Tag: family

Where to visit Santa this year

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Rainforest Cafe.

Piccadilly Circus Underground Station, London

Create memories to last a lifetime and kick start the holiday season for all the family. Follow the magical elves as they take you on a journey deep into the heart of the rainforest where you will find Santa’s enchanting grotto.

This Magical Experience includes a Personalised Invitation from Santa, a warm welcome from his elves on arrival, a kids personalised meeting with Santa in his grotto, a Christmas gift and children’s 2-course meal and soft drink. All for just £45 per child.

 

Santa Arrives at Paradise Wildlife Park

Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

Fancy a spot of Christmas shopping? Join us exclusively on the 26th November and as we celebrate Santa’s arrival at the craft fayre, you can browse our festive stalls and purchase some lovely Christmas gifts! Entry included in general ticket price.

You can visit Santa every weekend from the 26th November and every day from the 17th December until Christmas Eve. We are very lucky here at Paradise as Santa is sparing two one-hour slots each day and in between this he is checking his Naughty or Nice list or making sure our reindeers are ready to fly this Christmas Eve.

 

Bird and Deer Park

Prinknash, Gloucestershire

The Bird Park at Prinknash has been listed by Huffington Post in 2015 as one of the Top 3 Attractions to visit Christmas lights in the UK, as well as The Sunday Telegraph nominating us in the Top 10 Rural Attractions to visit in the UK for Christmas.

You’ll be entertained during your visit by our costumed entertainers and Victorian musicians who will be making merry with joy, music and celebration. Your visit will begin with a four mile heritage train ride along our restored urban railway. Santa will then make a special visit to the train, giving out gifts to all those lucky kids on board.

Once you step off the train, head back into our warm and welcoming museum to receive your complimentary drinks and sweet treats! Don’t forget to stop by the museum during your visit, take part in the Christmas craft, see if you can find all of the mischievous elves and of course there are lots of engines to see inside as well.

 

A letter to Santa

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A letter to Santa is great fun for kids but if your little ones can’t write yet, there’s still plenty of decorating for them to get involved with. Here’s some ideas on how to decorate Royal Mail letters to Santa!

The best part about this straightforward DIY is you can make your Santa letters with supplies you already have in your craft cupboard (old wrapping paper cut into shapes, paints etc.) Or if you live close to town, we recommend Hobbycraft or Paperchase for picking up some cute Christmas stickers. This gets the kids involved in the process from start to finish by allowing them to choose what special decorations they’d like to use.

For the letter itself, you can use whatever paper you have kicking around – for example some bright festive green cards! Depending on your child’s age they can either write something out themselves or Mum/Dad can create the template. However, there are plenty of variations you can use depending on what your children would like to share with Father Christmas.

After decorating, you’ll need a large letter envelope to get everything packaged safely. Don’t forget to include a note with your child’s full name and address so that Santa can write back – kids always love opening and reading their letter from Santa! Another sweet final touch is to add a seal.

You’ll want to address your letters to the following:

Santa/Father Christmas,

Santa’s Grotto,

Reindeerland,

XM4 5HQ

Since Santa is obviously very busy at this time of year, remember to get your letter posted by Friday 8 December in order to receive a reply. You can read all the details here on The Royal Mail website. Happy Christmas crafting!

 

Holidays are coming

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It’s officially time to start talking about Christmas. The festive season is all about family, which starts with a classic Christmas day out. From the magic of snow to seeing the jolly man himself, here are some festive fun days out in the UK for you to add to your Christmas lists this year!

The Coca-Cola Truck Tour, nationwide

Nothing says Christmas like the iconic Coca-Cola truck, which is why the festive truck tour makes for the ideal Christmas day out! With 42 locations this year, you’ll have the chance to experience a winter wonderland setting whilst sipping on your favourite drink, plus you could even see your festive photo on the side of the truck. Prepare for this festive favourite to be seen everywhere – the holidays are coming after all!

Lee Valley Ice Centre, Greater London

Ice skating is always top of our list for a festive day out, but you don’t have to play the weather lottery thanks to Lee Valley Ice Centre. Open seven days a week (and all year round!), the international-sized ice rink has plenty of space for the whole family, whether you’re a figure-skating pro, or a little bit wobbly…

Piglets Adventure Farm, York

For a truly unforgettable Christmas day out, we love Piglets Adventure Farm! Book your flight on a magical sleigh ride, then arrive at Elf Airlines to see your name up in lights on the live departure board. Write a letter to Santa whilst you wait to board, before riding through the trees and twinkling lights to the Woodland Village. See Santa in his grotto, unlock Santa’s toyshop and see animals starring in the nativity scene – and there are lots more too! It promises to be a magical day out for the whole family, plus there are free mince pies for grown-ups too!

Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands

Head to Britain’s largest National Park this Christmas, for a Christmas day out with Santa, Rudolph and the rest of their reindeer friends! Daily trips run to visit the herd of reindeer who roam freely around Cairngorms National Park, and we hear they’re all really friendly and like to be hand fed! A truly magical way to see the majestic animals in natural surroundings, and with Santa checking into regularly to make sure they’re ready for the biggest job of the year, it’s a great family festive day out

Drusillas Park, East Sussex

There’s loads of festive fun at Drusillas Park this December, making it a great choice for a Christmas day out with the kids! Visit Santa’s Christmas Cottage where kids can tell him all about their list this year, then visit the Husky Cave, where visitors can come face to face with the cuddly canines. With Santa’s Reindeer and the spectacular Winter Wonderland Illuminations too, it’s a magical day out for the whole family.

Drayton’s Magical Christmas, Staffordshire

Drayton’s Magical Christmas is exactly that; magical fun for the whole family! The popular Thomas Land is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, with live shows, carols, light shows, festive food and of course, Father Christmas himself! Each day ends with a fabulous fireworks display, plus there’s a selection of Thomas Land rides open, along with the zoo and the 4D cinema, showing the fantastically festive Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas. Over at the Castle of Dreams, all children receive a free gift and there’s the fab Slide & Glide rink – lots of festive fun to celebrate the 10th year of Drayton’s Magical Christmas.

 

Get your skates on

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Ice skating is a perfect winter day out; the whole family can get involved and it helps everyone get into the festive spirit. With so many magical outdoor ice skating rinks, which one will you choose?

Natural History Museum, London

26th October – 7th January

Skate beneath frosted trees and fairy lights at the Natural History Museum, London. Head to the capital this Christmas and skate in front of a pretty impressive background. With skate aids for kids, plus a stunning tree to skate around, it’s the ideal place to kickstart that festive feeling.

 

M&D’s, Motherwell

18th November – 7th January

Skate at one of Scotland’s most well-known theme parks at M&D’s on Ice. Just because the roller coasters are closed it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. This is the perfect location if your kids get bored easily, as there is a great Santa’s grotto for you to visit. If you’re still looking for a Santa’s Grotto near you we’ve got you covered!

Best for: Those looking to tick off children’s Ice skating and Santa’s Grotto in one go.

 

Life Science Centre, Newcastle

11th November – 18th February

Feel alive at the Life Science Centre, Newcastle. Fly around on an ice rink beside a modern science museum for kids. The centre says there’s no need to book if you’re a group of ten and under, so make your way to the centre and put on a pair of boots. If you’re a regular skater you should make the most of the 10 skates for the price of 5 deal.

 

Bath On Ice, Royal Victoria Park

17th November – 2nd January

If you’re yet to find your feet on the ice, why not hire your own ice marshall at Royal Victoria Park? They will come at an extra cost, but it will be worth it when you see how happy your kids will be when they’ve finally cracked it. For a cheaper alternative skate aids are available too, and to make things even more exciting an extension was approved for this year, so the ice rink is bigger and better than ever before!

Best for: Those who skate more like Bambi than Torvill and Dean.

 

Royal Pavilion, Brighton

4th November – 14th January

Skate by the sea at the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink in Brighton. As well as an enormous ice rink for adults there is a smaller rink for the not-so-confident skaters. The outdoor ice rink has off-peak prices just after school time, so this will be perfect for those looking for an after school fun treat.

 

Get excited about Santa

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Why not make Christmas even more magical by taking your kids to see Santa. Here’s a round up of the best places for children to see Father Christmas in London this year.

1 Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

As well as enjoying the rides and Christmas markets at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, make sure you stop off in Santa Land.

The grotto isn’t ticketed and is run on a first-come-first-served basis so it’s a good idea to arrive early.

When: 17 November 2017 – 1 January 2018

2 Santa’s Grotto at Christmas in Leicester Square

Enjoy a story with Santa, meet the elves and receive a small gift from him in this magical Christmas grotto right in the heart of Leicester Square.

When: 11 November – 24 December 2017

3 Meet Santa at ZSL London Zoo

Why not combine a trip to London Zoo with a visit to see Santa.

Your kids can join in the arts and crafts with Mrs Claus and chat to the cheeky elves before meeting Santa and receiving a Christmas gift.

When: weekends from 9 December – 24 December 2017

 

 

4 Santa School at the Ragged School Museum

Take a trip to the Ministry of Christmas, Santa’s secret hideaway at The Ragged School Museum.

Not only can you help the Elves prepare for Christmas, your kids can also meet Father Christmas.

When: 25 November – 24 December 2017

 

 

5 Father Christmas Adventure at Sutton House

Meet Santa in his picturesque grotto by a cosy fire at Sutton House.

Your kids can also enjoy magical stories of his adventures around the world before receiving an early Christmas gift.

When: 25 November – 17 December 2017

 

 

6 Meet Santa at the WWT London Wetland Centre

Jump aboard a thrilling husky sleigh ride to Santa’s grotto at the WWT London Wetland Centre.

Your kids can also help Santa’s elves in their workshop and make a small Christmas gift to take home.

When: 2 December – 3 December 2017

 

 

7 Victorian Santa’s Grotto at Museum of London Docklands

Take a trip back in time and meet Santa in a Victorian setting at the Museum of London Docklands this Christmas.

Transformed with festive decorations, you can also listen to Christmas carols in the Sailortown Gallery before meeting Santa.

When: 2 December – 23 December 2017

8 Sail with Santa on the Thames

All aboard for a festive Santa Cruise on the River Thames this Christmas.

You’ll board at Tower Pier before enjoying mince pies and cookies on the boat … and meeting Santa.

When: 2 December – 23 December 2017

9 Father Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall has been transformed into a festive wonderland this Christmas.

Your kids can go on an immersive and interactive journey with some magical characters before meeting Santa.

When: 5 December – 24 December 2017

 

 

10 Christmas at Kew Gardens

Don’t miss the North Pole village at Kew Gardens where your kids can meet Santa within this beautiful botanical winter wonderland.

When: 22 November 2017 – 1 January 2018

 

Messing about on the river

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Here’s a selection of boat trips across the UK for your budding little pirates!

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire

There’s so much to see and do at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with indoor and outdoor activities for children and the whole family. Learn about the Royal Navy as it is today and get an insight into what the future holds. Step on board historic ships that changed the world such as HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860. Don’t miss the new‐look Mary Rose museum, which gives insight into Tudor life!.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool

Come and see the Fighting Ships, what life was like on board HMS Trincomalee and so much more at this authentically-created historic quayside of the 1800s! Your kids can jump aboard the children’s activities like the play ship for their own seafaring adventures and explore the Children’s Maritime Adventure Centre!

Windermere Lake Cruise

Come and take a cruise on England’s largest lake! Lasting from between 45 minutes to 3 hours, these trips are sure to please everyone in the family! Enjoy trips all around the lake with a Freedom of the Lake ticket, or join one of the evening cruises where kids get to watch the sunset, you can even get a ticket which combines some of the attractions around the lake.

Circular Cruise, London

Hop onboard and marvel at some of the capital’s amazing landmarks! With a live audio commentary along the way, you’re sure to learn some fascinating facts too! You’ll cruise along the River Thames, hop on at either Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier or St Katharine’s Pier.

Thames River Services, London

Take the family on a fantastic return cruise to and from many piers located on the River Thames. Some of the fantastic landmarks you are likely to see include Cutty Sark, The O2 Arena, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The London Eye, Big Ben, The Shard and plenty more! Each landmark is truly beautiful and has a unique historical story to tell.

City Cruises, London

Enjoy a fabulous all-day hop on, hop off cruise along the River Thames London offering you unlimited access to the majestic River Thames for 24 hours. You have the freedom to hop off and enjoy some sites and then hop back on at a time convenient to you to continue your cruise, making this is a fantastic family day out to see some of the Capital’s most iconic sites and learn a little bit of history too!

 

Nature loving kids

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We are sure to these places will please your little nature lovers!

Waterfall Country, Brecon Beacons National Park

Nestled in the southern slopes of the Fforest Fawr massif, west of Merthyr Tydfil, the Waterfall Country is one of the most beautiful spots in the Brecon Beacons National Park! You’ll see steep, tree-lined gorges and lots of splashing water! It also contains two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, which include oak and ash trees and over 200 species of mosses, liverworts and ferns!

Cotter Force, North Yorkshire

Explore this lovely secluded waterfall in its beautiful woodland setting! It is a series of about half a dozen waterfalls, with the largest single drop being about 1.5m. The perfect tranquil day out!

Janet’s Foss, North Yorkshire

Try your hand at this popular walk, starting at Malham Village and ending at the magical waterfall at Janet’s Foss. You’ll encounter flagged paths through fields before making your way through the woodland on rough and rocky tracks!

Hardraw Force, Hawdraw, Yorkshire

Hardraw Force is home to England’s largest single drop waterfall with a reputed 100 foot drop! Set within the grounds of the historic Green Dragon Inn, little explorers are sure to be amazed at what this fascinating site has to offer.

Lydford Gorge, Okehampton

The White Lady Waterfall offers breathtaking views… and is a great family photo opportunity! The water runs down the gorge’s face like a stream of silk, inspiring theories around its name. It’s also super beneficial to surrounding wildlife too, with the wind and spray providing a rainforest-like environment for lots of fascinating plant life to form!

Mottisfont Abbey & Garden, Romsey, Hampshire

Surrounded by picturesque riverside gardens, this historic house is full of beauty from paintings, photographs and interior design. The gardens provide seasonal delights throughout the year, with spring offering an amazing blue carpet of ‘Glory of the snow’. There’s also a lovely Wild Play area for kids and great trails to follow!

Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, Wales

This enchanting waterfall in the Berwyn Mountains is the highest waterfall in the UK! With water plummeting 240 ft from top to bottom, it’s no wonder many visitors return again and again!

Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall, Neath, Wales

Come and discover two fascinating attractions in one place! Set in a steep gorge, see how the water-powered tin worked and how the now giant water wheel is used to generate electricity. The kids can pick up a tracker pack which is stuffed full of children’s activities for them to complete as they make their way around! The Old Schoolhouse is now a great little tea room where you can feed the kids with light bites and treats.

 

Bank Holiday ideas

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One of the top times for the family to do something together is a Bank Holiday.  Many parents are on holiday or at least a day off.  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? Heres some children’s entertainment ideas to make it fun.

London

Madame Tussauds is one of the most famous waxworks museums in the world . 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.

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.

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 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

Ghost hunting is a popular pastime today and Raglan Castle is a great candidate for a resident spook.  The Haunted Histories tour 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.

 

Free attractions for kids

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Sometimes the holidays can be a very expensive undertaking for families and cash can be a bit strapped. But the good news is that this doesn’t mean you are stuck in the house because there are hundreds of fantastic fun free attractions and fun activities for kids around the country for some great days out.

British Museum

The British Museum is located in the Bloomsbury area of London and has over 8 million works from all around the world and from the earliest periods of history. It first opened in 1759 and covers human history, art and culture.

National Gallery

The National Gallery is in Trafalgar Square in London and has over 2,300 paintings from as early as the 13th century within its collection. Some of the most important pieces on show include the Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is Britain’s national modern art gallery, based in Bankside in London.  It is a former power station that holds art dating from 1900 to modern times.  As well as permanent exhibits, the gallery also has changing temporary exhibitions.

Natural History Museum

The National History Museum, London, is concerned with the history of life on earth and has over 80 million items from botany, mineralogy and zoology.  It is also a centre specialising in identification and conversation and even has items collected by Charles Darwin.

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier opened in 1899 and has recently undergone major refurbishment to make it once more a top free attraction.  There are rides and attractions as well as eating places and even its own radio station so something for all ages.

Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum is the largest museum of decorative arts and design in the world with a permanent collection of over 4 million items.  It was founded in 1852 and named for Queen Victoria and her consort, Albert and is based in the Brompton district of London.

Science Museum

The Science Museum is found on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, London and has a collection of over 300,000 items ranging from the oldest steam locomotive to the first jet engine and the first typewriter.  It also has a special medical exhibit on the fourth floor.

 

Free kids days out in Liverpool

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If you’re looking for some fab (and free!) days out in Liverpool, look no further! We’ve pulled together this handy list full of great attractions and activities that all of the family will love, whether you’ve got a budding artist, little bookworm or explorers in town.

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Merseyside Maritime Museum is a fantastic day out with the family! Here you’ll find a fascinating array of different exhibitions displaying Liverpool’s maritime history. There will always be lots to see and do as they regularly have activities and workshops for children and families. There’s also a ‘Sea Urchins’ play area for kids under the age of 8!

The World Museum

The World Museum has world-class shows and displays, including the Planetarium and Aquarium to the fascinating Clore Natural History Centre. You will find lots of exciting objects including Egyptian mummies, Samurai armour, casts of dinosaur bones, meteorites and many more treasures. Throughout the year they have many family events and many different temporary exhibitions so keep an eye on their regularly updated calendar!

Tate Liverpool

Tate Liverpool has many exhibitions displaying various artists and their work. There is a lot to offer visiting families, including events and workshops! You can make your way around the gallery at your own pace and start wherever you want.

Sefton Park

This beautiful park has some great facilities for all of the family to enjoy. There’s lots to explore, including the Grade 2 listed Palm House, fountain, grotto, boating lake, fairy glen and lots more! There’s a playground for the children to let off some steam and plenty of walkways ready to be explored.

Liverpool Central Library

This imposing historic building has been thoroughly modernised and is a fantastic place to bring the family! There is a children’s room where you will find brightly coloured interiors with lots of books and hidey holes. There are excellent facilities including an Xbox 360, computers, iPads and lots more.