Days Out Reviews

Tiggywinkles Visitor Centre

Tiggywinkles is often suggested as the best place to go whenever finding abandoned or injured animals. Recently, I made the lovely discovery that Tiggywinkles houses a visitor centre and welcomes animal lovers such as ourselves to explore it. My eldest is especially enthusiastic about supporting wildlife and, from the moment we stepped inside, he started eagerly asking questions.

There’s a real sense of pride as you enter. Having started from very humble beginnings, it has truly earned its great reputation. There’s a sense of peace and purpose throughout the place; from rescued baby animals that are being looked after with lieu to release into the wild, to veteran animals who cannot be released and call it their home. We were lucky enough to attend the hedgehog and baby animal talks, which were fascinating and brilliantly delivered by friendly staff. Since visiting, I’ve personally recommended Tiggywinkles to several friends as I believe it’s a very worthwhile family day out. sttiggywinkles.org.uk

Location: Haddenham, HP17 8AF. Note: Tickets can be purchased on the door, adults £5.10, children £3.20.

Langleybury Children’s farm

We enjoyed a very lovely and lazy Sunday afternoon at Langleybury Children’s Farm, it was a welcome treat to the end of a busy half term. The atmosphere was very relaxing and while the farm itself isn’t big, it had plenty to entertain us for the 2.5-hour session. Boasting a large children’s play area with café and picnic tables, there’s no shortage of equipment for all ages. Our first focus was the farm and we followed the one-way system past a variety of animals on more than one occasion. Each of us had our favourite animal to feed, all of which were curious and lively. Some small baby lambs, goats and calves were a firm favourite. The regal owls, rescued by the farm, were also a big hit, as were the tortoises.

You can buy food from the café area for each of the animals. The kids liked trying to feed the animals, but opted for squealing and watching while us adults reaped the benefits.

Location: Kings Langley, WD4 8RN. Note: Sessions are morning or afternoon most weekends and holidays. Check the website for accurate date information and to book in advance. Tickets are £5.25 for everyone over 1 year old. langleyburychildrensfarm.org.uk

By Claire Lockie Williams

Denham Country Park

Despite once having an annual car parking pass to the three Country Parks (Black/Denham/ Langley), somehow Denham passed me by until recently. This is a shame as, for my family, it is far more suited and its car park is conveniently located within a few minutes walk of the visitor’s centre, play area, woods and river. The boys loved exploring a plethora of amazing climbing trees, challenging each other and shouting down to us. Even the adults enjoyed a good climb! There was den building too, which we sadly missed, but hope to visit next time. The play area, fully enclosed, was a big hit with numerous climbing frames and a sandpit. A river section was flagged off, allowing a perfect area for river dipping and the older boys spent a good hour diligently working on catching and studying creatures before releasing them. We will definitely be returning soon.

Location: Uxbridge, UB9 5PG. Note: Parking charges apply all year, start at £3.80 for 3 hours though an annual permit can be procured for all three country parks. countryparks.buckscc.gov.uk/denham

London Transport Museum

My youngest son is a big train and bus fan, so excitement was at a high just getting to the Museum by underground. Deep within Covent Garden, the museum itself is the perfect place to feed and nurture such enthusiasm. There’s a wealth of information, some interactive screens and demonstrative boards, but the real highlight is the authentic showcases. The vintage horse drawn bus carriages, the old trains and buses which let eager visitors climb into them and the ‘secrets of the underground’.

It’s a fascinating view of transport through the ages, pulling you into the past and hinting at the possible future. We were lucky enough to have been able to explore it twice–as a family we enjoyed a full day moving around the exhibits and although my second trip was only for a few hours, it was just as fun as the first, with the toddlers gleefully investigating and grumping when we had to finally leave.

Location: Covent Garden,WC2E 7BB. LTMuseum.co.uk Notes: Tickets are annual passes (£24 adult, kids free), with timed entry. Booking suggested, especially at peak times.