Travel: big days out
From theme parks to boat rides along the Thames, we’ve got your summer sorted
Thrill-seeking rides
For a fun-packed day out, Chessington World of Adventures is the place for you. Animal lovers will enjoy the zoo, including the Asiatic lions and the arrival of the new baby Humboldt penguins, while younger children can learn all about the smaller creatures in the Sea Life Centre. There are over 40 rides spread across the park, and the newest is Croc Drop, where those daring to hop on board will plunge 25m into the giant jaws of Sobek, the ancient Egyptian crocodile god and protector of the Nile, who has been possessed by evil spirits, transforming him into a cruel deity. Riders must take part in a ceremony to banish the evil spirits from Sobek, plunging into the crocodile’s soul and freeing the water back into the Nile! It’s not for the faint-hearted, but lots of fun.
● Tickets cost £34 per person when booked at Chessington.com
New Legoland Mythica land
Legoland in Windsor makes for a good day trip whatever the weather. The park is split into different zones, so you can choose which area to explore. Mythica has recently opened and features three new rides, one being The Flight of Sky Lion, which stands more than 25m tall and is the UK’S first flying theatre ride. We also loved spotting the new mythical Lego creatures – there are 13 in total, including a unicorn and a double-headed chimera. ● Day tickets start from £29 per person, and kids under 90cm go free. To book, visit Legoland.co.uk
Outdoor theatre
This August, hit musical Mamma Mia! will be performed live outside for the very first time, in the grounds of Harewood House in West Yorkshire. Fancy enjoying a break away to see this enchanting tale that unfolds to the music of ABBA’S timeless songs, and singing along to all your favourite hits in the balmy summer’s air? Just Go! Holidays is offering a two-day coach break that includes a ticket to see the show, with prices from £129pp. ● Price includes one night’s bed and breakfast accommodation, return coach travel from various pick-up points in the south and midlands, a ticket to see Mamma Mia! at Harewood House with coach transfers to and from the event and an en-route visit to York. Valid for departures on 15 and 22 August and based on two sharing from Justgoholidays.com
Hop on board!
Beat the traffic and enjoy the fantastic views of London along the Thames on a riverboat. Boarding takes place every 40 minutes at various points, like Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier or Greenwich. There are many ticket types to choose from, although we like the 24-hour river pass, which offers unlimited access to the river, so you can hop on and off wherever you choose. The open-top deck makes for great viewing as you pass by Big Ben, The Shard and plenty more sights. The boats provide guided commentary, so you won’t miss a thing – and you can enjoy a drink or two! A family hop-on ticket costs £41 for two adults and up to three children.
● To book, visit Cityexperiences.com
Gift a day out
With COVID restrictions easing, it’s great to get out and about again, and the perfect excuse to catch up with a good friend. Buyagift has recently introduced a great new experience box called
Fun Together. There are 2,010 experiences to choose from, including a thrilling Segway rally ride, Italian meal for two, wine tasting, or a relaxing pamper treat. The list is endless, and there’s a two-year validity period, so you have plenty of time to decide what you want to do.
● Tickets from £39.99. Visit Buyagift.co.uk
Tunnel through rural Worcestershire
Explore the countryside on your own narrow boat! From Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, day boaters can cruise north to Kings Norton Junction, through the remains of the Forest of Arden. There’s a choice of pubs to moor at along the way, including The Crown at Alvechurch. The route is lock-free, but there are two tunnels to pass through, including Wast Hill Tunnel, which is nearly 2.5km long. The “Emma” canal boat can carry up to ten people.
● Weekday hire is £99 a day and £150 a day for weekends and bank holidays. To book, visit Drifters.co.uk