Lifestyle

M&S Christmas advert sees James Norton strip off before becoming Santa

James Norton is unrecognisable as Santa in M&S's star-studded Christmas advert

Full fibre broadband delivers ultrafast internet connections directly to UK households with fixed contract pricing.

Full fibre broadband delivers ultrafast internet connections directly to UK households with fixed contract pricing.

Advertising Feature

You signed a broadband contract, not a blank cheque

Seaham Hall has a rich history

Seaham Hall has a rich history

County Durham's 'dream' coastal retreat that was once a military hospital

Resident Maud Moore and daughter Michelle at The DurhamGate with Chico and Pablo from Anvil Alpacas.

Resident Maud Moore and daughter Michelle at The DurhamGate with Chico and Pablo from Anvil Alpacas.

County Durham care home residents treated to surprise visit from two adorable alpacas

wedding dresses

Asian Wedding Expo coming to North East with 50+ suppliers - dates and how to enter

M&S is launching its Heatgen thermal collection, which includes everything from lightweight long-sleeved tops to fleece leggings

M&S is launching its Heatgen thermal collection, which includes everything from lightweight long-sleeved tops to fleece leggings

Marks and Spencer

Shoppers snap up 10 thermal tops a minute as M&S cosy Heatgen goes on sale

Inside Newcastle's former police station as Hotel Gotham prepares to open restored courtrooms and luxury spaces

Inside Newcastle's former police station as Hotel Gotham prepares to open restored courtrooms and luxury spaces

Ex North East courtroom and police station transformed into unique five-star hotel

The seller is asking for more than £5,000

The seller is asking for more than £5,000

'Rare' Paddington Bear 50p coin up for sale for more than £5,000

Be That Girl kid's spa at Metrocentre

Be That Girl kid's spa at Metrocentre

Popular children's spa expands to Metrocentre with beauty experiences and treatments

Residents hit a high note

Residents hit a high note

How Darlington retirement village residents are finding joy through singing

North Yorkshire retreat praised by guests for luxury treehouse stays and hot tubs

North East trampoline activity centre unveils £400,000 makeover in time for half term

Independent business

Darlington mum turns her dream into reality with new pottery studio

Bowburn Hall Hotel has launched a festive package for up to six guests, offering a two-night stay from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day

Bowburn Hall Hotel has launched a festive package for up to six guests, offering a two-night stay from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day

County Durham hotel announces luxury Christmas cottage stay

86-year-old Valerie Brisbane celebrated with staff

86-year-old Valerie Brisbane celebrated with staff

86-year-old resident helps celebrate first birthday of luxury North East care home

On show throughout the week will be a range of replica movie props from the world of the famous schoolboy wizard.

On show throughout the week will be a range of replica movie props from the world of the famous schoolboy wizard.

Metrocentre half-term events from big-top circus, Nintendo fun and wizarding magic

Koselig pastries

Koselig pastries

Scandinavian bakery perfect for a pastry stop on an autumn walk in North Yorkshire

Kids eat for free at these food hubs this half-term - including Gordon Ramsay spots

The exterior of The Garage Spa at Greta Bridge, a former garage and petrol station that has been transformed into an award-winning spa.

The exterior of The Garage Spa at Greta Bridge, a former garage and petrol station that has been transformed into an award-winning spa.

From fuel pumps to hot tubs: County Durham's relaxing spa near the A66 in old garage

York has lots of little streets to explore with independent shops.

York has lots of little streets to explore with independent shops.

'Real beauty' North Yorkshire city named one of prettiest places to live in UK

National Railway Museum in York to open temporary South Yard entrance later this month as redevelopment continues, ahead of a new accessible Central Hall

National Railway Museum in York to open temporary South Yard entrance later this month as redevelopment continues, ahead of a new accessible Central Hall

Cultural attractions

National Railway Museum in North Yorkshire to open temporary entrance during facelift

Inside 'inviting' and luxury North Yorkshire spa earning glowing reviews from guests

The change means an extra hour in bed for your Sunday lie-in and will give an extra hour of daylight as the darker nights roll in.

The change means an extra hour in bed for your Sunday lie-in and will give an extra hour of daylight as the darker nights roll in.

The exact date clocks go back this month in the UK and why

Historic Newton Aycliffe hotel praised by guests for spa, food and stunning grounds

A party at St Joseph's Catholic Club in Ushaw Moor to celebrate 20 years of the 2/4 club. A cake is cut by the eldest member, 96 year old Monica Smith.

A party at St Joseph's Catholic Club in Ushaw Moor to celebrate 20 years of the 2/4 club. A cake is cut by the eldest member, 96 year old Monica Smith.

'End of an era' as County Durham club is to close after more than 50 years

County Durham hotel shortlisted for one of Europe's top luxury travel awards

Harvey playing padel.

Harvey playing padel.

World's fastest-growing sport arrives in County Durham with new indoor courts

Full list of big North East firework displays this Bonfire Night and where to watch

Seaton Carew beach.

Seaton Carew beach.

Full list of North East beaches where dog bans have now been lifted

Greggs has launched its first Christmas treats for 2026, including its popular Mince Pies

Greggs has launched its first Christmas treats for 2026, including its popular Mince Pies

Greggs launches Christmas menu – and a much-loved favourite is finally back

UK charity shop chain announces closures including Dorset stores amid £3.3m loss

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp.

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp.

Inside five-star hotel near Darlington back open after huge refurb with six venues

County Durham hotel with glamourous spa where Avengers star enjoyed a luxury getaway

Headlam Hall Hotel.

Headlam Hall Hotel.

County Durham country house hotel named 'Most Authentic Luxury Rural Retreat'

Converted County Durham boat offers a quirky countryside escape

Artwork featuring North East stars reaches milestone at Metro station

Tin Arts perform 'Get Your Nose'.

Tin Arts perform 'Get Your Nose'.

First dancers step through doors of new inclusive arts centre in Spennymoor

Rachel Tomlin at her new Sanctuary Yoga studio on Coniscliffe Road, Darlington

Rachel Tomlin at her new Sanctuary Yoga studio on Coniscliffe Road, Darlington

Darlington yoga teacher opens first studio after life-changing journey

Bedale Post Office.

Bedale Post Office.

North Yorkshire post office reopens after nine-week closure with expanded service

Caroline Shields at Yoga @ Number2 in Darlington.

Caroline Shields at Yoga @ Number2 in Darlington.

Former police inspector opens Darlington yoga studio tackling stress and loneliness

Zen, Durham, offered its Instagram followers an update on the ongoing improvements.

Zen, Durham, offered its Instagram followers an update on the ongoing improvements.

Food and drink business

Inside Zen Durham's transformation as restaurant shares facelift progress

Opening day of the Preston Park Museum and Grounds museum extension

Opening day of the Preston Park Museum and Grounds museum extension

Museum expansion marks one year with 100,000 visitors

The spa offers lots of different packages depending on the kind of experience you want.

The spa offers lots of different packages depending on the kind of experience you want.

'Amazing' spa on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales named one of the UK's best

The Yorkshire Spa Retreat offers a range of treatments for guests.

The Yorkshire Spa Retreat offers a range of treatments for guests.

'Wonderful' spa in the Yorkshire countryside named one of the best in the UK

Giant LEGO heads overlook the seating area at the newly opened Bricks & Brews Café.

Giant LEGO heads overlook the seating area at the newly opened Bricks & Brews Café.

New Lego café opens in North East with hundreds of sets to build while relaxing

PadelPriv soft launched in Peterlee on Monday, August 31.

PadelPriv soft launched in Peterlee on Monday, August 31.

County Durham town to welcome first premium padel facility from today

Major £400,000 revamp planned for North East trampoline park

Why guests are full of praise for 'first class' County Durham spa and hotel

Peter, 89, works out at Pioneer Gym as part of a fitness journey inspired by his desire to stay strong enough to care for his wife.

Peter, 89, works out at Pioneer Gym as part of a fitness journey inspired by his desire to stay strong enough to care for his wife.

Inspiring OAP, 89, goes viral after running away from gym for heart-wrenching reason

A CGI of Heworth Leisure Centre's new aqua play area

A CGI of Heworth Leisure Centre's new aqua play area

Leisure centres

New North East indoor water play attraction delayed due to 'technical difficulties'

A new £1m swimming facility is set to open in Teesside Park this autumn.

A new £1m swimming facility is set to open in Teesside Park this autumn.

Becky Adlington

Swimming school backed by Olympic champion opening in Teesside this autumn

Signals Bistro, Saltburn.

Signals Bistro, Saltburn.

East Cleveland café near station where locals come for coffee but stay for cocktails

These 2027 annual leave tricks could turn 19 days of holiday into 47 days off, including a 10-day Christmas break for three days' leave.

These 2027 annual leave tricks could turn 19 days of holiday into 47 days off, including a 10-day Christmas break for three days' leave.

How to get 47 days off work in 2027 using just 19 days of annual leave

A Newcastle restaurant is bringing back a 'really special' pottery workshop.

A Newcastle restaurant is bringing back a 'really special' pottery workshop.

North East restaurant brings back 'really special' pottery workshop after 60 years