Parenting advice

AS THE weather seems to have turned rather chilly, it might be tempting to just snuggle up at home this week – but there are some must-see free events across the UK.

Whether you don’t mind the cold and are happy to go on a light trail walk or would rather stay inside watching The Traitors in the warmth of a pub, there is something on for everyone this week.

Winter Light, Southbank, London

Running from January 12 to 18, you can head off on an illuminated walk by the Southbank Centre.

The light trail features a number of artists that have explored topics that are currently being discussed in today’s society, such as identity and technology.

Visitors can even use the Bloomberg Connects App to head on a self-guided tour of the trail and get behind-the-scenes insights.

Mendip Activity Centre, Churchill, Winscombe near Bristol

The Mendip Activity Centre near Bristol is hosting a line-up of free music gigs in the Alpine Lounge as part of its Apres-Ski Fest 2026.

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This week the event will take place on January 16, featuring ‘Silver Line’.

The free live music will be on from 7:30pm.

Harmony with the Volcanic World, Southbank Centre, London

On Saturday evening, head to the Southbank Centre to see Springwatch presenter Kate Humble discussing all things volcanoes.

The free talk takes place before a paid concert.

The talk is from 5pm to 5:45pm, on January 17.

Earth Day Outdoor Photography Exhibition, Ambleside, Cumbria

Head to Ambleside in Cumbria for an outdoor photography exhibition around the grounds of Wray.

The photos show “conversations about the world, its inhabitants, environments and the changing climate”.

The exhibition is running until April 30.

Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North, Manchester

At the Imperial War Museum in Manchester, visitors can explore the world of spies and how some plots have influenced and altered conflict throughout history.

For kids, there is the chance to visit the ‘Mission Room’ where they can head off on a top-secret exhibition trail and link pieces of information to find out how to succeed as a spy.

Visiting both the museum and the exhibition is free and the exhibition will run until August 26 this year.

Move with On, Battersea Power Station, London

‘Move with On’ will be taking place at the On store in Battersea Power Station on Wednesday.

The free session on January 14 takes place at 7:30am and is mat-based.

It lasts 45 minutes and focuses on functional strength and boosting energy.

Live Traitors screenings, London

Love doing something on a Friday night but also want to stay cosy?

Well, head to The Rising in Elephant and Castle to watch The Traitors at 8pm.

Other pubs across London, like Two Brewers are also doing viewings, as well as some across the UK – so it is worth seeing if there are any in your local area.

Indivisible – Vane, Newcastle

On January 16 and 17 at 12pm each day, head to the ‘Indivisible’ exhibition at Vane in Newcastle to explore works by 14 artists.

All artists’ works come under the theme of ‘EarthFLag’ and show the earth‘s composition, transformation and living systems.

If you can’t catch the exhibition this weekend, there are other dates available.

Family Printing Workshop at Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton, Devon

On January 17, head to Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Devon between 11am and 3pm to make a watery print to celebrate the opening of the new Shifting Waterscapes exhibition.

The session will be run by Emma Molony, who will be on hand to help visitors create their own original print.

The Delusion, Serpentine North Gallery, London

Until January 18, you can head to the Serpentine North Gallery to see Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley’s current exhibition.

The Delusion exhibition shows themes of censorship and social connection and for visitors, it will feel like a post-apocalyptic world.

Essentially, the exhibition is a multiplayer, video game-like immersive experience, where society has broken.

Garden open days, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey

This weekend marks Hampton Court Palace’s first garden open days of 2026.

Visitors can enter parts of the gardens for free including The Great Fountain Garden, the Kitchen Garden and the Pond Garden.

If you want to head into the palace itself, you will need to pay admission.

The New Wimbledon Theatre, London

On January 17 from 10am, New Wimbledon Theatre is hosting an Open House Day where the public can explore inside the theatre as well as attend a variety of events.

For example, on the stage there will be a Dear England-themed penalty shoot out, where you could win tickets to the show.

Also on the stage will be the Friends couch, for the perfect photo op.

There’s stain glass window making, a Peppa Pig colouring competition and drama wellbeing workshops too.

If you are looking for more things to do across the UK, here are our top picks for ‘fun under £5’ across all £9.50 Holiday destinations in the UK.

Plus, these were the top 15 UK attractions in 2025.

WHOEVER suggested hibernating in winter hasn’t spent whole days inside with young kids, but as it happens, January and February can be a great time of year to treat the family to a budget day out.

Drizzly winter weather often means lower prices at top attractions, and there are plenty of exciting deals from now until spring. To prove rainy days don’t have to drain your bank account – we’ve hunted down the best bargain days out for families to enjoy in the wetter weather.

Plus, with February half term just around the corner, it’s best to plan ahead and pre-book your family days out – and secure these bargains whilst you can.

Read on for our pick of the best winter days out…

Theme parks and attractions

1. 50 per cent off Legoland Windsor Resort

Legoland Windsor Resort are offering some great deals ahead of the February half term, with half price tickets available when you book online.

Tickets can cost as little as £32 pp when booked in advance, saving you 50% on the walk up price.

Add on the adventure golf package for an extra £2 to save £42 pp on your trip to Legoland.

If you’ve got little ones under 90cm in height, they can enter for free.

The attraction is also offering “Brick Days” deals from 14 – 23 February.

These are days throughout the February half term packed with extra activities, specific weather-proof rides and meet and greets.

You can book a Brick Days deal online from £32pp, saving 53% when booked ahead.

2. Gulliver’s Kingdom family deal

Over at Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park in Matlock Bath, a family of four (with children aged 2-13) can visit for £39.

The deal comes courtesy of Wowcher, where families can save 61% off the original price of £99.

The family ticket is sold as a voucher, with flexible booking dates including 2026 school holiday availability.

There are also family vouchers for four available for £49 at the Warrington and Rother Valley locations.

3. Two thirds off at Chessington World of Adventures

Similarly, day tickets to Chessington World of Adventures have been slashed by two thirds during the February half term.

When prebooking online, tickets are available from just £22pp instead of £66pp.

A day ticket to Chessington includes entry to the theme park, zoo and SEA LIFE aquarium – that’s three attractions for just over twenty quid.

The same rule applies with those under 90cm being allowed in for free.

There’s even a short break deal from £32pp, meaning that you can stay overnight for the price of a regular day ticket.

And if it does get a bit chilly outside, Chessington has plenty of indoor attractions for you to explore.

There’s colourful soft play in the Dragon’s Playhouse, a walk-through tunnel in the indoor aquarium, and the Savannah Splash Pool.

4. After-school Legoland Adventure Golf

When it comes to crazy golf, Legoland Windsor Resort is a pretty unbeatable location.

Choose between three courses with space themes, pirates, or the impressive LEGO City.

The after school deal costs just £6pp instead of the £10pp walk up price.

This includes a round on one nine-hole course, and runs between 2 – 6pm from Monday through Thursday.

Make sure to prebook online at least a day in advance.

5. Merlin five attraction pass deal

This Merlin five attraction deal can save you up to 70% on family days out.

With this offer, you can visit five different Merlin Entertainments attractions over the course of 90 days for just £59pp.

This works out at £11.80pp per attraction, and is a great way of seeing some of London’s must-visits for families.

Choose between Shrek’s Adventure London, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds London, the London Dungeon and the Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour.

6. London Dungeon discounted day out

The London Dungeon is a thrilling indoor activity for older kids – and you can save extra if you book online in advance.

Inside there’s everything from the terrifying Drop Dead ride to a creepy escape room set in Guy Fawkes’ cell.

Attraction tickets on the day cost £35 per adult, but you can save up to an extra £8 by booking your tickets online ahead of time.

Adventure and weather-proof activities

7. Forest coaster with a free kids meal

Adventure centre Zip World are offering some major discounts, locals’ loyalty and after-school deals across locations in England and Wales.

On Thursday and Friday evenings in January, kids can enjoy a free hot meal and a drink when visiting the forest coaster at Betws-y-Coed.

From 3pm onwards, kids can enjoy a thrilling 1km ride through the forest before sitting down to a choice of free tomato pasta, bean or beef chilli.

Forest coaster bookings start at £25 for three rides, and if you’re a local resident you get an extra 30% off from Monday – Friday.

8. Cave trampolining with a free meal and unlimited squash

Over at Zip World’s Llechwedd location, kids can enjoy an hour of cave trampolining with a free meal and unlimited squash for £15.

The Bounce Below deal runs from 5 – 31 January on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm.

You can also enjoy an extra 30% locals’ discount at Zip World attractions if you’re a resident of London, Manchester, Windermere, North Wales or South Wales.

The locals loyalty offer runs from 5 January – 13 February.

9. Ninja Warrior obstacle course

There’s some great deals running across Ninja Warrior UK courses – and this fully indoor attraction is perfect for any weather.

Here you make your way past a series of challenging inflatable obstacles, and end by facing the giant Ninja Warrior wall.

Early Bird and off-peak sessions cost £9.95pp, and a Ninja Toddlers session costs just £2.

There’s 17 locations to choose from, including Bristol, Cardiff, Sheffield, Wigan and more.

10. Indoor high ropes

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

At 31% off for just £10.95pp, adventurers can take on an action-packed course of climbing challenges, rope bridges and more.

You can save up to 41% if you book as a group, too, as the deal costs just £37.95 for a high ropes course for four.

11. Snow tubing deal

Elsewhere in Birmingham, take the kids to this unique snow tubing experience.

Those aged eight and over can grab themselves a doughnut tube and slide down a dry slope at Ackers Adventure Centre.

Taking place within a snow sports centre, this activity can be done in any weather.

The deal for two comes out to £8 per person if booked for two, which includes 30 minutes of tubing and is valid seven days a week.

12. Paintball for £2pp

For fans of outdoor adventure, Unreal Paintball in Madeley, Cheshire, is currently offering paintball group deals for 92% off.

A family-of-five can enjoy a paintballing day with 100 paintballs included for £10 – meaning the day out costs £2pp.

The Manor Farm location boasts nearly 40 acres of land including woodland, trenches, a castle and more to hide in.

The offer runs on weekends from 9am – 4pm for new Unreal Paintball customers.

13. 60% off Family Laser Quest

Over in Milton Keynes, the whole family can enjoy up to 60% off Laser Quest.

The deal includes two games for six players, costing just £6.50 per person – and there’s deals available for smaller groups, too.

This top-rated Laser Quest centre is decked out with misty fog, mazes, neon lights and pumping music.

The deal is available from Mondays – Fridays, from 4pm – 9pm during school time or 10am – 9pm during school holidays.

14. Bowling with dinner included

Bowling is another classic rainy weather activity for the whole family.

Hollywood Bowl has over 90 bowling centres, and they’re currently running a January Sales kids’ eat, drink and bowl deal from £8.50pp.

This includes one game of bowling, a choice between a burger or hotdog with fries, and drinks – which includes an alcoholic drinks for adults.

More offers include “Double the Fun Fridays”, where you can get a second game of bowling for free when you bowl after 9pm in January, using code JAN262G50 at online checkout.

15. 2-for-1 Ice skating and disco party

Planet Ice have skating rinks across the UK in cities like Peterborough, Leeds and Coventry – and they’ve got some great deals to book in time for February.

You can enjoy a 2-for-1 Valentines Day skating offer on February 13, which is suitable for all ages.

The offer is available online only – so make sure to snap up your plac by booking ahead on their website.

There’s also a half term disco skate taking place on February 13 and 20 across multiple locations.

16. Splash World waterpark

An indoor waterpark is always a safe bet on a drizzly day – and this offer for Splash World in Southport gets you 51% off full price.

This waterpark includes toddler splash zones, flume rides and a lazy river.

An £8 ticket (all ages) grants you a two hour session, with the offer ending in February.

17. Inflatable pool disco and obstacle course

Sticking with the waterpark theme, the London Aquatics Centre are running inflatable pool discos and obstacle courses on select dates until May.

For the Atlantis Obstacle Course, the Olympic-sized 50m pool becomes covered in a giant inflatable course with slides and climbing walls.

The obstacle course costs £12.60 per adult and £9.45 per junior.

The inflatable disco session, on the other hand, is suitable for ages five and above – and includes a fun inflatable run and massive floats.

The inflatable disco is priced at £10.50 for adults and £7.35 for juniors.

18. Cheap waterpark day in Derby

Moorways Sports Village and Waterpark in Derby is running Waterpark Wednesdays, giving families a cheaper option to visit during term time.

On Wednesdays from 4pm – 7pm during term time, adult tickets cost just £6.99, three to five-year-olds can visit for just £1 and under two’s go for free.

The waterpark is home to an aqua tube fast slide, a body slide, wave rider and rider slide – and a great choice whatever the weather.

19. Trampolining with giant inflatables and free pizza

Jump Inc have loads of indoor trampolining centres across the UK, including places like Blackpool, Birmingham, Chelmsford, Bristol and Aberdeen.

What makes this place unique is its great discounts and offers for families.

The After School Antics offer gives you two jump passes and a margherita pizza for dinner.

There’s also the unlimited jumps offer, where you pay for just one hour but can stay and bounce away up until closing.

The offer is valid from 3pm – 6pm from Mondays to Thursdays during term time. Offers vary by location.

20. Medieval mini golf

Knights Realm Adventure Golf in Basingstoke, Hampshire is home to an epic 18-hole themed golf course overlooked by a dragon.

Make your way around a medieval course dotted with armoured knights and historical scrolls teaching you all about the Middle Ages.

Plus you can save up to 31% off by booking through Groupon, and snap up a two adult ticket for £16 and child’s ticket for just £6.

21. 5D Cinema experience for £2.95

You can visit a 5D cinema for a unique movie experience for just £2.95 this winter.

There’s a choice of original films to pick from, including a thrilling rollercoaster journey named Amazon and a creepy horror called Blood Magic.

And if you’re bringing the whole family, you can get four tickets for just £8.95 – giving you something unique to try for a change of routine.

The 5D cinema is located within Laser Quest Bromley, so there’s another family-friendly activity to try out afterwards on your doorstep.

Museums and free exhibitions

Gone are the days where museums were for do-not-touch antiques and corridors of glass cabinets.

Now, there’s loads of unique museums across the UK that are both free to visit and full of exciting experiences made just for kids.

22. Manchester Museum

The Manchester Museum is free to enter, and full of exciting galleries like Living Worlds, Nature’s Library and a live vivarium.

And for families with dinosaur fans, the Manchester Museum has a brilliant Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, and is home to a popular T. Rex called Stan.

23. Triceratops Exhibition

The dinosaur fun doesn’t stop there – there’s also a triceratops exhibition running at the Manchester Museum until February 22nd.

The exhibition features hands-on elements for kids like a fossil digging zone, and and is suitable for all ages.

Both entry to the museum and the triceratops exhibition are free, however you should book your slot for the exhibition online.

24. The National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is another fantastic place to spend the day with kids indoors.

The colourful Imagine gallery has plenty of sensory and interactive options including dress-up, a musical floor, and a storybook reading corner.

Up on level five of the museum, Adventure Planet caters to older children.

Here, kids can use interactive touch screens to do everything from design their own fish to dig for dinosaur bones and fossils.

25. Giants exhibition

The Giants exhibition is set to open at the National Museum of Scotland on the 31 January.

The exhibition showcases amazing 3D sculptures, from life-sized elephants to the megalodon shark.

26. The National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum in London’s Greenwich is both free to enter and packed with things for kids to do.

There’s The Cove playground, a sea-themed area with a giant shark, pirate ship and huge kraken with rope tentacles to swing from.

There’s also the AHOY! children’s gallery for kids aged 0-7, which has activities ranging from sensory play for babies to interactive pirate cannons.

Not to mention the storytelling characters who visit on Saturdays, and the under-5’s play group which runs every Tuesday at £4 per session.

27. The National Railway Museum, York

The National Railway Museum in York is another fantastic free-entry choice for a rainy day.

Here you can come face to face with a Japanese Bullet Train, or even take a ride on the museum’s miniature railway.

And for an additional £9.90pp, the Wonderlab is well worth getting stuck into.

Here kids can become mini-engineers, learning about the science behind locomotives with daily shows and demonstrations.

Kids can even have a go in a human wind tunnel and try out some hands-on science experiments.

28. House of Marbles, Devon

The House of Marbles in Devon is home to four unique museums and is free to visit.

There’s loads of unique marble runs to take part in, including a massive snooker ball-sized contraption as well as a games garden.

Their free games museum can be enjoyed by kids and parents alike, as you learn about the history that inspired Pac-Man and Space Invaders.

29. Newcastle Discovery Museum

Newcastle Discovery Museum is another great free option.

It’s home to Turbinia: a huge ship powered by steam turbines.

Their play space Tiny Tyneside is full of replica transport inventions to play with, and is open daily.

30. The Great North Museum: Hancock

The Great North Museum: Hancock is worth visiting for its unique Mouse House area.

It’s full of interactive surprises and runs free events such as Museum Mice, where kids can explore and handle museum objects – just make sure to prebook online.

31. Upside Down House

The Upside Down House is a unique indoor attraction that does what it says on the tin – everything inside the house has been turned completely upside-down.

Wandering through the house with kids makes for a unique indoor activity, plus some funny photos to look back on.

There are locations in Liverpool, Brighton, Bristol and London – the cheapest to visit being Liverpool at £6.45pp.

32. Discover Story Centre

The Discover Story Centre in London is a giant immersive space for kids with an exciting and colourful story world and garden.

Escape from the drizzly outdoors into a bright and colourful space with trails, singalongs and screenings.

The best part is that you’re able to build your day exactly how you’d like.

You can choose from a list of constantly updated activities and events like the Monster Funfair and Gabby’s Dollhouse movie screening (January 24).

Each event typically costs £2 – £5, with a Discover entry ticket costing £10 for adults, £5 for 1 year-olds and under 1’s go free.

33. National Football Museum

The National Football Museum in Manchester is a fantastic choice for a sports fanatic day indoors.

Inside, you can find the world’s first international football shirt and the oldest surviving FA cup trophy.

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £9 for kids – but the best part is that once you’ve bought your ticket, you can keep returning for free for an entire year.

There’s also a family saver ticket for four costing £39 – not bad for a whole year’s worth of visits.

34. Underwater exhibition and Octonauts trail

The Horniman Museum in London is opening up a “Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures” exhibition from 13 February.

Here you board the ‘Nautilus’ submarine and discover everything from weird and wonderful sea creatures, to crawling through shipwrecks and decoding the secrets of Atlantis.

Plus, there’s an Octonauts “Adventure at the Horniman” Trail packed with activities.

Adult tickets cost £9.80 and kids tickets £7, with discounted rates for families of three (£20.20) or four (£27).

And if you’re on Universal Credit, the tickets are discounted to £2 – make sure to book in advance.

35. Free story festival

The young V&A in Bethnal Green, London is hosting a Story Festival in January 2026.

The festival will take place across the museum, and is completely free.

This includes singing and dancing performances, puppets and storytelling.

Drop-in storytelling activities take place on a first come first serve basis.

36. Free arts drawing sessions at London Southbank

At London’s Southbank Centre, families can drop in to relaxed drawing sessions over weekends.

Led by artist Erdem Kuslu, families can take part in drawing exercises and group games – entirely for free.

The experience is bookable from 16 January – just make sure you book a slot online in advance.

37. Wonderlab hands-on kids gallery

The Science Museum in London’s Kensington is home to a ticketed interactive kids gallery called Wonderlab.

Built for ages 7 – 14, this hands-on experience turns kids into budding scientists.

Wonderlab reopens on 16 January, and is open daily from 10am – 5pm.

Day passes cost £17 for ages 4+, with a family day pass based on 2 adults and 2 children giving you £3 off.

You can also save several pounds extra by booking your tickets in advance and at specific timeslots listed on the Wonderlab site.

Farms and outdoors

When the days are bright and dry, a family day out at the farm can be one of the best ways to get outdoors.

And we’ve found a range of open farms across the UK with free or cheap entry.

38. Bath City Farm

Bath City Farm is free to visit – and it’s easy to spend an entire day their exploring its woodland trails, children’s playground, seeing the animals and visiting the farm shop and cafe.

The farm is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am – 4pm, and on Sundays from 9.30am – 4pm.

39. Stonebridge City Farm

Another free option is Stonebridge City Farm in Nottingham.

This unique working farm in the middle of the city has amazing grounds, with a well-kept wildlife pond and even Japanese gardens.

They also run cheap events for kids, such as Rainbow Stripes on Tuesdays which is an interactive live music workshop.

40. Bucks Goat Centre

The Bucks Goat Centre in Aylesbury is offering a deal with just £4.55 entry for adults and £3.90 for children – or a family of four can visit for £15.40.

Here you can meet the friendly goats, chickens and alpacas, then sit down to enjoy hot chocolates and milkshakes in the Grazing Goat Cafe.

There’s also weekend events to look forward to like Bunny Brunch on Saturdays at 10:30, and Ferret Fun on Sundays at 11:30.

41. HAPPA Horse haven

For fans of horses and ponies, the HAPPA horse haven in Burnley is open to visitors.

Here you can meet rescue horses, donkeys and ponies, and take part in kids events like Pony Squad.

Visiting HAPPA costs £6 per adult and just £1 per child.

Make sure to book your slot online before visiting.

42. Mudchute Park and Farm

Mudchute Park and Farm in East London is another working farm that is free to visit – and has a massive 32 acres of land to explore.

Their courtyard and small animals area has just re-opened for the year, where you can visit guinea pigs and rabbits.

Here you can also meet cows, sheep, goats, and more.

43. Challenge Woods adventure playground

Outdoor activity centres like Bewilderwood can be quite expensive, especially by the time you’ve bought tickets for the whole family.

Challenge Woods in Norwich is miles cheaper than the nearby attraction, at just £4 entry for ages 4-17 with ages 0-3 going free.

Whilst it’s not quite high ropes, here kids can take part in zip lines, slides, wooden climbing structures and more, backed by Norfolk woodland.

44. Alpaca experience at Pennybridge Farm

Pennybridge Farm in Hampshire has gone fluffing mad with this discounted alpaca experience.

For just £7pp, you can meet and greet a herd of adorable alpacas at this open farm.

You even get to take part in feeding the animals, and learn all about the unique mammals.

The farm is open daily, and this bargain experience is a great way to spend a bright winter’s morning outdoors.

Soft play and younger children

There’s plenty of cheap and easy ways to keep little ones entertained over the winter months.

45. £1.75 Soft play with a drink

This soft play deal in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire is offering 50% off for two hours of play and a soft drink – costing just £1.75 per child.

Sqoshis Play Centre has plenty of climbing areas and slides, and it also has a laser and Nerf centre to entertain the older kids, too.

46. Slime making with kids meal and a hot drink

Colourful slime always goes down well with younger children, and this slime-making experience at Tilly Pots in Ravenshead makes for a creative afternoon out.

The deal includes a children’s meal and a hot drink for parents, costing just £6.95 for an adult and child together.

And for a family of four with two adults and two children, you can visit for just £11.95 – which is 46% off the usual price.

47. Little Diggers giant sandpit

Over in Leicester, mini-builders can put on their hard hat and visit a giant sandpit full of mini bulldozers, diggers and tractors – and play to their heart’s content.

The Little Diggers experience is currently 37% off, costing just £9.50 per child.

The experience takes place in Jump Giants Leicester, where there’s also trampolines and obstacle courses to enjoy.

48. Warwick Castle parent and toddler offer

Warwick Castle is currently running a parent and toddler offer for £20.

The deal includes access to the Zog Playland, the Horrible Histories maze, the UK’s largest birds of prey show and more.

The castle has more than 64 acres of grounds to explore with princess tower and dungeon experiences – plenty to keep the family entertained for an entire day.

49. Gruffalo Clubhouse term time deal

The Gruffalo Clubhouse in Blackpool is a great themed immersive indoor option.

Inside, there’s the Deep Dark Woods to explore, as well as soft play, a toddler play zone, a sensory room and the exciting Zog’s Dragon School Challenge.

Booking an adult and toddler ticket online costs £9 (saving you £10), and can be used from Monday – Friday during school term times.

50. Indoor play offer

A parent and child can visit Oasis Play in Surrey or London for a session of ball pits, slides and more for just £5.50 with this offer.

Oasis Play is a soft play centre with a sea-themed area, glowing neon lights – and it’s even rumoured that Bluey likes to visit.

This deal grants you 75-minute access on either weekdays or weekends, so your little ones can jump, climb and crawl to their heart’s content.

There’s further discounted offers available on Groupon, including a two adult one child ticket for £6.50 and a two adults two children ticket for just £10.50.

PALOMA Faith has shared a look at her blossoming baby bump after a luxury break in Oman. 

The singer is pregnant with her third child, and ahead of the birth whisked away for a sunsoaked getaway with her two daughters and partner, Stevie Thomas.

Sharing pictures from the resort’s poolside, Paloma looked relaxed and happy as she posed for selfies, while in another she was seen asleep in a bikini with her bump on display. 

Alongside photographs of the Middle Eastern resorts sights, Paloma was also seen beaming next to Stevie in another loved up snap. 

“Amazing trip to Oman with the boy, kids and bump,” she wrote alongside the pictures on Instagram. 

“I have to say it’s an amazing part of the world and I am so blessed to share this time with my kids before new baby comes ….. taking time out with family from work is something to push for and I really try.” 

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“Someone said to me recently you only really get 18 summers with your kids and I was lucky to extend that with a bit of winter sun,” she added. 

“I never take time with them for granted and I can’t wait to have my third miracle baby. 

“I have to say, I feel VERY happy about my personal life right now, it’s all going wonderfully!” 

Paloma announced she was expecting her third baby back in October last year, shortly after her brutal exit from Celebrity Traitors, where she was murdered at the hands of close pal, Alan Carr. 

This is her first child with Stevie, having welcomed her two daughters, born in 2016 and 2021, with her ex-husband, artist Leyman Lahcine. 

For both babies, Paloma was open about years of fertility struggles, undergoing IVF in order to conceive. 

After splitting from Leyman in 2022 after a 10 year relationship, it’s believed Paloma and music venue director Stevie secretly dated for a year before going public with their romance in March 2025. 

While she’s been praising her current pregnancy experience, in December she worried fans as she was rushed to hospital and put on a nebuliser after a nasty bout of Flu A.

Thankfully she has since fully recovered, taking the opportunity to ditch the British cold for a resort trip abroad with her family and loved ones.

CHRISTMAS has been and gone and now our pockets feel empty of cash – so it’s a good thing there are some great free things to do across the UK this week.

As the kids go back to school and you feel like you’ve spent way too much money, it can be hard to know what to do in January to make sure the month isn’t entirely miserable.

The good news is that thanks to the New Year, there are a host of new exhibitions and activities taking place where you don’t need to spend a penny.

Inns and Alehouses, St Albans Museum + Gallery

Launching this week at St Albans Museum + Gallery is a new exhibition called ‘Inns and Alehouses’.

The exhibition allows visitors to step back in time and discover the history of nearly 100 drinking spots that used to exist in St Albans.

The exhibition explores the city’s drinking culture as well as showcases photos, objects, stories and Victorian memorabilia.

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The Sussex Baby Lab, Brighton

Have a newborn? Well, this event might be useful for you.

At the Sussex Baby Lab, a new study has explored whether babies are drawn to patterns in nature.

And between January 4 and February 1, you can head to the lab with you baby (aged between zero and 12 months) to see whether they too are drawn to natural patterns.

You will leave with a sensory baby book, T-shirt and a certificate celebrating your ‘baby scientist’.

Harold Offeh: Creating Patterns, London

Until Sunday you can head to Somerset House to see a piece of art created using six roller skaters.

Created by Harold Offeh, the piece of art documents the movements of the skaters in response to different moods and prompts.

Visitors can see their tracks which were captured on a large scale print.

Gymshark66: The Kick Off, Solihull

Does one of your New Year’s resolutions involve fitness? Well, head to Gymsharks Lift Club in Solihull near Birmingham.

On January 10 from 10am to 2pm, visitors can head to the club or free for the start of a global fitness challenge known as GS66 2026.

Across the day there will be free training sessions, challenges and discounts.

Winter Wassail at Highbury Orchard, Birmingham

We are still in winter, which means wassails are still happening.

On Sunday January 11, between 1:30pm and 3:30pm, heading to Highbury Orchard in Birmingham to ‘bless’ the trees for the year ahead.

There will be singing and poetry, bird feed making, hot spiced apple juice and homemade treats.

Joan Miró: Painting and Poetry, Burton at Bideford, Devon

Located in north Devon, until January 18 you can head to the Joan Miro: Painting and Poetry exhibition at the Burton.

The exhibition showcases 26 lithographic prints which were created to celebrate the French surrealist poet Robert Desnos.

The Magic of Middle Earth, Gosport Museum and Art Gallery

At the Gosport Museum and Art Gallery in Portsmouth until January 24 you can explore The Magic of Middle Earth exhibition.

The exhibition explores the fantasy world created by author J.R.R Tolkien which is set to be both mythical and familiar.

Visitors wills get to explore the legacy the world has created including the painting, sculptures and even Lego sets the world has inspired.

European Figure Skating Championships Fan Zone, Sheffield

The European Figure Skating Championships officially starts in Sheffield next week and from January 10 there will be a fan zone in Sheffield.

Located in the city centre there will be a Fan Zone complete with an ice rink for the public to use for free.

There will also be a big screen broadcasting the competition coverage, food stalls, entertainment and activities for families.

Mediated Realities, New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery, University of Salford

At the University of Salford, you can head to the New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery until January 30 to see Mediated Realities.

The exhibition includes images of war, disaster and protest, question how humans understand what is real.

Some works in the exhibition even include reworked newspapers and how media shapes and sometimes warps the public’s perspective of events.

Novel Ideas, Edinburgh Old Town

In Scotland, head to Edinburgh Old Town to the Scottish Storytelling Centre to hear from students currently working on novels.

During the gathering, visitors can hear authors read extracts from their novels ans speak about their writing processes.

The event is ‘pay what you can’ which means you don’t necessarily have to spend a penny if you don’t want to.

It will take place on January 10 from 3pm.

No trousers tube ride, London

It’s not everyday you can leave the house without your trousers, but on Sunday January 11, you can.

Those participating simply don’t wear trousers and meet in Chinatown in the afternoon before splitting off into groups to head to nearby tube stations.

They then head down to ride the rube trouser-less (but still with pants!) at 3pm.

Whilst it is free to participate, you will need to of course pay for your tube ride.

For more things to do in the UK, a historical theme park with no rides reveals opening plans for UK site with four ‘villages’, live shows and three hotels.

Plus, a new experience launching in the UK where you can learn to be a train driver for the day.

JESY Nelson has been flooded with support after sharing the heartbreaking diagnosis of her twin girls – including her ex, Chris Hughes.

The former Little Mix star took to Instagram on Sunday to open up about her twins, Ocean Jade and Story Munroe, revealing they have been diagnosed with a rare muscle wasting disease that could be fatal.

Speaking from her home, Jesy said the pair have been diagnosed with SMA Type 1, or Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, the most severe form of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

The tearful star told the camera: “If it’s not treated in time, your baby’s life expectancy will not make it past the age of two.”

Her stunningly honest discussion prompted a wave of support from celebrity pals, with Chris – who dated Jesy from 2018 to 2020 – one of the first to back her up and send her love.

“A warrior Jess. Be easy on yourself,” he told her. “Sending prayers to you all, everyone behind you guys 🤍”

BRAVE BOY

My son has the same disease as Jesy Nelson’s twins & was given one year to live

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Amy Childs added: “I’m so sorry jesy what your going through ❤️xx sending love and strength to you and your beautiful girls xxx”

Megan McKenna wrote: “My heart is breaking for the pain you are in right now. Sending so many prayers and love to your beautiful girls ♥️♥️”

Jess Wright also commented, telling Jesy: “Sending you so much love Jesy. Love & strength ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”

Ashley James also noted: “Jesy I’m so sorry. I’m thinking of you and your girls and sending love ❤️❤️’

“Jes, There are no words big enough for how unfair and heartbreaking this is. I am so deeply sorry,” wrote I’m A Celeb star Shona McGarty. “My heart aches for you and for your beautiful little girls.

“Please know that their lives, no matter what, are already filled with love because of you. That love matters. It always will.

“You don’t have to be strong, and you don’t have to find the right words. However you feel, whatever you need, it’s okay.

“You are not alone in this, Jes. You are so loved, and your girls are so loved. I’m holding you all in my heart. 💔🤍”

While Shaughna Phillips also added: “Sending you and your girls so much love and positive prayers, you are a superwoman and they are lucky to have you ❤️❤️❤️”

Jesy’s Journey

Jesy has shared that her babies had to endure “months and months” of doctors appointments before finally getting diagnosed with SMA Type-1.

The twins, which Jesy shares with Zion Foster, were born two months premature in May 2025, following a difficult pregnancy that saw her diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a rare but serious condition in which blood flows unevenly between identical twins sharing a placenta.

In her newest video, Jesy revealed that her mother, Janice, raised concerns after the twins didn’t show much movement in their legs.

While their initial concerns were chalked up to the twins being premature and therefore unlikely to hit milestones at the same pace as other children, Jesy and Zion pushed for more tests after they had trouble feeding.

According to Jesy, it took three to four months of appointments before they finally got a diagnosis, with the pair then being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“I feel like I’ve almost had to become a nurse in the space of two weeks,” Jesy added, explaining how she has had to put her daughters on breathing machines.

“The reason I wanted to make this video was because, the last few months has honestly been the most heartbreaking time of my life. I feel like my whole life has done a 360.

“I’m grieving a life I thought I was going to have with my children,” she emotionally said, before acknowledging that she is grateful to have them.

“I truly believe that my girls will defy all odds. And with the right help, they will fight this, and go on to do things that have never been done.”

“They probably will never regain their neck strength, so they will be disabled,” she revealed, adding it’s also unlikely they’ll ever be able to walk.

“So the best thing we can do right now is get them treatment and just hope for the best.”

Jesy then said that she wanted to make the video because if the disease is detected early enough in the first few months of a baby’s life “a lot of this stuff could be prevented”.

Shortly after Jesy shared the highly emotional video, her partner Zion Foster spoke out about their daughters’ diagnosis.

Taking to his Instagram page, Zion shared a photo of his daughters in what looked a stroller.

With tubes attached to their noses, the two tots could still be smiling widely.

Alongside the photo, Zion wrote: “Still smiling through all the challenges. Daddy loves you so much.”

LILY Allen has opened up on her state of mind and the “huge change” in her family life situation following her split with husband David Harbour.

The popstar candidly told how she had now come out from the other side of a “nervous breakdown” which saw her hospitalised.

Lily, 40, who shares two daughters with first husband Sam Cooper, and endured a bitter split with Stranger Things actor David, 50, last year.

Cheating allegations and a marriage lacking intimacy were allegations levelled at the Netflix actor by Lily, with the former couple starting to negotiate the sale their £6m Brooklyn townhouse.

The marriage breakdown sparked Smile songstress Lily’s first album in seven years.

At the heart of the record is a character called Madeline, who Lily confirmed to the Times is a construct of other people, and the secret relationship she has with a man many are interpreting to be Harbour.

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Now she has opened up on the after effects on her Miss Me? podcast.

She said: “I’ve done quite a lot this year.

“I’ve finished an album, I got a boob job, I had a nervous breakdown, I went into hospital for a bit, I came out, I did some podcasting for a while, then I played one of the hardest tracks in theatre and killed myself (in the role of Hedda Gabler) every night for seven weeks.”

She added of teen daughters Ethel, 14, and Marnie, 13: “My kids are f**king mental at the moment.

“They are really developing their personalities. It’s just a lot.

“There’s a lot of questions.”

Tacitly making reference to the life changes prompted by the split she said: “There’s a lot of change in our lives at the moment

“We’ve changed houses, we’ve changed countries, we’ve changed schools, and it’s a lot.”

The Fear hitmaker added to her show: “The last five years, I’ve been a stay-at-home mum.

“And now I’m a single mum that has to work and suddenly has a lot of work opportunities on my plate and I’m having to travel a lot.”

MARRIAGE SPLIT

Lily previously told how she was suicidal after her marriage split and voluntarily opted to go to rehab.

She has previously been open about her recreational use of drugs and alcohol but she opted to quit the substances six years ago.

It led the star to find her marriage split even more challenging as she wasn’t able to use the substances as a way out.

Lily said: “The feelings of despair that I was experiencing were so strong.

“The last time that I felt anything like that, drugs and alcohol were my way out, so it was excruciating to sit with those [feelings] and not to use them.”

Lily said: “I’ve been into those places before against my will and I feel like that’s progress in itself.

“That’s strength. I knew that the things I was feeling were too extreme to be able to manage, and I was like, ‘I need some time away’.”

Lily married David in 2020 – her second husband following her marriage to the father of her children, builder Sam Cooper.

The LDN hitmaker was married to Sam from 2011-2018 although the relationship was understood to have crumbled sometime before they made their break-up official.

TOUGH TIMES

Lily and David split up in December 2024 and it was later reported he’d had a three-year affair.

David had even made a shock “cheating” joke while doing a tour of their New York City home two years prior.

But the split fuelled the Lily’s huge music comeback, with the toxic fallout playing out on her first album in seven years.

The eye-watering details of her open marriage and split from actor David are seemingly laid bare in the 14-song album.

On the album, Lily took aim at David and claimed how he allegedly ­bedded a woman called “Madeline”.

The track is written as a letter to the woman David had an affair with.

“How long has it been going on? Is it just sex or is there emotion?” Lily sings at one point.

And in the song Tennis, Lily croons:  “So I read your text, and now I regret it.

It has since been revealed that “Madeline” is likely based on Natalie Tippett, a single mum aged 34, from New Orleans, who has strongly denied any affair.

WE’VE taken a look at how to spend a family day out for FREE across multiple locations in the UK.

We’ve pinpointed three UK counties brimming with free activities for all ages, ensuring everyone stays entertained without spending a single penny.

And with activities covered for all ages, you can be sure there’ll be no getting bored.

Sussex: Beach days, railways and pirate festival

Across Sussex there are plenty of free things to do, meaning that you can take the kids out for an action-packed day of activities without breaking the bank.

If you’re visiting when the sun’s out, head to one of the many beautiful beaches in the county.

Camber Sands is perfect for families with its sprawling stretches of golden sands, perfect for bucket and spade days and paddling in the water.

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It’s a top choice due to its nearby facilities including parking, cafes and loos – perfect for parents of young children.

A sunny day is also the perfect time to go for a family bike ride.

The South Coast East route will take you along the coast, past stunning cliffs and landscapes.

And if the children (or Dad) are into steam trains, there’s multiple ways to enjoy them in Sussex – without booking a pricey ticket.

The Bluebell Railway is a great spot to visit, with its interactive “SteamWorks” exhibition at Sheffield Park station, and its own outdoor playground at Kingscote station.

There is no charge for platform entry on non-service days, and the gifts and models shop often remains open on these days too – just check their website ahead of time.

You can also head to Hotham Park, a short walk from Bognor Regis town centre, where there’s a popular miniature railway.

The park is free to enter if you’re wanting to stroll and have a look around.

But there’s loads to see and do for an optional small fee, such as crazy golf, a boating lake and kids’ adventure play area.

And if you do visit with some change in your pocket, the Hotham Park Railway is only £2.50 for adults and £2 for kids (under 2s go free).

Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends Hastings in Sussex for its annual Pirate Festival.

She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.

It’s a pirate-themed weekend with free things to do including a treasure hunt, craft workshops and kids pirate tattoos.

Lastly, Sussex is home to some fantastic free museums.

The Shipwreck Museum is free to enter, and is full of fascinating maritime artifacts.

Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum in Chichester for families.

It also has free entry, and kids can learn about history covering the Stone Ages to the Saxons.

Lincoln: Horse sanctuary, lakeside picnics and history museums

There’s loads of free and cheap things to do for families in Lincolnshire.

So much so, that there’s a Facebook group with more than 15,000 members sharing free things to do with the kids “in and around Lincoln”.

If you’ve got any mini history buffs in the family, they’ll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

The museum takes a deep dive into life in the county, from 1750 to the present day.

There’s an authentic WWI tank, interactive exhibitions and group quiz sessions.

Similarly, The Lincoln Museum is another indoor attraction well-worth the visit.

Aside from the fascinating exhibitions, it offers “Play at The Lincoln Museum” – a free activity centre packed with activities for younger children and a play zone for babies.

For older kids, there’s lots of interactive games and trails too.

Alternatively, just 20 minutes from Lincoln you’ll find Bransby Horses.

The charity owns a 600-acre site which is home to over 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

Visitors can walk through to admire the animals and set up for lunch at the designated picnic area.

There’s also a play park, cafe and gift shop.

Entry is free, although donations are recommended upon visiting to support the charity.

Sun reader Sarah Al-Aidi recommends Hubbard’s Hills – a vast green space near Louth with plenty of trees and a water valley.

“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks” she says.

In the park you’ll find a play area and plenty of scenic picnic spots by the river – and it’s a great place to bring the dog, too.

Devon: Free soft play, giant animal models and discovery trails

Whilst Devon is known for it’s family-friendly beaches, there’s more to it than building sandcastles and wasting away your change at the arcades.

One of the best ways to explore the county is by undertaking one of its many outdoor discovery trails.

Haldon Forest near Exeter has a popular family activity trail which often has new themes depending on the time of year.

It’s a beautiful winding trail which ends at a picnic spot, home to an impressive Gruffalo sculpture.

And for kids of all ages, geo-caching can make for an exciting and energy-burning day out – and can get your kids away from their screens.

Geo-caching in Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks is a fantastic way to get the kids to explore the outdoors.

Hidden around the parks you’ll find stashes of hidden items known as caches.

They’ll often have quirky items in to trade, as well as a log book to record your win finding the geo-cache.

In fact geo-caching happens all over the UK, and all the rules are on the geo-caching website.

Plus, the Royal William Yard Geo Trail in Plymouth is a fascinating look back in time to 380 million years ago.

And whilst you’re visiting Plymouth, dads can make the most of free soft play.

“On Thursdays, Barnardo’s runs a Dads and Dinkies session, which is free soft play for dads and the children” says Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay holiday park.

“Mums can have a rest while Dads take the kids down to the YMCA for a play.”

The free soft play sessions take place every Thursday at 1.30pm. Just make sure to prebook first!

Lastly, on the outskirts of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey you can’t skip out on The Jolly Roger.

Here you’ll find incredible showrooms displaying giant animal and dinosaur models – and the best part is, it’s free to visit.

There’s also models of race cars, fairies, and at Christmas time the showroom even gets decked out with Santas and sleighs.

ACTRESS Jessie Buckley has revealed she had given birth to her first child.

The 35-year-old star kept her pregnancy largely private and only confirmed she was expecting when she proudly posed with her baby bump on the red carpet back in April of this year.

Now, the star has revealed she is a mother after welcoming a child, a baby girl, earlier this year.

Jessie has confirmed her motherhood during promotion for her upcoming film, Hamnet.

The star has admitted in a new interview that she was longing to become a parent during the filming of the movie and eventually fell pregnant with her child shortly after it wrapped.

She was heard speaking on The New York Times‘ Modern Love podcast in which she detailed falling pregnant after playing the role of a grieving mother for the movie.

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Jessie said: “I’m not surprised I got pregnant a week after I finished filming because I had coaxed… it was also quite intense to have that need while I was in this place of absolute mother and it not be a real thing yet.”

During the interview, she revealed she had welcomed a daughter when she opened up on what she hoped to pass onto her in the future.

Jessie added: “I think the thing I can hope to impart to her, and I’m sure she’s going to go on her whole own trajectory, and she should, is we have one life.

“There’s always going to be things in our life that are going to make us doubt or be afraid or feel like it would be safer to be smaller in some way.

“And I see this little life that’s so new but so full and so untarnished by an idea or a projection of what we’re supposed to be. And I just hope that if I can pass anything onto her in the way that my mother’s has passed on to me is that all the parts of you are not too much. 

“The world needs all of you, and that means incubating the struggles, is like living through the struggles, the shadows.

“The things that are going to challenge you, you have to metabolize it and incubate it. And there’s no too-muchness. It’s only to be lived fully.”

Jessie is notoriously private about her personal life and rarely discusses her life outside of acting.

She is understood to have got married in 2022 to a mystery man known only as Freddie.

According to reports he is a North London based mental health professional.

They are understood to divide their time equally between plush homes in London and Norfolk.

WHEN it comes to Christmas, you probably have a lot of family plans and then for the New Year, you might be seeing friends – but that time in between can be tricky to plan things to do.

Known as Twixmas, the period between Christmas and New Year – usually December 27, 28, 29 and 30 – always feels like you’re in a bit of a limbo.

You don’t know what day of the week it is, whether things are open or closed and you’re living off of leftovers from the big day.

So, instead of stressing about what you can and can’t do, here are 50 things across the UK that you can enjoy during Twixmas.

The Traitors Live Experience, London

Traitors fans can fully immerse themselves in the show at the live experience in Covent Garden, London.

You can opt to not be chosen as a traitor, but if you don’t mind then you might spend a couple of hours deceiving people…

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It costs from £29.50 per person.

Ice skating, various

There are a ton of ice skating rinks across the UK at the moment, most of which will be disappearing across January.

Ice skating is a fun winter activity and isn’t necessarily Christmassy so it is worth checking out the rink close to you and when it closes for the season.

One great site to visit is Somerset House in London, where you can go for a spin on the ice before grabbing a drink at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia and looking out at the scenic setting.

It costs from £14 for adults and £12 for kids,

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, London

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy experience is running in London until February 15.

During the experience, visitors can join characters including Arthur Dent, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and Fenchurch on a galactic adventure.

This is a new production and costs from £42.

The Legend of the Titanic, London

For those who want something immersive to do but are also interested in history, head to Dock X in Canada Water to The Legend of the Titanic.

The experience allows visitors to learn about the 1914 tragedy, as well as get a feel for what the ship would have looked like via AR.

It costs from £24 for adults and £16 for children.

Enchanted Tree Trail, Wentworth Castle Gardens, Barnsley, South Yorkshire

At Wentworth Castle Gardens in South Yorkshire, visitors can head on an enchanted tree trail.

Across the trail, visitors will see small creatures in their secret world.

It is running throughout the Twixmas period and costs from £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child.

Cinema, various

What better time to head to a cosy film screening than when you have time off and are feeling lazy?

Between Christmas and New Year’s, a lot of cinemas are open and operating as normal.

It is the perfect time to feel like you’re getting out but also kicking up your feet at the same time.

And there are a number of great movies in the cinemas at the moment including the second part of Wicked, comedy Fackham Hall, and from December 19, the new Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Sunflowers Needle Felting Workshop, Lyveden near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Looking for something to do solo? Then why not head to Lyveden in Northamptonshire for a needle felting workshop.

Over two sessions, guests will learn how to transform wool into a small piece of art.

The workshop is designed for beginners, and by the end of the two sessions, guests will have created their own sunflower scene, inspired by Vincent van Gogh.

The workshops take place on Friday, January 30, from 10:30am to 3pm and cost £47.50 per person.

West End Shows, London

If you aren’t a fan of pantos, then why not opt for a London West End show instead?

Sites like TodayTix often offer deals and flash tickets at discounted prices for shows including Wicked and Moulin Rouge.

Twixmas swims, Ware Lido

Those who love a bit of an adrenaline rush can head to Ware Lido, which is open for festive swims.

Sessions for December 27 to 31 are still available… though they do advise wearing a wetsuit.

Adult swim sessions cost £6.75 and child sessions cost £3.75.

Fanhams Hall, Ware

The Jacobean mansion, Fanhams Hall, in Ware is hosting afternoon tea in the Drawing Room between Christmas and New Year.

The room overlooks the gardens at the house and visitors can enjoy a tiered offering of finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.

It costs from £40 per adult and there is a children’s tea available for £22.50 as well.

The afternoon tea is being hosted from December 27 to 30.

Afternoon tea, Petersham

Enjoy some classic British treats at Petersham, near Richmond from £54.00.

The menu includes roast turkey sandwiches and orange and cranberry scones.

You can even upgrade to have prosecco or champagne as well.

Eden Project, Cornwall

Eden Project is is opening to the public on Boxing Day for the first time since 2019, this year.

And over Twixmas there will be three, free running events on December 28, January 1 and January 4.

Eden Project also has an ice rink, which will be open until February.

And the Eden Project’s festive lights and soundscape experience will also take place each day between 5pm and 8pm, December 27 to 30.

Adult tickets cost £38 each and child tickets cost £12 each.

Helios, St Albans Museum + Gallery

If you love space or your kids do, then head to the solar show known as Helios at St Albans Museum + Gallery.

Here visitors can discover a six metre sculpture of the moon created by UK artist Luke Jerram.

The event runs from December 27 to January 25 and is free to visit.

Jurassic World Experience, London

It is your last chance to see Jurassic World Experience in London before it ends on January 4.

The experience features 10 immersive zones which bring the film to life.

It costs from £35.95 per adult and £28.95 per child.

Drayton Manor, Tamworth

Drayton Manor is the only UK theme park that will have all its major rides open throughout the festive period.

These rides include Gold Rush, The Wave and Maelstrom.

If visiting, your ticket will also include access to a new end-of-day show called ‘Drayton Manor’s Christmas Miracle’.

Tickets to the theme park cost £25 per person.

Edinburgh day trip

Head on a day trip to Edinburgh, which was recently named the most festive city in the UK by London Northwestern Railway (LNR).

It is either a short flight or a train journey, with both costing from around £34 per way.

Winchester Science Centre

Another one for aspiring astronauts is the Winchester Science Centre, which reopens on December 27 after being closed for Christmas.

Inside, visitors can explore many interactive exhibits as well as watch the live planetarium show – Solar System Adventure.

The Science Centre costs from £14 per person to visit.

Lights of Abraham, Peak District

Head to Lights of Abraham in the Peak District before they close for the year.

Visitors can go on a moon-lit cable car ride over a valley, which is full of lights.

Then, once they reach the summit, they can set off on a trail that has interactive stepping stones, a neon forest, and giant creatures.

The light trail is open from December 27 to 30 and costs from £22 per adult and £16 per child.

Stonehenge, Salisbury

For a refreshing walk with a bit of history, head to Stonehenge, in Wiltshire.

The world-famous prehistoric monument was built over 5,000 years ago, and visitors can walk around the stones as well as explore a museum about their history.

Stonehenge is only closed on Christmas Day, but has reduced hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

It costs from £25 per person to visit.

National Stone Centre, Matlock

Found just 30 minutes from Derby, on the edge of the Peak District, is the National Stone Centre.

Spread across 40 acres, it is free to visit all year round.

There are a number of activities for families, including geo-trails to find fossils.

There is also gem-panning which costs £3 per person.

There is also a playground as well.

Bounce Below, Llechwedd

Bounce Below features six netted areas with different chambers and bouncy nets for guests to play on.

And it is all set within caves under the ground, which is twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Tickets cost from £25 per person.

Sun Travel recently visited Bounce Below, finding it to be like a ‘theme park’ in caves.

Silent Pool Gin Festive Distillery Tour, Guildford

Silent Pool Gin Distillery in Guildford are running festive tours and tasting experience.

On each tour, a guide will explain how and why the distillery was created, and visitors will get to see the copper gin stills.

To make it a touch more festive, guests will also get to have a ‘Rare Citrus Hot Toddy’.

The tour will take place at various times across December 27 and 28 and it costs £30 per person.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

There’s nothing quite like visiting a palace and between Christmas and the New Year you could head to all three of the festive attractions at Blenheim Palace, as they remain open until January 3.

These include the Palace of Oz where the State Rooms have been transformed, The Great Skate ice rink and the Illuminated Light Trail.

Entry costs from £41 per adult and £24 per child.

Forest Bathing, Wrest Park

At Wrest Park, you could kick start 2026 with some pre-New Year wellbeing with forest bathing.

During the 90-minute experience, visitors will get to go on a slow walk through the woodland with a number of stops to explore nature.

The walk also includes a tea ceremony.

The event takes place on December 28 from 10:30am to 12pm and costs £22 per person.

Glow in the Dark, Mini Golf, Bath

Until January 4, you can head to a glow in the dark mini golf experience in Bath.

Found at Glow Golf, each player will have a glowing ball and the course is decked out with lights.

It costs £11.50 per adult and £9.75 per child.

Twilight Tobogganing, Mendip Activity Centre, Somerset

At Mendip Activity Centre in Somerset, families can explore a toboggan run until January 4.

Each session lasts 60 minutes, and visitors can discover an illuminated area where they can toast marshmallows and have a hot chocolate around a campfire.

It costs around £34 per person.

Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen’s Novels, Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery

At the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery visitors can explore the exhibition ‘Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen’s Novels’.

The exhibition celebrates 250 years of the author and explores a number of true stories of working women from Hampshire, where Austen was from.

An adult ticket costs £5.45 and a child ticket costs £4.50.

Christmas break with Warner Hotels

Warner Hotels have a number of properties across the UK – and many of which have great deals on breaks during Twixmas.

Twixmas breaks start from £249 per person for a three-night stay (based on two people sharing), and include bed, breakfast and three-course dinners, entertainment, access to leisure facilities and activities.

There are also a number of day experiences available, starting from £25 per person.

Bongo’s Bingo: Bingo All The Way, Newcastle

Bongo’s Bingo is in Newcastle at the Boiler Shop over the festive period.

The event features a mix of traditional bingo, dance-offs, raves, and audience participation.

The bingo will be taking place on December 27, 28 and 31 and it costs from £23.

Christmas Rocks, O2 City Hall, Newcastle

Over four days, a festival with rock tribute bands will be performing at O2 City Hall in Newcastle.

There will be AC/DC GB, Fleeting Rumours, Green Days and Paramore UK performing.

The event runs from December 27 to 30 and costs from £29.90 per person.

Twist Museum, London

Head to Twist Museum in London to explore a number of rooms with different illusions that are fun for both kids and adults.

There is also a new Lapland Infinity Forest at the museum, for a little bit of a festive twist.

Prices start from £20 per child and £24.50 per adult.

Exhibition on Screen: Caravaggio, Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle

A special screening at Tyneside Cinema will show the latest edition of Exhibition on Screen – a documentary series that explores the history behind different artworks.

This time, the event will focus on artist Caravaggio, and it is believed to be the most extensive film made about the artist.

It takes place on Monday, December 29 and costs around £10 for standard tickets.

Christmas Stick Man Trail, Haldon Forest near Exeter

Fans of Julia Donaldson should head to Haldon Forest near Exeter, in Devon for a day of exploring the Stick Man trail.

The trail follows Stick Man as he helps Santa deliver the final present.

The trail runs until January 4 and is free to visit.

Bubblicious family raves with the Soapbox Theatre, Plymouth

The Soapbox Theatre in Plymouth is hosting a family-friendly dance party, to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

It will include sessions for families with babies and one for older kids as well.

A DJ will play dance music, with glow sticks, UV face painting, and performers present too.

There is also a bar for adults too.

It takes place on December 31 and costs from £10 per person.

Museums, various

Up and down the UK there are many museums that will be open over the period between Christmas and New Year, including the Natural History Museum.

Museums are great spots for a day out especially when it is raining and cold.

And to add to that, a lot are free to visit as well.

Meet Paddington at Wookey Hole

At Wookey Hole Caves, visitors will be able to meet Paddington as well as explore ancient caves.

The caves are currently decked out with 100,000 lights and there is also an on-site circus show.

It costs from £19 per person.

Big Fat Quiz of the Year, Hampshire

The Wellington Arms in Hampshire is hosting a ‘Big Fat Quiz of the Year’.

Teams can be no bigger than six people, and it costs £2 per person to enter.

And of course there are prizes.

It takes place on December 29 at 6pm to 10pm.

Treasure hunt, Leeds

Treasure Hunt Leeds allows visitors to explore the city and solve clues in the process.

You can see the sights of the city, such as Victorian arcades and the Corn Exchange.

What’s best about this experience, is you can take it at your own pace.

It costs £15 per person.

Hawkchurch Resort and Spa, Axminster, South Devon

What about just having a mini-break?

For example, you could stay at Hawkchurch Resort and Spa for three nights from December 27 from £375.

Each lodge sleeps between two and eight people, and pets are also welcome.

The site itself has amazing views of the Axe Valley, and you can even opt for a lodge with a private hot tub.

Escape rooms, various

Escape rooms are a great family-friendly activity to do, and there are different venues across the UK.

For example, you could even go to Butlin’s Bognor Regis Playxperience where there are a few different options including Escape the Seven Seas Escape Room, which is suitable for children over the age of five.

The majority of escape rooms are more suitable for older kids though.

And prices tend to vary greatly, but you can expect to pay at least £30 per player.

Butlin’s break, across all three sites

Butlin’s is hosting festive breaks from £129 per person at Skegness, Bognor Regis, and Minehead.

These are great for small kids with lots of activities and shows to explore at each site.

Sun Travel has visited Butlin’s on numerous occasions, including trying the £1.8 million indoor soft play attraction at one of the sites.

A spa day, various

Why not treat yourself to a pamper session?

For example, Bannatyne Spas offer pamper days from £104 for two people.

There is nothing like a refreshing facial or revitalising massage before the New Year…

Pantomimes, UK wide

Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean the pantos are!

Most pantomimes run on until the New Year, and some even beyond.

And they aren’t necessarily Christmas-themed – for example, Jack and the Beanstalk or Dick Wittington.

So why not have a laugh with a pantomime Dame?

Hook Norton Brewery, Banbury

For beer fans or just those who want to get a tipple in before dry January, head to Hook Norton Brewery.

Over the Twixmas period, you can book a brewery tour and also grab a bite to eat at Malthouse Kitchen.

Each tour costs £20 per person.

Wake the Tiger, Bristol

Wake the Tiger in Bristol is the UK’s largest immersive art experience and the world’s first amazement park.

Inside, visitors will head on a self-guided journey of “kaleidoscopic realms”, with over 40 immersive spaces.

It costs from £16.50 per adult and £13.50 per child.

Silverstone Lap of Lights, Northamptonshire

Formula 1 fans can catch a festive twist on the motorsport at the Silverstone circuit with a two-mile light trail.

There is also an ice rink at the track too.

It costs from £50 per person.

Shell Grotto, Margate

Hidden beneath Margate in Kent is the Shell Grotto, which has over 2,000 sq ft of walls and ceilings completely covered in mosaics made of seashells.

In fact, there are over 4.6million seashells in total.

Entry costs £4.50 for adults, £2 for kids and £4 for concessions (over 60s, students registered disabled, armed forces).

Race Across the World: The Experience, Manchester

For fans of the TV show Race Across the World, there is now a brand new experience in Manchester.

The experience is designed for teams of two to eight players and lasts about three hours.

Participants head around the city, solving puzzles as they go.

It costs from £25 per person.

Travel reporter Alice Penwill tried out the Race Across the World experience in London, and here is what she thought.

Dreamery Gardens, York

Head to the folklore-filled woodland known as Dreamery Gardens, located just outside of York.

Filled with over 100 fairy doors, there is a 1.5km trail to discover.

Tickets start at £14.95 per person.

Chaos Karts, Manchester

Chaos Karts is a go-karting experience mixed with video games that makes it feel as if you are in Mario Kart.

The virtual tracks come alive around you as you race your rivals.

It costs from £30 per person.

In other attraction news, the unofficial ‘eighth Wonder of the World’ could be getting a new theme park – with five-star hotel and casino.

Plus, UK’s Universal theme park gets go ahead to start works next year – here’s when it plans to open to visitors.

WHEN Helen Flanagan and Scott Sinclair split after 13 years, they vowed to keep things amicable for the sake of their young kids.

But it was not long before the dynamic of the celebrity couple’s co-parenting soon began to show signs of strain.

The former Corrie actress blamed petty squabbles and communication issues, yet still remained tight-lipped about her ex.

But overnight, tensions between the pair appear to have hit DEFCON 1.

Helen, 35, flipped her lid when she spotted photos of Scott, 36, living the high life at the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, skipping their four-year-old son’s Christmas nativity play.

Lashing out online at the retired Bristol Rovers footballer, she raged: “You really are a piece of s**t,” ­sharing Scott’s Instagram post.

“How dare you not turn up to ­Charlie’s nativity,” she added.

Scott had posted snaps from his VIP weekend in the United Arab Emirates where he watched Lando Norris secure his maiden Drivers’ Championship title.

Standing in front of a huge F1 sign, he posed gleefully, tagging the post “What a weekend — Abu Dhabi F1.” He added: “Happy Days, blurry nights.”

Meanwhile, Helen shared a sweet snap of her cuddling their young son, captioning it: “Loved Charlie’s nativity. My star, my heartbeat.”

But when she spotted Scott’s jet- setting post, her blood boiled.

Now sources have told The Sun that Helen’s ex’s decision to skip ­Charlie’s school performance was just the tip of the iceberg — a culmination of bad behaviour that has left the telly star fuming.

The former couple share daughters Matilda, ten, Delilah, seven, and four-year-old son Charlie.

Yesterday Helen was spotted looking stony-faced while heading to her latest panto performance in Liverpool, where she is starring as The Wicked Queen in a production of Snow White.

A pal told The Sun: “Helen’s livid with Scott’s behaviour. He’s thinking about himself, not his children.

“She said, ‘I’m done letting him treat his family like this’. At the end of the day Helen is the mother of his kids. He needs to show more respect.”

Another pal said: “Helen is working full-time at the moment in panto so was expecting Scott to cover the nativity and go for her, as she has a lot on her plate and he is retired.

“When he didn’t bother, she wasn’t happy and took to her social media to vent her frustration and make a point.

“Their relationship is difficult at times — co-parenting is hard.”

Boys’ trips

Meanwhile another source close to the couple blames newly single Scott for embracing his “Hot Boy Winter” moment, leaving his family to ­suffer.

“Ever since Scott became single again things started to go downhill,” the source said.

“It’s been an incredibly testing few months for Helen, who feels like she is busting a gut and Scott doesn’t seem to get it.

“To make matters worse he is having the children for Christmas this year, which is another blow.”

Last year The Sun told how Scott was dating family friend Lauren Davies, 32, who is from his home city of Bath.

Things were going well up until the start of this year, when they are said to have decided they were better off as friends.

The source said: “Helen really liked Lauren and thought she was really good for Scotty.

You really are a piece of s***. How dare you not turn up to ­Charlie’s nativity

Helen on Instagram

“She has great values and felt it was important that Scott sees his kids and she wanted everyone to get along.

“But since their split, Scott hasn’t been present. He is constantly showing off his wealth online — with his extravagant boys’ trips. It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth.”

According to pals, tensions between Helen and Scott are so bad that the pair have blocked each other on WhatsApp, only communicating through family members.

The Sun also understands Scott wants to sell the £1.5million family home near Bolton and move Helen and the kids into a smaller property.

The eight-bedroom house went on the market in June, but Helen is standing firm. One pal said: “Scott is trying to sell the family home, but Helen has moved six times since Matilda was born.

“And because she is refusing to uproot the children, he’s stopped some of the money he was giving her for the kids. She’s fuming.

“The house is right next to her mum and dad, who take care of the kids while Helen works.

“Scott’s retired so he could have them, but he’s swanning around in Dubai and London and flashing it all over Instagram.

“At the same time he is claiming he can’t afford to give her the money, but he goes and blows £20,000 on the F1.”

Helen’s livid with Scott’s behaviour. He’s thinking about himself, not his children

A pal

The pal said Christmas will be particularly hard for Helen without her kids.

They said: “She is working full-time at the panto and dealing with the kids, with no help from Scott.

“Then he’ll have them at Christmas and post it all over Instagram, claiming to be dad of the year. He’s picking and choosing when he wants to help, but parenting doesn’t work like that.

“Helen has supported him for his whole football career and moved all over the country, but she’s adamant that she doesn’t want to uproot the kids and cause more disruption in their lives.”

This comes after Helen signed up to star in reality TV show Celebrity Ex On The Beach, in which she intends to “cause fireworks”.

Last month we revealed she was abroad filming scenes — and will not be holding back when it comes to getting what she wants.

Number blocked

It is not the first time the couple’s co-parenting relation- ship has been tested, with Helen previously saying Scott had her number blocked on his phone.

In October 2024 she told a podcast: “I’m on block at the moment on Scott’s phone. I really am. I’m on block.” However, she later said that the couple were on speaking terms so that they could co-parent their brood.

To make matters worse he is having the children for Christmas this year, which is another blow

Source

But in recent months things appear to have taken a turn again, as Helen hinted at trouble.

Earlier this month she told The Sun: “He lives in Somerset and I live in Lancashire. So we live so far away from each other, which is really difficult when you’ve got three young children.

“I hate calling it co-parenting because I don’t really feel like a co-parent, to be honest with you.”

Reflecting on their split in 2024, Helen told The Sun: “It was a mutual decision and personally, I felt as a mum that this was the best thing for my children.

“I want them to see healthy relationships and to be in healthy environments. I think if you’re unhappy then that projects on to them.”

She added: “I love Scott and I know that he loves me, but I suppose we just don’t like each other very much at the moment.

“We don’t really speak and there’s no point in pretending that we’re the best of friends when we’re not.”

Both Helen and Scott were approached for comment.