Author: [email protected]

The summer holidays are looming and no matter how much you try to organise and arrange for your little (and not-so little) ones to do, it’ll never be enough. Karen Neville serves up a few ideas…

We’ve been taking a tour of Oxfordshire and have a few ideas for you for the summer holidays. There are so many ways to entertain children whatever their age that you shouldn’t hear cries of “I’m bored, what can I do…?”

For the adventurous how about taking on the Oxford Spy Mission Treasure Trail? Your mission will take you through the city of dreaming spires, through years of history but you’ll need to be on your toes and track down the “student” who has been expelled for hatching a plan to burst the banks of the river. Can you solve the clues and shut down the machine before it’s too late? The trail is ideal for everyone aged six to 106. Solve the mission and you’ll be entered into a £100 monthly draw. There are lots of other trails, too, all around the county. Visit www.treasuretrails.co.uk. Also pit your wits against new game The Diamond Heist, by Didcot Escape Rooms; contact 07525 468924 or visit www.didcotescaperooms.co.uk

There’s more adventure to be had at the Escape Hunt Oxford in Westgate shopping centre. Step into a new world, get locked in a room, solve the clues to beat the clock and get out! There are a variety of games to choose from, each imaginative adventure takes place in a themed room designed with great attention to detail so you can lose yourself in the game. Choose from Alice in Puzzleland, Dr Who World’s Collide, Blackbeard’s Treasure, The Fourth Samurai and Escape the Wild West. Each presents a different challenge but can you find the way out? www.escapehunt.com

From the futuristic, step back in time to rural England in the 1920s and 1930s to Pendon Museum near Abingdon where scenes from the countryside are recaptured using models to explain a past era. The Vale Scene depicts the The Vale of White Horse, the Dartmoor scene recreates an imaginary Great Western branch line, The Seawall is a representation of the line from Dawlish to Teignmouth while the Madder Valley Railway is relic of early days of scenic railway modelling. With workshops, family trails and modelling sessions, it’s a great leisurely day out; www.pendonmuseum.com

For animal lovers, spend some time at the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary, Brightwell and meet some of the cute four-legged friends who are being cared for at the centre. There’s no entry fee but all donations are appreciated and staff at the sanctuary continue their vital work. For more about their work visit www.donkeyrescue.co.uk

More animals to pet, feed and enjoy can be found at Farmer Gow’s Activity Farm near Faringdon. There’s an adventure play area for younger ones, too, with a bale climb, tractor yard and kidbine harvester. Find out more at www.farmergows.co.uk. If animals are their passion then put Millets Farm near Abingdon and Cogges Manor Farm at Witney on your list. Take a ride on the merry-go-round and enjoy loads of seasonal activities; visit www.milletsfarmcentre.co.uk

Cogges is a historic farmstead in the heart of the Cotswolds. As well as meeting the animals – the real stars of the show – enjoy the living museum at the manor house, picnic orchard, gardens and more; www.cogges.org.uk

Animals of a very different kind are on show at Crocodiles of the World near Brize Norton, discover a variety of crocs, get up close with a giant Galapagos tortoise or a Komodo dragon and perhaps even try your hand at a VIP keeper experience. It’s not all about the reptiles, there are also meerkats, otters and tamarins to meet – much cuter than some of the other inhabitants! For details about all this and animal encounters visit www.crocdilesoftheworld.co.uk

An entirely different kind of tale (tail) is on offer at The Story Museum in Oxford, exhibitions and galleries explore and celebrate stories in all forms. From June to August there are summer story walks to take you on a tour of the city. Follow Alice through Wonderland from 15th June to 8th September, fall down the rabbit hole and immerse yourself in interactive exhibitions. Saturday, 6th July, is Alice’s Day with activities to enjoy across the city all day. Summer story makers will look at Viking myths and explore the Jungle Book as never before, through hiphop, breakdancing and grafitti. Find your story at www.storymuseum.org.uk

After all that history how about letting off steam at Abingdon’s Abbey Meadows with a swim in the recently renovated outdoor heated pool – book a timed session to make the most of your visit. There’s also a free children’s water play park surrounded by a large grassy area, perfect for family picnics.  Make a day of it at the large children’s play area, hard-surface tennis courts and walk around the picturesque Abbey Gardens and grounds. Opening times & prices at www.better.org.uk

There are also stories to be uncovered at Oxford Castle and Prison too with 1,000 years of history to explore led by costumed guides. Climb the Saxon St George’s tower, one of the oldest building’s in the city and enjoy the views; go deep underground into the 900-year-old crypt; explore the confines of the Debtors’ Tower and prison; climb the mound of the motte and bailey and discover the vaulted well chamber. The castle also holds events such as the Shakespeare Festival, murder mystery evening and ghost tours. Visit www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk

Try something a little more relaxed after expending all that energy with a visit to Kelmscott Manor near Lechlade, the Cotswold retreat of William Morris. While the grown-ups enjoy the house and its beautiful gardens, there’s a manor house trail to follow, activities and workshops. www.sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor/

A visit to Cotswold Wildlife Park is always a day well spent. On many summer weekends until the beginning of September take your family to enjoy the birds of prey demonstration. August is rhino month when the keepers will be giving a daily talk about the animals and the conservation work. Find out more at www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

More animals, 77 acres worth, can be watched and petted at Bucklebury Farm Park where you can get up close to deer, llamas and Shetland ponies, lambs, pigs, goats and calves in the farm and pat-a-pet area, including a new luxury guinea pig village that’s perfect for pampered pets! For details visit www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk

We’re lucky to live close to the Thames and one family-friendly highlight next month will bring you the world’s biggest classic riverboat collection  and vintage vehicles as well as shopping, children’s fun, food and more in Henley for great causes. The Thames Traditional Boat Festival runs 19th-21st July;  visit www.tradboatfestival.com

However you end up spending your summer hols, have fun! 

The summer holidays are looming and no matter how much you try to organise and arrange for your little (and not-so little) ones to do, it’ll never be enough. Karen Neville serves up a few ideas…

et’s hope for good weather to get outdoors and have some fun. So we’ll start with ideas for explorers and adventurers. How about swinging from the treetops and climbing the rope bridges? Try out the Tarzan swings, zip wires and crossings at Go Ape at Alice Holt Forest, Farnham; check out www.goape.co.uk/days-out/south-east/alice-holt. In Guildford, enjoy more treetop adventures, ropes and zipwire courses at Wild Wood Adventure. There are different options for kids aged six and upwards. Find out more at www.wildwood-adventure.com. If you’ve still not had enough, pop along to Skywalk Adventure near Esher for more of the same with two courses to choose from here. Visit the website at www.skywalkadventure.co.uk

Thrill-seekers must put this on their list too – Zip Now is the fastest city-centre zip wire in the world, launching from a central London location, 35m up in the air you’ll travel at speeds of up to 50km per hour over a distance of 225metres. If this is for you, head to the website to book your ride on the biggest, fastest zip, www.zip-now.co

After all that exercise how about something more sedate and relaxed, at one of the many National Trust properties? Clandon Park is rebuilding after the fire in 2015 but its stunning grounds and the sneak peek inside the renovations offer a real treat. Explore 900 years of history at Petworth House in West Sussex, join in the wings and whiskers trail and, throughout the summer, journey around the Pleasure Ground and be a plant hunter. Nestled in a quiet corner of Midhurst is the hidden gem of Woolbeding Gardens, take time out and relax surrounded by stunning greenery, quirky follies and a 4m tall water fountain. Hatchlands Park is offering you the chance to “undress the Georgians” on 6th June, 7.30pm, and discuss taste and fashion. Booking essential. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

If things really hot up and we have another heatwave, can there be anything better than taking a dip in a swimming pool? You and yours can have a splashing time at the outdoor pool at Guildford Lido and shoot down the slides before making a splash into the cooling water.
For full details of the opening times and prices visit www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/guildford-lido/

Entertaining teenagers can be harder. Let them get out with their mates with bowling at Guildford’s Spectrum, www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk or let go of excess energy at trampoline parks in Guildford (www.airhop-guildford.com) and Camberley (www.gravityforce.co.uk).
If your teens are speed freaks you could try a karting experience at Sandown Park or a driving experience at Mercedes Benz World in Woking; www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk

It’s a good idea to have some indoor fun lined up. Surrey has some brilliant museums – Brooklands for motoring and aviation exhibits and The Lightbox in Woking for culture, among many more. And, if you can’t get outdoors and run around, burn off some energy at Egham Orbit. The leisure centre offers swimming, a splash zone, sporting activities and soft play areas for younger ones; visit www.achievelifestyle.co.uk/egham-orbit

Get closer to the wonders of the natural world at Marwell Zoo. There are hundreds of animals in the 140-acre park, five adventure playgrounds where you can swing like a monkey and slide like a penguin. There’s an interactive expedition with more than two million LEGO bricks in the hols and an 8m T-Rex model. Look out for Colin…

Birdworld near Farnham is one of the UK’s largest bird parks. As well as enjoying a walk around the 26 acres of aviaries and beautiful landscaped gardens, visitors can admire more than 1,000 birds and 180 species from around the world and take part in feeding sessions. Visit www.birdworld.co.uk

When is a garden centre not a garden centre? When it’s Sutton Green Garden Centre in Woking. As well as all you’d expect, fab café to refresh you, and there’s also archery tag (bet you haven’t tried that) and Nerf parties and action-packed camp days full of fun too. Find out more at
www.gardencentrewoking.co.uk

Painshill is an award-winning landscape garden, created in the 18th century as a “living work of art”, its winding paths will guide you on a beautiful walk with a series of stunning views. Take a picnic or relax in the tea room and play area to complete a great day out, www.painshill.co.uk. Another beautiful house and gardens well worth a visit is Gilbert White’s at Selborne where you’ll find fascinating collections and family activities.

Celebrate World Gin Day on Saturday, 8th June, (one for mums and dads!) at Silent Pool near Guildford – meet distillers, learn how gin is made, taste cocktails and join a free distillery tour. Tickets on the day, first come first served. Live music and local food all day too. Free entry, 10am-5pm. All welcome; visit www.silentpooldistillers.com

However you spend your summer hols, have fun!

The summer holidays are looming and no matter how much you try to organise and arrange for your little (and not-so little) ones to do, it’ll never be enough. Karen Neville serves up a few ideas…

We’ve been taking a tour of the area and have a few ideas for you but there are so many ways to entertain your children whatever their age that you really shouldn’t hear cries of “I’m bored, what can I do…”

Let’s start with fingers crossed for good weather and some outdoor fun and exercise. Both are promised in the Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester at The Adventure Zone. Suitable for children aged 9 and upwards you can enjoy a full day of sailing, canoeing, kayaking, bushcraft and survival, archery, windsurfing, raft building and much more – find out what at www.adventure-zone.co.uk

The daring among your children may like to try out Head 4 Heights, also in Cirencester, a lakeside outdoor aerial adventure park with challenges suitable for ages 4-18. Aerial-based activities to try out include a variety of pole climbs with names such as Sun and Sea, The Fruit Bowl, Big Ears and the daunting Flesh Eater. You can also try out a free fall, a simulated parachute jump and single and double trapeze jumps for the really brave. Head 4 Heights really does reach new heights of fun, www.head4heights.net

For those who like to keep their feet more firmly on the ground but still want some adventure, how about becoming James Bond for the day by getting on the Cirencester Spy Mission Trail? Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will take you through the ancient streets, abbey grounds and the ruins of the Roman wall in search of the professor who has uncovered a plot to destroy artefacts in vaults below the town. Is it mission impossible or can you solve the clues before its too late? The two-mile loop trail takes about two hours to complete and if you solve the crime you’ll be entered into a £100 monthly draw. Find out more at www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/gloucestershire/cirecencester

Animal lovers out there won’t be able to resist what will probably be another visit to Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and the chance to get on the Cotswold Explorer endangered animals activity trail, learn about the endangered species at the park as you follow the trail. On many summer weekends until the beginning of September enjoy the birds of prey demonstration. August is rhino month when the keepers will be giving a daily talk about the animals and the conservation work. Visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Try something a little more relaxed after expending all that energy with a visit to Kelmscott Manor near Lechlade, the Cotswold retreat of William Morris. While the grown ups enjoy the house and its beautiful gardens, there’s a manor house trail to follow, activities and workshops to take part in. For information on opening times and prices visit www.sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor/

Get on the trail of Roman soldiers this summer and search for them hidden around Corinium Museum in Cirencester. Younger children can hunt them down while older ones can answer questions to find out what life was like as a Roman soldier and there’s a prize at the end of your trail. Learn about archaeological techniques by trying your hand in one of the dig pits. Complete your own mini excavation report, measure objects you unearth, identify them and try drawing them. Find out more at www.coriniummuseum.org.uk

There’s a whole world of adventure awaiting you at Longleat, www.longleat.co.uk, the main question will be where will you start? For most people it’s on the drive through safari, wind up your windows and drive through elephants, wolves, monkeys, the big cats and white rhino. You can roam free in the Main Square and get to know the primates, koalas, crocodiles and meerkets among others, et lost in the maze, ride the miniature railway and even brave the bat cave! And make sure you leave time to visit the house and landscaped grounds.

For the sportier out there, a game of footgolf at Basset Down Golf Complex is a must. There are 18 holes to get the better of and lots of natural obstacles – trees, water and bunkers to do battle with. The idea is to kick a football into a large cup in as few shots as possible and it’s suitable for ages 4-18 so is a great family activity. Check out www.swindonfamilygolf.com

Spend a day with animals at Roves Farm Visitor Centre in Swindon and you’ll enjoy non-stop fun and activity come rain or shine. In addition to the sheep, donkeys, Shetland ponies, cattle, goats and pigs there’s fun to be had in the summer holidays with a bear hunt, the Jurassic farm and in the enchanted forest. Take a tractor ride, climb, swing and slide in the Treehouse and enjoy an activity walk.
To book and for details about daily activities visit www.rovesfarm.co.uk

Discover the story of the ancient landscape at Avebury Stone Circle, a world heritage site and the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. A museum bears the name of the archaeologist who excavated the site near Marlborough, Alexander Keiller, and is divided into two parts, the Stables which contains treasures from the site and the Barn which houses interactive displays including dressing up as a Bronze Age child and lots to learn about those who built the circle, not to mention 5,500 year-old animal skeletons! Bone up on the history in advance at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury

Savernake Forest has lots to explore and is a great way to get outdoors and have a great time for free. The forest is more than 1,000 years old and features one of the country’s oldest trees, the Big Bellied Oak. It’s the perfect place for following the walking trails, taking your dog out and to enjoy a picnic while getting back to nature.

However you spend your summer hols have fun!

The summer holidays are looming and no matter how much you try to organise and arrange for your little (and not-so little) ones to do, it’ll never be enough. Karen Neville serves up a few ideas…

We’ve been taking a tour of the area and have a few ideas for you. There are so many ways to entertain your children whatever their age that you shouldn’t hear cries of “I’m bored, what can I do…”

Let’s start with something for the inquisitive among you… If you get a kick out of solving puzzles or love to know how things work then a visit to The Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell is a must. The hands-on science and nature exhibition has more than 90 activities suitable for children of all ages, spread over five zones. Launch a rocket or set off a hot air balloon; learn the mysteries of the human body and brain by testing speed and reflex; play with laser beams; step outside to discover local wildlife and join the Look Out construction crew – with so much to do where will you start? Visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services

More puzzles to solve can be enjoyed on a treasure trail. There are 14 trails to with clues to solve along the way on spy missions and murder mysteries in Hungerford,

Lambourn and Newbury among other places. To track down the full range of trails on offer go to www.treasuretrails.co.uk

If your holiday time is all about enjoying the great outdoors the Wellington Country Park is a must. There’s so much to do you might want to think about staying over at the campsite to ensure you pack it all in! The adventure play areas and toddler play area have age-appropriate activities such as zip wires, balancing beams, slides, swings and climbing frames. Bounce on the giant, colourful jumping pillow and play on the full-size snakes and ladders and make you bring a bucket and space to play with in the sand pits. Visit www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

Active kids will want to head to the Adventure Dolphin Centre in Pangbourne, which has loads of ideas for expending energy ranging from kayaking, canoeing, kayak surfing, rock climbing, abseiling, hill walking, mountaineering, gorge scrambling and off-road cycling. Suitable for kids aged 13-19 but there are plenty suitable for those aged eight or older too, check them out at www.adventuredolphin.co.uk

An ever-popular choice for a great family day out is Beale Park at Pangbourne. Enjoy the wildlife park and gardens, home to more than 20 species – who can’t resist heading straight to the meerkats? From the adventure playground, aerial cableway and sand pit to the amazing Little Tikes Outdoor Village, perfect for younger ones with police cars, trikes, traffic lights and even a zebra crossing – there’s so much to enjoy, take a picnic and tuck in! Visit www.bealepark.org.uk

More animals, 77 acres worth to be precise, can be watched and petted at Bucklebury Farm Park where you can get up close to deer, llamas, Shetland ponies, lambs, pigs, goats and calves in the farm and pat-a-pet area, including a new luxury guinea pig village that’s perfect for pampered pets! Visit www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk

Energetic kids listen up! If the idea of jumping, spinning and cycling for an entire day is for you then put Extreme Motion in Windsor on your “to do” list, www.extrememotion.com. But it has so much more than swings and roundabouts to try out. For starters bounce higher than ever before bungee trampolining and enjoy mastering spins, tucks and dips. Children are encouraged to run and crash into each other, but only if they’re zorbing. Mums and dads, you can get involved too!

Not had enough wildness and daredevilling yet? Go Ape in Bracknell will cure you of that! Get ready for high-altitude obstacles with three fantastic high rope adventures. Climb 13m into the skyline for two to three hours of monkey madness. Speed down a 160m zip or take on the Pendulum Pass. There are 35 crossings with rope ladders, wiggly bridges and one of the only double Tarzan swings in the UK! Mini-monkeys can even swing into action on the Tree Top Adventure course, for kids 1m and over. www.goape.co.uk

Not going anywhere exotic this holiday? Visit the Living Rainforest near Newbury (www.livingrainforest.org) for a taste of the tropical right on your doorstep. There are all manner of plants and animals you wouldn’t normally encounter in Berkshire and how about making your visit even more memorable by getting up close and personal with the animals at a keeper experience – go behind the scenes, step into the enclosures to feed the animals. National Trust property Cliveden boasts glorious gardens and woodlands overlooking the Thames near Maidenhead, during the summer you can enjoy the children’s nature trail. Pack your tent and join the family camping event in the woods on selected dates in July (early booking essential). There’s also outdoor theatre to enjoy including The Wind in the Willows and Gangsta Granny. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

We’re lucky to live close to the Thames and one family-friendly highlight next month will bring you the world’s biggest classic riverboat collection  and vintage vehicles as well as shopping, children’s fun, food and more in Henley for great causes. The Thames Traditional Boat Festival runs 19th-21st July; visit www.tradboatfestival.com

For something different how about racing at Windsor Racecourse? There’s the perfect introduction at the Ice Cream Festival Raceday on 11th August when the kids can not only enjoy loads of entertainment including a bouncy castle but can also go free. To book and take advantage of the family package visit www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk. Nearby Newbury Racecourse has a great programme over the summer; www.newburyracecourse.co.uk

Journey through the countryside aboard the Dartmouth Express or the West Somerset Steam Express, board at Reading or Newbury and travel to the west country enjoying one of three classes with different dining options on the trips. Selected dates in June, July and August. For more visit www.railwaytouring.net or call 01553 661500.

Get closer to the wonders of the natural world at Marwell Zoo, there are hundreds of animals in the 140 acre park, five adventure playgrounds where you can swing like a monkey and slide like a penguin. There’s an interactive expedition with more than two million LEGO bricks in the hols and an 8m T-Rex model. Look out for Colin… Visit www.marwell.org.uk

Berkshire has a wealth of entertainment and activities for you to choose from you may want to add in a visit to Windsor Castle, Laserquest in Wokingham, Coral Reef in Bracknell, go bowling or skating, visit Basildon Park or drop in on one of the huge variety of museums across the county.

However you spend your hols, have fun!