy a traditional caravan holiday at the popular Haven site Primrose Valley. Find out why they loved it here. 

Uk Family Fun On Tour | Monkey Feet

Welcome to another edition of #UKFamilyFunOnTour Today we are chatting to the lady I call my blogging wife - Karen. Karen blogs over at Monkey Feet about family life with three children. Over to Karen:- 

1 - Which UK town or city has your heart? 

Absolutely South Shields has my heart, I cant imagine living anywhere else and we have so much right on our doorstep, we love Edinburgh, watching the world go by in St James Square is brilliant and Scarborough is filled with childhood memories for me that I'm happy to visit whenever we can.

2 - Which UK beach is your favourite? Why do you love it so much?

South Shields again, its so clean and big and beautiful although St Ives would come a close second.

3 - Which theme park/zoo/attraction in the UK would you recommend as somewhere everyone must visit and why?
Ooooooooooh we had a great time at Alton Towers made more magical by our stay in a woodland lodge. We don't really do Zoo's so much as I'm a bit of a free the animals hippy but for an amazing family attraction, I would recommend Eureka in Bradford its great fun.

4 - Where was your favourite place in the UK to visit as a child?
Scarborough absolutely, you used to be able to get a real Pirate Galleon to sail on Scarborough Mere, they would take you to an 'island' and you had to dig for Dublooms, I think I still have mine in the loft!

5 - Do you have any UK breaks planned in the next 12 months?
We've just returned from an unsuccessful Glamping trip in the lakes so I would like to re-do our Glamping experience somewhere, we will return to Kielder for some peace quiet and relaxation and probably a trip to London this year too.

6 - Where is on your UK travel bucket list?
Stonehenge, The Eden Project, Loch Ness, Wales and Liverpool

7 - Share with us a hidden gem in the UK and let us know why it’s so special
Not really a hidden gem but London South Bank area for me is a great family day out, from here you  you can walk along the South bank  marvelling at the buskers and the scenery, you can walk Westminster and  Big Ben wander across the river and a short walk will bring you to Buckingham Palace, spend some time in St James Park watching the wildlife, then you are not far from Carnaby Street, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden and no need for a single Tube!

8 - Can you recommend a UK holiday resort, hotel or accommodation for families and let us know why it stands out for you
Oh this is a hard one, I loved Rye Hill Farm cottage as it was so well equipped but Alton Towers was so friendly and the staff were awesome, entertaining the kids with 'forest ' type activities, the place was scrupulously clean and the kids loved it soooo much. 

Thanks Karen - we really want to visit Liverpool too! You can follow Monkey Feet on Facebook,  Twitter, Instagram and Youtube here.

Scarborough Castle | Mandy Charlton

Photo Credit | Mandy Charlton

Mandy Charlton and her daughter make the climb to Scarborough castle and explain why the views are 100% worth it. Read why here.

UK Family Fun On Tour | Mini Travellers

It's Friday which can only mean one thing - time for #UKFamilyFunOnTour. Today we drop by Karen from Mini Travellers. Mini Travellers is an award-winning family travel blog covering lots of family-friendly adventures in the UK and abroad. Over to Karen:-

1 - Which UK town or city has your heart?

I'd have to say Liverpool I think. My top three places to visit are Albert Dock, the World Museum and Walker Art Gallery (check out Mini Travellers' review of the Albert Dock here).

2 - Which UK beach is your favourite? Why do you love it so much?

I have two, is that cheating? West Kirby beach as so close to home and Morfa Nefyn

3 - Which theme park/zoo/attraction in the UK would you recommend as somewhere everyone must visit and why?

As a family we love Thomas Land at Drayton Manor, it has been perfectly located for meeting up with family as in the Midlands and perfect sized rides for the age of the kids. 

4 - Where was your favourite place in the UK to visit as a child? 

We went all over as kids but I very fond memories of Sandy Bay in Devon (now Devon Cliffs I understand) basic family fun with loads of other kids, fab beaches, lots of rain thrown in for good measure, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm! Rock, chips and ice cream too! 

5 - Do you have any UK breaks planned in the next 12 months?

We are hopefully visiting Cornwall just after New Year, followed by a camper van trip at February Half Term.

6 - Where is on your UK travel bucket list?

Canterbury, Stonehenge, Cornwall (not been forever!)  

7 - Share with us a hidden gem in the UK and let us know why it’s so special

The Wirral Pennisular is a hidden gem, I had no idea about it until we moved here 7 years ago. There is so much to do, some fabulous beaches, and even if it is raining in Liverpool it can be sun shining on the Wirral. It has its own micro climate!

8 - Can you recommend a UK holiday resort, hotel or accommodation for families and let us know why it stands out for you

I haven't yet been but I read sooo much about Coombe Mill as holiday accommodation that I really have to visit soon. It stands out for me as quite simply everyone recommends it and that has to make it stand out!

Thanks Karen - We can't recommend Stonehenge enough, you will love it! You can follow the adventures of Mini Travellers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

UK Family Fun On Tour | Kelly from Cygnet Careers

Welcome to our third post in my 'UK Family Fun' on tour series. Today we are handing the reins over to Kelly who is a change facilitator and offers career guidance in the North East. Check out her website here. Over to Kelly.......

1 - Which UK town or city has your heart?

Newcastle has my heart - of course! It's my home city. My favourite places in Newcastle are the Quayside, Eldon Square and I love wandering through the buildings at Newcastle University and Grey Street - love the history of the place.

2 - Which UK beach is your favourite? Why do you love it so much?

I don't think  could pick one beach as we have so many great ones.  I love all the local ones - Whitley Bay, Tynemouth Longsands, King Edwards in Tynemouth, Cullercoats bay and Cambois and Newbiggin are my favourites in Northumberland.  I spent long summer days in my childhood on Tynemouth Longsands and at Cullercoats Bay and have Whitley By beach at the bottom of my street now, so love walking along the beach after work, whatever the weather.

3 - Which theme park/zoo/attraction in the UK would you recommend as somewhere everyone must visit and why? 

I loved Lightwater Valley as a teenager and Edinburgh zoo is probably the one I've visited most often as its closest, but I went to Twycross Zoo about 10 - 15 years ago and that was a great zoo too. It was a long time ago but I can still remember the chimpanzees picking their noses and eating it...... urrrrghhh!

4 - Where was your favourite place in the UK to visit as a child?

I often holidayed in Scotland when I was very little - going to places like Pit Lockery to stay in a caravan and later I used to go camping with my grandparents. I remember going to Hawes which is in Yorkshire and we had picnics on the grass outside the tent and my Grandma cooked on a little gas stove.  Which thinking back probably wasn't much of a holiday for her.  I remember my Granda teaching me how to fly a kite with limited success!

5 - Do you have any UK breaks planned in the next 12 months?

I don't have any UK breaks planned at the moment but my favourite places to visit are York and Edinburgh.  I think the company of who you're with is the most important part of any trip though - if you're with people who make you laugh and you can be yourself with, then any trip can be memorable for the right reasons!

6 - Where is on your UK travel bucket list?

I don't really do bucket lists but I'd love to go back to London at some point and be a real tourist. 

7 - Share with us a hidden gem in the UK and let us know why it’s so special

I don't really know of any hidden gems in the UK - we tend to stay at home as my husband doesn't like travel, but I definitely want to go to more places.  I need to get better at planning so I can do more of that!

8 - Can you recommend a UK holiday resort, hotel or accommodation for families and let us know why it stands out for you

Travel hasn't been at the top of my agenda so far in my life, but I am going to make it more of a priority in future.

Thank you so much Kelly - if you do re-visit London I can highly recommend the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace audio tours

Follow Cygnet Careers | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

A Family Trip to York with Virgin Trains | Newcastle Family Life

Photo Credit | Newcastle Family Life

Newcastle Family Life headed to York for the day and discovered there's lots to do for little ones From sweet shops to The Shambles and the National Rail Museum. Read more about their day here.

UK Family Fun On Tour | Nomipalony

Today welcomes the second post in our brand new series 'UK Family Fun On Tour'. Today we interview Nyomi who blogs over at Nomipalony.com. Expect real life parenting, family life and weekly vlogs. Over to Nyomi:-

1 - Which UK town or city has your heart? 

It goes without saying that it's Newcastle! My top 3 places to visit here are: 

1) Ouseburn Valley for drinks and food at the Cluny or Ernest, a visit to the community farm and Seven Stories (National Centre for Children's Books). 

2) the Quayside markets on a Sunday to buy trinkets and local produce from the stalls and sample the wares from the amazing food trucks, then popping over to the Baltic or the Sage to explore the art, music and gift shops. 

3) Wander the city centre - we've beautiful architecture around Grey Street and monument, loads of amazing restaurants, bars and shops. Visiting the Grainger Market is a must. 

After Newcastle I love Brighton - take me to the Lanes now please! 

2 - Which UK beach is your favourite? Why do you love it so much?

Hmmm, I'm torn between Tynemouth and South Shields beach but for families I'm going to say South Shields because there is so much there, lovely sandy beaches, a little theme park, an arcade, soft play, a beautiful park with pond, playground and miniature steam train, as well as lots of restaurants. You can easily spend a whole day there. 

3 - Which theme park/zoo/attraction in the UK would you recommend as somewhere everyone must visit and why?

I'm really partial to Flamingo Land in Yorkshire. It has a big theme park and a zoo, so there is lots to see and do there. We also love Alnwick Gardens - beautiful gardens, fun water features for the kids to splash around in and the treehouse restaurant is amazing. 

4 - Where was your favourite place in the UK to visit as a child? 

We once had a 2 week camping holiday to Flamingo Land in Yorkshire when I was a kid. My parents must have been mad to camp that long but free access to all the rides and a zoo for 2 whole weeks, we were in our element! 

5 - Do you have any UK breaks planned in the next 12 months?

This month we have already had fun UK breaks at Haggerston Castle in Berwick and a weekend in London so we don't have any new breaks planned yet. As is often the case when you return from a break though I'm now already trying to plan the next one to help with my disappointment of the last one being over! This will be our first year with a child in school and needing to work with school holidays and the prices are a shocker! We will probably head  somewhere in Scotland (I've heard good things about a place called Hydro Crieff if anyone has been?) and Center Parcs in Whinfell at least over the next 12 months. If anyone has good suggestions for UK breaks for a 4 year old and 18 month old I would love to hear them?! 

6 - Where is on your UK travel bucket list?

I really want to explore more of Scotland over the next few years. I've only been to a few places but there is so much beauty there! 

7 - Share with us a hidden gem in the UK and let us know why it’s so special

I think Preston Park Museum is a bit of a hidden gem. Victorian streets, a museum, walled kitchen gardens, an adventure playground, boat rides, a butterfly house, expansive green grounds, skate park, cafe, a miniature steam train, pop up beach and more. It's only £5 for an annual family pass too and that includes 4 children. Bargain! 

8 - Can you recommend a UK holiday resort, hotel or accommodation for families and let us know why it stands out for you

My favourite out of the holiday resorts we have visited so far is Centre Parcs in Whinfell. We had a lovely break there last Autumn and I'm keen to go back again. 

Thank you so much Nyomi! We love Center Parcs too. 

Follow Nomipalony | Facebook | Youtube | Instagram | Twitter

A guide to family camping in Kendal | Here come the Hoopers

Photo Credit | Here Come the Hoopers

Here Come the Hoopers explain why Kendal is the perfect spot for family camping. From picturesque scenery to geocaching and lots of local walks - Kendal is a beautiful spot for those who love the great outdoors. Read their full post here.

UK Family Fun On Tour - Katie Jane Online

I am so excited to start my new blogging series - UK Family Fun on tour. Every fortnight I will be interviewing a wide range of people from all walks of life and finding out about their favourite holiday spots in the UK. If you'd like to take part, please email samantharickelton@googlemail.com.

First up is my good friend Katie Jane Online who is a Durham-based blogger writing about fun, fitness and adventure. Over to Katie:- 

Photo credit - Katie Jane Online

1 - Which UK town or city has your heart? Let us know your top three must see places to visit here

The City that has my heart is Durham. I was born and bred here and no matter where I go Durham will always have my heart. You must see Durham Cathedral and if you get the chance climb to the top and take in the scenery.  

Crook Hall also in Durham City is a manor house which dates back to the 1200's. They always have great seasonal events, my Dad took my sister and I there one Halloween when we were much younger and I still remember how much of a good time we had. The gardens are always picture perfect.  

A walk along the river banks in Durham is a must for any visitor and once you've finished your walk you can visit one of Durham's wonderful cafes for a bite to eat. 

2 - Which UK beach is your favourite? Why do you love it so much?

South Shields beach. When my eldest cousin learnt how to drive we would often go there to play in the arcades and have ice cream. I have a lot of happy Teen memories there.  

3 - Which theme park/zoo/attraction in the UK would you recommend as somewhere everyone must visit and why?

It has to be Beamish Museum just outside of Durham city. I love history and this open air museum is all about my favourite era, the Victorian age. I remember going there from as young as 5 with my school. Every time I visit I learn something new. The sweet shop is a must visit for any child! 

4 - Where was your favourite place in the UK to visit as a child? Share a memory with us

As a child most of our holidays were spent in Europe but I do remember we went up to Scotland and stayed near the Loch Ness. I was around 7 and Emily will have been 5. We must have spent hours looking out for the Loch Ness Monster, Emily caught a sighting but I never did. 

5 - Do you have any UK breaks planned in the next 12 months?

Yes, I am off to Kielder with my family. We are going exploring for a few days and then I am running a half marathon, so I'll get to see all the sights from a runners point of view too. 

6 - Where is on your UK travel bucket list?

Cornwall. I have wanted to visit Cornwall for so long now. Hopefully soon I will be able to make the trip and there will be some nice weather. I have images of me and some friends on the beach having a BBQ in the Golden hour. 

7 - Share with us a hidden gem in the UK and let us know why it’s so special

To me the North East is a hidden gem itself. If you want culture we've got Durham. If you want stylish bars, great restaurant and art galleries we've got Newcastle. If you want Countryside and artistic scenery we've got the Northumberland coast line. London is 4 hours away by train and Scotland is 2 hours away in the car. There is nothing not special about the North East and I'm sure people will agree there is lots of hidden gems here. 

8 - Can you recommend a UK holiday resort, hotel or accommodation for families and let us know why it stands out for you

Sadly I can not as I don't have any children but what I can recommend you is a hotel for adults wanting a little rest and relaxation. Rockliffe hall in Darlington is my favourite hide out. I've stayed a few times now and it is set in the most beautiful grounds and has an amazing spa. The perfect hotel for a luxurious break. 

Thanks Katie! I really need to book myself into Rockliffe hall soon! 

50 places in Cornwall to take the kids before they grow up | Globalmouse

Photo Credit | GlobalMouse Travels

From the Eden Project to St Micheals Mount and Newquay zoo - there is just SO much to see and do for families in Cornwall. GlobalMouse share their top 50 recommendations. Check them out here. 

10 Tips for visiting the Just So Festival for the first time

We had simply the best weekend at Just So last week and would honestly recommend to anyone. This festival was our third time camping at a festival and we have to say we were impressed - the facilities were decent and there was plenty of space between tents. If you're planning on heading to the Just So Festival in 2017, here are our top tips:-

1 - You don't need to pack light

The car parks are super close to the camping area so you don't have far to walk with your equipment, the tent pitches are also very spacious so you don't need to worry about the size of your tent and if you really need to, there are trolleys available to hire at the campsite entrance. 

2 - Plan some sort of a costume

We failed in the costume planning department this year with one pair of fox ears between us! LOL! Some of the costumes were truly spectacular and I definitely want to get in on the action next year. You don't need to spend a fortune either, some of the best costumes we spotted were homemade.

3 - Order a programme and plan 3-4 activities per day

There are over 250 activities to choose from at Just So and it makes sense to get the most out of the festival for your money. You don't want to be overwhelmed so I would suggest pre-ordering a programme and choosing 3-4 performances/activities per day with space in between each one. This means you don't get over-tired/overwhelmed but also don't end up turning up half way through everything as well. It also gives you time to explore and stumble upon a few activities too. 

4 - Plan some time out

The Just So Festival involves lots of walking (we clocked up around 15k steps per day) and is a feast for your senses. There are so many places to chill out and take some time away from it all which is much needed. Whether this be a picnic lunch at Footlights, enjoying alternative therapies in High Seas or just sitting on a hay bale with a coffee and ice cream - try not to rush around too much. 

5 - Don't forget your pillows

The pillow fight on the village green is not to be missed - make sure you pack an extra pillow (feather filled work best). 

6 - Budget for food

Picnics are allowed and we would advise bringing sandwiches with you for lunch to keep costs down. There is so much yummy food on offer though and it would be a shame to miss out. We enjoyed some fantastic festival food every evening so if you can, include this in your budget. As a guide, snacks (hot dogs/chips/candy floss) were £3, kids meals (main, side and juice) were £5 and adult meals were priced at £7-£10. Although the food was good value, soft drinks were priced at £1.50-£2 for a can of pop which I do find to be expensive so if you're on a budget, bring your own soft drinks or a water bottle which can be re-filled for free. 

7 - Prepare for timetable changes/cancellations

We had our heart set on a few things which were sadly cancelled due to bad weather -  bubble hour and star gazing will have to wait for next year. It really can't be helped though (and in at regular intervals fact the festival did a fab job of dealing with the weather as a whole). Make sure you check out the big blackboard by the festival entrance which will keep you up to date with any changes. 

8 - Pack a waterproof sheet/blanket/bin bags to sit on

If it decides to rain, things can get a little muddy. We carried festival chairs around with us (recommended - ours were only £7 from Argos and perfect) but for the kids I would recommend a picnic blanket with a waterproof back or just a roll of binbags (although this isn't as good for the environment). This means they can always get a good view for their favourite performances. 

9 - Wear comfortable footwear

We walked 15k steps every day (which included a couple of trips back to our tent). Make sure you wear comfortable footwear. It was wellies for the kids and I and walking boots for Steve. Just So is not the sort of place you can get away with flip flops! If your kids are little, the festival is buggy friendly and you can hire a wagon to transport the kids in if needed.

10 - Embrace everything 

The Just So Festival really is the place to embrace your inner child. Paint your face, laugh out loud, try something new, make friends and have fun. That's what it's all about. 

Early bird tickets for Just So Festival 2017 (18 – 20 August, Rode Hall Estate, Cheshire) are on sale from Friday 26 August at www.justsofestival.org.uk at special early bird prices of £120 (adults), £45 (child) for weekend camping, £70 (adult), £25 (child) for 2 day non-camping, £40 (adult), £15 (child) for day tickets. Under 3s free. 

Pssst! Check out our video from Just So 2016:

Disclosure: We received Press Tickets to attend the Just So Festival 2016. 

A Day Out at Liverpool's Albert Dock | Actually Mummy

Photo Credit | Actually Mummy

From fabulous coffee shops to roller discos, big wheels and the Liverpool Maritime Museum - Actually Mummy explains why Liverpool's Albert Dock is a fantastic place for your next family day out. See more photographs and read about their day exploring the dock here. 

How to enjoy Center Parcs Whinfell Forest on a budget

Check out these top tips from North East Family Fun on how to have lots of fun at Center Parcs without blowing the budget.

Edinburgh Zoo - A Review

Read all about North East Family Fun's trip to Edinburgh Zoo including the penguin parade, some sleepy pandas and a dinosaur trail.

Hilly Cow Wigwams near Edinburgh - A review

A perfect place to get away from in all yet still convenient for Edinburgh. Check out North East Family Fun's review of Hilly Cow Wigwams. 

A Day Trip to Whitby

There's lots to do in the beautiful seaside town of Whitby in Yorkshire - the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula! Read more over on North East Family Fun.

Ready Camp | Scarborough - A Review

If you're looking for an ideal glamping holiday in Yorkshire, this site by Camping and Caravanning Club near Yorkshire could be for you.

Scarborough North Bay Attractions

If you're heading to Yorkshire, make sure you check out these top North Bay Attractions in Scarborough.