10 places to make little ones’ unicorn dreams come true
It seems that all children love unicorns. Katie Elgie discovers where you can take your little ones in Wales to prove the magical creature really does exist
DO YOUR children wish they had a unicorn for a pet? You may not be able to grant that request, but you don’t need to go far to give them a chance to fulfil their unicorn fantasies.
Here are 10 days out and activities in Wales where they can experience the magic.
1. Have a unicorn afternoon tea
Take your little prince or princess to an extravagant afternoon tea where they’ll get to meet a “real” unicorn.
The New House Country Hotel in Cardiff will be decorated with magical decorations and children will receive a special unicorn gift to take home with them.
Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest glittery, colourful, unicorn-themed attire.
Tickets cost £22.95 for adults and £12.95 for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by parents paying for an afternoon tea.
Where: New House Country Hotel, Thornhill, Cardiff, CF14 9UA.
When: October 29 and 30 at noon. Tickets must be booked in advance on 029 2052 0280.
2. Tuck in to unicorn afternoon tea
Another unicorn afternoon tea is available at Broneirion country house in the Severn Valley.
For £9.95 per person, enjoy pink lemonade and a pot of tea bursting with rainbows and sparkles.
Treats include rainbow pizza, a golden unicorn cream horn and macaroon unicorns.
Where: Broneirion, Llandinam, Powys, SY17 5DE.
When: Available Monday to Friday. Book by calling 01686 688204.
3. Host a unicorn party
You don’t even need to leave the house to give your kids a day they won’t forget.
Bounce ‘n’ Play South Wales offers everything you need to create a super fun unicorn-themed play centre in your own home.
The Unicorn Magic package from £60 includes a fairy hideaway and bouncing unicorns. They deliver to most parts of South Wales.
Details: Visit www.bouncesouthwales.co.uk for details and book.
4. Go and see the Queen’s Beasts
The Royal Mint is the home of British coin production and now you can see behind the scenes in an enthralling day out for the whole family.
Unicorn-lovers will be excited to see The Queen’s Beasts’ coin collection, a highlight of which is the Unicorn of Scotland.
The range of unicorn-stamped coins are worth anywhere between £13 and £8,565.
There’s also plenty of other activities for children and you can even strike your own coin.
Tickets cost £13 for adults and £10.50 for children aged 5-15. Concessions and family tickets are available. Where: The Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant, CF72 8YT.
When: It’s open seven days a week, with the first tour at 10am and the last tour at 4.30pm (last tour begins at 4pm from November). Pre-booking is advisable.
5. Devour a unicorn sundae
Parc Pantry Tea Rooms in Newport offers the perfect dessert for the unicorn fan.
The Unicorn Sundae consists of soft serve ice cream with a cone-unicorn horn and candyfloss.
And you get to spend the afternoon at the beautiful city park.
They also make unicorn rocky road. Where: Parc Pantry Tearooms, Bellevue Pavillion & Conservatory, (off Friars Road) Newport, NP20 4EZ. When: Open 10am-4pm daily.
6. Paint a pegasus
Creative types need look no further than Lollipops & Ladybirds in Old Cwmbran.
In the cosy pottery studio, you can paint your unicorn with whichever colours you see fit.
They provide sponges, paints, stencils and design books for inspiration at no extra cost, leaving you stress-free to paint to your heart’s content with your little one.
Where: Lollypops & Ladybirds , 44 Victoria Street, Old Cwmbran, NP44 3JN.
When: Tuesday-Friday 10am-3pm, Saturday 10am-5pm. Booking is recommended, last painters one hour before closing.
7. Star in your own unicorn photo shoot
Photographer Claire Eaton and her two ponies Hettie and Robbie offer a unique opportunity.
Your little ones can pose in stunning photographs with “real-life” unicorns. A session costs £160 and fully-trained horse and pony handlers will be there to ensure safety.
It includes costumes and a surprise gift. Suitable for children aged three and above.
Where: Unit 3, Thornton Business Park, Thornton, Milford Haven, SA73 2RY.
When: Book at www.claireeatonphotography.co.uk
8. Hunt for a unicorn in the woods
Spend a day hunting for a unicorn at the enchanted woods of Mountain View Ranch.
There’s plenty of magical creatures to discover including a wolf, a dragon and even a gruffalo!
The ranch offers tons of activities such as high ropes and activities, making it a family favourite on the outskirts of Caerphilly.
Where: Mountain View Ranch, Heol Penybryn, Tongwynlais, Cardiff, CF83 1NG.
When: Weekdays: 9.30am-4pm,
Weekends: 9.30am-5pm (subject to change due to weather).
9. Stay in the ‘pink unicorn’
Portmeiron is the picturesque Welsh village designed by architect Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis that looks as though it has been lifted straight from a fairytale.
You can stay in the Unicorn Cottage, a large pink manor house in the middle of the beautiful Italianate village. Or just visit for the day for a look around.
Where: Portmeirion, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER. When: Call 01766 770000 for prices and booking information.
10. Decorate a unicorn
Aberystwyth baker Fiona Evans, of The Sugar Dough Cakery, sells Unicorn and Rainbows Cookie Decorating kits, which she makes by hand.
You’ll receive 12 delicious cookies shaped like unicorns, stars and rainbows, alongside four pots of royal icing which make an excellent activity in your own home, regardless of your baking capabilities.
A kit costs £23.50 and you can choose from plain, gingerbread or chocolate.
Details: Order online from discover delicious.wales