Sooty Land – A Magical Day Meeting Sooty at Crealy

WSooty Land – A Magical Day Meeting Sooty at Crealy

We live a stone’s throw away from Crealy and it makes for a fun family day out. There are things for all ages to do including fast-paced rollercoasters right down to taking a stroll through the animal paddocks.

You can also make a holiday out of it and stay at Crealy Meadows with an option for Camping, Glamping, or one of their Lodges.

Two children standing in front of giant sooty at Sooty Land Crealy

Where it all began

We were invited to go along for the opening of Sooty Land at the weekend. I grew up with Sooty, Sweep, and Soo so it was such a treat and a trip down memory lane for me personally.

Richard Cadell, the Presenter, and Owner of the Sooty Show introduced us to Sooty with some background information about how Sooty came about. Sooty was discovered in a Blackpool Joke Shop in 1948 by Harry Corbett and was offered his own TV show after appearing on the BBC’s Talent Night.

Sooty has met many a famous face including the Queen and Prince Philip where he might have been a little bit naughty!

Sweep first appeared on the show in 1957 joined by Soo in 1964.

In 1976, both Sooty and Harry Corbett were awarded OBEs for charitable services.

Also in 1976, Harry Corbett’s son, Matthew took over as presenter of the Sooty Show.

In 1985 Richard Cadell joined the Sooty Show, and in 1998 Matthew Corbett retired leaving the show in the hands of Richard going forward.

Richard talked so passionately about his adventures with Sooty that it felt like a ‘Proud Dad Moment’ that Sooty now resides at Crealy.

Sooty will be celebrating his 70th Birthday next year which is pretty incredible since he doesn’t look a day over five!

Sooty Land

Sooty Land is a great addition to Crealy.

"Sootys

There are four new rides:

Sooty’s Magic Bus takes you up into the sky and gives your tummy a little flip when it comes back down.

Sweep’s Flying Circus is an aeroplane ride that goes round and round. You can make the planes go up and down yourself using the button.

Soo’s Sweet Balloon Ride where you sit in a hot air balloon and go round, like the teacup ride but in the sky.

Izzy Wizzy Let’s Get Dizzy is a fast car ride that spins around and makes you feel like you’re going to crash into the other cars.

Soo's Sweet Balloon Ride at Sooty Land, Crealy

The Pier Building is home to:

  • An interactive Strike Arena
  • Sooty’s Carnival Games
  • Sooty’s Magic Mirror Maze
  • An electronic interactive climbing wall
  • Spider climb duo slides
  • Jigsaw Tetris
  • Magi Bricks
  • Giant Twister
  • Dance studio

Richard Cadell and  Sooty at the opening of Sooty Land

The Pier is also home to the Hall of Fame which was such a lovely trip down memory lane. It features many of the original props from the shows and is definitely worth checking out.

Grab something to eat

There are four additional places to eat:

  • Sooty’s Diner
  • Sweep’s Hot Dogs
  • Soo’s Cafe
  • Seaside Spuds

We went to Sooty’s Diner where both kids had chicken bites and chips and I had a Southern Fried Chicken burger and chips which was both reasonable in price and tasty.

"Sweeps

The Sooty Show

Last, but definitely not least is the Sooty Show which you can watch in the big top. It was funny from beginning to end, even including a few jokes for the adults. It was interactive and held the attention of my usually fidgety four-year-old from beginning to end.

We ended the day with ice cream and a meet and greet with Sooty, Sweep, and Richard which was the actual Sooty used in the shows.

Two Children sitting on a giant deckchair at Sooty Land, Crealy

Our Thoughts

Visiting Sooty Land was a huge hit with my kids, and I really enjoyed it as well. The rides were all great alongside the rides throughout the rest of the park. The Sooty Show was my favourite bit. The kids had flashing wands and joined in with the magic spells and other interactive bits. We laughed all the way through. Isabelle nearly fell off her seat at one of the cheeky jokes that she’s told everybody she’s talked to since we went. There’s so much to keep the kids happy both inside and outside. There are lots for all ages which is always a bonus for a parent with big age gap kids. I would definitely add it to your Devon Bucket list.

You can find other recommendations for Great Family Days out in Devon here.

  • We were given complimentary tickets to attend the press event, but all thoughts are our own. 

Sooty and Sweep behind the bushes at Sooty Land, Crealy

Family Fun at Paulos Circus Topsham

Family Fun at Paulos Circus Topsham

This weekend we had the pleasure of visiting Paulos Circus at Darts Farm in Topsham. it’s a fantastic setting with plenty of parking and the appeal of coffee, cake, and ice cream afterwards.

Aerial Acrobat performing in the air at Paulos Circus

We visited when they were there back in 2017 so we knew we were in for a treat – Paulos Circus 2017.

Paulos Circus has been entertaining the nation since 1816. Isabelle’s Tour is a mixture of traditional circus acts presented with a 21st-century twist. 

The excitement builds once the Big Top is insight. The walk there today was a soggy one, but it definitely didn’t put a dampener on the experience.

Poroto the Clown doing ladder tricks in Paulos Circus

I went with my sister and her daughter. As well as my two. I wasn’t sure if Freddie was going to sit still but he was mesmerised throughout the show as there are so many different acts to see as well as all the lighting and effects.

An Aerial gymnast performing in the Paulos Circus

We wore masks until we were seated. As we were seated ringside, there were plastic partitions between each family group and a one-way system in and out of the tent. There were also hand sanitisers at the entrance and in the toilets.

What to Expect

The show was Go….Go…..Go throughout with act after act providing non-stop entertainment. 

The acts included: 

Juggling
Balancing 
Aerial Gymnastics 
Aerial Cube Gymnastics 
Ladder walking (not sure if that’s the technical term, but you’ll know what I mean)
Trapeze Artist 
A Fairy on a tightrope
A Robot and a Spaceship

And not forgetting Poroto the clown who we saw in between each act – he was absolutely hilarious. 

There were refreshments available on a cash-only basis so don’t forget to take some cash on the day.

The show lasted around 75 minutes and it went by really quickly. 

It is loud in the big top and there are a lot of flashing lights. I did notice a couple of children wearing ear defenders, but my three-year-old and ten-year-old were absolutely fine without. 

Paulos Circus gymnastics act

How much are the tickets? 

Isabelle’s Tour is at Dart’s Farm until the 25th July with plenty of shows available and then on to Newquay for the rest of the Summer. 

The tickets are £8 per person which is a very reasonable price. Under 2’s are FREE.

These can be prebooked or bought on the gate, but personally, I’m not sure I would risk the disappointment of being turned away. You can book your Paulos Circus Tickets Here.

For all updates, it’s best to follow their Facebook Page

A Spaceship landing with an alien emerging as part of the Paulos Circus performance

Our Thoughts 

Right from the beginning, I thought it was well thought out with a one-way system and hand sanitisers available on arrival. The Big Top wasn’t packed full of people, there was plenty of room and in terms of COVID and social distancing, I felt that we didn’t have any issues at all. 

The show was fantastic. There was something going on all of the time which just keeps the excitement going throughout. I wasn’t sure if Freddie was going to sit still as he has no experience of sitting in this kind of setting as he was only 18 months old when the pandemic hit. However, he was mesmerised by the lights and the acts. He joined in with the clapping and laughed throughout. My daughter and niece enjoyed it so much and again joined in wholeheartedly. 

I love the circus and the atmosphere was brilliant. Everybody was clapping along and laughing the whole time. The performers give 100% to their acts and it shines throughout the acts.

To see more of the acts have a look at our Day’s Out Highlights over on our Instagram account.

*We were gifted tickets to attend the Paulos Circus to enable us to provide an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

 

Halloween Activities in the South West

Halloween Activities in the South West

Whether you take the kids Trick or Treating, organising your own events or have booked into an organised event there’s loads of Halloween Activities in the South West to take part in.

We went Trick or Treating for the first time last year. It’s not something that I would usually do but we were invited along with one of our neighbours and Isabelle had a lovely time. We stayed close to home and only went to houses with a pumpkin outside which seems to be an unwritten rule.

halloween_activities_in_the_southwest

Apple and Pumpkin Day – West Town Farm, Ide
Sunday 22nd October 2017 11am – 4pm.

There’s loads of stuff on offer when West Town Farm opens it’s gates to the public. Poco Drom will be performing, Tractor Trailer rides, Pumpkin Carving, Fireside Story Telling, Apple Pressing, Feeding the Animals, Straw Bale den and much more. They also have a BBQ on the go where you can buy some scrummy food (vegetarian options as well). Child £3 Adult £4 Family £12 Under 3’s FREE!

Halloween Fun Run – Cowick Barton Playing Fields, Exeter.
Thursday 26th October. The Toddler run starts at 5pm and the under 16’s at 6pm.

Dress up in your scariest halloween outfit and head to Cowick Barton for a spooky fun-run. With storytelling, BBQ food, hot and cold drinks, and two Family Fun Runs. All monies raised go to Age UK Exeter.

Halloween Party – Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton.
Saturday 28th October 2017.

The fun-packed evening will include art activities as well as food and music and coordinates with the gallery’s exhibition Frances Hatch : Red Earth Under My Nails. Families are invited to make their own spooky animation. Kids can also get up close to lizards, snakes and spiders! Add to your Halloween outfit with some scary face painting and glitter tattoos. Delicious local food will be on offer including wood-fired pizzas and Caribbean food, hot chocolate for little trick-or-treaters and there will be music to dance to and a bar. This event is FREE entry and crafts but there is food and drink available to buy.

Halloween Fright Night – Shaldon Zoo, Shaldon.
Friday 27th October 2017.

Get dressed up in your best Halloween Costume and head to Shaldon Zoo to meet the nocturnal animals and feed them some goulish treats. There will be spooky stories and a weird woodland walk. Woooooooo………

Halloween Party – The Twisted Oak, Ide.
Saturday 28th October 2017. Starts at 4pm.

A fun family Halloween Party where everybody can dress up and have a boogie. There will be a prize for the best costume and if you take your carved pumpkin along you can enter it into the Pumpkin Competition. Food and drink available.

Halloween Fun at Crealy, Clyst St Mary, Exeter.
21st October – 29th October 2017.

There are loads of great things happening at Crealy for Halloween. Meet Scooby Doo (24th – 28th Oct) who will appear throughout the day, take a look around The Creaky Hotel (over 8’s), head into the Wilderness to find the Treehouse Trolls, meet creepy crawlies at Patch’s Bug Show, try your luck at the Trick or Treat Station – will you get a treat or be tricked? Carve your own pumpkin (all kids get a FREE pumpkin) and watch the Jolly-Ween Singing Pumpkin Show. To top it all off there will be firework displays on 28th and 29th October. Usual ticket prices apply.

Halloween Horrors – Paignton Zoo, Paignton.
21st October – 31st October 2017.

Take part in the Trick or Treat trail for a prize at the end. You can hop aboard the Ghost Train and take part of in the Crocodile Swamp Discovery, Bug Talks with bug eating challenges and a Maned Wolf talk. You can also take part in making your own slime. Normal ticket prices apply + £1.50 for the Trick or Treat map.

Pumpkin Trail – Killerton House.
21st October – 31st October 2017. 11am – 4pm.

Killerton is a great place to take the kids. Follow the Pumpkin Trail whilst discovering all the great things at Killerton. Swish through the leaves, explore the bear house, walk through the woodlands and take a tour around the house. Don’t forget to finish off with a nice slice of cake! Normal admission prices apply.

Halloween Activities – A La Ronde, Exmouth. 

There are various things happening at A La Ronde including the Fang-tastic Family Trail (21st – 29th Oct 10.30 – 4pm) as well as a House Trail where you can spot spooky creatures and on 24th October there lots of family Halloween activities for all the family to take part in. Normal admission applies + £2 for some activities.

Halloween Activities + a Halloween Train – Bicton Botanical Gardens, Budleigh Salterton.
23rd – 29th October.

Head to Bicton for Halloween crafts and visit the Witches Grotto. On the 26th October there will be a Halloween Train Ride (Over 2’s Only) for a spooky train ride in the dark which will finish off with hot chocolate and spooky muffins.

The World of Country Life Halloween Activities – Exmouth.
23rd – 29th October 2017. 22nd – 27th October 2017.

As well as all the usual things to do there will be loads of fun activities including pumpkin carving, the Hallowe’en treasure trail, spooky arts & crafts. Don’t miss the Family Halloween Show in the Barnyard Theatre on Friday 27th, Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th October featuring Angus and the witch.

Powderham Castle Halloween Fun, Kenton, Exeter. 

Enter into a world of spookiness in the Old Riding School, where children can enjoy face painting and glitter tattoos, pumpkins crafts and ghostly games.  Meet the weird and wonderful characters at the potion making shows at 12pm and 2pm. Collect your ticket on arrival, £3 per child to take part.  Open from 11am to 4pm, whatever the weather.  Hot drinks and snacks available. This has been marked for 4 – 11 year olds but suitable for all. There is also a child friendly ghost tour where you may see some creepy crawlies along the way. There are also some after dark activities for the adults.

Halloween Night at Poltergeist House – Poltimore House, Exeter.
Saturday 28th October 2017.

Why not visit the scariest house in Devon and dare to knock at the door for your TRICK or TREAT? Meet the ‘Vampfylde’ family if they dare to join us and then enjoy some ‘ghoulish food’ in the cafe. There are areas for ALL ages including small children. There is a caution of strobe lighting for this event.

Dinosaur Halloween Horrors – Torquay Dinosaur World, Torquay.
21st – 29th October 2017.

This half term discover the Halloween Horrors that have invaded Torquay’s Dinosaur World. Save the dinosaurs from the wicked witch and the ghastly ghosts and ghouls, and take the Halloween Horrors Hunt to win a Dinosaur Expert Certificate and a FREE 160-million-year-old fossil. From 3.30pm everyday visit the ‘Lights Out Torch Tour’ to explore the exhibition in the dark, listen to a scary ghost story, and meet Terry the baby T Rex.

Halloween Tram of Terror – Seaton Tramway, Seaton.
23rd – 29th October 2017.

Travel on the “Tram of Terror” with our gruesome tram drivers to Colyton Station where there will be spooky entertainment. Fancy dress is optional. Take part in spooky entertainment and activities and Halloween games at Colyton Station. Revolting refreshments are also available. Ticket prices Adult £14.95, Child £12.95 and Under 3’s FREE.

There’s 15 great things for you to do with your little ones.

If you live in the South West and find any other great nuggets, do let me know in the comments.

Lisa x

#SchoolHols2017 – River Cottage Summer Festival

#SchoolHols2017 – River Cottage Summer Festival

Not sure what to get up to this weekend then head to the River Cottage Summer Festival. Running from Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th August 2017. There are loads of things for both kids and adults to take part in all set beautiful surroundings. Day tickets and weekend tickets

What’s more under 16’s get in FREE when accompanied by an adult.

River Cottage Summer Festival

What is there to do?

There is a wide range of activities to get stuck into including:

  • Performances by Swamp Circus and Rainbow Gecko Giant Bubbles
  • Play Art Junk Modelling for the artistic amongst you
  • A foraging tour with John Wright
  • Baby Massages
  • Kids Yoga
  • The Hands-On mud kitchen – Awesome!
  • Play in the sandpit
  • felting and flower workshops
  • Marine Monster Making
  • Pottery
  • Jewellery making
  • Clay modelling

River Cottage Summer Festival

Take some time out to appreciate the stunning countryside with a guided geology walk with local butterfly experts, and take part in star gazing after sunset.

Masterclasses are also available in sushi making, cooking over a wood fire and for the little ones there are pizza making and ice cream sundae making.

Of course lots of food will be available street food style from local artisan producers. Experience the Farmhouse Feast with a two-course sit down meal served in the iconic Farmhouse for just £20 with a fantastic menu using fresh, seasonal and local produce from the farm, garden and local suppliers.

There will also be a selection of bars located across the Festival serving a variety of sumptuous drinks from Chase Vodka cocktails and English sparkling wine from neighboring Castlewood Vineyard to locally sourced beers, ciders, wines and seasonal cocktails.

A team of chefs and experts will be on hand to share their culinary tips throughout the two-day weekend on the Garden Stage hosted by Steven Lamb. On the Saturday, visitors can enjoy a mix of chefs, speakers and activists including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, forager John Wright, Bake-Off star Chetna Makan and herbalist Katie from Pukka Teas. On the Sunday, award-winning blogger Ed Smith will take to the stage alongside Satish Kumar, Michelin-starred Adam Byatt and Hugh.

River Cottage Summer Festival

Festival goers can enjoy music throughout the weekend with a variety of brilliant musicians on the line-up. There is live music from midday until 10pm on both days, with entertainment for the whole family. On the Saturday, Sound of the Sirens will headline alongside The Jack Daniels Band, Them Voices Poor, Sadie Horler, Hungry Bentley, Nicky Swann and DJ Diggz. On the Sunday, visitors can enjoy music from The Travelling Band, Mr Tea and the Minions, Melissa Bel, Mark McCabe, Tori Reed and the Troubadours and DJ Diggz.

How much does it cost?

There are various ticket prices available which you can look at the options on the River Cottage website.

How to get there?

Have a great weekend!

Living in the South West or visiting for the holidays then have a look at our oodles of suggestions for #southwestdaysout – Whether you’re looking for local attractions or fabulous beaches and walks.

Lisa x

World of Country Life

World of Country Life

The weather has a lot to answer for so far but if you’re looking for something to do today then why not head to the World of Country Life in Exmouth where they have both indoor and outdoor activities.

World of Country Life

What is there to do?

  • Deer Train Safari – Take the train and feed the deer and llama.
  • Bottle Feeding – Bottle feed the lambs and calves.
  • Goat walking
  • Birds of Prey displays
  • Animal racing – watch ferret, ducks or lambs racing
  • Small animal handling
  • Exhibition Hall – Visit the victorian street where you can see how people lived, worked and dressed in years gone by
  • Animal paddocks – Meet the many animals including walabies and donkeys
  • Appy Angus Fun Farm – Indoor soft play fun
  • Hall of Transport – The South West’s largest collections of massive steam engines, immaculate vintage cars & vehicles.
  • Crazy Golf
  • Orbiters – These are a bit like the water bumper cars but are on land
  • Adventure Zone – loads of stuff including trampolines, slides and swings
  • Raceway Electric Cars
  • Air Bouncer – A giant pillow of air-filled fun that the whole family can bounce on together.
  • Pirate Ship – all undercover – explore the ship and play in the sand
  • Vintage Garage Soft play
  • Mini Soft Play Zone – under 5’s

There are also plenty of indoor and outdoor picnic areas or food and refreshments available onsite.

World of Country Life

How much does it cost?

  • Under 3 years old – FREE
  • Child (3 – 17) – £10.70
  • Adult – £12.90
  • Over 60’s – £10.70

Family tickets and annual passes are also available.

World of Country Life

How to get there

Have a great day.

Lisa x

Teignmouth Beach

Devon Beach Days – Teignmouth Beach

We lucky in the South West that there are oodles of amazing beaches to visit some of which could easily be mistaken for being abroad. As part of the #SchoolHols2017 I thought I would share some of the beaches that we visit. First up we have Teignmouth Beach.

Teignmouth Beach

What do you do at the beach?

The beach can be totally FREE if you want it to be or it could end up being an expensive day out.

FREE Activities

  • Pack a picnic and invite friends
  • Take a ball/frisbee/bat and ball etc and make a day of fun games – split into teams and keep score
  • Take a portable BBQ – go late afternoon and stay until the kids are knackered.
  • Play park – There’s a great playpark which you could easily spend a lot of time in
  • Bucket and Spade – It’s amazing how many buckets, spades, shapes and rakes that accumulate from having kids. Pack it all up and let them loose to make sandcastles. Decorate them with pebbles, sea shells and bit of seaweed
  • Crabbing – take a bucket and a net

Other Activities

  • The Pier – Theres loads of amusements and things to do on the pier. Be prepared to have lots of change
  • Fish and Chips – Having fish and chips at the beach can be a real treat.
  • Crazy Golf – This used to be Ryan’s thing. Wherever we went we played crazy golf!

How to get there:

Living in the South West or visiting for the holidays then have a look at our oodles of suggestions for #southwestdaysout – Whether you’re looking for local attractions or fabulous beaches and walks.

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Woodlands Family Theme Park

We haven’t been for a while but Woodlands Family Theme Park is a really great place to take the kids. Although it’s a theme park there are loads of open spaces for the kids to run around.

What is there to do?

  • Vertigo – New for 2017 (I’m not sure I would be brave enough to go on this) – Minimum height 96cm (accompanied) over 106cm can ride on their own
  • Sea Dragon Swing Ship – Minimum height 110cm (accompanied) over 125cm can ride on their own
  • Rock n Roll Tugboat – Be prepared to rock, roll and spin! – Minimum height 90cm (accompanied) over 105cm can ride on their own
  • Bumper Boats – Get competitive with a go in the bumper boats – Minimum height 90cm (accompanied) – over 140cm can ride on their own
  • Seascape Mirror Maze – Be prepared for a unique experience. Imagine the deepest abyss in the ocean. You’re not sure what’s real, Secret Passageways stretch before you forever. This is the baffling Seascape Mirror Maze where Monstrous Sea Creatures mysteriously grow and fade. The Quest is to find the elusive Sea Spirit. Children must be supervised
  • Dolphin Toddler Play – For children under 110cm. Lots of fun stuff for the littles to do including a camper van slide
  • Jumping Pillow – Minimum height 90cm (accompanied) – Over 120cm can ride on their own
  • Tractor Ride – Climb up the life-sized tractors and drive around our very own farmyard. Enjoy looking at all your favourite noisy farm animals as you drive past them
  • Pedal Town – Let the kids get carried away racing against each other whilst you can sit and watch
  • Safari Adventure Golf – Who doesn’t love a game of mini golf. This 18 hole course has loads of fun features to entertain the whole family

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Animals

  • Meeks Retreat – Meet the Meerkat family
  • Big Animal Barn – Here you will find Charlotte the Shire Horse, lambs, calves, goats and ponies
  • Pigs Palace – Who doesn’t love a piggy or two
  • Reptile House – A fave as these are animals that you are unlikely to come across in every day life so are a bit more interesting. They have a Dwarf Caiman Crocodile, iguanas, bearded dragons, turtles, terrapins and a black throat monitor as well as a selection of snakes
  • Rabbit and Guinea Pig City
  • Nocturnal House – Do you know what a sugar glider is? You will also get the opportunity to meet raccoons, chinchillas, dwarf mongoose, Egyptian long-eared hedgehogs, rats, and gerbil
  • Goat Mountain –  I’m like a magnet for goats. Maybe it’s my smell but they always follow me or try and eat my clothes
  • Outdoor Paddocks – Meet the alpaca and emu, llamas and Manx sheep
  • Parrots Paradise – Full of gorgeously bright coloured birds
  • Chicken Run – See how many different kinds of chickens you can spot
  • New Babies – If you’re lucky you may see a baby or two
  • Sea Monster Zone – Packed full of rides and soft play adventures
  • Cyclone Canyon Zone – If waters your thing then head for this zone
  • Ninja Zone – This area is for big and small kids to test their agility
  • Circus Drome Zone – Here you will find everything from bouncy castles to Master Blaster – something for everyone
  • Fantasi Forest Zone – As I said, although this is a theme park there are lots of open spaces where you can wander and discover
  • Arctic Zone – I definitely recommend this area with the long slides and assault course
  • Indoor Play Area – Great if the weather isn’t great
  • Toddler Village Zone – Loads of stuff
  • Devon Falconry – Displaying cool birds of prey and owls

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Events

Titan the Robot – 15th August 2017
He’s worked with stars including Rihanna and Will smith and will make 3 appearances during the day where he will perform some street theatre, comedy, and music.

Fizzpop Science Workshop and Show – 11th & 18th August 2017
They will be making gooey slime and teach you about friction, from rubbing your hands together to *Dalek Plungers we learn how friction is helpful for us to ‘get a grip’. They will also demonstrate how they can remove friction by adding blasts of air, allowing us to float a willing volunteer around the floor with their very own hoverboard!

Meet the Woodland Superstarz – Throughout the School Holidays.

Emazad the Magician and Friends – Watch him entertain the kids with his balloon skills – Various dates throughout the School Holidays.

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Facilities

Undercover and outdoor picnic areas

Opening times

9.30am – 6.00pm

Ticket Prices

For up to date ticket prices see the Woodlands Website 

How to find it:

Lisa x

Don’t forget to have a look at all our other suggestions for places to take the kids in Devon whether you live here or are visiting.

A Family Walk at Holdon Forest

A Family Walk at Haldon Forest

Haldon Forest is one of our go-to places when we don’t have anything else planned. We can take the dog as well which is an extra bonus and Isabelle loves it.

What is there to do?

Go and explore the woods and use your imagination. Try this one on your little ones – If there is a fallen tree with the roots all showing we tell Isabelle that it’s a troll’s house and they’ve popped out for a bit. In other parts of the woods where the Go Ape bits are we tell Isabelle that they are tree people flying through the trees.

She’s nearly seven now so although she knows that the ‘tree people’ are actually people on zip wires, she’s still happy to go along with the troll houses so we’ll go with that.

Follow one of the many trails that they have. Our usual trails are the Butterfly Trail and the Discovery Trail which are the easy routes. There are plenty of things to do along the way such as huge pipes to make your own tune on, huts, and lookouts. The last time we went there horseriders passed us which was nice to see.

Pick out good sticks, leaves, and stones. Play hide and seek and shout to hear your voices echo.

The Gruffalo Trail – Download the Gruffalo Spotter app and have fun spotting the creatures from the Gruffalo and then meet the Gruffalo and Stick man at the end of the trail.

Take the bikes and follow one of the bike-friendly trails.

Go Ape – This is one for kids over 1 metre and there are various different adventures available.

Segway Trails – Suitable for kids over 10 years old. These look really cool but we’ve yet to have a go on them.

Once you’ve finished you can pop into the cafe for refreshments and maybe an ice cream or cake.

How much does it cost?

Visiting the forest is FREE but there is a charge for parking which you can find the info on the Forestry Commission Website.

Get a Gruffalo Activity Pack from the Rangers Office packed full of cool stuff to make your experience in the woods cooler – just £3.00.

How to get there?

Don’t forget to have a look at all our other suggestions for places to take the kids in the South West whether you live here or are visiting and follow the hashtag #SchoolHols2017

 

Our Day at Morwellham Quay

Our Day at Morwellham Quay

We’re long overdue a trip to Morwellham Quay. The last time we went we had to stop half way there as Ryan felt car sick and he used his Nintendo DS as a sick bucket. It’s fair to say that the DS died a gruesome death that day. However, all was not lost as we had a fantastic day.

What is there to do?

Ride the Copper Mine Train – Take a ride on the train and admire the view before entering the George and Charlotte copper mine.

Traditional Crafts – Watch local Craftsmen working in the forge or pottery and rope making in the village.

Chocolate Making – Discover where chocolate came from and how it is made. Take part and make your own chocolate treat.

Victorian School – Experience school life in Victorian times including the strict regime and punishments.

Morwellham Quay

The Brewery – Sample Beer and Cider from the brewery and learn how it’s produced.

Victorian bakery – Learn the traditional techniques, knead some dough and make your own bread roll.

Mining Copper – Smash a rock and see what riches you can find.

Panning for Gold – Kids love this traditional way of searching for precious metals.

The Garlandstone – Step on board one of the last cargo vessels built in England.

Play areas – Let off some steam in the kids play area.

Dress like a Victorian – There are loads of costumes for both adults and kids to try on which is a lot of fun.

Opening Times

10.00am – 5.00pm

Dogs are welcome and there is wheelchair access, but there are lots of cobbles.

Ticket Prices

  • Adults: £10.95
  • Children under 3 years old: FREE
  • Children 3 – 16 years: £8.95
  • Concessions: £9.95
  • Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £34.95

If you book your tickets online there is a 10% discount.

How to find it:

Enjoy.

Lisa x

Don’t forget to have a look at all our other suggestions for places to take the kids in Devon Whether you live here or are visiting.

The Miniature Pony Centre

The Miniature Pony Centre

We’ve been to the Miniature Pony Centre quite a few times over the years, but we never get bored of it. There’s plenty to do and lots of open spaces for kids to have fun.

Miniature Pony Centre

What is there to do?

Animals – Despite the name, there are lots of other animals as well as the ponies. Pop into the paddock where there are loads of ponies roaming around that you can stroke. See how many different colours and size ponies you can spot. If your kids take a real shine to the ponies they can take part in a Pony Care Day where they learn to look after a pony.

Birds and Poultry – You are most likely to be greeted by a peacock when you arrive at the Pony Centre as they wander around freely. There are also aviaries dotted around which are home to cockatiels and various breeds of chicken.

Miniature Donkeys – It’s not just miniature ponies at the centre. They also have miniature Mediterranean donkeys who love to be stroked and cuddled. If it rains, you will find the donkeys in the barn.

Baby Animals – Lots of babies have been born this year including foals, piglets, lambs, and chicks.

Pets Paddock – Here you will find some of the smaller animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, and creepy crawlies.

Heavy Horses – The Miniature Pony Centre is home to Buster the Shire Horse and Harris the Suffolk Punch. These are enormous beautiful animals who are usually in the barn, but if you’re lucky they might be in the arena.

Lionhead Rabbits – These are lovely rabbits with a furry mane. We had one and he was so soft and fluffy.

Giant African Land Snails – Eeek!

Giant Millipedes – kids love these. Isabelle has held quite a few of these.

Stick insects – See if you can spot them in amongst the branches.

Skinny Pigs – I only found out about these a few months ago. They are totally cute and totally bald!

As well as the animals there are indoor and outdoor play areas. Plenty of picnic areas and open spaces to sit on the grass.

Pony Rides – This is lovely to do if you get the chance and suitable from ages 3 – 10 years. The riders are suitably matched with a pony and are guided by the experienced staff. There is an additional £2.00 charge for this.

Facilities

There is a lovely cafe where you can buy hot and cold food as well as drinks, snacks and ice creams.

Dogs are not allowed in the Pony Centre but they do provide free kennels.

Opening Times

7 days a week between 22nd March – 29th October

10.30 – 4.30 (10.00 – 5.00pm in August)

Ticket Prices

  • Adults: £8.50
  • Children 3 – 16 years: £7.50
  • Senior Citizens: £7.00
  • Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £30.00

How to find it:

Let us know what you think if you take a trip.

Lisa x

Don’t forget to have a look at all our other suggestions for places to take the kids in the South West whether you live here or are visiting.