Tag: travel

Great tips for visiting DisneyLand

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Baby/Child Switch

If there is a particular ride in the Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios that isn’t suitable for the little ones but you want to ride then you can use a Disney service called ‘Baby Switch’. This free service means that one adult can enjoy the ride whilst the other watches the children and then the second adult can ‘switch’ and ride without having to join the queue again.

Single Rider

Another great way to skip the queues on some of the rides that your kids can’t go on is to use ‘Single Rider’. This is another free service and means that you line up in a separate queue (which is much quicker usually) and you are slotted onto the ride when a single space becomes available.

Pack Snacks

When kids are hungry they want food straight away, so we suggest taking lots of their favourite pre-packed snacks with you to eat whilst queuing for rides, waiting for shows and for those emergency ‘I’m Hungry’ moments without spending extra cash in the park shops!

Eat at different times

We highly recommend eating at slightly different times to when you normally would in order to save waiting for a table. For example, enjoy an early lunch at 11.30am and an early dinner at 4.45pm. By choosing these times you will miss the rush and can enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

Use Fastpass

Fastpass is a brilliant way to beat the queues at some of the most popular rides, our top tip is to get your Fastpass and then have a look around a few of the other rides in the same land which have shorter queue times or perhaps meet a character or two! Rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Autopia are great ones to head for with children as they have a quicker turnaround of customers, so the queues are quite often quicker.

Take a different route to everyone else

When you enter the park most people head straight down Main Street and then turn left into Frontierland, why not turn right and visit Discoveryland first followed by Fantasyland.

Thomas Land at Drayton Manor

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Europe’s only Thomas Land attraction is welcoming a brand new ride this season to mark further expansion to the thriving attraction at Drayton Manor Park, Staffordshire.

James and the Red Balloon, set to delight kids, is based on the beloved Thomas and Friends character James and his naughty antics with a red hot air balloon. James will be joining the 20 other fun rides and attractions based on the popular series. Families can experience the magic of Sodor like never before as they fly up, up and away in their very own balloon.

The £250,000 ride, made by Italian manufacturer Zamperla, takes visitors on an adventure onwards and upwards to the lofty heights of 1.5 metres with a maximum speed of 5.5 RPM, a perfect ride for the whole family to enjoy. Families will get to enjoy extensive views of the park from the ride’s highest points, the perfect opportunity to plan which ride is next!

The successful multi-million pound Thomas Land was launched in 2008 and recently underwent a £2.5 million expansion, cementing its status in the hearts of UK families. The well themed attraction ensures visitors of any age are immersed in Thomas and Friends fun from the moment they step in the gates.

For those who want to plan a Thomas filled staycation, the Drayton Manor Park Hotel also extends the fun from Thomas Land into its halls with special themed rooms and a ‘Stay and Play’ package, perfect for those young and old locomotive enthusiasts!

James is the ideal ride. Fun for the whole family to enjoy and will act as a great stepping stone for those little ones looking for their next, thrilling experience and are looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors once we open for the season.

To book tickets, or for more information about the park, visit Drayton Manor. Reduced prices are available for tickets bought in advance.

Enjoy the journey

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Here’s our handy guide of some super fun things to do with kids whilst on a long car journey…

  1. Play the ‘Name Five Game’.  One person chooses a theme, such as ‘animals’, and the other person needs to name five things in that category.
  1. Get one of these I-spy books! Inside there are lots of things for kids to spot on a long road trip… and they get points for everything they see!
  1. Play A-Z I spy. Try to find something you can see out of the window for each letter of the alphabet. This simple and fun game may also help kids who suffer from travel sickness.
  1. Play bingo. Make a list or a picture list of things kids may see on the journey. As they spot each item on the list, they can cross it off!
  1. Pack a loom band bracelet making kit and the kids will be kept busy twisting away!
  1. Get the kids to find all the numbers up to 10 on number plates and for older children get them to find all the letters of the alphabet.
  1. Car colour spotting: choose a colour each, then count how many cars of that colour you see!
  1. Take along an activity and games book, such as one of these activity books that have 100 things for little children to do.
  1. Play the ‘What do you like best’ game. Ask one person ‘what do you like best, chocolate or strawberry ice cream?’ Once they have answered they ask you a different question back.
  1. Make up a story. One person needs to start the story with a single sentence and then the next person continues the story with their own sentence, etc.

Travel with kids

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Travelling with your children can have its own rewards and the fun can start at the planning and preparation stage. You don’t have to think of every possibility and eventuality, but it does help to think ahead. Consider the ages of your children, the transport (air, train or car) you will be using to get to your destination and how you will prepare your children for the journey.

Passports

Don’t forget your passports if you are travelling to a destination outside the UK. Have you checked they are all in date?  Many people forget to check the time left on their passport and often have a last minute rush trying to get a replacement.

Children are required by law to have their own passports. In the UK, since October 1998, separate passports are now required for all children under 16.

Visa

Check with your travel agent or the appropriate embassy whether any special documents are required for your destination. If so, ensure this is done in advance.

Children with their own passports require visas, just like adults. Usually there are no reduced rates, but it is worth checking first.

Itinerary

Try to keep your itinerary as simple as possible and pick a destination that your whole family can enjoy. Remember that it might not be possible to stick to your kid’s routine whilst travelling, but you may find you can get a bit more settled once you have reached your destination.

A Train journey for little ones

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If you’re looking for an amazing fun adventure filled with beautiful scenery and the chance to explore somewhere new, a train journey is the perfect days out for all of the family to enjoy. Here are some fab train journeys we think the kids will love!

Leeds to York

If you and your little history lovers are after catching a glimpse of a historic ancient settlement, as well as amazing views of a stunning countryside, this train journey is not to be missed! Yorkshire is known for its countryside views, so it won’t disappoint!

Oxford to Hereford

The Cotswold offers passengers amazing views of its vast countryside, which you’ll witness as you pass through the scenic rolling hills in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. You’ll get to pass over the Ledbury viaduct which was built using 300 5m bricks!

Glasgow to Mallaig

This amazing train journey, which is one of the most scenic trips in the world, makes it way through a peaceful and remote location and offers outstanding views of the Clyde as it climbs its way above the river. Little train travellers will love the rocky formations!

Newcastle to Edinburgh

Cruise through the stunning Northumbrian cliffs and coastline as you make your way towards Scotland on this breathtaking train journey.

Settle to Carlisle

Ranked as the second best train journey in the world in 2015, you won’t want to miss this one of a kind train journey! Marvel at the fantastic scenery as you pass through the heart of Eden Valley and the Yorkshire Dales and see how many viaducts and tunnels you can count along the way!

Durham to Berwick-upon-Tweed

Little budding historians will love this history rich train journey! Other than lovely views of the sea, you’ll catch sight of historic castles and a Second World War airfield!

The Bluebell Railway, Sussex

This much loved railway, located in the beautiful south of England, is Britain’s first preserved standard gauge railway to carry passengers. You’ll get to pass through an 18 mile loop, catching sight of rural Sussex and Sheffield Park along the way!

London Euston to Fort William

If you’re looking for an epic overnight adventure, why not take a sleeper train for a fun yet relaxing sleeper train journey from London’s Euston to Scotland Fort William? Begin your adventure exploring all this exciting bustling city has to offer and finish in the peaceful town of Fort William to take in stunning waterside views!

St Erth to St Ives

This train trip is the shortest in Britain was originally built to serve pilchard-fishing village of St Ives in 1877, but is now running to allow everyone to enjoy the beautiful sights of Cornwall! You’ll get to see some fab scenery, as well as have the chance to catch some waves at your St Ives destination… perfect for your little surfer dudes and dudettes!

Salisbury to Exeter

Enjoy stunning views as you travel through the South West by train. You’ll get sight of wooden canopies and wide open views of this wonderful location!

 

Free days out in Liverpool

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If you’re looking for some fab (and free!) days out in Liverpool, look no further! Check out this handy list full of great children’s 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 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.

The Bluecoat

The Bluecoat, known as Liverpool’s creative hub, is home to an array of art, theatre, music, dance and lots more! It is the most historic building in Liverpool and hosts many temporary exhibitions. It caters for families, offering creative activities every Saturday so your little budding artists can make their very own pieces of art.

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.

Walker Art Gallery

Walker Art Gallery is a great place to bring the family on a day out! They offer an array of activities including the Big Art for Little Artists gallery, which can be found on the ground floor. There are often events and workshops taking place, which kids can get involved in.

Liverpool World Heritage Site

The port area of Liverpool is listed as a World Heritage Site, which stretches along the waterfront. In the Pier Head area you’ll find the grand historic buildings of The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool building. There’s also the modern building of the Museum of Liverpool (free entry) and the chance to watch narrow boats pass through the Canal Link. You will also find the modern district, Mann Island, where there are restaurants galleries and cafes.

Travelling with older children

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Travelling with older children can be a real pleasure – the trip becomes a group effort. Older children can sometimes become bored quite easily, but it is always an interesting experience as they form their own impressions and tell you what they are experiencing. Children at this age are clearer about what they enjoy and what they don’t, which makes it easier to plan for the journey.

Remember to make a checklist and take it with you.  Children can take their own daypacks with a book, colouring books, paper and pencils. Pack a few toys but don’t overdo it.  Take food, snacks and water. You can take anything from bananas, apples, rice cakes, raisins, dried fruit and sandwiches.

You could also take along your young child’s blanket or pillowcase to make the journey and the places you visit more familiar.

Plan for travel sickness and have plastic bags, medication and a clean set of clothes handy. Also pack medication, such as child paracetamol, rehydration fluid and anything you might need for travel sickness, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local medicines. It can also help to think of the journey as an adventure in itself, and not just the means to get to your destination. To this end there are many fun ways that children can keep themselves busy on the journey – they can:

 

  • Collect things (stamps, postcards, shells, souvenirs) along the way and glue them into a journal.

  • Draw maps and pictures of what they see and maybe even write down the things they liked best.

  • Take photographs – a disposable camera is a fun cheap alternative.

  • Record sounds they hear or talk into a tape recorder if they are too tired to write.

Remember that every journey is different. There are, however, quite a few things that overlap whether you travel by air, car or train and every journey completed is practice and experience gained for your next journey. Spread the children’s entertainment out, i.e. don’t give them all their toys at once! Otherwise you might run out of ideas within the first hour. It is also wise not to pack any special blankets and toys in your main suitcase – rather take them with you on your journey, so that they are available.

When travelling with kids

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Travelling with your children can have its own rewards and the fun can start at the planning and preparation stage. You don’t have to think of every possibility and eventuality, but it does help to think ahead. Consider the ages of your children, the transport (air, train or car) you will be using to get to your destination and how you will prepare your children for the journey.

Passports

Don’t forget your passports if you are travelling to a destination outside the UK. Have you checked they are all in date?  Many people forget to check the time left on their passport and often have a last minute rush trying to get a replacement.

Children are required by law to have their own passports. In the UK, since October 1998, separate passports are now required for all children under 16.

Visa

Check with your travel agent or the appropriate embassy whether any special documents are required for your destination. If so, ensure this is done in advance.

Children with their own passports require visas, just like adults. Usually there are no reduced rates, but it is worth checking first.

Itinerary

Try to keep your itinerary as simple as possible and pick a destination that your whole family can enjoy. Remember that it might not be possible to stick to your children’s routine whilst travelling, but you may find you can get a bit more settled once you have reached your destination.