Tag: trips

Thrill Seeking Kids

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Alton Towers

With over 50 awesome rides to explore, Alton Towers is the perfect fun day out for the family adrenaline junkies. With thrill rides such as “Rita” Queen of speed- which catapults riders from 0-100kph in 2.5 seconds and “The Smiler” the world’s first 14 loop roller coaster you are sure to come away having had your adrenaline fix! New for 2018 is Alton Towers latest addition- “Wicker man” coaster which promises to be one of the world’s most immersive coaster experiences and one of the first wooden coasters built in over 20 years!

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is home to a whole host of amazing rides and attractions including some fantastic thrill rides, From Hyperspace mountain which catapults you through the dark space themed dome to ‘The twilight Zone Tower of Terror’ which drops guests 199 ft in a lift! Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril is sure to get the heart racing along with many other fantastic rides in both the Disneyland main park and Walt Disney Studios.

Zip World, Betws-y-Coed, Wales

Fancy a high-speed zip wire along the longest zip wire in Europe? Or perhaps you would like to ride the traditional toboggan ‘Fforest coaster’ through the welsh woodland? You can ride alone or in pairs and reach speeds of up to 23 mph!

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Scream if you want to go faster! Blackpool pleasure beach is one of the most well known UK amusement parks home to thrilling rides such as “The big one” the UK’s tallest roller coaster and the world’s first suspended looping coaster completely over water- “Infusion” and many more! Coming soon.. ICON the UK’s first double launch roller coaster – which cost a staggering 16.25 million to build!

Up at the 02 – The Original Climb

If you have a head for heights why not climb the roof of one of London’s most iconic landmarks? Take in a stunning view of London from 52m above the ground when you enjoy this exhilarating guided expedition over the roof of The O2! This is a thrilling 90 minute experience over the 380m long O2 walkway, which, at its steepest point, has a 28° incline on the way up and 30° on the way back down!

Lightwater Valley, Ripon

Action packed excitement and adventure for the whole family! Amongst 35 rides and attractions you can ride Europe’s longest roller coaster ‘The Ultimate’, spin above the treetops on Apollo, discover the mysterious subterranean world of Raptor Attack and take to the skies in the powerful grip of the Eagles Claw! Lightwater Valley has something for everyone and is a fantastic day out for all the family to enjoy. New for 2018 – don’t miss a chance to meet the Prairie Marmots in the animal encounters section.

Go Ape! Various Locations

Have fun in the forest, swinging, jumping, zipping, soaring and more! Across the various locations you can find a selection of children’s fun activities including zip lines, tree top trampolines, forest segways and of course the assault courses. You can choose the activities to suit your ability too. Adrenaline Junkies will love the ‘leap of faith’ or the Zipwire!

Thorpe Park, Chertsey, Surrey

Thorpe park is the perfect theme park for the thrill-seekers in the family, From ‘Colossus’ – the first 10 looping roller-coaster to the ‘Stealth’ which reaches speeds 80 mph in just under 2 seconds and sends you up to dizzy heights of 205ft, this ride is not for the faint- hearted! New for 2018, ‘The Walking Dead: The Ride’ this coaster is sure to make you jump as you travel through the dark avoiding the zombies at every corner.

Discover Longleat

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Enter a land of adventure. Where lions roam. Tigers stalk. And monkeys swing. Travel through time in a grand stately home. Lose yourself in one of our magical mazes. Hold exotic creatures from the ends of the Earth. Fun and adventure for all the family.

Predators

See some of the biggest, fastest, strangest predators come to life with Longleat’s animatronic exhibition. Featuring modern day predators as well as those that roamed the world thousands of years ago, you can come face to face with a giant cobra and stand near the terrifying jaws of the anglerfish!

Pop-Up Pandas

More than 50 cute panda statues have taken over the Wiltshire estate – with some even popping up within the Safari Park! The pandas have been designed by artists in China and are each one has been hand-painted. Each of the sculptures has its own unique design incorporating everything from English seasonal events to the different artistic styles and elements of Chinese culture.

Railway

Jump on board the miniature railway for a 1.25 mile journey around the park’s scenic woodland. Opened in 1965, the railway is older than even the safari park! You might even spot the two Ugandan hippos whilst on your journey.

Safari drive through

How many different types of animal can you spot? Wind up your windows and hide your lunch! Everyone will love this chance to get up close to the monkeys and lions.

Parrot show

Head along to one of the daily parrot shows to meet the colourful macaws. You can admire the parrot’s skills while the knowledgeable keepers tell you more about these beautiful birds and how you can care for the world they live in.

Animal Encounters

Fancy holding a snake, stroking a tarantula or cuddling a guinea pig? Our keepers can arrange a personal introduction for you and your family. Available free with a valid day ticket or annual pass, just contact Longleat for more information.

 

Out of this world

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Planetariums are great fun for kids and here are some the most out of this world spots to explore!

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Hampshire

Winchester Science Museum at you could hold a meteorite and moon rock, launch your own rocket or catch a show in the planetarium. A perfect way for little ones to learn about the stars. .

Southend Planetarium, Essex

Enjoy fascinating live talks and learn all about the night sky including the solar system and astronomy with shows which are suitable for ages 7+.

Armagh Planetarium, Northern Ireland

Kids (and adults) will  learn about our exploding universe during this fun family space adventure. .

Royal Observatory, London

Visit the home of the world famous Greenwich Mean Time, and London’s only planetarium! Enjoy shows as well as seeing the fascinating collections of timekeeping instruments. Stand either side of the Meridian line which divides eastern and western hemispheres.

At-Bristol Science Centre; Bristol

You are guaranteed a unique day out full of fun and discovery aimed at people of all ages. Enjoy  ‘Destination Space’ and ‘Winter Stargazing’. .

Liverpool Planetarium, World Museum Liverpool

Suitable for all the family, this fantastic planetarium offers free admission. you will take off on a magical journey through space. Be sure to check out ‘The Night Sky’ show!

 

Magical memories

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What could be better than making magical memories at a family festival?

Camp Bestival, Lulworth Estate, Dorset

26th – 29th July

Camp Bestival Sets Sail for its tenth year at Lulworth Castle. Your little mermaids and pirates are sure to love this year’s nautical theme, complete with an underwater carnival night parade. The world’s biggest bouncy castle and the world’s largest disco ball are also making a comeback so prepare to be wowed!

Zipworld Rocks 2018

23 June 2018

‘Zipworld Rocks’ is an awesome evening of top rock music and great food and entertainment for all the family curated by Mike Peters of the Alarm, in the beautiful location of Penrhyn Quarry.  The line up includes ‘The Storyville Mob’ and ‘Slade’ headlining!

Christchurch Food Festival, Christchurch, Dorset

12th – 13th May

Christchurch High Street is filled with stalls offering delicious local delicacies. It continues down to Christchurch Quay where you can see free cookery demonstrations, Beer Festival, cocktails and children’s entertainment. Celebrity ambassadors Lesley Waters, Dean Edwards and Alana Spencer will be returning this year.  Kids Kitchen is a fantastic opportunity for children to learn new skills in the kitchen. There is a whole range of sessions on offer, from Sarah’s Curry Magic and Susan’s Mediterranean Medley to Colin’s Retro and much more!

Staxtonbury Family Music Festival, Manor Farm, North Yorkshire

6th – 8th July

Celebrating its 10th year, there are plenty of exciting events happening over the weekend to make it the most special year yet. Featuring over 50 bands mostly local to Yorkshire, as well as bouncy castles, slides, a climbing tower and much more, this will be fun for all the family.

Bluedot Festival, Jodrell Bank, Cheshire

19th – 22nd July

For an out of this world experience head to Bluedot, the festival of music, science, arts, culture and the exploration of space set against the backdrop of the iconic Lovell Telescope. Whether your kids are science lovers or not, they’ll love the range of interactive workshops and activities on offer. There is a Blue Planet show on Thursday night with the Halle Orchestra which is bound to be amazing. You can also see The Chemical Brothers, The Flaming Lips and more over the weekend.

3 Wishes Fairy Festival, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cornwall

15th – 17th June

Held at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, the 3 Wishes Fairy Festival and is a small gathering with around a thousand people, 2 music stages, veggie and vegan food, hundreds of free workshops and activities, all included in the general entry price. Camping is also included in ticket price, and they also have cute Hobbit Huts for those who prefer glamping! Saturday is Unicorn Day, while Sunday’s theme is The Fairy Circus – a magical weekend all round!     

 

National Trust fun days out

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Hinton Ampner – Alresford

With a beautifully crafted manor house, set amongst a stunning garden, this is the perfect setting for a wonderful family day out. Stop for afternoon tea in the lovely little tea room and don’t miss the 19th century pear and apple trees in the walled-garden. The grounds offer the perfect location for a picturesque picnic!

Mottisfont Abbey & Garden – Romsey

This stunning house and gallery is surrounded by picturesque riverside gardens, the historic house is full of beauty from paintings, photographs and interior design. There is a lovely Wild Play area for kids and great trails to follow making this a special place for a day out with family and friends.

Smallhythe Place – Kent

Smallhythe Place is a sixteenth century building, that was once a Tudor harbour master’s house. It was also home to Victorian actress, Ellen Terry and is now a museum of memorabilia. There are many events, which take place in the Barn Theatre and the cottage garden contains roses, an orchard and spring garden.

Studland Bay – Swanage

Visit this popular beach to take in the beautiful Purbeck coastline with views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight, discover dragons and take the dune trail challenge! There’s no shortage of water sports to get involved in, making this the perfect day out for active families!

Morden Hall Park

Morden Hall Park offers you and your family that perfect getaway from the hustle & bustle with 125 acres of gorgeous parkland, meadows, wetlands and waterways. There are temporary exhibitions held so you will always find something new to discover. Find out more.

Ham House & Garden

Filled with history and atmosphere, Ham House & Gardens is a great place to bring the family. This 17th century house is located on the banks of the River Thames and has a fabulous collection of textiles, furniture and paintings, some dating back almost 400 years. The garden is set out beautifully and offers a fantastic selection of plants and flowers to discover. You can also follow a family trail that will help you explore the house and there are children’s trails to entertain the kids in the gardens

Osterley Park and House

Have fun and get active with friends and family by trying out lots of free sports and activities within the beautiful surroundings of Osterley Park! You can also explore the middle lake on a canoe, test your cycling skills around a portable BMX track and more!

Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard

Bring the family to here to see this house built in 1535 and retains much of the atmosphere of a Tudor home. See the ornate carved fireplaces and windows and each room has something for visitors to get their hands on and get a feel for how a prominent Tudor family lived, ate and played.

Blackgang Chine

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Unlike many theme parks, Blackgang Chine doesn’t have many rides but what it does have is far more important – the tools to spark children’s imagination and the room to let them run, play and explore.

You can catch a 40 minute ferry journey aboard Wightlink Ferries from Lymington to Yarmouth which you will see the kids exploring the ship and standing outside to watch as you cross the Solent.

Blackgang Chine is a short 20 minute drive from the Port. When you arrive you will see a giant stood outside surrounded by cannons, perfect for excited kids. You can park  up in the free car park and head inside.

The first thing you see after the admission gates is Restricted Area 5 and if your kids are dinosaur mad children they will not be able to wait to ignore the “warning signs” and see what they can see………they won’t be disappointed!

Huge, animatronic dinosaurs fill the enclosure with life-like sounds which allow you to imagine what life might have been like when they roamed the earth. Favourites include the Argentinosaurus, which is bigger than a double decker bus and the biggest animatronic T-Rex in the country. The ground actually shook when he roared!

As you come out of the enclosure you will find some giant insects to wonder at, walk past and explored the Crooked House before finding the jewel in Blackgang Chine’s crown – the all new Underwater Kingdom.

Proceed through a magical underwater cave which will take you to an incredible coral reef.  Your kids will love being under the sea and you will hear instructions from an animatronic crab to help him find his family who had wandered off.

You will discover an abandoned sunken shipwreck to explore and the most amazing array of colourful, larger than life animatronic sea creatures as you venture further into the deep. On the final part of your journey your kids will find the biggest mammal of them all impressively floating above our heads, moving its tail as if it were swimming.

There are so many other areas to explore. The pirates in Pirate Cove, complete with pirate ships to climb and water pistols to fire. Sheriff in Cowboy Town where you can stop a bank robbery, put the kids in jail and ride a stagecoach.

You can also play a real life game of Snakes and Ladders up and down a huge wooden play frame complete with stairs and long winding slides to whizz down.

For children that do like to experience thrills, there is also the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster, Waterforce slide and the teacups to ride.

Blackgang Chine is the UK’s oldest theme park and is 174 years old this year. Their very first exhibit was a huge fin whale which is still on display to this day and I urge you to go and see this magnificent beasts skeleton which you can actually walk through.

If you are visiting with young children please be aware that the park is very hilly, although completely accessible for buggies or wheelchairs. There are plenty of toilet and baby changing facilities available as well as food stands throughout the park and the large Chine café by the entrance which serve the most amazing fish finger sandwiches!!

The Rock to Padstow ferry

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The ferry from Rock to Padstow runs roughly every 20 minutes and takes 5-10 minutes to do the journey. The views are great and kids love the experience.

Go window shopping

Padstow is home to a lot of clothes shops like Joules, Seasalt and White Stuff but the chances are your kids won’t be a massive fan of those. Kids will really enjoy having a look into the windows of the places they will find interesting, asking about the different fish for sale in the fishmongers, looking at the huge paintings inside a gallery There’s also plenty of boats in the harbour and it’s fun to look at their names and where they are from or hunting for the biggest boat

Go to a food market

There is great little food and craft market near to the main car park in Padstow. Go and check out some local food the kids will love having little bits to try.

Go on a sea cruise

Boats like the Jubilee Queen run hour long cruises from Padstow that give you and the kids a chance to see some of the fabulous wildlife around Cornwall which can include dolphins, seals or even basking sharks.

Eat some chips

The Rick Stein Café is in the centre of town and is one of the most kid friendly cafes with crayons and colouring sheets on hand as well as food kids would actually eat which is pretty much unheard of.

Have a run around on the beach

There are several beaches in Padstow or if you’ve taken the ferry over then the beach at

Rock is great for playing on too. Perfect for kicking a ball about on, flying a kite or getting busy with a bucket and spade.

Go to the cinema

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5 tips for taking your kid to the cinema for the first time:

Make sure your child is ready

A cinema can be a strange environment for a child, firstly it’s dark, can get very noisy and the screen is much larger than normal but it can be great children’s entertainment. If your child is sensitive to loud noises or is anxious about the dark, it’s probably best to wait until they are a little older as you don’t want them feeling uncomfortable from the start.

Pick the right film

Even when you follow the guidelines when it comes to age-appropriate films, it’s still a good idea to have a read of the general storyline before going to watch. You want their first film to be something gentle and heartwarming with enough of an engaging storyline that is easy for young children to follow

Have plenty of snacks and water

Even if you do decide to pick up some popcorn for yourself or older child before going into the cinema, do still make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks and water in your bag as these are key for helping to keep your kids sitting in their seats. These come in especially handy if you hit a slow part of the film and they are starting to lose interest. Another tip is you could also encourage your children to watch the whole film with the promise of something nice afterwards, such as a hot chocolate or ice-cream, sometimes a little bit of bribery in these circumstances can really help!

Pick an aisle seat

As adults we usually opt for the middle of the row to be as central to the film as possible, don’t make that mistake with your kids. You want to be as close to the aisle as you can should they need to go to the toilet or are just getting to unsettled and need to stand or have a quick 5-minute walk. That way you cause as little disruption to the rest of the cinema-goers and you can get in and out of your seat quickly.

Don’t be embarrassed to leave

If your child is really not enjoying themselves, is distressed, unengaged or you feel the film is unsuitable than don’t feel bad or embarrassed to leave, you certainly won’t be the first parent to do so and it’s better than putting the rest of the cinema goers through constant crying and upset. Also, all your child may need is to have a quick walk to the bathroom or just a bit of fresh air and may want to return to the film. If you do have to leave don’t make your child feel bad, its a bit of a trial and error when it comes to these things so you want to keep it a positive experience. If it does go well and they are not too sugar-high from snacks you could celebrate with an ice-cream or something fun.

If things don’t go right the first time, don’t panic! There are so many factors that go into a good cinema trip and you can always just wait another month or so and try again. Look out for special toddler-friendly screenings too, or special cinema events designed to help introduce children to the cinema – Peppa Pig’s My First Cinema Experience is a great example

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.

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.