The Cookes

Hello! We’re the Cooke family, Beck, Mark, Charlie, Louie, and our mischievous beagle, Chase.

We’re a family of four from Warrington just trying to squeeze every bit of fun out of the weekends. Between the school runs and the DIY projects in the garden, we’re usually planning our next escape, whether that’s a road trip in America or finding the best family activities in the UK.  Life’s a bit of a whirlwind, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We love to have fun, make memories, explore new places, and share our passion for travel, food and sport so we decided to start this blog as a platform to review the places we visit and the products we love.  We're excited to share our honest opinions, tips, and tricks to help you plan your own adventures. 

Family Life: The Heart of the Chaos

We’re the Cookes, and "quiet" isn’t really in our vocabulary.  Life in our Warrington home is a 24/7 whirlwind of activity.  Between our two sports obsessed boys, a mischievous beagle, and a household full of pranksters and budding musicians, our life and our home is, to put it lightly, mental non-stop chaos!

We believe that the best memories are made in the middle of that madness.  We started this blog to document our journey, from the local school-run survival to our biggest adventures across the globe.

Join our adventures here:

  • Explore the UK – From the rugged peaks of the Lakes to hidden gems right here in Cheshire, discover our favourite local staycations and day trips.

  • Explore the World – Follow our footprints across the globe as we share flight tips, hotel reviews, and travel itineraries that are actually family friendly.

Experience the Magic This Christmas: Home Alone in Concert

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.

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Your Ultimate Guide to UK's Hottest Upcoming Family Shows 2025

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!

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Summer Holiday Countdown: Navigating the Juggling Act as a Full-Time Working Mum

The long-awaited summer holidays are rapidly approaching, bringing with them the promise of sunshine and fun but for the full-time working mum, it often comes with a unique set of challenges.  How do you balance deadlines with days out, and client calls with childcare chaos?  Fear not, you're not alone, and with a little strategic planning, you can make this summer a triumph for both your career and your family.  So, as the academic year winds down, it's time to start planning how to make the most of this precious break.

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From the Sidelines: Our Sports Obsession

If we aren't at home, I'm usually acting as a personal taxi service!  Our boys take part in many different sports, that most of our evenings and weekends are spent, coffee in hand, travelling around the Northwest, cheering them on from the sidelines.

When we aren't supporting the boys' teams, we are massive fans of Rugby League and Football. We are proud supporters of the Warrington Wolves and Liverpool FC, so much so that we gave our youngest son, Louie, the initials L.F.C.!

As if the football and rugby weren't enough, the boys have recently unleashed a new obsession that has officially taken over my kitchen,  Darts.  Between the sound of darts hitting the board and the occasional shout of "one hundred and eighty!" echoing through the house, there’s never a dull (or quiet) moment.

This section is dedicated to the chaotic, wonderful world of being a sports family, from matchday energy to supporting our boys’ own sporting dreams.

Home & Garden: Our DIY Journey

Our home is a canvas for our creativity and shows our love for DIY, it's filled with spaces we've poured our hearts into.  There is a special kind of satisfaction that comes from dreaming up a design, grabbing the power tools, and building something from scratch.  Whether we’re giving an old piece of furniture a new lease of life or transforming a corner of the garden, we’re always itching for the next project.  Check out some of our favourites below, and hopefully, you’ll find some inspiration for your own space!

Our Review of Wine 52

We were recently introduced to Wine52 by a friend.  They had a discount code which meant that we got a free case of wine if we subscribed and we could cancel at any time so wouldn't be tied in.  We tried the first free box and enjoyed it so much that we stayed subscribed.  You can choose cases of 3, 4 or 6 wines in either red, white or mixed.  We chose just red wines each time and loved the quality and selection that we receive.

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Honest Reviews: Tried & Tested

We only recommend what we truly love.  Whether it’s a new household gadget, the latest sports gear for the boys, or a life-saving travel essential, we give you the real deal.  Our goal is to share honest opinions and savvy tricks that help you make the most of your time and money.  You can find our travel tips here.

Savvy Living: Money Saving Tips

We’ve always been bargain hunters at heart.  There is a genuine thrill in finding a hidden deal or uncovering a discount that feels like a "win."  We’re constantly asked by friends and family for our secrets to saving, so we’ve brought them all here.  From comparison shopping to mindful spending, we’re sharing our favourite tricks to help you shop smarter and make your hard earned cash go further.

Score 20% OFF Topps Premier League Trading Cards: Get £10 Off When You Spend £50!

Are you or your kids collecting the latest Topps Premier League trading cards, like our Louie?  Let's be honest, opening up new packs can be addictive, and keeping up with the latest sets, tins, and booster packs can quickly add up.  As a parent, you want to support your children's hobby, whether they're seasoned collectors or just starting out, but you also want to save money!

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The Money Talk: Why Financial Education Should Start in Childhood

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.

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Don't Miss Out! Get 50% Off Hot Wheels Stunt Show Tickets!

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.

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Unlock a World of Family Fun for Less: Why Every Parent Needs a Kids Pass

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.

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Browse our blog for more detailed guides and reviews.  We update our content regularly with new experiences, so be sure to bookmark our page and follow us on social media!