Bao Buns. Maybe you’ve heard of them, maybe you haven’t (if you have, skip to the next section). Baos are a popular street food originating in Taiwan. They consist of meat (or vegetarian alternative), vegetables and condiments sandwiched between a flat steamed bread known as lotus leaf bread. A good bao is warm, fluffy and slightly sweet. Delicious!
I’m a huge fan of baos and have tried (almost) all of those listed below. If you fancy giving baos a go, here are my recommendations:
Bao Down, Grainger Market & STACK Seaburn
About: Serving bao buns, gyozas and fries in the Grainger Market and STACK Seaburn.
Price: 2 Baos For £7.50
Menu Highlight: I haven’t experienced Bao Down yet but the Sticky Teriyaki Chicken sounds like a must try
About: A proper hidden gem nestled away in the Grainger Market. Dumpling & Bun proudly serve freshly handmade dumplings, stuffed buns & noodle soups plus high quality green teas.
About: Breakfast and brunch covered – Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao is open daily serving fusion fun in a bun
Price: From £5
Menu Highlight: The Breakfast Bao – crispy hash brown beneath sausage patty topped with melty cheese, soft omelette and a slightly spicy & sweet sauce. All nestled into a super soft, warm, big, bouncy bao bun
About: The chic, pan Asian restaurant, that draws in bold flavours from the orient with a contemporary twist, has recently launched their Make-It-At-Home Bao Kits.
Price: The £10 kit comes with everything you need to make 3 Baos
If you’re feeling creative and want to make your own bao fillings, check out Wing Hong Cash & Carry on George Street in Newcastle. They sell loads of frozen, pre-made steamed buns. We bought a bag for a couple of £, deep fried them and made dessert baos – they were flippin’ lush!
Have you ended up with a little more chocolate than you bargained for over Easter? Help make a dent in your stash with these Easter chocolate recipes and serving ideas.
Cereal Bowl
Fill half a chocolate egg with cereal. Add the milk. Get stuck in.
Image from Pinterest
Dippy Eggs
Creme Eggs and shortbread soldiers.
Chocolate Bark
Melt some chocolate. Spread it out on greaseproof paper. Add chocolate and sprinkles. Leave it to set. Smash and enjoy.
Image from Pinterest
Chocolate Nests
The classic. To melted chocolate add cornflakes. Pop in to cupcake cases and push chocolate eggs in to the “nests”. Leave to set then serve.
Easter “Scotch Eggs”
These can be made by wrapping a Creme egg (or Oreo egg or caramel egg or Hershey’s egg…you get the idea) with whizzed up brownie or cookie dough then rolling in chocolate crumbs.
Image from Pinterest
Ice Cream Sundae
Fill a chocolate egg with ice cream. Add wafers, sprinkles, sauce, whatever you fancy.
Image from Pinterest
The Best Hot Chocolate
Add a chocolate egg to hot milk and wait for it to melt.
Easter Irish Cream
One for the adults. Serve Irish Cream in a chocolate rabbit.
Do you have any other ways to use up left over Easter chocolate? If you do, let me know in the comments.
Here in the North East, we might not always be basking in glorious sunshine but a cone filled with delicious ice cream can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. Evie & Harry are massive ice cream fiends and any day out usually includes a frozen treat. Below are a list of our favourite parlours around the region:
Details correct at time of publishing. Pricing and opening hours are subject to change.
Ciccarelli, Blyth
The Gregorio family have been in the ice cream business since 1966. All of their gelato is made on site using ingredients sourced from Italy and milk & cream from the local dairy
How much for a small cone? From £2.40
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm and Sunday 9am-7pm
Parking: Yes, Mermaid Carpark has over 200 free spaces.
Points of interest close by: Blyth Beach, Blyth Battery, Beach Huts, Play Park
Dibbley’s Gelato is made with authentic Italian flavours. Each week they add guest flavours to their menu so always check with the team what’s new this week
How much for a small cone? From £2.50
Opening times: Daily between 9am-5pm
Parking: Street parking outside
Points of interest close by: Tynemouth Park, Longsands Beach
Dishing up their artisan, multi award winning ice cream (which is produced on the premises) alongside ingredients and products from the local area and across the globe, Lickety Split’s 1950’s inspired diner is something really special
How much for a small cone? From £2.50
Opening times: Monday to Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
Parking: Yes, parking is available across the green
Points of interest close by: Seaham Beach & Tommy The Soldier
Based in South Shields, Toney Minchella is an independently owned manufacturer of multi-award winning ice cream products. Gathering fans world wide, and locally, the Minchella name has become well established in South Shields, synonymous with delicious ice cream.
How much for a small cone? From £1.80
Opening times: Various but the outlets are open 7 days a week
Parking: Yes, all of Minchella’s retail outlets have parking within walking distance
Points of interest close by: South Shield’s Beaches, Marine Park, Funfair
Dairy farming was first introduced to Wheelbirks in 1925. The Wheelbirks herd of pedigree Jerseys are the oldest established and the only pedigree herd in Northumberland. It’s their milk that is used to produce Wheelbirks Ice Cream on site, at the farm
Adventure Valley is the North East’s biggest family adventure park. Amongst their Farm Yard Friends are Micro Pigs, Pygmy Goats, Shetland Ponies, Rabbits and Chipmunks. Handling sessions run throughout the day as well as pony grooming and owl encounters.
Re-Opens: Monday, 12th April 2021
Entry Cost: Adult & Children from £9.95, Under 2’s Free
A community farm whose main activity is the husbandry of endangered breeds of livestock. The farm is also a Rare Breed Survival Trust Approved Conservation Park.
An organic farm situated high up in the Browney Valley. They breed, rear and sell their Aberdeen Angus beef, lamb and pork. There is a farm shop, coffee shop and Forest Adventure School.
Re-Opens: TBC
Entry Cost: Forest Adventure School is priced at Adult & Children from £5.50, Under 2’s Free
A small family run farm which has been in the Sunderland area since 18th century. They have a wide variety of farm animals to see and stroke; from sheep, cattle, donkeys, and pigs. There is also a small collection of non native species of animals such as Reindeer, Snowy owls, Meerkats, Raccoons & Reptiles.
Falconry Days are a professional falconry business that trains and flies around 90 Birds of Prey. They are an activity centre with fully trained, working Birds of Prey which are managed and flown in rotation on a daily basis, both on and off site.
A farm dedicated to the importance of Heavy Horses. Not only will visitors see the Clydesdales Heavy Horses but also other animals which would have been common place in the era of the working horse. These include the now very rare British Lop Eared Pigs, the Sebastopol Geese and the Oxford & Lincolnshire Longwool sheep.
An Anglo-Saxon village complete with animal residents. Learn about the primitive, rare breed and rescued animals that would have been present in Anglo-Saxon Northumbria.
Re-Opens: Tuesday, 13th April 2021
Entry Cost: Yearly tickets are priced at Adults from £7, Children from £4 and Under 4’s Free
With Indoor and Outdoor Sports & Leisure Facilities allowed to reopen, it’s time to practice your par, hone your handicap, aim for an ace…or just have a bit of fun hitting a ball around a few obstacles! We, as a family, enjoy a game of crazy golf (don’t listen to the kids when they say we’re too competitive, they’re just as bad) and below are a list of our favourite family-friendly courses in and around the North East.
As always, the opening times listed are subject to change so check with the venue direct before planning a day out. With some of these activities being outdoors, they are weather dependant and can close early. Continue to follow COVID guidelines when out and about.
INDOOR COURSES
Angry Birds Adventure Golf, Metro Centre
The first Angry Birds Adventure Golf course in the world. Choose between two courses; Bird Island and Pigtropolis and battle it out on your own or between friends over 36 holes.
Opening Times: Monday to Thursday: 10am – 9pm, Friday to Saturday: 10am – 10pm, Sunday: 10am – 7pm
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Ticket Price: Children from £7.95. Adults from £8.95. They also run daily deals so make sure you ask about them.
Galaxy golf is out of this world, full of unique obstacles and structures for you to enjoy. Each of the 12 holes has been created to suit people of all ages and abilities and should test the skills of even the most seasoned golf pro!
Opening Times: Daily during the school holidays from 10am
With three epic adventure golf courses, amazing Electro-Darts plus a fantastic bar and a restaurant, whether you’re a big kid or a little kid, there really is something for everyone.
Opening Times: Monday to Friday from 11am, Saturday and Sunday from 10am
The 18 hole themed crazy golf course is a lovely trip out for the family. With each hole based on a local landmark, you can really get up close with the local history and culture of Seahouses and it’s surrounding areas.
All 18 holes are inspired by famous golf holes from around the world, mixed with a Sparrow Island Pirate Adventure, surrounded by Pirates, Lighthouse, Large killer Whale, Crossbones Skull, Rafts, Jolly Tavern and a Graveyard, this truly is a facility for everyone to enjoy.
Opening Times: 10am-10pm Monday to Friday and 9am-8pm Saturday & Sunday
This 12 hole course is designed to test the novice as well as the seasoned golfer. As golfers make their way around, they will see a selection of beautiful waterfalls and water features crashing down over Jurassic boulders and rocks. Shaded by looming palm trees and featuring a host of life-sized dinosaurs throughout the course, golfers will be delighted at the magnificent moving Spinosaurus and Brachiosaurus.
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10am-5:00pm and Sunday & Bank holidays 10:30am-4:30pm
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Ticket Price: Explorer Group (family with max. 2 adults) £18.00
In a land that time forgot, amongst giant spitting dinosaurs come and test your skills on the award winning tropically landscaped adventure golf course.
The themed 10 Hole Crazy Golf Course is based on Hartlepool’s glorious past and present with each hole having its own unique level of easiness or trickery. Sited next to the Promenade the course has been designed to suit players of all ages and abilities
Mapping mini golf is located at Landal Kielder Waterside. The route has been designed based on maps of the Kielder area, one of the present landscape and the other dating from before Kielder Water was built. Fairways and obstacles have been created, with start points and end holes identified by place names spread out across its playing surface.
The Mini Golf provides synthetic putting greens, obstacles and water features and has been designed to suit all abilities from the novice to the experienced golfer. Scorecards are provided to enhance the fun and competitiveness.
Whitley Bay Mini Golf & FootGolf has a scenic 9 and 18 hole pitch and putt golf course situated on the Links, Whitley Bay. The course is well kept with challenging bunkers and a coastline boarder.
For me, there’s something magical about watching a waterfall, especially when they are in full flood following heavy rainfall. The constant movement and sounds are mesmerising. If you fancy going on a Waterfall Hunt, I’ve listed our favourites below:
Ashgill Force, Alston
Ashgill Force is a waterfall near Alston, Cumbria. The fall is located on Ashgill Beck and is reasonably easily accessible from the B6277 or from Garrigill village, downstream of the fall.
Image of Ashgill Force from Where2Walk
Cauldron Snout, River Tees
Cauldron Snout is a cascade on the upper reaches of the River Tees, immediately below the dam of the Cow Green Reservoir. It is upstream of High Force and is on the boundary between County Durham and Cumbria. The waterfall lies within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Image of Cauldron Snout from Where2Walk
Corby Letch, Edlingham
A fairytale waterfall hidden behind the trees which flows in to Edlingham Burn.
Image of Corby Letch from Tom Pugh Photography
Crammel Linn, Gilsland
For two miles above the village of Gilsland, the River Irthing flows through the Irthing Gorge. Within the upper section of the gorge lies the spectacular 25 foot Crammel Linn waterfall.
Image of Crammel Linn from Strolls With Poles
Davidson’s Linn, Morpeth
In the extensive Uswayford Forest lies arguably the finest waterfall in Northumberland, Davidson’s Linn.
Image of Davidson’s Linn from Northumberland National Park
Hareshaw Linn, Bellingham
The walk to Hareshaw Linn leaves the village of Bellingham and follows the pretty stream, Hareshaw Burn, up along the gorge through beautiful woodland before reaching the impressive waterfall.
Image of Hareshaw Linn from Northumberland National Park
Harmby Waterfall, Leyburn
Harmby Falls is an attractive and easy to access waterfall located in the small village of Harmby, a short distance to the east of Leyburn in Wensleydale.
Image of Harmby Waterfall from My Yorkshire Dales
Harthope Linn, Wooler
Harthope Burn carves a deep dale almost in a straight line north-eastwards down towards Wooler through Harthope valley in the Cheviot Hills. The burn tumbles over the Harthope Linn and down to Langleeford.
Image of Harthope Linn from Geology North
Hen Hole, The Cheviots
There are a number of ways to reach the Hen Hole. The long but relatively flat approach from Hethpool, at the northern end of the College Valley, is probably the most gentle introduction to one of the most remote and primeval landscapes in the Cheviot Hills.
Image of Hen Hole from Mart In The Hills
High Force & Low Force, Durham Dales
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging the 68 foot into this gorge for thousands of years.
Image of High Force from Raby Estates
Hindhope Linn, Rochester
Hindhope Linn is a spectacular waterfall in a quiet, enchanting dell. Blakehopeburnhaugh is at the northern end of the Kielder Forest Drive and is the starting point for the Hindhope Linn walking trail.
Image of Hindhope Linn from Forestry England
Jesmond Dene Falls, Jesmond
One of Jesmond Dene’s most famous spots is the Waterfall. Approach the waterfall from the bridge near the northern playing field for an unmissable view and photo opportunity. To the right as you cross the bridge are the ruins of a fourteenth century water mill, one of several mills using the Ouseburn power for grinding corn from surrounding farms.
Image of Jesmond Dene Falls from Urban Green Newcastle
Linhope Spout, Ingram
Take time out to see Linhope Spout, a spectacular waterfall with a 60 foot chute of water which lands in a plunge pool 6ft wide and 16ft deep. Great place for a family picnic in the Breamish Valley.
Image of Linhope Spout from Britain Express
Roughting Linn, Wooler
Adventurers can find Roughting Linn by walking down the track leading to Roughting Linn Farm. The waterfall is situated 3 km. from Kimmerston near Wooler. The lovely waterfall is nestled in a hidden and secluded valley location.
Image of Roughting Linn
Summerhill Force & Gibson’s Cave, Durham Dales
Within the beautiful valley of Teesdale, Durham Dales lies a waterfall called Summerhill Force but because of the recess behind the waterfall it is more affectionately known as Gibson’s Cave. Local legend has it that in the 16th Century there was an outlaw named William Gibson who was on the run from the Constables at Barnard Castle. It is said that he hid here in the cave like recess of the waterfall. Apparently he was locally a very liked man and people used to bring him clothes and food as he lived there, hidden behind the water.
Image of Summerhill Force
From Monday, 29th March 2021, the government guidelines change from “Stay At Home” to “Minimise Travel” so why not take advantage of these local beauty spots here in our region? I know we will be! Let me know in the comments which North East Waterfall is your favourite (mines Gibson’s Cave purely because of the name 😉).
Comprehensive directions for all of these waterfalls are readily available through Google.
When looking for a hotel in the UK, the first chain I check is always Premier Inn; time and time again they’ve proved they offer good quality accommodation for a really decent price. Don’t just take my word for it though, check out the likes of Trip Advisor where Premier Inn performs consistently very well.
So what is it about Premier Inn that we, as a family, love so much? I’ve listed our reasons below:
Brilliant Family Rooms
We find Premier Inn to be very Child Friendly. Family Rooms (consisting of a King Size Bed and Pull-Out Beds) are readily available with free cot hire if needed. When travelling with older children, some Premier Inn’s offer interconnecting rooms.
Free Wi-Fi
Get online during your stay with Premier Inn’s Free Wi-Fi which is available in all of their hotels.
Good Night Guarantee
Premier Inn are so confident you’ll have a good nights sleep in their hotels that, if you don’t, they’ll give you the cost of your stay back.
In-Room Facilities
All Premier Inn rooms have en-suites which include a power shower. The rooms also have FreeView TV’s as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Irons and hairdryers are available on request.
Kids Eat Free
When an adult orders a full Premier Inn Breakfast, up to two under 16’s eat breakfast for free. Bargain!
Over 800 Hotels Throughout The UK
Whether you’re looking for a coastal, country or city break, with over 800 hotels throughout the UK, there’s bound to be a Premier Inn close to your destination.
Pillow Talk
Premier Inn believe they’ve cracked the code to the “Best Ever Bed”. From the pocket sprung luxury Hypnos King Size bed to the super comfy hypoallergenic pillows (with the option of soft or firm in every room) they really are the beds of dreams. If you want to recreate the Premier Inn bed combination at home, the mattresses and pillows are available to buy (Premier Inn’s pillows recently went viral on TikTok following the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trend).
Rooms From £29
Premier Inn regularly offer rooms from as little as £29 per night. This price doesn’t come with loads of ridiculous restrictions either, last week I booked a Premier Inn room in Central Glasgow during the May Half term for 2 adults and 2 children for £29!
Charity Work
Premier Inn play very active roles in the community. Last year, they donated over half a million meals worth of surplus food to charity. They’re also partnered with the fantastic Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and since 2012, they’ve raised over £15m for GOSH through their teams, guests and suppliers.
Sustainability
Premier Inn are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. They use 100% renewable energy to power their hotels and have solar panels installed on over 180 of them. They’ve also planted roof gardens on some of the hotels to help support local biodiversity, and encourage birds, bees and other wildlife to thrive at their buildings.
So, that’s why we love Premier Inn. Let me know in the comments if you’re also a fan of the chain.
On Monday, 12th April 2021, government guidelines change meaning hospitality venues can reopen their outdoor seating areas to the public. For me, you can keep your pints and your beer gardens but sitting in a coffee shop with a hot drink watching the world goes by is one of the things I’ve really, really missed.
Below, are a few of my favourite coffee shops who are preparing to welcome us back soon.
Easter Sunday falls on the 4th April this year and it’s just over two weeks away. If you’re thinking of treating yourself for Easter weekend, now is the perfect time to get your orders in. I’ve listed a few of the things I’ve seen on offer this year that look absolutely delicious! Let me know in the comments if anything’s caught your eye.
Bake For The Soul, Killingworth
One of the items available at Bake For The Soul is this selection of mini vegan and GF eggs all wrapped up in a cute pink egg box.
Catling Bakery’s Dessert Trailer is parked up at Manor Walks Thursday – Sunday, 10am to 8pm. From there, you can grab loads of sweet treats including these cheesecake filled Easter Egg halves.
How cute is this chocolate smash Easter Bunny bum? It’s filled with Creme Eggs, Bunny Malteasters, Flumps, miniature mini eggs and mixture of sweeties.
With the current COVID guidelines in place, this summer is looking like the perfect time to fully embrace holidays in the UK. If done well, a camping holiday can make amazing memories. Most children love the novelty of sleeping under canvas, waking up to find themselves in the great outdoors. Camping trips are a brilliant way for families to spend time together, away from the stresses of everyday life. But being able to pack everything needed to live away from home, even if it’s just for a couple of nights, takes some planning.
Here are some things to bear in mind to ensure an enjoyable time is had by all.
Checklist
This isn’t extensive but some of the main essentials are listed here:
Food
For us, meal planning depends entirely on what the site has to offer. If there is a pub or cafe close by, we tend to bypass cooking in the tent and eat there. If that’s not an option and someone needs to be chef for the trip, we go for easy, crowd pleasing meals; curry, jacket potatoes, chilli, pasta. We’ve cooked on disposable BBQ’s, George Foreman Grills and Teppanyaki Grills, we’ve even brought the Actifry Air Fryer along on trips. If there’s a supermarket close to the site, after pitching up, we nip there to stock up. Alternatively, you can arrange an online shop to be delivered to your pitch on some sites. Whatever the arrangements for meals, make sure there are plenty of snacks and plenty of drinks. Keeping everyone’s “hangry” at bay pretty much guarantees a reduction in tantrums.
Sleep
Adjusting to sleeping outside can take a few nights to get used to, not ideal if you’re only away for a weekend. Camping in Summer usually means late nights and early starts. When the sun rises, tents tend to get very bright and very warm. Blackout bedrooms are becoming increasingly popular with modern tents so, if you’re buying a new one or upgrading your old, this is something to consider.
Warmth
No matter how warm it is during the day, temperatures drop at night. We pack as many blankets as we can so, if temperatures fall dramatically, we can layer up. For me, bed socks are a must. I find as long as my feet are toasty, the rest of me is warm.
Top Tips
• Do a test run, especially if you’ve never pitched your tent before.
• Pack clothes for all weathers.
• Try and keep warm & dry.
• It’s OK if the children become a bit feral.
• Relax and embrace the lack of routine.
Our Favourite Camp Sites
When booking a site, there are a few things I look for – electric hook up, toilets and *something* to occupy the children are high up on the list. On site food options are an added bonus. The below sites are within a few hours drive from Newcastle and they all get a thumbs up from us.
Beamish Holiday Park, Co. Durham
Previously called Bobby Shafto Caravan Park, this is a bit of a marmite site – some love it, some hate it. We’ve always enjoyed our stays here although, being located on the top of a hill, it can get a bit windy! With an on-site shop, bar, play park and recently built toilet and shower block, it’s got everything we want from a site.
Remote, wild, spacious and scenic are all terms rightly fitting The Boe Rigg, in Northumberland’s National Park a few miles from the market town of Bellingham. Includes an on-site toilet/shower block, bar and restaurant. The food served here is outstanding.
In its secure rural setting, this site is located in secluded, mature woodland with all the facilities you would expect of a modern caravan and camping site.
The crème de la crème of campsites. Indoor and outdoor pools, bowling alley, cafe, bars, shop, laundrette – literally everything! It’s not called “Cumbria’s premier holiday centre” for nothing.
Located on the border of North Yorkshire, Thorpe Farm is home to a holiday park with camping & caravan facilities, The Courtyard Restaurant and a farm shop. Perfect stop for a memorable family day out or short break.
A park set within an exceptional natural environment with superb facilities which means that you have everything you need for a completely self-sufficient break in an idyllic location.
North East Eats and Kids 