Tag: trips

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 exploring

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The days are getting longer, the theme parks are re-opening and warmer weather is hopefully on the way, making it a great time of year to get exploring. Plus, with the Easter holidays just around the corner too, adventure most certainly awaits.

From World Book Day and lambing season to British Science Week and even Winnie the Pooh, here’s our guide to the best in children’s entertainment and things to do in March:

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinghamshire

With World Book Day taking place on 1st March, this month is the perfect time to reignite your kids love of books, and where better place to start than the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre?

Situated in the village that the famous author lived in and wrote for 36 years, you can explore 40 interactive displays bringing his enchanting stories to life. On selected dates this month, kids can make heads for Hornswogglers, create Boggled Box Beasts and fly a Kicksy Kite – it’s a truly gloriumptious day out for the whole family.

Tim Peak’s Spacecraft at Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester

Rewind back to June 2016 and you might just remember Tim Peake returning back to Earth following his space mission, and now you can see his space capsule up close at the Museum of Science and Industry! Landing in Manchester on 10th March, you’ll be able to take a closer look at the Soyuz TMA-19M, complete with scorch marks from its re-entry through the atmosphere. With 15-minute presentations, every weekend, the out of this world adventure takes place here until 13th May, before continuing its tour.

Lambing season at Umberslade Farm Park, Warwickshire

Head to your local farm park this month, and chances are you’ll come face to face with some very cute newborn animals, and Umberslade Farm Park is certainly the place to do just that. Kids can meet the new lambs and even have the chance to help with the bottle-feeds. As a real working farm, there’s always something new and exciting to see too, and don’t miss the tractor and trailer ride for a fun tour of the site.

Winnie the Pooh Exhibition at the V&A Museum, London

There’s a new playful exhibition in London, as the Victoria and Albert Museum showcases the enchanting world of Winnie the Pooh until 8th Discover the story behind the charming bear, with sketches, letters, photographs and more exploring the classic tales. Whether you’re bringing a young child who may be experiencing Winnie the Pooh for the first time, or you remember growing up with the books, there’s something to entertain all ages. And in the very wise words of Winnie the Pooh, “we didn’t realise we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun”. 

Ski with your kids

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Parents with young children can enjoy guilt-free skiing while kids have lots of fun in dedicated playrooms and out in the snow.

Until now parents with young kids have had to sacrifice their winter holidays or feel guilty about leaving their young ones at home.  Tots To Travel have responded to the gap in the market and come up with a solution that will also allow for families to invest in future family ski holidays too.

Hand selected by Tots to Travel, all child-friendly ski chalets and resorts have dedicated childcare, specially-designed chalets with high-quality catering, as well as the Tots To Travel Baby and Toddler

Essential Kit Guarantee.

What a Tots To Travel ski holiday includes:

  • À la carte childcare in your own chalet (additional cost)
  • Flights and transfers
  • Daily filling breakfast
  • Homemade purees and Hipp Organic baby food for babies and toddlers
  • Afternoon tea, coffee and cakes when you return from the slopes
  • Children’s two-course High Tea seven nights a week
  • Aperitif with canapés, six nights a week
  • A delicious three-course meal for adults, including wine, six nights a week

Seasoned skiers will know that a ski holiday is a little different to other holidays. However, a lot of parents may feel that they become inaccessible with little ones. Tots To Travel, craft family holidays by parents for parents. We understand that parents of young families need a holiday to get quality family time and to reconnect.

About Tots To Travel:

Tots To Travel’s mission is to select the very best and most suitable baby and toddler friendly and resort accommodation, then craft an experience that is exclusively available for Tots To Travel families.

This experience includes barrier pools, an Essential Kit Guarantee and outstanding levels of customer service, giving families the very best chance of a blissful  fun family holiday.

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.

Family days out in Liverpool

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If you’re looking for some fun and fab 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.

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.  

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 children’s activities and workshops for families to enjoy. 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.

Winter walks

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These Winter day walks will make everyone feel good!

Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens, Hampshire

Wrap up warm and get outdoors to work off all that festive food exploring the grounds of this fantastic house and grounds on an interactive trail. There are lots of fun children’s activities and family days out to enjoy along the way including ‘brussel sprout bowling’!

Ham House and Garden

Dogs are welcome for 12 days from Boxing Day to enjoy, with their families, a delightful stroll around the grounds. Every canine visitor receives a tasty bone!

St James’ Park, London

If you are in the capital for Christmas why not take a walk around St James’ Park? It’s officially the warmest place in the UK with an average temperature of 11.43°C. You can also take a nice route starting from the park, then walk down through The Mall, along Victoria Embankment and return via Birdcage Walk and Buckingham Palace.  

New Forest National Park, Hampshire

The New Forest has many, many walks, where the family can explore the stunning landscape. There are a range of different routes that you can choose from that vary in length and difficulty. The children can try to spot some  adorable New Forest ponies, cattle and donkeys that live there. An especially lovely walk  is the one from Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard and back, a nice gentle walk that follows the Beaulieu River.

Leeds Castle, Kent

Head to Leeds Castle between Christmas and New Year for a fun post Christmas walk which all the family can enjoy! Follow a special trail answering questions about wildlife and nature, and all completed trails are entered into a draw with a chance to win a prize!  

Windermere, Cumbria

The Lake District offers an incredible number of different walks from multi-day hikes to walks suitable for pushchairs. The walk that I have found below is an easy walk for the family to try and takes in some of the beautiful scenery around Lake Windermere.  

Formby Red Squirrel Walk, Liverpool

This easy walking trail will suit all the family this Boxing Day and as the woodlands are home to the red squirrel, hopefully you will get to see one or two!  

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

Bring family and friends to Winkworth for a beautiful guided Boxing Day walk surrounded by nature, even the kids will be exploring all day!  

Knole Historic Home and Garden, Sevenoaks, Kent

The day after Christmas Day everyone deserves some fresh air including the dog so walk off some of those calories in a guided walk of this beautiful park.

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.

 

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.