Fat Hippo Undeground | Festive Burger Review

 

We recently went to see the Pantomime Cinderella at Newcastle's Theatre Royal and as a pre-theatre dinner we went to one of our favourite restaurants to check out Fat Hippo's Festive Menu. 

What’s On at Newcastle’s Museums and Galleries - Jan 2023

Laing Art Gallery

The Deliverers by Jeremy Deller - 1st January - 7th January

The Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition features a new work by Turner-Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller, who has also acted as an artistic advisor for the show. The Deliverers is a film which explores the journey of the Lindisfarne Gospels from London to Newcastle upon Tyne.

For more info visit here.

George's Fish Shack | Newcastle | Review

We worked with George's Fish Shack on behalf of North East Family Fun in November 2022 but were under no obligation to share this post. This post has been published by Steve. 

We are very much a family of Seafood lovers and Fish n Chips is top of the list. Jack inparticular loves Fish n Chips and has it whenever he can. So we decided to take Jack to get his expert opinion to George's Fish Shack in Newcastle to try their Sunday Menu.

What’s On at Newcastle Theatres (January 2023)

Fancy a trip to the Theatre this month? Here's a look at what's on in January 2023. 

Theatre Royal

Cinderella; 2nd - 15th January

Panto superstar Danny Adams leads the cast in a brand-new production of Cinderella, with sets and costumes from The London Palladium.

Age Recommendation: This is a family show with a couple of scary moments, a bit of panto innuendo.

Book tickets here.

Victoria Tunnel Tour | What to Expect

 This post is based on a visit in March 2022. Please check the Victoria Tunnel website for up-to-date information when booking. 

Apologies for the quality of the photos in this post. I wasn't really concentrating on getting the best snaps as I was listening to the tour guides and didn't want to appear rude with my phone constantly out (plus wanted to concentrate) and obviously the lighting isn't the best down there. 

I have wanted to take a Victoria Tunnel Tour for ages. I actually booked for Mother's Day 2020 but cancelled due to the pandemic. I am so pleased I was able to rebook and finally experience a tour for my friend Chloe's birthday in March 2022. It was brilliant and I would highly recommend. Please scroll to the bottom of this post for frequently asked questions. 

Rio Steakhouse (with Kids) | Newcastle Quayside | Review

This post is based on a visit in Februray 2022. Please check with venue direct for up-to-date info, menus and opening times when making plans. Reservations recommended but walk ins may be accommodated.  

The North East has seen a few Brazilian style steak restaurants pop up over the years and although popular, they never seem to last too long. Rio Steakhouse seems to have bucked that trend and received rave reviews when they opened in Jesmond and went onto expand into Newcastle and Middlesbrough with restaurants in Sunderland and Durham planned soon. 

Seven Stories Is FREE To Visit | A Guide To Visiting

This is an advert based on a visit in February Half Term 2022. Any future shares of this post have not been asked or paid for. 

As always, please double check information with Seven Stories direct before visiting as the information in this post may have changed. Please pay particular attention to opening hours. 

I visited with Harry (Yr 10), Dee (Yr 8) and Jack (Yr 6). 

Christmas Cocktails & Drinks in Newcastle 2022

Thanks to our guest blogger Eating Around the Toon for this post. All photos credited to Eating Around the Toon unless stated otherwise.

Fancy getting in the festive spirit with some Christmas themed drinks? You could combine this with a trip to the Christmas markets or a day of shopping for a full day out!

£5 Entry to Science at Life this Christmas

Entry to Science at Life is just £5 per person from now until 8 January (ages 4 and under go free). You can either book in advance or just turn up and pay on the door (subject to capacity).

This is a real bargain and you can easily spend a good half day here and combine with nearby museums and attractions (at Christmas there is an ice rink in Times Square - additional charge and Lazy Bear Tipi at Central Station). 

36 Festive Things to do in Newcastle

Today I am sharing 36 ideas for festive things to do in Newcastle. From Christmas Cocktails to Ice Skating and Christmas Shows, this post has you covered. 

Don't forget to follow Visit Newcastle on Facebook here for more posts like this. 

The Best Child Friendly Restaurants in Newcastle

All of the places on this list have been tried and tested by ourselves and there is something for all tastes and budgets from all you can eat steak to make your own pizzas and child-friendly sunday lunches. 

Let me know your favourite spots as we're always looking for new places to try. Scroll to the bottom of this post for some FAQs and top tips for where to choose. 

Festive Afternoon Tea at Dreamworld Cakes, Ouseburn

 This post is based on a visit in November 2022. 

Dreamworld Cakes is a gorgeous Pattiserie in the heart of Ouseburn hidden in the arches under Byker Bridge. It's just across the road from Ouseburn Farm, Seven Stories, the Cluny and Stepney Bank Stables. Kids are very welcome and it's easy to get to by car or public transport (see the end of this post for directions). 

The cakes here are honestly, the best in Newcastle. Myself and New Girl in Toon have often discussed how there are two types of Afternoon Tea - the hearty homemade type (like you'd get at Running Fox) or the delicate and dainty type. Afternoon Tea here definitely falls into the second category and a lot of skill is involved in making their beautiful cakes which not only look stunning but also taste great too. 

Scream for Pizza £10 Deal

This post has been published by Steve. 

A few months ago we went to the theatre to see Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch (great show BTW) and for pre-show dinner we decided to go to Scream For Pizza on Starbeck Avenue in Sandyford. 

Scream for Pizza was started in 2014 by Founders Victoria and Alex as a Street Food Pizza van before moving to their permenant residance in Sandyford. You can read more about their history here.

It is ideal for a meal before shows at Newcastle City Hall or Northern Stage, it's really easy to get to by car and there is on street parking available but there are differing restrictions depending on where you park so check when you get a space. 

Gosforth Nature Reserve

Thanks so much to our new writer Alyssa for this post and photos, based on a visit in October 2022. Please check with venue directly for the most up to date info. Over to Alyssa: 

A few weeks ago, I went on a bicycle ride between where I live in Longbenton and Weetslade Country Park; on the way we passed Gosforth Country Park, I was pleasantly surprised by how close it actually was.

When you think of a nature reserve you think, of the countryside – away from the industrial revolution fuelled city – but it is literally on its doorstep. It's quite hard to comprehend that we live practically next door to 61 hectares of woodlands and wetlands, home to 1600 recorded species. 

Gusto Newcastle | Sunday Lunch Review

*AD - we worked with Gusto on an Instagram campaign for North East Family Fun in Autumn 2022 but were not asked to write this post.  This post has been published by Steve. 

Who doesn't love a Sunday Roast? The Meat, the Gravy, the Yorkshire puds, so good. We took the boys to Gusto on Newcastles Quayside to try their new Sunday Roast Menu. The menu has lots to choose from with both classics roasts and some altenative dishes. 

Jungle Jacks Soft Play Review (Eldon Square Newcastle)

Thanks to our writer Jennifer for this post and photos. 

We visited Jungle Jacks; a spacious, city centre jungle themed soft play, suitable for kids aged 0-8. Some of you may remember this popular central Newcastle venue, which unfortunately fell casualty to Covid two years ago. Having been a big miss, it reopened on Monday 14th Feb and was a very welcome Valentine's treat for many of the North East’s youngest residents.

Newcastle Winter Wonderland Review & Tips

 This review is based on a visit in 2021. Some of the facilities / set up may be different in 2022 but hopefully this post will give you an honest idea of what to expect. Scroll to the bottom ot the post for information about 2022's event.

Newcastle Winter Wonderland made it's debut at Newcastle Racecourse in winter 2021. It's fair to say they received mixed reviews and did receive a fair bit of flack on social media. 

Yes, the event wasn't perfect but these things are what you make of them. We visited on a rainy day and still managed to have a good time. I will probably visit again this year as it's ideal for teens / tweens with plenty of thrill rides to choose from. 

Where do kids eat free in Newcastle City Centre?

 Kids eat free deals often run in the city centre during school holidays. Here is a guide to where kids eat free (or for £1) this summer. 

Always check t&cs, dates the deal is valid and mention deal when booking and ordering.