South Lakes Safari Zoo (Re-Up)

Hi everyone,

On Sunday 25th August 2019, we were lucky enough to visit South Lakes Safari Zoo and take part in a number of their animal experiences, which were amazing and insightful. 

Firstly we met and fed the female Kordofan Giraffes, these are absolutely beautiful and the whole experience was amazing. Seeing the giraffes using their long black tongues to reach out and take the food from our hands was spectacular.

We then moved onto feeding the ringtail and rough Lemurs which were the most gentlest animals we have ever met. They were holding onto our hands whilst taking the food, such a surreal moment. 

By far the most unique experience we have ever had was hand feeding the mother and son Jaguars Bonita and Remi. This was absolutely amazing, to see these animals up close and personal really helps you to appreciate their size and beauty. This is something we will never forget. 

Unfortunately all these animals are classified as Endangered or criticality endanger in the wild due to deforestation, hunting and the tourist trade in their native countries. This is such a shame for any creature let alone gorgeous ones like these. 

We finished the day by feeding the Humboldts Penguins. These little ones like their food and will surround you in an instant but we didn't mind as they are lovely. 

The Safari Zoo in general is fantastic. Unlike other zoos we have visited, this one feels very relaxed and open. It feels more like you are part of the animals world rather than viewing them inside an enclosure. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Their knowledge is extraordinary and you can see they are extremely passionate about their job. 

As well as pre-booking animal experiences as we have detailed above, there are many opportunities throughout the day to feed and interact with the animals and keepers. 

The zoo is open year round with the exception of Christmas day. It is very reasonably priced but they also have offers available on the door if you purchase a map for £1 or book online to save 20% using the link below. 

https://www.southlakessafarizoo.com/online-safari-saver/

Overall this was a unbelievable and unforgettable trip. We would thoroughly recommend anyone to go and support this fantastic zoo with the work that they are doing whilst making family memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some photos and videos from our time there.

Marvelous Maps

 Hi Everyone,

We were happy to be sent the amazing Great British Adventure Map. This map is fab and perfect for map lovers, adventurers and, well, anyone! 

The Great British Adventure Map features 2,500 of Britain’s great wild places, mountains, islands, beaches, waterways, viewpoints, eccentric events and long-distance routes, peppered with some randomly inspiring trivia and amusingly quirky touches. There are so many places on the map that we had never heard of so we are excited to have complied a huge list of places that we want to go to.

The map is a really good size making it ideal for the kids to immerse themselves in it and get excited about choosing their own adventure.

There is a wonderful website to go alongside the map with lots of hints tips and ideas to make your adventure even more memorable. 

Get your map here www.marvelousmaps.com and  use the code DROPANDGIMME20 to get 20% off 2 or more maps plus free UK delivery.

Disney on Ice

 Hi Everyone,

Last night we had the most magical time at Disney On Ice at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle . We have been going to see this show every year for the last ten years so we were very excited to see this once again.

We say this after every production but this was the best one yet. The sets and costumes are just amazing, the skill of the skaters is world class and the way they tell the story is just wonderful. The whole show is mesmerising from beginning to end.

What we love about Disney on Ice is that it's a show for everyone, the adults love it just as much as the kids. Toddlers and teens, boys and girls, they all sing-a-long with massive smiles on their faces. It's absolutely joyous.

The shows usually last around 2 hours and the venue is pretty good at getting people in and out. We always arrive early so we can avoid any queues and get settled before the show starts. Doors typically open one hour before show time.

One of the main questions people ask about is the price of the merchandise. It is on the expensive side but it's also very good quality. Flashy lights are around £25. My youngest has a Mikey light we bought several years ago which still works perfectly and always comes along to the shows with us. Snow cone cups start at £10 and again really stand the test of time. We were a little disappointed this year as we actually own all the cups so couldn't add another to our collection but got a drinking bottle instead, which is great for avoiding snow cone spillages. 

We did purchase the candy floss with a crown for £11. The crown is very well made and looks really lovely as it has Mickey ears, jewels and padding on the inside. This will definitely be used again. Buckets of popcorn were £12 and again the bucket is lovely with an embossed Mickey head and a lid so ideal for pens etc. All merc comes with 2 year guarantee aswell which always comes in handy when little ones are involved.

Rainton Arena Winter Wonderland Offers

Hi Everyone,

There are some great discounts for Rainton Areas Winter Wonderland ice rink and Aladdin Pantomime at the moment. Follow the links for all the info and to  get your tickets.

Aladdin:

Pantomime discount tickets here

Get a ticket to see the wonderful Aladdin pantomime 

Traditional pantomime mixed with an updated twist with Tiktok dances, songs  and more 

Can multibuy vouchers for families and groups

Family friendly pantomime but with entertainment and humour for all ages to enjoy

Spend some quality family time together making memories 

Shows running from 5th-22nd Dec 2021

Shows start at 11am and 3:30pm

Ice Rink:

Ice rink discount tickets here

Largest ice skating rink in the North East 

Ideal for all skating abilities whether you are a natural on the ice or like Bambi on ice there's fun all round.

After your skating you are at the winter wonderland with Santas Grotto, a full fair ground and world food stalls at your feet

Spend some quality family time together making memories 

Monday to Thursday 4pm-8pm

#ad #neoffers #pantomime #aladdin #icerink #raintonarena #raintonarenawinterwonderland #Christmas #familytime #notboredoutdoors

The Hole In Wand

 Hi Everyone,

We visited @theholeinwand wizard golf yesterday and we're so surprised by just how much fun it is. It is set up very much in the style of Harry Potter and each of the 9 holes has a wizard theme. 

It is very immersive as there is a backstory to go alongside the game and also a letter hunt. At the end depending on your score you will receive a potion. Different scores receive different ones. We were very excited to enjoy them in the Tavern.

The Tavern menu is quite fun and also wizard themed. Everything looked lovely and definitely finished the golf fun off well. We wanted to give a big shout out to the staff. They are so friendly and really set up the wizard mood perfectly.

Prices start at £6.99 and definitely do book before going as it's very popular and quite often becomes sold out. 

#holeinwand # #holeinwandyork #harrypotter  # visityork #potions #york #familytime #igotaholeinone

National Lottery Days Out

 Hi Everyone,

The National Lottery is still providing vouchers for great days out. To get a voucher worth £25 all you have to do is buy a lottery ticket worth over £2. 

So not only do you get a chance to win some money, you also get to enjoy a great day out at a lower price!

Full details of the promotion and a list of days out that the voucher can be used for can be found here, there's absolutely loads to choose from:

https://www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/nationallotterydaysout

Northumberland College Zoo

 Hi Everyone,

There's a cracking deal for Northumberland College Zoo at the moment. You can get a family ticket for only £10. Tickets are valid Sat & Sun, 10am-4pm - weekday Oct and Feb half-term dates available!

Check out the full details and get your tickets here:

https://tidd.ly/30NkjK1