Category: Family Days Out

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Family Days Out

Best Family Events this Easter

Like or not, the Easter holidays are upon us. Don’t worry we’ve found enough events, activities and days out to keep them busy for the entire fortnight.

EASTER BAKING, SEAFOOD SCHOOL, PADSTOW

Learn new recipes and bond over backing at Rick Stein’s new Parent and Child Easter-themed course. Wow your family and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same by whip up raspberry truffles, decorated Easter eggs and your very own piped and rolled chocolate.

When: 9 April, 12–3pm
Price: £148 for parent and child (8-16 years)
Find out more: rickstein.com

PORTHLEVEN FOOD FESTIVAL, CORNWALL

Skip the cooking and come hungry to the Porthleven Food Festival where there will be plenty of dishes for the family to tuck in to. Look forward to celebrity chefs, soulful musicians and a Pirate-themed mini festival for the youngsters.

When: 24–26 April
Price: Non-profit, some events vary
Find out more: porthlevenfoodfestival.com

EASTER BREAK AT CRIEFF HYDRO, PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND

At the beautiful Victorian hotel, Crieff Hydro, Mum and dad can look forward to an Easter break of their own that includes accommodation, breakfast, entertainment, a spa and gym, and even free childcare for up to six hours a day! If you prefer to keep the youngsters close, the hotel has a family entertainment programme brimming with films, gamesm quizzes, ceilidhs and more. With a zero-tolerance policy on shushing and tutting, it’s fair to say Crieff Hydro was built with kids in mind.

When: Availability is limited for certain dates
Price: £97 per adult, per night
Find out more: crieffhydro.com

THE NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN OF WALES

The fun-packed Easter weekend at the National Botanic Garden kicks off with a series of animal shows, including Meet A Meerkat, and ends with the annual Easter bonnet parade. With a host of other Easter activities in betweeen, it’s enough o have your little ones jumping with joy.

When: 3–6 April, 10:30am
Price: £9.75 Adults, OAPS £8, Children 5-16 £4.95
Find out more: gardenofwales.org.uk

EASTER DANCE PARTY, OLYMPIC PARK, LONDON

Dance the night away with the whole family at the Copper Box Arena this Easter. Packed with free dance classes with none other than the Easter Bunny himself, DJ Egg-Cellent and the marvelous host Natasha Khamjani, even the most reluctant of dancers will be getting their groove on in no time. Teens are invited to get stuck into the exclusive Get Ur Freak On dance sessions. The best part is that this is only one of an abundance of Easter activities on offer in and around East Village.

When: 7 April
Price: Free
Find out more: getlivinglondon.com

EASTER AFTERNOON TEA AT THE DORCHESTER

This one’s for you, mum and dad! Easter doesn’t have to be all about egg hunts, bunny ears and Rice Krispy cakes. This spring, treat yourselves to the Dorchester’s exquisite Easter Afternoon Tea, which includes hot-cross buns, delectable finger sandwiches, themed pastries and of course, champagne. Picture yourself chatting, relaxing and sipping tea in the Dorchester’s beautiful Promenade – bliss.

When: 3 April – 6 April, 1pm, 2pm, 3:15pm, 4:15pm, 5:30pm
Price: £59 per person
Find out more: dorchestercollection.com

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Family Days Out

Best Films for Kids this Easter

SHAUN THE SHEEP

Aardman – creators of Wallace & Gromit – are at it again. This time, they’re back with the story of a hapless farmer and his lovable flock, lead by Shaun the Sheep, at large in the big city. There’s no discernible dialogue in this big-hearted animation, as the sheep grunt, mumble and bleat. We defy you not to fall in love.

Rated: U

Ages: 4+

Release date: Friday 6 February 2015

CINDERELLA

60 years after Disney’s famous animation, the beloved tale of Cinderella is back, and it doesn’t disappoint. With gorgeous princes, ponies and sparkle by the bucketful, this happily-ever-after classic is one you won’t want to miss.

Rated: PG

Ages: 10+

Release date: Friday 27 March 2015

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER

Everyone’s favourite high-pitched sponge is back. Follow SpongeBob in the long-awaited sequel to 2004’s ‘The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie’, as he is once again called on to guard the Krabby Patty formula from his evil rival, Plankton. But before you write this off as kids’ stuff, there are enough cheeky one-liners and sexual innuendos to keep mum and dad chuckling all the way to the end.

Rated: PG

Ages: 6+

Release date: Friday 27 March 2015

HOME

Discover the true meaning of the word, while you follow Oh, a charming misfit from another planet and Tip, a girl who is on a quest of her own. The lovable pair set off on a series of adventures together while helping each other truly change each others’ lives.

Rated: PG

Ages: 4+

Release date: Friday 27 March 2015

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

Teens will be counting down the days until the release of this summer’s big blockbuster. In this action-packed tale, Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping programme, but things soon go awry and it is up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans. Buckle up for a high-octane adventure!

Rated: tbc (expected to be PG13)

Ages: 13+

Release date: Friday 24 April 2015

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Family Days Out

The Harry Potter Tour

Follow in Harry Potter’s magical footsteps with a Warner Bros Studio Tour. Visit the Great Hall of Hogwarts and walk through Diagon Alley.

Why go?

Anyone who’s ever watched, read or even just heard about the Harry Potter tales will have imagined the magic of receiving your letter inviting you to attend Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft & Wizardry. Well, now you don’t have to dream, as you can visit the original movie sets themselves on the Warner Bros Studio Tour, all incongruously housed in an un-prepossessing hangar in Hertfordshire.

If your kids are Potter-maniacs, or if you sneakily watch your Potter box-set more than you’d like to admit, this is an unforgettable day out. We think this attraction will especially suit kids over 10, as there’s a lot of walking and more observing rather than ‘doing’.

Activities

Starting with the Great Hall, scene of so many feasts and good-versus-evil showdowns, you walk through a series of real sets peppered with character costumes, realistic props and clever little animatronics which make cauldrons stir themselves or owls turn their heads.

Explore the Ministry Of Magic, the Gryffindor Common Room and the Weasleys’ kitchen, then head outside to visit No.4 Privet Drive and Harry’s birthplace in Godric’s Hollow. You can taste Butterbeer – it’s a sickly sweet acquired taste, but kids will love it – have a ride on Hagrid’s flying motorbike and take your picture on the Knight Bus.

Walking through Diagon Alley, full-sized and incredibly detailed is certainly a highlight, as well as Dumbledore’s office filled with all his gadgets – oh, to have a go on the magical Pensieve.

If you’re prepared to brave the queue, your kids can ride a broomstick in the green screen area, which cleverly transposes them onto a scene of their choice (£12).

Don’t miss: The most gasp-inducing section by far is the 1/24th scale model of Hogwarts itself, which was used for all the exterior shots of the castle in the films. Unbelievably intricate, with changing LED lights that take it from dusk to dawn and back again, it’s the size of a house and can take up to half an hour to walk around and take in all the detail.

Top tip: The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable about the making of the films – and will even let you hold the original Tom Riddle’s diary beside the entrance to the Chamber Of Secrets.

The lowdown

How to get there: Located 20 miles North-West of London and less than 3 miles from the M1 and M25 motorways, the postcode for your sat nav is WD25 7GS. Alternatively you can catch the train (unfortunately not the Hogwarts Express) to Watford Junction.

There are direct, fast train services from both London Euston (20 minute journey) and Birmingham New Street (1 hour journey). A regular shuttle bus service runs from the station to the studios.

More information: Tots under 4 years can enter for free, £21.50 per child (5-15) and £29 per adult, with family tickets for four at £85, it’s comparable to a day at a theme park without the rides.

Note: All tickets must be bought in advance online at Warner Bros Studio Tour.

Categories
Family Days Out

The Ryder Cup

Following Europe’s nail-biting victory at Medinah in 2012, the biennial Ryder Cup returns this autumn (23 to 28 September) to Gleneagles, Perthshire.

Why go?

Following Europe’s nail-biting victory at Medinah in 2012, the biennial Ryder Cup returns this autumn (23-28 September) to a grand dame of a location most befitting the tournament, Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire. This is the first time since 1973 that the competition has been hosted in Scotland, which makes the stakes even higher for Europe (we’re currently holding the title).

Activities

As one of the finest sporting events of the year, it may come as little surprise to hear that all tickets are already sold out. However events that are actually better suited to young children (who might not be thrilled at all the standing around and being quiet) do still have availability. There’s practice days from 23 to 25 September, where you can soak up the atmosphere and tension between the Europe and USA teams as they walk the PGA Championship course (£35 for adults and £10 for children).

The Junior Ryder Cup might pique the interest in your children too, and who knows, maybe inspire a new career path for them. This runs from 22 to 23 September at Blairgowrie Golf Club, also in Perthshire. The teams consist of boys and girls under the age of 18. Even if you don’t manage to get tickets, there will be a fun buzz around the hotel, which is brilliantly set up for children with an adventure playground, horse riding, shooting, off-road driving and falconry. 

More information: VisitScotland

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Family Days Out

The Winter Festival, Southbank

Southbank Centre has been transformed into The Winter Festival (until 10 January 2014). The festive funland has activities for all ages, including the Chocolate Festival, Slava’s Snowshow, White and The Snowman, and Little Red Riding Hood.

White

Get your tickets now for the ‘wonderful world of White.’ This popular performance will be held in the Spirit Level at the Royal Festival Hall and is perfect for children aged two to four. There will be music, stories, surprises and a lot of visuals for very young children. Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for children. White will take place from 18 December to 4 January 2014.

The Snowman

Join narrator Samuel West with the Orchestra of St Paul’s for festive entertainment for the whole family. Little Red Riding Hood will be brought to life and the film The Snowman will be shown on the big screen with the Orchestra of St Paul’s playing Howard Blake’s score. There will be two performances on Saturday 21 December at 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm. Tickets range from £15 to £30. 

Slava’s Snowshow

Held in the Royal Festival Hall, Slava’s Snowshow is a classic family show both comedic and thrilling. Slava is called “the best clown in the world” and is known for his bizarre pantomimes. The show is very interactive and will keep everyone on their edge of their seats.  It is best suited to over eights and tickets range from £20 to £65. Slava’s Snowshow will take place from 17 December to 6 January 2014.

The Chocolate Festival

This is a chocolate lover’s dream come true – young and old. Situated outdoors with brilliant views of the Thames, there will be plenty of delicious chocolates from the likes of L’Artisan du Chocolat, Rococo and Duffy’s Red Star Chocolate. Mix it up and try brownies, chocolate cakes and churros, or stock up on Christmas-themed chocolate gifts. Make it a learning experience and attend a Masters of Chocolate Masterclass or watch demonstrations and take part in a quiz. The Chocolate Festival will take place from 13 to 15 December. 

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Family Days Out

Things to do with Kids in April

Films, theatre, art and cracking family days out. We’ve got April all sewn up.

FREE EVENTS 

Live butterfly house at the Natural History Museum

Come face-to-face with tropical butterflies while enjoying games, activities and challenges that teach kids about the world of these beautiful creatures. See a butterfly in all its stages – from a chrysalis to its first flight – a sight you’ll never forget. The swallowtail, blue morpho and the moon moth are just a few of the fluttering critters you’ll meet during this sensational day. 

When: 2 April – 13 September, 10am – 5.50pm

Price: Free

Find out more: nhm.ac.uk

 

Renegade Craft Fair

Lucky for us Brits, this stateside shop has made a trip across the pond once again. Setting up in the Old Truman Brewery, designers and makers offer stationery, jewellery, toys, illustrated prints and even trendy pots and hanging baskets. Enjoy DIY workshops and activities that will make you wish this fair was longer than one weekend. 

When: 11 – 12 April 2015, 11am

Price: Free

Find out more: renegadecraft.com

World of Stories and Music

Take your little ones to a free Saturday morning story session from some of the best storytellers in the UK. Jenna Drury presents ‘Muck and Brass’, a story about setting out to seek your fortune. Ages four and up will enjoy this timeless tale, including a free ice cream – what a treat!

When: 4 April 2015, 10.30am

Price: Free

Find out more: polkatheatre.com

 

MUSIC 

London Symphony Orchestra

Happening only three times a year, LSO’s Family Concert in the Barbican Hall offers a chance for your children to get their music on. Bring an instrument or sing along with the audience participation piece – everyone can get involved! In the mornings before the concerts there are even art and music workshops with the opportunity to meet LSO players. 

When: 26 April 2015, 2.30pm

Price: £10 Adults, £5 Under 18

Find out more: lso.co.uk

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Oxford vs. Cambridge Goat Race

Put on your team letters and enjoy a day out with the family at the Oxford vs. Cambridge Goat Race! Make your day even more fun by getting stuck into the activities on the farm on this baaaaautiful spring day.

When: 11 April, 10am – 4.30pm

Price: £12, kids under 12 free

Find out more: thegoatrace.org

 

Family Weekend at Sadler’s Wells

No one wants to stay at home this April, so why not treat the family to a day filled with games, activities and entertainment? This two-day festival has ‘Varmints’ at its centre – a captivating piece based on the award-winning book about a small creature’s struggle to survive. Be sure to also check out ‘Constelaciones’, a returning piece inspired by painter Joan Miro. This festival isn’t only fun, it’s inspiring as well! 

When: 3 – 4 April 2015, Times vary

Price: £7 – £16

Find out more: sadlerswells.com

 

FOOD 

House of Peroni at Harvey Nichols

Pasta, pizza and prosiutto. Need we say more? Revel in the Italian goodness that House of Peroni has to offer the whole month of April. Eat like you’re in Italy without the cost of getting there. Check out their al fresco veranda on the fifth floor of the Knightsbridge department store.

When: Throughout April

Price: Prices vary

Find out more: thehouseofperoni.com

 

Grain Store Unleashed

Head over to The Zetter Hotel in Clerkenwell for an adventurous pop-up experience that will send your taste buds into overdrive. Chef Bruno Loubet will not disappoint as he takes culinary risks when it comes to cooking vegetables.

When: 13 April 2015, Book at your own time

Price: £26 to £40

Find out more: grainstoreunleashed.com

 

FILM 

The Avengers: Age of Ultron

Calling all teens! Get excited because your favorite heroes are back and bigger than ever. Grab your popcorn and catch this summer blockbuster for the action and adventure you’ve been dying to see. 

When: 24 April 2015

Price: Ticket prices vary

Find out more: marvel.com

 

THEATRE 

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Here’s a twist you wouldn’t expect from one of your favorite childhood movies. Taking place in the spooky vaults underneath Waterloo Station with over 20 rooms to explore, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will have you engrossed in an epic theatre experience. Follow Alice and her buddies with puppets, storytelling, circus and spectacle that show you their wild world.

When: 9 April – 31 May 2015, 11am – 7pm

Price: £35 – £47.50

Find out more: alice-underground.com

 

The Twits

From the Royal Court associate director of Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, John Tiffany is at it again with this new stage version of Roald Dahl’s funny short book featuring Mr. and Mrs. Twit. Bring your kids ages 7+ to this ‘mischievously’ adapted play.

When: 7 April – 30 May, Times vary

Price: £12 – £35

Find out more: royalcourttheatre.com

 

ART 

London Original Print Fair

The world’s longest running art fair returns. The Royal Academy is hosting 50 leading print dealers for its 29th year in a row. There’s art for everybody to enjoy with pieces from Old Masters to contemporary masterpieces. If you’re a collector or just looking to browse around, this art fair is a sight for sore eyes.

When: 23 – 26 April 2015, 10am

Price: £12 concs, £8 inc catalogue

Find out more: londonprintfair.com

 

Pick Me Up

With an art-school vibe so cool, you’ll be inspired this spring to get your creative juices flowing. Learn about the different processes and techniques during live demonstrations and try your hand at making your own work. You won’t want to miss the displays by the best artists, illustrators and designers from around the world.

When: 22 April – 4 May 2015, 10am

Price: £10, £8 concs, £17.50 festival pass

Find out more: somersethouse.org.uk

Categories
Family Days Out

UK’s Best Easter Egg Hunt

What kid doesn’t love an Easter egg hunt? We’ve found the best ones in the UK – including one with cocktails! (For mums and dads, that is)

CHATSWORTH HOUSE, DERBYSHIRE

The beautiful Chatsworth House in the heart of the Peak District invites little explorers to hunt for decorated eggs in the house, and follow the trail through the pretty gardens to gather hidden golden eggs. Kids can get their faces painted for free and, on Easter weekend a special, long-eared VIP will be hopping around.

When: 28 March–12 April

Price: Free with admission. Adult £22, child £16, family ticket £68

Find out more: chatsworth.org

PETER RABBIT EASTER EGG HUNT, CUMBRIA

Spanning the Lake District countryside, the Great Peter Rabbit Egg Hunt is now in its eighth year. Register online in advance, scan the Google map and search for the 50 limited edition, handcrafted ceramic eggs in top-secret locations across the region! Solve clues and find special eggs to win prizes. Perfect for keen treasure hunters!

When: 1 April, 10am-4pm

Price: Minimum donation to WaterAid of £2

Find out more: hop-skip-jump.com

THE ROOF GARDENS, KENSINGTON, LONDON

City-dwellers don’t need to venture into the country to search for eggs. Tucked above London’s Kensington High Street you’ll find 1.5 acres of gorgeous green space. Up there, kids can search for chocolate treats with help from the Easter bunny. One lucky winner will go home with a giant Easter egg made by Choccywoccydoodah – and the best part is, mums and dads can sit back and relax with a cocktail from the Roof Gardens bar.

When: 5 April, 11:45am

Price: Egg hunt is free, but sadly cocktails are not

Find out more: the-roof-gardens/whats-on

TRAQUAIR HOUSE, INNERLEITHEN, SCOTLAND

With over five thousand(!) mini eggs hidden in the Maze at Traquair House, no one will leave empty handed. But that’s not all – little ones can also try their hands at scavenger and treasure hunts in the grounds and woodland, musical instrument making, drumming and singing, egg decorating, Easter bonnet making and even face painting. Extraordinary stilt walker, Michael Angelo, will be on hand to keep the crowds entertained too,

When: 5 April, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 4pm

Price: Adult £6, Children £4, Under 5 free

Find out more: traquair.co.uk

FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN, YORKSHIRE

Keep your eyes peeled for golden eggs on the grand estate this Easter holiday. The giant eggs can be exchanged for the chocolate ones, and everyone who takes part is entered into a prize draw to win an egg-stra special prize at the end.

When: 28 March–12 April, 10am–4pm

Price: Free (normal admission charges apply)

Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk

BORDE HILL GARDEN, SUSSEX

Take part in an Easter trail across 200 acres of pretty parkland, woodland and gardens – perfect for any little explorer! Get out your binoculars, solve clues and search for hidden sculptural bunnies to win delicious chocolate treats!

When: 28 March – 12 April, 10am – 6pm

Price: Adult £8, Children £5

Find out more: bordehill.co.uk

HIGHCLERE CASTLE, HAMPSHIRE

Where better to embark on this year’s egg hunt than the glorious Highclere Castle – the setting for Downton Abbey? Meet Frozen’s Elsa and the Amazing Spiderman, along will other surprise guests. For the adventurous little ones, climb the giant Rock Wall and fly down the Zip Wire! Kids will even have the chance to meet some real-life furry friends.

When: 5 April, 10am–4pm

Price: £5 per person, Under 2 free

Find out more: highclerecastle.co.uk

HEVER CASTLE, KENT

Share magical moments with your family as you follow the trail to find out where the Lindt Gold Bunny has been leaving his chocolatey treats.  Crack the clues while exploring the award-wining gardens and claim your reward at the end. Let the games begin!

When: 28 March–19 April, 10:30am–5:30pm

Price: Free

Find out more: hevercastle.co.uk

Categories
Family Days Out News Story UK

The Tate St Ives Expands This Summer

St Ives is riding a new wave of cool this summer with the expansion of Tate St Ives. Families will enjoy double the gallery space when it reopens on 17 May with a major new exhibition called Relocating St Ives. The iconic seaside gallery is celebrating its 21st birthday with family activities throughout the summer, including a sculpture quest at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and beach art workshops, many of which are free.

Price: Combined entry to Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden costs £11 for adults, under-18s are free.

More info: tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives

 

TOP TIPS:

While you’re in St Ives…

Keep an eye on the Hub Box in St Ives for a variety of family-friendly foodie pop-ups this summer, featuring burgers, hot dogs and craft beer.

More info: hub-stives.co.uk

 

Where to shop…

Roo’s beach in porth and mawgan porth is cornwall’s answer to Urban Outfitters.

More info: RoosBeach.co.uk

 

Where to stay…

We recommend The Tide House

Categories
Family Days Out News Story UK

The Seven Dials Shopping Festival, London

Your family is invited to enjoy a 20% discount at over 130 shops and restaurants at the Spring Shopping Festival hosted by Seven Dials and St. Martin’s Courtyard in London’s Covent Garden on Saturday 17 May.

This event is the perfect way to spend a sunny spring Saturday with the family in a relaxing setting whilst taking advantage of free goodies.

The festival includes pop-up lawns around the Dial, live music, free Pimm’s, popcorn, and ice cream from Snowflake Gelato as well as many outdoor food and drink stalls. And because the roads are all closed for the event, it’ll be a fun and safe place for all the family to enjoy the street party!

For more information visit sevendials.co.uk.

EVENT DETAILS

When? Saturday 17 May 2014

Where? Seven Dials, Covent Garden

This event has passed.

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Adventure Family Days Out News Story UK

The Residents at W London

What’s new? The new Residences at W have 11 luxury penthouses in Leicester Square. These two and three bedroom apartments are perfect for families to stay together on a visit to the capital. Located right in the heart of West End, it’s an ideal location to take in London’s sites, go Christmas shopping or see a show with the family.

Accommodation: The Residences have breath-taking views of London’s skyline and facilities include en-suite bathrooms, open plan reception rooms, Apple TV and a private terrace overlooking the city. Each resident can enjoy access to the W’s Whatever/Whenever 24-hour concierge and have 20% off at Spice Market and the W Lounge menu. There is also a spa and Sweat fitness centre available. Each apartment is also equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen.

Activities: London has a lot to offer families including many iconic sights and activities. The London Eye, Natural History Museum, London Zoo, London Dungeon and the Science Museum are all fun activities for kids of all ages. In the warmer months enjoy a bike ride in Hyde Park or in the colder months go ice skating at Somerset House or the London Eye. Christmas time? Take the kids shopping at Hamleys, the most famous toyshop in the world, or go on the infamous Harry Potter studio tour.

 

THE LOWDOWN:

Getting there: It’s less than a five minute walk from the Leicester Square tube station.

Price: The starting price is from £2,500 per week, perfect for a family of four or more.

More information: For more information call Knight Frank on 020 7647 6616 or visit www.wlondonresidences.co.uk