Let's Go With The Children - Great Ideas and Events for the Kids

 

Northern England	Central England	Eastern England	Southern England
Wales	Scotland	Northern Ireland

 

Northern England

Cheshire

Rode Hall – Snowdrop Walks – 28th January to 11th March 2012 Plan a day out with the children for a lovely stroll through one of Cheshire’s ‘Gardens of Distinction’ to find a delightful carpet of white. Open for Snowdrop Walks daily (except Mondays) from 12noon-4 pm and the tearooms will be open the same opening times. Admission to Gardens is £4 adults, £1 for children aged 5-15 years. Rode Hall, Scholar Green, Cheshire, ST7 3QP 01270 873237

Cumbria

Sizergh Castle – Snowdrop Walks – 25th February to 1st April 2012 Follow the self-led trail on an active outdoors day out with the children in the south Lakes near Kendal in Cumbria. Pick up and information guide at the reception to locate the carpets of snowdrops around the grounds and estate. Please check on the website nearer the time as flowering times may vary. Saturdays and Sundays only. Sizergh Castle, Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8DZ 01539 560951

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Durham

Hall Hill Farm – Lambing at the Farm – from 17th March 2012 One of the favourite things to do with the kids in spring, is to spend a day out at the award-winning farm in Lanchester to see the new born lambs during March and April. There are several different breeds of sheep that will lamb over 8 weeks. Bottle feed the pet lambs and see the fluffy chicks as well as all the usual farm animals and activities. Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0TA 01388 731333

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East Yorkshire

Burton Agnes Hall – Snowdrop Spectacular – 4th February to 4th March 2012 Enjoy some relaxing family time wandering through the woods amongst a stunning sea of beautiful white snowdrops on a day out with the children in Driffield, East Yorkshire. Burton Agnes Hall, Driffield, East Yorkshire, YO25 4NB 01262 490324

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Lancashire

Farmer Parrs Animal World – Lambs at the Farm – 11th February to 31st March 2012 If you are looking for places to take the kids during the spring months make a visit to the award-winning farm at Fleetwood, Lancashire. Lamb feeding is held several times a day from early spring until summer, feed the lambs and stroke tiny newly hatched chicks and look out for other baby animals arriving as well as enjoying a great range of children’s activities. Farmer Parrs Animal World, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8JP 01253 874389

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North Yorkshire

Kiplin Hall – Snowdrops & Spring Flowers – 5th February to 5th March 2012 Spend a day out in the fresh air with the children to find the swathes of snowdrops at the 17th century hall between Richmond and Northallerton. The welcoming snowdrops and aconites are followed by primroses and other spring flowers that signal nature coming to life. Wander through the lovely gardens and then award yourself a home-made cake in the tea room! Open Sunday to Wednesday, 10am-4pm Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 6AT 01748 818178

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South Yorkshire

Cannon Hall Farm – Spring Lambing Week – 11th to 19th February 2012 Visit the award winning farm will be filmed as part of t.v.’s ‘Lambing Live’ programme, where there are 180 sheep due to lamb, so there could be nearly 300 lambs! This means there’s a great chance of seeing a lamb born, as well as plenty of piglets, kid goat and even baby llamas. There’s lots to do for kids with daily indoor craft activities on a sheep related theme, the petting area will be open all week and there will be regular supervised feeding of larger animals in the Roundhouse. Cannon Hall Farm, Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 4AT

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Tyne & Wear

Gibside –Spring into Spring – 13th February to 18th March 2012 Choose one of the spring themed activities going on at Gibside on a great family day out with the children. Join in with the indoor and outdoor escapades every day of half term, try Explorer Monday, Foodie Tuesday, Wildlife Wednesday, Adventure Thursday or Fab Friday at 11am to 3pm. Or give the garden birds a helping hand on the 19th February by making a bird box to take home. There is a small charge of £5 per bird box, and the drop-in workshop takes place at 11am-3pm. During each weekend in March you can meet newborn lambs from Gibside's farm and take a peek at some gorgeous tiny newly hatched chicks at 11am to 3pm. Gibside, Burnopfield, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 6BG 01207 541820

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Central England

Buckinghamshire

Family Spring Trail 1 March 2012 - 31 May 2012 Celebrate spring at Cliveden by picking up the FREE Family Trail from the Information Centre. Go on an adventure through the gardens to find the clues to complete your trail. near Maidenhead, Taplow , Buckinghamshire, SL6 0JA   01628 605069 (Infoline)

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Herefordshire

Berrington Hall – Family Outdoor Trail – 11th-19th February 2012 Berrington Hall is a great place to go this half term. There’s a spring family trail and plenty of early flowers to enjoy in the gardens and woodland. On 13th February children can build their own bird box with the Trust Rangers. Please see the website for further information. Berrington Hall, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0DW 01568 615721

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Northamptonshire

Conservation Days 18 February 2012 - 17 March 2012 Help the Rangers with some important habitat management for some of the County's rare butterflies. Tools, gloves and tea provided. Please let a Ranger know if you wish to join in. Third Saturday of each month February to March 10.30-3pm Fermyn Woods Country Park , signposted off B6116, Brigstock , Northamptonshire, NN14 3HF    01536 373625

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Oxfordshire

Snowdrop Weekend at Waterperry Gardens 18 February 2012 - 19 February 2012 If you think February gardens are boring then think again - and make a beeline for Waterperry. The riverside walk, old orchard and new snowdrop valley area will be carpeted with more than 30 different varieties of these wonderful little heralds of spring and there'll be free guided tours at 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm each day of our special Snowdrop Weekends. (Garden entrance fee applies but tours are free). Gardens open 10am to 5pm daily. Please call us or visit our website for information about early or late snowdrop appearances!  Waterperry Gardens, Nr Wheatley, oxford, Oxfordshire, OX33 1JZ   01844 339254

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Shropshire

Park Hall Countryside Experience – Lamb Feeding – 11th-19th February 2012 For a lovely day out with the kids in Shropshire, go to Park Hall. This award-winning farm park is open daily over half term and activities include feeding the lambs. Please see website for further information. Park Hall Countryside Experience, Burma Road, Whittington, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 4AS 01691 671123

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Staffordshire

Shugborough Estate – February Half Term at Shugborough Park Farm – 13th-17th February 2012 Fit in a visit to Shugborough Park Farm during half term. The kids will have a great time meeting the latest arrivals and taking part in the craft activities. Please see website for further information. Shugborough Estate, Milford, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 0XB 01889 881388

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Warwickshire

February Frolics Lambing Event 11 February 2012 - 19 February 2012 Lambing Event - see newborn lambs every day in our Lambing Marquee with Little Bo Peep and Pete the Shepherd. Plus new arrivals in Farmyard Favourites, adventure play and frolicking fun all day long. Hatton Farm Village at Hatton Country World, Hatton, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV35 8XA    01926 843411

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West Midlands

Wightwick Manor & Gardens – Scrubbing Up for Spring – 11th-19th February 2012 It’s time for spring cleaning. Meet the Conservation Team at Wightwick Manor and watch them cleaning in the Great Parlour. There will be hands-on activities for families including the chance to try cleaning brass and ceramics. Wightwick Manor & Gardens, Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 8EE 01902 760100

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Worcestershire

Webbs – Kids’ Nest Box Decorating – 13th-17th February 2012 Celebrate National Nest Box Week by decorating your very own wooden nest box at Webbs. Take the box home and hang it in your garden ready for birds to use this spring. Webbs, Worcester Road, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 0DG 01527 860000

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Southern England

Bath

Prior Park Landscape Garden – Snowdrop Season – 1-29 February 2012 Enjoy the beautiful snowdrops that carpet the ground at this magical time of year. Children are welcome. 10am-4pm. Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, BA2 5AH 01225 833422

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Berkshire

Bush Craft Adventure Day 16 February 2012 An amazing opportunity to spend a whole day exploring Greenham Common. During the day you'll have a go at knots, build a basic shelter, learn some basic tool use and cook something for lunch. Be prepared to get wet and muddy. Suitable for boys and girls aged 8 to 14 years. £8.00 per child. Booking and registration essential. Greenham Common, Newbury , Berkshire,    01635 580792

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Cornwall

Pencarrow House & Gardens – Snowdrop Sunday – 12 February 2012 Why not come along to the original Snowdrop Sunday at Pencarrow and welcome in the first signs of Spring. With stalls selling snowdrops and marmalade, it will be a fantastic day out for all the family. Gates are open from 10am until 4pm.  Pencarrow House & Gardens, Washaway, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 3AG 01208 841369

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Devon

Hartland Abbey & Gardens – Snowdrop & Spring Flower Weekend – 11-12 February 2012 Come and enjoy a wonderful weekend in the snowdrops and see the early daffodils, camellias, hellebores and spring flowers. Many of the snowdrops at Hartland Abbey were planted many hundreds of years ago and stretch from the Walled Gardens to the sea. Beautiful paths lead visitors around the gardens and through the woods to Blackpool Mill, a remote cove on the Atlantic coast. 11am-4pm. Please see the website for details. Hartland Abbey & Gardens, Hartland, Bideford, Devon, EX39 6DT 01237 441264

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Dorset

Kingston Lacy House & Park – Spring Half-Term Crafts (National Bird Box Week) – 15 February 2012 Build a bird box, make some feed and learn about the birds of Kingston Lacy Estate. Book a 2-hour session which includes building a bird box and making feed in the Study Centre, then have a guided tour of the gardens to bird spot with the rangers of Kingston Lacy. Two separate sessions: One at 11am-1pm, second at 1.30-3.30pm. Family £8 (per bird box per session). Kingston Lacy House & Park, on the B3082, nr Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA 01202 883402

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Gloucestershire

Colesbourne Park – Open Days – 4th February-4th March 2012 Take the family to Colesbourne Park and admire the banks of snowdrops and other winter plants within the ten-acre gardens. The surrounding park, arboretum and nearby church are also open. Weekends only, 1-4.30pm. Colesbourne Park, Colesbourne, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NP 01242 870264 Dyrham Park – ‘Spot the Pancakes’ Trail – 18th-26th February 2012 Have a great day out with the kids at Dyrham Park and follow this special seasonal trail. Search for the pancakes hidden around the basement of the house and find out whether sweet or savoury will come out on top! On 19th February there is family pancake racing with races for all ages. Please see website for days, times and details.

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Hampshire

Lepe Country Park – Bird Box Bonanza – 15 February 2012 A fun family event - build your own bird box or make a rustic feeder for your garden. No need to book - turn up and join in. 10am-3pm. Lepe Country Park, Lepe, Hampshire, SO45 1AD 023 8089 9108

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Kent

Hever Castle and Gardens – Snowdrop Trail – 11th-19th Febuary 2012  Follow a snowdrop trail through the grounds and enjoy the early blossoms of Camellia and Quince. At this time of year delicate snowdrop bulbs are starting to emerge after their winter dormancy, the first sign that spring is just around the corner! Hever Castle, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG 01732 865224

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London

The Better Bankside Pancake Day Race 21st February 2012 12pm-2pm Continuing the tradition of holding pancake flipping races on Shrove Tuesday, the Better Bankside Pancake Day Race is taking place within Borough Market's Jubilee Market. The annual charity event sees teams compete in an unusual relay race: not only do the competitors need to out-run their opponents, they also need to do so while flipping a pancake in a frying pan at the same time.Free to watch

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Somerset

Exmoor National Park – Snowdrop Valley 2012 – 4-26 February 2012 Come and see the carpet of snowdrops in this secluded valley - walk or catch the bus. See website www.wheddoncross.org/snowdropvalley or email snowdropvalley@gmail.com for further details especially in adverse weather conditions. Group bookings essential. Contact 07531 680445. Exmoor National Park, Somerset

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Surrey

Gatton Park – Snowdrop Week – 13th-17th Febuary 2012 Look out for signs that winter may be over! Join one of the interesting tours of the wonderful carpets of snowdrops which take place each day during this period. Advance booking is essential. Gatton Park, Rocky Lane, Redhill, Surrey, RH2 0TD  01737 649066

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Sussex

Great Dixter House & Gardens – Winter Open Weekend – 25th-26th February 2012 Gardens are a great place to see the changing seasons and Great Dixter is full of winter interest, including snowdrops, crocuses, hellebores and much more. The garden at great Dixter has a beautiful structure which becomes even more apparent at this time of year. Great Dixter House & Gardens, Northiam, Rye, Sussex, TN31 6PH

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Wiltshire

Lacock Abbey and Fox Talbot Museum of Photography – National Bird Box Week Trail – 11-18 February 2012 Use your ears on this family trail around the grounds of Lacock Abbey. Hunt in the grounds for the bird boxes and listen carefully: what creatures are inside? A great interactive shoe walk for all the family. This event is designed for children. 11am-4pm. Lacock Abbey and Fox Talbot Museum of Photography, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG 01249 730459

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Eastern England

Bedfordshire

THE FOREST CENTRE & MILLENNIUM COUNTRY PARK 12 February 2012  Find out about some of nature's most colourful creatures then design and make your own in a messy craft session. Booking essential. All children to be accompanied by an adult. £2.50 per child 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 0PR    01234 767037

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Cambridgeshire

Anglesey Abbey, Garden and Lode Mill – Snowdrop Festival – 23rd Jan-26th February 2012 See over 250 varieties of snowdrops growing throughout the gardens during the winter. These beautiful gardens are open from 10am each day during the festival and the snowdrop tours run from 2pm. There is even a film all about Snowdrops in the Visitor Centre. Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB5 9EJ 01223 810080

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Essex

Valentines Mansion & Gardens – How does your Garden Grow? – 14th February 2012   Join in with songs and stories about the gardens at Valentines Mansion and celebrate the first signs of spring. Make your own tissue flowers to take away.   Sessions run from 10.30-11.30am and 1.30-2.30pm. Suitable for children 2-5 years and their families. Booking is advisable. Valentine Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA 0208 708 8100

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Hertfordshire

FEBRUARY FROLICS LAMBING EVENT 11 February 2012 - 19 February 2012   See newborn lambs every day of this special lambing event with a fun-packed programme for half-term, including: farmyard animals, adventure play, Tristan the Runaway Tractor, undercover JCB Young Drivers Zone and Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn. Plus the Mad Scientists from Mad Science will be presenting their Farming Show daily and you can win a prize by helping Bo Peep find her lost sheep. Willows Farm Village, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans , Hertfordshire, Al4 0PF   0870 129 9718

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Norfolk

Walsingham Abbey – Snowdrop Walks – 4th Feb  - 4th March 2012  Enjoy the carpets of snowdrops throughout almost 20 acres of woodland and along the banks of the River Stiffkey, which runs through the Abbey Grounds. Entrance to the snowdrops is through the Shirehall Museum. Walsingham Abbey, Common Place, Walsingham, Norfolk, NR22 6BP

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Suffolk

Ickworth – Snowdrops – 24th Jan-28th Februry 2012 Brush off those winter cobwebs and admire the beautiful array of snowdrops in the gardens. There are several varieties and you can pick up a leaflet about them from the shop. Ickworth, The Rotunda, Horinger, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE 01284 735270

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Wales

Powys

Lake Vyrnwy – Build a Nest Box – 16th February 2012 With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to build your own nest box. Join the RSPB at Lake Vyrnwy for this event to celebrate National Nest Box Week. Booking essential. Please see website for further information. Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn, Welshpool, Powys, SY10 0ND 01691 870278

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Camarthenshire

National Botanic Garden of Wales – Grow Your Own Days – 13th-14th February 2012 What should you be doing in February to prepare your vegetable garden for the summer? Take the family to find out at the National Botanic Garden of Wales and have fun at the same time. National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HG 01558 668768

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Gwynedd

Penrhyn Castle – Spring Awakening – 13th-19th February 2012 For a lovely family day out in Gwynedd, go to Penrhyn Castle. There are carpets of snowdrops and other signs of spring in the gardens. Explore on your own or follow the seasonal trail. There are also themed arts and crafts to enjoy. Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 4HN 01248 353084

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Scotland

Dumfries and Galloway

Dunfries and Galloway Willife Festival 31st March -15th April 2012 This year there are more than 80 events over two weeks with some new exciting additions to the festival. Make a Tattie bogle (that's a scarecrow ) at Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR, go on Stars and Stripes badger watches at WWT Caerlaverock, visit the hatchery open days by both Galloway Fisheries Trust and the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust and a whole range of Family activities. Events across the whole of Dumfries and Galloway with something for everyone to enjoy!

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Northern Ireland

Armagh

The Argory – Snowdrop Walks – 4th-26th February 2012 See a stunning display of snowdrops and other spring bulbs throughout February. There are snowdrop self-guided walks, fun for children in the adventure playground and snowdrop plants available to buy. A trip to The Argory this February provides a great day out for all the family. Saturdays and Sundays only. The Argory, 144 Derrycaw Road, Armagh, BT71 6NA 0288 778 4753

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Londonderry

Springhill – Sunday Snowdrops – 5th -26th February 2012 As winter melts away, take a self-guided walk through Springhill's glorious display of snowdrops. There will also be an opportunity to buy snowdrop plants to take home. This event is held only on Sundays during this period, from 1-5pm. Springhill, Moneymore, Magherafelt, Londonderry, BT45 7NQ 0208 674 8210

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