Family day out at the Imperial War Museum Summer Air Show at Duxford

We were provided with press tickets to the Imperial War Museum Summer Air Show at Duxford for this post however all opinions are my own.

We don’t need asking twice if we would like to visit the Imperial War Museum Duxford, especially when there’s an air show on!

Our son, Jacob, 11, is aircraft obsessed! Having a particular love of Spitfires.

The Imperial War Museum Duxford is a truly spectacular place even when there isn’t an air show on. It is Europe’s largest air museum and there is so much to see.

A great place to spend a family day out.

Jacob got a good look at the British Aircraft Corporation Strikemaster pair

Situated in Cambridgeshire, just off the M11, it is accessible by car, bus, train or by air!

This historic site includes a vast range of enormous hangars, gigantic aircraft, a live airfield and a wide collection of personal stories of those who have lived, fought and died in conflict from the First World War to the present day.

IWM Duxford also served as a base for many of the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots during the Second World War.

Jacob loved listening to the engineer talk about the Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15UTI. It has a max speed of 652 mph! Wow!

We are lucky enough to be visiting IWM Duxford on the second day of the Summer Air Show.

This is the third time we have visited now, and we still haven’t seen everything IWM Duxford has to offer.

Jacob was lucky enough to say hello to this brilliant re-enactment group at IWM Duxford Summer Air Show.

Getting there early is a must for us. We like to do the Flightline Walk which is open to the public before the air displays commence and you get a great, up close look at the aircraft taking part in the show. I definitely recommend doing this.

We really enjoyed the air display of the Calidus Autogyro by the Gyro Air Displays. Amazing that the aircraft has to be moving forward for the rota blades to move as they are free spinning.

Image: IWM Duxford

As we got there early, we had time to see the amazing sites on offer. This list of aircraft, vehicles, boats and artillery exhibits is mind-blowing.

There are 10 permanent exhibitions at IWM Duxford

• AirSpace

• Flying Aircraft

• Historic Duxford

• Air and Sea

• Battle of Britain

• Conservation in Action

• Battle of Britain: Ops Block

• American Air Museum

• Land Warfare

• The British Airliner Collection including 13 commercial airliners.

As we had found a good spot (anywhere is a good spot to be honest), we set up our camping chairs and headed down to AirSpace, hangar 1, to see the impressive nose drop on Concorde and all the other amazing large and small aircraft from every era on display. It still baffles me how they got all those massive aircraft in there. That must have been some jigsaw puzzle!

Found our spot for the day. Jacob is very excited to see the Summer Air Show at IWM Duxford

There are different options for you to choose from for seating, you can go all out and opt for the Gold Experience giving exclusive access to the marquee, including a picnic hamper full of goodies, a Duxford Summer Air Show programme and VIP parking. You can also opt to sit in the grandstand, or, like us, we grabbed our camping chairs and a spot by the fence on the air side.

You can also become a member and get discounts, great offers and much more.

There are so many food and drink stalls, Jacob opted for a yummy pizza as you can see, it didn’t last long!

There’s plenty of food and drink on offer, lots of stands selling everything from pizza, burgers, hotdogs, to doughnuts, coffee and a bar.

Before the show, we bought tickets for The British Airliner Collection. This is also something I would recommend doing. £6 for adults and £3 for a child, this is really worth seeing. I pretended to be air crew walking through these commercial airliners. It’s great to see them from years gone by and see how air travel has changed.

There was plenty of other things to see and do. There was live entertainment with music and songs from a bygone era. There was vintage cars and WWI aircraft. You can try some circus skills, listen to IWM Duxford volunteers, have a ride on the traditional steam fair, try your hand at woodturning, or get up close to real live exotic animals in the Zoolab. It really is a great family day out.

The now famous blue Spitfire PL983 ‘L’ Thank U NHS from the Aircraft Restoration Company

We were so exited for the main event. The air show is truly breathtaking.

Being able to see so many different air craft take to the skies is something we never get bored of. It is an amazing sight to see.

The show opened with a very impressive parachute display from The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Team from RAF Brize Norton. A fantastic demonstration of precision freefall and canopy skills. Just wow!

The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team’s impressive opener to the air show.

We were lucky enough to see the following air craft displays. Check out this flight list.

• Grob Tutor T1 from Royal Air Force Tutor Display Team

• Leonardo Helicopters Wildcat HMA2 from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton

• The Blades Extra EA-300

• Fokker S-11 Instructor Stichting Fokker Four from the Royal Netherlands Air Force

• Richard Goodwin flying the Pitts S-2S biplane

• British Aircraft Corporation Strikemaster Pair from Strikemaster Display UK

• Calidus Autogyro from Gyro Air Displays

• Vans RV-8 x6 from Team Raven aerobatic display

• North American TF-51D Mustang from Anglia Aircraft Restoration Ltd

• Republic P-47D Thunderbolt from Anglia Aircraft Restorations Ltd

• Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15UTI from Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron

• de Havilland Vampire FB.52 from Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron

• Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina from Plane Sailing

• Sopwith Triplane, SE5a, Avro 504K, Fokker Dr1, Junkers CL1 from the Bremont Great War Display Team

• Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (Sally B) from B-17 Preservation

• North American T-6 x2 from Aircraft Restoration Company Anglian War Birds

• Spitfire PL983 ‘L’ from Aircraft Restoration Company.

We took so many photos of the fantastic air show. Here are some of the best

It was a great day out, we really enjoyed every part of it, especially the air show.

They have events on all year round, check out upcoming air shows and flying days.

We can’t wait to visit again soon.

Thank you Imperial war Museum Duxford for an unforgettable family day out.

Family day out at the Imperial War Museum Battle of Britain Air Show Duxford

We were provided with press tickets to the Imperial War Museum Air Show at Duxford for this post however all opinions are my own.

Our 10-year-old son, Jacob, absolutely loves Spitfires. Imagine his delight when we were invited to the famous Imperial War Museum Battle of Britain Air Show at Duxford.

He has lots of models, enjoys building Airfix kits and loves to draw them. Jacob's interest in Spitfires started around the age of 3 years old. He is the Young Ambassador of The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust at Capel-Le-Ferne, near Folkestone in Kent. He helps the Trust keep the memory of the aircrew known as 'The Few' alive.

We got up super early as we wanted to spend as much time there as possible and by early I mean 5am!

IWM Duxford is Europe's largest air museum located in Cambridgeshire, just off the M11 and accessible by car, train, bus, or by air! Also, served as a base for many of the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots during the Second World War.

This historic site includes a vast range of enormous hangars, gigantic aircraft, a live airfield and a wide collection of personal stories of those who have lived, fought and died in conflict from the First World War to the present day.

You could feel the excitement as we parked our car and walked through the ticket booths. People carrying camping chairs and everything they needed for an exciting day watching the show.

We attended the second day of the 2-day event.

As we got there early, we were able to walk the Flightline which I would definitely recommend.

What a fantastic sight. To see all those aircraft up close was amazing.

Walking down the Flightline we could see the amazing flying machines in detail, how often do you get to see a Spitfire that close!

You can see how much they are cared for and it's really humbling to see them and realise their history.

Alongside the many Spitfires, there were Hawker Hurricanes, a Corsair, a Bearcat, 2 Mustangs, a Thunderbolt, a B-17G Flying Fortress, a Curtiss Hawk, a Curtiss Warhawk, 3 Hispano Buchons, a Catalina, a Swordfish, a Curtiss P-36C the First World War replica Sopwith Triplane, a Fokker and The Junkers, the Vans from Team Raven and not forgetting the Westland Whirlwind, Westland Wessex and the Westland Sea King which was featured on BBC One's TV drama Vigil starring Suranne Jones.

From the 10th July to 31st October 1940, The Battle of Britain took place in the skies over the English Channel against the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe.

The Battle of Britain was a huge victory in our history with just under 3000 pilots and other aircrew of Fighter Command always remembered for their heroics.

Jacob took great pleasure in looking at the aircraft and educating me and dad, Mark, on which aircraft was which.

The fantastic line-up included Spitfires, Hawker Hurricanes and so much more.

We also saw the Aircraft Restoration Company's blue Spitfire with 'THANK U NHS' painted on the underside of those iconic wings, and all the handwritten names from people who have donated to NHS Charities Together.

As the flying display was due to begin at 1 pm, this gave us lots of time to look around the rest of what IWM Duxford has to offer.

There was so much to see and do, you could have a vintage hairdo, dance at the stage area, listen to one of the Dazzle Talks by the IWM volunteers, have fun in the vintage fairground, spend some money on the stalls (Jacob bought an IWM Spitfire flipbook and a book on how to draw Warplanes from the IWM gift shop tent) and, check out the different Living History Groups and even play Crazy Golf!

Photo: IWM

There are 10 key elements to IWM Duxford that are permanent exhibitions.

• AirSpace

• Flying Aircraft

• Historic Duxford

• Air and Sea

• Battle of Britain

• Conservation in Action

• Battle of Britain: Ops Block

• American Air Museum

• Land Warfare

• The British Airliner Collection including 13 commercial airliners.

After we had found a good spot (to be honest, anywhere is a good spot here) and set up our camping chairs ready for the air show later, we headed down to the biggest hangar on the site, AirSpace.

AirSpace is huge!

Seeing the Avro Lancaster Bomber, famous for its role in the Dambusters raid, standing under the belly of the impressive Avro Vulcan and walking through Concorde and seeing that iconic nose was a great start to the day.

In AirSpace, you can get up-close to some of the most famous aircraft in the world and get to know how they fly, how they’re made and discover the impact they’ve made on our world.

Whether you are a plane enthusiast or not, you will be in awe at these amazing flying machines.

Also in AirSpace you will find the Airborne Assault Museum. Airborne Assault is the Regimental Museum of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces and tells the stories of the soldiers who go to war from the air.

Grabbing a drink in The Armoury Cafe & Kitchen just next to the entrance of the AirSpace hangar, we headed to the opposite end of the IWM Duxford site and into Land Warfare.

Land Warfare is where you can walk through scenes from the First World War through to modern conflicts.

Walking through the Normandy Experience you can listen to an audio reconstruction of what the invasion would have been like on D-Day itself in 1944, see what equipment they used and what it would have been like from the point of view of people who took part.

The scenes of devastation looked very real.

And to our surprise, out of the back of Land Warfare, there were actual real tanks, where you could have a ride in one!

As the air display start time was fast approaching, we didn't even think about food as we were so busy looking at the vast amount of things at Duxford! We quickly popped to grab some food, there was a great selection of food and drinks to choose from. Jacob opted for a yummy pizza, I had a juicy cheeseburger and Mark had a tasty hotdog.

We got back to our seats just in time to hear the unmistakable famous Rolls-Royce Merlin engines fire up as the Spitfires opened the show.

Check out the display flight schedule, what an incredible line-up that lasted for over 4 hours!

• 1.00pm – Supermarine Spitfires – Supermarine Spitfire Mk I, Mk IX & Mk XIV

• 1.13pm – Hurricane Formation – 4 x Hawker Hurricane

• 1.30pm – Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane & Supermarine Spitfire

• 1.52pm – Russian Spitfire – Supermarine Spitfire MkIX

• 2.02pm – Curtis Fighters Curtiss P-36C, Curtiss Hawk 75 & Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

• 2.16pm – B-17 Sally B – Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

• 2.30pm – Buchons & US Fighters – 2 x Buchons, 1 x P-47D Thunderbolt, P-51D and TF-51D Mustang

• 2.47pm – Team Raven – 5 x Vans RV-8

• 3.09pm – Great War Display Team – 7 x First World War aircraft, Sopwith Triplane, SE5a, Avro 504k, Fokker DR1 & Junkers CL

• 3.31pm – Spitfire – Spitfire MkV

• 3.43pm – Historic helicopters – Wessex & Sea King

• 
4.03pm – Historic Army Aircraft Flight – Army Historic Beaver, Sioux, Auster

• 
4.19pm – Catalina – Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina

• 
4.29pm – US Navy Fighters – Goodyear FG-1D Corsair & Grumman F8F-2P Bearcat

• 
4.41pm – Spitfire Joker

• 
4.43pm – Spitfire Balbo – 12 Spitfires & 4 Hawker Hurricanes

• 
5.18pm – Spitfire Solo – Supermarine Spitfire Mk PRXI with 'THANK U NHS'

Jacob, insisted on me listing the full schedule for the air show so you can see just how impressive the show was.

The air show was absolutely fantastic.

We were treated to an amazing display by each and every one of the aircraft mentioned above.

We watched in awe as the various planes took to the skies.

The explosions and gunfire from the pyrotechnics when the Great War Display team had a dog fight which was exciting.

Team Raven's display was brilliant, and we loved the heart manoeuvre which was very impressive and made the crowd do a collective ‘Ahhhh’.

Check out the gallery of photos below. We took so many pictures!

The commentators did a great job and gave the crowd so much information on each display and played music from the era.

The most breathtaking site was seeing 13 Spitfires and 4 Hawker Hurricanes all flying together in The Big Wing formation.

You could hear a pin drop as the crowd fell silent, transfixed at this stunning sight.

After the 18 months we have all had with Covid, it was great to be able to attend the air show with lots of other people enjoying their day and seeing the Supermarine Spitfire Mk PRXI with 'THANK U NHS' was a fitting end to the air show display.

We were right next to the live side, as the planes came into land and were taxiing, lots came past us.

Jacob waved and gave thumbs-up as they went by and was unbelievably happy when he put his thumb up at the Spitfire pilots after they had finished their amazing final display, The Big Wing, and he got a wave from the pilots in return, his little face was a picture!

Overall it was a fantastic family day out that will be remembered and one I would definitely recommend. There really is so much for all ages to see and do. We didn’t even get to see half of it!

It was such an organised event and all the staff and volunteers were more than happy to help and chat.

We did a joint total of around 53,000 steps between the three of us!

Can't wait for another visit to see the rest of the site.

We had such a fantastic day. Just before Jacob fell asleep in the car, he said ‘BEST, DAY, EVER!’.

Thank you IWM Duxford for a day to remember. Until next time!

Kidzania - A world where kids get to be the grown-ups

KidZania is a city built for kids with 75,000sq ft of mini streets and buildings, and over 60 role-play adventures.

There's fire and rescue and police training, and learning to be a dentist or a surgeon. Here the children (age 4-14) are firmly in charge and get to be hands-on in this mini world of educational sessions.

My husband, Mark, and I along with our two children, Amber, 12, and Jacob, five, headed to KidZania in Westfield, Shepherd's Bush, London.

Upon entering, there's a full-size front of a BA plane sticking out of the wall. The main entrance is also just like an airport so we went to check-in. Everyone, including parents, is given a security bracelet, and no child is allowed out without their parent or guardian. Allergy details are also recorded.

Amber and Jacob were given 50 KidZos each, the currency used. Children are encouraged to work so they can earn money, then they can spend it on goods or open a bank account.

As we walked through security, Jacob couldn't believe what he was seeing. Sessions are four hours. You may think that's a long time, but it flies by. We booked 2pm - good because there was no way we would get the kids to sit down for lunch with so much to see and do.

Jacob spotted the fire and rescue, so that was our first stop, and he waited patiently in the queue (no adults allowed). Each activity lasts about 20-30 minutes. At the door of each is a plaque that tells you how much you have to pay, how much you can earn, the minimum age and how long the activity is.

It was time for him to put on his fire jacket and helmet. Seven children sat and watched an educational safety video, then the fire alarm rang. Time to go put the fire out.

They got into a mini fire engine and with blue flashing lights, and set off around the streets until they came to a hotel that was on fire. Out they jumped and grabbed hold of one of the seven hose pipes and started squirting water on the fire.

Jacob absolutely loved getting to put out a (pretend) fire with real water.

He learned to fly a plane at the pilot academy, climbed the outside of a hotel, delivered money at the bank vault and took part in a pit stop with Renault Formula E.

I liked that there were only about seven children allowed in at any one time, so it's not crowded. There are also plenty of places to grab a coffee or food and there is an adults-only lounge, too.

Amber loved being a radio DJ with Capital FM. She also really enjoyed being a newsreader in an actual studio with green screen, microphones and an autocue.

Our children came away with new skills and they talked about it all the way home.

AMBER SAYS: I really enjoyed our visit to KidZania. My favourite bit was being a radio DJ with Capital FM. I sat in a studio and read a script with six other people who were a similar age to me.

Amber tries a DJ, both KidZania I also got to be a newsreader in a studio that had a green screen for the weather. I read a news report about a fire, and footage was shown of children putting the fire out. I would like to visit again.

JACOB SAYS: KidZania was great! It looked like it was outside, with different streets. My favourite bit was doing the pit stop with Renault. I got to be a fire fighter and put a fire out which was a bit scary.

I learned how to fly a plane and I didn't crash which was awesome. I climbed on the outside of a hotel and I wore a helmet and a safety harness. I also had my own money.
Can't wait to go again, I had a really fun time.

GET THERE:
A four-hour play session costs from £29.50 for 4-14 year olds. KidZania London is at the Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush, with tube and railway stations right next door. kidzania.com

Our fantastic family day out at Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... well it is now!

Our Family Life were invited to the opening day of Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas.

Are we nearly there yet? No. Are we nearly there yet? No. Are we nearly there now? Yes! This was what our son Jacob, who's five, asked nearly all the way in our car journey to Drayton Manor near Tamworth in Staffordshire. On and off for 3 hours!

When we arrived, we headed to Drayton Manor's 4-star on site hotel. Where we would be staying for 2 nights. There are 15 Thomas and Friends themed rooms, and you can even book to have a character breakfast with favourites from the series.

The hotel was all lit up and looked lovely as we approached. Famous for Thomas Land, the hotel reception didn't disappoint.

The Jennings family at Drayton Manor

Jacob just had to press the button which made the large carousel with Thomas and Percy in it, go round to soothing music. I don't think there will be any calm children here, just excited ones!

Jacob would have to wait just that little bit longer to go to the park as it was now the evening and we would visit the park tomorrow.

After checking in, we dropped our bags in our lovely room, which had a double bed and a double sofa bed. Yes Amber (our 13 year old) you will have to share a bed with your brother for a couple of nights. She made some kind of grunt, I'm not that good with teenager speak just yet, as we are new to it!

Can you spot Jacob? Blending in with the residents of Sodor in the hotel lobby

With two restaurants to choose from, we decided to walk across to The Grill Inn. With lots of yummy food on the menu, it was a perfect way to spend our first evening.

Questions is, would the children go to sleep early? Erm, no!

'Stop touching me' Amber said. 'I'm not, you are on my side', came Jacob's reply. This went on for a couple of hours, until finally they were both asleep.

Up bright and early the next morning. Breakfast was included in our stay. There was so much to choose from the buffet breakfast. Even if you have a fussy eater, they should like something on offer.

We jumped in the car and headed down to the main entrance, which wasn't very far, but we wanted to save energy for the day.

Jacob excited to be visiting Thomas Land

Upon entering Drayton Manor, Jacob spotted Thomas Land. This is where we would be getting our train to the other side of the park. We jumped on the train pulled by Percy, and was whisked away through the snowy park. 

Our first stop would be to see the reindeers. Jacob was mesmerised. After learning about them, what they like to eat and what their natural habitat is like, we decided to go and see the other animals in the zoo.

Jacob meeting a festive Thomas the Tank Engine

We loved the fact that as we walked towards the parrots, they said 'Hello'. Not just one, but 4 parrots said hello to us. Jacob found this really funny.

We also walked the Dino trail which was great to see. Some really big dinosaurs in there!

As we approached the rides, Amber spotted the Ben 10: Ultimate Mission Coaster. Jacob was the right height for it, but decided he didn't like it after walking in the entrance and promptly came back out. Leaving dad, Mark, and Amber to have a ride. They went on it 4 times that day!

Not all of the park is open as it is out of season. But there are still lots of things to see and do, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. It's always difficult to get the kids to sit and eat something, as they are too excited.

There's also an indoor ice rink, Slide & Glide, you've seen Bambi, right?!

The beautiful Christmas tree

Mark and Amber went in to The Polar Express 4D cinema experience, and said it was brilliant.

There's a huge, beautiful Christmas tree which has a lights on it, when it gets dark, the light show is lovely.

We spent most of our time in Thomas Land. What a fab place this is. Jacob could go on all these rides. Which he did, and Amber went on most of them with him. 

There are over 25 rides and attractions in Thomas Land. So if your child is a Thomas fan, they will love it!

Jacob had great fun on Bertie Bus, he sailed the seas on Captain's Sea Adventure, flew in Harold's Helicopter Tours, loved the Carousel, took out one of Sodor's Classic cars for a drive, had a go on the Cranky Crane, and had great fun on Jeremy Jet's Flying Academy.

He absolutely loved the Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster, and I think Mark and Amber did too!

Time for a cup of tea and a rest for 10 minutes. It's cold out there, so make sure you wrap up warm on your visit.

Flying lesson at Sodor airport in Thomas Land

Jacob with the Fat Controller and daddy photobombing the picture!

Back in Thomas Land, we danced and sang along with the Fat Controller and his Fungineer friends. Much to Amber's embarrassment, I was singing 'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow', at the top of my voice. "Oh mum, can you stop please' Amber said.

Then it started to snow! It was great to see Jacob's little face, as we all got covered in snow.

After getting the feeling back in our toes from all the dancing, it was time to visit Father Christmas. Jacob was very excited as we entered the Castle of Dreams. Walking down the warm walkway, he walked in silence, no jumping around, just walking nicely, which makes a change. Anyone would think he was making sure a certain someone had him on the nice list!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Jacob loved the 'snow'

An elf guided us to a door, and as we walked in Jacob said 'Hello Father Christmas'. I always get a bit emotional whenever my children do anything like this. Christmas school nativity has me weeping like a baby!

The Fat Controller and his friends during their entertaining show in Thomas Land

Jacob sat next to Father Christmas, and had a good long chat to him. He told Santa that he wasn't quite sure what he wanted for Christmas yet, could he let him know!

Time for our photograph to capture the memory of the day. Of course we all piled in to the picture. You're never too old to have your picture taken with Father Christmas.

Meeting the big man himself. We enjoyed meeting Father Christmas

Clutching his present, Jacob had a big smile on his face as we left Father Christmas, saying 'Bye' about 10 times.

And to finish off the day, we watched a brilliant firework display over the lake.

It really was a Magical Christmas event. Perfect family day out. And yes, we now feel all Christmassy.

We also made a video of our day. See below.

If you would like to visit Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas, here is what you need to know:
Website: draytonmanor.co.uk
Opening times: 19th November to 31st December. See website for details as it isn't open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day as Father Christmas is a bit busy!
Prices including park entry and to visit Father Christmas:
Under 2s = free
Age 2-3 = £12
Age 4-11 & 60+ = £17
Age 12+ =£22
4-Star Hotel: Magical Christmas Stay & Play, Stay in November from just £131.60 for a family for a family of 4** in a family room or £92.50 based on 2 adults.
Stay in December from just £114.80 for a family of 4** in a family room or £78.40 based on two adults***
** Prices based on a Stay and Play for 2 adults and 2 children aged 5.
***  If staying on boxing day, the day in the Park will be on the 27th December.

Our Family Life at the Digital Kids Show in Manchester

Our Family Life were invited to a fab weekend at The Digital Kids Show in Manchester.

We were looking forward to a packed weekend, and we weren't disappointed.

Jacob on the red carpet at the entrance to the Digital Kids Show

The Digital Kids Show was at Event City in Manchester's Old Trafford. There was everything from a mega Minecraft gamer zone to a scooter disco.

Jacob was so excited as one of his favourite YouTubers EthanGamerTV was going to be there.

Jacob and Amber playing Minecraft at the Digital Kids Show, Manchester

He got to drive a mini Young Driver car and played on Minecraft (which he kept going back to)! Trying out virtual reality, but he wasn't too keen on the big whale that he saw in the headset, so quickly took it off!

There was lots to do, and plenty of places to sit and have a coffee or grab a bite to eat (which neither of my children wanted to do as there was so much going on).

Jacob making a smart phone speaker with Blue Peter

Jacob made a smart phone speaker with the lovely people on the Blue Peter stand, and had a play on the iPads which was a big zone with CBBC, CBeebies and the BBC micro:bit.

We went to say hello to the fab people at Internet Matters who were advising parents of how to keep their kids safe while online. We have done a vlog series with Internet Matters, find out more.

Jacob and Amber decided they would go and have a bounce on the big bouncy castle/slide, and went back for a few more goes!

It was great to see Boogie Storm from BGT, I never get bored of dancing Storm Troopers. And we were lucky enough to see Dick and Dom, who shouted bogies very loud, which got all the kids laughing.

YouTube Kids had a big zone, where you could do kids yoga, have a go at virtual reality or strike a pose for their picture tree.

Jacob was so looking forward to meeting EthanGamerTV. We were lucky enough to get a personal meet and greet with him. Jacob was over the moon, his little face lit up when he saw him. While Jacob chatted to Ethan, telling him how he was wearing one of Ethan's t-shirts and watches all his videos, I spoke to his mum. Ethan is such a lovely little boy with a huge following on YouTube, over 1 million subscribers and he's only 10! Ask your kids about him!

One happy little boy: Jacob meeting EthanGamerTV

We stayed in the Travelodge Manchester Salford Quays hotel and it was only a 10 minute drive to Event City. Manchester United were playing that Saturday so all the hotels near were booked up. But I preferred to stay a little bit further away as we got to have a nosey as we drove past Media City which has ITV and BBC studios.

We had a great weekend at the Digital Kids Show and made a video about our experience.

We were given a complimentary family pass to the Digital Kids Show and 2 nights in the Travelodge hotel.

Join Our Family!

A thrilling family day out at Thorpe Park Resort

We were all so excited to be going to Thorpe Park Resort for a family day out.

Our team for the day was me, my mum Elaine (Nonna to the kids), Amber and Jacob. Dad, Mark, was off at a festival for the weekend.

As we looked at the park map on thorpepark.com before we set off, our daughter Amber was excitedly telling me which rides she wanted to go on. We even had a sneaky look on YouTube at some of the rides before we went. Our son Jacob couldn't wait to go to Angry Birds Land. 

In about an hour and a half's drive, we got nearer the park. The kids shouting out every time they saw the brown signs saying 'Thorpe Park'.

Just about to go into Thorpe Park. Very excited!

Heading through the famous entrance, we picked up our tickets and map, walked over the bridge, past the Shark Hotel and through the dome to collect our Fastrack wristbands.

While we collected our Fastrack passes, we were booked a time slot for the new Derren Brown's Ghost Train! Eeek!

A really good tip is to go to Guest services located just underneath the Dome. We got Jacob's height measured and he got a wristband saying he could go on ride of 1.1 metres and under. Just saves hassle with the height restrictions.

As we got there a little later to avoid queues, people were already on the rides. You could hear screams coming from the brave people on the rollercoasters nearby!

Looking at our big map, we planned where we would go first. Amber wanted to head over to Vortex as that was the nearest ride.

Jacob deciding which rides he wants to go on at Thorpe Park

Having fastrack really does make it quicker going on the rides, you don't have to wait as long in the queues.

The good thing about having my mum come with us, she is a bit of a thrill seeker, and would be Amber's ride partner for the day. I'm a bit of a scaredy cat!

While my mum and Amber went on Vortex, me and my son, Jacob watched them. Ambers face was a picture when she got off! 

Next Jacob and Nonna headed to Mr Monkey's Banana Ride, which is a big banana that swings. Jacob loved it.

We were quite near one of the big roller coasters, Colossus. Again, team thrill seekers rushed off to join the queue. Amber is 12 now, so is the perfect height to go on any of the monster rides. I think because her friends at school had been on them, she wanted to go on them too. And this was a big one! She's so much braver than I am, must take after her dad for that!

Having lunch in the Bush BBQ at Thorpe Park

As it was lunchtime, we decided to grab some food. There's plenty of food outlets for all tastes, pizza, fish and chips and burgers among a few. We decided to have a burger in the Bush BBQ as it was near the Derren Brown's Ghost train.

Thorpe Park thrill seekers: Elaine and Amber

Me and mum shared a chicken BBQ melt burger, Jacob had a cheeseburger and Amber had lattice fries (I think she was a bit nervous to eat much). All washed down with a free refill in the £6 cup we bought. There are plenty of outlets to keep you hydrated around the park and once you buy the cup, you can go to any (take your receipt) and fill it up.

As they had a time slot, getting on the Derren Brown's ghost train didn't take too long. And before we knew it my mum and Amber came out looking shocked! Of course, I didn't go on it, someone had to look after Jacob - well that was my excuse anyway!

I can't tell you anything about the ghost train, as it would spoil it for people. But all I can say, is Amber and my mum had an experience they will never forget!

Amber a bit nervous about going on Derren Brown's Ghost Train at Thorpe Park

Jacob didn't like the Angry Birds 4D experience

Thorpe Park is great because everything is close together. You don't have to walk miles to get to the next ride.

As we entered Angry Birds land, we decided to all go in the Angry Birds 4D experience. Something I thought would be ok for Jacob. I was wrong!

After settling in our seats and putting on our special glasses, the animation started. The seats moved, we were sprayed with water, felt wind rushing in our faces among other things. Jacob hated it. I think it was the shock of the seats moving, but he took his glasses off and spent the rest of the show with his hat over his eyes, very upset!

That's better! Jacob enjoying the teacups with his nonna at Thorpe Park Resort

He soon got over his experience as nonna took him on the Storm in a Teacup. He was back to a smiling happy boy. 

I can't quite believe that Amber went on the Angry Birds Detonator ride. I don't think she realised what it was until she was right up at the top, when the countdown began. Gulp!

After another application of suncream (it was very hot that day), we went to the Rhumba Rapids at the top of the park. I didn't go on as I wanted to take pictures and video of them on it. Jacob took great delight in telling me all about it!

Amber in front of the Angry Birds Detonator ride at Thorpe Park Resort

After another drink refill stop, Amber wanted to go on another of the big rides, Nemesis Inferno. Just by the name, you can tell it's going to be high and very fast.

Amber with her refillable cup at Thorpe Park Resort

Amber was a bit gutted that Stealth was closed for maintenance work, but she said it gives us another excuse to come back another day!

Mum and Amber rushed off to join the queue, a little time went by, then I got a phone call from Amber saying - with an excited voice - 'Mum, me and Nonna are going on Nemesis again, see you in a bit'. 

Jacob enjoying Angry Birds Land at Thorpe Park Resort

As the rides closed at 6pm, people were running around the park to get a last thrill before the park closed. 

Walking back to the car, we talked about our day. It was such a great family day out, something for everyone and even if, like me, you aren't too keen on going on the rides, just seeing the faces of your loved ones coming off rides is a pleasure to see.

Not big enough yet! Just a few more years until he's big enough to go on nemesis Inferno!

Sleepy boy!

With our memories of the day still whirring around in our heads, we walked back to the car with the kids, over-excitedly reminiscing about the day.

No sooner had we got on to the motorway on our journey home, Jacob was fast asleep.

We made a video of our day which you can watch below.

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When you've been out for the day, and you get back home, the last thing you want to do is start cooking a big meal. So I decided to make my mum's Shepherds Pie with Branston Baked Beans. After all, I had the expert with me and my helpers Amber and Jacob!

Here's what ingredients you will need - Serves 4/6 people:

• 500g beef mince
• 1 tin of Branston Baked Beans
• 1 onion
• 4 stock cubes (whichever flavour, but we think beef is best)
• 2 tbsp gravy granules
• 5/6 medium potatoes
• Splash of milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• Cheese of your choice (enough to sprinkle on top)

Here's how we make our Shepherds Pie:

1: Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees.
2: Peel potatoes and put them on the hob to boil.

3: Chop the onion.

4: Put mince and onion in an oven-proof dish, break the mince up.

5: Crumble 4 stock cubes over the mince and onion

6: Add boiling water (just enough to cover everything) and give it a good stir.

7: Put it in the oven for 30 minutes.
8: Take out of the oven and add your tin of Branston Baked Beans.

9: Add the gravy granules and give it another stir.
10: When the potatoes are cooked, mash them using a splash of milk, and butter.

11: Take out the mince mixture from the oven and scoop the mash on top.

12: Add grated cheese on top of the mash.

13: Eat any cheese that's left over! My little cheese monster, Jacob!

13: Put it back in the oven until the cheese has melted and is a golden colour.

14: Serve with gravy and either on it's own or with vegetables.

Enjoy!

Empty plates all round!

This blog post is in association with Branston UK

A spooky stay at Dover Castle

Do you believe in ghosts, we were asked. My answer was Yes, my husband Mark was sceptical and our daughter Amber thought it might be like an episode of Scooby Doo!

Whatever the family's opinions, we were about to find out on a weekend break in haunted Dover Castle.

We stayed in the former home of the Battery Sergeant Major of the castle, an elegant four-storey Georgian house sleeping up to six guests.

It is stunningly located at the heart of the castle and very spacious. Amber was pleased to see the basement has a games room with table tennis and a second sitting room with a plasma TV.

The house stands near 13th century Peverell's Tower and both can be rented from English Heritage. Guide Gavin showed us round the castle and grounds perched on Dover's white cliffs.

It was windy and rainy, a perfect evening to hear about ghostly goings-on at the castle. The secret wartime tunnels were particularly eerie and the underground hospital is said to be the most haunted spot.

An apparition of a soldier staring at the picture of Winston Churchill is said to have disappeared through the wall. A surgeon on one evening ghost tour is said to have vanished before visitors' eyes. We didn't see any ghosts in the tunnels - but I did have my eyes closed for much of the time.

The castle's most famous ghost, a headless drummer boy, also failed to show. But we felt thoroughly spooked.

The Sergeant Major's House sleep 6 and costs from £823 per week. 

www.english-heritage.org.uk 

Fun day out at Disney's Club Penguin HQ

Letting children use the ­computer to go online can be a bit of a worry for any parent.

So when my eight-year-old daughter Amber told me about Disney’s site www.clubpenguin.com I checked it out.

What I found was a website she can use safely and gain computer skills while having fun at the same time.

Club Penguin is a snow-covered virtual world where children can play games and interact with friends in the guise of colourful penguin avatars. 

With more than 175million users worldwide, Club Penguin is designed for six to 14-year-olds.

Amber with head moderator Simon Pollard at Disney's Club Penguin

I visited the Club Penguin HQ in Brighton and was reassured to see web moderators watching over players with strict rules to keep children safe.

Head moderator Simon Pollard showed us how a player asking another for personal information such as: “What is your real name?” is flagged up. Inappropriate behaviour results in a ban.    

There are two chat options for children to talk to other penguins. Ultimate Safe Chat offers a set menu of greetings, questions and statements. Players see only messages from other Ultimate Safe Chat users. 

The Standard Safe Chat allows children to type their own messages to other players. Each one is filtered to flag up anything inappropriate.

Parents can set limits for when and how long the child plays.

Playing, exploring and chatting is free. For special features you need membership which costs £4.95 a month.

Members get priority access and invitations to special exclusive games.

Our family day out to Howletts Wild Animal Park, Kent

With my own two monkeys in tow we decided to visit Howletts wild animal park.

We headed straight for the ­gorillas and found ourselves entranced.

Amber, eight, and Jacob, 20 months, loved watching dozens of these ­marvellous creatures loll about  in the summer sunshine.

Howletts is a great day out for families because there is so much to see. No matter how busy it gets, you still have plenty of space to walk around at your own pace.

To give you some idea of its size, it contains the largest herd of African elephants in Europe. There are 14 of them and the fact they breed indicates they are relaxed and happy in their surroundings.

We spent four hours on the site, near Canterbury in Kent, and saw all kinds of creatures from a grizzled leaf monkey to Barbary lions.

This big cat became extinct in the wild after the last one was shot in North Africa in 1922.

Like many zoos today, Howletts  concentrates on endangered species and breeding programmes.

It began in 1957 as a millionaire’s private ­menagerie but went public in the 70s and is now one of the sites of the Aspinall Wild Animal Park.

It is run as a charity by the group www.aspinallfoundation.org and aims to preserve wildlife.

Family fun day out at Chessington World of Adventures

It was a bit of a girly weekend when my mum Elaine and I took my daughter Amber to Chessington World of Adventures.

We had a fun-filled couple of days at the theme park in its 25th anniversary year. They have a great new stage show, Madagascar Live!

We were lucky enough to be among the first to see it.

If, like us, you love the Madagascar films you will enjoy seeing the characters and joining in the fun with Alex, Gloria, Mort and the penguins. You can pose for photos too, as did Amber, eight, with her favourite King Julien.

We stayed in the safari-themed hotel only a few strides away.

It is a great base from which to explore the Park, zoo and Sea Life Centre.

Now we know the answer to: “What’s better than spending a day at Chessington?

It’s: “Spending two days there.”

For a fun family day out visit: www.chessington.com.

Visit Eureka! the national children's Museum this half-term holiday

Stuck for somewhere to take the kids this October half-term holiday? Why not visit the Eureka! museum in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

When I say museum, this isn't a place that you have to look but don't touch, this is a hands on interactive museum that we spent hours in!

Everything at Eureka! has been designed to inspire children to find out about themselves and the world around them through 100s of hands-on exhibits.

They are just putting the fiendish finishing touches to their haunting Halloween programme for October half-term, so keep checking for the latest updates on their wicked week of tricks and treats for all the family.

We had a great time. Our daughter Amber loved the different galleries. The Me & My Body gallery where she learned about how the body works. She especially liked putting the bean bag into the mouth and watching what happens to it.

Lots of sights, sounds and smells! She went on the special bike to see a moving skeleton appear! She enjoyed measuring all of our stretch, reach and stride. We all had a go. There's something for everyone.

The Town Square at Eureka! is really well done, it's so cute! It provides a wonderful opportunity for role play - a small world for small people!

Children can explore the world of work as they become cashiers, postal workers and mechanics or try out some everyday grown up tasks such as writing cheques, going shopping and making lunch.

There is even a gallery for under 5s. Baby Jacob was quite happy playing in the Baby Oasis.

Amber really enjoyed the Soundspace where you can make music and use the sliders to change the music and lighting.

There really is so much to see and do that I can't mention them all!

There is a large cafe if you get peckish or they have a picnic area if you want to bring your own. The large car park is very nearby.

During the half-term week visitors can enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween.

Wandering through the galleries, children can watch out for scary characters including the Banshee, Medusa, Vampires and Grave Robbers.

After surviving the murky swamps, the daring explorers can investigate the wreckage of cursed ship the 'Black Light' in search of treasure and delve into its disgusting barrels. To help them on their quest they can confuse the spooks by Mummifying their Mummies and making new pirates out of discarded bones.

Buy your tickets anytime before the day of your visit and jump the queue. See the website for details www.eureka.org.uk During the holidays the museum is open everyday from 10am to 5pm. Admission prices are: * Adults: £9.95 Children age 3+ : £9.95 Toddlers age 1-2: £3.45 Babies age 0-11 months: free.

*Prices correct at the time of writing this blog.

www.eureka.org.uk