School can be a stressful environment for many children and the Autumn half term is the perfect opportunity to rest, reset and re-connect. We can support our family’s mental health all year round, but half term is the ideal time to reconnect as a family, boost our mood together and make deeper connections.

The UK’s largest canal charity Canal & River Trust offers a free guide to ‘Places to Visit in the North West’, with maps, information about visitor facilities and free activities, and ways to get the most out of visiting the region’s canals and rivers.

There are some spectacular bonfires and firework displays across Cumbria around November 5, the anniversary of Guy Fawkes’s attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. An organised display is safer, cheaper and much more fun than doing fireworks at home. And the best way to get to the display is by Stagecoach bus.

New research from Neighbourly found that 71% say being neighbourly is still a core national value 84% believe we should be doing more as a society to encourage neighbourliness #TheExtraHour campaign encourages people to use an hour to do something good Community spirit may be part of the UK’s national identity, but new research suggests it’s not what it once was.

Park Lane Academy in Halifax has been named the most improved mainstream secondary school in Yorkshire and the Humber for GCSE Attainment 8, according to newly released Department for Education (DfE) provisional results analysed by The Excellence Hub. The news follows the school achieving the best GCSE results in its history this summer.

For those looking for a family day out this October half term, The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, home of the iconic Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, is serving up cheesy fun, delicious dining and a range of family-friendly activities. As the UK’s flagship cheese experience, Wensleydale Creamery offers plenty to keep families entertained.

Jones Myers niche family law firm continues to be an acknowledged leader in its field following another Band 1 ranking in Chambers 2026 legal guide.

Our second trip to BeWILDerwood was even more magical than the first. This time, we returned to the woods for their Halloween festivities, and once again, it did not disappoint.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has launched a spine-chilling lineup of new Halloween tours and events for all ages to celebrate this spooky time of year.

York-based Baby Band, the fast-growing network of music classes for babies, toddlers, and their grown-ups, has been crowned Lifestyle Franchise of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Disruptive Franchise Awards, hosted by leading expert Stacey Cann.

My recent call out for children's and young people’s art has given me new hope for the future of our next generation of talented and enthusiastic artists. Working in education for many years I despaired at the lack of interest schools and other establishments showed the importance of creativity amongst children.

Almost 30 people descended upon York Leisure Centre on 1 October to take part in the inaugural Senior Club Games. Participants aged 60+ from across the city representing teams from Burnholme Sports Centre, Energise Leisure Centre and York Leisure Centre took part in the multi-sports marathon.

Chester Zoo has revealed a raft of new additions will join its Christmas lights festival - and organisers are promising this year’s trail will be its “brightest ever.” The national conservation zoo has again teamed up with entertainment giants Sony Music to deliver this year’s Lanterns and Light spectacle - which has developed into one of the North West’s biggest and longest running festive lig…

When I heard this expression recently, I immediately thought of the 10cc band. Singing it in my head, I couldn't quite recall the lyrics, so I asked Mr Google and found they were very appropriate as to what I had in mind for this next article. I have always believed that art should be just that.

The St John Save a Life September campaign is back again in 2025 and this year St Johns are aiming to teach at least 300,000 people vital lifesaving skills through public demos, online videos and first aid advice like this column.

Niche family law firm Jones Myers has been shortlisted for a major family law award based on its outstanding level of client service and strong teamwork. The practice is a finalist in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category - which covers the North of England - in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.

Niche family law firm Jones Myers has been shortlisted for a major family law award based on its outstanding level of client service and strong teamwork. The practice is a finalist in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category - which covers the North of England - in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.

Two days of music, games, crafts and community-based conservation will take place at Nature Fest on September 13 and 14. Set in the zoo’s nature reserve, there will be hands-on activities, workshops, talks and performances, including the interactive Hedgehog Hideaway adventure which teaches participants how to make their gardens more hedgehog friendly.

Candlelighters, the Yorkshire children’s cancer charity, has issued a call to action for the public to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, during September. Candlelighters CEO Emily Wragg explains: “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) is an international campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer throughout September.

Jones Myers family law firm has presented an annual award for exceptional performance to a Masters law student for the sixth consecutive year. The 2025 Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales at Leeds Beckett University goes to Eloise Smith.

A unique exhibition train which brings to life the past, present and future of the railway is set to call at Darlington Station next month. Railway 200’s Inspiration will arrive at Darlington on Wednesday 10 September 2025 and will spend a week telling the rich history of 200-years of engineering firsts and world-changing innovation.

Families can travel to top UK attractions for just £3 a journey, thanks to the Government’s extended bus fare cap. The fare cap is part of the Government’s mission to improve bus services, committing over £1 billion to improve bus reliability, frequency and access in towns, cities and rural areas.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has created a special ticket offer for the August bank holiday weekend.

Greenside Festival, a locally-run family friendly festival set in Ravenstonedale, Cumbria, is back again from the 12th – 13th September 2025. Since its launch in 2017, Greenside Festival has grown into a beloved celebration of live music, traditional games, and a sense of community.

With GCSE results out this Thursday, an education expert has told parents to “keep their own emotions in check” and focus on supporting their child. Drew Povey says parents should remember that exam results “are not the final verdict” and how they react may have a bigger impact on their child than they realise.

When undergoing a divorce, the financial worry can be particularly acute for those who have not had to deal with financial practicalities such as tax, standing orders and direct debits during their relationship. If you are going through divorce or contemplating it and are concerned about future finances, these insights will help to keep you on the right financial track.

Could your child be the next acclaimed travel tour guide? Would they be just brilliant about bringing a truly unique experience to life, for both adults and people of their own age alike? Do they need something to focus on for the summer holidays? If the answers are ‘yes’, ensure their name is in the hat for a unique new initiative from a less-than-ordinary castle hotel.