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The Best Summer Holiday Camps for Kids

Today the Telegraph has produced a really useful list of six of the best activity centres for children and teenagers.

What the newspaper calls “Residential activity weeks” I call “Holiday Camp”, but whatever the name, they can be a great form of entertainment for the kids during half-term and the school holidays. Not only will they learn new skills but also they will make friends and generally discover a bit of independence.

These activity weeks do not come cheap with prices ranging from £350 and £600 per week, which includes full board and activities (but not necessarily insurance). However, for working parents or those with very energetic children these camps are fantastic.

The most important thing to do when choosing which camp to sent your child to is to choose a centre that offers activities that interest your son/daughter. It is also key that there will be other children of the same age so try to find this out before you make your booking.

Not all centres have to be licensed but members of the British Activity Holiday Association (www.baha.org.uk) must adhere to a code of practice. Companies providing certain adventurous activities, however, have to be licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.

So, the Telegraph name the best Summer Camps for Kids as:

Best family-run centre: Mill on the Brue Outdoor Centre
(01749 812307; www.millonthebrue.co.uk)
Set in 20 acres of Somerset countryside, offering more than 40 activities for children from eight to 15 years of age.

Best for range of activities: PGL
(08700 50750; www.pgl.co.uk)
13 centres around the UK for seven to 17 year-olds, offering competitively priced half term and summer camps.

Best for watersports:Rockley Point
(01202 677272; www.rockleywatersports.com)
Well-run centre in Poole Harbour with five-day courses for children aged eight years old and over.

Best for shorter breaks: Adventure & Computer Holidays
(01306 711005; www.holiday-adventure.com)
Based in Surrey this centre offers technical, riding and outdoor holidays to children of six and over. Three-day breaks in May half-term also available.

Best for sports:Exsportise Limited
(01444 444777; www.exsportise.co.uk)
Sports coaching using public school facilities in Sussex, Dorset and Northamptonshire offering eight activities including football, tennis, golf and rugby for 10 to 16 year-olds.

Best for seaside fun: Wickedly Wonderful Holidays for Children
(0794 123 1168; www.wickedlywonderful.com)
Coastal centre in Sussex offering multi-activity, sailing or pony camps for children aged six to 13 years old.

Kids London — 2 Comments
4
May 10

Shakespeare for kids – It’s Childsplay!

Source:Pawel Libera

Globe Education has announced a series of interactive events for families and children taking place at Shakespeare’s Globe this Summer.

The programme includes the return of the popular ChildsPlay sessions – unique workshops for 8-11 year olds exploring the stories and themes of Shakespeare’s plays, which include a visit to see part of a performance in the iconic Globe Theatre.

While their parents or carers watch the matinee performance from the Globe’s 2010 Kings and Rogues season, children can take part in a workshop with Globe Education Practitioners including storytelling and art activities about the play, Shakespeare, and the Globe Theatre.

At the end of the workshop, the young participants join the ‘groundlings’ to experience 15 minutes of the play from the bustling atmosphere of the yard.

ChildsPlay takes place on selected Saturdays throughout the Spring and Summer, and offers the whole family the opportunity to enjoy Shakespeare’s timeless stories together at the Globe.

In addition, the Globe’s annual celebration of the birthday of its founder, Sam Wanamaker, returns with a free day of workshops, demonstrations and platform discussions.

Sam’s Day takes place on Saturday 12 June, when the entire Globe site will be handed over to a host of Globe professionals leading sessions on storytelling, music, movement, voice, Shakespeare on Film and Building the Globe throughout the day.

The sessions are free of charge, and bookable on the day on a first come, first served basis.

ChildsPlay
Macbeth: 1 May and 8 May 2010
Henry VIII: 22 May, 29 May, 19 June and 10 July 2010
The Merry Wives of Windsor: 28 August, 11 September and 2 October
Time (all dates): 1.30pm
Venue: Shakespeare’s Globe
Tickets: £12.50
Box office: 020 7401 9919 or www.shakespeares-globe.org

Sam’s Day
Date: Saturday 12 June
Time: 10am – 5pm.
Venue: Shakespeare’s Globe
Tickets: Events are free and bookable from 9am on the day

Kids Cumbria / Kids Devon / Kids Herefordshire / Kids London / Kids Norfolk / Kids Scotland / Kids Wales — No Comments
28
Apr 10

May Bank Holiday Activities for Families

I think everyone is looking forward to this May Bank Holiday whatever the weather, but what are you going to do and where are you going to take the Kids?

Here are a few suggestions:

Scotland

Go down to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh and find out about fruits. Do you ever argue with your family about fruits? Ever called a cucumber a vegetable? Find out about the myths surrounding fruits and categorise things in their true, botanical sense with the Garden Rangers.

North East

Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Well are apparently the oldest tourist attractions in Britain! There is plenty for all the family to do with a museum, playground and 12 acres of riverside grounds besides the main attractions.

North West

If you have a “Wild Child” visit Fellfoot park in Cumbria. Here the kids can run free without fear of being told off! They can build a den, construct a dam, climb trees or splash in the lake. Fell Foot Country Park offers a unique experience for our younger visitors. Tracker packs are available and a hoot for Mum & Dad to join in! From rowing boats on the lake to crashing through the undergrowth, this is an event for an energetic family.

Midlands

Why not visit the Amazing Hedge Puzzlein Herefordshire and have fun finding your way to the centre, trying to avoid the dead ends along the way. At the museum you can also test your own theories on their computers, and contemplate mystic myths about mazes from all the world’s great religions.

East Anglia

Visit Bure Valley Railway in Norfolk for a great train day out for all the family! See all the engines and coaches in action, take a trip on a steam train and children can enter a competition which has a free prize for every correct entry. Also, under 5′s travel free.

South East

In London, there is a May Day family fun fair at Alexandra Palace with dodgems, rides, stalls with prizes, kiddies rides and refreshments.

South West

The Brixham Pirate and Shanty Festival 2010 will be held from 30th April to the 3rd May in South Devon. There you can enjoy a bank Holiday weekend of swashbuckling fun, music and piratical antics to suit all ages with the Brixham Buccaneers at their second annual festival.

Wales

The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza offers a great opportunity to experience a huge selection of exhibits such as steam engines, early vehicles, traditional organs and much more.
Each day throughout the weekend there is a Grand Parade led by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang followed by marching bands, Victorian Costume walkers, Steam engines and vintage vehicles. There is also a fairground complete with ghost train.

Maybe you have your own suggestions? If so, please share them

Kids Staffordshire — No Comments
23
Apr 10

Steaming ahead for a great May Bank Holiday Day out at Rudyard Lake

Families should head for the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway in the Staffordshire Peak District over the early May Bank holiday weekend for a great value day out. Kids get treats with free lollipops whilst the adults the enjoy the superb scenary.

The Rudyard Lake Steam Railway is located 2 miles North of Leek in Staffordshire. The railway, runs for 1.5 miles from Rudyard Station along the side of Rudyard Lake before terminating at Hunthouse Wood. There is lots to do and see at the lake with boat trips and wildlife all around.

For those of you who are thinking about Rudyard Kipling, author of the Jungle Books, apparently his parents named him after Rudyard Lake because they met there at a picnic!

Spokesman Mike Hanson said. “This is a family day out and the kids really enjoy getting their free lollipops. It is one the ways we are trying to provide good value family days out at a modest cost.”

The normal return fares of Adult £3.50 and child £2.50 apply and prior booking is not required. The Trains will run from 11.00am to 4pm every day and the new Platform 2 cafe will be open at Rudyard station.

Find out more here

Kids Warwickshire — No Comments
18
Apr 10

Warwick Castle

This place has been transformed since I used to go there on rather unexciting school trips. This is probably because it has been taken over by Merlin Entertainments. Although not cheap at £55 for a family ticket this is is a day out the kids will not forget in a hurry.

There is a “Pageant Playground” where children can let off steam amongst its various ropes, swings, nets, slides and walkways plus a mini playground for toddlers.

You can see the Trebuchet (which is like a giant catapult), and on some days there are jousting shows and plenty of stands such as the Knight Training School and the Archery stall.

For those brave enough there is the Castle Dungeon:

In true Dungeon style, gore seekers will be greeted by decaying bodies, chanting monks, torture implements, execution and ‘the labyrinth of lost souls’

If the weather is good the Castle car park quickly fills up and the queues for the various attractions begin to form. I suggest that you go as early as possible so you are there for when the doors open at 10am.

Kids London — No Comments
3
Dec 08

Family Days Out: Christmas Carol Concerts in London

I recently wrote a list for Metrotwin about some of the best upcoming Christmas Carol concerts in London (although it was published under the name of the editor Candice due to a bug!)… anyway, there are several concerts in the capital that you might consider taking your children to:

Carol Singing Around the Courtyards at Hampton Court
This annual singalong of festive songs takes place in the magical palace courtyards and gardens of Hampton Court. Your voices will be accompanied by a silver band. Words booklets will be provided and the event will last for about an hour. As this is an outdoor event remember to wrap up warmly and bring a torch to see the words by! The carol singing will take place from 20th to 23rd December at 6pm daily. Due to popularity, you will need to pre-book tickets. Have fun!

Enjoy the True Spirit of Christmas at Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral provides a stunning setting for this traditional christmas carol concert. These annual concerts always attract large numbers of singers, visitors and luminaries so don’t miss out! The concerts are a genuine Christmas highlight and well worth going to. This year there will be two Cathedral Carol Services – on Sunday 21 and Tuesday 23 December. Both services will be identical and will start at 6.30pm. There are no tickets, just turn up. Not suitable for very small children.

A Family Christmas Concert by the New London Children’s Choir
The New London Children’s Choir was launched in 1991 with the aim of introducing children to the challenges and fun of singing all types of music. They have since performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras. This year their Christmas Concert includes the première of Ronald Corp’s “Wenceslas” alongside other popular carols. Mince pies, mulled wine and refreshments will be available. The concert takes place on 14th December 2008 at 4pm and tickets are available on the door.

A festive concert set in the award-winning gardens of the Horniman Museum
Enjoy performances from the English Baroque Choir and the Crystal Palace Band. There will be something for all the family with carols, hot-roasted chestnuts, toy stalls, hot and cold refreshments and free Santa’s grotto. The whole event is free and takes place from 3-6pm on Sun 14th December 2008

Kids London — No Comments
4
Nov 08

Family Days Out: Indoor Playgrounds in London

Yes, the winter is upon us and with shorter, colder, wetter days, uk parents need to know where you can take your kids in the capital. That is why I drew up this list for Metrotwin and I thought I would share it here too:

Climbers & Creepers
An indoor interactive botanical playzone

Eddie Catz, Wimbledon (formerly Tiger’s Eye)
A great place for families on rainy days

Snakes and Ladders
One of the largest indoor playgrounds in London

Tumble in the Jungle
A jungle themed indoor adventure playground

Zoomaround
A great play venue in North London

Bramley’s Big Adventure
Indoor Adventure Playground for Kids

Gambado
All sorts of indoor fun for kids

Topsy Turvy World
Exhaust the kids before you go shopping

It’s A Kid’s Thing
Indoor Fun in Earlsfield

Eddie Catz, Putney
Indoor fun for under 5s

Kids London — No Comments
5
Oct 08

Family Days Out: Top Ten London Attractions for Kids

You have planned a family day out to the Big Smoke with the kids. There are hundreds of attractions to choose from, so where do you begin? Well, you won’t go far wrong if you start with one of the favourite attractions:

* The Science Museum
* Madame Tussauds
* The London Dungeons
* The Tower of London
* The London Aquarium
* The London Eye
* The Natural History Museum
* Tate Modern
* The Museum of Childhood
* London Zoo

Have fun!

Kids London — No Comments
3
Oct 08

Family Days Out: Kids, Loos and London

You are happily having a family day out in London, enjoying the sights when your child suddenly shouts out that familiar phrase “I need a wee …. now!”. You know you don’t have much time, so how do you go about finding the nearest loo (toilet)?

No matter where you are in London, you will find free conveniences at:
*Coffee shops such as Starbucks
*McDonalds
*Department Stores (you will usually have to go up to the third floor)

You might also find the following loos handy:
*Picadilly Circus Underground Station
*Covent Garden Piazza
*Westminster Underground Station (50p)
*Victoria, Waterloo and other mainline British Rail Stations (20p)

If you are really caught short and can’t find a nearby loo you might have to resort to letting your child pee in the gutter or preferably behind a bush!

One of the strangest UK laws is that a pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants – even, if she so requests, in a policeman’s helmet!

Kids London — 2 Comments
29
Sep 08

Family Days Out: How to see London on the cheap

If you are going on a family day out to London, you don’t have to spend money on sightseeing buses. Instead you can choose to take the regular number 15 bus from Tower Hill. The bus will take you all the way from The Tower of London through the City, past St Pauls, past Trafalgar Square and on to Regent St (where Hamleys Toy Shop is) and Oxford St. It’s a double decker and so make sure to get a seat upstairs

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