Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warks-warwick-castle">WARKS: <strong><a aria-label="Warwick Castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.warwick-castle.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warwick Castle</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Warwick-Castle-jousting.jpg" alt="Warwick Castle" class="wp-image-145766" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Warwick-Castle-jousting.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Warwick-Castle-jousting-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Warwick-Castle-jousting-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Warwick-Castle-jousting-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Warwick-Castle-jousting-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Warwick-Castle-jousting-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Warwick-Castle-jousting-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Plenty on at this spectacular family attraction, including the new Wars of the Roses LIVE! event, which kicked off on 27 May with 100 days of live jousting and jaw-dropping equestrian stunts. Not your thing? No bother, there are over 20 live shows and attractions to check out over half term, including the world’s first Zog playground (perfect for little dragons), the UK’s largest birds of prey show and the return of the famous Trebuchet. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wilts-longleat-safari-park">WILTS: <a href="https://www.longleat.co.uk">Longleat Safari Park</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="500" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/monkey-longleat.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107948" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/monkey-longleat.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/monkey-longleat-300x150.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/monkey-longleat-720x360.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/monkey-longleat-150x75.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/monkey-longleat-900x450.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For wild animals that aren&#8217;t of your own creation, head to Longleat for the excellent zoo and drive-through safari. If the tigers, rhinos, zebras and lions aren’t enough to captivate the kids for an entire day, then there’s a whole world of medieval-themed fun on this half term, including a Knight and Dragon stage show, birds of prey displays and The Realm, a brand new 650ft long inflatable course of obstacles, tunnels and slides. That should wear them out. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berks-windsor-castle">BERKS: <strong><a aria-label="Windsor Castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Castle</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Windsor-Castle-Long-Walk-close-up.jpg" alt="Windsor Castle" class="wp-image-136794" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Windsor-Castle-Long-Walk-close-up.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Windsor-Castle-Long-Walk-close-up-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Windsor-Castle-Long-Walk-close-up-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/Windsor-Castle-Long-Walk-close-up-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Queen’s old weekend hangout, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world &#8211; pretty impressive, right? You can explore the Castle with an audio guide from Scorch the Dragon (ideal for 7 to 11 year-olds), or strike out on your own when you pick up a family activity trail in the Pug Yard Learning Centre. Over the half term the kids can even get stuck into some free Coronation-themed crafts, too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-science-museum">LONDON: <strong><a href="https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Science Museum (opens in a new tab)">Science Museum</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/light-zone-science-museum-london-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-94267" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/light-zone-science-museum-london-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/light-zone-science-museum-london--150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/light-zone-science-museum-london--300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/light-zone-science-museum-london--720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>At this super-cool museum, kids will be fascinated by the The Equinor Gallery (part of the museum&#8217;s Wonderlab exhibition) which features 50 interactive elements. Aspiring astronauts (or any fans of <em>Star Wars</em>) will also love super-cool exhibition ‘Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination’, which has been extended to 6 Aug and allows your mini spacemen to explore a spaceship and scout an unknown planet (adults should keep an eye out for classic sci-fi memorabilia too). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berks-wellington-country-park"><strong>BERKS:&nbsp;<a href="https://wellington-country-park.co.uk/">Wellington Country Park</a></strong></h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-108071" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1-720x482.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1-785x525.jpg 785w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>


<p>This family fun palace has got it all. Particularly good for under-8s, it contains an awesome adventure play area with giant zip wire, dinosaurs, mini golf, animal farm, jumbo bouncy pillow, miniature railway and so much more. There’s also a superb cafe serving quality local produce, much it from the Wellington Estate itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hants-marwell-zoo"><strong>HANTS: <a href="https://www.marwell.org.uk/zoo/plan/marwell-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marwell Zoo</a> </strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Marwell-Zoo.jpg" alt="Marwell Zoo" class="wp-image-145778" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Marwell-Zoo.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Marwell-Zoo-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Marwell-Zoo-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Marwell-Zoo-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Marwell-Zoo-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Marwell is always a good day out, with a chance to see tigers, flamingos and other exotic animals. If peering at the the rainforest’s finest doesn’t tucker them out, the five (count ‘em) adventure playgrounds will. Top tip: download the free Marwell Zoo app to find out when feeding times are for max excitement. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glos-the-warehouse-climbing-and-caving-centre">GLOS: <strong><a href="https://www.the-warehouse.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Warehouse Climbing and Caving Centre (opens in a new tab)">The Warehouse Climbing and Caving Centre</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/the-warehouse-climbing-centre.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-94264" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/the-warehouse-climbing-centre.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/the-warehouse-climbing-centre-150x94.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/the-warehouse-climbing-centre-300x188.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/07/the-warehouse-climbing-centre-720x450.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This cleverly transformed Victorian warehouse contains a climbing wall and indoor man-made cave so if you’re harbouring a young Ranulph Fiennes, chances are you&#8217;ll discover that here as they scale the impressive 13m wall or ditch the ropes to go bouldering in the lower levels. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surrey-bateman-s"><strong>SURREY: <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bateman’s</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1199" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/batemans-and-surrounding-countryside-in-may-1652715.jpg" alt="Bateman’s Surrey" class="wp-image-145779" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/batemans-and-surrounding-countryside-in-may-1652715.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/batemans-and-surrounding-countryside-in-may-1652715-800x639.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/batemans-and-surrounding-countryside-in-may-1652715-1000x799.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/batemans-and-surrounding-countryside-in-may-1652715-400x320.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/batemans-and-surrounding-countryside-in-may-1652715-657x525.jpg 657w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption> National Trust Images/Laurence Perry</figcaption></figure>



<p>The former gaff of <em>The Jungle Book</em> creator Rudyard Kipling, this 17th-century National Trust property is running a <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/batemans/events/88c6c3c8-b481-4dfa-8374-718c0d964044">Scottie dog trail</a> around the house and garden this half term, which is ideal for keeping primary school-aged kids entertained (who doesn’t love a little dog, after all?). Pack a picnic or pick up a children’s lunchbox from the Mulberry Tea-room. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surrey-hampton-court-palace"><strong>SURREY: </strong><a aria-label="Hampton Court Palace (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Hampton Court</strong> Palace</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Horrible-Histories-Hampton-Court-Palace.jpg" alt="Horrible Histories Hampton Court Palace" class="wp-image-145780" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Horrible-Histories-Hampton-Court-Palace.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Horrible-Histories-Hampton-Court-Palace-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Horrible-Histories-Hampton-Court-Palace-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Horrible-Histories-Hampton-Court-Palace-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Horrible-Histories-Hampton-Court-Palace-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The stunning former home of Henry VIII has 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of historic parkland so there’s plenty of space for the kids to burn up some energy. Until 3 June you can also spot a West End performance Horrible Histories Live on Stage (you’ll need to buy tickets separately but it’s worth it to hear the kids scream). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berks-springfest-legoland">BERKS: <strong><a href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/brick-or-treat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Springfest</a>, Legoland</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Legoland-Springfest.jpg" alt="Legoland Springfest" class="wp-image-145775" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Legoland-Springfest.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Legoland-Springfest-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Legoland-Springfest-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Legoland-Springfest-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Legoland-Springfest-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Legoland-Springfest-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Legoland-Springfest-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Running until 5 June, Berks’ best theme park will be buzzing for brand new characters, Bumblebee Girl and Lady Bug Girl. There’s also a whole host of performers, jugglers and selfie ops, including the new Lego flower wall &#8211; and that’s on top of the 55 rides and attractions. </p>


Boredom buster! Half-term day trips for families

You may also like