7 things to do in July

Wow, it’s the month of July already. Just where has the first half of 2018 gone? And how much are you enjoying this weather? I can't believe how sunny and hot it has been. Not so good for the garden and our fruit and vegetables that artryingng to grow, but the blue skies really seem to be lifting everyone's mood.

With 31 days this month, there is plenty of time in July to enjoy some fab fun days with the family so if you are wondering what to do with the kids, whats on in the North East or where to go, then take a read...

7 things to do in July

Where to have a family day out

This weekend on Sunday 8 July Chopwell WoodFest returns for a second year in the Land of Oak & Iron filling the Wood with crafts, entertainment and other delights for all the family. Families and visitors of all ages will be able to enjoy a fabulous day out in Chopwell Wood, try their hand at a host of heritage activities such as green woodworking, weaving willow, while kids can run wild in the Bushcraft Dell. 

What to make with rhubarb

We’ve been given lots and lots of rhubarb this year. We don’t grow it ourselves as our kitchen garden is too small but a family member does, and there seems to be so much rhubarb this spring. It's a very popular food to grow in allotments in the UK and has amazing health benefits as well as being a great cooking ingredient too.

I remember easting it simply chopped up with a small bowl of sugar to dip it in as a child, and of course there can’t be many people who have not had rhubarb crumble, however, I went looking for new ideas and decided to make jam and vodka and also discovered these 30 fab recipes that all include rhubarb.

Where to experience 2000 years of history 

Kynren - An Epic Tale of England is an action-packed live blockbuster outdoor performance that takes you on an amazing journey through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend, all in a field just outside Bishop Auckland in County Durham. It's a world-class show brought to life with magnificent sets, combat, stunts, horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects set to a thrilling original soundtrack. The  Epic Tale of England is performed by a cast and crew of 1,000. There are  16 more performances before 15th September in 2018. Starting at sunset and ending in starlight, Kynren is an enthralling live-action family entertainment and is a 90-minute performance without an interval.

What to watch on TV

It's the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia this month and not only have we got used to fii=ootball being on the tv every day but we are loving it too. I'm not surprised that over 3 billion people watch this international football tournament every four years. 32 of the worlds best football teams, competing in eight groups - two, Iceland and Panama, for the first time ever in the World Cup, in 11 different cities. In 2026 it will be 46. Here is why I'm loving the World Cup with my family this year.

Where to go mountain biking

Now that the boys have mastered cycling they are wanting to ride further afield, take on new challenges and really stretch themselves. I love that they are happy to spend so much time outdoors, getting exercise, riding their bikes, as well as having fun. And this summer has just been perfect weather-wise so far, so we are looking into longer rides and family days out to enjoy this summer.

Halfords, the UKs largest kids bike retailer, has produced a really handy beginners guide to mountain biking with lots of tips but also locations of trails to check out. The UK has plenty of great locations for escaping the 9 - 5 and getting back in touch with nature and Halford's has compiled four of the best mountain bike trail centres for beginners, just an hour's drive from some of the UK's biggest cities plus highlighting others in the Lake District, Scotland & Wales.

How to take a trip to the coast

Tynemouth is a beautiful coastal town on the north banks of the River Tyne in North Tyneside. Less than 10 miles from where we live in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, it is also less than ten stops on the Metro.

It has been named as the best place to live in the North, according to the Sunday Times, and this once sleepy seaside resort has charmed its way to the top with its elegant Victorian architecture, sweeping beaches, craggy cliffs with a vibrant cafe culture. It’s popular with surfers, hipsters but would it be popular with tweens? We headed to our local Metro Station in Byker to travel to Tynemouth by Metro one Sunday to find out.

What to listen to

I really am from the 'mixtape' generation. There was nothing better than having a mixed tape curated for you personally by a close friend who really knew you or wanted to introduce you to their music. There was no Spotify or Deezer and back then the highlight of the week was recording songs off the radio too - both from the top 40 and the John Peel show. Anyway along comes technology and even though I love my vinyl and still have many of those tapes – so many good memories I can't bear to throw them away – I also love streaming music. You can listen to other people’s playlists, discover new artists and download new tracks as much as you want. Last month I was challenged to shuffle my music and here are the tracks I loved listening to.

What will you be doing this month?

Deb x

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