Places to visit Aug 2021 Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2021 17:54 Page 4
Days Out
Magic Alley Unit 23a Bell Court Shopping Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EX Website: magicalleystratford.com Tel: 01789 290969
Magic Alley is two visitor destinations in one - a large retail emporium and a ‘magical attraction’ called The Enchanted Manor. The emporium sells everything from magic spells and steampunk figurines to incense, candles, puzzles, quirky books, board games and curious gifts. There are fairies and fairy houses, unicorns and dragons, vintage toys & games and Harry Potter wands. In The Enchanted Manor, meanwhile, visitors can explore the magical world of dragons, fairies, wizards, time travel and pirates. And who knows, you may even meet the odd unicorn... PRICES: It’s free to browse and shop in the emporium, and £8 to experience The Enchanted Treasure Trail.
Alton Towers Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB Website: altontowers.com Tel: 01538 704096
A theme park, waterpark and hotel complex rolled into one, Alton Towers features some of the country’s best-known white-knuckle rides - including the UK’s first wooden rollercoaster in over 20 years. Thrill-seekers can scream their way into Oblivion, brave the 14 loops of The Smiler and speed to 100kph on Rita. There’s also an impressive selection of rides and attractions for younger visitors to enjoy. These include Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop, Go Jetters Vroomsters Zoom Ride and Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure. Youngsters wanting a more serene experience should check out the In The Night Garden Magical Boat Ride. Regular children’s shows also feature at the venue throughout the day.
NEW FOR 2021: Solve magical riddles and puzzles as you move through all the different themed rooms, finding treasure along the Enchanted Treasure Trail. The trail is available to enjoy until next month.
PRICES: £34 advanced day pass, £16.50 advanced waterpark day pass NEW FOR 2021: Guests can experience a nostalgic spin-back to the 1980s with the arrival of Mixtape, Roller Disco and Funk’n’Fly, which make up the Retro Squad. The trio of rides will give guests a blast from the past as they bounce, slide, fly and enjoy funktastic thrills.
Warwick Castle Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH website:warwick-castle.com Tel: 01926 406610
Boasting history tours, detailed exhibits, programmed activities and 64 acres of landscaped garden, Warwick Castle offers a winning combination of attractions that makes for a thoroughly enjoyable family day out. Highlights include the Horrible Histories Maze, the medieval rebuchet, and the Falconer’s Quest birds of prey show. Brand-new for 2021 is Zog And The Quest For The Golden Star. PRICES: £20 one-day entry, £18 parent & toddler ticket (online only) SUMMER EVENTS: Live-action show Wars Of The Roses can be enjoyed throughout the school summer holiday. Head to page 45 to find out more. whatsonlive.co.uk 55
