Ahh, remember those long summer holidays we used to have as kids? The sun always seemed to shine, they seemed to last forever and the Goonies never said die?! Then sit up! Pay attention at the back… because we’ve got some great ideas for the big kid in you! Cool!
Go Ape
To the trees! Dubbed as ‘Britain’s No.1 forest adventure’, embrace your inner Tarzan and Jane and check out Go Ape’s Treetop Adventure, where you can swing from the high ropes among the trees until your heart’s content. There are tricky crossings using ladders, bridges and tunnels, high wires and zip wires and once you’re given a full safety briefing you are free to chase your date around the treetops (the beating your chest bit is optional, btw). The nearest Go Ape centre to London is Black Park, near Uxbridge. The centre also offers Forest Segway, where you can explore the trails on your motor-driven Segway. Girls, you’ll need to leave the heels at home for this one!
Harry Potter Muggle Tours
Are you and your partner fans of the one and only Harry Potter? Let your inner geek run free and follow in Harry, Ron and Hermione’s footsteps and explore some of the film locations where Harry Potter was filmed, check out the places that inspired author JK Rowling and learn more about the props, special effects and trivia from the film series. Led by an actor, groups run every day but are kept small so you are advised to book! Um, it is DEFINITELY advisable to check your date is a fan of all things Potter before you do so….
Hounslow Urban Farm
Fancy oohing and ahhing over some fluffy friends? There are of course the big London zoos but for an inexpensive and relaxed affair, check out Hounslow City Farm. Spread over 29 acres, Hounslow Urban Farm is one of London’s largest community farms and makes a great day out for big and little kids alike. Take a stroll around and check out the colourful and unusual animals in display, including five types of pigs, goats, cows, rabbits, ducks, geese and peacocks. During the weekends and holidays there is a running schedule of events including pig racing and owl displays.
V&A Museum of Childhood
No one is too young – or old – to enjoy this museum, which is home to one of the world’s finest collections of children’s toys, doll’s houses, teddy bears, games and costumes, spanning from the 1600s to the present day. Rare, handcrafted objects sit alongside well-loved toys from the 20th century and the museum also runs regular temporary exhibitions and displays and activities. If you wanted to reminisce about The Magic Roundabout, Sesame Street, Tiny Tears, or (‘by the power of GraySkull’) He-Man! Here is your chance!
London Ducks Tours
Stretch limos, black cabs, bikes, pah! Fancy travelling by road and water in a vehicle, which is so brightly painted, it’ll turn heads as you pass? Then the Duck Tour is for you. Starting near London Bridge, you will cruise past all of London’s major landmarks and hear insightful and interesting facts about the city’s history. These vehicles were used in the D-Day landings, so included in the tour are figures and facts about the original vehicles themselves. Then! Just past parliament (get this) your bus becomes a boat and you cruise ‘Alex Rider’ style down the Thames! Totally awesome!
Know any other dates for ‘big kids’ ? Do you think big kids dates are better than ‘grown up’ ones..?
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