A Grand Day Out Family Fun in the UK...
Issue 4
Staffordshire & The Potteries Discover Worcestershire Steam Trains Days Out in Derbyshire Magnifcent Yorkshire Go Back in Time in Norfolk Oxfordshire & The Cotswolds
SO MANY PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO!
MUSEUM & GARDEN VILLAGE
useum ght M t Sunli r o P t a with
www.portsunlightvillage.com * Telephone 0151 644 6466
Port Sunlight Museum, 23 King George’s Drive, Port Sunlight Village, Wirral, CH62 5DX.
Port Sunlight Museum & Garden Village is a registered trademark of the Port Sunlight Village Trust. Registered in Cardiff. Registered company number 3719976. Registered office 23 King George’s Drive, Port Sunlight, Wirral, CH62 5DX. Registered charity number 1074713.
WELCOME to Issue 4 With a huge range of ideas, destinations and attractions to discover, no matter what your taste or age, you will be spoilt for choice. From beautiful landscapes and stunning views to Stately Homes and Gardens, Steam Rides to Museums the UK boasts a rich variety and selection for you. There is something for everyone no matter how old or young you are. So be inspired, plan your next adventure and discover what the UK has to offer. We hope you enjoy reading through the magazine and that it gives you some inspiration for those family days out! Published by ProDigital Media AEM Media House 23 Northcote Avenue Manchester M22 9AJ
GET IN TOUCH: 0161 900 8872 www.agranddayout.net Sales and Marketing: marketing@agranddayout.net Accounts and Admin: info@agranddayout.net Creative Design : JAM
CONTENTS: 22 Days
Out in D erbyshire
04 Disc over Wor cestershir e
otteries P e h T & e ir h s rd 32 Staffo tswolds
the Co & e ir h s rd o f x O 10
You can follow us on Twitter @agranddayoutnet Find us on Facebook A Grand Day Out
42 Steam Trains
Or on Pinterest A Grand Day Out No part of this publication may be reproduced, sold or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing.
Open Weds - Sun 11am - 5pm
Plus bank holidays & some school holidays
Take a step back in time and watch the Severn Valley Railway trains steam across the hill from one of our magnificent signposted walks. Arley Arboretum & Gardens provide an idyllic escape into nature and history for you and your family to learn, laugh and play.
Family Fun at Arley
We have plenty of fun and adventures for the whole family to enjoy! Maze Find your way to the centre of our twisty, turny maze to find the castle!
Kid’s Woodland Trails Collect your free activity sheets, follow the clues, answer the questions and claim a prize!*
DelMar Play Trail Swing, Climb, Balance and Slide in our outdoor adventure play area under the trees.
Garden Tea Room Selection of freshly prepared hot and cold food, handmade cakes and a range of beverages.
Forestry Adventure Club (2-12yrs) From Bug Hunts to Story Telling, Campfire Songs and Cooking! On select days during school holidays. Discounts available for siblings.
Adults £5 Childre n £2 (Under Fami
3’s Free )
(2 Adult ly £15 s&4C hildren )
Forestry Adventure Club (2-12yrs) Bug Hunts, Campfire Songs, Cooking & More! £5 per child (Additional siblings £4.50) Select days throughout the school holidays
Advance bookings only 01299 861368
offers! & s ew n , ts en ev r fo k o o b Every Thursday during Follow us on Face term time £4 per session Mini Adventurers Club (Under 5’s)
k .u o .c m u t e r o b r a www.arley
Children’s Birthday Parties Available See website for details
*T&C’s apply. Some events on select days only. Some features are an additional cost. Please check website for more information. E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust. Reg. No. 1154467
Discover Worcestershire There are around 600 species of trees at the arboretum including, Crimean Pines, Cedars and Wellingtonias, some of which are the UK’s tallest and widest in girth and date back to the founding of the arboretum in the 1820s. There are also stunning magnolias, an acer garden and the UKs longest Laburnum arch. We have a tea room which provides hot and cold drinks with snacks and light hot and cold meals, or you can enjoy the use of our picnickers’ area and bring your own picnic. We are also dog friendly as long as they are kept on a lead.
Join us at Arley Arboretum and Gardens for a day of nature with friends or the family. During the most school holiday’s children under 16 get free admission.
So put on a good pair of shoes and come and join us for the day, for exercise, education and lots of fresh air.
We have children’s activity trails, a maze and a play area to keep the little ones occupied for the whole day. Visit our website at www.arleyarboretum.co.uk for dates of our extra activities including forest school, mini adventurers, pond dipping, leaf recognition, mini beast safari and our nature explorers. Take a step back in time and wander freely around our 40 acres of pure nature with 3 acres enclosed by listed walls including our beautiful Italian Garden with its magnificent fountain. Stop at our viewing point to look across the River Severn to see the timeless Severn Valley Railway steaming past. We have recently introduced two blue peacocks and two white peacocks and some doves to go with our chickens in our walled garden.
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
05
Go back in time in Norfolk... Discover Worcestershire
Bressingham has been the official home to the Dads Army Appreciation Society’s collection since 2000. The exhibition comprises a recreation of Walmington on Sea the fictional home to Captain Mainwaring and his men. The Church Hall, where we show episodes the Bressingham collection is featured in, Captain Mainwaring’s office – here you can try on Home Guard uniforms. Along the street there is Jones’ Butchers shop, Swallow Bank, Frasers Funeral parlour as well as Walmington on Sea Post Office, a printers and Toy Shop. Bressingham was happy to lend to the BBC some of its historic collection to feature in the show, Traction Engines and Rollers feature in episodes but probably the most memorable exhibit in the Bressingham collection is the Fire Engine. You can also see the staff car Pike took his girl to the pictures in, Jones’ Butchers Van and the town dustcart – both as featured in the feature film of the 1970s. The Television Series ‘Dad’s Army’ ran from 1968 to 1977 with a total of 80 episodes - and you can still catch the repeats to this
06
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
day, over 30 years after the filming of the very first episode. Who can forget the inimitable characters played by Clive Dunn, Arthur Lowe, John Laurie, John Le Mesurier, Jim Beck, Ian Lavender, Arnold Ridley, Frank Williams, Edward Sinclair and Bill Pertwee! Not only did the show make household names of these main characters, but it also brought a host of other ‘comedy faces’ to our television screens for the very first time. The series was filmed in and around Thetford (including the Stanford training area) and included many local residents from the surrounding countryside. The release of the 2016 Feature Film only goes to show how the show has lived on un the minds of the public, and is always ready to gently amuse the young and the old of every generation. The Dads Army exhibition is housed amongst the steam exhibits of road and rail at Bressingham alongside 18 acres of stunning Bloom family gardens.
G a r d e n s | G a r d e n C e n t r e| S t e a m M u s e u m
w w w. br e s s i n g h a m . c o . u k
A Grand Day Out for All the Family
Open 10:30am - 5:00pm visit www.bressingham.co.uk for further details Tel 01379 686900
Where families matter!
Bring your family to come and see ours!
With over 250 rescued and endangered primates of more than 20 different species, Monkey World is the largest primate rescue centre in the world! Open to visitors every day, except Christmas Day!
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH
T: 01929 462537 FREE INFO LINE: 0800 456600
www.monkeyworld.org
Delightful Dorset... Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, the site is now a sanctuary for primates from all over the world and some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. Here you can see them enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe, natural environment. Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide a permanent, stable home for abused Spanish beach chimps. Today, his wife, Dr Alison Cronin, continues to work with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of primates from the wild. Combining fun with conservation and animal education, half-hourly talks by the dedicated Primate Care Staff explain all about man’s closest living relative. They love to share their knowledge of all the individuals in their care, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions when the talk is over. Pre-bookable guided tours are also available. There are cafés serving a selection of hot and cold food and drink, or you can bring a long a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful woodland setting. You can support Monkey World in continuing their rescue and rehabilitation work by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme. Prices start from £25 for the year and include a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and free entry to the park for a year! Monkey World is just minutes from the A31 near Wool, and is open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm (July and August 10am to 6pm). Last admission is 1 hour before closing.
For more information visit www.monkeyworld.org or call 01929 462537 WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
09
Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds
Oxfordshire is the perfect place for a quintessentially English trip. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, a family friendly summer holiday or a day trip to see the dreaming spires of Oxford, there’s something for everyone in the county. It couldn’t be easier to get to, being only an hour away by train on the Great Western Railway or Chiltern Railway lines. Alternatively you can hop on one either the Oxford Bus Company’s X90 coach or Stagecoaches’ Oxford Tube at a host of different spots across the capital and get to Oxfordshire for a bargain price. The city of Oxford is rich in culture, history and heritage. Home to the oldest University in the English speaking world, every step you take in Oxford is following in the footsteps of great figures through history. As a fairly small city, in Oxford it’s easy to reach everything on foot, so why not take of advantage of this and explore the entire city on an Oxford Official Walking Tour. The Oxford University and City Tour is a fantastic way to explore the city, illustrating the history of Oxford and the University, and traditions of its most famous buildings and institutions. The city is awash with fabulous museums. The Ashmolean is the oldest university museum in the world. Take a visit and see collections ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, as well as fantastic temporary collections; if you visit before the 15th of May you’ll be able to catch the Andy Warhol: Works from the Hall Collection which features over a hundred works from the Hall Collection spanning Warhol’s entire output, ranging from the iconic 1960s pieces to the experimental works of his last decade. The Museum of Natural History is another delight, where you
10
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
can see the University of Oxford’s internationally recognised collection of zoological specimens, including the Oxfordshire dinosaurs and the Dodo! If you venture to Long Wittenham you can visit the Pendon Museum, and discover what the Vale of the White Horse was like in the 1920s and 1930s thanks to their miniature village, and see an enthralling record of the railways of the time. More rail history can be found at Didcot Railway Centre, where they have recreated the golden age of Great Western Railway, and they also run regular day family events where you can meet Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, Alternatively you could visit the quirky Story Museum, where you can step through a wardrobe to Narnia, snuggle up in a ginormous bed and listen to a story or explore their fantastic, immersive Animal exhibition – this one’s a favourite for the kids and parents alike! Down in the south of Oxfordshire is the River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames. This is home to three galleries dedicated to rowing, rivers and the history of town, and of course there’s the wonderful Wind in the Willows exhibition – an interactive celebration of the magic of Ratty, Mole and Mr Toad. And if you’re in Henley why not hop on one of the Hobbs of Henley river cruises and experience Oxfordshire from the water? Oxfordshire is a great destination for families, with a host of exciting and interesting attractions to suit those of all ages. In central Oxford you could take a trip around the Oxford Castle on an Oxford Castle Unlocked tour, where there costumed guides will regale you with fascinating stories as you explore 1000 years of history.
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
11
26
For glorious walks, beautiful plants, scrumptious food and fabulous gifts, visit Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre.
Just a mile from historic Moreton-in-Marsh, Batsford Arboretum is a great day out for all the family and Cotswold Tourism’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2013. Visit our website at www.batsarb.co.uk to find out more and for news of our lovely events.
BATSFORD ARBORETUM & GARDEN CENTRE Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AB 01386 701441 arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk www.batsarb.co.uk Open every day except Christmas Day, 10am to 5pm.
KELMSCOTT MANOR THE COTSWOLD RETREAT OF WILLIAM MORRIS
VISITING HOURS (APRIL – OCTOBER) General Open Days: Wednesday and Saturday, 11am to 5pm Explore our riverside gardens, enjoy homemade food in our licensed tearoom and visit our shop for beautiful contemporary crafts and other gift ideas
BECOME A FRIEND OF KELMSCOTT MANOR Support conservation at Kelmscott Manor and receive FREE entry and on-site discounts Best Small Visitor Attraction (Cotswolds Tourism, 2014) Certificate of Excellence (TripAdvisor, 2014) One of the “10 Greatest Places to See English Art” (Telegraph, 2013) Kelmscott Manor, Kelmscott, Lechlade GL7 3HJ Tel: 01367 252486 | Email: admin@kelmscottmanor.org.uk Web: www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk | Twitter: @KelmscottManor
Over in the Cotswolds there is the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is a delight for the entire family. With stunning gardens and over 250 species of animal, it’s easy to spend a day ambling around the beautiful grounds. Make sure you catch the penguin feedings, take a walk through their Madagascar walk through (where you come face to face with lemurs) and visit the two baby rhinos! If you’re an animal fan it’s also worth visiting Crocodiles of the World, the UK’s only crocodile zoo, or Millets Farm which has goats, cows, birds and many more farm animals along with their falconry centre! If you’re in the Cotswolds and looking for a fabulous family friendly place to stay the perfect choice is the Old Swan & Minster Mill, where children are made to feel welcome from the moment their arrive with bath ducks and teddy bears galore, as well as other treats and an outdoor adventure playground. And don’t worry Mum and Dad, the luxury five star hotel has treats for you too, in the form of an indulgent spa and delicious gastropub! Also in the Cotswolds is Cogges Manor Farm, a great place for children to explore the outdoors and see bats and badgers; make dens and conquer the Cogges Castle adventure play area. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, Cogges must be top of your ‘to visit’ list, as it recently featured in Downton as Yew Tree Farm. Of course, if you’re a Downton fan, Oxfordshire is the backdrop to a lot of the series. In the Cotswold village of Bampton you can discover Mrs Crawley’s house and the nearby church which featured heavily in the series. A visit to Oxfordshire isn’t complete without a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace. There you can wander the rolling parkland which was designed by renowned landscape architect Capability Brown, explore the stunning formal gardens and marvel at the 18th century baroque architecture. And you might even recognise Blenheim Palace from the big screen, having appeared in Cinderella, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and the latest James Bond instalment, Spectre, to name but a few! Oxfordshire is the setting for many other popular film and television series. Fans of Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour can explore some of Morse’s favourite pubs like The White Horse and The King’s Arms in Oxford, as well as the eponymous Morse Bar at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel. For Harry Potter fans, you must visit Christ Church to see the Tudor dining hall which inspired the Hogwarts Great Hall. It’s also worth a trip to the Bodleian to Duke Humfrey’s Library, which was used as the Hogwart’s library in the films, as well as the Divinity School which was the infirmary. Of course Oxfordshire doesn’t just appear on screens; it also boasts a wealth of literary history. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland were first told on the 4th of July 1862 by the Oxford don Charles Dodgson, aka Lewis Carroll. He took the 10-year-old Alice Liddell on a boat trip up the River Thames, and to entertain the Alice and her sisters he told them story about a girl who fell down a rabbit hole into a world called Wonderland. After the trip Charles Dodgson was persuaded to write down the story by Alice, and thus the first manuscript of Alice in Wonderland was published.
14
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
Within Oxfordshire there are many attractions you can visit that boast fantastic Alice in Wonderland themed tours and events. Oxford River Cruises run Mad Hatters Tea Party cruises, where you can indulge in a fantastic afternoon tea whilst following the same route up the river that Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell took on the famous ‘Golden Afternoon’ in 1862, when he created the story to entertain Alice and her sisters. Experience Oxfordshire Official Walking Tours run a When Alice Met Harry themed walking tour, where you can explore the world of wonder of Alice in Wonderland in Oxford. And of course there’s the fantastic Alice’s Day. Every year Oxford celebrates all things Alice. This year it’ll take place on the 2nd of July, with fantastic events happening all over the city. Fans of Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy can walk around Lyra’s city, and of course, take a trip to the beautiful Botanical Gardens and take a seat on Will and Lyra’s bench. And of course it’s well worth visiting the Eagle and Child pub in central Oxford, where writers C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien used to meet to discuss literature and read their work aloud. For those who want to shop till they drop Oxford city centre has a wealth of quirky, independent shops as well as the high street brand; and if you want to pick up some bargains why not take a trip to chic outlet centre Bicester Village? Bicester Village is now accessible via a Chiltern Railways train from Oxford Parkway to Bicester Village station – so it’s easier than ever to get to! Oxfordshire is a beautiful county full of history and heritage, as well as some fabulous family friendly attractions. It’s well worth a visit, be it for a day, a long weekend or a week, there’s something that interests everyone and plenty of fantastic attractions to fill a busy holiday!
For more information on Oxfordshire or inspiration in planning your trip to the county contact Experience Oxfordshire at www.experienceoxfordshire.org 01865 686430, info@experienceoxfordshire.org
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
15
BROUGHTON CASTLE Banbury Oxfordshire OX15 5EB Tel 01295 276070 info@broughtoncastle.com www.broughtoncastle.com
Historic 14th House within moat. Location for many films including Shakespeare in Love Walled garden with old roses and fine herbaceous borders Tearoom and Shop - Free Car park 2 Miles from Banbury on B4035 OPEN DAYS
1st May – 14th September on Wednesdays, Sundays & All Bank Holiday Mondays (including Easter) 2-5pm. Also Thursdays throughout July and August.
Groups welcome by appointment throughout the year.
0974 *the recommended retail price. © Bicester Village 2014 Photographed in Bicester Village. A member of the Chic Outlet Shopping ® Collection of Villages.
The world’s greatest designer boutiques. All in one place. With up to 60% off.* BALLY
COACH
MONCLER
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
MULBERRY
SAMSONITE
MAT THEW WILLIAMSON
SMY THSON
TAG HEUER
TORY BURCH AND MANY MORE
Travelling to Bicester Village is effortless. Take the train with Chiltern Railways or the Stagecoach bus (S5 or X5) from Oxford and arrive in just 30 minutes, or drive and exit at junction 9 of the M40 motorway.
LIKE SHOPPING. BUT BETTER.
BicesterVillage.com EUROPE LONDON DUBLIN PARIS BRUSSELS FRANKFURT MUNICH
MADRID BARCELONA MILAN CHINA SUZHOU SHANGHAI OPENING AUTUMN 2015
Sulgrave Manor – The Birthplace of the United States! This delightful 16th century Manor House, the ancestral home of George Washington, can lay claim to this remarkable statement, for it was a son of this house who’s loyalty to King Charles I resulted in his son seeking a new life in a new world.
to celebrate a centenary of peace between the two countries. Few places in the world have such a significant and unsung history as Sulgrave, which is recognised by World Monuments Fund as a place of international historical importance.
View the wonderful Tudor and Georgian artefacts and the largest collection of George Washington memorabilia held outside the United States whilst listening to your guide tell the adventures of the Washington family and how George came to be in Virginia to lead a people to freedom and independence in the 18th Century.
The House Guides tell stories in a light hearted and intriguing manner, bringing something of themselves to their audience. The Buttery serves delicious homemade food and the cakes and cream teas are dangerously good! Group rates for parties of 15 or more, off road parking and gift shop and 3 acres of beautiful gardens to wander.
Then hear the story of peace and friendship as Sulgrave For more information: 01295 760205, Manor is uniquely owned by the peoples of the United enquiries@sulgravemanor.org.uk , States and the United Kingdom, having been bought in 1914 www.sulgravemanor.org.uk
The Home of George Washington’s Ancestors
Free Car parking Beautiful Gardens Disabled facilities Lovely Buttery, serving delicious homemade light lunches and cakes Light hearted Guided Tours of the Manor House Children’s activities Home of the National Garden of the Herb Society Please see website for opening times www.sulgravemanor.org.uk
Tel: 01295 760205
North Lincolnshire A patchwork of cosmopolitan meets nature. North Lincolnshire is the place to visit time and time again. From seeking outdoor adventures to strolling around ancient ruins North Lincolnshire is the place. Discover a multitude of activities and attractions and trust that North Lincolnshire has something for everyone…best of all for you.
Arts Centre. Enjoy the breath taking views of the Humber Bridge from the wondrous Waters’ Edge or test your endurance with the many walks and cycle paths along one of the many designated routes. This architectural ‘green’ masterpiece in the shadows of the iconic Humber Bridge provides a haven for the local and migratory wildlife.
Fancy cascading through the clouds in a skydiving experience at the former WW2 airfield in Hilbaldstow, it is the perfect place to be to get pulses racing. Enter the world of outdoor pursuits with airsofting or paintballing. Military tactics and gaming offered on all levels, here in North Lincolnshire. These really are events with a difference and not to be missed.
Wander down memory lane and visit Normanby Hall and Country Park. The grand hall and country park offers a historic experience with its First World War exhibition and the beautiful Regency Hall is a sight to be seen.
If you fancy more of an educational outing and wish to transform into a culture vulture visit one of the many museums and galleries such as North Lincolnshire Museum or the popular 20-21 Visual
20
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
This award winning attraction welcomes a new water splash pad in 2015. The recent woodland paths and changing facilities make Normanby Hall even more accessible and visitor friendly. Annual passes are available making it even easier to visit your favourite attraction, time and time again.
Nearby Relax and replenish your batteries in North Lincolnshire’s quiet and windy rivers, ancient woodlands or fragrant formal gardens. Try a round of golf or enjoy water events and cycling on the River Ancholme. For a different experience with friends or family why not brush up on culinary skills at a cookery demonstration. Fancy leaving the cooking to someone else book in to celebrate in style in one of the many restaurants, cafes and tearooms. There are plenty of mouth-watering delights on offer. Explore your inner foodie at one of the areas popular food festivals and Farmers Markets. Have a gentle stroll and discover our historic market towns with a great choice of independent shops and traditional street markets, from fashion to food festivals you will be spoilt for choice!
If music, comedy or family shows is what you’re looking for, Scunthorpe has the brand new Baths Hall and Plowright Theatre offering a variety of shows all year round. The hub of Humber activity is the fantastic Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber. A centre for the area’s arts and home to The Ropery Coffee Shop, it really is a ‘one stop shop’ for culture in North Lincolnshire. For all attractions and details of upcoming events in the area visit our new website:
www.visitnorthlincolnshire.com
Visit one of North Lincolnshire’s Tourist Information Centres at Brigg Town Centre or Waters’ Edge Visitor Centre, Barton. Find all you need to know about planning your visit to North Lincolnshire. WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
21
22
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
Days out in Derbyshire Crich Tramway Village offers one of Derbyshire’s great family days out. Trams run to and fro down a period street, passing under the Bowes-Lyon Bridge and climbing a mile and a half of track that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Derbyshire countryside.
There are guided tours daily (except for event week-ends) so visitors will be able to find out even more about the site, its history, restoration projects and the trams.
A temporary exhibition ‘Tramway Tommies and Clippie Girls’ detailing the recruitment of men for the army, which left many tramways short of staff for the tramcars, is located next to the ‘Survive and Thrive the Electric Era’ exhibition in the Derby Assembly Rooms.
For more details Tel: 01773 854321 or visit www.tramway.co.uk
Look out for our special events throughout the year, including two World War II events, an Edwardian Experience the fascinating Woodland Walk & event, Seaside event and our Starlight Spectacular, Sculpture Trail, which winds its way back to the village, when the Village is lit up and Halloween descends at or remain on the tram and be dropped off outside The the end of the season. Red Lion Pub and Tearooms, before visiting the fascinating Exhibitions and Workshop Viewing Pre-booked groups of ten or more receive discounted Gallery. rates, and the coach driver receives free admission and a refreshment voucher. Details can be found on the Bluebells Ice Cream Parlour is open daily for locally website. sourced ice cream and hot drinks. There are also picnic areas and indoor and new outdoor adventure The Village is open daily from 19th March until 30th playground to keep the children entertained. October 2016.
Exhibitions, woodland park, sculpture trail, indoor and Come and be transported back in time with our authentic village outdoor playgrounds, family street. Experience the gentle rumble of trams passing by while you activities, cafe, refreshments soak up the atmosphere. Whatever the weather, enjoy a fabulous and shops. Special 2016 events day out packed with excitement, adventure, unlimited programme - see website UNLIMITED electric tram rides and a little learning along the way. for details Unlimited Electric Tram Rides
ENTRY FOR 12 MONTHS with full priced admission tickets TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
Nostalgic Village Setting
it’s a fabulous day out!
Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP Tel: 01773 854 321 Email: enquiry@tramway.co.uk
www.tramway.co.uk
SITUATED NEAR MATLOCK AND ONLY 8 MILES FROM M1 JUNCTION 28
www.facebook.com/CrichTramwayVillage
@CrichTramway
Family Activities
A6 to Buxton & Manchester Matlock Cromford Whatstandwell
A615 28
A6
A50 to Stoke & M6
Derby
A38 to Birmingham
Alfreton Ripley A610 A38
26
M1 South
Explore West Sussex
Arundel Castle unveils bumper calendar of events in 2016 Arundel Castle in West Sussex is the jewel in the crown of visitor attractions in the South East. It offers a packed events schedule each year from March until November, alongside a wealth of historical treasures and 40 acres of stunning grounds and gardens. The Castle has launched a bumper calendar of events in time for its reopening on Good Friday 25th March 2016. The calendar is packed with no less than 15 historical events from the practised professionals at the Raven Tor Living History Group including two new features. The season will open with crowd favourite Normans and Crusaders over the Easter weekend, 26-28 March 2016. Set in 1190, visitors will be catapulted back to the beginning of the 13th Century with spectacular combat displays and demonstrations of majestic falconry. The Yarnsmith of Norwich will weave tall tales to enthral and inform his captivated audience. New for 2016, the Norman Knights’ Tournament will offer a funpacked weekend on 9-10 July 2016. A thrilling combat and archery tournament will take place on the Castle’s upper grounds as well as storytelling, have-a-go archery for over 8’s and falconry demonstrations. The highlight of the events calendar is undoubtedly the International Jousting & Medieval Tournament on 26-31 July 2016. Knights from across the world will battle it out under the shadow of the mighty castle in full plate armour atop specially trained horses. Aside from the excitement at the tilt rail, competitors are also pitted against each other in grueling hand-to-hand combat challenges, intended to test their medieval battle skills.
24
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
Another popular event during the summer season is the History In Action (Multi-Period) event on 27-29 August 2016 promising a rip-roaring ride through the history of Sussex. Starting during the time of Roman Gladiators when there was a Roman Villa at Arundel and travelling through the Norman, Medieval and Victorian periods, the event will show visitors how Sussex developed into the county it is today. Another new addition for the year will be the Pirates and Smugglers Day on 18 September 2016. Visitors will be able to find out about the Smugglers of Sussex and the Pirates who menaced the waters around the world, and enjoy the stunning views across Sussex offered from the 30ft tall Norman Keep. Visitors should also make time to visit the stunning gardens at Arundel Castle. The highlight of the garden displays is the Annual Tulip Festival in spring; the 2016 display will be the biggest the Castle has ever showcased, with over 30,000 of the brightly coloured blooms! Castle Manager Bryan McDonald explains: “We are thrilled to unveil our events calendar for the upcoming open season, visitors will be able to see history brought to life with our professional events from Raven Tor Living History Group. I’m certain this year will be another resounding success!” The Castle will re-open on Friday 25 March 2016 and will be open Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive, May Bank Holiday Mondays & August Mondays.
Please visit www.arundelcastle.org for the full 2016 events calendar.
Ancient Castle, Stately Home & Gardens for more details, call 01903 882173 or visit www.arundelcastle.org
Experience Yorkshire
T
hroughout Yorkshire’s countryside, cities and coastline sit some of the UK’s favourite attractions and Yorkshire’s Magnificent Attractions brings you the very best of them! We aim to help make your unforgettable days out a bit more affordable so that you and your family can enjoy those special trips time and time again.
W
e know that the exhilarating rides and explosive science experiments that our attractions throw at us might not be for everyone, which is why we’ve spent years creating the perfect collection of attractions that can offer something for everyone. We’ve even put together an informative education pack designed to help teachers discover the wonderful world of Yorkshire!
I
f it’s a thrilling journey of adrenaline-fuelled escapades that you’re looking for, head north and put your nerves to the test at Lightwater Valley’s Theme Park offering mini, mega and ultimate adventures - whatever the weather! If it’s a battle amongst your family to choose the perfect day out, Flamingo Land combines spine-tingling rollercoaster rides, close-up animal encounters and plenty of activities to keep the younger guests entertained. Alternatively, do something different and enjoy a unique adventure of tractor and trailer rides at Diggerland!
F
or the animal lovers amongst our Yorkshire friends, there’s a whole host of places where visitors can get up close and connect with the animal kingdom. Welcome new animals into the world every week at Cannon Hall Farm and encounter the exotic at The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife and Falconry Centre with unforgettable free-flying bird shows and charismatic animal encounters. Discover your family’s wild side at Yorkshire Wildlife Park with a unique view into the world of animals or dive into The Deep and see the stunning sights of the underwater world along
with some Very Important Penguins in their Kingdom of Ice. Stockeld Park has got everything from an illuminated forest to an impressive ice rink for a fabulous family day out.
I
t’s not all about the enlightening experiences of roller-coasters and animal delights; we’ve packed a whole range of attractions where families can enjoy stimulating trips filled with educational explorations starting with a delicious trip down a very sweet memory lane at York’s CHOCOLATE Story and for the younger masterminds out there, Eureka! Children’s Museum or the Thackray Medical Museum will inspire and encourage them to discover the world around them.
I
f you want to experience a little more history on your travels, the National Coal Mining Museum for England uncovers the world of mining 140m beneath the surface, while JORVIK Viking centre in York and the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds bring history back to life.
R
ealise your family’s creative potential at the Hepworth Wakefield or explore the extraordinary visual delights of Yorkshire Sculpture Park. If you prefer to behold the natural beauty of Yorkshire, a wander around Newby Hall and Gardens or a journey along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway ticks all the boxes.
S
o if the kids want a little adventure, or you want them to learn while they play, come rain or shine we’ve got creative, educational and fun all bundled into one magnificent day out! WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
27
Newby Hall and Gardens Royal Armouries, Leeds
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
29
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Lightwater Valley WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
31
STOKE-ON-TRENT Recognised as the World Capital of Ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent is home to a host of award-winning ceramic attractions, museums, and factory shops as well as outstanding family attractions and gardens. For information about great places to visit, things to see and do, fantastic events and accommodation in the area visit visitstoke.co.uk Contact the Tourist Information Centre T: 01782 236000, E: stoke.tic@stoke.gov.uk, facebook.com/visitstoke, twitter.com/visitstoke Visit us at: The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Bethesda Street, City Centre, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3DW
VISITSTOKE.CO.UK
GREAT PLACES TO VISIT
Staffordshire and the Potteries
Stoke-on-Trent is a unique City affectionately known as The Potteries. With its rich industrial heritage it has respectfully claimed the title of World Capital of Ceramics. Less than an hour’s drive from Birmingham and Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent is a fantastic destination for groups. Visit our award-winning ceramic museums and visitor centres, and go on a factory tour and learn about the sills and craftsmanship that go into producing our famous pottery. Have a go at creating your own masterpiece with the many hands-on opportunities available, and shop till you drop with the many pottery factory shops in the City. World-famous brands such as Wedgwood, Moorcroft, Spode, Aynsley and Portmeirion, are all based in the City. The history and heritage of the area is well preserved at numerous locations across the city including Middleport Pottery, the filming location for the BBC’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, and the award-winning Gladstone Pottery Museum, the most complete Victorian pottery factory in the UK, boasting interactive exhibitions and a “Flushed with Pride” tribute to toilets past, present and future! The World of Wedgwood, which opened its doors to visitors in July 2015, is a brand new unique visitor experience celebrating the very best of British industrial and design heritage. Experience Wedgwood for the day through spectacular shopping, food and visitor tours. Stoke-on-Trent – which hit the horticultural headlines thirty years ago, by hosting the 1986 National Garden Festival – is now set to take a leading role in one of the most important horticultural celebrations in recent times: the tercentenary of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in 2016.
The Trentham Estate – voted as Countryfile magazine’s “Garden of the Year” in 2015 and named in VisitEngland’s 2016 Ten of the Best Gardens for Groups – became one of Brown’s most celebrated successes, and is now currently involved in one of the biggest parkland projects in Britain, to rediscover Capability’s lost landscape and enhancing it with breath taking contemporary planting on a truly vast scale. The Trentham Estate is also home to Trentham Shopping, where you will find a unique shopping experience in a lovely friendly village atmosphere; and Trentham Monkey Forest, the only place in Britain where you can walk amongst 140 Barbary macaques roaming free in 60 acres of beautiful English forest. Other spectacular garden attractions include the Dorothy Clive Garden and Biddulph Grange Garden, where your group will be taken on a tour of the world from Italy to the pyramids of Egypt, a Victorian vision of China and re-creation of a Himalayan glen. Elsewhere - in a Cultural Quarter which also boasts The Regent Theatre and The Victoria Hall - The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is famous for housing the finest collection of Staffordshire ceramics in the world. These days, however, it is also ‘home’ to the Staffordshire Hoard - the largest ever ‘find’ of Anglo-Saxon gold treasure in the UK - valued by the British Museum at £3.285-million. For further information contact Visit Stoke-on-Trent on 01782 236084, email potteries@stoke.gov.uk or visit www.visitstoke.co.uk
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
33
HOME OF THE CODEBREAKERS Once Britain’s Best Kept Secret, today Bletchley Park is a heritage site and vibrant tourist attraction. Open daily, visitors can explore the iconic WW2 Codebreaking Huts and Blocks and marvel at the astonishing achievements of the Codebreakers whose work helped shorten the war. For directions and more details visit: www.bletchleypark.org.uk
SECRETS REVEALED AT BLETCHLEY PARK
Discover what life was for the World War Two Codebreakers with a day out at Bletchley Park. The listed, historic buildings and landscape have been returned to their 1940s appearance and feel, giving visitors a real sense of wartime Britain’s codebreaking heart. The work undertaken at Bletchley Park and its outstations helped shorten WW2, saving countless lives. Find out how as you stroll around this atmospheric heritage attraction.
The site is a combination of indoor and outdoor space. The buildings, now restored, were built in the 1940s for the 9,000 or so men and women who worked here in complete secrecy. Visitors are encouraged to roam the site at their leisure and use the free maps, which point out areas of interest. Free multimedia guides help visitors to explore the landscape at Bletchley Park and discover its fascinating stories in the places where they happened.
Individuals and groups can enter the iconic Codebreaking Huts, faithfully recreated to their wartime settings, and see for themselves where the extraordinary work took place under rudimentary conditions. Evocative displays and clever recordings discreetly overheard around the site help visitors learn about the stories of the remarkable men and women who worked to make such vital contributions to the war effort and British history. The Block C Visitor Centre offers visitors a breath-taking introductory exhibition, an interactive Cybersecurity exhibition, explaining what happened here and how the debate continues on secrecy and its importance to national security, and The Road to Bletchley Park, an exhibition which adds context to the WW2 work at Bletchley Park by explaining codebreaking’s World War One history.
For more details visit www.bletchleypark.org.uk or call 01908 640404
Visitors can also spend time in the Victorian Mansion, which houses The Imitation Game, The Exhibition. Featuring props from the film, it is located in the very room where the movie’s bar scenes were filmed. As well as other exhibitions, visitors can stop by the coffee shop or cafe, enjoy a picnic by the lake and visit the gift shop.
SECRETS REVEALED Discover the top secret Codebreaking world of WW2 Bletchley Park, where pencils and brains helped win the war.
Junction 13 on the M1 or just 45 minutes from London Euston railway station. Open daily to visitors. www.bletchleypark.org.uk
WWW.AGRANDDAYOUT.NET
35
Heritage, Herriot & Heirlooms
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Three of North Yorkshire’s premier attractions collections and memorabilia and take a light The World of The Garden Rooms have teamed up to provide a unique and easy to lunch or cream tea at The Wensleydale The Garden Rooms at Tennants, one of the arrange group visit to the Yorkshire Dales James Herriot at Tennants Railway “Herriot Country”. leading regional auction houses in the country.
Visit all three and you’ll enjoy a fabulous All three attractions can be booked together. experience through some of Yorkshire’s finest countryside from the Wensleydale Railway, see It’s easy to arrange, simply call 0845 838 6338 or inside the original home of world famous vet Email: take3@greatpotential.co.uk James Herriot at the World of James Herriot in plus the opportunity seeGarden Rooms at Tennants is a truly unique venue The Wensleydale Railway is an authentic heritage TheThirsk, multi-award-winning World of James Herriot to The
Heritage, Herriot & Heirlooms
(WoJH) pays homage to the life and times of the and incorporates a restaurant, a fully stocked bar and a railway, offering visitors, families and transport _________________________________________________________________________________________________ world’s most famous vet, Alf Wight OBE. self-service café. Light lunches or more leisurely afterenthusiasts a great value day out in the Yorkshire noon teas are included in our Heritage, Herriot and Dales (Herriot Country) with lots to see and do Heirlooms Groups Welcome partnership. along the way. Set in the former Thirsk surgery and home of Alf Wight, WoJH brings to life his colourful story: his The Wensleydale Railway is a wonderful heritage See collections and memorabilia, hear talks from our lifetime’s work as a vet and his ever popular specialists in art and collectables (prior arrangement and experience for groups between visits to The Garden writing as ‘James Herriot’. supplement), there will always be something to entertain Rooms at Tennants and The World of James Herriot. and it’s a unique experience for groups. Allow an hour and Start and finish points can be from either end of the Allowing around an hour for a self-guided visit, a half to two hours for a self-guided visit. line or can be for trips both ways. (Please check WoJH is ideal for group travel guests. about timetable and private charter bookings.)
The World of James Herriot
The multi-award-winning World of James Herriot (WoJH) pays homage to the life and times of the world’s most famous vet, Alf Wight OBE. Set in the former Thirsk surgery and home of Alf Wight, WoJH brings to life his colourful story: his lifetime’s work as a vet and his ever popular writing as ‘James Herriot’. Allowing around an hour for a self-guided visit, WoJH is ideal for group travel guests.
The Garden Rooms at Tennants
The Wensleydale Railway
The Garden Rooms at Tennants is a truly unique venue and incorporates a restaurant, a fully stocked bar and a self-service café. Light lunches or more leisurely afternoon teas are included in our Heritage, Herriot and Heirlooms Groups Welcome partnership.
The Wensleydale Railway is an authentic heritage railway, offering visitors, families and transport enthusiasts a great value day out in the Yorkshire Dales (Herriot Country) with lots to see and do along the way.
See collections and memorabilia, hear talks from our specialists in art and collectables (prior arrangement and supplement), there will always be something to entertain and it’s a unique experience for groups. Allow an hour and a half to two hours for a self-guided visit.
The Wensleydale Railway is a wonderful heritage experience for groups between visits to The Garden Rooms at Tennants and The World of James Herriot. Start and finish points can be from either end of the line or can be for trips both ways. (Please check about timetable and private charter bookings.)
The Heritage, Herriot & Heirlooms Group Welcome You to North Yorkshire Easy to reach via A1(M) North Yorkshire
Lichfield Cathedral
GEOWALKS
Step Into The Stone Age torquay - devon
www.kents-cavern.co.uk
AS THE LONGEST HERITAGE RAILWAY IN ENGLAND WE ARE MILE FOR MILE BETTER VALUE CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
OF STEAMING TO THE SEASIDE
OAD OU NL
PP RA
DOW
WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY
Travel with the the family and enjoy 20 Miles of steam train travel through the Quantock Hills and along the Exmoor Coast. Buy your rover tickets now through our website and quote the promotional code GDOMARCH at the checkout to receive an additional 15% off already discounted tickets! This offer is only valid on advanced day rovers and would be valid for any Red, Orange, Green or Yellow day on our timetable this includes being valid on meet and greet days too! Peppa Pig and George 30th April 2016 Paddington 28th May 2016 Fireman Sam 18th June 2016 Shaun the Sheep 3rd September 2016 Follow the link below to book.
www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or telephone 01643 704996
Every journey ends with a memory. A day on the Severn Valley Railway is a day to remember. Take the people you love and make some memories that will last forever.
Severn Valley Railway Families
KIDDERMINSTER 路 BEWDLEY 路 BRIDGNORTH
www.svr.co.uk
The Royal Mint Visitor Centre Opening Spring 2016 Over 1,000 years in the making... well worth the wait
A new and unique destination for UK tourism. • Guided factory experience • Interactive exhibition • Café and gift shop • All-weather experience • Group rates and incentives • Just 10 minutes from M4 Junction 34
To find out more please email: visitorcentre@royalmint.com
royalmint.com/visitorcentre