Author: kiddy@admin

More Family days out in Scotland

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1. Dundee Science Festival, Dundee

 

Visit one of the UK’s biggest science centres with over 80 hands-on exhibits for an all round sensory experience your kids will love! Have a go at making your own fun, wacky sounds with the Music Mayhem exhibition, whilst under 5s can discover the ‘Musical Mystery Bus’ – an interactive, live show run throughout the day.

 

Best for: Interactive experience

2. Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling

We bet you hadn’t counted on spotting any of the Big 5 on your trip to the Scottish lands! Get up close and personal with wildlife from around the globe at one of Scotland’s most famous safari parks. Animals include zebras, lions, tigers, meerkats, elephants, giraffes to name only but a few.

 

Take a boat trip around Chimp Island, enjoy the stunning sea lion show or take a ride at the fun fair and get your face painted – there’s absolutely loads to do! Don’t miss the ‘Meet the Keeper’ talks throughout the day to get even more inspired by these amazing creatures.

 

Best for: Value

 

3. The Time Capsule Water Park, Lanarkshire

 

If you’re not sure you can quite rely on the Scottish weather,the Time Capsule is a perfect day out come rain or shine. Experience the Storm Chaser flumes in the tornado pool, glide across the newly refurbished ice rink or let off some steam at the fitness centre, there really is something for all the family and fun children’s activities to try.

 

Best for: Rainy days

 

4. Mabie Farm Park, Dumfries

 

Mabie’s has something for all the family, from donkey rides, to quad bikes, to paddle boating, kids can try new adventures, and explore the Scottish countryside in this beautiful and action-packed farm. Plus, every afternoon, kids get the chance to feed and handle some of the animals.

 

Best for: Boys’ toys!

5. Deep Sea World, North Queensferry

If you’re kids are fascinated with sea life and dream of deep sea diving and underwater exploring, this one must be on your list. As Scotland’s National Aquarium there’s plenty to see and do. Meet Stella the stingray, enjoy the beautiful range of the tropical fish and get a true ocean-floor experience in the UK’s longest underwater tunnel.

 

Best for: Shark dives

 

Scotland with the family

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Keep the children entertained this year by visiting some Scottish family fun attractions. From exploring Scottish legends, wildlife spotting and waterpark fun, we’ve got loads for you to see, and all are budget-friendly, too.

1. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Spend the day exploring Edinburgh’s iconic castle overlooking the nation’s beautiful capital. Home to some of Scotland’s most legendary royals, fought over in ancient battles and later used as a jail for enemies of the state – this mighty fortress has overseen some of the greatest moments of Edinburgh’s history. Download the family-friendly itinerary and let the kids lead the way as they navigate through the castle with a series of clues…

 

Best for: Spectacular views over the city

2. Loch Ness cruises, Inverness

Anyone who’s ever heard of Nessie, the supposedly three-humped lake monster that lurks beneath the surface of Loch Ness, will be dying to come and explore the legendary lake themselves, and what better way to do it than by taking to its waters on a cruise? Loch Ness by Jacobite offer a range of tours to embark on whether you just want to explore the lake or you can choose to fit in some more sights along the way, like Urquhart Castle, which stands proudly on the northern shore of Loch Ness.

 

Best for: Kids with wild imaginations!

3. Bowhill Country Estate, Selkirk

An enchanting secluded estate surrounded by a beautiful lake and acres of woodlands, Bowhill is one of Scotland’s hidden gems. With plenty of outdoor activities – fishing, hiking, horse riding and indoor estate tours, – there’s fantastic fun come rain or shine. If you live close by, check out the kids’ club with different activities each week for budding rangers.

 

Best for: The adventure playground… zip wire included!

4. Almond Valley Museum, Farm and Discovery Centre, West Lothian

Animal lovers will go wild for Almond Valley’s farm. And with an array of indoor and outdoor activities – from the petting farm to the indoor adventure playground and the giant pillow – there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. Plus, across the river you can explore the woodland gardens and interactive museum.

 

Best for: Under 10s.

5. Stirling Castle, Stirling

Stirling Castle is the Scottish heart of all things art, culture and celebrity in the 16th century. Take in the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace and visit the surrounding castle buildings including the breathtaking Palace gardens. Make sure to check out the Palace Vaults for a magical trip into the costumes behind the court jesters or the Regimental Museum housing exquisite artefacts from conflicts around the globe. Plus you may just get a visit from some of Stirling’s most famous residents…

 

Best for: Dressing up in the castle’s fancy dress box

 

More Midlands days out

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1. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham

 

Take some time out from the bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens. Explore the various tropical glasshouses, stunning gardens and breathtaking lake.

 

Send the kids on their own trails to explore everything nature has to offer, from beautiful butterflies to magical plants. They can even pick up an explorer backpack for the day, bursting with creative children’s activities. Their seasonal events, such as Halloween’s Spooky Story Night Trail or their Santa’s Grotto are legendary.

 

Best for: Scenic walks

2. Si5 Spy Missions, Nottingham

For kids who want to crack codes, solve puzzles and dodge lasers this is the perfect day. Teams must complete their mission within the time limit, in order to prevent the ship from being blown up! This is a great chance to get your kids off their Xboxes and instead throw them into the scenarios they so love to play out. This action packed day will leave your children ‘gunning’ for more!

 

Best for: Older kids

3. Monkey Forest, Trentham

Want to see animals roaming free? Visit this amazing 60-acre forest where you can interact and walk amongst up to 140 free roaming monkeys. Unlike anything else, this experience will allow your kids to see how these animals act in their natural habitat and capture heart-melting memories they’ll never forget.

 

Best for: The whole family

4. Tudor World, Stratford Upon Avon

Bring your kids’ history education to life with this fun interactive Tudor museum. Instead of old artefacts and displays, your kids can dress up, take their place at the dining table, rest in the bed and sit on the throne! Let them discover how life was all those years ago by experiencing it first hand! We promise your kids will never enjoy learning quite so much.

 

Best for: The costumed ghost tour

5. The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath

If it’s time to get a breath of fresh air, take a trip up the hill on the cable car and absorb the stunning views the Peak District has to offer. Once at the top, take a guided tour of the two great caverns, perfect for any little adventurers your might have. Check out the amazing fossil collection and climb the Prospect Tower. If your kids are still energetic, there are two great adventure playgrounds which we highly recommend!

 

Best for: The views

 

5 favourite family days out in the Midlands

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1. Cadbury’s World, Birmingham

Just a short drive away from Birmingham’s bustling city centre comes a factory that needs no introduction, Cadbury’s World is every kids dream, with chocolate confectionery wherever you look!

 

Discover the origins of the cocoa bean, jump on board the Crunchie Rollercoaster or simply dive into a bowl of liquid Dairy Milk. And with a restaurant, playground park and picnic area, there’s something for everyone. You could be there for hours.

 

Best for: 4D interaction (and chocolate lovers, too!)

2. National Space Centre, Leicester

For all you space lovers out there, this one is not to be missed when hitting the Midlands. The exhibition holds galleries, interactive displays and an incredible Planetarium all surrounding the history (and future!) of space travel. And that’s not all; they hold themed special events for kids during the holidays.

 

Best for: Science buffs

3. Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Nottinghamshire

This one’s for all you action-adventure types! If your kids are into trying out new children’s activities, from Whitewater Rafting to Sailing, Wakeboarding to Segways, this activity-packed park is a fantastic day out and great for children’s entertainment of all ages. Kids can get lessons on the water, try out the army-inspired assault course or try their hand at some mini golf or high ropes. The Rambo-inspired, Combat Experience gives your kids the chance to engage in thrilling military missions, live on the battlefield!

 

Best for: Teens

4. Plantasia and Maze World, Warwickshire

The kids will love this amazing fun adventure into Plantasia where there’s something for everyone. From the Maze world and Interactive exhibition, to the wildlife park and nature trails, enjoy a fun-filled day out in one of Warwickshire’s most beautiful, natural settings. Conquerors of the maze even receive a very special gift.

 

Best for: Your budget

5. Drayton Manor, Staffordshire

You might be expecting a grand, country house, but Drayton Manor is actually the setting of one of the UK’s top rated theme parks! There are hundreds of things to do, from thrilling rides and attractions, ‘Thomas Land’ for the tots, and an activity park, museum and crazy golf for all the family! There’s even a zoo with dozens of wildlife, reptiles and primates. Remember to book a week in advance as on-the-day prices are almost double.

 

Best for: Hours of fun

 

Pigtastic days out

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Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, Chelmsford, Essex

All the family will enjoy their day out here down on the farm! There are plenty of fascinating animals and birds to see, meet and greet as well as brilliant indoor and outdoor children’s play areas, where the kids can go wild and have loads of fun!

Paradise Wildlife Park Farmyard, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

For a wild day out with the family there is no place better than Paradise Wildlife Park! You can even get hands-on with the animals at the farmyard and help feed the goats, sheep and pigs. Kids can burn off excess energy in the various playgrounds around the park or you can take a relaxing ride on the miniature railway to see what is hidden in the woodland.

Vauxhall City Farm, London

Visit this free farm for a little piece of the countryside in central London! It’s not far from Vauxhall station and is home to lots of very cute animals to meet including Edward the beautiful piggy!

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole, Dorset

This brilliant farm park is perfect for under 8’s and has plenty to keep them occupied from exciting attractions to seriously cute animals (and of course pigs).

Whitehouse Farm Centre, Morpeth, Northumberland

There’s plenty to see and do at this lovely family run farm, and lots of animals to meet including sheep, bunnies, alpacas and pigs. There is the chance to handle and feed some of the animals, and kids will love a ride on the bumpy tractor!

 

A children’s party with a difference

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Farmer Palmers Farm Park, Poole, Dorset

£14.95 per family

This lovely farm offers so much fun for little (and big!) animal lovers alike. You’ll get to see live milking demos, pig races, have a go on a bouncy castle and more! Tickets include one child, two adults, food and drink, a tractor ride and full use of the park… which would normally retail at £35 each!

AMF Bowling, Various Locations

From £7.99 per child

What could beat a round of bowling for a fun, competitive and much loved classic children’s birthday party? Fab food is all included in the price too!

Go Ape, Various Locations

From £17 per child

Swing, zip, balance and jump your way through the trees on the Tree Top Adventure courses, suspended high above the forest floor. Younger adventurers will love Tree Top Junior, a lower and easier version.

Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch, Dorset

Various Price Packages Available

With over 30 fab rides and attractions, Adventure Wonderland offers lots of fun for everyone! Battle it out on the Battle Boats (be prepared to get wet!), go on the Dragon’s Drop Mega Slide or even go see some adorable animals in the Cuddle Corner Farm.

Mattel Play! Albert Dock, Liverpool

£15 per child

With over 13,000 square feet of themed exciting children’s entertainment, including well known characters such as Thomas and Friends, Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder, kids will love exploring this amazing play centre! Yummy party food is included.

The Rainforest Cafe, Piccadilly Circus, London

£15.50 per child

Bringing together the fascinating sights and sounds of the jungle, this fab cafe is the perfect place for a wildlife mad partygoer! See the animals brought to life, experience thunderstorms and, of course, eat lots of super yummy food too!

Go Air Trampoline Park, Ty-glas Avenue, Cardiff

£16 per person

With 60 minutes of pure trampolining fun in their open space, 40 minutes in their dedicated special party room, socks, invites AND food (you’ll get either a choice of Papa John’s pizza or a delicious deli sandwich), Go Air is the place to take your active little ones looking to blow off some steam on their big day!

Funky Monkeys, Cityside, Belfast

From £8 per child

With jungle themed play rooms, an interactive kitchen area, car track with crazy coupe cars and more, Funky Monkeys will not disappoint and is sure to provide lots of fun on your little monkey’s big day! There’s a range of party options available to suit all needs, so be sure to check out their website!

Waterworld, Newquay, Cornwall

From £17.99 per person

With a 6 lane 25m pool, tropical fun pool, 2 water flumes, cannons, tippers and a snake fountain, this is the perfect place to host your pool mad little ones party! Prices include unlimited pool use, small buffet package, free return for the birthday child, 50% off future visits for all guests and more!

Sea Life Centre, Great Yarmouth, Norwich

From £10.50 per child

Sea Life is fab for aquatic mad little ones! Price includes entrance to the centre, a dedicated VIP tour by one of the crew, hot meal, free local annual pass for the birthday child, free downloadable invites and more!

 

Go on a fairy hunt

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Acorn Bank, Penrith, Cumbria

Come and explore this magnificent forest and see what you can find! Hidden doors, a hollow tree and a wild play area are sure to bring your little elves and fairies imaginations to life!

Trentham Gardens, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire

Explore this magical garden and see how many fairies you can spot on their lovely fairy trail! You’ll also find a fab adventure playground too where your little kids can let off some steam.

Puzzlewood, Coleford, Gloucestershire

Discover ancient trees, bridges, lookouts and twisted rocks at Puzzlewood! Around every corner there’s something different to see! The beautiful scenery is so magical that it’s often used in movies.

Shervage Wood, Somerset

Rumour has it that Shervage was once home to a mystical fire breathing dragon named Gurt the Worm! Be careful where you tread whilst exploring this whimsical wood… you’re walking on an enchanted path! Be sure to visit Honer Wood where you’ll see ancient trees draped with mosses and rare lichens!

Furzey Gardens, Lyndhurst, Hampshire

With wonderful walks, gorgeous trees and shrubs, as well as stunning views and a fascinating history, Furzey Gardens is sure to get everyone in the fairy hunting mood! Kids can head to the outdoor children’s play area and hunt for fairy doors around these gorgeous gardens.

Ashridge Estate, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire

Come and discover a rare breed of deer, bats and songbirds as you hunt for fairies in this mystical forest! This stunning estate was also the setting for Disney’s Maleficent where certain scenes were filmed within the trees.

New Forest Fairy Festival, Burley, New Forest

Immersed in ancient oaks, tree spirits and woodland creatures, this fab family friendly festival will be hosting a range of wonderful workshops, classes, music and more. You’ll be sure to spot a fairy or two (as well as a dragon!) as festival-goers dress up for the occasion!

 

Family BBQ days out

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London Field, Hackney, London

In the heart of the big smoke, London fields has a designated BBQ area, as well as a cricket pitch, heated 50m lido and lido cafe, grass areas, a BMX track, tennis courts, a table tennis table and two kid’s play areas! Perfect for children entertainment and fun for all the family.

Tatton Park – Knutsford, Cheshire

This 1,000-acre parkland provides ample opportunity to walk, run, cycle, fly a kite, horse ride and of course, have a BBQ! There are beautiful trails and a sound garden to explore. With over thirty rides, Tatton Park’s adventure playground is one of the young ones main reasons for visiting. BBQ’s should only be used in the designated areas.

New Forest, Hampshire

Originally a royal hunting preserve, the thriving working forest that you see today has survived for nearly 1,000 years. BBQ’s are welcome in the picnic areas at Bolderwood, Blackwater and Wilverley.

If you are catering for bigger parties, then there are also two sites for hire in the New Forest at Anderwood and Wilverley. Both these sites have BBQ’s that will cater for up to 100 people and are a great for large family get-togethers.

Note: When fire risk is ‘extreme’ the use of BBQ’s, anywhere in the New Forest is prohibited – So call ahead to check.

The Meadows, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh are the place to be on a sunny afternoon for visitors and townsfolk alike! There area has over twenty BBQ spots across its expanse to ensure that you can enjoy a BBQ in this glorious spot, whilst only being a stone’s throw from the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumbria

Home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe and, at over 250 square miles, Kielder Water and Forest Park is the perfect BBQ spot for nature loving families! There are three great visitor centre’s, at Tower Knowe, Leaplish or Kielder Castle. Leaplish Waterside Park has a designated BBQ site with panoramic views of the reservoir. This is the ideal base to recharge and refresh with your friends, family and favourite flamed foods!

 

A royal family day out

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Tower of London

There is something for all of the family at this fortress which is one of the most famous landmarks in London. The historic towers house the Crown Jewels, the prison cell of Sir Walter Raleigh (known as the Bloody Tower), the Chapel of St. John and the Royal Armouries. Pick up the Medieval Palace family trail at the Welcome Centre when you arrive to learn fun facts about the tower’s history and keep an eye out for the famous ravens.

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey

Hampton Court was Henry VIII’s favourite royal residence, and now you can wander around the grand state rooms, discover the Tudor Kitchens and explore the stunning gardens. In the gardens you will find the famous maze where the family can get lost for hours – perfect for tiring out the little ones!

 Banqueting House, London

Whatever your age or background Banqueting House will amaze you with its fascinating history. On your visit you can see the grounds where Charles I was executed and learn all about the fire which nearly burnt down the whole house. On your visit pick up a Family Adventure Trail that you can complete as you make your way around.

Kensington Palace, London

Pick up an interactive family trail and explore the opulent interiors of Kensington Palace. You can see The Queen’s Apartments and learn some fun facts about how the royals use to live including how many mattresses Queen Mary used to sleep on!

Kew Palace, Addlestone, Surrey

Kew Palace is small compared to other palaces but it reveals much about its past as a royal residence. It was used by the royal family between 1729 and 1818, but these days you are able to wander around the authentically re-created Georgian rooms including the Royal Kitchens that were left untouched until 2012.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh

Now berthed in Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia is a unique attraction for the family to enjoy. The yacht was home to The Queen and to the Royal Family for over 40 years. On a visit you can get a real glimpse of how the royals lived and travelled for over 100,000 miles.

Windsor Castle, Berkshire

As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty the Queen, this is the perfect setting for a regal day out with the family. Covering 13 acres, you’ll discover gorgeous architecture, stunning interiors and displays for you to learn all about the history of the castle. For the kids there is an audio tour where they are introduced to many magical characters who live at Windsor and there are family and children activity trails where they can learn more about the castle and its treasures.

 

Best routes to bike or skoot

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Bournemouth Beach, Dorset

Enjoy an easy cycle along the promenade which runs form Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks. It’s 10 miles in total so a bit far for little legs but there are numerous car parks and cafes along the way that you can just cover a few miles, whilst enjoying the spectacular views across to The Isle of Wight, Needles and Old Harry Rocks. (You can’t ride between 10am-6pm in July & August as it’s too busy!)

Studland Peninsula Cycle Trail, Dorset

This is a gentle route that will take you across the peninsular, dunes and heathland, with picturesque view of Knoll Beach. The kids can even enjoy spotting some wildlife including deer, insects and birds! It’s 6.5 miles long.

Killerton, Devon

There are 2 safe family cycle tracks to take around the historic parkland at Killerton. You will see beautiful countryside views, plus get a great ‘tour’ of the estate including the House, stable blocks and chapel!

Ashridge Estate Buckinghamshire

There are various routes to take through woodland, over small bridges and lush meadows. The Duncombe Terrace route is perfect for families as it’s only 5 miles long and there are surfaced cycle paths through the forest which makes things easier for little legs and inexperienced riders.

The Bristol and Bath Railway Path, Somerset

This track along a former railway line links Bristol and Bath. It is 3m wide path with a  tarmaced surface all the way and is an attractive and easy route, with several opportunities along the way to stop for refreshments.

Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

There is a flat cycle route through the forest, perfect for all abilities. Children will love passing through tree ‘tunnels’ and racing along the surfaced track which was the old Severn and Wye Railway line- you will even see some old stations! It’s 11 miles in total but with little ones you can always turn back after a few miles. The route starts in the Cannop Valley.

The Tissington Trail- Peak District

A 13 mile route mainly along the trackbed of an old railway line. It’s even suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs! It’s traffic free and kids will love whizzing under the railway bridges! Towards the Southern end (near Mapleton) there is a bit on a steep incline but the rest is totally flat!