Days Out in Essex // Colchester Zoo

When I booked the children and I a week away in Essex earlier this month, I had no idea about the area or what was local but after a quick Google I discovered Colchester Zoo was a 30 minute drive away from Clacton and I could only find great reviews from friends that had visited.  Because of Covid reopening, I was online at 8am the weekend before trying to get tickets and managed to get 5 for the Wednesday right in the middle of the trip.  

Colchester Zoo was easy to find and parking was free. We had a 30 minute slot for entry and there were very few people around the entrance.  My tickets were scanned through my phone and we were sent inside.  I don't know how busy the zoo usually gets to comment on, but we never felt crowded or too close to others, but when it came to wanting to eat, it was very challenging to find somewhere to sit! 

We found the zoo difficult to navigate at first and my phone didn't get enough signal to get the online map up. I did see other people with paper copies though so they must have been available at the entrance.  That being said, we had no real agenda other than seeing as much as we could and we enjoyed wandering and seeing what came up next.  

We liked how interactive the zoo was, with things that can be climbed on, information designed for children and interesting displays around the zoo.  We visited the feeding area where the children could feed some of the animals including goats.  This was a real highlight for the younger two who like to get involved where they can.

My favourite part of the zoo was the African area where giraffes, zebras, rhino and other animals that naturally coexist were in a larger area together.  You could walk most of the way around the area and there are opportunities to pay to hand feed the giraffe and elephants (£20 for a family/group of up to 5 people).

There were a few enclosures and areas that were not open to visitors, anything that was fully inside was shut due to Covid guidelines, but we spent many hours at the park and didn't feel like we missed out.  Some areas were undercover but with open sides so masks were required (alongside social distancing of course) but they were open and clearly signed. There were also no keeper talks or timed feedings to avoid crowding

The boys favourite part of the zoo experience was the 'Lost Madagascar' train which took us around an area of the park and gave us a unique view of some animals.  The train was cleaned between passengers, there were perspex screens between each group and there was a great narrative from the driver.  It was ideal after a long afternoon walking around!  We ended the day at the big playground near the exit.  Designed for school aged children it was secure, big enough to keep my elder children (8 and 9) happy and had plenty of seating.

We had a brilliant day out at Colchester Zoo and would really recommend it as a family attraction in Essex.  We spent over 6 hours in the zoo and the children have all asked to return! As we visited on a week day, my adult ticket was £21.24 and the children's tickets were £15.30 each.  There is a large store that you can visit for gifts and souvenirs on the way out, but you can avoid going inside at all and use the exit at the side.

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Days out on the Isle Of Wight - Blackgang Chine

During our recent trip to the Isle of Wight we visited Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest theme park.  We have visited three times over the years, but it is somewhere the children remember and talk about and for us, a visit to the island isn't complete without spending a day here.  In many ways walking through the gates is like stepping back in time.  You are greeted at the entrance by a giant statue of a smuggler and a board inside informs us that he has recently had his clothes repainted for the first time since 1987.  Many of the exhibits haven't changed since my childhood.  My mum remembers bringing my brother and I here back in 1989 and it is amazing to see how much is the same.  

The park is set in Ventnor on the edge of the island and you can see where the cliff collapsed into the sea many years ago.  With a real mix of attractions, the park is aimed at under 10s with plenty to do for the little ones.  We arrived shortly after 10 and ended up leaving just before 5 when the park was shutting.  It was half term when we visited but I think the weather put a lot of people off (it rained almost all day) so it was pretty quiet and we had no problem keeping our distance from others.  We started off entering the dinosaur exhibit and the older children found the signs around the area hilarious.  Amongst the dinosaurs we could see moving and squirting water there are a few that can be climbed on which is always popular! I have photos of the boys on these from our last two visits which I need to bring out!

The land of the Dodos is worth exploring as well as a quick walk through of the crooked house and then we found the two pirate ships that can be played on, both with water guns that shoot across to the other.  As it was raining anyway there seemed no harm in letting the children soak each other.  There are lots of little cabins around the outside of the play area with different things to look at but quite a few were shut (presumably due to their size and Covid guidelines).

The bigger boys remembered Cowboy town well, including the fact you can buy those little bangers that you throw at the floor so we headed there.  There is a mini town with different buildings and shops and they love playiand exploring.  There is also a little outdoor cafe so adults can get a hot coffee! I think this is their favourite part of the park. 

We visited the underwater section, with memories rushing back for the boys (Cora wasn't quite 2 I don't think on our last visit so doesn't remember as much) and Rumpus Mansion which had a Halloween event going on.  The actors were fantastic (and all wearing masks) and it wasn't scary in the slightest.  There was a Halloween fancy dress competition but we hadn't come dressed up.  We did find the little spooky disco area though and got to meet a dragon which was exciting! 

Over the other side of the park there are two rides, one teacups style and a mini rollercoaster which children need to be 1.1m tall to go on.  I took Archie and Finn on it and they enjoyed it.  There was also a water ride which three of them loved, although the younger two needed to go in a boat with an adult (between 0.9 and 1.2m which Finn is a tiny bit shy of).  Dylan is quite cautious and prefers to watch. In the midst of the rides is an ice cream shop called iScream which looks a little modern and out of place in the surroundings but I imagine would be very welcome in different weather.  I turned down requests from the children to get ice cream and eat it in the rain and we popped back to the main cafe for a delicious cake instead. 

 

The park isn't big and there isn't anything really designed for over 8s but all four of my children love Blackgang Chine and it makes a fun day out for young families.  It is a highlight of our trip every time we visit and the children would have happily gone back for round 2 if we were on a longer trip.  With entry to both Blackgang Chine and its sister park Robin Hill, you get free return entry for 7 days.  The novelty features, like the bin that talks to you when you put rubbish in, the 'mouth of hell' that you can climb in and look out of the eyes, the musical pet shop and the distinctly old fashioned feel are quirky and charming and whilst modernising the park may increase footfall, I hope it never changes.  The park is currently closed due to Covid guidelines but we are looking forward to returning in the future.

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Days Out in Kent - A Pokemon Trail

My friend has a woodland near her house that she often walks her dogs in and over lockdown, she found someone had made a trail through the woods for kids to follow.  In a time where our options were limited, finding something fun, free and naturally away from others was always a win and recently she made her own trail through the same woods with an A-Z of Pokemon.

I met up with her to take the kids on a hunt and she made special sheets for them to tick off all the Pokemon they found.  For the older ones just writing the first letter is perfect too as they can practice writing down what they have found.  She laminated her Pokemon and attached them securely to trees and on the back of each Pokemon you can find the name of it too.

I love how simple this is and my children had so much fun running through the trees finding the hidden creatures.  There is no reason why we can't make our own in the future (another reason to buy a laminator!).  I shared on Instagram stories the trail that we have followed and had so many responses, that I decided to pop it in a blog post so that I could share the printable and the directions for anyone local who may want to follow the trail.

Instructions to get there:

There's space to park on Candler's Way, Chartham, CT4 7TU. Go through the field with the zip line. Exit the field at the top left corner, walk past Cobbs Meadow RDA and turn left into the woods. Follow the path into the woods. There is a loop to your right which is where the trail is set out. The Pokemon A-Z poster lets you know you have found the start.

Save Me and Print Me

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Days Out in Kent - Reculver

Lockdown has made me realise how much there is to do in our local area.  We are so used to spending the school holidays and weekends exploring further afield when really we could spend more time discovering local gems and making the most of the landscape.  This week we visited Reculver, known mostly for the ruins that can be seen from miles away along the coast.  It is easy to reach by road (not so much by public transport) and we spent a long afternoon enjoying the sunshine and the park.

The ruins of the church are set on a small hill and are free to visit.  The children love climbing all over the walls and the sea is fenced off around.  There are plaques with more information and the views are spectacular.  Just down the hill from the ruins is a lovely playground surrounded by picnic benches.  All four of the children aged 4-9 loved the playground.  There were swings, slides, roundabouts and see saws as well as disabled swings which you need to bring your own harness for.  There was plenty of seating and the area is kept really clean.  There is a toilet block and two cafes on the site that serve ice cream, drinks and cakes as well as chips and basic food.  

Reculver connects along the coastline to Minnis Bay and you can walk or cycle along the promenade from here.  The car park for the ruins is spacious enough and costs £1.30 per hour.

My children loved exploring, they were fascinated by the ruins and they enjoyed the variety in the playground.  They are is part of a bigger country park and there are lots of walks and trails to discover more of the area as well as little pubs.  If you are looking to spend a day outdoors it is worth a visit and the children are looking forward to going back.

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