Category: Activities

How about camping?

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Cornwall is a hugely popular spot for fans of both camping and glamping during the summer holidays and the good news is that there are a large number of sites spread around the county.  The bad news is that by this time of the year, not all of them will have availability left for the school holiday period.  So here we look at 5 Camping and Glamping sites in Cornwall that still have availability for the coming period to help inspire your camping holiday and keep the children entertained.

Cottage Holidays Cornwall

Cottage Holidays Cornwall has a number of different accommodation options within one site.  For those who like a nice firm foundation under foot, they offer Albion Cottage, a grade II listed Tudor house on the edge of the village of Mylor.  The cottage has its own courtyard, barbecue, gardens, swings, trampolines and even a tennis court!

For an environmentally friendly alternative, why not try a spot of glamping in their yurt?  Just outside the village, the Yurt offers a back to nature experience with fully opening walls, a roof light and a wood burning stove just outside.  It is 16 feet in diameter and 10 feet tall, so is no tiny little tepee style tent and there are carpets and rugs on the floor while the bed stands on a low wooden platform and even has an orthopaedic mattress.

Both of these options make for a great base to explore the village of Mylor with its historic harbour as well as travelling slightly further afield to the beautiful resort of St Ives or the amazing attraction that is the Eden Project.

Classic Glamping

Classic Glamping have a number of sites spread across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset offering a range of different glamping options.  Jinka’s Wagon is a unique experience – a gypsy caravan located just five miles from Looe that offers the charm of a bygone era.  As well as the caravan, there is a barbecue and patio furniture to enjoy a meal under the stars and a multi-burner as well.

If you ever fancied sleeping in a safari tent but didn’t want to travel to Africa, then simply head to a spot just two miles from Launceston for a safari tent location.  One tent is called Honeysuckle, another Celandine and the third Campion.  Each are located in a secluded spot near a river great for wildlife spotting and relaxing in peace and quiet as well as being a short distance from a pub.  They are also a small distance apart so no overlooking neighbours.

Other options offered by the company include a shepherd’s hut near Praa Sands, a meadow cabin near Fowey and even airstream trailers straight from the US based just outside St Agnes.

St Tinney Farm

St Tinney Farm is a small, family run business with 34 acres of land and a range of different accommodation options including cabins, caravans and tent.  The site is just a mile from the main A39 Atlantic Highway near the hamlet of Otterham.  The farm has its own heated outdoor swimming pool to enjoy and there is a licensed club bar on the site called the St Tinney Arms, serving drinks and simple pub food, so there is no need to leave the site if you don’t want to.

There are two cottages at St Tinney Farm each accommodating up to four people and a cot if needed.  These are fully equipped with all the modern conveniences including free Wi-Fi.  There are also three 3 bed lodges overlooking the lakes and three 2 bedroom lodges in the Orchard area behind the farmhouse.  Caravans number six, are connected to the mains for electricity, and gas as well as toilets inside each.  Finally, there are grass camping pitches so camping fans can bring along their own tents. 

Cottage Farm Touring Park

Cottage Farm Touring Park is located near the small village of Treworgans, not too far from Newquay.  The site can offer different accommodation options and is also in close proximity to a number of leisure and sports facilities.  There are three self-catering holiday homes on the site as well as static caravan accommodation. There are 45 pitches for camping and caravans, almost all of which have electricity hook-ups, spread over a 2-acre site close to a number of countryside walks.  There is a small shop near the site and the local village shop is just one mile away. There is also a facility block that includes free showers and hot water basins, hairdryer and shaving points and a family-baby room. There are washing up facilities and a laundry room to use as well as a manned reception to help with local information.

The site is great to use as a base for exploring the Newquay area, which is just five miles away.  In fact, if you like a walk, it is only 20 minutes’ walk to the beach. Other close activities including surfing, fishing, diving, horse riding, golf and mountain biking as well as plenty of places to go for a walk.

Silver Sands Holiday Park

Silver Sands Holiday Park has static caravan holiday homes, a lodge as well as both touring and camping pitches available for holidaymakers. It is set amid the dramatic scenery of Lizard Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the most popular spots to visit in Cornwall.  Both Kynance Cover, the most southerly point in Cornwall, and the Helford River are just a short distance away.

The caravan homes come in two grades with standard having two bedrooms and the superior option having either two or three bedrooms. The superior plus caravan can sleep up to six people so ideal for slightly larger families. The camping area is beside the main field and all emplacements are around a triangular perimeter. The field has its own water supply and there is a play area for under fourteens as well as a toilet and shower block in the nearby field.  Watch out at night as possible visitors include bats and badgers, both who live nearby!

Play days and Fun days for the kids

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Play days and Fun days for the kids…

We love the idea of kids entertainment and as the school holidays are still upon us we thought we’d give you some ideas about Play days!! A whole day dedicated to playing- who could want anything more?

If you missed it, maybe you can plan your for next year?

National Play day started way back in the UK in 1986 when money was tight and adventure playgrounds were under fire to have budget cuts. The idea arose for the great British public to have one day a year, usually the first Wednesday every August, in which they could enjoy the playground activities and highlight how important they are to society.

Well 27 years later the national day is still going strong and it is bigger and better than ever before! It is coordinated by Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland and Play Board Northern Ireland. 

Why is playing so important?

Playing is essential to a child’s learning and development. It teaches sharing, it encourages confidence and more importantly, it allows them to have an enjoyable childhood.

It is vital for the emotional, intellectual and physical development and it offers children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to play together. 

But that doesn’t mean that adults can’t get involved and be ‘big’ kids for the day.

Whether it is a low-key get together with family and friends or a big party in your street, get involved and play games with our help. 

After all, you deserve to act child-like every once in a while too! With working, house chores and looking after the little ones, you ‘ought to grab this day with both hands and have a fun-packed day to remember. 

Not sure what to do? Here are 6 fantastic entertainment ideas for all the family:

Inflatables

Face painter

Rodeo 

Crazy Golf

Buzzwire

So don’t miss out for next year’s Play day!!

August Bank Holiday ideas

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One of the top times for the family to do something together is the August Bank Holiday.  Many parents are on holiday or at least a day off and the weather is at its best.  But rather than just visit the family or hit the shops, what other things could you do with the kids to make for a memorable bank holiday? here are our ideas for August Bank Holiday fun.

London

If you are in the south-east or fancy a trip to the capital, there are plenty of events taking place and things to do see and do. One of the most spectacular bank holiday events is the Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August.  The carnival has been going since 1964 and is when the Caribbean cultures of London get together to celebrate their heritage and traditions.  Music from reggae to salsa fills the air along with steel bands, soca floats and a whole lot of tasty Caribbean food.  The carnival travels the streets of W10 and the nearest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park and Ladbroke Grove.

Madame Tussauds is one of the most famous wax works museums in the world and from 1st august to 30th September, they have a special exhibition called Memories of Her Majesty.  Over the last 87 years, Queen Elizabeth II has had 23 wax portraits done and the museum is holding an exhibition of all of them at one including a recreation of her coronation crown and a dress made with 53,000 Swarovski crystals.

England

For a typically strange English tradition, check out the football on the river at Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.  It involves two teams playing football knee deep in the River Windrush with hundreds of spectators lining the river banks.  The event has happened every bank holiday for the last century – though no-one really knows why!

The Newlyn Fish Festival in Cornwall is a chance to sample some of the freshest and tastiest seafood straight from the boat.  The kids will love to see the catch come in and may find a new food favourite.  There are also cooking demonstrations and workshops as well as local craft stalls, live music and even a chance to get up close to one of the sea rescue helicopters.

Mathew Street Music Festival is known as the biggest festival of its kind in Europe and is free of charge.  Little known acts travel from 30 countries around the world to delight listeners as well as tribute brands from the Beatles to modern groups.

Don’t forget that hitting the beach is still a hugely popular choice for many kids.  From Brighton and Bournemouth up to Blackpool, England has some fantastic beaches and often there is more than just sand and sea on offer. Cornwall is known for its body boarding spots while many areas are near to wildlife reserves to combine children friendly activities for all the family.

Scotland & Northern Ireland

Another free festival can be found in Edinburgh with the Festival Fringe.  This is the biggest art festival in the world with everything from comedy and dance to theatre and live music on offer.  It only runs until the beginning of September so the Bank Holiday is a perfect time to catch it.

The Northern Ireland Hot Air Balloon Festival in Lisburn is the first of its kind in the country and will see 30 balloons take to the sky each morning and evening. There is also a Fire and Light show on the Saturday and Sunday evenings when music will accompany the balloons.  For the adults there are also some tasty food and drink stalls to check out including Armagh cider and speciality cheese.

Why not try the kids with a new, yet old, type of music and head to the Belfast City Blues Festival?  Taking place from 26th to 28th August, it is firmly established as one of the top Blues festivals in the country and this year will see top US blues player Sherman Roberts as well as local Willie Byrne and legendary Rab McCullagh performing.

Wales

Of all the Bank Holiday events to witness, the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells is perhaps the strangest. Competitors travel from around the world to dress up in snorkelling gear and fight their way up the muddy river to glory. Spectators are encouraged to come in fancy dress to add to the mad nature of the day and can even have a go at the sport if they bring their gear.

Cardiff Harbour Festival runs from 27-29th August and is the finale of the free Cardiff Festival that runs all summer. Listen to sea shanties while trying the very fresh seafood on offer as well as exploring the tall ships docked in the harbour. The British Fishcraft Championships are taking place as well as a display by the Breitling Wing Walkers, fairground rides and a fancy dress competition for the kids entertainment.

Ghost hunting is a popular pastime today and Raglan Castle is a great candidate for a resident spook.  The Haunted Histories tour operates on August 28th and takes in one of the finest late medieval fortresses in the country. The tour is definitely aimed at the kids with stories of the past and a few scares along the way.

If you like the water and a little bit of a challenge, why not try canoeing on the River Wye?  Han-on-Wye is the starting point where canoes can be hired, even strapping two together to make a family canoe. Then off downstream with Wales to the left and England to the right for a full day or half-day trip. When you get to the other end, enjoy a picnic and then get a lift back to your starting point as part of the package.

The shorter school holiday debate

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The six weeks’ holidays are an idea that dates back many generations. The root of it was that the children needed the time off school while their parents were harvesting their crops and they could help out around the land. But today, a tiny percent of kids would be involved in the family business in this way.  So has this holiday lost its appeal and should schools shorten the summer holidays?

The teacher’s view

One teacher, writing anonymously, voiced their opinion in favour of the shortening of school holiday because it would be a benefit to their students. They acknowledge that many of their colleagues would hate the idea and the trade unions may be against the concept but all of this pale against the benefits for the kids.

One of the main reasons that this teacher is against the length of the summer break is that kids in their school don’t actually like it. School brings structure and routine to their lives and for some, it offers a safe and secure place to be with food on offer.  This is of course the extreme of the viewpoint as many kids have a perfectly good structure when they are at home, but is a point to consider.

Kids often get bored during the holidays due to the length of time they are at home with little children’s entertainment.  This is when they start looking for other things to occupy themselves and end up getting into trouble.  If they were back at school earlier, this urge to do something naughty would be alleviated because they would be engaged in their studies once more.

Then there is the benefit for the teachers and their workload.  While it may seem they would have more to do with a shorter holiday, the reality would be that they spend a lot of time and effort dealing with the lost time of the summer holidays.  tudents fall behind during the holidays and a lot of work is needed when they return to get them back up to speed – by reducing the period of time they are holiday for, this effect would be reduced.

The cost of holidays view

One of the biggest complaints most parents have today is about the cost of going on holiday during the summer school break. Combine this with the new regulations that fine parents for taking kids out of school for a holiday and this means many families cannot afford their annual break, either abroad or even in this country.

Parents face an on-the-spot penalty of £60 per child issued by the school, which doubles if it is unpaid for more than three weeks.  Two or more unpaid fines can lead to parents being referred to the education welfare service for their local authority who then have the power to take them to court.  Here fines up to £2,500 can be issued and parents can even be jailed for up to three months.

In 2014, 16,430 people were prosecuted for taking their kids out of class during term, an increase of 25% on the previous years. And according to Ministry of Justice figures, three quarters of these were found guilty. In addition, over 9,000 fines were issued by the courts at an average bill of £172, an increase of nearly a third on the previous year while 18 jail sentences were handed out, compared with seven in 2013.

According to schools, good attendance is crucial to a child’s education and this is why they are taking such a hard line against absences without a valid reason. Yet the lack of flexibility in these rules is being criticised by a number of sources.

Traditional Sports day

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For as long as many of us can remember sports day has always resided at every school in the summer months showing off pupil’s talents at physical education. Parents, teachers and children alike congregate on a school field or local green patch for an afternoon of races and related fun. The concept of sports day has always been straight forward fun for all the family. However, when looking in to the event more closely the activity of sports day could in fact have other effects on the children which are not as welcoming as the element of fun. Looking at each aspect in turn we can learn the inside scoop of what sports day is really about.

The Children

Children love nothing more than to let off some steam by running around with their friends and having lots of fun. Running races and playing games can be seen as great fun from a child’s perspective. Boundless energy and no limitations of what people think of them make them great at enjoying themselves actively. Yet on the introduction of rules and competition are put in place the fun factor could be sufficiently reduced. The reduction in the key element of fun can leave children restless and a little unwilling to take part as it is not what they consider fun. On the flip side if managed properly the fun element can be stay intact and the children will be more cooperative in the races planned.

The Teachers

Along with the education side of schooling teachers are also obligated to encourage children to take part in physical education. P E lessons are part of the school curriculum and are compulsory to all pupils until later on in their education. Many children don’t enjoy these lessons so sports day is a good example of making sports fun. Organising novel races such as the egg and spoon race help children to forget about the fact they are taking part in physical education.

Competition in sports activities for kids can be taken either way in a discussion. First of all, not all children have the capability to be as sporty as others. Having asthma for example can limit the distance they can run substantially in a race either short or long distance. Therefore, instantly giving others an unfair advantage which isn’t the child’s fault. On the other side competition is healthy and can give children that extra little push that they need to win the race.

The Parents

Parents can be divided into 2 categories, pushy parents or proud parents.  Children’s sports day can mean different things to different families. The proud parents are supportive of their children and promote the thinking of doing the best that they can. Even though a child may not win the race the parent is full of pride that they did the best they could and praise them for it. Pushy parents are of the nature that their child is and will be the best no matter what. Whether it entails any praise or no praise at all the child must win the race at all costs.

Status of families can also be reflected in the competitions as pushy parents do not want other families seeing their child lose. Leaving a supposed image on the family. Although this aspect of parenting is frowned upon it is too commonly found in schools to be ignored.

Healthy Competition

Learning about competition can be very productive towards a child’s development. Knowing that other children may be better at some things than themselves can help children get the motivation they need to work harder. This motivation gives more satisfaction to get the job done. Many children strive to make their parents proud or at least to do it for themselves. With the support of families any and all hard work that goes in to the end result can be highly beneficial. Children pushing themselves to be all that they can be is a great start for methods which can be used much later in life to their advantage.

In it to win it or the taking part?

Once again this issue always comes to conflict between many different people. Some competitors are simply in the event to win it whereas others just want the opportunity to take part and have a go. On some occasions sports day can be seen as being too competitive although essentially it is put in place to aid a healthy development. Taking part in events is a positive experience on a child’s social development which is also key to their cognitive functions. Being able to be social with others is a skill most valued in a child’s upbringing. Though competition is essential to push motivation the taking part in the event counts both morally and physically.

Top attractions to take your children in the holidays

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There are some amazing attractions around the country ranging from historic buildings to zoo and gardens.  So if you are planning to visit somewhere this summer and have a little money in your pocket, where are the top paid visitor attractions around England?  Here we look at the top 10 for children’s entertainment and fun family days out.

Tower of London

The historic castle standing on the banks of the River Thames has been one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country for generations.  It stands within the Tower Hamlets borough of London and was originally founded in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest.  It is also home to the Crown Jewels, the queen’s famous collection of jewellery and gems.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is the Gothic abbey church within the City of Westminster and to the west of the Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament.  It is the traditional coronation and burial places of the British royalty.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and stands on Ludgate Hill, the highest part of the City of London.  It is dedicated to Paul the Apostle and the originally church was founded back in AD604.  The current building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 17th century in English Baroque style following the Great Fire of London.

Flamingo Land Theme Park & Zoo

Flamingo Land combines a theme park, zoo and resort near the village of Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire.  Major attractions include Hero, a suspended flying rollercoaster and Pterodactyl, a vertical swing.  In the zoo part are animals as diverse as camels, zebras, giraffes, parrots and meerkats.

Windermere Lake Cruises, Bowness

Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District and the Lake Cruises are a great way to see the most of it.  There are a range of cruises running from 45 minutes in length to three hours and even an all-day option.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is named as the best zoo in the UK and the 7th best in the world and is also one of the largest zoos in the country.  There are over 400 species to be seen and in excess of 12,000 animals so something for all tastes from cute and cuddly to creepy crawlies.  The zoo is the most visited wildlife attraction in Britain with over 1.4 million visitors every year.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is an international important botanic research and education institution.  Based in Kew, in Richmond-upon-Thames, the famous gardens have much to see but has a serious purpose as well.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is arguably the most recognisable prehistoric monument in the world and is found 8 miles north of Salisbury in Wiltshire.  The standing stones are part of a larger complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments including burial mounds and is believed to date from 3000BC onwards.

ZSL London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world and opened in 1828 to study animals.  Today there are some 800 species represented amongst the 19,000 animals who call the zoo home, meaning it is one of the largest collections in the UK.  It is separated across a number of special sections including the Gorilla Kingdom and the Rainforest Life.

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is the meeting place of both houses of the British parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.  It stands on the north bank of the River Thames in the City of Westminster, beside Westminster Abbey.  At one end is the iconic clock tower nicknamed Big Ben.

A guide to family surfing

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When someone starts talking about surfing, the mind turns to California or Hawaii with huge waves and plenty of sunshine.  But the truth is, here in the UK we have some excellent spots for a surfing family fun day out and the weather does cooperate sometimes – but even when it doesn’t this can be a good thing!

The Equipment – Boards and Wetsuits

The first and most crucial part of your surfing equipment is the surfboard.  There are three main types of board but only two of these are suitable for beginners.  Foam boards tend to be the most forgiving and are ideal to learn the basics such as standing up.  Most surfing experts will recommend a pop out board for beginners.  These are made from plastic and come in many shapes and sizes – when it comes to selecting your first one, make sure you go big.  The bigger the board, the more volume it has to help surfers stabilise so boards that are 8-9 feet for an adult beginner are ideal.  Smaller boards may look cool under the arm but are harder to paddle and there’s less chance you will catch a wave with one.

The wetsuit is the next crucial piece of equipment when surfing in UK waters if you want to retain feeling to your extremities.  Getting the correct fit of wetsuit is very important and seeking out a local supplier is the best bet – get expert advice to make sure you get the right wetsuit for everyone is the best idea and saves money as it ensures you get the right suit from the start.

Other important start up equipment includes a leash or leg rope is also useful to have as this attaches from the board to your ankle and means you don’t lose your board when you fall off.   Wax is also useful to have if you are aiming to spend any time on the board and ignore all those ideas that it goes on the bottom of the board to make it go faster.  The idea of wax is to go on the top of the board for traction.  Select a wax designed for cool or cold waters so that it responds correctly to the British seas.

Preparing to Surf – the Weather and the Tides

Once you have your equipment, then you are ready to surf, right?  Wrong because the next step is to understand a little about waves, wind and tides as well as selecting where is the right place to go and start.

All beaches have waves but some will be delicate and dainty and others will be huge and monstrous.  The weather has a big impact on the type of waves that hit the beach and a windy day might sound great but is better for kite flying than surfing.  Understanding the tide at the beach you have chosen will also help, particularly if there are areas of rocks that need to be avoided.  Most beaches will have signs on them with relevant information on it as well as on websites and the Met Office are always good for an idea on weather conditions.

When choosing a beach also factor in the safety aspect.  Look for beaches that have lifeguard cover in case anything goes wrong and even better, if there is a surf school based there you can either join in or at least know it is good spot to try out.  The RNLI also work hard keeping an eye on everyone in the water and their website lists all beaches that have their lifeguards on them.

Where can you learn to surf?

If you really aren’t certain that you or the kids will take to surfing, then getting a few surfing lessons can be a great option.  There are hundreds of surf schools around the country and most will include the basic equipment needed to start out so people don’t need to spend money on equipment until they have tried the sport.  Basic surfing skills can be learnt in as little as a day but a series of lessons will allow a fuller sense of the sport and let kids see if it is ‘the one’ for them.

If jumping into the sea to try out surfing is a little intimidating for anyone, then there are also a few indoor surf centres around located across the UK.  If you live in Wales or planning to visit Wales during the Summer Holidays you could consider the Cardiff International White Water centre, which has a special surf machine for complete beginners to try as well as experienced surfers to practise when the weather is bad. Indoor Surfing can also be carried out at the LC at Swansea.

Lake surfing is a modern creation and a great example is Surf Snowdonia, a fresh water lagoon the length of six football pitches with a two-metre-high barrelling wave running from the centre to the ends. A great place to learn to Surf if you are a little intimidated by the Sea!

Popular Surf Beaches

Whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales there are plenty of beaches where you can go Surfing. The most popular Surf Beaches are;

Longsands Bay, Tynemouth

Ideal for beginner to expert level, the best swell direction is coming from the northeast.  There are lifeguards on duty in summer and both lessons and board hire can be arranged at the beach.

Saltburn-on-Sea, North Yorkshire

Good for intermediates but also fine for beginners, the surf is generally fairly mellow either side of the pier and there are excellent reefs as well.

Newgale, Pembrokeshire

Fine for beginners but intermediate onwards only in big swells.  There is a surf shop on the beach offering equipment hire and lessons as well as daily surf reports and there are rarely crowd problems here.

Watergate Bay, Cornwall

Suitable for beginners through to experts, the beach has been created as a ‘ski resort on the beach’ with surfing just one of the lessons on offer.  It has been the premier water sports spot in Cornwall since the 1960s so can get a little crowded.

Pease Bay, Borders

Great for beginners and one of the new hotspots of surfing in Scotland.  There are good breaks and a lovely beach as well as challenges for more experienced surfing.  There is also a surf shop offering hire and lessons nearby.

Tips

There is a certain etiquette when surfing and it is important to learn this before starting on the waves to avoid offending anyone.  Many beaches will even post a list of what is expected from those using the beach and while they are mostly common sense, knowing who has right of way is a good one to get to know!

Unusual UK days out for the family

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A La Ronde

A La Ronde is a historic house with a difference – well a few of them actually.  The house is found near Lympstone in Devon and is now owned by the National Trust.  It was built in the 18th century for a pair of spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter and has sixteen sides to it.  It also has unusual diamond shaped windows and a shell gallery that contains nearly 25,000 shells collected by the two women across their lives.  There are also extensive gardens to explore that are grade II listed in their own right.

Brimham Rocks

One look at Brimham Rocks and you feel like you want to keep out of the way in case it falls off but being that the rock has been balanced there for a very long time, it is highly unlikely.  The rocks are found on Brimham Moor in north Yorkshire and were caused by the water and wind erosion to create strange and unlikely shapes.

Chislehurst Caves

Chislehurst Caves is a popular tourist attraction during the day, 22 miles of tunnel under the south-eastern suburbs of London.  While called caves they are manmade and parts date back as early as the 1250s.  For a family day out idea that’s a little different, there is now the chance to stay with night in the caves, said to be so haunted that only one person has managed to complete the challenge.  From druids to smugglers and murderers, the caves are filled with the spirits of the deceased and the challenge of staying with them for a night isn’t to be undertaken by those of a nervous disposition.

Creekside Discovery Centre

The Creekside Discovery Centre is located in one of the most famous beach combing spots in the UK, the Thames estuary.  It holds a variety of sights from wildlife to the remains that travel down the river from the urban areas such as London.  Each day when the tide goes out the area can be combed for interesting sights and for unusual walks.  The centre can provide waders, waterproofs and walking sticks to help enjoy the experience to the full.

Forbidden Corner

The Forbidden Corner is an attraction with a difference a short distance from Middleham in North Yorkshire.   The site is home to a unique labyrinth including chambers, tunnels and follies as well as plenty of surprises.  Brave the temple of the underworld or conquer the tricky paths around the massive glass pyramid while admiring the amazing statues that line the way to help and hinder.  The park started out as a fir tree wood back in 1979 with features being added over the years to make a fascinating and challenging place to visit.

Gnome Magic

The gnome has been the standard for garden decorations for generations but at Gnome Magic in Colchester, Essex, there are enough of them to enchant or spook even the hardiest garden.  In fact, there are 800 of the little characters dotted amongst the plants on the site to make for a walk in the park with a difference.  There is even a gnome painting facility as well as tea rooms to relax after the walk, or de-stress if all those little eyes were a bit too creepy!

Go swimming

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We all hear on a regular basis how good swimming is for us, how it is one of the best forms of exercise and we should all be swimming like fish whenever possible. And while many ‘healthy living’ ideas can be a bit over-emphasized, swimming definitely isn’t one of them. When you are talking about children swimming, these benefits are just the start – exercise is great, building confidence is brilliant and learning them a life skill is also crucial.

Preparing for swimming

For some babies, the age of around six months is reached, parents take them to the local leisure centre and they take to it like a duck to water (pun intended!) but for others the idea of going into the swimming pool isn’t well met. Toddlers in particularly are prone to fear of water than can manifest in the bath or shower and will come on in a big way at a swimming pool. But there are techniques that can be used from a young age to prepare kids for swimming.

Six months is the starting point because at this point they can normally sit up. Begin preparations by sitting them in a bathtub or a paddling pool so they get used to the feel of water around them. You can even dribble a little water from a sponge into their head and let the clean water trickle over their faces. This shows them there is nothing to fear in water around the face.

Showing them that water is fun is another good step and babies are great mimics. Putting your mouth in the water and blowing bubbles will make them laugh and encourage them to copy, though make sure they don’t suck instead of blow and end up with a mouthful of bathwater! Having toys in the bath is something most parents do automatically and this helps associate water with fun.

The best time to introduce your little kids to water is during a family swim session. It can be intimidating but if they see other kids in the water, this can help them overcome any instinctive ears. Sitting on the edge of the pool and dangling their feet in the water is a great first step. Hold them with a hand under the bottom and another around the back then ease them into the water, gently moving around with you in their line of sight at all times.

 

Swimming lessons

Formal swimming lessons are a popular choice for many parents today. These are particular popular if the parents themselves aren’t the most confident swimmers but want their children to be able to do better. Others find teaching their kids trying for one reason or another but find they listen better to a stranger, a ‘proper’ teacher.

Another idea is to do a little teaching yourself before beginning formal lessons so that they feel it is all fun and not another ‘school’. It is important to let them try things at their own pace and informal play sessions are often the best way, even for older kids. If being in the water is fun, then learning to swim is just a different type of fun.

Don’t worry about letting them use water aids either. Armbands, woggles, float pads and much more are all okay to use in most swimming pools and are a great way for kids to learn the physical skills of swimming without worrying about actually staying afloat. This helps them build up their confidence in the pool as well and they will often abandon the floats themselves without any prompting when they feel they no longer need them.

Swim inspiration

Because swimming is so good for kids, there are plenty of campaigns and programs to encourage parents to get their kids into the water. One example is the Speedo’s Learn to Swim Campaign, backed by former Olympic medallist Rebecca Adlington. It encourages parents to take photos of their kids in the water and submit them to the Facebook page to be in with a chance to win a pair of their swimming goggles.

Another program in place is the Help Children Get Safe campaign that encourages kids to have a good idea about what to do in an emergency around the pool. The aim is that they can go into the water, have great fun but be aware of the dangers and what to do if something unexpected happens. Leisure centres and swim clubs around the country are getting involved with a series of events and even special certificates being created to award to kids who get involved.

Take the kids to a working farm

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Whether you are from the town, city or a rural village, one of the most popular attractions to visit this year continues to be a working farm.  The combination of cute animals, recognisable farm residents and play features means there is something for kids of all ages, even if the best part is the donkey ride!  Here we look at some of the best around the country.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Bristol

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is a great combination of farm animals and exotic zoo animals with the added benefit of play areas for the kids and even the chance of taking up the keeper experiences.  It is notable for having the largest elephant habitat in the UK as well as primates, reptiles and birds.  There are also plenty of familiar farmyard animals including cattle, donkeys, goats, sheep and horses.

Folly Farm, Narbeth

Folly Farm has been voted the best family attraction in Wales a number of times and is a good balance of farmyard animals, exotic animals, adventure playgrounds and even some exhilarating rides.  It is found near Tenby in Pembrokeshire and has six different zones to explore.  There is also the only giraffe in Wales to see as well as vintage fairground rides for the younger visitors.

Warren Mill Farm, Cowbridge

Just outside the village of Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan is Warren Mills Farm.  The farm covers some 10 acres and is home to animals such as rare breed sheep, ponies, llamas and alpacas and even wallabies.  Cute guinea pigs are available for a cuddle and even Red Squirrels can be seen.  For those who like a spot of angling, there is also a fishery on the site.

Cefn Mably Farm Park, Cardiff

Cefn Mably Farm Park is just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Cardiff and is a great place to visit no matter what the weather.  As well as the farm animals to see there is a touch and hold area and a conservation area with ponds.  If the weather turns bad, there is 600 square feet of heated barn play area and another large undercover area as well.

Vauxhall City Farm, London

Finding a farm inside London is a little unusual but this is what is offered by the Vauxhall City Farm.  The farm offers a range of animals from the tiny mice to rabbits and geese right up to sheep, cows and even three alpacas called Tom, Ben and Jerry.  The farm is free to visit and works with local schools to help provide a glimpse of the countryside to city kids.

Bocketts Farm, Leatherhead

Bocketts Farm is near Leatherhead, Surrey and is a great combination of play areas and animals, both inside and outside to avoid weather problems.  Kids can watch a pig race, ride a pony or take a trip on the tractor as well as feeding many of the animals and have a cuddle with one of the cute rabbits.  The farm is a working farm so there are often baby animals to see as well while the play areas including two indoor play barns and a kids outdoor adventure trail.

Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham

The Cotswold children’s Farm Park is near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and has over 50 breeds of animal living within its boundaries.  These include cattle, goats, pigs, sheep and horses and also many rare breeds.  It is run by Adam Henson, famous for his work on the BBC’s Countryfile program.

Wellsfield Farm Park, Stirling

Just two miles from Stirling is Wellsfield Farm Park, offering animals and play area for kids of all ages, as well as those with special needs.  There are play areas for different ages and indoor ones as well as outdoors.  Kids can enjoy pony rides as well as a bird hide, mini beast zone and even a nature trail to spot some of the local wildlife in their natural environment.  After the animal spotting, there is also an assault course to use the last of their energy.

East Links Farm, Dunbar

East Links Farm is near Dunbar in East Lothian and allows kids to get up close with a number of different animals as well handling some in the small animal barn.  The farm has various paddocks to explore as well as a four level Fortress play area, go-karts and a ball blast arena.  Bigger kids can try the climbing wall while the little ones can make use of the soft play area and the pedal tractors.  There is also a train safari to tour the site and animals to see including cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, rhea and even wallabies.

Briarlands Farm, Stirling

Briarlands Farm is near Blair Drummond, Stirling and is a great outdoor attraction to occupy the kids.  There are plenty of chances to feed the animals that live on the farm as well as a toddler trike track and play frames as well as jumping pillows and even a tractor go kart area.  Bigger kids can try the zip wire and the mazes while there is a craft area for when the weather turns nasty.

Acorn Farm, Kirkby

Acorn Farm is near Kirkby, Merseyside and offers a great selection to see and do.  One of the most popular attractions is the small animal petting area, where kids can get close to a rabbit or guinea pig, hold a chick and even try milking one of the goats.  There are also horse rides available and seasonal events meaning that it isn’t just a summer visiting spot.

Swithens Farm, Leeds

Swithens Farm is near Leeds and combines a working farm and farm shops with a play barn.  Depending on the time of year, animals to see include pigs and piglets, cows and calves, rabbits, ducks and even two micro-pigs.  The play barn is great to run off energy and if the weather isn’t so great.

Church Farm, Stow Bardolph

Church Farm is a rare breeds centre working on restoring rare breeds of farm animals such as the Swiss Valais Blacknose Sheep and the Suffolk Punch horse.  There are also plenty of fun activities including pig racing and animal encounters such as feeding the young farm animals.

Sacrewell Farm, Peterborough

Sacrewell Farm is near Peterborough and combines beautiful countryside, a range of animals and a new state of the art play barn.  There are nature trails to follow where you may spot red kites and brown hares as well as famous Shire Horses that appeared in the film War Horse.  The farm also works on rare breeds of pigs, sheep and goats.