#SchoolHols2017 – River Cottage Summer Festival

22/08/201717/05/2020 Lisa 2 Comments

#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

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.

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

Exeter Central Library

02/08/201719/10/2022 Lisa

Exeter Central Library

As we live in Exeter this post is based on what’s on offer in Exeter Central Library but I’m sure that your local library is running something similar so do pop in or head on over to their website to see what they’re up to. Click here to find your local library.

The main library in Exeter City Centre is pretty awesome. It has a huge children’s section with cool squishy seating areas and a rocking horse. They of course have oodles and oodles of books that you can borrow as well as audio books (great for travelling) and a massive selection of DVD’s that you can borrow as well.

Our library also has computers which can be used with parental supervision.

What is there to do?

Summer Reading Challenge – This FREE event is taking place all the way through the summer holidays. Pop into the library where you can sign up for the challenge pack and investigation kit. This is great for getting the kids reading and rewards are given along the way. The suggested age for this is 4 – 11 years.

Animal Agents Craft Session – Monday 7th August + Monday 21st August – 10.00am – 3.00pm – Animal themed craft sessions on a drop-in basis and FREE.

Willow Puppet Workshop – 3rd August 10.00am – The PaddleBoat Theatre Company have packed a very big suitcase full of exciting theatre shows and creative workshops for all the family to enjoy this summer. Come and weave willow into beautiful mini puppets that you can take home! Learn this ancient craft and get to see how some of the props have been made in PaddleBoat Theatre Company’s brand new show Rustle. This is suitable for ages 6 years + and needs to be booked in advance via The Phoenix.

Above Bounds Theatre Collective Staging Adaptions Workshop – Friday 4th August – The PaddleBoat Theatre Company have packed a very big suitcase full of exciting theatre shows and creative workshops for all the family to enjoy this summer. This storytelling workshop is inspired by Hans Christian Anderson fairytales. Suitable from 4 – 7 years and is £4.00 for the session which can be booked via The Phoenix.

Sharp Teeth Theatre Storytelling Workshop – Friday 4th August 2.00pm – PaddleBoat Theatre Company have packed a very big suitcase full of exciting theatre shows and creative workshops for all the family to enjoy this summer. This session is an adventure with terrifying magic and beautiful music. Suitable from 7 – 12 years which can be booked via The Pheonix.

Free Shadow Puppetry Workshops – The Ugly Duckling & Other Tales – Monday 14th August – 11.00am + 2.00pm – Above Bounds will be waiting for you to join them in creating your very own shadow puppet inspired by the traditional art of Wayang Kulit. This workshop will delight the senses whilst introducing you to the rich world of fairy-tales. Suitable for all ages and FREE. Tickets available from the library.

Storytime with Loreley Amiti – The Moon Lantern – Friday 18th August – 2.00pm – 2.30pm – Pop along to meet Loreley Amiti where she will be reading The Moon Lantern. Under 5’s only FREE drop-in session.

Boo to a Goose Theatre Presents: The Magic Garden – Tuesday 29th August – 2.30pm – Join Auntie Mimi and Mr Forget-me-not for a picnic in their Magic Garden. This enchanting, multi-sensory show with puppets and music, is sure to delight the whole family. Bring your teddy along for this session. Suitable for under 5’s. £4.00 per child. Tickets available from the library.

These are just a few of the events and sessions that are available at Exeter Central Library this summer. Do have a look at the library website for further details.

As well as the library, there is also a lovely cafe area where you can have a nice cuppa and a piece of cake. AND if it ever stops raining there’s a lovely space to sit outside.

Have fun!

Lisa x

Don’t forget to check out our other suggestions all listed on the #SchoolHols2017 page.

#SchoolHols2017 – Killerton House

29/07/201722/01/2024 Lisa

Killerton House

I think our favourite National Trust property by far is Killerton House. The grounds are beautiful and you can either take a short walk or a long walk dependent on your stamina or if you have little legs with you.

What is there to do?

The house and grounds are family-friendly with baby changing and feeding facilities. You can take pushchairs into the house, but some of the off-path walks may be a bit tricky.

There is a children’s play area and several interesting things around the grounds to climb on. Don’t forget to check out the Bear House.

It’s a great place to take a picnic but you can of course opt to go to one of their two cafes for refreshments.

You can also take dogs on leads (not in the house).

Take a walk around the house and discover the history and take part in the Builder Mouse Trail which area dotted throughout the building and see what jobs they’re doing.

Try it Tuesdays – Take the kids along and let them take part in a new sport.

1st August – Laser clay shooting and rugby skills.
8th August – Frisbee golf and archery.
15th August – American football and archery.
19th August – Frisbee golf and American football.
22nd August – Tennis and cricket.

Wicked Wednesdays – Themed activities for the kids to take part in. Here are the ones upcoming:

2nd August – We’re going on a Bear Hunt 2 pm – 4 pm.
9th August – Pirates 2pm – 4pm.
16th August – Knights, Dragons, and Damsels 2 pm – 4 pm.
23rd August – Fairies and Elves 2 pm – 4 pm.
30th August – Jungle Explorers 2 pm – 4 pm.

Check out the website for 50 things to do before you’re 11.

They also have a Secret Supper Club which we haven’t experienced ourselves, but it sounds like a really nice thing to do.

Opening Times

10.00am – 5.00pm Every day.

How much does it cost?

Child £5.50
Adult £11.00
Family £27.50

What did we think?

We love Killerton. Thankfully Isabelle likes to walk as long as there are interesting things to look at and do along the way. Killerton has everything you need for the perfect family day out so a big thumbs up from us.

Lisa x

Don’t forget to leave us a comment if you’ve been to Killerton – and if you’re looking for inspiration this school holidays then don’t forget to have a look at our #SchoolHols2017 page where we have lots of days out in the South West listed.

The Bear Trail

28/07/201725/02/2021 Lisa

The Bear Trail

Have you found the Bear Trail yet? Do you like the outdoors? Do your kids like mud? Do the kids need to burn off some school holiday energy?

If it’s a YES to all of the above then you need to add The Bear Trail to your list of School Holiday activities.

Things to do!

Get Muddy!
Get Wet!
Have Fun!
Get the Kids Muddy!
Get the Adults Muddy!
Climb!
Roll!
Wallow!

There are loads of climbing apparatus, stepping stones, wobbly bridges, rope bridges, hay bales, tyres to squeeze through, a mountain to climb, and more……

Wear your oldest clothes and trainers and go and have some fun!

Either take a picnic or choose from their menu of panini’s, stonebaked pizzas or selection of cakes and drinks.

There is no age range, the idea being that if you feel able to take part then do it.

There is a smaller area for the littles to play but if they are feeling adventurous they can also take part in all of the equipment.

Once the kids have had enough (you can spend as long as you like) there are shower and changing facilities on-site to get you to a respectable cleanliness before heading off home.

How Much Does it Cost?

Under 1 metre £4.50
Over 1 metre £7.50

It’s advisable to pre-book your tickets during the school holidays to guarantee entry.

Opening Times

10.00am – 5.00pm Every day.

Our Thoughts

We loved it! Daddy and Isabelle (6) were straight in whilst I needed a bit of coaxing, but once I got stuck in we were all loving it and got thoroughly muddy. We went on everything and there were no tears just tired happy mud smeared faces by the end of the day! The pizzas are awesome too!

We hope you’re enjoying our #SchoolHols2017 series where we’ve posted some of our fave places to go in the South West. Drop us an email if you can think of any great places that you would recommend.

Lisa x