Families Suffolk Magazine: May-June 2024 - Digital Edition

Are you ready for summer? Busy thinking about weekends away, holidays and getting active, especially in the great outdoors? We can help!

In this issue, we have some top active family adventures for you to try, as well as great ideas for the perfect weekend break and some fabulous family camping and glamping options from our friends at The Outdoor Guide .

Father’s Day takes place on Sunday 16 June and if you fancy gifting dad something different this year, why not take a look at our ideas for great subscription box gifts? There’s something for dads of all tastes!

Finally, in this issue, we have some enticing giveaways on offer. By applying, you can ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Get in touch

Competition winners from our January/February issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

WHAT'S ON

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR TOP PICKS FOR FAMILY DAYS OUT AND PLACES TO VISIT IN MAY & JUNE 2024

The Hadleigh Show

WHERE: Holbecks Park, Hadleigh, IP7 5PE

WHEN: Sat 18th May www.hadleighshow.co.uk

The Big Afternoon

WHERE: New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS

WHEN: Sat 25th May | 2pm-4pm www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Springtime Family Activities

WHERE: St Edmundsbury Cathedral Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LS

WHEN: Tue 28th & Wed 29th May www.stedscathedral.org/whats-on

Quentin Blake: The Illustrated Hospital Exhibition

WHERE: Moyse’s Hall Museum, Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1DX

WHEN: From Tue 4th June www.moyseshall.org

East Anglian Stortytelling Festival

WHERE: The Food Museum, Stowmarket, IP14 1DL

WHEN: Friday 17th - Sunday 19th May www.foodmuseum.org.uk

Kids Rule! At Framlingham Castle

WHERE: Church Street, Framlingham IP13 9BP

WHEN: Sat 25th May - Sun 2nd June www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/framlingham-castle/

Wild in the Stour Valley

WHERE: Friars Meadow, Sudbury, CO10 2SS

WHEN: Fri 31st May www.riverstourtrust.org/events

TOTFest 2024 - Suffolk!

WHERE: Newmarket Racecourse, The Rowley Mile, Newmarket, CB8 0TF

WHEN: Sun 9th June

www.totfestfestival.com/suffolk

Grease The Musical

WHERE: Ipswich Regent, IP4 1HE

WHEN: Tue 21st - Sat 25th May

www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

The Suffolk Show

WHERE: Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich IP3 8UH

WHEN: Wed 29th & Thu 30th May

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of Suffolk's finest. From countryside favourites and family fun to mouthwatering food and daring displays.

Get active and have a blast at the Sports Village at this year's show! With a wide range of activities to choose from, including rock climbing, nerf gun battles, cycling course, yoga sessions and much more. Whether you're a foodie, animal lover, or thrill-seeker, there's something for everyone at this year's Suffolk Show!

www.suffolkshow.co.uk

DRAGON FEST 2024

WHERE: West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, IP28 6HG

WHEN: Sat 22nd - Sun 23rd June www.weststow.org

EXHIBITION: Brick Wonders

Around the World in LEGO® Bricks COMING TO SUFFOLK THIS SUMMER...

Suffolk Archives at The Hold, Ipswich, IP4 1LR Fri 12th July 2024 - Mon 30th September 2024

Wonders from around the globe will be presented in half a million LEGO® bricks at this spectacular and unmissable exhibition.

Created by Warren Elsmore, Brick Wonders recreates breath taking sights and structures from around the world. Beginning with the seven wonders of the ancient world, the exhibition takes in historic, modern and natural wonders of the seven continents.

Suitable for all ages. Children under 4 go free.

To book visit: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whats-on/

Experience ultimate bouncing fun at Jump In Adventure and Trampoline Park Ipswich.

The perfect day out for the whole family, come rain or shine!

Bouncers of all ages can defy gravity on the wall-to-wall trampolines, practice their tricks into the giant airbag, or challenge their friends on the battle beam and wipeout zone.

Jump In Ipswich is also home to a huge soft play area for little ones to enjoy! They can explore the multiple levels of slides, tunnels, and other activities. Or play make believe on the miniature boulevard of shops and cafés!

Planning a party? Choose a Jump In party package for a 100%-fun-zero-stress experience! All you need to do is choose a date and time, invite your guests, and leave the rest up to Jump In, completely hassle free. Packages start at £17 per person.

Jump In is the perfect place for your next group booking.

School trips, youth groups days out, and corporate team building can all be catered to. Standard and bespoke packages are available, as well as exclusive hire.

An unmissable exhibition is coming to The Hold on Ipswich Waterfront. Brick Wonders, created by Warren Elsmore, will showcase wonders from around the world including the seven wonders of the ancient world, as well as historic, modern, and natural wonders. Don't miss out on visiting this breathtaking display of structures and sights - all built using half a million LEGO® bricks!

Fri 12 July - Sun 29 September Adults: £5 Children over 4: £4 Group ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £14

To book tickets, please scan the QR code or visit: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson

See if you can find all the animals in this fun, family-friendly exhibition! Make your own animal artworks in the creative studio. We have exciting events planned for the summer, including a trail, workshops and more! Follow us on social media @IpswichMuseums for updates and announcements.

Suffolk Libraries introduces its brand-new summer reading adventure, Reading Quest. Children and families can sign up from 13 July 2024 in any Suffolk Libraries location. Grab your map, explore Suffolk and share books throughout the summer. suffolklibraries.co.uk/reading-quest

The importance of water safety and learning to swim

A child can drown in as little as 2cm of water! Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death in children. These are horrifying facts and why water safety is vital for your family’s safety.

Learning to swim goes hand in hand with being safe in and around water. However, water safety means so much more than knowing how to swim! Accidental drownings can be largely avoided through vigilant supervision, swimming skills, and water safety training.

As part of a well-rounded learn-to-swim program, you and your children should learn when and where it is safe to swim. Water safety is all about preventing aquatic accidents and deaths so that you and your family can enjoy the many pleasures and benefits of being in and around water.

Know Your Abilities

One key factor in water safety is knowing your swimming abilities. Unfortunately, many people put themselves in harm’s way when they overestimate their ability. This is particularly true of children and teens; constant, uninterrupted adult supervision is critical. At least one adult should be in charge when playing in or near the water.

Sadly, many drowning victims had no intention of going into the water. Instead, they may have been fishing in a small boat and fell overboard while not wearing a flotation device. Or, perhaps they were enjoying the view from a quayside when they fell in. Learning how to swim and being watersafe is key to helping to prevent drowning and other waterrelated emergencies.

Know Your Environment

Familiarise yourself with aquatic environments when you visit a pool or the seaside. Know the water depths; your water entry should be feet first the first time. Many catastrophic diving injuries could be avoided by understanding what is below the water’s surface. Know if a lifeguard is on duty, and understand all local risks. Shallow water is safer for beginners and feet-first entries, while deep water is safer for diving and strong swimmers. The sea/ocean requires knowledge of potentially dangerous tides and currents and is for expert swimmers only.

ASK THE EXPERTS

at Abbeycroft

Claire Turnbull from Abbeycroft says:

Here are the benefits of learning to swim with us:

Swimming is a life skill…which could save your child’s life.

Swimming provides an opportunity for your child to be active bringing lots of physical health benefits; healthy heart and lungs; improved strength and flexibility; improved balance and posture.

As part of our swim academy programme your child progresses through the award scheme providing your child with a sense of pride as they are recognised for their achievements leading to increased self-confidence and self belief.

You are in good hands with our trusted, highly qualified and passionate instructors.

Lastly but equally as important… your child will have lots of fun learning to swim in a safe and secure environment.

Developing Executive Function skills

Organisation

Card games – play card games which require organising playing cards such as Uno and Crazy 8s. Hobby collection – encourage a collecting hobby (anything from rocks to small toys), which involves sorting and resorting in categories.

Cook together – cooking teaches measuring and sorting ingredients, following directions and managing time.

Planning & problem

Strategy-based board gamestry Checkers, Battleship, Ticket to Ride or Uno.

Scavenger Hunts - derived from a series of clues with a reward at the end.

Let them plan – whether it’s a party or family activity let them decide how, what and when. Let them build – whether Jenga or a Lego tower they have to think carefully.

What is Executive Function?

Learn how it relates to selfregulation and is vital for future attainment and well-being.

Time management

Use the ding thing – timers, phone apps etc will help keep them on track.

Create charts – plans and charts help children visualise abstract concepts like time.

Time estimation games – how long does it take to get to grandmas? How much time to get to school?

Use a diary – get your child used to recording important info.

Attention

Learning a musical skill - will test selective attention and selfmonitoring.

Concentration games – like Simon Says, jigsaw puzzles, Spot the Difference promote focus. Picture copying – Get them to copy a picture in a set time. Dancing games – Wii, Xbox or other console games require close attention to copying the dance sequence.

Activities to help Executive Function

Some activities which help children with concentration, focus, attention and sitting tolerance.

Is your child fully vaccinated?

Catching up is easy, at any age

You may have read or heard that cases of measles are increasing in England. While cases in Suffolk are currently low (at time of publication), we should prepare for and protect against the potential for increased cases. If your child has not been fully vaccinated (2 doses) with the MMR vaccine it is a good time to get this done to protect them.

ASTHMA

Asthma is a common, long-term condition which affects the airways in the lungs. Asthma causes the airways to become tight, which makes it harder to breathe.

Simple treatments can help to keep asthma well controlled in most children. Severity of asthma symptoms varies between children, from very mild to severe.

Triggers for asthma include colds and flu, pollen, exercise, house dust, mites, pets like cats and dogs, stress, cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes from vehicles.

A good way to avoid excess exhaust fumes from vehicles is to always switch your engine off when parked.

Keeping a personal log and action plan is important in proactively managing asthma. It is also important to make sure children have enough medications.

The Healthy Suffolk website has more information about asthma in children including signs and symptoms, triggers, and treatment and management, as well as other common childhood illnesses. Visit: www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/ conditions/asthma/manage/asthma-review

You can look in the ‘immunisation’ section in your child’s red book (Personal Child Health Record) to see if they have received their MMR vaccinations.

If your child is missing ANY vaccination, book an appointment to get them up to date. This can be done at a vaccination clinic or your GP. If you would like to book a place on a clinic, please call 0300 555 5055 or for more information visit; www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/ ChildhoodVaccinations.

Getting your child vaccinated is free and the best way to protect them.

Providing legal advice when you need it most

Our services include: &

FAMILY LAW:

• Divorce & separation

• Financial & property issues

• Pension agreements & entitlements

• Family mediation

• Children & social care

• Pre-nuptial/living together agreements

• Civil partnerships

• Same sex relationships

RESOLVING DISPUTES:

• Personal injury

• Clinical negligence

• Houses, property & neighbours

• Contentious wills & probate

• Contract disputes

• Consumer affairs/ faulty goods & service

PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES:

• Wills, trusts & probate

• Powers of attorney

• Residential property

Denise Head

E denise.head@bates-wells.co.uk FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Partner/Solicitor & Mediator

T 01473 219282

Christopher Mason

Head of Dispute Resolution

T 01473 295524

E christopher.mason@bates-wells.co.uk

Kids’ summer make n’ do projects

We’ve brought together the perfect selection of creative and outdoor projects for your child to try this summer.

DIY pavement paint

Concoct vibrant paint colours, then get painting! Easily washable.

Jellyfish suncatcher

Great summer-themed craft activity for preschoolers.

Sunshine weaving

This solstice craft can be make from recycled materials and scraps.

Sponge sailboat craft

Stay cool on a warm day with this fun, simple-tomake water activity.

Straw bubble wand

Simple to make and perfect for getting the kids outside.

Instant vanilla ice cream

Just put ingredients in a bag and shake!

Frozen paint cubes

Ice and paint are the perfect combination for a summer day.

Paper plate frisbees

Turn ordinary paper plates into frisbees and head out to the park.

Sundial

Great project for sunny days and helps learn to tell the time.

Broadening your child’s vocabulary

By Jemma Z Smith

Vocabulary development is often something that parents mention when they approach a tuition company. Unfortunately, this area of learning does not have a ‘quick fix’ solution.

Vocabulary acquirement, retention and application takes a long time. Children need to be exposed to new vocabulary several times in several different contexts in order to fully absorb it and use it in their own writing and speaking, recognise it in a range of uses and be able to adapt it (for example, adding prefixes and suffixes) when questioned in a test environment.

Vocabulary is a vital aspect of primary education, especially for pupils preparing for entrance exams. A rich vocabulary not only enhances language skills but also serves as a key tool for academic success.

Understanding words in various contexts is fundamental for primary pupils. It allows them to grasp the meanings and usage of words, which helps to improve their comprehension skills. Additionally, a strong vocabulary assists in spelling tasks, making children more aware of homophones and homographs, thus avoiding common pitfalls in their writing, particularly in time pressured test conditions. For example, in some verbal reasoning papers, they may be presented with a choice of synonyms to match together: wind, reign, meander.

In this example, wind (verb) and meander are synonyms, but the child may read it as wind - the noun - due to its position next to a word that sounds like another type of weather but is spelt differently.

MORE

READ

Fantastic family science experiments

These experiments are great for the family to try at home and are full of learning opportunities for the kids, as well as being lots of fun.

Carbon sugar snake

Make a fiery black snake rise from the ground.

Make a barometer

Create a device for measuring air pressure.

Crystal snowflakes

Make dazzling crystal snowflakes.

Leakproof bag

Show off ‘magic skills’ and learn about polymers and friction.

Invisible ink

Be a secret agent and write invisible ink messages.

Soap powered boats

Make a simple boat which water molecules move forward.

Create a water filter

Turn dirty water clean and discuss recycling and pollution.

Fireworks in a jar

Use oil and water for an exciting display.

Singing wine glasses

Make a wine glass sing and play different notes.

Developing skills for good performance

By Gail Hugman

Many parents worry about their children underachieving or not reaching the expected level by the time they leave primary school or sit 11+ exams. But there is good news. By developing your child’s skills it may be easier to improve their performance than you think.

READ MORE

Choosing a reading book

By Zuzu Jordan

‘I don’t like reading’ are words parents dread to hear and battle to change. In such households, reading can become a nonnegotiable, timed and recorded homework chore. Yet we all strive to mould children who want to read, for pleasure. But how?

READ MORE

Supporting your child’s memory retention

By Erin Miller

Does your child struggle to remember things they have learnt at school? Cognitive science can help us to understand how our children’s brains work and how they will learn best, as remembering involves storing information in their long-term memory.

READ MORE

Where every pupil

explores

At Framlingham College we celebrate every individual. Our size, structure and ethos mean that our entire focus is on understanding, guiding and inspiring each child individually – so they can find their self-belief, discover their own talents and challenge themselves to achieve more than they thought possible.

PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNING

Saturday 12 October 2024 10:00 – 13:00

THE head Meet

In this issue we talk to Simon Roche, incoming Head of Framlingham College Prep School Simon Roche will join Framlingham College as Head of the Prep School in September 2024. Here he tells us a little more about himself.

Where

did your teaching career begin?

I've been teaching for over 20 years, first working as a gap student at a prep school where I did absolutely everything from organising the brass ensemble to marking out the lines on the cricket pitches. Not long after university I got my first job in a city comprehensive in South Leeds teaching drama, which was a hugely formative educational experience. From there, I went into independent education – teaching English - and boarding predominantly, and I also worked abroad for a time in an international school. So, I've done state school, I've done prep as a gapper, I’ve done senior school from Year 7 and I'm also a Governor at the prep school that I went to, so I'm completely embroiled in education and love it.

What or who inspired you to teach?

I've got one slightly negative inspiration in that when I went off to my big boarding school after prep school, I didn't have a great time. I think everyone has the right to happiness and so I've always used my experience as motivation for me as a teacher, and as a leader, to make sure that the pupils I look after are happy and enjoying their time at school.

I also had some very good teachers along the way. Mr Armstrong was an old history teacher of mine, and I really liked the way he knew me as a person, the way he stretched me academically and the feeling that he always had my back. That made me want to work hard for him, so thank you, Mr Armstrong, if you're out there somewhere!

How would people describe you?

I think at my current school, pupils would describe me as energized, empathetic, and good-humoured, but with very high standards.

What or who inspired you to teach?

I think first and foremost you’ve got to know your pupils; you’ve got to care about them as individuals and about their development. Teaching is about relationships and trust; once you get that right learning can flourish. It is also important to set very high standards for the pupils. No one ever raised themselves up to low standards! If you generate a culture of high standards in the classroom and have high expectations across all areas of school life, then - providing the pupils know you're on their side - they'll generally go for it.

What attracted you to Framlingham College Prep School?

I went to a rural co-ed prep school, and they were the happiest days of my young life. Framlingham College Prep is very similar to that school, and I suppose that’s something that led me back to co-ed prep. I’m hugely drawn to the school’s commitment to developing the children as individuals and creating a nurturing environment in which every pupil can strive to be the best version of themselves. As a Head, I want to be a key figure in these young people’s lives, which can often be hard to achieve in bigger senior schools. Equally, the school is in such an amazing rural setting, and I really want to utilise the environment as a place to inspire the children.

What advice would you give to parents choosing a school?

I think the most important thing is to remember that good schools are built on the people within them. It is very tempting to compare facilities and offerings, and I would guard against that. Most importantly, talk to the children at the school. Are they happy and engaged? What are the things they're doing at school? What are they excited about? Ask yourself if you can see your children in their place. The choice is bespoke to your child: if it feels right for yours, it usually is.

Colchester Royal Grammar School 11+ Open Evening

Tuesday 25th June, 6.30pm – 9pm

Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is a selective day school for boys aged 11-18 years, with a co-ed Sixth Form and Boarding.

Named East Anglia State School of the Decade by The Sunday Times in 2021, CRGS focuses on students not only attaining the highest academic success but also on their personal development in line with the school’s core values: Compassion, Respect, Generosity and Support.

Pupils say 'school is a safe and enjoyable place to be’ (Ofsted, Feb 2022) and the wide range of student-led, staff-supported clubs and societies all help to encourage and shape the equality, diversity and inclusion work.

The Student Support Hub offers support from the school counsellor, the school mental health nurse, and the school Chaplain.

We look forward to welcoming you to our 11+ Open Evening on Tuesday 25th June, 6.30pm-9pm. crgs.co.uk

Why is over half of the ITFC squad from St Joseph’s College?

The collaboration between St Joseph’s College and Ipswich Town Football Club (ITFC) offers our students exceptional prospects for football advancement within both academic and club settings.

This partnership ensures students benefit from professional coaching, mentorship, and insights into the operations of a professional football club. Whilst enjoying the forwardlooking educational philosophy and warm community environment that St Jo’s offers.

The success of this partnership is clearly illustrated by the footballing careers and prospects of past and present St Joseph’s College students playing for ITFC.

"The ITFC Women’s Squad features seven athletes from St Jo’s. They include two current students, Sixth Formers Evie Williams and Leah Mitchell, and five ‘Old Birkfeldians’, Summer Hughes, Sophie Peskett, Kyra Robertson, Nina Meollo and Maria Boswell, the team captain. Meanwhile, the ITFC academy currently has four players on a performance pathway at the College, facilitating their growth as players and supporting their ambitions.

Our objective is to nurture and sustain these collaborative ties over the long term, aiding aspiring players in pursuing their dual career ambitions and ensuring they thrive as young adults. This involves broadening avenues for talent recognition, facilitating routes into professional football and fostering closer integration between the College and ITFC, whilst providing a nurturing community in which students not only become independent learners but they also feel happy and well-supported.

Mr Cole Skuse, St Jo’s Head Football Coach.

"Why is St Joseph’s College football provision so successful?

Director of Football, Miss Paige Shorten explains why football at St Joseph’s College continues to excel:

Last year our U18 girls’ squad were national champions of the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) and this year our U15 boys’ squad are through to the final at West Bromwich Albion Stadium.

The success of St Joseph's College’s football provision is built upon a holistic approach to football development. Our experienced and knowledgeable coaches operate within a supportive environment that encourages growth in the person as much as in the player.

There is a growing emphasis on investing player time with our multidiscipline team. This includes ex-professionals Cole and Paige, together with Mr Damon Artiss, the school’s Athletic Development Coach.

The St Joseph’s training staff pointed to the competitive training model pupils enjoyed throughout the year and to the comprehensive fixture list. Students were encouraged to be hard working and respectful of one another. They celebrated each other's successes and supported their team when success was not instant. Every student-athlete was valued and supported regardless of skill level or background.

We are ever conscious, too, that opportunities will continue down the line; life after St Jo’s is always considered. We are determined to provide an environment in which students can excel, both on and off the pitch, for talented athletes and those playing for the joy of the game alike.

Storytime and nursery rhyme apps

Listening to stories and nursery rhymes is a great activity for travel and quiet time. Here are a selection of apps, many of them free.

Storytime from CBeebies

Beautiful, interactive, app-based story books. Apple & Android. FREE.

Fairy Tales –

Bedtime Stories

Interactive reading app with mini games. Apple. FREE.

Dave and Ava Learn and Play

100+ popular rhymes, colourful animation and read-along lyrics. Apple & Android. Free to try.

Storyline Online

Award winning. Actors read children’s books. Includes illustrations. Apple & Android. FREE.

Miximal

Animated version of flip book. Swap parts of animals around. £3.99. Apple.

Princess Fairy Tale Maker

Create fairy tales with familiar characters and pretty scenes. Apple. FREE.

Dr Seuss Treasury Kids Books

Classic collection. Great imagery. Interactive features. Apple. Free to try.

Little Fox Nursery Rhymes

A sing-along songbook, packed with interactive elements. £3.99. Apple.

Toca Tailor Fairy Tales

Create, combine, style outfits for characters in fairy tale setting. Apple. FREE.

Kids’ party food options

Looking for something a bit different to the traditional sandwiches and sausage rolls? All these recipes are popular with kids and easy to make.

Mini cheese & onion pasties

A classic which will go down a treat with kids.

Mini pizza quiches

Individual portions using tortilla wraps and a muffin tin.

Instant frozen berry yoghurt

Three-ingredient frozen yogurt - a lighter alternative to ice cream.

Homemade vegetable crisps

A healthy food in disguise - make without a drop of oil.

Pizza pinwheels

More healthy but yummy morsels, popular with kids.

Chocolate-chip cookie ice-cream sandwiches

Chewy American-style biscuits filled with ice cream!

Strawberry lemonade

A healthier option than fizzy canned drinks.

Chicken lollipops

Involve your child in preparing these easy-tomake tasty morsels.

Rainbow fruit skewers

Simple, colourful and a fun way to get kids eating fruit.

Active adventures with the family

Here are some great activities for the family to try together. Great fun and good for everyone’s fitness.

Climbing

Challenging, exciting but safe activity. Find your local climbing wall.

Orienteering

Embrace a sense of adventure! Advice/ events at British Orienteering.

Cycling

Cycling UK has located safe traffic-free cycling routes across the UK.

Paddling

Great family activity for all ages and abilities.

Fossil hunting

UKAFH encourages all ages/abilities to take part in its event.

Strawberry picking

Find the best pick-yourown strawberry farms across the UK.

Padel ball

Fun, easy to learn form of tennis. Great for mixed ages/abilities.

Walking

National Trust family walks include natural play areas & woodland den building.

Horseriding

Go on a family group lesson at a local riding centre.

Father’s Day subscription box gifts

Want to change it up a bit and gift your dad a subscription box this year? We’ve explored some great ideas below.

Baker Boxx

For star baker dads. Simple monthly baking kits. From £10 per month.

Gadget Discovery Club

A quarterly delivery of a tech goodies box. From £69 every 3 months.

Mystery Football Shirt Box

A different, genuine, international football shirt. £30.99 per box.

Sock Geeks

Personality-matched socks in the post every month. From £6.95 per month.

Abel & Cole Monthly Cheese Club

A monthly box of specially selected, organic cheeses. From £16.50 per month.

Beer subscription

Different beers expertly selected from around the world. £27 per month.

Pact

Coffee

Award-winning speciality coffees grown ethically. From £7.95 per month.

Best Seller Book Box

Send dad the most popular books every month. From £14.99 per month.

Cadbury Bar Post Box

A monthly box full of milk chocolate treats. £66 for 6 months.

The perfect family weekend

Summer is here! Wanting to plan a weekend away? Here are some great options the whole family will love.

Bournemouth Beach Lodges

Dorset

These seaside huts will be a hit with kids.

Short Break in Thorpe Forest

Norfolk

Luxury woodland cabins in a forest setting. Family-friendly activities.

National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Sleepover and visit the mammoth dinosaur park.

Blackberry Wood

Sussex

Enchanting and quirky glamping experience in the Sussex countryside.

Sleepover in Knight’s Village

Warwick Castle

Glamping, luxury lodges + hotel. A ‘must’ for fans of Horrible Histories!

House in the Clouds

Suffolk

Fantasy family accommodation with fab views.

Port Lympne

Safari Park

Kent

Stay amongst the wildlife.

Stay at the Forbidden Corner

North Yorkshire

A unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises.

Glamp at the Eden Project

Cornwall

Explore this world class attraction and sleep under stars.

Family camping across the UK

Spark a love of the outdoors from an early age. The Outdoor Guide share some of their favourite camping and glamping choices.

Orcarber Farm, Yorkshire Dales

This is a family run site near the village of Austwick with its country pub, local shop and playing fields with tennis, bowls, football, basketball and a playground – perfect for getting active and enjoying a family break.

Charmill Cottage Campsite, West Sussex

On the edge of the South Downs National Park, this is a little gem that you’ll definitely want to revisit.

Explore and play on Wild Heart Hill, next to the site - look out for the rope swings hidden amongst the trees! Short drive to the beaches of Worthing and Littlehampton.

Love2Stay, Mid-Wales

In the heart of the rolling Welsh hills, overlooking the Severn Valley, there’s enough here to keep all the family busy! There’s a fantastic adventure play area for the children whilst adults can relax in the spa or hot tub.

Sennen Cove Club Site, Cornwall

Located on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic, the nearby coastline offers secluded coves and sandy beaches where kids can run free.

This campsite is perfectly situated to explore Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount and St Ives.

Family camping across the UK

Spark a love of the outdoors from an early age. The Outdoor Guide share some of their favourite camping and glamping choices.

Loch Ness Shores Club Site, Scotland

In the heart of the Highlands and with views over Loch Ness, this is a simply stunning location. It’s the perfect place to explore the surrounding countryside or perhaps while away an hour or two looking out for the elusive Nessie!

Castlerigg Hall, Lake District

A campsite with a view and a half. Situated near the wonderful market town of Keswick, it overlooks Derwentwater and is a walkers’ paradise. On your doorstep are Blencathra, Skiddaw and Catbells if you’re looking for a challenging walk, or for a smaller fell, Latrigg is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

Verwood Club Site, Dorset

Whether you’re looking to explore the miles of sandy beaches across Bournemouth and Poole or go and explore the New Forest National Park, this is the perfect base. There’s a great children’s playground on site and your dog is welcome too.

Love2Stay, Shropshire

What’s not to love about your stay here? It’s a luxury touring, caravan and glamping site that offers families everything they could want and more. Whether you and the kids want to go swimming, kayaking, complete an assault course or try your hand at archery, this is the place for you!