‘We’re all going on a Summer Holiday….’ or maybe not and that is why we all could do with knowing what’s going on in our local area, this Summer Holiday.
We all want to make the most of the precious 6 week holiday and with so much to see and do nationwide, it is hard to narrow down the choices. Here at DOUK we understand the importance of planning ahead...especially when it comes to having fun...so we have put together a list of activities and events for you to get your teeth into this summer.
Much like our '10 Things to do in Essex this Father's Day' piece, we will be focusing on Essex…the birthplace of DOUK! From themed family events to wildlife walks, there are heaps of things to see and do over the Summer Holidays in Essex and here are just a few that we have hand-picked, for the whole family to enjoy!
Venue: Adventure Island
Sat 23rd & Sun 24th July | 12:00-close | Included in admission price
Schools Out for the Summer and Adventure Island is inviting the whole family down to celebrate with them. Everyone is sure to be entertained with face painting, live performances, fancy dress and so much more!
Venue: Adventure Island
Sat 13th & Sun 14th August | 12:00-close | Included in admission price
Calling all Superheros! Adventure Island is hosting a fantastic themed event this summer, with face painting, dancing and lots more!
Venue: Audley End House & Gardens
Thu 28th – Sun 31 July | Thu-Sat 19:00 | Sun 11:00 | £14 Adult | £9 Child
The circus is coming to Audley End House and Gardens this summer, where visitors of all ages are welcomed to step inside the Big Top, to travel into a fairytale world full of surprises.
Venue: Audley End House & Gardens
Mon 15th – Fri 19th August | 11:00-17:00 | £18.30 Adult | £11 Child | £16.50 Conc. | £47.60 Family
Grab a magnifying glass and join Audley End this Summer Holiday, as they hunt for some mini beasts throughout the beautiful gardens.
Venue: Barleylands
Mon 25th July – Fri 2nd Sep | 10:00-17:00 | Included in admission price
Throughout the Summer Holidays, Barleylands is hosting a different theme each week, with heaps of activities to keep everyone entertained. Plus the farmyard is open as normal, with a full timetable of activities, including sheep racing and birds of prey.
Week by week:
25th – 29th July Bubblemania
1st-5th August Family Hoedown
8th-12th August Deadly Creatures
15th-19th August Crazy Entertainer
22nd-26th August Ultimate Inflatables
29th-2nd August Treasure Hunters
Venue: Colchester Zoo
Sat 23rd July – Wed 31st Aug | 09:30-18:00 | Included in admission price
Enjoy a family day out at Colchester Zoo this Summer Holiday, where the whole family can learn about the amazing species at the zoo and take part in some brilliant activities with their award winning education team!
Venue: Colchester Zoo
Sat 6th & 20th Aug | 09:30-20:30 | Included in admission price
Colchester Zoo is hosting two special Summer Late Night Openings, over the Summer Holidays, with extra special events and activities throughout the day…and night.
Venue: Beth Chatto Gardens
Sat 23rd Jul – Sun 4th Sep | All day | FREE Friends of the Garden | £6.95 Adults | £1 Under 16’s
Throughout the Summer Holidays, the whole family are welcomed to the beautiful Beth Catto Gardens to take part in one of the Wildlife Trails, where you can discover the heroes and villains of the garden…and the children go FREE if you book your tickets online in advance.
Venue: Beth Chatto Gardens
Tue 9th Aug | 10:30-14:00 | £5 accompanied child | FREE 1 adult per child | £2.50 additional adult
Bring the little ones along for a fun-filled activity day which is all about food and the garden, this Summer Holiday. From pizza making to dish creations (for some of the creatures found in the garden) the little ones are sure to have a fantastic time in the Garden Kitchen.
Venue: Hadleigh Park
Fri 22nd Jul | 21:15-22:30 | £4 Adult | £2 Child
Bring the whole family along to Hadleigh Park for a wonderful evening, where you will search for the magical and elusive glow-worm, meeting at Benfleet Station (south side) at 9.15pm.
Venue: Hadleigh Park
Sat 30th Jul – Sun 31st July | FREE to spectate
Hadleigh Park is holding their first UCI Junior World Series event, as part of the Hadleigh Park International UCI HC-class event, a fantastic mountain bike event with exciting cross-country races to keep the whole family entertained this Summer Holiday.
Venue: Mercury Theatre
Fri 29th Jul – Sun 21st Aug | 14:00 | 18:00 | Prices vary, see website or call for details
The Mercury Theatre is hosting the brilliant musical adventure, of the children’s classic Wind in the Willos. Join Toad, Badger, Rat and Mole on the adventure of a life time this Summer Holiday!
Venue: Marsh Farm
Sun 14th Aug | 10:00-18:00 | £19.99 Over 2’s | FREE Under 2’s
Bring the family along to Marsh Farm this Summer Holiday, for a fantastic event that is just like Glastonbury…but for kids! Enjoy a great line-up of activities, from performances by popular children’s acts to workshops for everyone to join in on.
Venue: Southend Pier
Sat 2nd Aug – Sun 3rd Aug | 11:00-17:00 | Included in admission price
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside…do you? This year is the Southend Borough Council’s 26th annual Puppet Festival, where the whole family can enjoy a classic day at the beach, with seaside entertainment and much more…all on the world’s largest pleasure pier.
Venue: RSPB Rainham Marshes
Tue 26th July – Wed 31st Aug | 10:30-12:00 | 13:00-14:30 | £1pp + normal admission price
Join Rainham Marshes for some special family activities. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the Summer Holidays, there will be special family activities to keep you entertained, from pond dipping to playing mini-beast detective.
Although we have focused on Essex, there is so much to see and do nationwide - from family friendly (Viking) Bear Hunts to Beer Festivals and Shakespearean performances - throughout the Summer Holidays. So make sure to check out all the other fantastic attractions and events, in your local area, so you can make the most of those valuable 6 weeks!
Staying in the UK for a family holiday has never been better. Whether you’re hunting for peace and quiet in an idyllic surrounding or wanting to keep active on an action-packed adventure, there’s plenty on offer for you to enjoy.
Northamptonshire, in the heart of England, combines countryside relaxation with exciting activities and interesting sights. Known affectionately as the county of “squires and spires”, the rolling countryside region is steeped in history and beauty. With plenty to capture the imagination and hearts of your children, Northamptonshire has become a popular destination for many family holidays.
How to see the most of this beautiful county
Northamptonshire spans across many towns and cities such as Corby, Kettering, Northampton and Daventry. While driving is a great way to get between the various towns and take in the countryside views, there are many other ways to travel too.
Embrace times gone by with a trip on a vintage steam train from Northampton & Lamport Railway station, which will allow you to see the Brampton Valley, Northampton and Market Harborough.
With a peaceful waterway system sprawling across the county, seeing Northamptonshire by canal is also an unusual but great alternative to travelling by car. Perfect for families, it gives little explorers the opportunity to become captain of a ship, as they help you to navigate along the canal system and River Nene.
Finally, sometimes a bicycle is all you need to explore the countryside at your own leisure. Perfect for active families, there are plenty of cycle paths which allow you to experience fresh air and enjoy scenic views.
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Things to do
Whilst Northamptonshire is ideal for rest and relaxation, it also has a whole host of exciting family activities.
So, you can gather up your brood and head out to see the great sights of Northamptonshire, such as:
Silverstone
A visit to the iconic racetrack is a great day out. With plenty to see and do, it’s great for any petrol heads in the family. There are also kid’s zones, where your children can enjoy the buzz of the motor atmosphere and the thrill of watching the speeding cars.
Wicksteed Park
Little ones love the great outdoors, and Wicksteed Park is perfect for letting them roam free. With green spaces perfect for picnics and games as well as plenty of themed days and events, it is a firm favourite with families.
Budget friendly and with lots to do, it is a great choice for those on a budget.
Rockingham Castle
Line up your little soldiers for a great day out at Rockingham Castle, where they can play and learn all about this historical beauty.
Dating all the way back to the Vikings and William the Conqueror, this castle has played an important part of the county’s past. With over 450 years of battles, warring families and dramatic stories, Rockingham Castle promises tales that will truly capture your family’s imagination.
This attraction is also dog friendly, so even the four legged members of your family can enjoy some time outdoors.
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Catanger Llamas
If you want to do something unusual, then give llama trekking a go. This activity is sure to be a favourite with little animal lovers and offers you a chance to see the rolling terrain of the county in a memorable way.
You can choose from a sunlit dusk trek or a half-day experience where you meet these curious and furry friends, learn about their habitat and see the Northamptonshire countryside in a whole new way.
Where to rest your head
When it comes to accommodation, there is plenty in Northamptonshire to suit all budgets and requirements. No family is the same and there are lots of options available in the county.
If you’re looking for hotels, there are various styles and choices, from the cheap and cheerful to plush luxury surroundings.
One of the better options for families is to stay in a holiday park, where you can enjoy peace and quiet while having local amenities and entertainment just a stone’s throw away from your front door.
Billing Aquadrome, in the Nene Valley, is the perfect place to unwind and relax amongst 235 acres of glorious countryside. You can steal some time for yourself and let the children enjoy the outdoors, as there’s plenty of rides and play areas to keep them happy as well as exciting activities such as water zorbing. There’s also a lively restaurant and bar with regular entertainment, making Billing Aquadrome perfect for rest and rejuvenation as well as family fun.
With lodges and caravans to choose from, this holiday park provides families with a home-from-home with all the creature comforts required for a perfect break. There’s even room for you to bring your beloved family dog, so they can join in the fun too!
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Choose Northamptonshire for your next family break
So when you’re planning your next family trip, make sure Northamptonshire is top of your list. With beautiful countryside to explore including valleys, rivers and lakes, as well as plenty of interesting days out, this stunning county has something for every family to enjoy.
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Niamh Spence is a content writer for Billing Aquadrome in the Nene Valley – part of the Pure Leisure Group. Billing Aquadrome offers great activities for family holidays that are sure to please everyone, from big to small.
Your annual family holiday is your opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved ones.
When school finishes for the summer, you’ve got time and top weather on your side. So, here are some tips to help your family relax and enjoy your break away, free from any pesky everyday stresses.
Plan your budget in advance
Think about what you’ll need to pay for during your getaway and make sure your budget exceeds this amount. Take into consideration:
It’s much better to be over prepared than worried about spending more than you can afford. In order to really relax you’ll want to buy what you need, be able to say yes to the kids when they ask to do something and splash out occasionally - without feeling guilty!
Get the kids involved with your holiday calendar
Wherever you’re heading this summer, whether it’s the Lake District or the rolling Yorkshire countryside, ask your children what they’d most like to do while you’re there.
This isn’t to say that mum and dad aren’t in charge – the kids should know that you have the final say but that they’ve had an input into the planning of your fun-filled family holiday.
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Don’t forget to take their routine on holiday too
It’s easy to get swept up in all the excitement of a new place, surrounded by so many fun things to see and do.
But tired tots can quickly become teary ones. So, make sure the kids stick to their regular meal and bed times as much as possible to avoid tantrums.
Be flexible
Parents with younger children can often find it easier to leave behind rigid agendas in favour of some good old fashioned flexibility.
So that you don’t put yourself under any unnecessary pressure, it’s a good idea to have a loose plan in place but generally go with the flow.
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Book activities
Give yourself a back-up plan when it comes to keeping the children entertained throughout your family holiday, and prepare for the occurrence of a good old rainy day in the UK.
Find nearby indoor activities and attractions and book your family in for some guaranteed dry-time. To get the best of both worlds, book to do such activities in the mornings so that should the sun decide to shine, your brood won’t be missing out.
Booking activities in advance whenever possible has various key advantages, including:
Keeping your family holiday stress-free
Making sure that the whole family is able to enjoy a little R&R is all down to planning what you can, and taking everything else as it comes.
By focussing on getting controllable factors organised such as planned activities and budgeting, you can keep stress at arm’s length and ensure that your annual family holiday is as fun as possible!
Author Bio
Danielle Middleton is a digital content writer for Pure Leisure Group, the UK holiday home company with sites throughout the country including; the Lake District, Northamptonshire and Yorkshire.
Tonight is all Hallows eve! But if you’re still stuck with ideas of what to do tonight, check out our list of the top 5 things you can do!
Visit the London/The York Dungeons
Is there anywhere better to go on Halloween, than to a dungeon?! It’s doubtful. With Sweeney Todd giving one of his famous shaves (well… almost) in London Dungeons and Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking King of York showing you how he’s earned his nickname, it would be hard to choose between the two! One things for certain, the Master of Tricks will be playing his mischievous games in both, so beware…
Halloween runs until Sunday 2nd November in the Dungeons, so book now to avoid disappointment!
Links to the dungeons: http://www.thedungeons.com/york/en/
http://www.thedungeons.com/london/en/
Catching ghosts at Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower
If walking around Dungeons aren’t your cup of tea, then maybe catching ghosts will be. Starting from 11am, the Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower in Hampshire will help you create your own “ghost catcher with a simple film canister and baking powder, that will pop up and create a supernatural scare”! If that doesn’t float your ghost, if you can hold out until November 21st, you could stay overnight for a Paranormal Investigation…
Link to the museum: http://www.explosion.org.uk/
Bake some Halloween treats!
If you have some time before going out trick or treating, or before guests arrive for a Halloween party, bake some Halloween treats! There’s tonnes of recipes to follow online, there are loads of Halloween food puns to be made! Anyone for finger sandwiches?
Watch the scariest films
Horror and Halloween go hand in hand. There is no two ways about it. So why not gather some other friends who have no plans, stick on Omen or Nightmare on Elm Street, or whatever terrifies you the most, grab some popcorn and have a Fright Fest in your own home. Or have it on your own… if you feel brave enough.
Simply go Trick or Treating
Halloween is a lot more fun when you’re younger. Free sweets on this night, this year, every year? Amazing! So simply spreading the Halloween spirit this year to the younger generation, will surely brighten up your evening? Dress up in a make-shift, last minute costume and either go around with a younger relative, or hand out the sweets. (But please make sure the children are accompanied by an adult.
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Winter isn’t all that bad. Sure, the weather is freezing, noses start snivelling and there are Christmas adverts galore; but why should summer be only the season that we love? Why should summer be the only time of year where we try new things? Why should we only limit ourselves to the summer time? There’s nothing stopping you from taking those fantastic summer nights, through to winter. Setbacks be gone. Here are a few ways to make winter as memorable as summer.
For starters, fireworks. If you have kids, the chances are, they love fireworks. The bright flashes lighting up the early darkness that winter brings, and giving us a small bit of magic for a brief second. Most of us find them to annoying (especially when you’re trying to sleep) but why not bring them back into your life? Some wait for November fifth, and go to their local firework show. But why wait? Buy a few fireworks, a few sparklers, cook some good food and pour some good drinks, gather friends, family and other loved ones and just make a night of it. It’s probably a lot cheaper than buying a six pound burger from a van, and a lot quieter (ish). But if the idea of that just sounds like a lot of work, look out for your local firework show! Quite often, there’s a lot more than just fireworks going on, and if you can be in the cold for a while, there’s always a chance you’re going to have a good time.
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Which brings us to our second point of our wintery blog- Winter sports. This may be something you haven’t tried. The idea of trying to balance on skis might just sound like your idea of a terrible time, but before the end of the year is up, why not give it a go? There are plenty of indoor skiing centres scattered around the UK, including Chill
Factore in Manchester. Not only will this be a great way to keep up with your active lifestyle, but it’s a different and fun way to do so! Lessons cost money (unfortunately), so look for the closest indoor skiing centre near you and see how much they cost.
If the idea of winter sports seems like too much hard work, but the idea of lying in bed all day and watching films seems to appeal you more, then perhaps our next
suggestion will be more to your taste. Every year, the BFI Film Festival is held, every year they put on a mixture of films that will delight your inner film geek. For the horror fans out there, there’s always Film 4’s Frightfest. And never fear if you’re too far away to go, or if money is limited for you – lots of film festivals are held all over the country, and have tickets that are as cheap as £5.
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Another kind of festival rolls around this time of year. The Christmassy kind. With carolling, good food and plenty of things to buy, there’s no better way to get into that Christmas spirit. Some often have a Victorian theme, which will have actors dressed in Victorian clothing, singing old carols and riding in horse drawn carriages. It will show you how the Victorians would have celebrated Christmas, back in the olden times. Christmas festivals are generally a fun day out for all the family, but if you still can’t muster up some Christmas cheer, there’s always some mulled wine to get you through.
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But if the suggestion of going outside at all this winter is making you feel chilly inside, then maybe just try something new inside your home. Once summer passes, salads are forgotten about and soon the casserole dishes arrive. The hearty meals to warm you up inside are one of the few best parts about winter. If there was ever a time to
experiment with food and make something new and different, now would be the time. Look up a new recipe every week or maybe just grab some random ingredients and pull a Ready Steady Cook. However you do it, get creative this winter!
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Summer’s approaching, kids have spent all winter sat on their bums indoors playing video games and you are eager to get them of out the house, but wait! Make sure you don’t forget these 7 tips or risk upset children!
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1. The weather! Just because the sun is shining where you are doesn’t mean the sun is shining two hours away! Check the weather, DOUK have a quick five day forecast for every attraction listed on our website, so do look before setting off.
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| Luckily this chap has brought his wellies! | Those whites are going to get messy! |
2. Are they definitely open? A website can often be slow to update, we always advise to check an attraction’s Twitter feed before leaving home as this is likely to give you the most up-to-date news. Opening times also vary throughout the year so make sure you are looking at the right information.
3. Find out what food facilities are at the attraction. You may want to bring a picnic.
4. Are dogs allowed? Tucker’s in the back seat looking forward to some fun family time, only the place they’ve arrived at doesn’t allow dogs! Disaster! Do always check by calling or visiting an attraction’s website if they allow dogs so you can decide whether to bring him or her along or not!
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| Who wouldn't let this guy in? |
5. Are there any events running? Again, check the Twitter feed to be sure!
6. Don’t just have one thing in mind! Check out nearby attractions and plan your day so kids don’t get bored. DOUK have a great ‘What’s Near’ feature to give you some ideas.
7. Don’t forget the camera. It’s easily done.
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| A camera. Remember it (or your phone) |
Schools Out for the Summer
Fairytale Circus
6 Weeks of Summer
Summer Holidays
Glow by Night (9).jpg)
Wind in the Willows
Puppet Festival