Running out of ideas for the kids this May Bank Holiday?
Well now the weather’s on the turn (finger’s crossed) why
not get outside, soak up some limited sunshine and get some fresh air in your
lungs.
Below are my top 5 picks of activities for the kids and
wider family this May Bank Holiday.
Why not take a trip to Godolphin, follow the clues around
the gardens and park in search of the mysterious beast with terrible tusks and
terrible claws. This might not be great for older children in your clan but the
younger ones familiar with the story are bound to be enthralled!
This fashionable Cornish estate is also a great place for
lazy walks, with views over quaint St Ives and the picturesque isle of St Michaels Mount.
This National Trust event runs from 11am until 3pm on Sunday 5th
May at Godolphin House, Cornwall, TR13 9RE.
If your kids love The Gruffalo but Cornwall is a little
remote you could head down to the ‘deep dark woods’ of The Forest of Dean in
Gloucestershire?
The Dean Heritage Centre have just opened a brand new forest
trail which is dotted with hand carved gruffaloes, mice, foxes and snakes
depicting the much loved tale.
Children will love following the story as they scramble
through the woodland discovering the next chapter; ‘Aha! Aho! A track in the
snow! Whose is this track and where does it go?’
Once the family have sufficiently tired themselves out, stop
off at the Heritage Centre Café to try some Roasted Fox or Scrambled Snake!
Sadly any four legged friends are not allowed on the trail
but it is pushchair friendly so even the youngest readers or listeners can join
in the fun without causing Dad severe back pain.
The centre is open daily from 10am until 5pm and costs between £16
and £19 for a family ticket. Find the Gruffalo trail at Dean Heritage Centre,
Gloucestershire, GL14 2UB.
If you live in the London area roll up to Audley End House and Gardens this weekend where the action packed line-up is certain to impress
everyone from Granny and Grandpa to stroppy teens.
Involving a traditional gymkhana, a travelling show and a
May Day Parade there is something for all the family.
If you feel like facing fate you could even hunt down the
fortune teller in her traditional gypsy caravan! Get an insight into the
traditional Victorian ‘upstairs downstairs’ hierarchy as you go behind the
scenes to see the servants and grooms preparing for the parade finale.
With live music all afternoon it’s even tempting to defy the
weather and take a picnic whilst the kids can enjoy themselves exploring the vast
gardens.
This is going to be slightly more expensive, even for English Heritage members as family tickets are priced at £39.20 for non-members. Despite this the jam packed timetable should make it well worth it and it's a day out that will have something for everyone.
Find the fayre at Audley End Park and Gardens, Essex, CB11 4JF. The fayre runs from Saturday 4th May until Monday 6th May.
Try Cherryburn between Hexham and Newcastle for a family
oriented festival.
If you are in the North of England then this could be the
choice for you. Wrap up for the weather and enjoy a spectacular May Day
festival.
Give your kids their first taste of a traditional British
May Day fayre with face-painting and outdoor family games as well as indulging
in the customs of dancing around the maypole and selecting a worthy May
Queen.
Plus Cherryburn is the farmhouse home of artist Thomas Bewick and the house has an outstanding and unrivalled collection of his art and exhibition detailing his life.
With stunning views of the Tyne Valley this is the perfect place to settle down with a picnic whilst the kids enjoy the farm.
Cherryburn cottage (National Trust) is located at Station Bank, Stocksfield, NE43 7DD and open from 11 - 5pm.
This is definitely going to be the best option if the
weather chooses to revert to it’s default setting – overcast and dreary.
Located at The Royal Armouries in Leeds there is plenty of space to explore
whilst staying toasty warm.
Arms and Armour of the Superhero is going to appeal to any
big comic book fans or more stereotypically any young boy with a passion for
super powers and ‘goody vs baddy’ fighting.
This is a chance for the kids to learn about super powers;
who has them, how to get them and the weapons and armour involved. With a
number of demonstrations and talks there’s also a chance to see how superhero
fighting techniques are linked to some well and lesser known martial arts.
If comic books aren’t your thing then why not explore The
Royal Armouries further, taking in their war, tournament and oriental weaponry.
The Royal Armouries also has their own café but if you
venture outside into the beautiful and ultra modern Clarence Dock you will also
find Pizza Express and Indian Restaurant Aagrah.
The Armouries are located in Leeds, LS10 1LT and open from 10am until 5pm and it is FREE. Yes
that’s right, it’s free.
Extra Special Treat:
I know I said I would only select five top spots but I came
across this in my wanderings and thought it sounded great. Perhaps not enough
to do to amuse the kids for a whole day but definitely something that will keep
them amused for an hour. Plus great for getting some fabulous muddy pictures of
your little ones!
Pig Wash Day at the Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire, ST17 0XB – Watch the pigs
getting a good old rub down at Stafford’s Shugborough Estate. This is even
followed by a pig massage with oils and sun cream. I might even book myself in
for a spa day…
