Hidden in the Yorkshire Dales is this fantastic garden, which features its own castle, underground labyrinths and surprises around every corner. Children will absolutely adore it and grown ups will also enjoy the fabulous views. The Forbidden Corner was created with real passion and imagination and has been voted the UK’s No 1 Family Day Out by the Little Chef.

This little shop in the centre of Tynemouth Village opened in the summer of 2009. The owners have designed clothes and fabrics for a long time and just opened their very first boutique. Ruby & Frank also offers other modern & affordable clothes, including of course a whole range of fab T-Shirts. Check out their website LAVA-LIFESTYLE, which features some of their best sellers.

New independent hotel in Gosforth. Just opened in December 2008 and already in a few guides. They also do breakfast and lunch and have a nice garden to sit in.

Townhouse Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne

Adrianos is one of our favourite Italian restaurants. Located just on the High Street in Gosforth, it has authentic and very good Italian food, fab service and a really nice setting (including two olive trees inside). There’s also a terrace for the sunny days.

Adrianos, Newcastle upon Tyne

We were recommended in 2008 this newly opened casa, which is really a design hotel.

If you check out the website, it really is exactly as beautiful as the photographs show. Casa Alborada only offers accommodation, each room is totally individual and really, really plush. For breakfast, you’re right in the centre of the village and just minutes from the 13km sandy beach.

Casa Alborada, Conil de la Frontera

The Barn at Beal is a visitor education centre overlooking the causeway to the historic Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Just off Holy Island, this is a really nice restaurant/cafe with beautiful views. It even has a conference room for some brainstorming, which I’m sure will come in handy one day. Otherwise great for walks and just hanging out when you’ve missed the tide.

Barn at Beal, Holy Island

Family hotel in Conil de la Frontera. Pretty booked up usually, but really friendly with very comfortable rooms, including some suites.

Breakfast either in the court or if you can stand the heat – on the roof top terrace. You’re right in the centre of Conil and have all bars & restaurants nearby. The 13km sandy beach is just about five minutes from the hotel.

Hotel Almadraba, Conil de la Frontera

Our favourite beach cafe at Longsands Beach in Tynemouth. Open 7 days a week, Crusoe’s Cafe is an ideal place for the whole family.

We’re regularly going there for breakfast, lunch and anniversary parties. It also have fabulous views of the north sea, surfers and all types of cute dogs.

Crusoe’s Cafe, Tynemouth

The only Turkish Restaurant in Newcastle serving authentic Turkish Mezze dishes.

Located just around St James Park in the centre of Newcastle, Red Mezze offers Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine.

This was a recommendation of a friend and has been very well received by every one taken so far. Delicious food, very friendly service – and even a few tables outside for the sunny days.

Red Mezze, Newcastle upon Tyne

An Italian coffee bar, Panis is tucked away in High Bridge Street just off Grey Street in the centre of Newcastle.

Panis is a great place to go for Italian dishes – they have a lunchtime and evening menu. It always seems the staff know all their customers and they’re all just a big family. And they also offer free Italian classes at the beginning of the week.

Panis Cafe, Newcastle upon Tyne