At Home With The Cookes

​Are you searching for the perfect Halloween day out that's more spooky than scary?  Look no further than Halloweenville at Partridge Lakes in Warrington!  This immersive, family-friendly event is the ultimate destination for Halloween fun this October.  Formerly known as the Halloween Lakeside Light Trail, the experience has been completely reimagined for 2025 with a brand-new theme that promises a thrilling adventure for all ages.​  We've got all the details on what's new, what to expect, and why this is the must-visit Halloween event in Warrington this October.

There's nothing quite like the experience of visiting a Christmas market in Europe.  The crisp winter air, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine, and the twinkling lights that transform a town or city into magical wonderlands.  As you plan your festive escape for 2025, you will  be spoilt for choice.  From historic traditions to modern marvels, here is our guide to the top European cities to visit for Christmas markets in 2025.

Are you ready to kick off the festive season with a dose of cinematic and symphonic magic?  Get ready, because Home Alone in Concert is coming to Connexin Live in Hull on Monday, 8th December.  This is your chance to relive the beloved Christmas classic like never before, with the iconic film screened in high-definition as a full live orchestra performs.

Ever wonder why so many adults struggle with money?  The truth is, many of us never got a proper financial education.  We’re left to figure out complex concepts like interest rates and taxes all on our own, often through trial and error.  But it doesn't have to be this way.  By teaching children about money from a young age, we can equip them with the tools they need to build a secure and successful future.

Looking for the perfect family day out?  The UK's live entertainment scene is bursting with incredible shows, from roaring dinosaurs to high-octane stunts and magical musical extravaganzas.  We've compiled a comprehensive list of the most exciting upcoming family shows in the UK, with a special focus on September and beyond!

Las Vegas might be known for its glittering casinos, nightlife, and adult-only shows, but this city has transformed itself into a surprisingly fantastic destination for families.  Beyond the bright lights of the Strip, you'll find an incredible array of attractions, from thrilling theme parks and captivating aquariums to educational museums and breathtaking natural wonders.  Don't let the "Sin City" nickname fool you, Las Vegas is packed with family-friendly fun waiting to be discovered.

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a tranquil and beautiful valley where nature is at its best?  If so, you should consider visiting Dimmingsdale, one of Staffordshire’s hidden gems.  Tucked away in the Churnet Valley, Dimmingsdale is a magical woodland valley that feels a world away from the everyday.  It offers a variety of woodland trails, lakes, streams, and spectacular scenery that will transport you to a place of peace and calm.  

Dreaming of a weekend getaway that combines the beauty of nature with the comforts of a cosy cabin?  We've just returned from a fantastic weekend glamping trip at Quarry Walk Park in Staffordshire, this was our third visit and we're already planning our next!  We went with some of our closest friends and all the kids, and it was a weekend packed with forest adventures, campfire stories, and making unforgettable memories.  We have previously stayed in the Daisy plus glamping pods and this time we decided to try the Bluebell Plus glamping pods. If you’re looking for a perfect spot for a family-friendly glamping trip, keep reading for all the details!

Are you ready for an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled family day out?  The Hot Wheels Stunt Show is coming to the UK, and for a limited time, you can get a massive 50% off tickets!  Get ready to witness jaw-dropping stunts, high-octane performances, and epic car action.  This incredible discount is available exclusively through AXS.com for select dates in Aberdeen, Newcastle, and London.

Are you tired of hearing "I'm bored" during school holidays?  Do the costs of family outings feel like they're spiralling out of control?  If you're nodding along, then it's time to discover a secret that thousands of parents already know: Kids Pass.  Kids Pass isn't just another discount app, it's a game-changer for family life.  It's a membership that opens the door to a huge range of activities, from cinema trips and theme parks to bowling and dining out, all at a fraction of the regular price.

Rome, the Eternal City, is a destination that captures the heart of every traveller with it's ancient history, world-class art, and vibrant modern life.  From the echo of gladiators in the mighty Colosseum to the sweet taste of gelato enjoyed on a sun-drenched piazza, every cobblestone tells a story. But with so much to see and do, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming.  How do you find the best Rome tours to truly make the most of your trip?

Planning a trip to the United States?  There's a significant change you need to know about that could impact your travel budget.  The price of an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is set to increase, from $21 to $40 per person.