Summer days out
There’s no excuse for boredom this summer holiday, with plenty to keep the children busy
SHOWTIME, LONDON: AUGUST 1-31
The month of August is a capital time for children to catch a London West End show for free or half-price. Families can choose from more than 40 performances, from the hilarious Comedy About a Bank Robbery to the new feel-good musical Strictly Ballroom, with some theatres offering free events and activities for youngsters such as workshops and backstage tours. TICKETS Free for one child under 16 when accompanied by an adult paying full price, with an addi- tional two children’s tickets at half price, for selected performances. kidsweek.co.uk
THRILLER DAYS, LONDON: AUGUST 13-27
The Michael Jackson On the Wall exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery explores the impact the King of Pop had on contemporary art. Young ones can find inspiration at daily art and craft workshops. In the Education Studio they can perfect their moonwalk, decorate a white glove, design a T-shirt or play with clay, while older children can book in for sessions on photography, fashion, film, music and dance. TICKETS Exhibition tickets from €19.50, under-12s free and on Fridays, special ticket for under-26s is €6. Tickets for the workshop sessions are free and available from the Gallery one hour before entry. All materials are provided. npg.org.uk
BEE TRAIL, MANCHESTER: TOMORROW-SEPTEMBER 23
A swarm of bees, Manchester’s famous symbol, will be landing in the northern metropolis with over 100 giant bee sculptures appearing at locations across the city and beyond. In a tribute to Manchester’s legendary music scene, famous figures and industrial heritage, among the artworks will be a rock ’n’ roll bee designed with Liam Gallagher, Hilda Bugden in honour of the Coronation Street character and Bee United, plus Mike Summer-bee in a nod to the city’s famous football clubs. Alongside the Bee In The City trail will be a hive of themed activities. And you can make a beeline for any of the sculptures in October when they will be auctioned off for local charities. TICKETS Bee In The City Trail is free. beeinthecitymcr.co.uk
STEAM FEST, DORSET: AUGUST 23-27
Chug along to the Great Dorset Steam Fair, arguably the world’s biggest gathering of steam and vintage paraphernalia, as it celebrates its 50 anniversary in the village of Tarrant Hinton. The fair will also mark the centenary of the end of the First World War with a tribute display featuring a replica Western Front trench system, steam vehicles from the terrible conflict together with a living history group of soldiers and horse demos. Rural
attractions will include the famous Sheep Show Shuffle and a ploughing match. There’ll be live music across six stages around the showground. THE DEAL One-day admission from €19.50 adults/€8 children. gdsf.co.uk
WAR OF THE ROSES, NORFOLK: AUGUST 11 & 12
Pitch up at the 70-acre estate of 15th century Oxburgh Hall, transformed into a medieval military encampment. Discover what life was like for a soldier during the civil wars when the Houses of York and Lancaster battled for control of the throne of England. See what they would have looked like and what kind of food they would have eaten – and be prepared for a real cannon being fired. TICKETS From €7 adults/€4 children/€16 family. Event is free. nationaltrust. org.uk/oxburgh-hall
EXPEDITION SPACE, CORNWALL: UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2
Head to the Eden Project this summer for a trip that’s out of this world. Throughout summer the St Austell attraction’s Expedition Space programme will be offering a host of intergalactic activities. Climb on board a rocket to take off on a Mission to Mars, play mini-golf on Mercury, whizz down Saturn’s icy slopes and test your moon buggy driving skills over a lunar landscape – or take a thrilling trip across Venus’s fiery terrain (€6pp). Back on Earth, friendly animatronic alien Mort will be happy to give you a tour. TICKETS From €28 adults/€14 children/ under-fives free edenproject.com
BALLOON FIESTA, BRISTOL: AUGUST 9-12
This year the Bristol International Fiesta will be rising to the occasion of its 40th anniversary. Europe’s largest hot air balloon event will see mass balloon ascents over the grounds of Ashton Court Estate at dawn and dusk every day, and visitors can take to the skies themselves. There’s live music, fairground attractions, nightglow shows and fireworks displays. TICKETS Free. bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
BUG HUNTING, NORTH YORKSHIRE: AUGUST 15
Play detective with National Trust gardeners in the grounds of charming manor house Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, on the search for bugs, butterflies and other critters among the flowers and grasses. Watch out for the Hall’s flamboyant residents – peacocks strut their stuff as you stroll across meadows. TICKETS From €10 adults/€6 children/€25 family. nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall
JOUSTING AT ARUNDEL CASTLE: JULY 24-29
Witness some of the finest knights of the realm and beyond, tilting lances over six days as they vie for the glory of being crowned Champion of Champions. The world’s longest jousting tournament will be conducted against the dramatic backdrop of the West Sussex castle, which this year celebrates its 950th anniversary. Wander round the tented medieval encampment and try your hand at archery, marvel at the falconry displays and be entranced by storytellers.
TICKETS From €28 adults/€13 children/underfives free/€70 family. Includes entry to the Castle and Gardens. arundelcastle.org
WALES YEAR-ROUND: COASTING THROUGH FOREST
Take in stunning views of Snowdonia as you weave and dart through 1km of glorious woodland scenery at speeds of up to 25mph on the UK’S only alpine coaster at Zip World in Betwsy-coed. And if you’re game for more adrenaline rushes, Zip World has 10 activities across three sites, including Velocity 2, flying 500ft above Penrhyn Slate Quarry at up to 125mph. TICKETS From €22pp for three Forest Coaster rides and from €83pp on Velocity 2. zipworld.co.uk
UNTIL OCTOBER: DOLPHIN WATCHING
Cardigan Bay is home to the UK’S biggest pod of bottlenose dolphins and in summer New Quay is a prime place for spotting them. You might also be rewarded with sightings of porpoises, basking sharks and even orcas. For the best dolphin-watching locations go to visitwales. com. TICKETS A Bay to Remember has onehour Bay Explorer boat trips sailing to Cardigan Island and then to the sea caves at Cemaes Head. Adults €28/children €15. baytoremember.co.uk
THE BIG CHEESE, CAERPHILLY: JULY 27-29
The Welsh town’s most famous export is celebrated every year as it plays host to The Big
Cheese, a spectacular carnival, in the shadow of one of Europe’s largest castles. Celebrate old Wales with its customs and traditions, along with be folk-singing and dancing, falconry, fire-eating, minstrels and troubadours. TICKETS Free. your. caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese
SCOTLAND NATIONAL AIRSHOW, EAST LOTHIAN: JULY 28
Wing your way over to the National Museum of Flight for some awesome aerial displays as classic and new aircraft take to the skies over East Fortune Airfield, including the fabulous Red Arrows who are helping to mark the centenary of the RAF. There’s a packed programme of activities on the ground too – brass bands, pipers, dancing displays, a funfair and a family entertainment marquee will keep everyone distracted. TICKETS From €25 adults/€13 children/underfives free/€60 family. nms.ac.uk
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL: AUGUST 11-27
Bookworms of all ages should head over to the tented village in leafy Charlotte Square Gardens in the heart of the Scottish capital and see their favourite writer or join a workshop. Some 1,000 authors will be making an appearance for Q&AS and debates which will focus on this year’s theme – Freedom to Think. TICKETS Entry to the Book Festival Village is free. edbookfest.co.uk
IRELAND KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL: AUGUST 9-19
The medieval city’s castle provides the perfect setting for musicians, writers and artists. Head to Kilkenny Castle Park for the Lightkeepers’ Last Stand, an aerial circus show, and open-air theatre at Castle Yard for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. At weekends, the fun will spill on to the High Street. TICKETS Prices vary. kilkennyarts.ie