Children parenting and family life

DON’T overpay to escape the cold with the kids this winter – we’ve listed all the cheap and free family days out you’ll need.

Keeping the kids entertained in winter can get expensive. But before you drop £30 each on tickets to indoor attractions, you’ll want to read this list as our ultimate family days out guide for winter is packed with cheap days out.

Our helpful list includes everything to keep the kids entertained, from inflatable obstacle courses, ice skating and trampolining.

There’s also half-price bowling, indoor tropical gardens and more.

Whether your budget is £15 or zero pounds, here are the best cheap and free family days out to book for winter.

Which means you’re saving some much-needed extra cash for Christmas presents…

Under £15pp

Clip ‘n Climb Toddler Sessions – multiple locations

If you’ve got kids aged 2-4, you can take them on a 60 minute mini climbing session at Clip ‘n’ Climbs across the UK from £13.50 per child.

You can also book in for a Mini Mountaineers session for ages 2-4 at certain locations, which includes a free snack pot, for £10.50 per child. The deal also includes free soft play use. Click here to see locations.

Legoland Discovery Centre – Manchester/Birmingham

The Legoland Discovery centres include indoor rides, massive Lego build zones, a 4D cinema, and a dedicated Duplo farm for the little ones.

During term-time weekdays, an adult and a toddler (under five) can get combined entry for £10.50, which is a massive saving on standard ticket prices (£19pp when booked online).

Bovington Tank Museum – Dorset

Explore massive indoor hangars packed with over 300 military vehicles at the brilliant Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset. There’s also a soft play area, a dress up zone and interactive activities, like building your own tank.

While individual tickets can be pricey, if you go for a family ticket for four it works out to a bargain £11.99pp. Plus under-fours go completely free.

Paradise Island Crazy Golf – multiple locations

Shelter from the rain and take on an indoor tropical crazy golf course. You can find these massive indoor courses in locations including Manchester, Sheffield, Cheshire Oaks, Glasgow, and Livingston.

Tickets cost £11.50 per adult, £9.25 per child aged five to 16 and £6 per child under five. Click here for all locations.

Zip World – multiple locations

While Zip World is known for its thrilling zipwires, climbing and cavern experiences, little ones can get in on the fun, too – all for under £15.

Mini thrill seekers can take on the Tiny Trek treetop adventure £12) and the Treetot Nets (£5), while the grown-ups with them can take on the Treetop Drop £15) – a terrifying freefall experience through the trees.

Indoor trampolining at Air Unlimited – multiple locations

This two-hour jump session is the perfect chance for kids to burn off that pent-up energy, with wall-to-wall trampolines, tumble tracks, giant slides plus a jump tower with a giant airbag to land on.

You can book via Groupon for a 32 per cent discount, taking the price down to £14.95pp.

Under £10pp

Ninja Warrior UK – multiple locations

Take on the TV-famous Ninja Warrior obstacle course from £9.95 for ages five plus, or take on the mini ‘Ninja Toddlers’ for £2.

You can visit in the following locations: Bristol, Chatham, Chelmsford, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea, Teesside, Walsall and Watford.

Skating at Planet Ice

A family trip to the ice rink is perfect in the winter – and Planet Ice sessions start from £8 per adult or child, £3.20 per child under 4.

You can also book in for seasonal events like the Sub Zero Disco, Penguin Club skating classes for under fives and Stick and Puck ice hockey skill sessions. Click here to find your nearest rink.

Tenpin Half-Price Tuesdays

When the weather plays up this winter, head to Tenpin for a few rounds of bowling. The Tenpin Tuesdays offer gives you 50 per cent off bowling and selected drinks (from £4.98 per adult & £4.25 per child).

There’s also a family deal, where you can bag a game for a family of four from £8.75 – plus you can add on a burger meal for £3.80pp.

High Ropes Adventure – Birmingham

Another great indoor option for burning off some energy indoors is the Gravity High Ropes experience in Birmingham.

Tackle rope bridges, climb platforms and weave through webs high up in the air from only £8.76pp with this Groupon deal.

Under £5pp

Soft play at Everyone Active – multiple locations

Ditch the £15pp private indoor play centres and check out your local, council-run leisure centre.

Places like Everyone Active run dedicated toddler soft play sessions starting from just £2. Click here to find a location near you.

Cinema – multiple locations

Cinema trips are still a fantastic option for killing a couple hours indoors, where the kids are kept warm and entertained for only a few pounds.

Upcoming family-friendly movies include a new, animated The Cat in the Hat as well as The Angry Birds Movie. In fact, Sun Club members can even bag free Cineworld tickets on select dates this November. Click here to redeem yours.

Big Pit National Coal Museum – Blaenavon, Wales

Pop on your head torch and visit a real coal mine with its own museum for an adventurous family day out, with galleries where you can get up close to machinery and watch underground movies on mining history.

While the museum is free to visit, you can book an underground tour for only £5pp. The tour takes you 300 feet underground with a real miner, through tunnels stepped through for hundreds of years.

Swim for all – multiple locations

Ditch overpriced waterparks and simply visit your local leisure centre to enjoy a heated pool, inflatables for hire and more for a fraction of the cost.

Swim for All sessions cost around £5 per adult and £2.85 per child. Click here to find a pool near you.

Free

Tropical Winter Gardens

Warm up inside a giant, tropical indoor jungle in Sheffield or Sunderland. Stay sheltered with warm temperatures inside a giant glass dome, with plenty of lovely plants to look at.

Sheffield’s also has its own cafe and gift shop, while the Sunderland site hosts free weekly activities such as a forest school for kids.

Forestry England Character Trails

If your kids are fans of Room on the Broom, Stick Man or The Gruffalo, your next winter walk is about to get a lot more interesting.

Forestry England have themed trails across the UK, stretching from Northumberland to Cornwall. Click here to find a themed trail near you

Go Geocaching

Turn a boring winter walk into an exciting treasure hunt for free just by downloading the Geocaching app to your smartphone.

Work together as a family to track down the secret ‘caches’ hidden in local parks and woodlands. Just wrap up warm, pack a pen to sign the logbook, and let the GPS guide you.

Winter wildlife spotting

Wrap up warm and take the kids outdoors to get to know local wildlife this winter. Download Merlin Bird ID to track bird by their calls, or print out a free activity sheet from Wildlife Watch UK.

To spot adorable seal pups on the beach, head to Donna Nook in Lincolnshire or Blakeney in Norfolk. Watch wild deer roam in spots like Richmond, Holkham and Cheshire, or watch the incredible winter swan feeds at the WWT Wetland Centres across the UK.

National Railway Museum, York

You don’t have to pay a penny to walk into the biggest train museum on the planet.

Get up close to legendary locomotives like the Mallard and Flying Scotsman, before taking ta ride on the miniature railway and checking out the massive model train setups.

Discovery Museum, Newcastle

Dedicated to Tyneside’s maritime and industrial history, this free attraction is complete with a massive 34-metre ship (called The Turbina) right at the entrance.

Inside there’s a brilliant hands-on ‘Science Maze’ play area, with interactive screens, experiments and more.

Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

This free-entry museum is stocked with unique armour including that of Henry VIII, samurai swords and even the world’s only remaining suit of elephant armour from India.

There are even historical live demonstrations, including knights duelling in medieval long sword fighting, as well as time for the kids to handle special objects and dress up.

THE Sun are giving away 3,000 FREE tickets to the fantastic Land of Lights trail at Gulliver’s World

Full price tickets to this festive event cost £23 per person at the gate – but if you’re a Sun Club member, you can bag two tickets for free.

Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.

Simply sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month, and head to the Offers Hub to unlock your free tickets.

The fantastic lights trail is available at Gulliver’s World Milton Keynes, Warrington and Rotherham.

Helen Wright visited Land of Lights with her two children, a festive night out which would have costed £69 for the family.

Here’s what it’s like to take the family along to the Gulliver’s World Land of Lights trail.

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“THE nights are drawing in and there’s a nip in the air – the perfect time to light up your life with some festive fun.

“And Gulliver’s World is the perfect place to embrace the winter season with its fantastic Land of Lights Experience at its parks in Milton Keynes, Warrington and Rotherham.

“Fairytale characters welcomed us to Gulliver’s World in Milton Keynes, as I’m quickly struggling to catch up with my kids, Finn (nine) and Isobel (seven) as they burst through the gates.

“We’ve visited Gulliver’s World before. It’s the perfect day out for younger children, with gentle rollercoasters, log flumes and classic fairground fun, as well as thrill rides for adrenaline seekers like Dragon Siege.

“But this time, we’re here to enjoy the separately ticketed Land of Lights.

“This is a joyful trail through brilliantly illuminated lands, complete with giant light installations, larger-than-life lanterns and cute photo opportunities.

Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.

“We start in Dinosaur Land, where the park’s life-size Jurassic monsters are joined by some extra residents, including a luminous T-Rex and Triceratops.

“Alongside the brightly coloured beasts are some fun facts and a few entertaining special effects.

“Following the path through a fairy garden and animal farm, complete with a glowing tractor, we wander open-mouthed through the luminescent Under the Sea exhibit.

“Halfway through, we stop to toast marshmallows on a bonfire. There is an extra cost of £5, but my kids love it and it’s a great way to warm up.

“There’s also a little food court for a break along the way if you’re feeling peckish.

“Bolstered by our marshmallow feast, we arrive at the Christmas-themed kingdom, complete with appearances from Santa and his elves.

“I’m just as captivated as the children, skipping along the sparkly path of lights.

“For families who want to make a weekend of it, you can stay on resort in themed cabins, including a Dinosaur Lab and a Wild West Saloon.

“The next morning, we head into the theme park for some thrills.

“The Land of Lights may have been far more relaxing, but Isobel is beaming at finally being tall enough to ride upside down on Dragon Siege.

“Stepping off, our cheeks have a different kind of glow.

“It’s such a great way to keep everyone entertained. A little weekend with something for everyone is a winter win”.

The Sun has teamed up with Gulliver’s World to give Sun Club members an exclusive chance to experience the magical Land of Lights for FREE.

We are giving away 3,000 FREE tickets across all three Gulliver’s locations, and Sun Club members can claim two tickets each.

Land of Lights is running until Saturday, January 30 in Warrington and Rotherham, and Saturday, February 27 in Milton Keynes.

Your free tickets can be used on any date, excluding Thursday, December 31.

Entrance to Land of Lights costs £23 per adult and £23 per child on the gate, so signing up to Sun Club means big savings.

To get your tickets, simply join Sun Club and book from today before tickets sell out.

Free entry applies to Land of Lights only. Entrance to Gulliver’s Theme Park and overnight accommodation are priced separately.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 

18+ UK only. Digital subscription required. Online access required. Offer ends at 23:59pm on 06/12/26. 3,000 tickets available across 3 locations. Non-transferable & non refundable.  T&Cs apply, see club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club.  New customer offer: £2.99 per month for 3 months, £6.99 thereafter unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. Full T&Cs apply, visit thesun.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.

ASK most kids if they fancy a trip to an art exhibition and you’re unlikely to get an overly-enthusiastic answer. 

But what if that art exhibition included a ball pit, an enormous bouncy castle and flying balloons? You might suddenly have a mini art critic on your hands. 

Step in the Balloon Museum, which last graced the UK in 2023 with its EmotionAir: Art you can feel exhibition at Old Billingsgate in 2023. 

It’s now back, this time at Immerse London on Excel Waterfront with its latest offering EUPHOЯIA – Art is in the Air. 

The concept of the Balloon Museum is that it’s a new way to experience contemporary art, with large-scale installations created by international artists including Turner Prize winner Martin Creed. 

EUPHOЯIA in particular, invites those artists to use air and inflatable materials “as a contemporary artistic language” that “invites visitors to explore, interact and see the familiar in unexpected ways.” 

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It’s fair to say all of this went entirely over my seven year old’s head on our visit, both literally and figuratively speaking. 

Because while it might be about art, it’s also A LOT of fun. 

Our first stop was a giant glass-walled room filled with enormous balloons that you have to push your way through to reach the end. 

There was also a room filled with large inflatable cubes that we used to build an enormous fort, one with an enormous bed that could fit 20 people and a giant Covid virus-style inflatable, among others. 

But our favourites were the huge ball pit bigger than a ballroom, the most enormous bouncy castle I’ve ever seen – at least 25m in length and filled with inflatables, a balloon whirlwind and a very clever mechanical tree that dropped bubbles filled with smoke. 

Of course, all of this also made for some incredible photo opportunities too. 

We’ve got about a gazillion grinning selfies from our visit – the hallmark of every great Millennial day out.  

So will my son now be requesting a membership to the Tate Modern on his Santa List? Probably not. 

But he will definitely be far more open to my next suggestion of a trip to a gallery… how to explain there won’t be any inflatables to play with once there is another matter altogether. 

Tickets for EUPHOЯIA – Art is in the Air at ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, from £20 for children and £26 for adults, with family tickets from £59.

AS the air gets chillier and the days get darker, there’s nothing better than cosying up in a warm cinema to watch a brand new movie.

And it’s even better when you get your cinema tickets for free…

Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.

We’ve teamed up with Cineworld to give away 20,000 FREE tickets, so you can go and catch the latest films on us.

Click here to sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month to redeem this exclusive offer and many more.

Let’s be honest – is there any better feeling than sinking into a plush cinema chair, armed with a bucket of popcorn and a fresh fizzy drink, ready to watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster?

If you’re looking for something to do to break up the boring, drizzly November nights, a trip to the pictures can make this time of year all the more exciting.

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Sun Club members can redeem two free Cineworld tickets each, so you can enjoy a night at the movies with a friend or partner for zero cost.

With 87 cinemas across the UK to choose from, it’s as simple as redeeming your tickets, finding a Cineworld near you, and booking in whichever film you’d like to see.

Joining Sun Club will give you instant access to the Offers Hub, where you can claim your free Cineworld tickets.

But be quick, as they’re sure to go fast.

The best part is that these tickets can be used on any film showing from November 2 to November 17.

Here’s all the films you can go and see at Cineworld with your two free Sun Club tickets:

How To Rob A Bank

Nicholas Hoult and Zoë Kravitz lead an all-star cast in this action-packed thriller about a gang of bank robbers whose viral heists soon attract the attention of the FBI.

Clayface

Tom Rhys Harries stars in DC Studios’ dark and chilling horror-thriller about a rising Hollywood star whose search for fame takes a terrifying turn as he begins to lose both his identity and humanity.

Primetime

Robert Pattinson plays NBC journalist Chris Hansen in this high-stakes psychological thriller about the 2000’s reality television series, To Catch A Predator.

Wild Horse Nine

John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell play CIA partners whose mission to a remote island becomes increasingly complicated by secrets, politics and unexpected encounters.

Godzilla Minus Zero

As Japan rebuilds after the Second World War, a new threat emerges when the legendary Godzilla appears. Packed with action, drama and spectacular visual effects, this is one movie you will not want to miss.

Ebenezer

A fresh take on Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story, starring Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Full of festive cheer, heartwarming moments and family fun, it’s the perfect film to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Prima Facie

Starring Jodie Comer and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, Prima Facie is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that explores justice, truth and the challenges faced by women within the legal system.

Wildwood

Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay and Mahershala Ali star in this enchanting animated adventure about a brave young girl who enters a mysterious forest to rescue her baby brother.

Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.

Plus Cineworld is the place to do so, as their cinemas boast the latest film technology with IMAX, 4DX, SCREENX and Superscreen options.

You can also book onto accessible screenings, including viewings with subtitles and audio descriptions, ensuring everyone can enjoy a trip to the movies.

How to get this offer

1. Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month here.
2. From Saturday, October 31 click the ‘Book’ button on the Cineworld page of the Sun Club Offers Hub.
3. You will receive an email containing a unique code and steps on how to book your two free tickets.

   You must claim and book your tickets by Sunday, November 15 when the booking code will expire.

Tickets are valid for screenings between Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 17,

18+ UK only (exc. NI & IoM & CI). Sun Savers multiple code collect 31/10/26–04/11/26 or digital subscription required. Online access required. Booking opens from 01/11/26. 10,000 pairs of tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Valid for cinema bookings 02/11/26 – 17/11/26. Redeem by 15/11/26. Non-transferable & non refundable. T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club. New customer offer: £1.99 per month or £12 for your first year, then £19.99 a year thereafter. Full T&Cs apply, visit thesun.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.

See full Terms and Conditions for the Cineworld offer here.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

LONDON’S legendary Christmas lights will be here before we know it, so now’s the time to get planning your big festive day out.

But instead of battling the crowds out in the cold to watch a Christmas lights switch-on, why not see Britain’s best from higher up?

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

Float right underneath the magical displays on an open-top bus, ideal for taking amazing pictures and completely dodging the shopping crowds.

And this winter, The Original Tour has slashed 20 per cent off their popular Christmas Lights Tour tickets.

By clicking here and entering the code FESTIVELONDON at checkout, adult tickets drop from £36 down to just £28.80, while kids’ tickets drop from £22 to £17.60. Infants under two travel free.

Hop aboard a classic double-decker bus and head straight for the rooftop, where you’ll have a reserved seat.

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You’ll glide right under the spectacular, sweeping golden angels of Regent Street, as well as the massive glittering canopy across Oxford Street.

You’ll also weave past the ridiculously luxurious shopfronts of Bond Street, take in the buzz of Piccadilly Circus, and spot the famous giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.

And instead of a pre-recorded tape, a live local expert rides along with you, bringing the journey to life with London secrets, history, and festive stories.

With plenty of fun facts to entertain the kids, perfect selfie points and all of this taken in while being sat down, is there any better way to soak up the spectacle?

Extra freebies

Your Christmas Tour ticket also grants you a completely free daytime River Thames cruise, so you can make a proper festive trip out of it.

Plan it all for the same day, and you can spend the afternoon ticking off Big Ben and the London Eye from the water, before hopping on the bus to see the city by night.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

To top it off, you’ll also get free access to six self-guided walking tours via The Original Tour’s partner app.

These detailed audio tours include popular destinations like Kensington Gardens as well as all the famous parks and palaces of the city.

The coolest part about the walking tours is that once you have downloaded them on the app, your phone will activate when you walk past a landmark that is part of the tour.

Tie it all into the same weekend, and your entire itinerary is sorted – ticking off all the major sights in London – for under £30!

The FESTIVELONDON code is valid to use right now through to 3 January 2027, so now’s the time to lock in your dates before slots sell out.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

FESTIVELONDON expires on 03/01/2027 11:59pm (BST).

Terms and Conditions:
The offer is available from 12 October 2026 until 3 January 2027, with tours running daily from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The discount applies to adult and child tickets only, excludes family tickets and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates apply and are from 21 December 2026 to 30 December 2026. Blackout dates are dates in which promotional offers cannot be used. More information can be found on the website at theoriginaltour.com.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

PETER Andre has revealed he refused to let his adult son Junior share a bedroom with girlfriend Jasmine at the family home — and even banned them from closing the door.

The Mysterious Girl singer admitted he enforced the strict rules when Junior, now 21, first started dating Jasmine, despite his son already being around 18 or 19.

Speaking on his new podcast, At Home With The Andres, alongside wife Dr Emily Andre, Peter explained that he wanted to set an example for his younger children.

He said: “Junior, even now he’s with his partner, yeah, that’s different. He’s with Jasmine and they’re really happy. They live together, it’s different.”

The dad-of-five continued: “When they come over together, they stay together. But when they got together, with Jasmine, it was like, no, you’re not sharing a room. And he’s an adult, he’s like 19 or 18, and I’m like, no, no, you guys can sit up there and watch TV, doors open. They must’ve thought we were…”

Emily backed her husband, saying: “I actually think a lot of parents would relate to that.”

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Explaining his reasoning, Peter added: “And it was because I didn’t want Millie and Theo to be thinking that it’s just normal for someone to just have someone in their room with the door shut. And then what happens if that relationship doesn’t work out?”

He continued: “Well then the next person, and then where does it stop? So I’m glad that we put those rules in.”

Emily agreed, saying: “As a parent, you can only do what feels like the right thing at the time.”

She added: “I do think that was the right thing at the time, especially with the younger kids in the house. But, you know, everyone’s got different rules, but I think a lot of parents will relate to that. Definitely.”

The couple’s new podcast offers listeners a glimpse behind the scenes of their family life, with the pair discussing everything from parenting dilemmas to marriage and their very different careers.

Peter and Emily tied the knot in 2015 and share children Amelia, Theo and Arabella, while the singer is also dad to Junior and Princess from his previous marriage to Katie Price.

THE thespians who frequent the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End are more used to seeing the likes of Richard E. Grant and Christine Baranski tread the boards than a dwarf bouncing around inside a giant balloon. 

That’s their loss though, because the families packing the venue off Leicester Square were hooting with laughter at the launch of Cirque Bererk last week – a theatre-circus spectacular with more than 30 performers that is running throughout October half term. 

And Sun Club members can get an extra 10 per cent off if they book their tickets through London Theatre Direct, when booking via our Sun Club Promo page. 

To get your tickets, sign up to Sun Club for for £1.99 a month then head to the Sun Club Offers hub and London Theatre Direct page or click here.

It was quite something to see a group of acts usually found in big tops showcasing their talents in a old-fashioned London theatre. 

Despite the smaller stage, we witnessed acrobats spinning from their mouths, men doing the limbo under poles of burning fire, motorbikes racing round a metal cage and a mesmerising quad of dancers in LED armour. 

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While there was a lack of a thread between most of the acts that left it feeling slightly disjointed, you can be sure the children in the audience didn’t notice it. 

Despite the age of the kids ranging from around three years old upwards (although age guidance is age five-plus), their concentration was held throughout the show – even though it was long enough to merit an interval. 

Of course they were – who doesn’t want to see performers juggling fire and shooting arrows through objects onstage? 

This was also in no small part thanks to the man from the aforementioned balloon, who took on the role of a modern ringmaster. 

Fans of Zippos Circus, who produce Cirque Beserk, may recognise him from Zippos travelling shows. 

With a grin wide enough to light up any stage, he tied all of the acts together alongside a comedy robot, in a style akin to an entry-level Cirque De Soleil. 

Which is essentially what this show is, a great starter show for families that is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the magic of both the circus and London’s West End.

Cirque Beserk runs every day until October 31, with tickets from £28.

IS there anything that sparks joy in the hearts of children more than the zoo?

Combine it with one of the most popular kids’ books, Room On The Broom, along with some Halloween-themed activities, and you have the perfect potion for family fun.

That’s exactly what you can expect from Twycross Zoo this half-term.

Until November 1, the attraction has introduced a new magical corn maze based on Julia Donaldson’s much-loved book, to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Bringing the fantastical tale — about a witch and the menagerie of animals she picks up on her broomstick — to life, it’s an experience that swept my children away.

Based in the middle of the Leicestershire zoo’s Gruffalo Discovery Land, the excitement started building as soon as my five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter were handed a tote bag filled with goodies.

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There was a passport to get stamped and, more importantly, sweets to power them through.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without some sugar, of course.

With a promise of more treats to discover along the way in the corn maze, we took off at a speedy pace — although with timed entry slots, it never felt like we were being rushed.

Greeted by a wall of hay bales, pumpkins and pictures of the famous characters, we began to make our way through the warren of narrow paths in search of surprises.

Magical clues guided our path through the tall corn crops to several clearings where we found quotes from the book and a cute stamping station where the kids could mark their findings in their passports.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for sweets hidden in pumpkins along the way.

Waiting for us at the end was a giant broomstick photo opportunity and a chance to meet the witch — perfect for souvenir snaps.

There’s no time-limit on the maze but my eager kids managed to whizz through in 15 minutes, which gave us plenty of time to explore the rest of the Gruffalo Discovery Land — and that was before we even made our way round the zoo.

Named after another one of Julia Donaldson’s best-sellers, The Gruffalo Discovery Land is home to a treetop play area as well as interactive character trails and meet-and-greet opportunities.

It’s ideal for younger kids. But the real fun sits within the main zoo.

Twycross is home to more than 500 animals and it’s the only zoo in the UK to house all four species of great apes — gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and bonobos.

The latter were a particular favourite during our visit as we watched them loudly play and squabble from both an outside platform and an inside viewing window, giving us a full 360-degree experience.

It made a welcome change from watching my own children wrestle each other.

We all loved watching the penguins in action, too, timing it perfectly when we caught them at lunchtime indulging in a fish supper.

It wasn’t difficult to spot the UK’s only herd of kordofan giraffes either, who weren’t at all fazed by us staring up at them.

In fact, one even came over for a closer inspection, extending his long neck towards the ground in fascination.

The zoo is easy enough to walk around with kids, although be warned that work is currently going on in some areas, with boards blocking off certain enclosures as the zoo undergoes a £25million transformation.

We’ll have to wait until next year to see what’s in store for those areas, but the closures certainly didn’t ruin the experience.

After a packed day on foot, we were ready for some downtime — and that is exactly what we got at Hampton by Hilton in Nuneaton.

For those travelling from afar, the hotel is an easy 20-minute drive away and the perfect overnight stay for families.

The Hub restaurant here features a menu guaranteed to keep little mouths satisfied, including burgers, paninis and pizzas.

But if none of that takes your fancy then a short walk down the road is a gorgeous Nepalese restaurant, Crossed Khukris Gurkha.

A set meal for four costs £66 and comes with poppadums, dumplings, a number of curries and loads of extras.

We were so well fed and at less than £17 a head, the price is scarily good.

I suppose it is Halloween after all . . .                                  

FIVE minutes into my holiday and the conversation had already turned to poo.  

Animal poo, but poo nonetheless. And lots of it, apparently.  

We had needed a holiday but, with money tight, were forgoing poolside cocktails and fluffy hotel bathrobes for a stay volunteering at Fairfield Community Farm on Ruskington Fen, Lincs.  

I wasn’t sure if my 13-year-old daughter would forgive me for calling this a holiday. 

Kathy, the farm’s founder, was explaining the work to be done before we had even put up our tent.  

“There are goats to groom and pigs waiting for belly scratches,” she said.  

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Run entirely by volunteers, the farm uses animals, nature and getting dirty to support wellbeing and is home to more than 30 animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, ponies, chickens, ducks and geese.  

While she may have been less than enthusiastic at the thought of the trip, within hours my daughter was bottle-feeding The Hooligans – a trio of frisky sheep – and discovering that Milkshake, a 250kg Tamworth-cross pig, has no concept of personal space.  

The day passed in a blur of feeding, grooming, feeding, carrying and more feeding. 

Soon, we’d clocked up a full day on the farm without checking the time. 

Nightfall at Fairfield didn’t mean sundowners, either.  

There were ponies to settle into their stables and last jobs to finish before we could finally retreat to our tent. Then, the rain started.  

Sloshing our way into Day Two, we realised that volunteering at Fairfield isn’t all cuddling lambs. If a fence needs fixing, a gate needs painting or a stable needs mucking out – did I mention poo? – you roll up your sleeves and get on with it.  

Then came the task of moving The Hooligans from one end of the farm to the other. Simple, it was not. 

We laughed, skipped and side-kicked our way across the field while the bleating Hooligans went in different directions. 

Herding sheep is definitely an acquired skill, but my daughter and I were starting to feel like right Farmer Joes. 

And between the animals, endless cups of tea, a visit from the farrier to tend Quin’s hooves and collecting goose eggs, something else happened. 

We stopped rushing. We forgot about our worries.  

Carol, one of Fairfield’s longest-serving helpers, said her weekly volunteering sessions give her purpose, connection and something to look forward to, adding: “The farm saved my life.” 

I may have been looking for an affordable British break with a difference. 

But after our stay at Fairfield – between poultry pecks, pony pats and poo (did I mention the poo?) – our break became something I didn’t expect.  

Quality time together. Nowhere else to be. And nothing to rush for. 

But next year, I’m putting in a request for a shower. 

EASYJET is allowing parents to claim back the cost of their baby’s first passport from today.

Simply book an easyJet holiday, use the promo code and the £66.60 will come off the price of the break.

The new initiative starts from today after research showed that almost four in five parents said a baby’s first holiday was a landmark family moment.

Usually when Brits apply for a baby passport online, it costs £66.60 – a paper application sent by post increases the price to £80.

But with the airline, this cost will be paid for by easyJet when families book their next holiday.

Use the promo code FIRSTPASSPORT when making the booking to get the extra discount.

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There’s no minimum spend on the holiday and children must be two-years-old or younger at the time of travel.

The offer ends on November 26 at 11pm – for more information, head here.

Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said: “Travel has a unique way of bringing families together, and a baby’s very first holiday is often one of those moments parents remember for years to come.

“By covering the cost of a baby’s first passport, we’re helping more families start making those memories that little bit sooner.

“Combined with our great-value packages, family-friendly hotels and thousands of Free Kids Places, it’s another way we’re making family holidays easier and more affordable.”

If you need some inspiration on where to book, easyJet recently announced it would be launching six new routes from UK airports in time for autumn.

One of these flights will be from Newcastle to Fuerteventura which will start on October 25, and operate twice a week – on Thursdays and Sundays.

Easyjet’s Luton-Ljubljana flights start on October 26 three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

There are 18 new routes launching next summer too with a choice of city breaks to island escapes.

Two of these routes will be to Girona which will be a first for easyJet.

One will take off from Liverpool on March 28 and operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Girona will also take off from Gatwick starting on June 3, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

NOTHING says Christmas quite like streets filled with twinkling lights – especially the spectacular displays put up in London.

This year you can score 20% off the magical Christmas Lights London Bus tour AND even get a free Thames cruise.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

The tour usually costs £36 for adults and £22 for kids, but you’ll get tickets for £28.80 and £17.60, respectively, using our discount code.

The tour starts on Coventry Street, where you’ll climb aboard one of London’s famous double-decker buses and get cosy on your guaranteed upper deck seat.

The Christmas-themed bus will then take you through London‘s best-decorated spots, alongside festive facts and jokes from a live tour guide.

Along the route you’ll tick off famous spots such as Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and more.

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Make sure to snap some pictures of the world-famous, glittering Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, gifted to the UK all the way from Norway.

And in a brand new route for 2026, you’ll now also cruise down Regent Street, known for its giant glimmering angels with golden wings spread high overhead.

Oxford Street sees a canopy of sparkling hanging stars, while posh Bond Street goes all out with fancy displays illuminating the high-end shops and hotels.

Picadilly Circus acts like the grand junction of all these fantastic displays, with its giant screens running festive takeovers and the glowing spillover of surrounding streets in the distance.

Whether you’re visiting London with the kids, ticking off the sights with friends or wanting a romantic date beneath the stars, the tour is suitable for all ages and occasions.

The best way to make the most of the tour? Grab a hot chocolate before boarding, wrap up in your cosiest hat and scarf, and make sure to pose for pictures as you cruise right under the impressive displays.

The tour lasts up to 90 minutes, running from November 14 and January 3,.

You have lots of options too with the first bus departing at 4:30pm and the last at 9pm.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

Tots under two travel free, and there’s space on every bus to pop your pram and buggy.

That’s not all, however. If you purchase the Christmas Lights London Bus Tour, you also get a daytime Thames River cruise thrown in completely for free.

That means you can experience a full-on sightseeing day in London, taking in the sights from the water in the daylight on the river cruise, before taking in the city by night on your bus tour.

On the Thames River cruise you’ll tick off top landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye and more, so by the end of your big day in London you’ll have taken in the very best the city has to offer.

Cruises start from Westminster Pier, Tower Pier, Greenwich Pier, or the London Eye Pier, giving you flexibility in how you plan your day.

As well as a free river cruise, you’ll also get SIX free self-guided walking tours thrown in.

So when you’re not aboard the boat or open-top bus, you’ll have plenty of guidance on which sights are best to see by foot.

The audio tours include the Wizard’s Walk (a Harry Potter-themed tour) as well as a spooky Jack the Ripper tour, and you can listen to them on The Original Tour’s partner app.

With three ways to explore the city bundled into one, it’s hard to find a better value way to experience London at Christmas.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

Terms and Conditions:
Code FESTIVELONDON expires on January 3, 2027 at 11:59pm BST. The offer is available from 12 October 2026 until 3 January 2027, with tours running daily from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The discount applies to adult and child tickets only, excludes family tickets and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates apply and are from 21 December 2026 to 30 December 2026. Blackout dates are dates in which promotional offers cannot be used. Full T&Cs can be found on The Original Tour’s website at  theoriginaltour.com

Prices correct at the time of publication.

SANTA VISITS, festive pantomimes, bauble making and parties every day – these holiday parks offer the ultimate Christmas experience without the price tag.

Parkdean is opening a number of its resorts over the festive season and a whole family can stay for less than £150.

Parkdean Resorts has officially opened its bookings for Christmas with festive getaways available across eight UK holiday parks.

These are:

• Camber Sands Holiday Park, Sussex
• Cayton Bay Holiday Park, Yorkshire
• Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth
• Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Wales
• Ty Mawr Holiday Park, Wales
• Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset
• White Cross Bay Holiday Park, Lake District (limited activities)
• Fallbarrow Holiday Park, Lake District (accommodation only)

Each of the holiday parks will be open throughout December including Christmas and the New Year with a whole host of activities.

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Winter Wonderland which will have over 30 Christmassy activities is available at Camber Sands, Cayton Bay, Trecco Bay, Ty Mawr, Warmwell and Vauxhall.

White Cross Bay and Fallbarrow will be open during the festive period – but these won’t hold the Winter Wonderland programme.

But for the ones that choose to enjoy Winter Wonderland, the events vary from park-to-park and some will have Search for Santa where youngsters are invited to help the elves find Santa with clues and songs.

There will be creative activities too like bauble and Christmas card making as well as festive pot painting.

Family-friendly pantomime performances will take to the stage with some famous faces like Jenny Ryan from The Chase.

There will be ice skating, Christmas parties and sing-alongs – for those there on Christmas Eve, there will be a special show to countdown to the big day.

Along with the Christmas activities, the holiday parks will also have their usual offerings like swimming, adventure activities and live entertainment.

One writer visited the Vauxhall holiday park in Great Yarmouth which recently underwent a £5million makeover.

Here, he watched entertainment like a knife-throwing magician, a Taylor Swift tribute act, karaoke, bingo and stand-up comedy. 

Other activities at Vauxhall include the high and low ropes course, Bear Grylls escape rooms, an inflatable bounce park, a swimming-pool obstacle course, pottery painting, off-road rangers and an adventure playground. 

He added: “We’ve taken our children to Dubai, Turkey, the Netherlands and Disneyland, to name a few — but they feel they’ve hit the jackpot on this quintessential Great British caravan-park holiday here in Norfolk.”

A four-night stay at Vauxhall holiday park from December 7 in a Sandpiper/Buzzard Apartment which sleeps up to six starts from £159 – or £6.62pppn.

If you want to stay for five-nights from December 23 in a Goose Apartment which sleeps four, this starts from £599 or £29.95pppn.

Trecco Bay in Porthcawl is the UK’s largest holiday park which has over 2,000 lodges and caravans.

It has Pirate Crazy Golf, a high ropes course, splash pad, archery, hoover boards and bumper zorbs.

There’s also a bowling alley and the Next Level Gaming Arena which has over 25 consoles including PS5 and Xbox.

Four-night breaks from December 14 in a Bronze Caravan which sleeps up to six starts from £159 – or £6.62pppn.

The six holiday parks with the Winter Wonderland programme have all-inclusive add-ons on certain dates, so there won’t be hidden surprises.

It includes three meals a day which are served directly to the table so there are no queues either – there’s also unlimited drinks and Costa Coffee.

This starts from £100 per adult and £40 per child (under 12) per break.

Anthony Reilly, Marketing Director at Parkdean Resorts, said: “We know that the festive period can be a stressful time for families looking to plan a getaway that’s great value, feel-good and has something for everyone.

“That’s why we’re so excited to bring back festive breaks, bigger and better than ever. Booking early means families can relax knowing they have secured their festive tradition for 2026, leaving the Christmas stress behind – and start unwrapping the excitement now.”

EVERY parent knows that taking a toddler on holiday often feels less relaxing getaway and more like a parenting shift in a different location.

Don’t worry – we’ve found the ultimate cheap holiday for parents with under 5’s where everything’s taken care of for you – plus the kids even eat for free.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Parkdean Resorts are running Tots Breaks packages, four-night stays starting from £99.

If you’re visiting as a family of four, that works out to a tiny £6.19pp per night.

These action-packed breaks are bursting with free activities and entertainment that’s sure to keep the little ones smiling.

However, the best part may just be the food. On a Tots Break, kids eat completely free for the entire duration of your stay.

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That means hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are totally sorted, saving a family up to £70 on their holiday dining.

Fussy eaters are well-catered for with the Starland Krew Menu, with kid-friendly classics like tomato pasta, beef burgers, and chicken strips with chips.

You won’t need to constantly dip into your wallet to keep them entertained, either. These breaks are packed with free activities tailored specifically to young children.

Kids can burn off energy at the Tots Adventure Playground, get stuck into messy play, or enjoy the musical Tots & Tunes sessions.

Plus there’s even adorable ‘Mini Olympics’, mini archery, and mini fencing classes.

And if your kids are completely obsessed with their favourite TV characters, you’re in luck.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Parkdean Resorts host Milkshake! Mornings packed with stories and singing, plus the chance to meet PAW Patrol legends like Chase and Marshall in the flesh (well, in the fur).

The fun is perfectly timed for early bedtimes, too. Early evening entertainment includes toddler discos, ‘kideoke’ sing-alongs, and even a fun ‘Sparkle Like a Princess’ event.

When it’s finally time to crash, the accommodation is set up for families.

The standard Bronze caravans are spacious, featuring stylish cream-coloured interiors, fully equipped modern kitchens, and TVs for a chilled movie once the kids are asleep.

Tots Breaks are available across dozens of Parkdean Resorts locations nationwide throughout the year.

Participating parks include Sandford in Dorset, a peaceful woodland park close to Poole and Bournemouth, and Trecco Bay in Wales, which is one of Europe’s largest holiday parks.

If you have older children, they may enjoy a Parkdean Resorts’ Nickelodeon Weekender instead.

These breaks start at £163 for three nights, working out to £13.58pp per night for a family of four.

Nickelodeon-themed entertainment includes ‘Mighty Missions’ set by PAW Patrol’s Ryder, learning the Pup Pup Boogie dance, and meeting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Families can even enjoy a ‘Movie with the Stars’, where you’ll sit down to a movie night alongside the actual characters from the film.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Prices correct at the time of publication.