Enchanted City Newcastle

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Something magical is coming to Newcastle city centre this Thursday the 11th December until Sunday 14th December - Enchanted City. This is a brand new winter event which will run in the evenings from 4.30pm once it gets dark. It is created by Newcastle Council, Northumbria University and the North East Combined Authority. 

Northumbria University's campus which is located right in the heart of Newcastle city centre will be transformed into a night of cosmic wonder. Suitable for all ages it is an event for the whole family. Expect to see space themed projections, fire performances, lights and interactive workshops. 

Psychopath Event Review

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Do you love a good scare? If so read on to find out all about Psychopath the North East's biggest scream park. If you like scary movies, horror, scares, thrills and want to experience something that will get your heart pounding then read on to find out what all the hype is about. 

What Is Psychopath?

Psychopath is an event held at Lintz Hall farm near Burnopfield in Durham, about a 30 minute drive from Newcastle. It is a Scream Park with several super scary attractions for you to explore that are filled with actors dressed in rather gruesome and frightful costumes. As well as the attractions there are also stage shows, fairground rides and food and drink stalls - meaning you can make a night of it. 

It is outdoors and starts in the evening which adds to the scariness of the whole event. It is not for the faint hearted as it is designed to terrify you and people will jump out on you when you least expect it. But it is good fun and is ideal to visit with a group of friends for a scare-tastic night out. 

Beach Box Jesmond Family Beach Camp

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* Beach Box Jesmond is no longer open *

Are you looking for something fun to do with the children this weekend? Well read on to see what we thought of Beach Box Jesmond. Beach Box is located in Jesmond, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, there is free onsite parking or it is just a short walk away from Haymarket bus and Metro station in Newcastle city centre. It is a place to go for food and drinks during the summer and is popular with couples and groups of friends, however on a weekend they run a family Beach Camp which is great for a family outing. 

10 Pantomimes To See In The North East This Christmas

As a family we love nothing more than a family day out at the panto each year, it always gets us in the festive spirit and is something we can all enjoy together. I love watching the kids face light up, watching them shout 'he's behind you' and giggle at all the slapstick humour that panto brings.

If you're looking for a festive pantomime to see here in the North East this year then I thought I would put together this little guide to what pantomimes are on this year as we all know they can get booked up super early!

Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years Of Magic In Newcastle This October

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Disney On Ice is returning to Newcastle this October to celebrate 100 years of magic -  and I for one can not wait! This year's show is set to bring more than 50 unforgettable Disney stars to the ice from 14 much-loved Disney stories. 

Mickey and Minnie will be on hand as always to introduce us to mesmerising skating scenes from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Toy Story, Nemo and Aladdin to name just a few. 

As a parent, I adore Disney On Ice, let's be honest must of us do as Disney just evokes such wonderful memories. I have been going to see Disney On Ice for over ten years now, I remember taken my eldest to see Princess Classics all the way back in 2008/2009. She went dressed up as Cinderella, complete with glass slippers and she was thrilled to be watching the show as it set it off a love affair with Disney On Ice. 

Visiting Santa At Whitehouse Farm

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On Saturday we had the most magical day at one of my favourite Christmas days out here in the North East, we were invited to Whitehouse Farm to see Santa.  Pulling up in the car park we wrapped up nice and warm and made our way into the farm to see what this years, all new Santa Experience was like and how it would compare to last years Winter Wonderland event. 

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big

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 Disney On Ice is something we look forward to each year. Every year the show tours UK arenas and it is once again heading to Newcastle this October. I have been taking my children to see Disney On Ice for over ten years now. Each year the show is different and this year it sounds like it is going to be extra special as Disney On Ice presents Dream Big.

This year Moana takes to the ice for her European debut, taking to the ice alongside demigod Maui. It sounds like it will be spectacular and not only will the show be featuring Moana but it will also feature eight tales of courage and heart, including Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Tangled. 

Kynren - An Epic Tale Of England Review

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On Saturday night we were kindly invited along to Kynren - an epic tale of England, a live-action outdoor show performed here in the North East in Bishop Auckland, Durham. The show tells the story of England, spanning over 2,000 years of history, myth and legend, mostly based here in the North East. With a cast and crew of over 1,000 it really is a truly amazing show that is not like anything I have ever seen before.

Before seeing the show I had seen lots of advertising for Kynren but I still did not really know what to expect. Seeing it for myself I was blown away, it is easy to see why it has so many 5* Tripadvisor reviews and is currently ranked among the top five must-see performances here in the UK. It exceeded my expectations and was so well organised. 

The Moscow State Circus Is In Newcastle

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The iconic and much-loved Moscow State Circus is back on Newcastle's Town Moor this week with new show Gostinitsa and it is sure to delight fans both old and young. We were very kindly invited along to see the show yesterday afternoon and once again we were blown away with the stunts and performance and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. 

We visited with family aged between 60 (my dad) and my son who is 3 years old and every member of our group had a brilliant time, we were on the edge of our seats during the stunts to roaring with laughter at some of the slapstick humour. It really is a show that the whole family will enjoy. 

Located on Newcastle's Town Moor just outside of the city centre you can not miss the big red top circus tent, with plenty of free onsite parking and regular buses from the city centre stopping just outside it is easy to get too. The show is running from the 15th to Tuesday the 21st August 2018 with performances twice a day. 

Image courtesy of Moscow State Circus

Whitehouse Farm Winter Wonderland Review

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If you are yet to see Santa or you are just looking for a fun festive day out that the whole family will enjoy in the days before Christmas then Whitehouse Farm is the place to visit. 

As a family, we love Whitehouse Farm, I used to take my eldest when she was younger and now I take my younger two children. We visited a few times earlier this year, which you can read about here .We have never visited at Christmas time before but have heard how great the Winter Wonderland is from friends who have visited in previous years.

Afternoon Tea With Santa At Wyevale Garden Centre Gosforth

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Edit - Wyevale garden centre Gosforth has been taking over and is now a British Garden Centre. 

This year I am so excited for Christmas as it is the first year my little two (aged 3 & 4) have properly understood what Christmas is all about. They have already written their Christmas lists for Santa, they keep asking when we can put the Christmas tree up and they are amazed by the twinkling lights from the shopping centre decorations. They truly believe in Santa and the magic of Christmas and it is heart-warming to watch. 

Chaophraya Thai Cooking School Review

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Last year Eldon Squares new grey's quarter opened which is home to a great range of dining options, one of these is Chaophraya Thai restaurant. Chaophraya is located on the top floor with wonderful views of the city below. 

Sunderland Illuminations With Tyne & Wear Metro

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Every year Sunderland have an illuminations event, where Roker Park is transformed into an illuminated wonderland that both adults and children will enjoy. Every single year we say that we will take the children but we never get around to it as we keep hearing how bad the parking is. So when I was recently invited to enjoy a family day out on the Tyne & Wear Metro I knew that a trip to Sunderland Illuminations would be the perfect day out that the whole family would enjoy. 

Jurassic Kingdom Newcastle Review

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On Sunday we went along to the Jurassic Kingdom event in Leazes Park Newcastle, as we were giving complimentary tickets to the event in exchange for running a giveaway and promoting the event before it arrived in Newcastle. 

A Day Out With Thomas At Stephenson Railway Museum

My two year old son is Thomas the tank engine crazy, he has Thomas bedding, toys, pyjamas and train sets. So when I heard that Stephenson railway museum in North Tyneside was holding a day out with Thomas event a few weeks ago I just knew that I had to take him. I bought a family ticket for two adults and two children for £35. 

Dacia Magic Weekend 2017

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Newcastle has just hosted it's third Dacia Magic weekend and we were lucky enough to be invited along to experience it as a family. The Dacia Magic weekend is a two-day rugby super league event held at Newcastle United St James park stadium, right in the city centre of Newcastle. Three matches are held on each of the days and it is a great way for rugby league fans or total rugby novices like me to experience different matches. 

Cirque Du Soleil Varekai Is Coming To Newcastle This Week

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This week world famous Cirque Du Soleil will be arriving at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena to perform it's signature production Varekai.

 Featuring new acts previously unseen by UK audiences the critically-acclaimed show is sure to delight and entertain us Geordies when it arrives in the toon this Wednesday. Cirque Du Soleil will be performing at the Metro Radio Arena from Wednesday 15th February until Sunday the 19th of February and it really does sound like a show that is not to be missed.

Cirque Du Soleil is a major Quebec-based organisation which was formed back in 1984 with a group of 20 street performers and now has over 1,300 performing artists from over 50 countries. Over the years it has become world renowned for providing top class entertainment that will take your breath away. Performing to over 160 million spectators in over 400 cities all over the world. 

Manor Walks Princess & Pirate Day

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We have just been to Manor Walks shopping centre in Cramlington, a town just a few miles north of Newcastle and my hometown! Today Manor Walks hosted its annual, free to attend Pirates & Princess day, located on the grassed area between Asda and Concordia leisure centre. 

Lots of children were dressed up as little princesses and pirates which was very cute.

Disney On Ice

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Yesterday we were lucky enough to watch Disney on Ice at Newcastle's Metro radio arena. I love Disney on Ice, I use to take my eldest every year until a few years ago when she lost interest in princesses. However now my toddler Sophia is two she has taken an interest in Disney and adores the movies and characters, Minnie Mouse and Toy Story are firm favourites. 

So when we were given the chance to go and see the show I knew my toddler and three year old niece would love it. 

Gung-Ho Came To Newcastle

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On Saturday, September 19th Gung-Ho the fun 5k giant inflatable obstacle course came to Newcastle racecourse and we went along to see what it was all about. 

Gung-Ho is like nothing you have ever seen before it is a 5k run but it is not any old run, oh no this is a 5k run that is an obstacle course and the obstacles are giant inflatables that are seriously fun. I am not just talking bouncy castles either they are really impressive huge inflatable obstacles that are fun for adults and older children. There was a climbing wall, giant ball pool, foam filled maze and the giant Thriller which is a 5 storey high slide, which is Europe's biggest inflatable slide.