A recent survey suggested that more than half of us will stay in the UK this year and whilst this may not initially seem like the most appealing prospect, for families with children there is a world of adventure and hidden gems to be found on English soil – and a great deal of them are free of charge!
Roskilly’s Ice Cream & Organic Farm, Cornwall 01326 280479
Watch the milking, explore the woodlands, feed the ducks on the ponds and look out for the giant rhubarb trees on this working organic farm. The milk comes from the 94 strong herd of Jersey cows which graze on pastures that have been farmed in a traditional and sustainable way for generations.
Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, Chester 01829 770446
www.cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk
Where all your ice cream dreams come true. Set in a picture perfect location overlooked by the twin peaks of Beeston and Peckforton Castle lies a farm with a difference. A working dairy farm with a selection of animal and aviaries for rescued birds of prey. Play barn, playground and a wonderful selection of ice creams and sorbets!
Abbott Lodge Jersey Ice Cream, Cumbria 01931 712720
www.abbottlodgejerseyicecream.co.uk
Abbott Lodge, near Penrith, Cumbria is a working dairy farm set in spectacular scenery midway between the Eden Valley and the Northern Lake District. Meet the Jersey cows at this working farm, try the ice cream and work up an appetite in the indoor and outdoor playgrounds.
The Cornish Cyder Farm 01872 573356
This 100-acre working farm produces over 40 different varieties of fruit products. Visit the press house, bottlery and jam kitchen. It's been ‘The Nation’s Favourite Farm Visit’ for the last five years.
Cheddar Sweet Kitchen, Somerset 01934 743810
Stripy humbugs, sherbet lemons and sticks of rock are made at this tiny sweet factory. Prepare for temptation! Watch daily demonstrations of old fashioned sweet making.
Biddenden Vineyards and Cider Works, Kent 01580 291726
Explore the extensive vineyards and see the presses and bottling line, followed by a visit to the tasting room to try the wine, cider and apple juice! Harvest of the grapes takes place late September, visitors can see the presses in operation in the winery.
The Old Bakery, Manor Mill and Forge, Branscombe 01392 881691
Set in one of Devon’s most relaxing and picturesque coastal villages the restored Manor Mill is now in full working order, serving arguably the best Devon cream teas and an array of homemade jams and preserves. Milling memorabilia and a beautiful garden add to the delight.
Weston Cider Visitors Centre & Farm Park , Hereford 01531 660108
See delightful tiny ponies, goats and alpacas on the farm park, ride on the Shire horse dray (extra charge), or try the play and picnic area. Join a Guided Tour around the mill and savour the aromas of traditional cider making. Hear how cider is produced from the planting of the orchards to the moment it is poured.
Let’s Go with the Children Guide Books are published by Boomerang Family Ltd.
On Sale Date 23 rd March 2009 Price: £3.75
Exclusive Offers from: Boden, Billy Elliott, Wicked, Grease, Fitness First, Fit for Sport, Sea Life Centres, Babyworld, Chiquito Restaurants
Available from; Morrisons, Waitrose, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Martin McColl, WH Smith and Waterstones
The 14 editions are: Bristol Bath Glos & Wilts, Bed Bucks Herts & Northants, Berks & Oxon, East Anglia, East Midlands, Hants & Dorset, Heart of England, Kent, North West, Surrey, Sussex, South West, Yorkshire & North East, London Inside & Out
E-publications for Wales & Scotland
www.letsgowiththechildren.co.uk Tel: 01252 368325
