Great Escapes - Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

It's half term in Wales and where better to take the kids in Spring than to a farm where they can see all the newborn lambs.  

What started out as a small dairy farm near Tenby, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo has become recognised as the Best Family Day Out in Wales, where you can not only find donkeys, chickens, horses and other traditional farmyard animals, .....

..... but also zebra, ostrich, camel, lemurs, meerkats and giraffes amongst others in their less traditional zoo!

And when you've had a go at milking a full size plastic cow!, you can burn off some energy in their adventure playground and vintage funfair.

With activities inside and out, there's something to do, even when it's raining.  Kids can enjoy Carousel Woods, Pirates Adventure, Pedal Tractors, Big Dig or Follystone Racetrack. Rides include Dodgems, Waltzers, Helter Skelter, Golden Gallopers and many more.

And probably something you wouldn't expect to see in rural West Wales on a farm - penguins!!  But such is the diversification of this impressive attraction that last year they opened Penguin Coast where you can see the birds play both above and below water.

Nothing tenuous about the link today as we have lots of farmyard animals you can choose from as well as zoo animals too.  We even have a pirate.  Check them out in our clothing range here. 

www.cobwebknits.co.uk

Out and About - Farmer Palmers

For most of you it's half term and even if the sun's not shining today, at least the weather finally looks as though it's improving.  But, whatever the weather, Farmer Palmers Farm Park, Poole is an ideal family day out. You’ll get close to all sorts of farm animals, learn about them and have fun doing it. Plus, every day join in with the constantly changing, hands-on children’s farm Activities and Demonstrations.

To add to your adventure their Award Winning Farm Attraction has a real Farmer Palmer! There are lots of events and offers for the Autumn/Winter. Children can explore the play areas, whoosh down slides, pedal tractors, scramble through straw tunnels and much more! And there's even an indoor soft play area.

The farm has been in the family for three generations and, by diversifying and opening the Park (run by brother and sister Phillip and Sandra Palmer) they have ensured its survival.  They are proud to have won both national and local awards for their attraction and service because, as they say, 'we understand that family time is precious in this busy world.  Here at Farmer Palmer's we encourage children to explore, learn and gain confidence in the fresh air, in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.  It is so rewarding to see happy children's faces having fun during their family day out.'

You can watch cows being milked and have a go at feeding some of the animals yourself too.

As well as cows, they have pigs, ponies, alpacas, ducks, goats, lambs, deer and donkeys. They even have an owl called Alan.  

And for the grown ups, there's somewhere to relax with a delicious coffee in the warm Hen House Restaurant!  And if you don't fancy a spot of lunch, you can at least indulge in a slice of Dawn's cake! 

And because we can't resist a link, check out our hats and tops with great farm animals on them too.

 

  

www.cobwebknits.co.uk

On your bike - Haldon Forest Park, Devon

Haldon Forest Park is 10 minutes from Exeter and offers a wide range of trails as well as cycle hire, café and many non-cycling activities.  

You can even Go Ape there as they have a high ropes course, complete with zip wire.

From the saddle of a bike you can explore deeper into the forest than you have before, take in amazing views, watch out for wildlife and enjoy safe off-road cycling in a peaceful setting. 

For the more advanced mountain bikers there is the longest, most challenging cycle trail which takes in the thrilling ride on Haldon’s imposing ridge. Not for the faint-hearted, or the inexperienced! 

The skills park and pump track offers the perfect place to develop your riding and try out new techniques. 

All Images (c) 1 South West Cycle Adventure

Many of the trails are perfect for even the youngest cyclist.  So what are you waiting for? Go!

Days Out - Priory Park, Reigate

Spent a great afternoon in Priory Park, Reigate last weekend. As well as the Priory after which the park is named, there's a lot going on. 

There is a fantastic wooden play area that will spark the imagination of would-be pirates.

A skate park and tennis courts for the more adventurous and fit or croquet lawn for the genteel.

You can wander round the formal gardens in the Priory grounds, stroll round the pond or meander through the woodland area.

And possibly something you wouldn't expect to see. The newly built Pavilion which appears to hover above the grass.  Inside the floor to ceiling windows there's a cafe and in good weather you can sit outside and enjoy the view.

On your bike - Family Cycle Routes - Forest of Dean

Designed with small legs in mind, the cycle trail in the Forest of Dean is perfect for the whole family.  The signposted route follows purpose-built paths and railway lines dotted with plenty of picnic sites to stop at along the way.

It starts in the Cannop Valley from Pedalabikeaway and takes you along the old Severn and Wye railway line passing former stations at Drybrook Road, Cannop Wharf and Speech House. 

Remnants of former coal mines can be seen at Foxes Bridge, Lightmoor and New fancy.  It is mostly level with some short climbs making it suitable for all ages and abilities.

and if you don't have your own bikes, you can rent them from Pedalabikeaway, Dean Forest Cycles or Forest Bikes. 

Distance : 11-mile (18 km) 

Difficulty : Easy

www.forestry.gov.uk/forestofdean

Days Out - top beaches, Porthminster, Cornwall

You could be forgiven for being mistaken that you were in the Caribbean, but in fact this is Porthminster Beach in Cornwall.

They say the light in St Ives is quite unique and the reason that so many artists are drawn to the area and it's not difficult to see why.

Porthminster Beach features in our top ten of British Beaches.  It's more sheltered than St Ives' other main beach and with soft golden sand, it's perfect for families.

A highly rated cafe is nearby so there are ice-creams and other snacks easily to hand.