My little grandson Joshua is now nearly three.

I'd paused there for you to point out that I don't look old enough to be a Grandad, but nothing happened.

Last Sunday was booked to take him for a special pre-Christmas day out and mission was very happily accomplished in the Darlington area.

We started with lunch at the Spa Hotel at Teesside Airport, and that proved to be an inspired choice. Unlike some venues which can be too "pubby" for children, this has a really good family atmosphere, demonstrated by the large and small parties who were alongside us last Sunday. The hotel is licensed, of course, but the brasserie feel of Cafe Martyn is much more like the welcoming style of French or Italian eateries.

The food itself was of a high quality, based on a four meat carvery with loads of vegetables, and plenty of options of the seafood and vegetarian type. The dessert menu was too tempting not to sin, and my treat of treacle sponge with custard will mean an extra mile's running - eventually.

Young Joshua really enjoyed it, and was feeling very grown up to be dining with the two older generations in a proper restaurant. I've always felt that it's good for youngsters to get used to social eating as soon as possible, especially in a world where so much scoffing is done solo, or in front of a TV set.

The Spa Hotel's prices are competitive, including a family lunch deal at £15 for 2 adults and 2 children. Whether you are going during the festive spell, or for lunch in the New Year, I'd recommend it. Find out more on www.spahotels.co.uk

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Setting off from the Airport to Darlington, we completed the treat with Santa - and a trip on a steam train.

The Darlington Railway Museum at North Road is still a hidden gem, but well worth searching out. At any time of year, its exhibits bring back a past era with great power. The fantastic locomotives, and especially the carriages, are really evocative - and very surprising to the younger generation.

The Christmas atmosphere was done really well, with Santa on good form and well-stocked with gifts for young visitors. Even on a dark and wet afternoon, the sound and sight of a real steam train alone is worth the trip. Actually getting to ride on it is the icing on the cake, especially surrounded by the enthusiastic and characterful volunteers who man the line.

In my view, Darlington still doesn't make enough of its railway heritage, and a trip to North Road will remind you of how much there is to celebrate. If you've never been, put it right shortly, and definitely put it in your diary for the build up to next Christmas.

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Talking of the delights of the season, there are some excellent offers available at Middlesbrough's flagship hotel, the Thistle.

It's well worth having a closer look at their Christmas season ideas, whether it's for a meal or a party night.

The pick of the crop is probably their New Year's Eve package. Given the over-packed nature of most pubs that night, there's a lot to be said for enjoying more comfortable surroundings.

The package, at just over £50 per head, includes a champagne welcome, dinner, live entertainment and a very welcome bacon sandwich after you've seen in 2003. You can make it even better by staying the night in a high quality room, and waking to a full English breakfast. If you want to start the New Year the way you mean to continue, the deal even includes the hotel's newly opened Health and Leisure Club.

The full deal, including bed, breakfast and health club, is £99 per head. Find out more on 01642 333 113, or go to www.thistlehotels.com/festiveseason

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Finally, talking of festive value, the North East's own cruise operator has some good ideas currently if you'd like to do some last-minute stocking up, or replenish stocks early in the New Year.

People often talk about "booze cruises" from the Channel ports, but you probably lose your savings by the time you've done your 500 mile round trip from here. Much easier to go from North Shields and enjoy a mini-holiday too. See my previous reports on trips to Sweden and Amsterdam to get an idea of life on board.

DFDS are also recommending a trip to the Albert Heijn supermarket in Amsterdam, where, for example, decent wine costs £2 a bottle, 200 Marlborough cigarettes (if you must) are £21, and 500 grams of Dutch Gouda cheese is £3.20. Prices on board the ships are pretty good too, with beers and spirits which are hard to obtain here on sale at competitive prices. I particularly like the cases of green Tuborg ale and the superb Martell Noblige cognac. There you are, you know what to send me for a late Christmas pressy now!

More details, including timetables and fares (and 360 degrees tours of the ships) on www.dfdsseaways.co.uk

Published: 20/12/2002