12 minute read
Summer Days Out
Things to do
These brilliant summer days out will keep your family entertained throughout the sunniest school break. Choose from adventure golf and woodland trails to hands-on museums and perfect picnic spots; inside or out, there’s a destination to head to! Here’s our pick of the best – how many can you squeeze in this summer
Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee in unique style at Wistow Maze
To mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the award-winning Wistow Maze has been designed in the shape of the Coronation Crown. The giant 8-acre maize maze has a fun Quiz Trail hidden amongst three miles of paths, with highlevel bridges and viewing towers giving fabulous panoramic views. The maze also includes an Activity Funyard full of mini mazes and games for all ages. Wistow Rural Centre is situated opposite with a café, garden centre, deli, model village and numerous shops making it a great day out for all the family. T: 07884 403889 W: www.wistow.com
Full steam ahead for a summer of fun
Hop aboard the Northampton & Lamport Railway this summer to enjoy some relaxing time with the family or book ahead and look forward to some of their fantastic events going on this holiday. On Sunday 17th July & Sunday 7th August, indulge the senses with a scrumptious Cream Tea Special, note that booking is essential for this popular treat. They have a Summer Gala coming up on the 27th, 28th, 29th Aug where there will be a special guest loco, demonstration freight trains and rides for kids to keep them happy and entertained. Keep any eye on their website for further details about these and other activities this season. W: www.nlr.org.uk/whats-on/
Tetrastar Spaceport is the brand new, fully immersive experience at the National Space Centre that launches daily* low Earth orbit cruises for all visitors to enjoy. Thanks to a dedicated team of Tetrastar flight crew and their newest AI assistant, ADA, you will be transported to the year 2080 and the reality of taking a family holiday in space. You will arrive in the plush departure lounge for your very first ‘Earth orbit cruise’ where you will enjoy stunning views of your home planet from their latest spacecraft. Will the recent massive coronal mass ejection from our Sun disrupt your holiday plans, or will this be plain (space) sailing? Featuring a spacecraft simulation, special effects, hands-on science, family friendly challenges and a virtual space mission, Tetrastar Spaceport immerses you in an unforgettable space adventure. *Check website for details W: www.spacecentre.co.uk
Enjoy a wonderful day out – as Rockingham Castle celebrates 950 years!
Rockingham Castle is a former Royal Castle situated 2 miles North from Corby. This year, they are proudly celebrating 950 years of Rockingham Castle and they are open on Tuesdays and Sundays from 12 noon until 5pm. From June to September, they invite the public to bring their family and friends along to the Castle to attend an open day. Enjoy a self-guided tour around the castle and the surrounding grounds whilst savouring the unique view of five counties from the castle. They have refreshments available in the courtyard from mobile units and picnics are welcome onsite too. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcomed outdoors. Visit the website to keep up to date on theatrical, historical and musical events coming to the castle. W: www.rockinghamcastle.com
Teddy Bears Picnic Returns at Deene Park!
Wednesday 3rd August (National Play Day)
If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise!
Join us on Wednesday the 3rd of August for the long-awaited return of our Teddy Bears Picnic! Bring a picnic to our walled gardens, explore the formal gardens with a Teddy Bear Trail, and Meet Mr Teddy Bear & his family as they wander around the gardens and have fun with activities such as storytelling, sing-a-longs, and garden games!
Adult Admission - £6 Child Admission - £3 12-4pm Last admission 3pm.
Sun 17th July Cream Tea Specials - booking essential Sun 24th July Kids for a Quid - Sunday Running Sun 7th August Cream Tea Specials - booking essential
Sat 27th, Sun 28th, Mon 29th August Summer Gala - Special guest loco, Freight train demos, Kids rides - check website for more details Sun 2nd October Grandparents Day – celebrate with us! Grandparents ride for just £1 when accompanied by a fare-paying child. Free parking, Buffet and souvenir shop open.
Visit Wicksteed Park for a fantastic valuefor-money day out this summer
Yey! Summer is here and there is no better way to celebrate than with a fun-packed day out at Wicksteed Park. The park combines 147 acres of beautiful parkland with more than 30 rides and attractions for all the family, all included in the price of a wristband, so you can have as many goes as you like. You can visit the animals at Wicky’s Farmyard, where you can interact with giant rabbits, pigs, goats, barn owls, ferrets, chickens, ducks and guinea pigs. Why not pop in to see the meerkats at Meerkat Manor or treat yourself to a scrummy ice cream from The Parlour? The rides and attractions are open throughout the holidays, so you can enjoy the thrills of Dinosaur Valley and Galaxy Invaders, climb on board the lakeside boats, or have fun on traditional favourites such as Rocky River Falls, the Paratrooper and the Dodgems. W: www.wicksteedpark.org
A thrilling day out at the home of British motor racing – complete with a Kids-goFree voucher!
Silverstone Interactive Museum is an immersive half day journey through the past, present and future of British motor racing and the famous racing circuit. And we’ve included a voucher to use on this page where your KIDS GO FREE! Visitors will discover everything from medieval monks to WW2 Wellington Bombers and the design and engineering principles that underpin racing cars and motorcycles. Children and grown-ups alike can climb into a replica grand prix car, practice their skills as an RAF pilot, try commentating on a race and get up close to winning Formula 1 cars and racing bikes. So, grab the voucher in this issue and plan your family day out today! W: www.silverstonemuseum.co.uk
Everything a family needs for a great day out at Thunderbowl!
Thunderbowl Kettering has so much to offer. In addition to Ten Pin Bowling, VIP Area, Pro Shop, Adventure Golf, Pool Lounge, Amusement Arcade, Escape Rooms and Restaurant, they will soon be adding Interactive Darts! Follow them on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date with all their latest news and offers - they will have some more exciting news in the Autumn to share with you! Birthday Parties and Corporate events catered for, fun for all ages! Booking is essential for Bowling and Escape Rooms. Pop in to see their friendly staff, call or visit the website to book. T: 01536 414004 W: www.thunderbowl.co.uk
Plan your family adventure at Gulliver’s World Resort
Experience Gulliver’s Land Resort this summer complete with rides, attractions, and fantastic family entertainment. Bring the family to Gulliver’s and discover unique areas across the theme park with daily appearances from special guests and much more. Annual passports are perfect for local adventurers. Travel less and ride more with 12 months of entry to all Gulliver’s Resorts, including Gulliver’s Land and Gulliver’s Dinosaur & Farm Park! You don’t have to travel far for an overnight adventure either… Stay and play at the resort with a choice of themed accommodation including beach dens, safari lodges and many more. Make this summer extra special with a huge family adventure at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes. W: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk
Visit Salcey Forest for a fun family day out!
With over 17 collective miles of trails for walking, running, cycling and play, Salcey Forest has so much to offer for a great family day out this summer holiday! Not forgetting the latest family trail based on the Julia Donaldson book, Superworm! Discover the unsung heroes of the forest and learn how their amazing abilities make great homes in the forest. Grounds Cycle Centre is there for your bike hire needs, alongside their café for your bespoke coffee and cake hit! From July 2022, you can now visit Salcey Forest on the bus service 33/X33 from Milton Keynes and Northampton! W: www.forestryengland.uk/ salcey-forest
Deene Park Summer opening – plan a wonderful family day out!
Deene Park is a largely sixteenth-century house and has been the much-loved house of the Brudenell family since 1514. Deene was the seat of the Earls of Cardigan, most notably the 7th Earl of Cardigan who led the Charge of the Light Brigade. Visitors can view the impressive collection of memorabilia and family possessions on display including military uniforms, portraits, and the preserved head and tail of Lord Cardigans’ famous Charger Ronald. To the south and west of the family home, visitors can explore the exquisite formal gardens which have been developed since the mid-20th century. During open days, take the family and visit their shop full of plants and gifts, and treat the kids in the Old Kitchen Tea Room for delicious afternoon refreshments! Check website for open days. W: www.deenepark.com
A summer of fun for curious minds at Delapré Abbey
There’s lots to captivate curious young minds at Northampton’s historic Delapré Abbey during the school holidays. From 28th July to 1st September, take part in outdoor activities in the beautiful Walled Garden including a medieval themed Knight’s Trail, battle archaeology, and more. Plus, see history come to life as you meet figures from the Abbey’s past inside the house every Thursday. Delapré’s hands-on approach to bringing history to life makes it a unique family day out. Play, explore, and touch every object in the historic rooms. Try on a helmet, fire a bow and arrow and create a crest! Best of all, under 18s go free! The house is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, 11am-4pm. Day tickets to explore the house cost £8 (under 18s free). W: www.delapreabbey.org
Forget crazy golf . . . this is ADVENTURE GOLF!
Look no further for the ultimate family day out this summer holiday! Paradise Island Golf is open 7 days a week at the West Terrace - Rushden Lakes. They’ve got two indoor 18-hole adventure golf courses set amidst a tropical paradise, but the adventure doesn’t stop there! Their 19th hole gives all adventure golfers the chance to win a free game at the end of the journey- what could be better? Prices start from £7.50 per child for 1 round (18 holes) and £11.50 per child for 2 rounds (36 holes) and a family ticket is £30.00. They also do fantastic kids’ birthday party packages too, including food provided by Jurassic Grill! For full prices and to book online visit their website. W: www.paradiseislandgolf.com
Lamport Hall and Gardens host a series of summertime events
Lamport Hall are gearing up for a whole host of wonderful summer events to keep you and the family entertained! During July, you can enjoy their Walled Garden Feast which is an outdoor evening dining experience with the finest local produce, by award-winning chef Danny Tompkins from the 1-3 July; Jazz in the Gardens on the 17th July to hear traditional New Orleans Jazz with the Tame Valley Stompers Allstars - take a picnic, or book a picnic hamper for the ultimate treat! And on the 20th August, it’s Danny Tompkins’ Summer Barbecue in the gardens, from 3-6pm. Lamport Hall and Gardens are open every Wednesday and Thursday throughout July and August (not 17 August). No tea shop yet – so please take your own refreshments. For details of these events and more taking place, please visit the website. W: www.lamporthall.co.uk
Stimulate all the senses at Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens this summer
Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens is a country estate set in the Northamptonshire countryside, with beautiful gardens, a fairy walk, children’s woodland area, Sweet Pea’s Tearoom, and the country house all to explore. This summer, the Hall is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and features the old servant’s quarters which is the perfect place for children to explore, with all different sensory experiences! On Wednesday 27th July, Kelmarsh are hosting a magical fairy picnic in the woodland, surrounded by their own fairy walk. They will also be joined by The Bubble Fairy on the day, and the tearoom will be offering pre-ordered fairy picnics! On Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th August, Kelmarsh will be joined by storyteller Richard York in the gardens, children will be enthralled and delighted with a range of stories brought to life using music and movement. T: 01604 686543 E: enquiries@kelmarsh.com W: www.kelmarsh.com
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