Tag: family

Amazing Museums

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There are loads of mind-bending UK museums just waiting to be explored, with all sorts to expand little minds. Think living museums. Check out some best museums in the UK for kids and plan your next educational outing, rainy or otherwise.

National Space Centre, Leicestershire

Suit up and step into the unknown, at the National Space Centre, which has one of the best planetariums in the UK. Six interactive galleries take you on a quest through the museum’s lunar base, past alien autopsies (eek!) and on a wild ride into the solar system aboard 3D simulators. Your mission will then lead you right up to the iconic rocket tower; at 42m high, it’s a spectacle and houses actual spacecrafts and moon rock, as well as the Apollo Lunar Lander. It’s the perfect day out for anyone who ever dreamt of becoming an astronaut.

Best for: Watching a 360º show in Sir Patrick Moore’s Planetarium – one of the largest in the UK!

The Story Museum, Oxfordshire

Bookworms are always welcome at The Story Museum. This hidden gem is home to literature’s most beloved characters, and their worlds are recreated in incredible detail. Drop down a rabbit hole and take a seat at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, or push through the back of the wardrobe and into the snowy woods of Narnia. Kids can even dress up, choose a crazy title and take their rightful place on a gilded throne. If you’ve ever had trouble getting your kids to pick up a book, this UK museum is the ultimate antidote.

Best for: Dressing up! The red carpet and throne really let kids play the part.

Roman Baths and Museum, Somerset

Bathtime with kids can be a challenge, but not at the Roman Baths and Museum! They’ll be desperate for a dunk when they see what their ancestors built with a grand temple and bathing complex, as well as natural springs and freezing plunge pools. While you won’t actually get in, Roman characters will guide you around the museum with insider tales of this ancient spot. Just don’t miss one of the amazing reconstructions where life way back when is recreated with projections, CGI and soundscapes.

Best for: Making history lessons fun – little centurions will love this slice of the ancient world.

Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands

Time travel is real – almost – at the Black Country Living Museum. This living museum opens a door to the last century of industrial history with proper period shops and costumed characters, a smithy, and even an old-timey fairground. You could hitch a ride on a vintage tram or take part in Edwardian school lessons – that is before tucking into a portion of 1930s fish and chips. Live demonstrations and the fact that this is one of the largest open-air museums in the UK make it totally immersive.

Best for: Costumed characters: the resident cast do a fantastic job.

York’s Chocolate Story, North Yorkshire

One word: chocolate! With the promise of interactive confectionary making, guided tours and plenty of samples, who could resist a visit to York’s Chocolate Story? It brings a whole new twist to your typical museum with tasty treats in place of fossils and parchment. In fact, the city of York was built on the sweet stuff so you’ll learn all about its 300-year history and how it’s made, while saving time for a family fondue at the end of your visit.

Best for: Tucking into the exhibits! Chocoholics will be very happy.

On your bike

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Is there really anything better than exploring somewhere new, jumping on your bike and going where the path takes you? Summer will soon be here and if your looking for a free, healthy and fun way to enjoy time together as a family than why not give cycling a go. Even if your child is still using stabilisers or has only recently learn to ride without them there are plenty of places to explore on two wheels.

Here are 5 bike routes are perfect for all abilities from very young to very old. Also you don’t have to do the whole distance you can just do a short part of it and make sure to pack a few snacks, sunscreen and lots of water even if you are planning to go in the cooler months.

  1. Two Palaces Ride, London, 2 miles

Starting at Green Park and following through Hyde Park finishing at Kensington Palace this lovely gentle family friendly bike ride takes in two of the Royal Parks in London and offering you up a less stressful perspective on sightseeing in the capital. There is also places to hire bikes at either end from Boris Bike hire which makes is a great alternative family days out.

  1. Two Tunnels Greenway, Somerset, 5 miles

Start at the Hope and Anchor Pub in Midford and finish in Bath City Centre. This is a very new cycle route and is mostly traffic-free (with the odd quiet on-road sections) and flat making is a great choice for an active family adventure. The two tunnels you pass through, with the Combe Down tunnel being the longest walking and cycling tunnel in the UK, are real highlights.

  1. Keswick Railway Path, 6 miles

Start and end at Keswick leisure centre. This old discontinued railway line has been turned into a relatively flat and mobility friendly path and circular cycle route which takes in some stunning scenery and surroundings of the Lake District National Park. This traffic-free path crosses and re-crossed the river Greta then winds its way through woodland. Just bear in mind this is also a walking path so cycling is encourage you must give way to walkers.

  1. Camel Trail, Cornwall, 12 miles

Starting at Bodmin and ending at Padstow. One of the most popular family traffic-free routes and it’s easy to see why when you get to enjoy all of that Cornish countryside. Also there are some well placed picnic points along the way as well as bird hides where you can hopefully spot a few oystercatchers and kingfishers. The ending is equally spectacular as you ride into the picturesque fishing port of Padstow. You can also make this route shorter and more manageable for kids but starting at Wadebridge and finishing at Padstow making it 5.5miles instead of 12.

  1. Swansea Bike Path, 6 miles

Start at Swansea Marina and end in the Mumbles. If you head out on a sunny day you will really be in for a treat on this traffic-free route that follows the wide curving sweep across Swansea bay with views across Mumbled Head and the Gower Peninsula. Running along the line of the old Mumble tramway this easy and well tarmac route is perfect for young and old, plus there are lots of cafes and picnic benches along the way, as well as ice-cream stands to help cool you down.

Bluebell walks

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The great thing about bluebell walks is that you never have to travel far to find them. With bluebells blooming all over the UK, we reveal some favourite bluebell walks . So add a spring walk to your to-do list, and check out some of these tried and tested family fun beautiful bluebell walks:

Tilford Woods, Surrey

Nestled within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the enchanting woodland area is the perfect place to find bluebells each spring.

Cowleaze Wood, Oxfordshire

Cowleaze Wood is set high in the Chiltern Hills with amazing views over the surrounding countryside. The bluebells bloom each spring, making the carpet like display a must-see!

Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Next to the River Wye, this charming ancient woodland gets the thumbs up from us. With plenty of walks to explore, there are lots of opportunities to find stunning bluebell displays!

Buckland Abbey, Devon

This ancient gem is the perfect place for discovery, tranquillity and history – not forgetting bluebells! Head to the Great North Wood to see the stunning display.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

The appropriately named Bluebell Wood is unsurprisingly one of the most popular bluebell sites in the UK. With millions of bulbs growing closely together in one wood, it creates one of nature’s most stunning displays.

Clent Hills, West Midlands

Escape the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre, by heading a short 10-miles to Clent Hills. Known and loved by dog-walkers, it’s also a great place to find bluebells. One of the best spots is in the valley behind the Four Stones, where the sides of the valley are covered in bluebells.

Coughton Court, Warwickshire

Head to the gardens of this striking Tudor house to discover a sea of bluebells. Take a gentle walk to the best spot in Timm’s Wood!

Coed Cefn, Crickhowell

This Woodland Trust wood comes highly recommended by Emma Meredith, looking over the beautiful town of Crickhowell in Powys South Wales

Plas yn Rhiw, Gwynedd

With a different colour each season, spring is definitely about the bluebells at this Welsh manor house. The parkland around the property is home to a stunning bluebell display each year.

Coed y Bwnydd, Monmouthshire

As the largest, and possibly best-preserved, Iron Age hill fort in Monmouthshire, Coed-y-Bwnydd is the perfect place to see the fields and woods that surround the fort. The National Trust property comes alive with a sea of blue each spring, as bluebells are joined by primroses, orchids and red campion for a spectacularly colourful display.  

May half term for kids

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We’ve got a guide to the May half term dates for schools throughout the UK as well as some ideas of things to do with the kids in the May half term.

When is May half term?

Half term falls in the middle of May but it really depends on the school. The information below gives the outlying dates for each country with the week half term falling between them. Each school can vary though so be sure to get in touch with yours to get the exact holiday dates.

England

28th May – 1st June

Scotland

7th – 25th May

Wales

28th May – 1st June

Northern Ireland

7th- 25th May

Top May half term activities and days out

So that’s the school holiday dates sorted but what children’s activities can you look forward to? May is pretty much the beginning of British summer and the perfect time to dip your toes in – literally with a trip to a lido! Lidos (public open-air swimming pools, for anyone who isn’t sure) are a classic national day out and tonnes of splashtacular fun.

If your kids don’t fancy getting wet, why not take a walk on the wild side instead? Zoos and conservation centres are an easy way to keep brainboxes busy over the week away from school and with the weather warming up, all the animals should be out and ready to strike a pose.

Top things to do and places to go in May Half Term

Here are a few fun ideas for fearless fun in May:

Yorkshire Wildlife Park – Make like explorers and see who you can spot on a day out at the wildlife park in Doncaster. The park is home to the only polar bears in Britain – they’re called Victor, Pixel, Nissan and Nobby and are really rather cute.

Treasure Trails – are a great way to explore somewhere totally new or even see your hometown in a different light. Get your magnifying glasses out of storage and uncover all those nooks and crannies you wouldn’t usually notice with these guided scavenger hunts packed with clues to unravel.

Hathersage Open Air Heated Pool – We told you lidos were a classic way to go at this time of year, so pay a visit to one of the originals, which opened way back in 1936!

Your kids may love horses or have never ridden one before in their life; either way, the team at Cannock Chase Horse Trekking will have them galloping around in no time.

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm Don’t forget that essential dose of weird this May half term. The Bug Farm is the last word on the subject with bug handling sessions and an edible insect cafe.

Making the most of family weekends

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If you are at work all week, the main problem with weekends is that you use them to catch up on all your household chores, life ends up getting in the way and that 48-hour window just passes by in a blur of washing and cleaning.

But, with a bit of planning, you can take back control of your weekends for some good old family fun.

Doing at least one fun activity together as a family can bring you closer, whether it be playing a board game indoors on a rainy day, jumping in the biggest, muddiest puddle you can find or taking a walk through the forest or along the beach.

Round the kids up and get them helping out with the chores, with the promise of some outdoor fun when you have finished. Give the kids a duster and the vacuum cleaner and make them enjoy your least favourite job – pairing socks!!

Once you have finished it is time to get out and have some fun…

So get out and have a fun family outdoor adventure and if it’s Autumn there’s nothing more better than crunching through fallen leaves and hunting for conkers that have fallen from a giant  tree.

If it’s that time of year give the kids a plastic tub and get picking, promising them the chance to make and eat a scrummy blackberry and apple crumble with lashings of custard as a reward when you get home.

Why not marvel at the spectacle of green leaves turning rich reds and yellows, making it the perfect time to be out and about with a camera. Let the kids get behind the lens or take some fun videos of them throwing leaves into the air or rolling down a really big hill.

The gardens and colours at National Trust sites are at their best in the autumn season and they also run activities to keep the kids interested. Autumn is also the perfect time to visit the beach, which we avoid like the plague in the summer as it is far too busy, but often get lovely warm weather in September and are always surprised by how quiet the beaches are.  If there is a nip in the air, take your bike or scooter for a ride along the promenade instead.

Holes-in-one fun

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Ready for the challenge and wondering where the best mini golf near you is located? We’ve teed up some of the best mini golf courses in the UK, so all that’s left to do is grab a club and set off in search of that elusive hole-in-one…

Congo River Crazy Golf, Leicester

Giving a little taste of the sunshine state, this Florida-style adventure golf course is the ultimate in family fun. Putt your way through Congo River Crazy Golf 18 outdoor holes, navigating tunnels, inclines and even a broken-down plane – how close can you get to par? With no need to book in advance, it’s the ideal spontaneous family fun day out in the East Midlands. This mini golf course is indoors, like many others on the list, which makes it a good day out when the weather isn’t great – it’s a good choice for winter school breaks.

Best for:

Last-minute family fun

Paradise Island, Manchester

There’s much more than just shopping at intu Trafford Centre, including two tropical adventure golf courses! Choose the Tiki Hut Trail or Temple Runs Adventure course, or combine both for a whopping 36-hole adventure, all under one roof. With two levels of paradise-themed golf fun, this is sure to bring out your competitive edge!

Best for: When 18 crazy golf holes just aren’t enough…

Dinosaur Safari, Barnet

Setting the scene for adventure in North London, you’ll find this crazy dinosaur golf course under the watchful eye of nine prehistoric dinosaurs! Compete for glory around the 18-hole outdoor course for adventure golf with plenty of bite, but be sure not to blame the roaring dinosaurs for any wayward putts…

Best for:

Dinosaur loving little uns

Birmingham Mini Golf, Birmingham

Found within the popular Cannon Hill Park in Moseley, Golden Putter Mini Golf is filled with putting islands, bridges and wild waterfalls to put you to the test. Choose from 18 or 36 outdoor holes and see if you can make it on to their ultimate leaderboard. After, make sure you check out the rest of the park too!

Best for: A jam-packed day out

The Lost City, Nottingham

Delve into the deepest rainforest to uncover the Lost City Adventure Golf, home to two 18-hole indoor courses designed to put you to the test. Follow the Temple Trail where you can try and get a hole in one at Stone Face Rock, spot lucky parrots and slither past the 23 ft long snake, all aiming to reach the Temple. Intrepid explorers should opt for the Sacred Skull course, navigating alligators, Bengal Tigers and dragons, before tackling the challenging 17th and 18th holes.

Best for: The bravest of little explorers

Perfect Planetariums

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Get ready to reach for the stars, as we share the eight best fun planetariums in the UK. Great family days out. Which one will you be heading to first?

Winchester Science Centre

Lie back and enjoy the 360° show taking place right above your head, as the huge domed screen at Winchester Science Centre places you right in the heart of the action. There are both pre-recorded films and live presenter-led shows each day, where you can be completely immersed in a wide range of topics, from blasting off into space, to tours of the night sky. With plenty more to explore too, and lots of hands-on activities, this is a great day out for the whole family!

National Space Centre, Leicester

Your journey into space starts here, as the National Space Centre in Leicester is home to six interactive galleries, the iconic Rocket Tower and the UK’s largest planetarium! In the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, named after the prominent astronomer, journey through time and space in We Are Stars, or take a Tour of the Night Sky, all from the comfort of your seat! This award-winning attraction also regularly hosts some exciting events, so be sure to check those out for your visit

Planetarium at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London

Pay a visit to the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the prime meridian of the world, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich! Stand on the iconic meridian line with one foot in the west and one in the east, marvel at the seventh biggest telescope in the world and see the clocks that changed the world, all before taking a tour of the universe from London’s only planetarium. With a range of shows for the whole family, fly into the heart of the sun, see the birth of a star or land on Mars in the impressive dome.

Thinktank, Birmingham

You’ll need your thinking caps on for a visit to Thinktank, Birmingham’s science museum. Guaranteed to have your brain buzzing with curiosity across 200 hands-on displays, don’t miss the planetarium on Level 3 for just £1.50 on top of your ticket price. With a range of shows and special events throughout the year, it’s a great way to see the magic of space from here in the UK.

Armagh Planetarium, County Armagh, Northern Ireland

Pay a visit to Ireland’s leading centre for astronomical education and uncover a whole host of space secrets at Armagh Planetarium. Learn about the cosmos through interactive displays and catch up with the latest space news in real time, plus design, build and launch your own rocket in the exciting crafts zone. With lots of shows suitable for family audiences, as well as some with age restrictions, the digital theatre is the ultimate planetarium experience.

We The Curious (formerly At-Bristol), Bristol

Curiosity is key at this recently relaunched attraction, which is also home to the UK’s first 3D planetarium. Experience what it’s like to have planets, stars and galaxies all within reach at We The Curious, as you sit back and enjoy this stunning immersive experience. Elsewhere in the attraction, let your curiosity run free through a range of fun and hands-on displays, it’s the perfect family escape.

Easter Adventure Quests

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Forget hunting for chocolate, valiant adventurers at English Heritage sites this Easter will be searching high and low for legendary dragon eggs, which could make this the most dangerous Easter egg hunt in 2018. Hatch your plan and crack the clues alongside intrepid characters from the past. Victorious kids can claim their chocolate reward too, providing a perfect Easter fun adventure for great family days out.

The World of Beatrix Potter, Cumbria

Hop to it this Easter, with a mini egg hunt in the Peter Rabbit Garden at The World of Beatrix Potter. On 1st and 2nd April, kids will be able to explore the themed garden in search of treats, with chocolate and stickers ready and waiting to be won. Plus, it’s a great place to explore the character behind the egg-citing new film!

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

What better way to explore the stunning house and gardens of Hampton Court Palace, than in search of some very special Easter bunnies? Kids will need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed to find all the hidden Lindt gold bunnies, which have made the palace their home from 26th March to 15th Find them all and claim your extremely tasty Lindt chocolate treat (good luck getting them to share…)

Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Step right up for a ride on the Easter Eggspress and get ready to put all your eggs in one basket, as Easter fun comes to Chatsworth House. The popular egg hunts will have kids exploring every corner of the estate, whilst the Eggspress trailer rides are a great way to see even more. Taking place from 24th March – 8th April, there’s loads more Easter activities to try too.

Stockeld Park, West Yorkshire

Head to the home of adventure and become an Easter Eggsplorer at Stockeld Park! Using your special event map, all the eggs on the hunt are in the form of a famous explorer from the past, making this so much more than just a hunt for chocolate. The egg-stra special adventure is perfect for the holidays, and be sure to keep a look out for giant character eggs, including a Humpty and a Pirate Chief!

Go karting for the whole family

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Whilst kids aged 8+ can go-kart at loads of tracks all over the UK, we’ve found some for even the smallest of drivers, making it a great family day out.

Pop on your helmet, slide on your racing gloves, and zoom into a day out that’s perfect for adrenaline-fuelled kids.

Lakeside Karting, Essex

If you’re new to go karting then Lakeside Karting in Essex is a great place to start. Your kids can test out the course at their own speed, but as they begin to pick up confidence they can try to beat the clock. Kids as young as three can drive here, as there is a special electric karting session that’s a great way to introduce your little one to the track. It’s way more than just a merry-go-round, these go-karts travel at 5mph with an on/off pedal that can be controlled by the little driver and space for an adult to sit behind (just in case assistance is needed).

Best for: Newcomers looking to test out go-karting for the first time – this is possibly the only place for go karting in the UK where three year olds can get involved. Age 3+

Parkwood Karting, Sheffield

Dart across a 470 metre track of challenging corners and sizzling straights at Parkwood Karting, Sheffield. This outdoor go karting track for children over the age of eight is a great place to book in some family-first time. You can have the track all to yourselves and discover who’s the fastest driver. Will it be the parents, or the kids?

Best for: Speeding around on an exclusive track with your family. Age 8+

TeamSport Indoor Karting, Cardiff

It’s a race to the finish at TeamSport Indoor Karting, Cardiff. Kids can drive specially designed Cadet Karts and see if they can beat the all time fastest lap. If parents are looking for a spin then consider Family Karting Madness; a go karting package where you can race against your kids and then munch on scrummy pizzas together. Fun for all the family!

Best for: For mini-racers who will need a food and drink pit stop. Age 8+

If you’re not based in Cardiff, don’t worry, as you can still visit a TeamSport go karting track! They have 24 venues across the UK Herefordshire Raceway, Herefordshire Lose track of time at Herefordshire Raceway. Speed around on an outdoor race course with an enormous 600 metre go karting track. Why not zoom through the stunning Herefordshire countryside and enjoy a day out for both yourself and your kids? You can arrive and drive at this raceway, but as it’s super popular they advise that you book in advance.

Best for: Those looking to get away from the city. Age 8+

The Race Club Karting, Northamptonshire

Have a great day from start to finish at The Race Club Karting, Northamptonshire. Kids aged eight and above can hop into a 120cc Sodi go-kart, a less powerful kart that’s safe, secure and fun. There’s a special Dads, Lads & Lassies package (mum’s are welcome too!) that’s great for parents looking to join in with the action.

Best for: Sorting out a special birthday treat for your kid. Age 8+

Daytona Karting, Manchester

Get moving at Daytona Karting in Manchester. Five to seven year olds can hop into a training kart and learn from experienced supervisors. During the school holidays, older kids, who have already tested the sport out on the arrive and drive session, can join the Daytona Driving School and learn how to become a go karting champion!

Best for: Pretending you’re a NASCAR racer on the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, while you’re really go karting in the UK. Age 8+

Wessex Raceway Indoor Karting,

Wiltshire Wessex Raceway Indoor Karting in Wiltshire is one of the best go karting tracks to visit if your kid wants to be a professional racer. All kids, eight and above, are taught using regulation go-karts under expert supervision. They’ll learn how to follow the correct racing lines, come into turns at the best possible angle, and most importantly, how to beat the parents!

Best for: Wannabe racers looking to learn how to race professionally. Age 8+

Try a trip to Bristol

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Home of Wallace and Gromit, hot air balloon fiestas and the place where Ribena was supposedly invented, Bristol is one of the UK’s most-loved cities. Named the best place to live in the UK in 2017, it’s award-winning mix of culture, community spirit and redevelopment means there’s plenty to discover, even for the smallest of explorers.

Bristol Aquarium

On one of Bristol’s many rainy days, Bristol Aquarium is a great destination for all the family and great entertainment for children of all ages. Children will enjoy spotting the fish they know such as Nemo (clown fish) as well as learning about new ones and conservation. Keep a look out for the giant octopus!

We the Curious

We The Curious is a fantastic fun day out filled with numerous science exhibits that will have those curious kids asking all sorts of questions. Fortunately, the Science Team are there to help. It also has the UK’s only 3D planetarium, which toddlers will love!

SS Great Britain

Our kids love exploring below deck on the various levels and seeing the displays of how the passengers lived on the ship. And if it is a sunny day there is nowhere better to enjoy it than up on the deck, which also has some great views across to Clifton. The tickets also allow unlimited visits for a year, so it can work out as great value if you live locally!

Ferry Ride

Little ones will really enjoy a tour of the harbour on one of the ferry boats, thanks to Bristol Ferry Boat Co. What better way to see the sights? You may even see an otter!

The Matthew

Keeping with the nautical theme (well it is Bristol after all), children of all ages will love channelling their inner sailor/pirate with a trip on the historic ship, The Matthew.

Bristol Museum

The dinosaurs & taxidermy animal exhibits at Bristol Museum never fail to amaze kids, whilst there is a small soft play/learning area on the ground floor for the littlest ones. There is also a brilliant cafe and regularly changing exhibits.

M Shed

Bristol’s newer museum focuses on the history of Bristol. Kids will enjoy the interactive displays at M Shed, especially the vintage bus. Another place with a great cafe, but also right next to the many cafes at Wapping Wharf.

Brandon Hill Park

If you are around the Park Street or Clifton areas then it’s well worth a visit to Brandon Hill Park. There is a playground at the bottom of the hill and Cabot Tower at the top. For those with a head for heights, there are great views across Bristol from the top of the tower and fun to be had counting the many winding steps.  It’s a great spot for a picnic or an ice-cream (a van can normally found there).

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Finally, a trip to walk across Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and take in the views is surely an essential part of Bristol. There is a playground and plenty of green spaces nearby to burn off some energy before visiting one of the many cafes in Clifton Village.