tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75018442754148561972024-03-15T19:01:36.647+00:00Wave to MummyBalancing family, fun and a career in London. Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.comBlogger408125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-43811745666325332162023-12-22T01:51:00.000+00:002023-12-22T01:51:02.336+00:00Is Barbie Dreamhouse worth it? My honest opinion and review of Barbie Dreamhouse 2023<div>With Barbie being the talk of the town in 2023, I wanted to give my honest opinion on whether Barbie Dreamhouse is worth it. Let's not beat around the bush - this is an expensive toy purchase. As a parent it is important to me to know the real play value of the big purchases - do kids use them, how long, and what ways? In this review I'll talk about the Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 edition, my experiences of the quality, and how much and how well my kids play with it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to be reviewing specifically the Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 edition, as that's the one we have, but the general observations of the play value apply to other Dreamhouses too. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can find the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Barbie-Dreamhouse-3-Story-Elevator-HMX10/dp/B0BLJTJ38M/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1SKGC8A4JZ6RQ&keywords=barbie%252Bdreamhouse%252B2023&qid=1703205283&sprefix=barbie%252Bdreamhouse%252Caps%252C89&sr=8-5&ufe=app_do%253Aamzn1.fos.23648568-4ba5-49f2-9aa6-31ae75f1e9cd&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=wavtomum-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=89e54f22f74edaef42715a14607799a6&camp=1634&creative=6738" target="_blank">Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 on Amazon UK</a> or on</div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Dreamhouse-3-Story-Playset-Elevator/dp/B0BLJTJ38M/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1SPXJLL6PN5KZ&keywords=barbie+dreamhouse+2023&qid=1703206087&sprefix=barbie+dream%252Caps%252C237&sr=8-4&_encoding=UTF8&tag=wavetomummy-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=54e16b8b962817e6d554f8a7e0b6ff44&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 on Amazon US</a> - do consider using these affiliate links if you found this review helpful. <div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhG1cSo6eEMdxioG23Gw2wN8g4MiEZK5wr5YCCLctfnyU72soAvcJqW0WSP7zfgscGkjhn8qChk8bMqlRwWadqWb7vdAfBs1iJLGs_Ek76MCBm1Dt-BcYOg9DZle5S5B3TTfzqSgalDgjJqTsssW0G2EQQMg4Cs-nSlUzFz9qBilk4MJqm4xW8lXPutn2/s1333/Barbie%20dreamhouse%202023%20box%20size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="barbie dreamhouse box and size" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhG1cSo6eEMdxioG23Gw2wN8g4MiEZK5wr5YCCLctfnyU72soAvcJqW0WSP7zfgscGkjhn8qChk8bMqlRwWadqWb7vdAfBs1iJLGs_Ek76MCBm1Dt-BcYOg9DZle5S5B3TTfzqSgalDgjJqTsssW0G2EQQMg4Cs-nSlUzFz9qBilk4MJqm4xW8lXPutn2/s16000/Barbie%20dreamhouse%202023%20box%20size.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">Is Barbie Dreamhouse worth it?</h1><div><br /></div><div>As a general observation - yes. It is expensive, at RRP The Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 is £249.99 (although I have seen deals for under £200 as well such as on Amazon). But it does provide a huge amount of play value. </div><div><br /></div><div>Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 is huge, absolutely humongous, and is nearly as tall as my five year old. It is overall good quality, with strong durable plastic and there are a lot of accessories included, from furniture, to soft furnishings to kitchen equipment. </div><div><br /></div><div>The play value of this Barbie Dreamhouse is plentiful - my kids have played with consistently over the last three months we have had it. The Dreamhouse has also got so many child visitors excited, and into playing with it. It has also appealed to a wider range of ages than expected - my five year old has naturally loved it, but it has appealed to older kids too. We have had a number of ten year olds that have enjoyed playing with it. </div><div><br /></div><div>This Dreamhouse is also very similar to the one in the film Barbie The Movie (2023) with the very cool spiral pool slide you saw in the film!</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">How big is the Barbie Dreamhouse 2023?</h2><div><br /></div><div>In two words - very big! It is nearly as tall as my five year old (who is just shy off 120cm). It is also rather wide, although if space is an issue you can remove the pool slide. I did find the Dreamhouse to be a bit awkwardly shaped. It is slightly curved so you can not put it flush against the wall. This means it will take more room than you might imagine. </div><div><br /></div><div>The box it is delivered in is also humongous. If you are trying to keep this a secret from your kid do keep this in mind as it will be delivered with a SUV and the box is branded and difficult to hide due to the size. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v1wsabO0Ggfa8yDenU_j1hxxpPZ3sK8HJ0EUtfH0xotoQlVmqkZriXNjaJKI6uCyMzsxG1LXQDETfIaT-_irp-Sjys82flpY2BK7FBiJMXm65ozLsnzdSoilvpg3c4wAEPy_UdoJfNAT4cpGlGZoA2mf_fSrk6qFouafIU3e9TBoEFG4whXtFmeahp7q/s1333/sisters%20playing%20with%20barbie%20dreamhouse%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girls standing next to assembled barbie dreamhouse 2023" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v1wsabO0Ggfa8yDenU_j1hxxpPZ3sK8HJ0EUtfH0xotoQlVmqkZriXNjaJKI6uCyMzsxG1LXQDETfIaT-_irp-Sjys82flpY2BK7FBiJMXm65ozLsnzdSoilvpg3c4wAEPy_UdoJfNAT4cpGlGZoA2mf_fSrk6qFouafIU3e9TBoEFG4whXtFmeahp7q/s16000/sisters%20playing%20with%20barbie%20dreamhouse%202023.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYyP_KSoV1i3-l2DoxXKwH6XkGTpD4OfTZ7sNtdZ-DbsxzIczr5-PFoihpGZiM9xiy6ooqa2eYoOOhn5sFYcGmvTKYBYP7I-yM5JMyKUUDYoRdyPVJewUpcM-7pafUPENflYyXeaTiBkVz4NuxhItq8IwVgKhxuIrEiKCPlyOaMtiTOWzooh7iyF7_CPX/s1000/kids%20playing%20with%20barbie%20dreamhouse%202023%20spiral%20slide%20and%20pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girls playing with barbie dreamhouse spiral slide and pool" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYyP_KSoV1i3-l2DoxXKwH6XkGTpD4OfTZ7sNtdZ-DbsxzIczr5-PFoihpGZiM9xiy6ooqa2eYoOOhn5sFYcGmvTKYBYP7I-yM5JMyKUUDYoRdyPVJewUpcM-7pafUPENflYyXeaTiBkVz4NuxhItq8IwVgKhxuIrEiKCPlyOaMtiTOWzooh7iyF7_CPX/s16000/kids%20playing%20with%20barbie%20dreamhouse%202023%20spiral%20slide%20and%20pool.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Is Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 good quality and easy to assemble? </h2><div><br /></div><div>Yes, it is an excellent quality. I was a bit apprehensive, as I have lots of bad experiences of self-assembly items with so many things skewed or incorrectly set. This Dreamhouse however could be assembled so easily. The amount of items was a lot, and it did take me a good two hours to put everything and the stickers on. That said, the instructions were pretty good and the assembly was helped by there being clear markings on the items as to which slots were paired with which slots. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What accessories and equipment does Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 include?</h2><div><br /></div><div>So so so many. There are so many accessories you will lose track. Great dining and kitchen equipment, lots of decorative items for the house, furniture like tables and sofas, bathroom items, towels, blankets and so on. </div><div><br /></div><div>Additional items also included a doghouse, a dog bowl, a bone, a doggy slide and a doggy pool - and a little dog itself! My five year old was very excited about this addition and so happy to find it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The house itself has cool equipment - for example a living room set-up that converts into a bed, and another bed that stacks itself so you can have big Barbie slumber parties for all your Barbies. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a giant spiral slide, just like in Barbie The Movie (2023), and you can fill the detachable pool with water and get the Barbies splashing about. Don't forget the little pool party drinks cups with drink holders - these float by the way for the proper pool party experience... The spiral slide can be removed, when the Dreamhouse is moved or if space is an issue. But I'd recommend keeping it on of course, it is one of the most fun big stand-out features of the Dreamhouse. </div><div><br /></div><div>The wheelchair accessible elevator is great, and there is a little doggy-side too for the pet. The elevator can get a little stiff, so do ensure your kids aren't too rought with it. My five year old hasn't managed to break it yet though so seems like it has well-built tracks. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also thought the cooker and the toilet that both have sound-effects were very cool. The oven has a little light, and dings when food is ready. My kids had great fun flushing the Barbie's toilet, that amused them a long time. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbE4S1R-Wkw9zmDjde8eQJnS9HXjCHw89OyBUWj8O6b2Wy5SaFDW3qztgLkjP7Yy41kyNdlc1UpFjtkGGQWQB2KP_DGq7DgeIi2e3OLZwHwWudO7iMEX4kxa1qNuwIp969w4hP8xHwticoDhGBCjzUOdpapkBLqDp9uNZXoWaAdOUMrpzUHx9F_OgD-zs/s1333/barbie%20dreamhouse%202023%20from%20behind%20the%20back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 from behind - the backside of the dollshouse" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbE4S1R-Wkw9zmDjde8eQJnS9HXjCHw89OyBUWj8O6b2Wy5SaFDW3qztgLkjP7Yy41kyNdlc1UpFjtkGGQWQB2KP_DGq7DgeIi2e3OLZwHwWudO7iMEX4kxa1qNuwIp969w4hP8xHwticoDhGBCjzUOdpapkBLqDp9uNZXoWaAdOUMrpzUHx9F_OgD-zs/s16000/barbie%20dreamhouse%202023%20from%20behind%20the%20back.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What did my kids think of Barbie Dreamhouse 2023?</h2><div><br /></div><div>My kids absolutely loved (and still love) their Barbie Dreamhouse 2023. While this was primarily a toy for my five year old, my ten year old has also enjoyed playing with her sister and the dollhouse. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we have had child visitors they have been awed with the Barbie Dreamhouse, and it has proved to be the big favourite item all want to play with. Not surprisingly of course, it is a big and fun item and not everyone has it. Even friends of my ten year old have been quite enthusiastic about "helping" the five year old play! I think it is quite nice that this Barbie Dreamhouse encourages slightly older kids to get back into being kids again and play for playings sake. Childhood is so fleeting and they'll have plenty chances to sit on their tablets and phones in the future..</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course, Barbie Dreamhouse also houses lots of other toys at times. We have had LOL Dolls make their visits, as well as smaller soft toys who seem to take over the house periodically. So it is not just for Barbies!</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What did I not like about the Barbie Dreamhouse 2023?</h2><div><br /></div><div>Like I have mentioned, the Dreamhouse was big but also awkwardly shaped. It had a slightly curved shape to it so you cannot put it flush against a wall. This means it sticks out. It seems the idea was to provide an easier access to the house from behind, for kids to move around the Dreamhouse and be able to play with it in a 360 degrees ways. Great idea, in principle, but realistically how many of us have big enough houses where kids can walk around a toy item longer than 1.5 meters? To put this in perspective, this toy is bigger than our recliner chair. </div><div><br /></div><div>This toy would be a great in a play room, or in a large living room, but if you are thinking of having it is your child's room do measure carefully. For my daughters (admittedly very small) room, this just about fits, just. </div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have you considered buying Barbie Dreamhouse?</b></span><div><br /></div><div><div>If you found this review helpful, please consider checking these affiliate links to <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Barbie-Dreamhouse-3-Story-Elevator-HMX10/dp/B0BLJTJ38M/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1SKGC8A4JZ6RQ&keywords=barbie%252Bdreamhouse%252B2023&qid=1703205283&sprefix=barbie%252Bdreamhouse%252Caps%252C89&sr=8-5&ufe=app_do%253Aamzn1.fos.23648568-4ba5-49f2-9aa6-31ae75f1e9cd&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=wavtomum-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=89e54f22f74edaef42715a14607799a6&camp=1634&creative=6738" target="_blank">Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 on Amazon UK</a> or on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Dreamhouse-3-Story-Playset-Elevator/dp/B0BLJTJ38M/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1SPXJLL6PN5KZ&keywords=barbie+dreamhouse+2023&qid=1703206087&sprefix=barbie+dream%252Caps%252C237&sr=8-4&_encoding=UTF8&tag=wavetomummy-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=54e16b8b962817e6d554f8a7e0b6ff44&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 on Amazon US</a> - if you buy through these links I get a few pennies at no extra cost to you. </div></div><div><br />
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<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2023/08/diverse-Barbies-what-kids-learn.html" target="_blank">What my children are learning through playing with the new diverse Barbies?</a></b><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2023/08/diverse-Barbies-what-kids-learn.html" target="_blank"><br />
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-57035909757897275542023-08-11T09:56:00.000+01:002023-08-11T09:56:32.682+01:00What my children are learning through playing with the new diverse Barbies<div>I used to love playing with my Barbies when I was a child. I had several Barbies and a few Kens too, and remember most of them being the stereotypical blond, blue-eyed Barbie - just like <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517268/" rel="nofollow">Margot Robbie in Barbie film</a>. Seeing that film reminded me of my love for Barbies... Now, as my children are at that doll-playing age I've embraced the Barbie dolls again and <a href="https://www.very.co.uk/barbie/e/b/4294935372.end" target="_blank">love seeing my children play with Barbie toys</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I was a child most of the Barbie dolls were white, blond and had blue-eyes. However, one of my most favourite Barbie was a brunette, just like me. That's one reason why I have loved seeing the evolution of Barbies to be more unique, and to be more representative of all kinds of children. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcWmjj5PnIGhGr0RL4-zghH5CC1Ls2gnr7qVdO3UNpkbuHSHuJCDdBKWVntIiDCApDrDF6r0zJ5aTi_xliD4z_3wxfSLrVEO-epAUodxMgZJibMYus-KXZGv025V6ERswC-bVNtXIrKEOd_Xpyu_DNSQncQ83W7PgrgS3CWetUvcejG7CHIUduTToivOM/s1333/barbie%20wheelchair%20barbie%20prosthetic%20leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Barbie in a wheelchair and barbie with prosthetic leg" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcWmjj5PnIGhGr0RL4-zghH5CC1Ls2gnr7qVdO3UNpkbuHSHuJCDdBKWVntIiDCApDrDF6r0zJ5aTi_xliD4z_3wxfSLrVEO-epAUodxMgZJibMYus-KXZGv025V6ERswC-bVNtXIrKEOd_Xpyu_DNSQncQ83W7PgrgS3CWetUvcejG7CHIUduTToivOM/s16000/barbie%20wheelchair%20barbie%20prosthetic%20leg.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now there are so many more Barbies with different ethnicities and skin tones, physical abilities, and body types. That variety enables children to find Barbie dolls that look like them and that represent them, which is incredibly important for children that typically have little representation with mainstream toys. For example, there is now a <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/down-syndrome-barbie-ndss-1.6824724" target="_blank">Barbie with Down Syndrome</a>! And while dolls with different ethnicities are increasing in numbers, it is great to see how Barbie have embraced this development and now do a variety of dolls with different ethnicities and skin tones - and hair styles ranging from afros to slick shiny hair. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is not just about finding representation through a doll that looks like you, or has the same physical attributes as you. It is also important that children are able to incorporate diversity in their imaginative play and learn empathy and inclusion through play. </div><div><br /></div><div>For example, my children have a <a href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/wheelchair-barbie-op-ed" target="_blank">Barbie in a wheelchair,</a> and a Barbie with a prosthetic leg. These dolls join in just as much as any other doll, despite their physical differences, showing them through play how inclusion is for everyone. And having these dolls with different physical abilities has opened up many important conversations with my children. We have discussed things such as hidden disabilities, how disabilities might affect people in different ways, and even that some people may have disabilities that require them to use wheelchairs occasionally. Rather wonderful for inclusion, the Barbie Dreamhouse also accommodates a Barbie wheelchair in its lift! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNCcu_J2SbHUe8qRbMmrqZ9TqjIRS1aBjgereBq1UJ7YtyGeu47JJmDbQIlDOTjtWCHkcdwU_9lqTCPK_oqvF4a74Q9u1jfopl1iY2EJ-aoB0p07x0wSTVTopqwYejtJTh8KPAAU1-u-ubsgNsxz0iaQqRAPNgu_24ZZg4jIHaiPxOX7NZcaSWaoPRExv/s1333/barbie%20ambulance%20set%20sisters%20playing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Two sisters playing with Barbie ambulance set" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNCcu_J2SbHUe8qRbMmrqZ9TqjIRS1aBjgereBq1UJ7YtyGeu47JJmDbQIlDOTjtWCHkcdwU_9lqTCPK_oqvF4a74Q9u1jfopl1iY2EJ-aoB0p07x0wSTVTopqwYejtJTh8KPAAU1-u-ubsgNsxz0iaQqRAPNgu_24ZZg4jIHaiPxOX7NZcaSWaoPRExv/s16000/barbie%20ambulance%20set%20sisters%20playing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcly_k_gpzp3A_L-K5djkkvTkP44Evm5rbNW6JXKS0ngS6_lslXLSXoVx6QSSIpg1Xjn4u7o74Gly9fHY514ZpBltLzgKO57hlxOVw3bNEe6q7UO7jCX9dOalY7dk7XzCzO_FlGboIiV5Mw0TeQYA7CEry_9WWsB_zRccuXRrYttecwV40-pLyAMd2TcVq/s1333/playing%20with%20barbie%20ambulance%20set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Small girl playing with doctor Barbie in a Barbie ambulanset" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcly_k_gpzp3A_L-K5djkkvTkP44Evm5rbNW6JXKS0ngS6_lslXLSXoVx6QSSIpg1Xjn4u7o74Gly9fHY514ZpBltLzgKO57hlxOVw3bNEe6q7UO7jCX9dOalY7dk7XzCzO_FlGboIiV5Mw0TeQYA7CEry_9WWsB_zRccuXRrYttecwV40-pLyAMd2TcVq/s16000/playing%20with%20barbie%20ambulance%20set.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The range of different body types for Barbies has been wonderful to see as well. There are now petite Barbies, tall Barbies and also curvy Barbies, showing children there is love for all kinds of body types. My daughter actually has one of those curvy Barbies, with a thicker waist and thighs. That curvy Barbie, that adults might have called with a much more unflattering term, she termed as "The Barbie with strong legs" and was delighted to have has in her collection. Her Barbie with strong legs can do anything. She lifts heavy things. She runs fast. She is strong and capable and also rather fabulous, just like all Barbies. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has been wonderful to see how Barbie has evolved to become a more inclusive and representative doll for children of all body types, of all abilities and of all ethnicities. Playing with diverse Barbie dolls also helps children develop empathy towards others that might not look or be like them. And I know my children might not look like their Barbie dolls - but they love them just the same and through play they show that it's not the physical attributes that matter, but who you are inside. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDP7ch8xVvK9vBNBVeLRcaOEQd5q0RBIe24ModsSd9U_Vsv4NiOfYFkDCpSIppFbQq72iLDu8LSLR8l5Mzn4JnlsVFBHEUXnJ3VtVn_bOiSX7iOV5Y7Zjrdw0HlNGiGGeAf9DXCKDIaLHors_6ngPfIpVUFD6zHFQku9DFHtKISaKNArl0v8EHYrzxUyz/s1333/two%20sisters%20playing%20with%20barbie%20dreamhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Two sisters playing with Barbie Dreamhouse 2023" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDP7ch8xVvK9vBNBVeLRcaOEQd5q0RBIe24ModsSd9U_Vsv4NiOfYFkDCpSIppFbQq72iLDu8LSLR8l5Mzn4JnlsVFBHEUXnJ3VtVn_bOiSX7iOV5Y7Zjrdw0HlNGiGGeAf9DXCKDIaLHors_6ngPfIpVUFD6zHFQku9DFHtKISaKNArl0v8EHYrzxUyz/s16000/two%20sisters%20playing%20with%20barbie%20dreamhouse.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp0soYOPrpO5SRizqRncNV76A2G6UBoSSj_XY8dUlXMoWoMMl9BSIHU8L2fiIPCbYjvNgvyN0ZjmdqjyHBvk2MicrE78R6VsIMQu_SDUmAayipyUCCXpi9KPoMvRFuHC83RfVLmyWhtUKCxSjtgvQfNTJkgP4mnN7nn0vK0Rlv6y942444vfKlB8TvHwe/s1333/barbie%20dreamhouse%20kids%20playing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Barbie Dreamhouse 2023 and two sisters" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp0soYOPrpO5SRizqRncNV76A2G6UBoSSj_XY8dUlXMoWoMMl9BSIHU8L2fiIPCbYjvNgvyN0ZjmdqjyHBvk2MicrE78R6VsIMQu_SDUmAayipyUCCXpi9KPoMvRFuHC83RfVLmyWhtUKCxSjtgvQfNTJkgP4mnN7nn0vK0Rlv6y942444vfKlB8TvHwe/s16000/barbie%20dreamhouse%20kids%20playing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Do your kids play with Barbies? What is their favourite Barbie?</span></b></div><br />
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-9079696424638815642022-12-20T00:07:00.000+00:002022-12-20T00:07:35.731+00:00My honest thoughts on the Science Fiction exhibition at Science Museum<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I went to see the <a href="https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/science-fiction" target="_blank">new Science Fiction exhibition at the Science Museum in London</a>. This new "immersive, genre-defying" exhibition is running until May 2023. In the <a href="https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/science-fiction" target="_blank">Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination exhibition</a> you take a journey through the cosmos and learn about the interaction between fiction and science. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In this review I will explain what the Science Fiction exhibition at Science Museum was like, what I thought was good and what could be improved, and its suitability for kids. </span></span><div><div><span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">As an overall summary, the exhibition was quite interesting, if a bit on the dear side. I loved the interplay between reality and science fiction, and there were certainly quite a few exhibits that inspired deeper thinking about this. This exhibition is most suitable for adults, who will get the most out of this one due to many many pop culture references. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">As for kids, I would pitch this more towards older tweens and teens. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKJ7shGJS3GB8S_pHJhfWwx9Cw8BH0Hpa967jp3A8etxHkE07TD6tGlxttuDCvifkbxVBEFKc3KYsWJ6vdEISErTeuKIggc3kj8EhV15ptRKfjUMm6IhVF7dyM05PUMzF5lcqQCYXQ8ddAQ_YtV9WLJSrpOe81piLLPo4Kc3hIki89c3QyRJAKwKamA/s1778/family%20at%20science%20fiction%20exhibition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="family at exhibition" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKJ7shGJS3GB8S_pHJhfWwx9Cw8BH0Hpa967jp3A8etxHkE07TD6tGlxttuDCvifkbxVBEFKc3KYsWJ6vdEISErTeuKIggc3kj8EhV15ptRKfjUMm6IhVF7dyM05PUMzF5lcqQCYXQ8ddAQ_YtV9WLJSrpOe81piLLPo4Kc3hIki89c3QyRJAKwKamA/s16000/family%20at%20science%20fiction%20exhibition.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVVWJdy97n7EbY3V1e0Ee6fcS1nWu76bGNrk9FudLGNqBdiEWCMtJzoTjsT4yJF4amzlMi97Fu7UJOMSG4Xl__87uEtWS2n7vV73bXZYEFH9RLZdNP49udXWActzUFOMpVwNJmT7I-GKxVAjAMbaj8IHb2Jjd3Xdcir5ugJaqWA4cQ3U4JdVaCWtUAQ/s1778/AI%20at%20science%20museum%20exhibition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child speaking to AI screen" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVVWJdy97n7EbY3V1e0Ee6fcS1nWu76bGNrk9FudLGNqBdiEWCMtJzoTjsT4yJF4amzlMi97Fu7UJOMSG4Xl__87uEtWS2n7vV73bXZYEFH9RLZdNP49udXWActzUFOMpVwNJmT7I-GKxVAjAMbaj8IHb2Jjd3Xdcir5ugJaqWA4cQ3U4JdVaCWtUAQ/s16000/AI%20at%20science%20museum%20exhibition.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcocsTR0T99Vr_QFeDwSKlCnloJavnFqB3fSgERefRA4PRNY2zIEIp5uDkoGjDPV9TIEuBEmh876HegYGc2kQtWnAndN8WSOgi_JtejJI9fc4KZx3SxfSN51RlI2oHc0ET4UnYh1rfGCq9qlkHfCk31S9ju1ClW--qO0Wm5834X7vkqaUly0NJkUnRjA/s1778/science%20fiction%20immersive%20room%20science%20museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child in a blue immersive room" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcocsTR0T99Vr_QFeDwSKlCnloJavnFqB3fSgERefRA4PRNY2zIEIp5uDkoGjDPV9TIEuBEmh876HegYGc2kQtWnAndN8WSOgi_JtejJI9fc4KZx3SxfSN51RlI2oHc0ET4UnYh1rfGCq9qlkHfCk31S9ju1ClW--qO0Wm5834X7vkqaUly0NJkUnRjA/s16000/science%20fiction%20immersive%20room%20science%20museum.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8QMU-TvMoUWCMJF_x0Sp7LyJbu1eD6KyXGJ3iHwMsyusjz64s-KSJplhF9x1qWWeDjxEivd18KC524ECUx1256vJdTtvQa9AD1QJDoSwyzKPic9pXkDMIb3ST8Q3ZQp31QYuAhuPKDhN3CAOeJcY2AkQCzcldPcEKQ5wpjkpdmlEcJIKfhaYHd-jSQ/s1778/darth%20vader%20original%20mask%20star%20wars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="darth vader mask" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8QMU-TvMoUWCMJF_x0Sp7LyJbu1eD6KyXGJ3iHwMsyusjz64s-KSJplhF9x1qWWeDjxEivd18KC524ECUx1256vJdTtvQa9AD1QJDoSwyzKPic9pXkDMIb3ST8Q3ZQp31QYuAhuPKDhN3CAOeJcY2AkQCzcldPcEKQ5wpjkpdmlEcJIKfhaYHd-jSQ/s16000/darth%20vader%20original%20mask%20star%20wars.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Review of the Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination</span></h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Science Fiction exhibition at Science Museum launched early October and is running until 4th May 2023. This exhibition promises to show you how science fiction interacts and inspires science and discovery, and also promises a genre-defying immersive experience where you journey through cosmos on an A.I. guided spaceship... so, that begs the question - how did that all work out?</span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large;">What was the Science Fiction exhibition at Science Museum like?</span></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">An exhibition space styled like a spaceship, with the assistance of a slightly glitchy A.I. and a fantastic selection of various film props and scientific equipment, showing the interlinkages and feedback loops between real life science and fiction. Lots of great things to spot from popular culture, like the hypersleep pod from Prometheus, Darth Vaders helmet and a Dalek amongst others.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It is a bit more on an expensive side for the length of the exhibition, but quite a unique and interesting setting and some really fascinating themes shown around various sci-fi themes. I particularly liked how the exhibition showed the links from science fiction to real life science and back. There were some stand-out sections, such as bionic engineering, fashion / film influences and real-life testimony of using bionics from a meningitis-survivor and Youtuber Tilly Lockey, combined with film prosthetics, like Darth Vader mask... There were linkages shows between hypersleep pod from the Prometheus, and cryotherapy, gene editing and Gattaca, and androids from films such as I, Robot linking to original science horror Frankenstein. I was also fascinated by the section on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_science_fiction" target="_blank">black science fiction</a>. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">The exhibition took place within a "spaceship" so we started our journey with a blast to space, with airport style queue-in and then a lift-off. The exhibition then took place inside the spaceship. We were also treated to various interactive screens, and large observation rooms, such as the last room where we could sit at the deck and admire Earth from space. It was really interesting and added to the experience. All in all, a very interesting setting for a thought-provoking exhibition. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">And like from any international or intergalactic flight, you exit via the tax-free gift shop... Well, tax-free not this time, but very well stocked for the science fiction buffs! Lots of fun and quite unusual gifts and items to check through. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB-dGEI8QMbIwM4x0iD3YWWU7wZ30LU-i6c5K_3dzktYD-uiIfW3CMK5q_arkWeWrI5OZMD6VoHZDvs1YMVdNjmhVOyVQG0SAcbMEc7J468h0gzDx7ckpY9GHO-ux1zrFF7uoudWfoM7DGhciJbcmZRbRhS6ZvCQ00MBL0b6-sw3rxkIeYBcmY0fl2w/s1000/science%20fiction%20exhibition%20science%20museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="science fiction exhibition first room" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB-dGEI8QMbIwM4x0iD3YWWU7wZ30LU-i6c5K_3dzktYD-uiIfW3CMK5q_arkWeWrI5OZMD6VoHZDvs1YMVdNjmhVOyVQG0SAcbMEc7J468h0gzDx7ckpY9GHO-ux1zrFF7uoudWfoM7DGhciJbcmZRbRhS6ZvCQ00MBL0b6-sw3rxkIeYBcmY0fl2w/s16000/science%20fiction%20exhibition%20science%20museum.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48hvTAbJxph608YUggc3gAaJaqDvl0rbe8KHzcjQqK5XA_qWmFjRRnpjD_UmdNfFKp-ujnePjr1DDeid5ECJLl0iHjuG-iRX4QSJETg-ZBtc3wnKA-QqzA03M_XOQvxJthb5EgCBrnLTf4bm1aN2CJZYayVXSv-Bs2HB3joT4cJovlsV5lGQ4snRxRQ/s1000/star%20trek%20enterprise%20signed%20replica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="start trek ship replica signed by actors" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48hvTAbJxph608YUggc3gAaJaqDvl0rbe8KHzcjQqK5XA_qWmFjRRnpjD_UmdNfFKp-ujnePjr1DDeid5ECJLl0iHjuG-iRX4QSJETg-ZBtc3wnKA-QqzA03M_XOQvxJthb5EgCBrnLTf4bm1aN2CJZYayVXSv-Bs2HB3joT4cJovlsV5lGQ4snRxRQ/s16000/star%20trek%20enterprise%20signed%20replica.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljJyKOg5ix0iT8f1iTzNGqNLEidzFkD3Ej7c04CTR20BlGUzM3afskfMeXxCFhDqBWyviFZMraK2h-vSi0EKmxLOrzGsWmhaIcUCpGTLI72fKIKjI5yC6_1OIlwCxoUnQA4CzdRZCdk38XaNa12UnIkpIhteteLaRpXvYqui4XeKAk7auS7ZBh8WULg/s1000/hypersleep%20pod%20prometheus%20exhibition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hypersleep pod from Prometheus film" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljJyKOg5ix0iT8f1iTzNGqNLEidzFkD3Ej7c04CTR20BlGUzM3afskfMeXxCFhDqBWyviFZMraK2h-vSi0EKmxLOrzGsWmhaIcUCpGTLI72fKIKjI5yC6_1OIlwCxoUnQA4CzdRZCdk38XaNa12UnIkpIhteteLaRpXvYqui4XeKAk7auS7ZBh8WULg/s16000/hypersleep%20pod%20prometheus%20exhibition.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dtRI3Y-XU6F914lliEadUo-CNUROS0zumRN-miOE6zBB2FMMCmdcNGA0_0hVPAggljqOU_uXsdI-kjcTGnvDHYNdNHVKvzrdkzBvnbzDgLAB0-a1bM09FlafK6gz1GvJO_e6gIbvl81Io29B0ojOCRBZuoNMte0dz-KyrDLfSIQ_zXu6_323eAAe-Q/s1000/interactive%20display%20science%20museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child interacting with computer screen" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dtRI3Y-XU6F914lliEadUo-CNUROS0zumRN-miOE6zBB2FMMCmdcNGA0_0hVPAggljqOU_uXsdI-kjcTGnvDHYNdNHVKvzrdkzBvnbzDgLAB0-a1bM09FlafK6gz1GvJO_e6gIbvl81Io29B0ojOCRBZuoNMte0dz-KyrDLfSIQ_zXu6_323eAAe-Q/s16000/interactive%20display%20science%20museum.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FRRkPL-PB2uPLfkA3Xaq91twpvONyUCYLeCEnzQ6Sc0lDfcrPrwrZWHhsoPG3NtAtelFW-ffZ1x_kfyLODBNUH4evCem6Sz8RbhZB1OoeF_z17mOEMFE8_o3Mzxy8vJ90m0uR6nPCosAZjOKnrH-npPAqSgBata_jC_eDWLsnt_ra4gKwXc2nEFXpw/s1000/robots%20in%20science%20fiction%20exhibition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="android robots" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FRRkPL-PB2uPLfkA3Xaq91twpvONyUCYLeCEnzQ6Sc0lDfcrPrwrZWHhsoPG3NtAtelFW-ffZ1x_kfyLODBNUH4evCem6Sz8RbhZB1OoeF_z17mOEMFE8_o3Mzxy8vJ90m0uR6nPCosAZjOKnrH-npPAqSgBata_jC_eDWLsnt_ra4gKwXc2nEFXpw/s16000/robots%20in%20science%20fiction%20exhibition.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAOadSfKPhotw4D4FW1lzV22ESqAtvv_C-5rS8hjTQkA336_x9nZ-2bv6SYpQue2pUzdQnr0p37stNVNnk_Jc2hp9EUw2moo7kdNLiz3EbmMqNfJN72kRww5LTnbS9bjejlCLU4VruzklbJlYh_GbPU_OB1gL4B-oAygW2ttKyB29N9BMnbFButYGuw/s1000/science%20fiction%20exhibition%20earth%20observation%20deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="earth as from space" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAOadSfKPhotw4D4FW1lzV22ESqAtvv_C-5rS8hjTQkA336_x9nZ-2bv6SYpQue2pUzdQnr0p37stNVNnk_Jc2hp9EUw2moo7kdNLiz3EbmMqNfJN72kRww5LTnbS9bjejlCLU4VruzklbJlYh_GbPU_OB1gL4B-oAygW2ttKyB29N9BMnbFButYGuw/s16000/science%20fiction%20exhibition%20earth%20observation%20deck.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7bNKrE3AjBib9xHQMLiXAty9ms4lhixJfw9_Lnz-D9KReyQlXfW0NGHCvT5T82UC8LwVD1NumPAP-mj1sju3ztsxOxHzuU5MevuN4UniFnNNbWmm-O8d63QoeLnwVUOAqHzvxyYqLh_lokbueVLkTt0lpdjWF-hQDxsETJmfH0VlmwTojPDjSLUU5A/s1000/science%20museum%20exhibition%20earth%20observation%20deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="earth as from space" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7bNKrE3AjBib9xHQMLiXAty9ms4lhixJfw9_Lnz-D9KReyQlXfW0NGHCvT5T82UC8LwVD1NumPAP-mj1sju3ztsxOxHzuU5MevuN4UniFnNNbWmm-O8d63QoeLnwVUOAqHzvxyYqLh_lokbueVLkTt0lpdjWF-hQDxsETJmfH0VlmwTojPDjSLUU5A/s16000/science%20museum%20exhibition%20earth%20observation%20deck.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large;">Age recommendation for the Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination exhibition - suitability for kids?</span></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The age recommendation for this exhibition is 8+ but truthfully I would say this really works much better for kids in their teens. There were many pop culture references and film props from films and vast majority of these films are not ones that would interest primary school aged kids, or even slightly older kids. This is compensated partly by free tickets for kids aged 7 and under! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Some of the extra interactive bits did help in keeping my kids in one place for long enough for me to read bits and bobs, and they did seem to enjoy a lot the overall spaceship experience. Mostly however, my kids were speed-walking through much of the exhibition, making it difficult for me to properly enjoy it, so I</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">'d quite like to return in adult company only. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Was the Science Museum exhibition Science Fiction worth it?</span></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Overall I really liked the <a href="https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/science-fiction" target="_blank">Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination</a> exhibition, although the cost of the tickets were fairly pricey for the length of the exhibition. I may have felt differently had I had a child-free day and taken my time... As far as the overall experience and the spaceship setting, it was fun, different, and an interesting idea for immersiveness. I liked it, although not sure I'd pay loads extra for that only. I also wish that more of the film props had been the original film props. It would have added to the curiosity-side of the experience. That said, I liked it and I reckon I will do another visit in the spring time without the kids!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF5SfMhUb_vXI-F-9yZ08UQqpQVOkUrFcFv3ZAlRuWEcrKlWNvYueQQ3zWJhoB-l2pA3QqtQRWPGN4eNnWcJPAEC09fjsH1TLyCFMh3zxsOXBRYlpTDCi3S5vE5QXjjj7Z2JPdS7pflMPyCKQyfNzuH2KLCUG4eGzs1AbdXg2utU-QaHsWpSe_9xtGw/s1778/science%20museum%20science%20fiction%20gift%20shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child in gift shop" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF5SfMhUb_vXI-F-9yZ08UQqpQVOkUrFcFv3ZAlRuWEcrKlWNvYueQQ3zWJhoB-l2pA3QqtQRWPGN4eNnWcJPAEC09fjsH1TLyCFMh3zxsOXBRYlpTDCi3S5vE5QXjjj7Z2JPdS7pflMPyCKQyfNzuH2KLCUG4eGzs1AbdXg2utU-QaHsWpSe_9xtGw/s16000/science%20museum%20science%20fiction%20gift%20shop.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And afterwards, I'd definitely recommend heading down to the ground floor an continuing the space-themed outing by seeing the regular exhibition and the many fascinating items such as the Soyuz descent module, Apollo 10 command modules or the real piece of moon rock!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Anyone else been to this exhibition?</b></span></span><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2021/05/visiting-science-museum-london-with-kids.html" target="_blank">Why visit the Science Museum London with kids?</a></b><br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDGlVI5MFpUvsvtOctP_wCgZ0cPHEk7hMzfeBKQB4zktmoaXdHEBOFuDg9PrCUDOhc7fHNFSkrFEWFWeiI_G5X5gql7ZPEr2gbqJLDLkCDzXxkDlyLsd4WsPCiFeafSzZl9rqgWgdedDn-_s17LdDPVTGwdf91C2tEC3j39UDIzbzR4HkulPeovsraA/s1102/science%20fiction%20exhibition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDGlVI5MFpUvsvtOctP_wCgZ0cPHEk7hMzfeBKQB4zktmoaXdHEBOFuDg9PrCUDOhc7fHNFSkrFEWFWeiI_G5X5gql7ZPEr2gbqJLDLkCDzXxkDlyLsd4WsPCiFeafSzZl9rqgWgdedDn-_s17LdDPVTGwdf91C2tEC3j39UDIzbzR4HkulPeovsraA/s16000/science%20fiction%20exhibition.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXpWouS45NWXxkNkKtSjF_DWRKfVfwG1ZJxaNEwtH5GTr1SXJeE-_5EHq7OJW1DZ4NnnY7xVv5d_AP4z2MjEVuBVSrTBvDzAdKFHPMQzRTjGAbyZFaTqkQT9UI1-ZgCJZbbV8NCQBiK0PN4qzRUxT5gaKrBt_1s6MUQxs2N8-SMGYo9DAL2BpkRH0Tw/s1102/science%20fiction%20exhibition%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXpWouS45NWXxkNkKtSjF_DWRKfVfwG1ZJxaNEwtH5GTr1SXJeE-_5EHq7OJW1DZ4NnnY7xVv5d_AP4z2MjEVuBVSrTBvDzAdKFHPMQzRTjGAbyZFaTqkQT9UI1-ZgCJZbbV8NCQBiK0PN4qzRUxT5gaKrBt_1s6MUQxs2N8-SMGYo9DAL2BpkRH0Tw/s16000/science%20fiction%20exhibition%20(1).jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div></div></div></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com1London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-83045032896276601812022-11-09T22:15:00.002+00:002022-11-09T23:49:42.713+00:00Reviewing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on West End: Brooding folk-fest<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I took my nine year old daughter to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe musical on West End. Overall, it was a fantastic show, with catchy tunes and a great cast. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, as did my daughter, so I wanted to provide a review of the West End version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on my blog as well. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdkDAc-fmoLkU--f1SjPA_xib49-rAmn0zNx4qZXpp5GAqgnC4kCcuCah93FfAFJcFA-7-E7jwOJaPZk_iOzY_Ng_pnZ8V4EwU0xUy50y7pvpEo5ZWzEGifKMHMnjREXnsBXv_uJZ8QoXt8wxfk7Phz5YQugSZGHVkc4VEIYtGiYlbNq1_g7mXhz39A/s1424/lion%20witch%20wardrobe%20musical%20london%20show.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the sign for the lion, the witch and the wardrobe musical" border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdkDAc-fmoLkU--f1SjPA_xib49-rAmn0zNx4qZXpp5GAqgnC4kCcuCah93FfAFJcFA-7-E7jwOJaPZk_iOzY_Ng_pnZ8V4EwU0xUy50y7pvpEo5ZWzEGifKMHMnjREXnsBXv_uJZ8QoXt8wxfk7Phz5YQugSZGHVkc4VEIYtGiYlbNq1_g7mXhz39A/s16000/lion%20witch%20wardrobe%20musical%20london%20show.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><h1 style="text-align: left;">Review of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on West End</h1><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Overall, the musical The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was a fantastic show, with catchy tunes and a great cast. This was not the sparkly massive joyful West End show you typically come to expect, but rather more brooding and menacing at places. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The wolves in particular were menacing, almost BDSM-type puppet-man-contraptions. And talking of puppets, I quite liked how Aslan came to life through puppetry and acting, as the giant lion and the actor dressed in fur and mahoosive hair interacted side by side on the stage. </span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The musical is very heavily based on the original story by C.S. Lewis, and seeing this musical reminded me again what a good base story C.S. Lewis created - magical world accessed through a secret portal, the fight between good and evil, and betrayal, sacrifice and eventual triumph. What is there not to like? </span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The story closely followed the original story so was easy to understand and it reminded me of the excitement I felt when I read the book many many years, even decades ago! Where aspects diverged from the book to make it suitable for the stage or the overall musical narrative, it was done well and it didn't jar. </span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I very much enjoyed seeing all the instruments on stage and played by the actors. In total there were 13 instruments at various stages of the musical. These instruments included cello, clarinet, accordion, piano, double bass, violin, piccolo and different sets of drums. There were definite folk-elements to the songs, and it suited having various characters joining in with the folk songs with their instruments. </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The only thing I find potentially problematic was if the show was a good fit for the size of the theatre. We had great seats at front stalls, row E I think, but I'm not totally sure how the show translates to the back seats. There were a some scenes where the stage magic was rather intricate, and sitting at the back you would miss out little details such as flowers blooming from within books. Overall the whole show felt fairly intimate and almost as if designed for a smaller stage. </span></span></h2><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo-dMBo5WPciicIyvoaqakn83-Jm4rtQ2RHSS_7QGlozAxt9c9w2GAvvWxzyez5FRk7N4bv0AJ2kEHt154omgtffCqKVkFtAtTHFmgiTpZ7CuvURO6kvDv9xEjhWrpbeA94YmZu06E8a9LS6R3NSOEZxbRKH3Qs9UxtR9iT10A_0pcUJKZHZXWqP0Mw/s1000/lion%20with%20wardrobe%20musical%20stage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="the lion, the witch and the wardrobe musical stage" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo-dMBo5WPciicIyvoaqakn83-Jm4rtQ2RHSS_7QGlozAxt9c9w2GAvvWxzyez5FRk7N4bv0AJ2kEHt154omgtffCqKVkFtAtTHFmgiTpZ7CuvURO6kvDv9xEjhWrpbeA94YmZu06E8a9LS6R3NSOEZxbRKH3Qs9UxtR9iT10A_0pcUJKZHZXWqP0Mw/s16000/lion%20with%20wardrobe%20musical%20stage.jpg" /></span></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Suitability of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe musical for kids?</h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I would say minimum age recommendation for this would be eight years old. My nine year old enjoyed the show and thought it was very exciting. There were a few younger guests in the audience as well, but I would say any child under six would struggle to enjoy this fully. There is plenty of stage magic and a few big scenes to keep their interest, but at the same time the story can be quite dark and younger children may find sections of it scary. </span></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Cheap tickets for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe musical?</h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It is definitely worth checking <a href="https://www.todaytix.com/london/shows/25393-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe" target="_blank">TodayTix - I found some affordable tickets over there!</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And P.S. - I recommend checking out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lionwitchstage/?hl=en-gb" target="_blank">their Instagram page @lionwitchstage</a> where they provide a fair bit of behind the scenes material and info - for example I thought it was really fun to see a day in the life of a stage manager, which came up when we went to see this!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Are you planning to see this? Or if you already have, let me know what you thought of it!</span></b></div><div><b><br style="background-color: white;" /></b><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsaoF_JqFUR2fkDPzlMBialTekurF26lpWNTpd3jCab2s9UOEYnswMjOFVmduX0yD7FxDB-Vq5ugXf1W6_6AipHBL8dzBgF2RC7w7yWjF9QOWXK1mWBzIBCrtDr7oSItSYfAN5HAMuucNX8jSZIq-ZyWrUIFFgGm9EdwD8UIINQAEgiFR5SxoBaLzqQ/s1000/flower%20wall%20at%20lion%20witch%20wardrobe%20musical.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mum and daughter in front of flower wall at a theatre" border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsaoF_JqFUR2fkDPzlMBialTekurF26lpWNTpd3jCab2s9UOEYnswMjOFVmduX0yD7FxDB-Vq5ugXf1W6_6AipHBL8dzBgF2RC7w7yWjF9QOWXK1mWBzIBCrtDr7oSItSYfAN5HAMuucNX8jSZIq-ZyWrUIFFgGm9EdwD8UIINQAEgiFR5SxoBaLzqQ/s16000/flower%20wall%20at%20lion%20witch%20wardrobe%20musical.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/02/review-the-lion-king-musical-london-west-end.html" target="_blank">Reviewing Lion King at West End</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/02/frozen-the-musical-west-end-review.html" target="_blank">Review: Frozen musical at West End - the good and the bad</a></b><br />
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email<br /></a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div></div></div></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-14247150298465866912022-10-26T01:16:00.002+01:002022-10-26T01:16:25.487+01:00Halloween fun for kids in London: 15 ideas<div>I am a big fan of Halloween fun, and love to do Halloween with my kids. In London there are plenty of things to choose for kids for Halloween. There are Halloween trails in many popular attractions, and plenty of extra activities refashioned in Halloween style. In this post I will share some of my top tips for Halloween fun for kids in London, and will include free Halloween events for kids as well!</div><div><br /></div><div>So here is some spooktacular fun for London kids!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssz-6IenEa8dAaaQsFFJWO79sZTJTb-cakGp8qenkW8Cn44pYTSDWUhob8woBZxZp00o0NJ_pJmgQgY3mSmYzZy7Po7HwytrPnWQ3y0M4vvwRYTdzkKUhUoeUgfLjLcy9pUf0kUS2yygcFFAWLBlmPf591HNA0XyaEyUEQ8WzxvGI1WBm2eWoCnMJAA/s3001/11919DAC-5C08-4E29-8BD0-682124B5EEEA_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kids at a pumpkin patch" border="0" data-original-height="3001" data-original-width="2268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssz-6IenEa8dAaaQsFFJWO79sZTJTb-cakGp8qenkW8Cn44pYTSDWUhob8woBZxZp00o0NJ_pJmgQgY3mSmYzZy7Po7HwytrPnWQ3y0M4vvwRYTdzkKUhUoeUgfLjLcy9pUf0kUS2yygcFFAWLBlmPf591HNA0XyaEyUEQ8WzxvGI1WBm2eWoCnMJAA/s16000/11919DAC-5C08-4E29-8BD0-682124B5EEEA_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">Halloween activities for kids in London</h1><div><br /></div><div>There are both extra special trails that some museums and attractions put on, as well as full on Halloween themed areas some places have. There are also some free Halloween events for kids, so I hope you can find something you like in this list. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Kidzania</h3><div><a href="https://kidzania.co.uk/whats-on/october-half-term-2022" target="_blank">Kidzania</a> is running a special Halloween event from 22nd to 30th October - this includes Festival of Fright, where many of the usual workshops have a Halloween twist and kids can visit haunted spots in Kidzania and listen to spooky stories. Suitable for ages 4 to 14 and expect to be set back by almost a £100 for a family of four. See here<a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/07/kidzania-london-top-tips-review.html" target="_blank"> my tips on how to make the most out of your Kidzania visit</a>. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. London Dungeons</h3><div><a href="https://www.thedungeons.com/london/whats-inside/events/halloween/" target="_blank">London Dungeons on South Bank have a regular Halloween event </a>running from 15th to 31st October. This tends to be a limited-edition show, so different from the usual fare. London Dungeons is a great attraction for Halloween time anyway, as it is delightfully creepy and scary - check here for <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2021/11/london-dungeons-with-kids-review-age-recommendation.html" target="_blank">my thoughts on how kids will fare with it.</a> Overall, I'd say minimum age recommendation is 8+, tickets around £25-30. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Kew Gardens</h3><div><br /></div><div>Kew Gardens is running a Mexico Festival in 2022 - this includes Mexico-inspired artworks in the Temperate House, and a <a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/mexico-family-fiesta" target="_blank">Mexico Family Fiesta celebrating the Day of the Dead between 22nd and 31st October. </a>The Family Fiesta includes carneval and movement workshops, On Saturday and Sunday also story-telling and a mariachi band. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Eltham Palace</h3><div><br /></div><div>English Heritage events are always fun, and <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/eltham-palace-halloween-22-30-oct-2022/" target="_blank">Eltham Palace is running a Halloween trail </a>inspired by Dennis, Gnasher and friends. There is a trail, and performers with whom you can hunt witches! Also a pumpkin-carving workshop for £4. Tickets free for English Heritage members, otherwise normal admission prices apply. Family ticket price typically around £45. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Tower of London</h3><div><br /></div><div>What a better place to visit to hear <a href="https://staging.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/halloween-at-the-tower-of-london/" target="_blank">spooky stories than Tower of London</a>? A family-friendly creepy trail and extra spook-factors apply! from 22nd to 31st October. Family ticket price typically around £55. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. Hampton Court Palace</h3><div><br /></div><div>The notoriously haunted palace of Henry the VIII - <a href="https://staging.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/halloween-at-hampton-court-palace/" target="_blank">Hampton Court Palace is running an extra spooky sessions </a>between 22nd and 31st October. In addition, the very popular <a href="https://staging.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/halloween-at-hampton-court-palace-after-dark/" target="_blank">Hampton Court Palace After Dark tour </a>is available on 29th and 30th October only! This needs an additional ticket, so if you want to visit the Palace during the daytime, book normal tickets too. Family ticket price typically around £55. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. Chelsea Physic Garden Halloween</h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/visit/whats-on/" target="_blank">Chelsea Physic Garden is hosting a few different Halloween activities</a> - there is the pumpkin carving workshop, the broomstick workshop with foraged materials, and an immersive theatre show Hunt for the Lost Dragon. Tickets from £10 to £20 per person. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">8. Dark Arts at Warner Bros Studios</h3><div><br /></div><div>A bit outside London in Watford, this is a must visit for any fans of Harry Potter and Halloween... Between 23rd September and 6th November the <a href="https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/dark-arts/" target="_blank">Warner Bros Studios Hogwarts will transform into Halloween time.</a>.. there are flying pumpkins, Death Eaters marks and Death Eater processions... Family tickets typically around £160. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">9. Halloween Fair at Horniman Museum & Gardens</h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.horniman.ac.uk/event/halloween-fair/" target="_blank">Horniman Museum & Gardens hosts a Halloween Fair,</a> with plenty of free activities, and some additional paid-for workshops and activities. Kids go free, but adults at £5. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">10. Capel Manor Gardens Halloween</h3><div><br /></div><div>A North London gem, <a href="https://www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk/event/halloween-at-capel-manor-gardens/" target="_blank">this garden holds a big Halloween event every year</a>. This year 24th to 30th October, there is a pirate trail, interactive bewitching forest, creepy crafts, animals and other activities. Family ticket at £34. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Free Halloween fun for kids in London</h2><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">11. Free Lego</h3><div><br /></div><div>Participating <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-gb/stores/events/treasure-hunt-uk-ie" target="_blank">Lego stores typically run a Halloween trail in-store</a> - hunt for pumpkins around the shop and get a free polybag as a treat! Running form 24th to 30th October. On 29th and 30th October you can also participate in a Make and Take event, and do a Frankenstein head - and take it home with you. Check the <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-gb/stores/events/build-frankensteins-monster" target="_blank">two-hour workshop timings on Lego store site</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">12. Covent Garden Mum Halloween Trail</h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://coventgardenmum.com/halloween-trick-or-treat-trail/" target="_blank">Covent Garden Mum blogger has set up a Halloween trail </a>for 28th to 30th October. with the help of several local companies. The trail includes points of interest and spooky sightings of ghosts in Covent Garden, and participating retailers who often have a little treat for the kids doing the trail. Sounds great to me! </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">13. The Charterhouse Museum</h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://thecharterhouse.org/visit-us/whats-on/" target="_blank">The Charterhouse Museum </a>is running a free Halloween trail 25th to 29th October - this was a 14th Century plague pit and you can hunt around the museum for a medieval plague remedy... <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-halloween-trail-at-the-charterhouse-museum-family-fun-tickets-317745745077?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">Tickets here. </a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">14. Benjamin Franklin House</h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/events/" target="_blank">Benjamin Franklin House is running free Family Halloween events</a> on 26th and 27th October - lots of spooky crafts. There is also an after hours haunter tour at £15 per person, although more suitable for teens and older kids. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">15. Hyde Park Discovery Days - Hair-raising Halloween</h3><div><br /></div><div>Hyde Park The Lookout Centre is hosting a <a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/upcoming-events/discovery-day-hair-raising-halloween8" target="_blank">Discovery day on 25th to 27th October 11AM to 3PM</a> - drop-in events that may involve some waiting if they are full, but they are free and relaxed. Creepy crawly activities and spooky stories!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Lots of fun acitivies, and some free ones too. Have you got any other ideas for Halloween?</b></div><br />
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<b> You might also like: </b><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/10/legoland-uk-halloween-review-brick-treat.html" target="_blank">What Halloween at Legoland is like? All you need to know about Brick or Treat</a><br />
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-42649996665946593012022-10-19T00:17:00.002+01:002022-10-25T20:16:21.420+01:00What is Halloween at Legoland like? All you need to know about Brick or Treat<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Ever been to a Legoland in October? We went for the first time this year, and I wanted to share a quick review of Legoland Halloween and explain what it included. Different Legoland theme parks may have a variety of Halloween activities - for example Legoland Billund in Denmark includes after-dark rides! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We visited Legoland Windsor in UK, so i</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">n this post I mainly talk about Legoland UK Halloween. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Our family included mum, dad and two kids aged nine and four, so most activities were available for us.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">If you are looking for cheap tickets, don't forget to check out my<a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/10/legoland-windsor-on-a-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank"> Legoland on a budget post</a>. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8nazSE5OpG_k6yjbQLSTwLg8FdlV_u2S-WEqZ4UCLyLvlq76zfVoH3zwa_PfllmdWdIOLX3T9m8q1MXfdPqdPCIWIkUHTgRYWxxThdSAF8U0kc60J3CXSbVSh6gP6BunNUKnYpc_4zOxfTbxy6mEhRBURpbHvHN-ON54-NfmxGMZfD0W240gj5AmaQ/s1778/legoland%20brick%20or%20treat%20girls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="legoland brick or treat sign with kids in front" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8nazSE5OpG_k6yjbQLSTwLg8FdlV_u2S-WEqZ4UCLyLvlq76zfVoH3zwa_PfllmdWdIOLX3T9m8q1MXfdPqdPCIWIkUHTgRYWxxThdSAF8U0kc60J3CXSbVSh6gP6BunNUKnYpc_4zOxfTbxy6mEhRBURpbHvHN-ON54-NfmxGMZfD0W240gj5AmaQ/s16000/legoland%20brick%20or%20treat%20girls.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><h1><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Does Legoland do anything for Halloween?</span></h1><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">All Legoland theme parks have a Halloween event - in the UK this is called Brick or Treat! Other countries may use different names, but they all tend to take place for the whole of October. The different Legoland theme parks may have slightly different activities, costs and shows. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">What is Brick or Treat at Legoland?</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Brick or Treat is the name for the Legoland UK Halloween event hosted in October each year. This event includes variety of Halloween-themes shows and character meets, and the very popular free trick or treating experience where kids can collect treats!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">When does Halloween start at Legoland?</span></span></h2><div>In UK Legoland Windsor hosts Halloween event Brick or Treat between 1st and 31st October. The opening hours are shorter than during the summer months, <a href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/plan-your-day/before-you-visit/opening-hours/" target="_blank">so check ahead!</a> Usually weekdays are 10-4PM and weekends 10-5PM. </div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">What are the activities for Legoland UK Halloween?</span></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Legoland Windsor was open as normal, so all the usual rides were open and available. There were additional things too... The Halloweeny fun at Legoland Windsor included several new things which in 2022 were: </span></div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Monster Street. This was trick or treating Legoland style. In Legoland UK this was free, and kids got a chocolate, a pop badge and a small Lego model (pumpkin in 2022)</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Monster Jam show at the Harbour. This was a show with the Lego Girls at Halloween, who joined a jam with a Monster band. characters appearing were zombie cheerleader, werewolf, yeti, and Lord Vampyre. Great fun for younger kids. </span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Monster Miniland Show. We didn't see this, but it includes various Monster characters. </span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Monster meet-ups. These are various Lego monsters, and are meant to happen around the theme park. However, we didn't spot any and there was no information given where they might be so most likely luck of the draw. </span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Great Monster Hunt 4D film at Lego Studios. This was a Lego inspired 4D film set around the Legoland theme park. Good fun, and includes water and smoke effects! I'd advise bringing some tissues to wipe the seats. </span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Halloween touches at Miniland. I very much recommend having a good look at the Miniland for spotting pumpkin patches and vampires and ghouls dotted around. Lots to see. Rather apt that the USA-section seemed to have plenty of these so if you struggle to find any, check the White House. </span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Haunted House Monster Part ride! This is an all year around ride, but a perfect addition for a Halloween inspired Legoland visit so well worth a visit. </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The shows are different each year, and the trick or treating experience can vary too. In the past it has been a scavenger hunt, and has been in a different location so do always check with the latest map! </span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">How were the queues at Legoland Windsor during Halloween?</span></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We visited on the weekend. The queues were very short at the start of the day, during midday and afternoon they got quite long in some popular rides. That said, using the app and selecting shorter queue times helped us make the most of the day. Overall the queues were much shorter than at summer and it was a more pleasant experience! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6F59Df3hAtPDgDLEKiVmVEuWqzq7FVbsqsf_pPmMYLX4Sb_3M0O-T25yap6i2qF75ct7QDnBwP1rwMf7_szyeOpthsKEI2qmh1vfWPx_z2YFk7-qgLrBKCBJ9FGWfkL47JYLoGxvER5YbjYcvFnZes65z7sAtSvGukgne9mOYtsp4RwCeM7VTsLSLg/s1000/legoland%20windsor%20monster%20jam%20show.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="legoland halloween show for kids" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6F59Df3hAtPDgDLEKiVmVEuWqzq7FVbsqsf_pPmMYLX4Sb_3M0O-T25yap6i2qF75ct7QDnBwP1rwMf7_szyeOpthsKEI2qmh1vfWPx_z2YFk7-qgLrBKCBJ9FGWfkL47JYLoGxvER5YbjYcvFnZes65z7sAtSvGukgne9mOYtsp4RwCeM7VTsLSLg/s16000/legoland%20windsor%20monster%20jam%20show.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8-8FXp_-1kVnBFbi_KdVCAZfVCmnJudzRbsgYEiw2zwMNFtxjWs_Qgiey8pLAvQzfGMNwPBEs192-X-WS9wN_3LRbN26C2c8lplVyLp_JFGbV6dzTd71bX3t-5FLBCy8ukNaEJt0P6VhbtV8vManrwh_yNa8vGtvp_6TepRF1Oe9LlIxlOVOZzBhBA/s1000/legoland%20haunted%20house%20monster%20party%20inside.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="inside the legoland haunted house monster party ride" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8-8FXp_-1kVnBFbi_KdVCAZfVCmnJudzRbsgYEiw2zwMNFtxjWs_Qgiey8pLAvQzfGMNwPBEs192-X-WS9wN_3LRbN26C2c8lplVyLp_JFGbV6dzTd71bX3t-5FLBCy8ukNaEJt0P6VhbtV8vManrwh_yNa8vGtvp_6TepRF1Oe9LlIxlOVOZzBhBA/s16000/legoland%20haunted%20house%20monster%20party%20inside.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">Review of Legoland UK Halloween event</span></span></h1><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div>The Halloween event at Legoland Windsor is called Brick or Treat - and it is well worth attending. It is possibly even more fun than during summer, as the queues are shorter and you get more rides during your visit. It felt quieter and calmer, although it was busy during the midday and early afternoon. We visited on a relatively warm (for October) and dry day.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The additional Halloween touches are nice - Miniland exhibition was particularly fun and we enjoyed spotting different Halloween models within the usual exhibitions. The trick or treating experience (Monster Street) was great for the kids, and they got a small Lego model to take home. No instructions, but we figured loads of orange bricks with one smaller green one must have been a pumpkin! This was free, and a really great little treat for kids. It was also nice that the shows and 4D film had a Halloween twist to them, but if any little ones are too scared, the Duplo Valley had usual fairytale shows available too. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall a great fun day out, and one I would be happy to go again. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>Have you already been, or are you planning to? Check out my post on how to <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/10/legoland-windsor-on-a-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank">save money at Legoland</a> if you are planning to!</b></span></div><div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/05/what-are-sun-superdays.html" target="_blank">What are Sun Superdays?</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/05/chessington-world-adventures-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank">How to do Chessington World of Adventures on a budget?</a></b><br />
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-76958347702812023982022-08-20T00:35:00.002+01:002022-08-20T00:35:21.538+01:00Which Butlin's is the best? <div>We've been to all three <a href="https://www.butlins.com/" target="_blank">Butlin's resorts,</a> and I wanted to tell you what I think is the best Butlin's and which Butlin's you should choose, based on what you find most important! So if you want to know which Butlin's resort has the best pool, which resort is the biggest, which resort has the best accommodation, and which resort has the best beach, continue reading. I'll share my recommendation on what you should consider when you choose your holiday, and what unique features each Butlin's resort has!</div><div><br /></div><div>I will share short reviews of each, but if you would also like to read an in-depth review of each of these Butlin's resorts, check these out:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2017/03/butlins-minehead-review-chalets-dining-entertainment-service.html" target="_blank">Butlin's Minehead </a></li><li><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/10/butlins-bognor-regis-honest-review.html" target="_blank">Butlin's Bognor Regis </a></li><li>Butlin's Skegness</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENLD3NtsnsibPQEiZ2WVtz4zx0gONI-WYWCZQYJmoOkHdN4krecktTae7HSU1x-fs-PvLq-g-6nH2WE5IsMmm6zcScw7W_gfE7weCbefSJzLoNakEXhiF4x4CQZSf9Tc2u4mcpWOHl0yOEvblR9so6vBo-St_2GprxJD6sNIDB3isx8qWqbuc5fXBTg/s1778/butlins%20monorail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="two kids in butlins monorail" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENLD3NtsnsibPQEiZ2WVtz4zx0gONI-WYWCZQYJmoOkHdN4krecktTae7HSU1x-fs-PvLq-g-6nH2WE5IsMmm6zcScw7W_gfE7weCbefSJzLoNakEXhiF4x4CQZSf9Tc2u4mcpWOHl0yOEvblR9so6vBo-St_2GprxJD6sNIDB3isx8qWqbuc5fXBTg/s16000/butlins%20monorail.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">What Butlin's resort is the best?</h1><div>My favourite, and the one I would say is the best, is Bognor Regis. The Splash Waterworld pool area was renovated in 2019, and is great for families with young kids especially. The resort is compact so easy to walk around in. However, if a sandy beach is important for you, Skegness beats the other two. Skegness is also the oldest of Butlin's resorts, and I feel especially suitable for families with older kids. Butlin's Minehead is the largest and the location is very pretty, and I thought the accommodation the best here. There are also lots of beautiful places to visit nearby if you want to venture outside the resort. </div><div><br /></div><div>Read below for more detailed short reviews of each Butlin's resort and pictures from each resort! </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Short review of Butlin's Bognor Regis</h2><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>My <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/10/butlins-bognor-regis-honest-review.html" target="_blank">long in-depth review of Butlin's Bognor Regis is here</a> - we visited in 2020. </li><li>The resort area is smaller than the other two - rather compact. This makes it an easier place to visit if you have young kids or mobility issues. </li><li>Arcade game area and penny pushers are tucked away, and not as much of a draw - a big plus in my eyes as I don't like them.</li><li>Splash Waterworld was renovated in 2019 so still feels rather new. There are several slides and different pool areas. There is a sizeable section for under 5's, and several slides younger kids (under 10) will feel brave enough to try. The new family changing rooms are also sizeable. Conversely, teenagers might find the slides not all that exciting - there were two with some speed on them. </li><li>The beach outside the resort is a pebble beach - but excitingly, there is a <a href="https://ukfossils.co.uk/2012/01/24/bognor-regis/" target="_blank">chance of finding fossils</a>!</li><li>Bognor Regis is an actual little town, with good eating options if you want to leave the resort. </li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSVAoNMRVt5ftisjdfrPOD8KlbiZX20XPnKkPSrAwwfK9IPYjHqFQJPrFPYIRfvWx7w-VstB5VWZk5RpXiHuoRkN90h4ERSwLsoZ8srRv16OVc1aJJYrIGtYXuz6YMjAHN_aErWxe0nuPlklgdojXQUnnZUVGJ9ikdifBOsPwAgnvj8mCIFBFEm8hSg/s1000/bognor%20regis%20beach.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bognor regis beach at butlins" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSVAoNMRVt5ftisjdfrPOD8KlbiZX20XPnKkPSrAwwfK9IPYjHqFQJPrFPYIRfvWx7w-VstB5VWZk5RpXiHuoRkN90h4ERSwLsoZ8srRv16OVc1aJJYrIGtYXuz6YMjAHN_aErWxe0nuPlklgdojXQUnnZUVGJ9ikdifBOsPwAgnvj8mCIFBFEm8hSg/s16000/bognor%20regis%20beach.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNYcf4poikhJ1Cuc6LxcjMWswR0-San9DFbUzqBvLsaL101l6QP3PgqEZXdgWqL76nzlg2OS6hvNx9tijyb67upgaQrVBtfgcdg16L7j6tF2LHw2TaMZWtRJ97r5ZP6L7Ump5dweBQlfLLCBiVKmhCRXX18YSibWy0gIKZa6G4oy3oS-5KevCHw_DJg/s1000/butlins%20bognor%20regis%20outside%20skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="two girls in front of skyline at butlins" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNYcf4poikhJ1Cuc6LxcjMWswR0-San9DFbUzqBvLsaL101l6QP3PgqEZXdgWqL76nzlg2OS6hvNx9tijyb67upgaQrVBtfgcdg16L7j6tF2LHw2TaMZWtRJ97r5ZP6L7Ump5dweBQlfLLCBiVKmhCRXX18YSibWy0gIKZa6G4oy3oS-5KevCHw_DJg/s16000/butlins%20bognor%20regis%20outside%20skyline.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Short review of Butlin's Skegness</h2><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I shall add a long in-depth review of Butlin's Skegness soon - we visited in 2021. </li><li>This is the oldest Butlin's of the three. It was opened in 1936, and taken over by military in 1939 as Camp Arthur, and then returned to holiday makers in 1946. They even have one of the original chalets on-site, and it is a Grade II listed building. </li><li>It is quite large in size and spread across - you may need to walk a lot! I regularly had over 15k steps a day, it was knackering. </li><li>Splash Waterworld was renovated in 2018. There were a good number of bigger slides for bigger kids, but I didn't find it to be as interesting for families with younger kids. </li><li>Arcade and penny pushers are very prominent here, we could not avoid them... Good games though!</li><li>In Easter 2023 Skegness is opening a<a href="https://www.butlins.com/discover-butlins/things-to-do/skypark" target="_blank"> new inclusive play area called Skypark</a>. It promises good wheelchair accessibility, and lighting to enable evening play too. </li><li>The beach is lovely sand, great for sandcastles!</li><li>There is Fantasy Island amusement park very close, so could be a fun place to visit before or after Butlin's for bigger rides! </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8efQtIuHtUCmOsQcZ9nV5wReUxRkOuy20z4224v1BPRzBMxCuJrbmolf2iq-Exot7iR47ZepuCxW3c-jKmeTSPq7nuxFrVix_-mfKAg42TT31cbmojyL8IEn6NPmKSdWPOTB3jEapPCBJhlKn2IGqy9UDer_ZqxKM0wDb77q_4FY6twINFhWlwEA6A/s1000/butlins%20skegness%20beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sandy beach at butlins skegness" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8efQtIuHtUCmOsQcZ9nV5wReUxRkOuy20z4224v1BPRzBMxCuJrbmolf2iq-Exot7iR47ZepuCxW3c-jKmeTSPq7nuxFrVix_-mfKAg42TT31cbmojyL8IEn6NPmKSdWPOTB3jEapPCBJhlKn2IGqy9UDer_ZqxKM0wDb77q_4FY6twINFhWlwEA6A/s16000/butlins%20skegness%20beach.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJb9YcBwcEA0r3DPqPNE57XO1MD63Ae7O-Jqxc2zfJddvLZwsyEmgCouKEdQbyQBR0HYZbG29hBuz9c1exY1NkTt1sRPZzOTipe9ibsanxevJ4_ffRXRYFqxDEDO-Rq3infcimjXLfSgDARQNZatH4MIQ1-lvsv6UktKJZ9wKTJW3eeaERtc5R-bCbQ/s1000/butlins%20skegness%20village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blue houses at butlins village skegness" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJb9YcBwcEA0r3DPqPNE57XO1MD63Ae7O-Jqxc2zfJddvLZwsyEmgCouKEdQbyQBR0HYZbG29hBuz9c1exY1NkTt1sRPZzOTipe9ibsanxevJ4_ffRXRYFqxDEDO-Rq3infcimjXLfSgDARQNZatH4MIQ1-lvsv6UktKJZ9wKTJW3eeaERtc5R-bCbQ/s16000/butlins%20skegness%20village.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Short review of Butlin's Minehead</h2><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>My <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2017/03/butlins-minehead-review-chalets-dining-entertainment-service.html" target="_blank">long in-depth review of Butlin's Minehead is here</a> - we visited 2017. </li><li>The accommodation here was lovely - we stayed in the chalets that had been just built in 2016/17. </li><li>Minehead felt like it was well suited to families with younger kids. While the area was fairly spread out for the accommodation, all the activities were very compact. The feel in the resort was also calmer and more chill than the other two. </li><li>Minehead is the largest Butlin's resort and has beautiful landscaping, especially around the chalets. </li><li>Arcade and penny pushers were fairly prominent at the Skyline. </li><li>The sandy beach is huge. We visited during winter and low tide, so it was a bit muddy, but I can imagine during the summer it would be beautiful. </li><li>Lots of beautiful outdoors areas to visit in Minehead close to the resort, so excellent if you want to see something other than the resort. Dunster Castle or West Somerset Railway for a steam train might be fun! </li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetSLjAX5SfpTRLave1x0qpWMFs-b1Gu-bbgDoKgWNnnK9AwVYQQqcGxXUkFU291-X7E_kebJ2xgIMwQQqJwyZMcpDOybL-GgBAOjdax2jmTgZ-w3sp1kcP3X1ywYLFwD3_Z3eY_JTEhqeC0eTsw1MFXBptjYPBS3yLsfxWO2Mq3p0hcY06M5PSvhA7A/s1000/butlins%20minehead%20beach%20evening.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="butlins minehead beach at evening sunset" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetSLjAX5SfpTRLave1x0qpWMFs-b1Gu-bbgDoKgWNnnK9AwVYQQqcGxXUkFU291-X7E_kebJ2xgIMwQQqJwyZMcpDOybL-GgBAOjdax2jmTgZ-w3sp1kcP3X1ywYLFwD3_Z3eY_JTEhqeC0eTsw1MFXBptjYPBS3yLsfxWO2Mq3p0hcY06M5PSvhA7A/s16000/butlins%20minehead%20beach%20evening.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyVma5TT087LjhtV99GiIkNaiu3_srDIzIvxTsjY8QpSnRNcEtFZSd-y7zaBAjdEPFXAHCJX_-Bug_ZnOtJiBk4uLprp1Hb-L8ovMkw_dmzVx32P-AHEl16vgoLbPVzW7sH_mOrwAJHq7hgvJ4qGizFGbcRCuMNzdJ6gaUg8BiaUXEVxhYTFwpDO_wA/s1000/butlins%20minehead%20chalet%20village%20lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="butlins minehead accommodation at chalet village" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyVma5TT087LjhtV99GiIkNaiu3_srDIzIvxTsjY8QpSnRNcEtFZSd-y7zaBAjdEPFXAHCJX_-Bug_ZnOtJiBk4uLprp1Hb-L8ovMkw_dmzVx32P-AHEl16vgoLbPVzW7sH_mOrwAJHq7hgvJ4qGizFGbcRCuMNzdJ6gaUg8BiaUXEVxhYTFwpDO_wA/s16000/butlins%20minehead%20chalet%20village%20lake.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Which Butlin's is the cheapest?</h2><div><br /></div><div>All three Butlin's resorts have similar prices, however, Bognor Regis typically comes out the most expensive overall. Occasionally you can find incredibly cheap deals for Butlin's Minehead if you go during Tots weeks during term time. Skegness is somewhere between the two. </div><div><br /></div><div>Different areas in UK may sometimes have different half terms - so the prices reflect local demand too! If you are willing to travel a bit, you might get a very reasonable cost holiday at Butlin's if the local half terms don't aling with yours!</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Which Butlin's is the biggest?</h2><div><br /></div><div>The biggest Butlin's resort is Minehead. Skegness is rather large too. Bognor Regis is quite compact. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Which Butlin's has the best beach?</h2><div><br /></div><div>Skegness has a great sandy beach, Minehead also has a beautiful sandy beach that extends a long way. Bognor Regis is pebble beach but has the opportunity to find fossils!</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Which Butlin's has the best surrounding area to explore?</h2><div><br /></div><div>It depends what you like - Minehead has lots of outdoors beauty, such as Exmoor, or Dunster Castle or West Somerset Railway for a steam train. Bognor Regis has nice beaches. Skegness also has lovely sandy beaches, and you could visit Lincoln Castle too. These is also Fantasy Island amusement park, if big rides tickle your fancy. Overall I would say Minehead is in the most interesting location to explore. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Which Butlin's is the best?</h2><div><br /></div><div>For me, it is Butlin's Bognor Regis, but that is because my kids are still quite young and I am not a fan of arcade games. For families with older kids / teenagers, I think Skegness would fit the bill best. And families that are outdoorsy or want to experience other things than Butlin's, I would recommend the beautiful nature around Minehead!</div><div><br /></div><div><h1>Which Butlin's should you choose?</h1><div><br /></div><div>I would recommend choosing the Butlin's that is closest to you. They are all slightly different, but the whole point about Butlin's is that the experience is (largely) the same. There is a traditional fairground, variety of shows and activities, Skyline Gang, a waterpark, arcade and a beach front nearby. They all have similar food options, and they all feel somewhat similar. Really, you can't go wrong with choosing the closest one to you. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">But do tell me - what do you think is the best Butlin's and which on would you choose?</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2017/03/butlins-minehead-review-chalets-dining-entertainment-service.html" target="_blank">What did we honestly think of Butlin's Minehead?</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/10/butlins-bognor-regis-honest-review.html" target="_blank">Need a full and honest review of Butlin's Bognor Regis?</a></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYkih2Hmy92gOh7BrNGY-V-PhD6NcRoLxhAw_-RRJ4F-1C3KyoMkmb2aBGs1nTl51mOzcyJghCec0b20RvtMf2T2sF_bLYzGDKcVCWK53K90fxOY8KTOu5OeWEh2FnbnXNBPPKxZe_H5bapH2bmkmkH7nFibsD8pnsOROW27XSxahTswfPnf6GDVPoQ/s1102/butlins%20choosing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image for the best butlins resort" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYkih2Hmy92gOh7BrNGY-V-PhD6NcRoLxhAw_-RRJ4F-1C3KyoMkmb2aBGs1nTl51mOzcyJghCec0b20RvtMf2T2sF_bLYzGDKcVCWK53K90fxOY8KTOu5OeWEh2FnbnXNBPPKxZe_H5bapH2bmkmkH7nFibsD8pnsOROW27XSxahTswfPnf6GDVPoQ/s16000/butlins%20choosing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5CEuhkXLdz-JHr9W4lcXP4Vzg9Wv3HkB2xy_lBPewUQ7tgIfIbPH4PQTyJT7u_6NwLIGhwdlYAAZRc4arWa22EkyIp6vZqs1LbYFwWdUY0qDEIEsVPQnlAwhj4IvzehfvVHGz16cqF529S0Ak5iFndoG9MDsnTgmAC2BjbqLH3tLBoqHNyPCgsUePw/s1102/butlins%20choosing%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image for the best butlins resort" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5CEuhkXLdz-JHr9W4lcXP4Vzg9Wv3HkB2xy_lBPewUQ7tgIfIbPH4PQTyJT7u_6NwLIGhwdlYAAZRc4arWa22EkyIp6vZqs1LbYFwWdUY0qDEIEsVPQnlAwhj4IvzehfvVHGz16cqF529S0Ak5iFndoG9MDsnTgmAC2BjbqLH3tLBoqHNyPCgsUePw/s16000/butlins%20choosing%20(2).jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaCaOupWgrlw2DjPVGgg0Cw-r_qUs_U0hLVKu6fGWhuHxi5400xHKTHSl4LQOcK3fwjpvjh3y9y30ByEuXcL4ggDG8-v7eVTJnz7IFj6SfonErGJbufkIX91CugnshK77N8y_Nf-YHHl7lpu4fjWEft-XZgn12yjIRn9KYh2a9CGr-aelSiIR0Y3GHQ/s1102/butlins%20choosing%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image for the best butlins resort" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaCaOupWgrlw2DjPVGgg0Cw-r_qUs_U0hLVKu6fGWhuHxi5400xHKTHSl4LQOcK3fwjpvjh3y9y30ByEuXcL4ggDG8-v7eVTJnz7IFj6SfonErGJbufkIX91CugnshK77N8y_Nf-YHHl7lpu4fjWEft-XZgn12yjIRn9KYh2a9CGr-aelSiIR0Y3GHQ/s16000/butlins%20choosing%20(1).jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p><p align="center"><br /></p> <p></p><p></p></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597327.067817163821154 -38.592223 83.688284836178838 31.720277tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-46016569390685202812022-08-18T21:32:00.001+01:002022-08-18T21:32:03.012+01:00Reviewing Tom, Dick and Harry at Alexandra Palace: Daring and poignant<div>I visited to see <a href="https://tomdickandharryonstage.com/" target="_blank">Tom, Dick and Harry at Alexandra Palace Theatre</a>. This story, based on real life events of World War II was a real delight to watch. In March 1944, 76 prisoners of war escaped from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalag_Luft_III#Murders_of_escapees" target="_blank">maximum security prison camp Stalag Luft III</a>. For a year over 600 prisoners of war, led by an Air Force Pilot Roger Bushell, constructed three escape tunnels, named Tom, Dick and Harry. The story has also famously been told in the 1963 film The Greatest Escape. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDJqBAUdgVn8A2KjuM1afHAUSOFu92s4K6DxIByUIXnT1-uAqS9uwr6ZvNKyu1sPGE-7SBN_gsx9vWZeZMUQXu1b54wI2zH93YIO9B4Im4PVcrlwxjajpkxUOxdNjd3HzbPVFtVRFIXvhyxbipK9JuRzYwhZdgNpofga6Tm8h5HA4Xu14We878lYpdw/s1778/tom%20dick%20and%20harry%20at%20alexandra%20palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a theatre poster with a child pointing at it" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDJqBAUdgVn8A2KjuM1afHAUSOFu92s4K6DxIByUIXnT1-uAqS9uwr6ZvNKyu1sPGE-7SBN_gsx9vWZeZMUQXu1b54wI2zH93YIO9B4Im4PVcrlwxjajpkxUOxdNjd3HzbPVFtVRFIXvhyxbipK9JuRzYwhZdgNpofga6Tm8h5HA4Xu14We878lYpdw/s16000/tom%20dick%20and%20harry%20at%20alexandra%20palace.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This theatre show uses since declassified information to construct a story of how it all happened and all the ingenious ways the prisoners of war constructed the escape tunnels, how they created fake documents, manufactured clothes and planned the steps. </div><div><br /></div><div>Through short spotlights, you are reminded that all these men had lives before the war. Through shared personal stories you are reminded of the camaraderie that developed these men of various cultures and backgrounds. And through a raffle you are reminded of the random element in winning a ticket to escape - 200 men of 600 were chosen to attempt the escape, and just 76 managed to make it through the tunnels. Just 23 of them avoided the summary executions when re-captured, and only three successfully escaped to freedom. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is as much of humour and laughter in the show as there are poignant moments. There is many jokey moments, with the Christmas show being one, and many more sinister and darker moments, peppered throughout, and as the show reaches its intensive finale. </div><div><br /></div><div>The stage-set work well, with the stage in Alexandra Palace surrounded by the audience at all sides. This works surprisingly well, and while you may have different vantage points, the actors move and project around the stage so all seating areas feel drawn to the action. </div><div><br /></div><div>I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great show, there was humour, but the true reality of the horrors all these men had to endure was not forgotten. </div><div><br /></div>Age recommendation: 8+ years old. My 9 year old enjoyed Tom, Dick and Harry - it had enough slapstick humour to entertain her, and enough of interesting trivia to keep her listening. Kids also go half price with an adult, so great to take your kids to this! <div><br /></div><div>Have you been to see this?</div><div><br />
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<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/search/label/London%20theatre" target="_blank">My London theatre reviews</a></b><br />
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-32281067507186981092022-08-10T00:16:00.004+01:002022-08-10T00:16:52.668+01:00What was the open-air theatre at Kew Gardens like? The Jungle Book reviewI had no idea you could visit Kew Gardens and also see a theatre show. I love the idea really - you get to see theatre in the open-air and also visit the Kew Gardens, as your tickets include entrance. <a href="https://www.theatreonkew.com/" target="_blank">There are two shows</a>, an evening one for adults (Shakespeare's Twelfth Night) and a daytime one for families (Kipling's The Jungle Book). I went to see The Jungle Book with my two kids, four and nine years old so I will give their perspectives too.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccX6prS9Qz5N7YDpKa-qbuKrWZ0a7TTe_PBO_kjs05UD4aQhBmsZwB1Dxkgtzx913CpKaNgG2BUB0G5vm8GO0IXzroma23ZqehYtk_GKSPL9cjjX7v1-Vfx1Oajo5dHW23nQDUTp15UqBBhevT4buuRiGBs-AGMPC7EtaWGPc_9WNjlTHLb88cpP1QQ/s1000/theatre%20on%20kew%20jungle%20book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="open air theatre at kew gardens" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccX6prS9Qz5N7YDpKa-qbuKrWZ0a7TTe_PBO_kjs05UD4aQhBmsZwB1Dxkgtzx913CpKaNgG2BUB0G5vm8GO0IXzroma23ZqehYtk_GKSPL9cjjX7v1-Vfx1Oajo5dHW23nQDUTp15UqBBhevT4buuRiGBs-AGMPC7EtaWGPc_9WNjlTHLb88cpP1QQ/s16000/theatre%20on%20kew%20jungle%20book.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">The Jungle Book at Kew Gardens</h1><div><br /></div><div>This show is inspired by Rudyard Kipling's Mowgli stories. The characters are of course quite familiar but if you think they will be like from the Disney animation, you'll be surprised by many twists! For example, in the original book Kaa the python was one of Mowgli's best friends, and in Theatre on Kew The Jungle Book, Kaa is wise and kind to the child too. </div><div><br /></div><div>The adaptation is by Andrew S Walsh, and music and lyrics by Guy Holden, and directed by Shane Dempsey. Theatre on Kew is brought to you by <a href="https://www.sixteenfeet.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sixteenfeet Productions</a>, that have been holding outdoors theatre in London parks since 2008. This adaptation will run in Kew Gardens until 21st August, and then at Wakehurst until 30th August 2022. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Review of The Jungle Book adaptation by Theatre on Kew</h2><div><br /></div><div>The actors were delightful, and brought the story to live brilliantly. I also loved the musical elements in this theatre show, with actors singing and dancing and playing many many instruments. Incredibly talented, and I spotted guitars, drums, accordion, saxophone, trumpets, clarinets and so on... It was energetic, and I loved the actors positivity and boundless energy. It was quite fun to see open-air theatre too, sitting amongst the trees, feeling like part of nature - so fitting for The Jungle Book!<br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The location and organisation</h2><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately the play suffered from a poor location. Kew Gardens suffers from some amount of noise pollution from the planes overhead. I don't really understand the choice of the location - Tulip Tree Avenue, somewhere in between the car park and the Lake Crossing, seemed to be right underneath the flight path. This drowned out the spoken word and the music, and was very distracting. A quieter and similarly a bit more distant location could be found for example by Kew Palace. Or then - maybe invest in a good sound system and try drown out the aeroplane noise. </div><div><br /></div><div>Organisation of the event was good and we were quickly helped inside the ticketed area, but there were some things I think should be ironed out. Most people brought picnic blankets and sat on the ground. Camping chairs of course are much more comfortable and some people will need them. But inexplicably, some people plonked their chairs right in the middle and front, making it difficult to find a seating place where you could see the play. Perhaps chairs should have a reserved area at the back?</div><div><br /></div><div>The seating area was surrounded by trees, but unfortunately they didn't provide much shade - perhaps because of the way the stage was placed. Repositioning the stage and seating areas, and/or providing some sails or gazebo-type structures would help. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Age recommendation and child suitability</h2><div>My kids both enjoyed the show. My nine year old, the lady with many choice words said "Really good", and my four year old, agreed. My four year old was particularly taken by the interaction from Kaa towards her, and tried multiple times to grab Kaa's tail in delight...</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I would say an age recommendation of around six years old seems right. There were plenty of young guests, even toddlers in the audience that seemed to enjoy it, but I did find that my four year old was moving around a lot. It was a good thing that the play felt quite informal and relaxed, as I was able to walk with her a bit to give her movement breaks. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Overall review of Kew on Theatre</h2><div><br /></div><div>I enjoyed the play - I think it was great work, and a wonderful adaptation with music and movement and a great recognisable story. Sitting outdoors was magical, and of course, Kew Gardens (or Wakehurst) are beautiful places to visit either before or after the theatre. Unfortunately the airplane noise was very distracting, and made it difficult to follow the play at times, so volume should either be turned up, or the area re-located. You can read more about the plays available and book tickets here, <a href="https://www.theatreonkew.com/" target="_blank">on Theatre on Kew site!</a></div><div> <br />
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<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/search/label/London%20theatre" target="_blank">All my London theatre reviews!</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2021/09/review-what-the-ladybird-heard-london-palace-theatre.html" target="_blank">What the Ladybird Heard children's theatre</a></b><br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbvJgjzw1iKz_2U4_U3iouQZNWGjunAcLtySDp10PR2YGWeQ13WVAkmU6LeQHFT-3r1bBiF0aI_d-rntTirXs3ctgfx9VOVcvEMcvwW9kZe80nt3DLeaCwBPvmnVHc7vtxL3rFJx7JIhCEDjTJ6P8CDaeIPGasXVqgO5RAiFuxTw3WAXgOUiBs0tuXw/s1000/kew%20gardens%20open%20air%20theatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="people watching open air theatre at kew gardens" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbvJgjzw1iKz_2U4_U3iouQZNWGjunAcLtySDp10PR2YGWeQ13WVAkmU6LeQHFT-3r1bBiF0aI_d-rntTirXs3ctgfx9VOVcvEMcvwW9kZe80nt3DLeaCwBPvmnVHc7vtxL3rFJx7JIhCEDjTJ6P8CDaeIPGasXVqgO5RAiFuxTw3WAXgOUiBs0tuXw/s16000/kew%20gardens%20open%20air%20theatre.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div></div></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-71941913425540374602022-07-15T13:47:00.000+01:002022-07-15T13:47:20.767+01:00Where are the best splash parks in Central London?<div>On a nice summer day Central London can be a stuffy place to be - but thankfully there are a fair few splash parks and play fountains dotted about! These are always really popular with kids and no harm done if an adult cools down in them a bit too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are where you can find the best splash pools and water play areas in Central London. I've added the location, post code, and also a suggestion on the closest place to get food and a change of clothes for kids. I have been caught out a few too many times with the joy of splashing and lack of forethought into what comes after, and for sure I'm not the only one. So hopefully this will help. I've also added a quick suggestion for other fun things to do near by, if applicable. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv0Vsv55JUlATT9zjYXivo4y-Xb6hnVpCYf7Y9LCfTpt_2vwAJoLGxE5RghCBvj3cTsbQnacF-Se04RZH5trC3dfx7gJ2hyoFLWoNoqxT9D3_uDwPwECcKSynn7pLi9eF86GfILeZYgg05rAmQpkJMjWud3uOcKVXoc0kqfYjz5uzZU5cn-lwnIZYOQ/s1778/splash%20park%20london.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a picture of a child jumping at a splash park" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv0Vsv55JUlATT9zjYXivo4y-Xb6hnVpCYf7Y9LCfTpt_2vwAJoLGxE5RghCBvj3cTsbQnacF-Se04RZH5trC3dfx7gJ2hyoFLWoNoqxT9D3_uDwPwECcKSynn7pLi9eF86GfILeZYgg05rAmQpkJMjWud3uOcKVXoc0kqfYjz5uzZU5cn-lwnIZYOQ/s16000/splash%20park%20london.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">What are the best splash pools and play fountains in Central London?</h1><div><br /></div><div>There are a fair few places to visit in Central London. Some are tiny, some rather large. Some close to other attractions and others hidden and more of a local gem. I won't be able to double check that all of these are in operation as dates and times vary, so please do check the links for latest information on have they been turned on and what time they are on. They are usually turned on around June, but some may be as late as end of July. Typically on all days, from 9AM to 6PM, but times do vary. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Granary Square Fountains, Kings Cross</h2><div><br /></div><div>Granary Square at Kings Cross is a fantastic place for kids. These are large play fountains, and plenty of space for kids to frolic in. There are often other activities at Kings Cross Coal Drops Yard too, such as free outdoor cinema and plenty of restaurants to eat out in too. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Check out <a href="https://www.kingscross.co.uk/fountains" target="_blank">Granary Square at Kings Cross</a> </li><li>Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/51%C2%B032'07.6%22N+0%C2%B007'30.9%22W/@51.5354566,-0.1252431,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x718ebd23277fcb79!8m2!3d51.5354566!4d-0.1252431" target="_blank">N1C 4AA</a></li><li>Closest supermarket for food: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Waitrose+%26+Partners+Kings+Cross/@51.5347655,-0.1234609,16.23z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x0:0x718ebd23277fcb79!2zNTHCsDMyJzA3LjYiTiAwwrAwNyczMC45Ilc!3b1!8m2!3d51.5354566!4d-0.1252431!3m4!1s0x48761b3e0282d505:0x4525a2b269968292!8m2!3d51.536176!4d-0.123422" target="_blank">Waitrose at Kings Cross</a></li><li>Closest change of clothes: Not much for kids, and expensive - your best bet is <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/nike/@51.5347965,-0.1372347,14z" target="_blank">Nike</a></li><li>Other things to do nearby: <a href="https://www.kingscross.co.uk/whats-on" target="_blank">Events listed here</a>, but I'd definitely recommend the outdoors cinema, and the many food and local design / craft markets. Or walk by the canal, enjoy the canal boats and pop by the <a href="https://www.kingscross.co.uk/word-on-the-water-bookshop" target="_blank">small floating book boat</a>. Harry Potter enthusiasts will also love visiting <a href="https://www.kingscross.co.uk/harry-potters-platform-9-34" target="_blank">Platform 9 and 3/4</a> at Kings Cross Station. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Merchant Square The Fountain Maze, Paddington</h2><div><br /></div><div>Merchant Square Fountains at Paddington is another splash park located fairly centrally in London. Lots of places to eat and drink around Paddington, and since it is by the canal it is fun to watch the boats and wildlife too. </div><div><ul><li>Check out <a href="https://merchantsquare.co.uk/see-and-do/fountain-maze" target="_blank">Merchant Square The Fountain Maze</a> information</li><li>Location: <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Merchant+Sq,+London/@51.5189256,-0.1730681,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48761ab2337e5fbf:0xccd0f706c06cf04e!8m2!3d51.5189256!4d-0.1730681?hl=en" target="_blank">W2 1AS</a></li><li>Closest supermarket for food: <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/M%26S+Caf%C3%A9/@51.5189364,-0.1729148,18z/data=!3m1!5s0x48766ec6f9575563:0x44aaaaa3746df03c!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x48761ab2337e5fbf:0xccd0f706c06cf04e!2sMerchant+Sq,+London!3b1!8m2!3d51.5189256!4d-0.1730681!3m4!1s0x48761ab3b7c82819:0x30e86edada8db9ba!8m2!3d51.5188697!4d-0.1731566?hl=en" target="_blank">Mark & Spencers Food Hall</a></li><li>Closest change of clothes: <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Marks+and+Spencer/@51.5194404,-0.1700571,18.69z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x48761ab2337e5fbf:0xccd0f706c06cf04e!2sMerchant+Sq,+London!3b1!8m2!3d51.5189256!4d-0.1730681!3m4!1s0x48761ab4225f15bb:0x95f8db16df0e0025!8m2!3d51.5195169!4d-0.1689572?hl=en" target="_blank">Marks and Spencers department store by Edgware Road Station</a></li><li>Other things to do nearby: You could walk to Hyde Park, or go visit The Sherlock Holmes Museum, both fairly close by, or even Madame Tussauds! Personally, I'd enjoy either the <a href="https://merchantsquare.co.uk/whats-on" target="_blank">many events that are held at Merchant Square</a>, or watch the boats and wildlife on the canals and maybe visit the <a href="https://merchantsquare.co.uk/see-and-do/floating-pocket-park" target="_blank">floating park. </a></li></ul><div><br /></div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Somerset House Fountains, Strand</h2><div><br /></div><div>The Edmond J. Safra Fountain at Somerset House, Strand is a beauty. A massive beauty and right smack bang central. These are really fun to run through, and have max splashability. There are often various exhibitions, and occasionally other events at the Somerset House, but these tend to be more adult oriented. For more kid friendly fun you can stroll over to Covent Garden, and enjoy the street performers or walk down to Thames and enjoy the scenery. </div><div><ul><li>Check out the<a href="https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/venue-hire/edmond-j-safra-fountain-court" target="_blank"> Edmond J. Safra Fountain at Somerset House </a>here</li><li>Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Somerset+House/@51.512777,-0.1188138,15.95z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x487604ca3a62f9dd:0xebe931baa1181a63!2sStrand,+London!3b1!8m2!3d51.5112079!4d-0.1193447!3m4!1s0x487604b5f3c46771:0x439ecc438a580a1!8m2!3d51.511059!4d-0.117148" target="_blank">WC2R 1LA</a></li><li>Closest supermarket for food: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tesco+Express/@51.510568,-0.1187644,17z/data=!3m1!5s0x487604cb8677ff6b:0xc3742b1055eb274b!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x487604cebc9610f1:0x532add91accf29d9!2sSainsbury's+Local!8m2!3d51.5089234!4d-0.1243403!3m4!1s0x0:0xe380918d052fd70e!8m2!3d51.510958!4d-0.119399" target="_blank">Tesco Express </a>right around the corner</li><li>Closest change of clothes: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mountain+Warehouse+London+-+Covent+Garden/@51.5104961,-0.129471,15z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sMountain+Warehouse!3m5!1s0x487605663df68d73:0x48bf0e86e24e6c03!8m2!3d51.5106592!4d-0.1214173!15sChJNb3VudGFpbiBXYXJlaG91c2UiA4gBAVoUIhJtb3VudGFpbiB3YXJlaG91c2WSASNvdXRkb29yX2Nsb3RoaW5nX2FuZF9lcXVpcG1lbnRfc2hvcA" target="_blank">Mountain Warehouse on Strand</a></li><li>Other things to do nearby: Enjoy scenery at Thames, watch street performers at Covent Garden, or visit London Transport Museum. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">John Madejski Garden at Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington</h2><div><br /></div><div>This splash pool, a large oval pool and some jets, is located in the outside area of Victoria and Albert Museum at South Kensington. Combine some history and culture with a splash, what could be better! Currently no pre-booking required for this museum, so easy place to visit. </div><div><ul><li>Check out the <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/history-of-the-john-madejski-garden" target="_blank">history of the John Madejski Garden</a> here</li><li>Location:<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+John+Madejski+Garden,+London+SW7+2RL/@51.4971051,-0.1746487,16.77z/data=!3m1!5s0x48760543b1a90111:0x55f0c5882cb38b8b!4m5!3m4!1s0x48760543a5efacad:0x8877384b06a2cd9e!8m2!3d51.4970611!4d-0.1723914" target="_blank"> SW7 2RL</a></li><li>Closest supermarket for food: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tesco+Express/@51.4963667,-0.1760315,16.4z/data=!3m1!5s0x48760543b1a90111:0x55f0c5882cb38b8b!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x48760543a5efacad:0x8877384b06a2cd9e!2sThe+John+Madejski+Garden,+London+SW7+2RL!3b1!8m2!3d51.4970611!4d-0.1723914!3m4!1s0x48760567fcb35e31:0x2c0ebe7b0ba33545!8m2!3d51.4931915!4d-0.1764082" target="_blank">Tesco Express</a> by South Kensington Station</li><li>Closest change of clothes: Not really a shopping area, so the best bet are museum shops I'm afraid! Science Museum and Natural History Museum usually have lots of T-shirts at least available. </li><li>Other things to do nearby: V&A Museum is more adult-oriented although they do have <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/families" target="_blank">family activities too</a>! National History Museum and Science Museum are also practically next door, and are usually more fun for younger kids. Or you could walk up to Harrods, which is a nice place to visit too. </li></ul><div><br /></div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Appearing Rooms at Southbank Centre, South Bank</h2><div><br /></div><div>Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms fountain at South Bank, right by the Southbank Centre, is a popular splash play area for kids. These watery rooms made from jets appear and disappear, splashing kids in the process. Not a huge area, but fun. Plenty of restaurants to visit, as well as other entertainment at South Bank. There is often a nice food market at the back of Southbank Centre, where food array is varied, interesting and delicious, albeit on the expensive side. </div><div><ul><li>Check out <a href="https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/jeppe-heins-appearing-rooms?eventId=903377" target="_blank">Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms fountain </a>here</li><li>Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Southbank+Centre/@51.50537,-0.116944,16z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xd22adec9abde65cd!8m2!3d51.5053696!4d-0.1169442?hl=en" target="_blank">SE1 8XX</a></li><li>Closest supermarket for food: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sainsbury's+Local/@51.5030269,-0.1193543,16z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1ssainsburys!3m5!1s0x487604ba389f67f7:0xa8785b4aff648fb2!8m2!3d51.5030268!4d-0.1105994!15sCgpzYWluc2J1cnlzIgOIAQFaDCIKc2FpbnNidXJ5c5IBC3N1cGVybWFya2V0?hl=en" target="_blank">Sainsbury's Local</a> by Waterloo</li><li>Closest closest change of clothes: Nothing much around I'm afraid! It is either Joules at Waterloo Station or <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mountain+Warehouse+London+-+Covent+Garden/@51.5104961,-0.129471,15z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sMountain+Warehouse!3m5!1s0x487605663df68d73:0x48bf0e86e24e6c03!8m2!3d51.5106592!4d-0.1214173!15sChJNb3VudGFpbiBXYXJlaG91c2UiA4gBAVoUIhJtb3VudGFpbiB3YXJlaG91c2WSASNvdXRkb29yX2Nsb3RoaW5nX2FuZF9lcXVpcG1lbnRfc2hvcA" target="_blank">Mountain Warehouse on Strand</a> - you might find some t-shirts inside the Southbank Centre shop too. </li><li>Other things to do nearby: Visit Southbank Centre - they often have various events on. In addition, you could see the street performers and skaters on South Bank, enjoy views on the Thames, and walk along South Bank, even to the next set of splash play area at London Bridge! Jubilee Gardens is a nice play park for kids too, with climbing features. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">London Bridge Play Fountains, London Bridge</h2><div><br /></div><div>Brilliant views to Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and HMS Belfast. Really lovely place to visit, plenty of places to eat out, you could even pop by the famous Borough Market for lunch.</div><div><ul><li>Link to Granary Square information</li><li>Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:2&tbm=lcl&sxsrf=ALiCzsbI04de_V_Qr57VqLuTdBCOdx8v-g:1657886021798&q=london+bridge+city+fountains&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=1360617171896997791#rlfi=hd:;si:1360617171896997791;mv:[[51.5378283,-0.0706545],[51.4979455,-0.12814219999999998]];tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:2" target="_blank">SE1 2AF</a></li><li>Closest supermarket for food: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/tesco+metro+london+bridge/@51.5001365,-0.0868694,16z/data=!3m1!4b1" target="_blank">Tesco Express</a> by Tooley Street</li><li>Closest closest change of clothes: Not much in the selection of clothes, but you could try <a href="https://www.teamlondonbridge.co.uk/shops-directory/bermondseyfayre" target="_blank">Bermondsey Fayre</a></li><li>Other things to do nearby: So much! See HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, Shard, Tower of London, Borough Market. The Old Operating Theatre and the London Tombs appeal to older kids. </li></ul><div><br /></div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Bloomsbury Square Gardens play fountain, Russell Square</h2><div><br /></div><div>Russell Square play fountains are tiny, but quite a nice little local attraction if you happen to be in the area. Very close to British Museum and right next to Russell Square Station, so quite convenient. This is a nice, albeit a tiny and a busy park, often filled with students, but conveniently located close to <a href="https://brunswick.co.uk/" target="_blank">Brunswick Shopping Centre, </a>that has a selection of restaurants and coffee shops. There are apparently now even open air chess boards. </div><div><ul><li>Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bloomsbury+Square+Garden/@51.5191818,-0.122369,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x48761b340cce7701:0x843ee27c49cac740!2sBloomsbury+Square,+London!3b1!8m2!3d51.5191818!4d-0.122369!3m4!1s0x48761b340cd09553:0x564f39196660c834!8m2!3d51.5188889!4d-0.1227778" target="_blank">WC1A 2RJ</a></li><li>Closest supermarket for food: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tesco+Express/@51.5233806,-0.1266532,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48761b30dd11ca43:0x2eb40c2c6147af79!8m2!3d51.5233773!4d-0.1244645" target="_blank">Tesco Express by the station</a></li><li>Closest change of clothes: Sadly Brunswick Centre doesn't seem to have shops for kids clothes anymore, so the closest would be British Museum shop</li><li>Other things to do nearby: Visit the British Museum, Postal Museum or Foundling Museum. Coram's Field playground nearby also has splash park. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Leicester Square Gardens, Leicester Square</h2><div>So so central, and so so much fun. There are lots of things happening here, and Leicester Square often has fun events happening too, so worth keeping <a href="https://www.leicestersquare.london/whats-on/" target="_blank">an eye on their events page</a>. </div><div><ul><li>Check out <a href="https://www.westminster.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/leicester-square-gardens" target="_blank">Leicester Square Gardens i</a>nformation</li><li>Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Leicester+Square,+London/@51.510676,-0.1306432,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x487604d214307b8f:0xaad147d2ad11768b!8m2!3d51.510676!4d-0.1306432" target="_blank">WC2H 7DX</a></li><li>Closest supermarket for food: This is not a great place for supermarkets, but <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Japan+Centre/@51.5096217,-0.1316268,19z/data=!3m1!5s0x487604d22860b359:0x5c06eca5358c66bf!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x487604d214307b8f:0xaad147d2ad11768b!2sLeicester+Square,+London!3b1!8m2!3d51.510676!4d-0.1306432!3m4!1s0x487604d1681fe4b3:0x1f8d891aa0b0fcaa!8m2!3d51.5097133!4d-0.1315454" target="_blank">Japan Centre</a> is quite good for snacks, and otherwise there is Burger King and McDonald's within view from the fountains</li><li>Closest change of clothes: M&M's World right across the square - they have so much variety for all ages! </li><li>Other things to do nearby: Visit flagship stores such as M&M's World or Lego, or The National Gallery for some culture. Trafalgar Square, SoHo and Chinese restaurants, and Covent Garden with it's many street performers are both just around the corner. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are other water play and splash park areas too, but for various reasons (size, uncertainty, cost, water play only etc) didn't make a list. They might be worth visiting if you are near the area and they are:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Coram's+Fields/@51.5246665,-0.1196788,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x9eee36502ef71e53?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwidpL3D9Pr4AhVynVwKHdhcB5oQ_BJ6BAhbEAU" target="_blank">Coram's Fields</a> (great <a href="https://www.coramsfields.org/" target="_blank">play park near Russell Square Station</a>, you are not allowed to enter without a child so no parent swaps I'm afraid!)</li><li><a href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/britannia-leisure-centre/leisure-water-britannia-leisure-centre" target="_blank">Britannia Leisure Centre</a>, Hackney (close to Haggerston and Old Street, indoors and booking required - looks like great fun)</li><li><a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/diana-memorial-fountain" target="_blank">Diana Memorial Fountain</a> (Hyde Park, you can dip your feet in, but not play in or walk on it).</li><li><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Causton+Street+Playground/@51.509981,-0.179485,13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x487604e64de64b7d:0xb3adbd9becfa11!8m2!3d51.490991!4d-0.1312165" target="_blank">Causton Street Playground</a> (close to Tate Britain, small)</li><li><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/King+Square+Gardens/@51.5272145,-0.0990021,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xa74badd410c893ed?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj3komn5Pr4AhWMJcAKHbutCRcQ_BJ6BAhwEAU" target="_blank">King Square Gardens</a> (close to Old Street, small)</li><li>Royal Academy of Arts, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Burlington+House,+Piccadilly,+London+W1J+0BD/@51.5093555,-0.1393579,18.6z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x487604d66c891261:0x710150ebad5edd24!8m2!3d51.5092548!4d-0.1397032" target="_blank">Burlington House Courtyard</a> (close to Piccadilly Circus, but I'm not sure if the play fountains are in operation anymore)</li><li><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gloucester+Gate+Playground/@51.5350001,-0.1509258,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48761b8df4c6cdb5:0xc42b4f3cac158069!8m2!3d51.5349968!4d-0.1487371" target="_blank">Gloucester Gate Playground</a> (close to London Zoo, not a splash park but has water play features)</li><li><a href="https://www.elephantpark.co.uk/natural-play-area/" target="_blank">Elephant and Castle Elephant Springs </a>(Elephant & Castle Station, not exactly central but a short bus ride from Waterloo, beautiful natural play area)</li><li><a href="https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/exhibits/animal-adventure" target="_blank">London Zoo Animal Adventure play park</a> (tickets to London Zoo required)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>Any other parks I should add? Or did I miss any vital piece of information?</b><div><br /></div><div>
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<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2016/08/11-fun-things-to-do-with-toddlers-in.html" target="_blank">11 things to do with toddlers in summer London</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2016/08/11-fun-things-to-do-with-toddlers-in.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"></span></a><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2016/08/11-fun-things-to-do-with-toddlers-in.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxItBNpKZNtT6Z_WjYEx7Caj0lL1SMD06AKtmjda7Gnj_tixuA2-fLdJAQDmKWXRle3etUo1V-sK0TWE_MYyiGS5VyzxQ0epkpjslJdCQgRqUm3Xx07NB61oTuuDLuqK0RoXyv1DFJvdaUV7A_6arT2UVGm0ouxRnmdKKZm2nVw4CTtG9H9ETcBxFgg/s1102/splash%20park%20tips%20london.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image of splash parks in london" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxItBNpKZNtT6Z_WjYEx7Caj0lL1SMD06AKtmjda7Gnj_tixuA2-fLdJAQDmKWXRle3etUo1V-sK0TWE_MYyiGS5VyzxQ0epkpjslJdCQgRqUm3Xx07NB61oTuuDLuqK0RoXyv1DFJvdaUV7A_6arT2UVGm0ouxRnmdKKZm2nVw4CTtG9H9ETcBxFgg/s16000/splash%20park%20tips%20london.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span>
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-42557782733445482022-07-09T10:36:00.007+01:002022-07-15T13:50:29.376+01:00Is Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience worth it? <div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We went to see Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in London and wanted to review the experience here, and talk about if the Van Gogh Immersive Experience was worth it. While my experience was in London the format is exactly the same across all the different cities and countries this is set in, so should be helpful in making up your mind. I am also adding a short review of the Van Gogh London Exhibition. I took my kids, aged 3 and 9, so will also share some thoughts from a family perspective. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGCFR7fhJ8nqCawdnttBD0LHF_uCeMFldmiMj0WHejSnvPzas2u3avZcFN5o6fMsd1l19e6ipIo4FY0y_havhjPvGZy9xmdNKBWpiAcOgtCWWTs89rh2mYjqbk6YHaEmpAHP2KB9lJapfwQHizpntcc2hEnDYFLUbCaOWaFLrGJTzz-d4xHjWZDpVhA/s1778/van%20gogh%20immersive%20exhibition%20sculpture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a picture of a child standing next to van gogh inspired sculpture at an exhibition" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGCFR7fhJ8nqCawdnttBD0LHF_uCeMFldmiMj0WHejSnvPzas2u3avZcFN5o6fMsd1l19e6ipIo4FY0y_havhjPvGZy9xmdNKBWpiAcOgtCWWTs89rh2mYjqbk6YHaEmpAHP2KB9lJapfwQHizpntcc2hEnDYFLUbCaOWaFLrGJTzz-d4xHjWZDpVhA/s16000/van%20gogh%20immersive%20exhibition%20sculpture.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">Reviewing Van Gogh Immersive Experience: What is it and is it worth it?</h1><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">As a summary, there were many things I liked about the Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, but I felt it was overpriced for what it was, and I resented having to pay extra for the very integral VR experience. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I may be cynical, but I don't think this exhibition would be as big a hit if it was not for the clever social media marketing element. Walking around the exhibition it felt like it was created wholly for an Instagrammable experience, to be shared and conspicuously consumed. With little ease you can set up photos with interesting backgrounds and by sharing them you look mildly cultured - aesthetics and social signaling ticked in just one post. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">But enough of the cynical me - read a bit more to see the full review of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">What is Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience</h2><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This experience includes several walk-through rooms with recreated Van Gogh works, with added commentary of his life experiences and diaries and conversations with peers, friends and family. Some of the exhibits are reproduced paintings, some audio-visual installations of various length and complexity, some short educational animations, some in sculpture-form and some reproduced on a grander scale into rooms you can either walk or peer into.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In addition, there is a </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>room where you can colour in colouring sheets printed with Van Gogh painting outlines, such as Sunflowers, Starry Night or White House at Night. These you can then scan and project on to the wall. </li><li>5-10 minute virtual reality walk-through his life and paintings - this is at an added cost, cost us £5 per person in London exhibition.</li><li>a big room with all major works animated and set to music. This is the room most social media pictures people share are from. </li></ul></div><h2 style="color: #222222;">How long does Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience last? </h2><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">The whole experience took us about 1.5h and this included some colouring, VR experience, leisurely walking and sitting down watching full animation in the last big experience room. I would estimate the Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will take most people somewhere between 1h to 1.5h, possibly a little longer if you read all the informational boards. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrn_8rGhymTp_El2RZB_Z_uTB7LbvcgcurgkdEChhOnAzu_kjrta5A8ib4Cl_v9zLz25zqR_l9l6uExgD4mX5p9cI_eXykJcBGj7_k8Uz32RzhKDdS01hKiGqqKGYtqvgqueOrSlsizMat9OvgP1NkuBxt4hcZNV5Sk6aiNfBZ2HyomZIlYUEKxz_Cg/s1778/colouring%20activity%20at%20vangogh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child colouring at van gogh experience" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrn_8rGhymTp_El2RZB_Z_uTB7LbvcgcurgkdEChhOnAzu_kjrta5A8ib4Cl_v9zLz25zqR_l9l6uExgD4mX5p9cI_eXykJcBGj7_k8Uz32RzhKDdS01hKiGqqKGYtqvgqueOrSlsizMat9OvgP1NkuBxt4hcZNV5Sk6aiNfBZ2HyomZIlYUEKxz_Cg/s16000/colouring%20activity%20at%20vangogh.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-BKGgtzfWwIbGQvXcnq5cx08vAzFvT9W0UDg-K0PPVw1krPhcCz6J1t6zV9ijFNO774dThcGFIy09f7Nmb_wqZ5TxLIzTadQfn0U_DI8Uh_EvLBH_c-g21tYvCsHNXovvsrYslug4qiIOm-Un_OSWlot2Kju14UCqVJy8xeKQB4LQn2oNN7nTz6Hdg/s1778/colouring%20at%20van%20gogh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="colouring activity at van gogh" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-BKGgtzfWwIbGQvXcnq5cx08vAzFvT9W0UDg-K0PPVw1krPhcCz6J1t6zV9ijFNO774dThcGFIy09f7Nmb_wqZ5TxLIzTadQfn0U_DI8Uh_EvLBH_c-g21tYvCsHNXovvsrYslug4qiIOm-Un_OSWlot2Kju14UCqVJy8xeKQB4LQn2oNN7nTz6Hdg/s16000/colouring%20at%20van%20gogh.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBJwj5iqPJn9Ky3nms7XPOaOVcyORxeUVbmypdONtMNBDnb5QOOBXiAgA3KJkRE8jaoePxMJPDyBdkwE6PS0xVW0HUKoYaNkp6wfR7XFJNvdfcXzDevjez_LsmOhCp9gjeq-yK9mwo6_vAGMvDLouUhb_Oe_Ej_8-TUQRnKZDO4loYf3pRBxYABc5mQ/s1778/child%20on%20vr%20at%20van%20gogh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child on VR at van gogh" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBJwj5iqPJn9Ky3nms7XPOaOVcyORxeUVbmypdONtMNBDnb5QOOBXiAgA3KJkRE8jaoePxMJPDyBdkwE6PS0xVW0HUKoYaNkp6wfR7XFJNvdfcXzDevjez_LsmOhCp9gjeq-yK9mwo6_vAGMvDLouUhb_Oe_Ej_8-TUQRnKZDO4loYf3pRBxYABc5mQ/s16000/child%20on%20vr%20at%20van%20gogh.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh2A_g9XGgqSf7RsmMkLewo96rohoZjUG5TtXGcZpSh_Xxi6mDWeyUYIY_UfFHL0LD7oXHQwOphIxwjz-2eTpP2vQPUfaTEo7RoiHdoXNFWDS2K7HquD0gwrhtjC8fNqggWOkFKRL1ZeaL0tLU04V4wbnFQzIVhDvtTE3XPzNFUkww0AAdKVNh0gohg/s1778/immersion%20room%20at%20van%20gogh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="immersive room at van gogh experience" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh2A_g9XGgqSf7RsmMkLewo96rohoZjUG5TtXGcZpSh_Xxi6mDWeyUYIY_UfFHL0LD7oXHQwOphIxwjz-2eTpP2vQPUfaTEo7RoiHdoXNFWDS2K7HquD0gwrhtjC8fNqggWOkFKRL1ZeaL0tLU04V4wbnFQzIVhDvtTE3XPzNFUkww0AAdKVNh0gohg/s16000/immersion%20room%20at%20van%20gogh.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">Good things about Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience</h2><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was interesting to learn more about Van Gogh, his life and paintings, and immersive multimedia areas were fun, and certainly make for great social media photos. There was colouring activities, Van Gogh 's bedroom, VR experience, immersive room with music, and lots and lots of informative boards and presentations. </span>There was lots to enjoy, like learning more about the artist, and seeing his artwork in a different light, as a whole arch over his life.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I enjoyed the exhibition being such a varied experience. Lots of different ways to learn about Van Gogh, and his life, and there was a lot of information to read through too.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I enjoyed the immersive nature of some of the exhibitions. For example, the last immersive room was impressive - it had the artwork displayed and animated across all four walls while set with gentle music. That room was nice, relaxing and enjoyable, especially after we managed to find a set of beach chairs to lounge in - which did take a while as it was a busy time. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I especially enjoyed the VR experience, and I'd say definitely do not miss out on this. It was a great experience, felt very immersive and exciting. My kids were very taken with it as well and have talked about it a lot since. I found it very amusing watching my kids do the VR experience and get into it so much they tried to walk off! </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUqd2oGdAkz4AUX21o7MuqUzOWfef2Osd3Lh2hV_z46k_kXIpnR26-9gABcTQ5l1dEUwEGds2l7za81BWCMuN_mOh6pEhYGY4dIq1654wzbRwWRSKEGLC582o-sBcvU9FAVk_7bkM8Z114956Q4z8-nFMedocUfxAQFYcWKrJLK7XftU_aUa6i-odNQ/s1778/sitting%20at%20immersion%20room%20at%20vangogh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sitting at immersive van gogh room" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUqd2oGdAkz4AUX21o7MuqUzOWfef2Osd3Lh2hV_z46k_kXIpnR26-9gABcTQ5l1dEUwEGds2l7za81BWCMuN_mOh6pEhYGY4dIq1654wzbRwWRSKEGLC582o-sBcvU9FAVk_7bkM8Z114956Q4z8-nFMedocUfxAQFYcWKrJLK7XftU_aUa6i-odNQ/s16000/sitting%20at%20immersion%20room%20at%20vangogh.jpg" /></a></div></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Was </span>Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience worth it?</h2><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our visit on a Saturday morning cost about £70 for a family of four. Plus £15 extra for the VR experience (we paid for 3 people). In my opinion this experience was expensive for what it was - multimedia show of Van Gogh works with added animations and a music soundtrack. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Had this been half the price I would have been much more positive. And I really resented having to pay extra for the VR experience, which should have been included in the price. I don't understand why they would add it as an extra paid-for feature as it was probably the most unique part of the whole exhibition.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, as en experience I did enjoy the exhibition. My kids enjoyed it too, especially the interactive elements and I feel they got a lot of learning out of it. I also feel like the exhibition introduced me to Van Gogh really well, as I hadn't known that much about him, other than his unfortunate end. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So in that sense I can't be too negative, as I think the exhibition was really good and interesting, and great for learning about Van Gogh, especially if you don't know much about him. It just overall was too expensive. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>So was it worth it? </b>I am at two minds about it. I'm happy that we went there and experienced it, but I very much doubt I would go to another similar exhibition. I hear there is a Klimt one coming and a Frida Kahlo on in 2022. I don't think it was good value for money, even if the exhibition and the premise of it was interesting. Had I paid £35 for the family visit, and had the VR experience included, I would be recommending everyone go and see it. With the current price I'd say go only if you are desperate to go. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><b>Have you been and what did you think? Would be great to hear your thoughts about the price vs. experience!</b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div></div>
<b> You might also like: </b><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/search/label/London%20with%20kids" target="_blank">My London with kids series</a><br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LmEGA5h0H1UvZn-gxxiHw4QwjzAsiMEzsXr_gQGyf7HhrhUR7damYEm2k03iN8u7Mb_EAXcx5ERAuJFm2yuduc0JvTrpG07d6hpADS3XBrlg6H8VzpxbYAfPD8InKc-xtjwjzU1_6DJyD_lBbG_Lq6h_gyi5qY2t2EyRIvsQygNnz3IBJ3PDPjThtg/s1102/splash%20park%20tips%20london%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image for van gogh immersive experience" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LmEGA5h0H1UvZn-gxxiHw4QwjzAsiMEzsXr_gQGyf7HhrhUR7damYEm2k03iN8u7Mb_EAXcx5ERAuJFm2yuduc0JvTrpG07d6hpADS3XBrlg6H8VzpxbYAfPD8InKc-xtjwjzU1_6DJyD_lBbG_Lq6h_gyi5qY2t2EyRIvsQygNnz3IBJ3PDPjThtg/s16000/splash%20park%20tips%20london%20(1).jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-25432524560907892162022-05-12T23:40:00.002+01:002022-05-12T23:40:39.647+01:00How to do Chessington World of Adventures on a budget<div style="text-align: justify;">Here are a few of my tips on how to have a fun day out at Chessington World of Adventures on a budget. Obviously, a day out at an amusement park is bound to be expensive, but hopefully some of these tips will help you save money. This was inspired by my older post, <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/10/legoland-windsor-on-a-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank">How to do Legoland Windsor on a budget</a>, which is one of my more popular posts - check it out too!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My tips are mostly around how to get cheaper tickets and different tickets options, saving money on eating, and hotel breaks. If you have any extra tips I'd love to hear them in the comments!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKvR0io5WLFDzmLsSZgtx-0UKnx2UAqFMd04zUX1JOOdX6HKmYHxmcmXJ_iIXPifS_I-pCd2VBgOtYxblq_1fDDIzAI7hvpicMe8bmmBunxYBrFjS0BlT01gtmPg6ufIy5IFhTm9AfoaTJ2Ijt_5KRrEnAOa6bR943-ynto5Le2pfd-FLrwAYuoirpw/s1422/chessington%20world%20of%20adventures%20fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chessington world of adventures fountain" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKvR0io5WLFDzmLsSZgtx-0UKnx2UAqFMd04zUX1JOOdX6HKmYHxmcmXJ_iIXPifS_I-pCd2VBgOtYxblq_1fDDIzAI7hvpicMe8bmmBunxYBrFjS0BlT01gtmPg6ufIy5IFhTm9AfoaTJ2Ijt_5KRrEnAOa6bR943-ynto5Le2pfd-FLrwAYuoirpw/s16000/chessington%20world%20of%20adventures%20fountain.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF9S0GIrO4_Db7he9Aip1bSnZw-eJy_SqT65viEuhCqjdk7T2GAejggy5LDc4MnCZ_Q75MkpvY-Qm7DVzozgdcRFeWyHmtseKgPiyCeal65HxljhzIdm9piL3e_DOT6nDhLQQHBJDmeapC5OtSLCwrYZZksHnHoALiugFLz-gchFTla96WwT4eZaosQ/s1422/feeding%20parakeets%20at%20chessington%20zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="feeding parakeets at chessington" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF9S0GIrO4_Db7he9Aip1bSnZw-eJy_SqT65viEuhCqjdk7T2GAejggy5LDc4MnCZ_Q75MkpvY-Qm7DVzozgdcRFeWyHmtseKgPiyCeal65HxljhzIdm9piL3e_DOT6nDhLQQHBJDmeapC5OtSLCwrYZZksHnHoALiugFLz-gchFTla96WwT4eZaosQ/s16000/feeding%20parakeets%20at%20chessington%20zoo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWc1KMGC6DxRskY4aTDBZoQDe1nCBwsNJl3nJLOP1wfsw_KTk_0cKsBoMVQjfVERLDOpAuGaPPJKiWnalAfoABdJp6hitCkkvMqFmE_LEyq5Y6Tep9X7G-zQUnIi7kDp8igR4CSJ6vNrZmQeG6d3udnFSxA7d86zrVPoPmtyIwAMta0_ViUzOggTsiA/s1422/chessington%20world%20of%20adventures%20asia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="asian section at chessington" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWc1KMGC6DxRskY4aTDBZoQDe1nCBwsNJl3nJLOP1wfsw_KTk_0cKsBoMVQjfVERLDOpAuGaPPJKiWnalAfoABdJp6hitCkkvMqFmE_LEyq5Y6Tep9X7G-zQUnIi7kDp8igR4CSJ6vNrZmQeG6d3udnFSxA7d86zrVPoPmtyIwAMta0_ViUzOggTsiA/s16000/chessington%20world%20of%20adventures%20asia.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: justify;"><b>How to get cheap tickets?</b></h1><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are a few options for avoiding paying the full ticket price - currently £57 on the day per person (price goes up a bit over summer weekends). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><b>Under-3's are free!</b></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Remember, kids under three are for free, so don't buy a ticket for them!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><b>Online term-time deal for pre-schoolers - £25 for two tickets</b></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you have a child aged four and under, you can get a term-time weekday ticket for £25, for both you and the child. <a href="https://www.chessington.com/tickets-passes/day-tickets/adult-pre-schooler-ticket/" target="_blank">What a fantastic deal! Link here</a> - and I think Chessington World of Adventures is great for the little ones, lots of suitable rides for the little ones, and the zoo is great for them too. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Students from £20</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">And if you or your child is a student and registered with Student Beans - </span><a href="https://www.chessington.com/tickets-passes/day-tickets/students/" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3c70c6; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">tickets start from £20</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyone over the age of 16 and in full-time education including university, college, sixth form, and high school can use Student Beans. You can also use Student Beans if you are studying for an apprenticeship. <a href="https://www.studentbeans.com/uk" style="background: transparent; color: #3c70c6; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a>. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><h3><b>My favourite - Tesco Clubcard</b> </h3></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://secure.tesco.com/clubcard/legoland-windsor-resort-admission/uk-009803.prd" target="_blank">Tesco Clubcard</a> do a fantastic deal where 50p of points you spend equals £1.5 for Chessington World of Adventures tickets. If you book the tickets at least one day before going you also get a discount from the full price and pay the online saver rate - at the time of checking £36 instead of the £57 day ticket. For example, you could spend £48 in Tesco vouchers to pay for a family of four. <br /><br />The full process is fairly quick, but involves a bit of faff. You log on to Tesco, <a href="https://www.merlinclubcard.co.uk/chessingtonWorldOfAdventure/dayticket" target="_blank">go via their link to check the price for the day you want to book</a>, go back to Tesco and buy the amount of vouchers you need. You then get emailed the code and the booking link, on which you log on and use the code to buy the tickets which are sent to you electronically. Hey presto, cheap(er) tickets.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><h3><b>Cheap on the day tickets - 2 for 1 </b></h3><div><br /></div><div>You can regularly find two-for-one and 50% off vouchers from various promotional packs in the supermarkets. These can usually be used in most Merlin attractions, so several amusement parks, London Eye, SEALife and so on. </div><div><br /></div><div>The brands to watch out for are </div><div><ul><li>Carex, </li><li>Kelloggs, </li><li>Dairymilk </li><li>McDonald's Happy Meals, and </li><li>Bear snacks </li></ul>There is some variation year to year which companies are doing these, and I regularly see other brands doing similar deals. Kellogg's do these discount codes usually every spring and summer, and probably a brand that does these codes the most. This is a handy tip especially for people visiting UK - just go to your local supermarket and look for Kellogg's packets with the voucher! With most of these you have to pre-book them using the promotional code, and you get a discount or 2-for-1 deal off the day price, so a discount off £57. For a family of four you might spend £114. Remember to bring the code/pack with you - I've never been asked for it, but the rules say you should. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><b>Cheap yearly promotions - The Sun Superdays </b></h3><div><br /></div><div>You can also get cheap tickets by buying The Sun newspaper - check here for <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/05/what-are-sun-superdays.html" target="_blank">my tutorial on how to get Sun Superdays deals</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once a year<a href="https://savers.thesun.co.uk/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Sun does Superdays</a> - this means you buy The Sun paper on 9 consecutive days, add these codes to the Sun Savers app, and then when the booking opens (the app will have the date) you can book two "free" tickets! They aren't quite free, as the paper costs £7.2 altogether, and then a £2 booking fee, but still very cheap if you can bear the faff. There are promotional deals for several other amusement parks too, such as Legoland, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. These promotions happen once a year, so check the code collection dates in the link. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a tip, school holidays and weekends go in a flash, so if you are after those, you need to be booking as soon as the booking page opens. Weekdays and term time tickets are easier to get. You are by the way limited to two tickets per household with this deal. </div><div><br /></div><h3>What if it rains?</h3><div><br /></div><div>If you bought a promotional ticket, too bad, you won't get your money back with the Rainy Day Guarantee. If you bought a ticket on Chessington World of Adventures, and it rained continuously over an hour, you can re-book your ticket. Mind you, there are very few days a year that the Rainy Day Guarantee applies for, so you are probably better off with the cheaper tickets nonetheless. </div><div><br /></div><h2>The cheapest deal - £33.2 for a family of four</h2><div><br /></div><div>So, using my previous examples, if you use The Sun deal for a family of four, you could pay £9.20 for the Sun promotion tickets and £24 in Tesco Clubcard points, so £33.2 altogether. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is the cheapest I can book these, on a regular year - occasionally there are some other deals as well. I'll update here later if I find any cheaper deals in the future!</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22Ll2oSYXCZ4jot5G6AqR-ttcws4PdGhnFcUCjZIESiieX-fm4zwsLBWXlKnli1vHMYlxuSzb8cHvZMap1TqOjp8j_t4SuGY8QVPOHIRHq1dfinkT8L7g_K7_939kuiLwoOohkoJbzmFP5Sfw7Hx-lqa8QADrL6AQQ-T2o7NcylSgjdVEEdQDRDxR8g/s800/chessington%20gruffalo%20ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="view of the gruffalo ride" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22Ll2oSYXCZ4jot5G6AqR-ttcws4PdGhnFcUCjZIESiieX-fm4zwsLBWXlKnli1vHMYlxuSzb8cHvZMap1TqOjp8j_t4SuGY8QVPOHIRHq1dfinkT8L7g_K7_939kuiLwoOohkoJbzmFP5Sfw7Hx-lqa8QADrL6AQQ-T2o7NcylSgjdVEEdQDRDxR8g/s16000/chessington%20gruffalo%20ride.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QWw-QtfJ-eKncuqu3oV2e-OheTfDiJSSUSjCRL7dJCVfbNaDmszvq3zuMr1P9r88CjDytT_PSwBJqfHa48MUzkK6Z12zm7irzY26LwDQZoHe4elI7FBNHa4AkFoGUyxntK0QAJ4RXub6v1p-xyXwFoMTzMXWhdIL8864olCciPJivLmhT1BCLllY_g/s1067/chessington%20at%20elmer%20ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="family on an elmer elephant ride" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QWw-QtfJ-eKncuqu3oV2e-OheTfDiJSSUSjCRL7dJCVfbNaDmszvq3zuMr1P9r88CjDytT_PSwBJqfHa48MUzkK6Z12zm7irzY26LwDQZoHe4elI7FBNHa4AkFoGUyxntK0QAJ4RXub6v1p-xyXwFoMTzMXWhdIL8864olCciPJivLmhT1BCLllY_g/s16000/chessington%20at%20elmer%20ride.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSt-Q4SqTybpU9-csbcqNEpOlBtzGWcrb7rcaAw4dI5dJKR0VRUUl4R1lxbdxgTNVUeww8NVE5GZzX7NY9vbyApbOTUkGD5_CTh29XEOXfLXpuhzv_dNJup_ABU01hlH6PlhXtLQNA-34LZS_rDw_pm9gFRNT-u74qgmbP-BO-dcJE51T8z3TS4bHwA/s1422/giraffes%20at%20zufari%20ride%20chessington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child looking at giraffes up close" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSt-Q4SqTybpU9-csbcqNEpOlBtzGWcrb7rcaAw4dI5dJKR0VRUUl4R1lxbdxgTNVUeww8NVE5GZzX7NY9vbyApbOTUkGD5_CTh29XEOXfLXpuhzv_dNJup_ABU01hlH6PlhXtLQNA-34LZS_rDw_pm9gFRNT-u74qgmbP-BO-dcJE51T8z3TS4bHwA/s16000/giraffes%20at%20zufari%20ride%20chessington.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxjwTlKvjaYP53xf0myD-473QONSLq2eZrUqh7aaHTqS6g5671a9fNgwG4wSEXOJppxaGo9Vt2-ZTjQQ1tEzNNBrRXOm909P69uTIaj8hjZKXkhfVi9inKqUTsv5FECZDpq7xIkD0aUrQoMQzfWzFcSbs_v50LT_ZFP63eEhrMsV7qK3c9qlSCE62Vw/s1422/chessington%20world%20of%20adventures%20tree%20top%20climb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child on a climbing area" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxjwTlKvjaYP53xf0myD-473QONSLq2eZrUqh7aaHTqS6g5671a9fNgwG4wSEXOJppxaGo9Vt2-ZTjQQ1tEzNNBrRXOm909P69uTIaj8hjZKXkhfVi9inKqUTsv5FECZDpq7xIkD0aUrQoMQzfWzFcSbs_v50LT_ZFP63eEhrMsV7qK3c9qlSCE62Vw/s16000/chessington%20world%20of%20adventures%20tree%20top%20climb.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomQK9DrkgnDRYddc0hi0D0gCFWNonWZoGi3CvyQVhSiH0NllQ_lQ2QebGnoUHYZaR-uZmzOAjKJpu4qMelaCtvaIbtZ45tR8-2ZEnqu7ihjr6TdOl0YZAetWtjx46VwetQwZhUaTHM0v0gfLRk_RDY84Qs7cm0sQM2aaXCmNVmcCtrW7_9hUH3oDGQQ/s1422/chessington%20zoo%20feeding%20birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child and dad feeding parakeets" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomQK9DrkgnDRYddc0hi0D0gCFWNonWZoGi3CvyQVhSiH0NllQ_lQ2QebGnoUHYZaR-uZmzOAjKJpu4qMelaCtvaIbtZ45tR8-2ZEnqu7ihjr6TdOl0YZAetWtjx46VwetQwZhUaTHM0v0gfLRk_RDY84Qs7cm0sQM2aaXCmNVmcCtrW7_9hUH3oDGQQ/s16000/chessington%20zoo%20feeding%20birds.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9xu6XVzM8whjgRKR0r-Y_pDwUSB0z2pBD5utClZzr1srawWYd3SR_ZM05GE1p-401LFy0FJqM91nhs4a6kVZOzEd7APkZDY5ju5Lb9o9RaJIkfsKUj9ICgfCFscuK3PrmUU9gUvklUCMjXxdxoPm8iNrFkmLxh8IqoNp3QQx3ZjQSTtDQZWHrtMiDg/s1422/chessington%20zoo%20parakeets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child feeding parakeet birds at chessington zoo" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9xu6XVzM8whjgRKR0r-Y_pDwUSB0z2pBD5utClZzr1srawWYd3SR_ZM05GE1p-401LFy0FJqM91nhs4a6kVZOzEd7APkZDY5ju5Lb9o9RaJIkfsKUj9ICgfCFscuK3PrmUU9gUvklUCMjXxdxoPm8iNrFkmLxh8IqoNp3QQx3ZjQSTtDQZWHrtMiDg/s16000/chessington%20zoo%20parakeets.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><h1><b>How to get a cheap hotel break?</b></h1><br />Staying in a Chessington World of Adventures resort - ain't that the dream... Definitely would be for my kids! <b>You can choose from a hotel or glamping</b>, which both sound like quite nice options. With both you get access to Savannah Splash Pool<br /><br />We haven't done this but there are a couple of things I've spotted during my bargain-hunting. At different times of the year there are different deals on Chessington World of Adventures website. One popular one is a <a href="https://www.chessington.com/short-breaks/offers-packages/splash-stay/#_" target="_blank">Splash-and-Play</a>. The resort is closed during these stays but you can stay in the hotel for a reduced price.<br /><br />With a bit of luck you might be able to check-in a day before the resort opens. You check in, have fun at the hotel, sleep, have breakfast, check out and go have fun in the resort (obviously after buying cheap day tickets via the tips I've provided earlier!). At the time I've looked the dates were very limited and this wasn't available, but worth a look!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.chessingtonholidays.co.uk/offers/mid-week-stays.html" target="_blank">Chessington also do cheaper mid-week stays </a>when the theme park is open, and these are a bit cheaper if you do not need to attend school - great for homeschoolers perhaps. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.chessingtonholidays.co.uk/glamping.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glamping at Chessington World of Adventures </a>is a bit cheaper than the hotel, and looks like a fun exciting activity for kids - but mind you, the bathroom and shower facilities are shared just like at campsites. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><h1><b>How to get on the rides I want without paying extra?</b></h1><br />At Chessington you can get a Reserve and Ride, which costs from £15 per person - this allows you to reserve a ride and wait somewhere else for it, and then jump the queue when your alloted time comes up. Slightly speedier wait times are availabel at £30 per person, and at £70 per person. <br /><br />What you can do on a budget though is download the Chessington World of Adventures app, and check the queue times for various rides, and jump in where they are at their lowest. <br /><br />Another handy trick is to get to the resort really early and go to your most-wanted popular ride first, or alternatively, leave it very late and join the queue about five minutes before closing time as they let you wait until everyone has done the ride. You won't then have to spend loads of time waiting during the day if the ride you are after is one of the most popular ones.<br /><br />While some theme parks have a Parent Swap, where the parent with the baby waits at the priority entrance, and after the ride they swap so the other parent doesn't need to wait. However, Chessington does not explicitly state they offer this - it may be worth enquiring from the staff manning the rides. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><h1><b>Do you have to pay for parking?</b></h1><div><br /></div><div>Sorry, yes, you do. You can save £1 if you pay online or via the app though. <br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><h1><b>What to do for food if you are on a budget?</b></h1><div><br /></div><div>This one is easy - take a picnic! There are plenty of places to sit down and have a packed lunch, and indoor locations too if the weather looks poorly. There is a Lidl a five minute drive away, so easy to pop by either on the way in or out for some cheap food. <br /><br />We drank water, and the kids had a carton of juice with their packed lunch. Didn't see many refilling stations for bottles, but there probably are some. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wqa-0a6Id_todAWA4t-X2Cs-wcAbrJbTNW1vMOwO_GSgOi74bnv5T3bYBVqe1upjJWlj1Vf1mxrMxH8Un68PX6feitnAT5SDJjy8PPvVT1jhWTAJPF8g94vkp8IIeERrMuF2g7rNDpCGNQitV5qAqmx8wUJlUSCbVKO_S5dKNEh2wEPtpXbOVOfgQQ/s1067/family%20at%20chessington%20world%20of%20adventures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="family at chessington world of adventures" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wqa-0a6Id_todAWA4t-X2Cs-wcAbrJbTNW1vMOwO_GSgOi74bnv5T3bYBVqe1upjJWlj1Vf1mxrMxH8Un68PX6feitnAT5SDJjy8PPvVT1jhWTAJPF8g94vkp8IIeERrMuF2g7rNDpCGNQitV5qAqmx8wUJlUSCbVKO_S5dKNEh2wEPtpXbOVOfgQQ/s16000/family%20at%20chessington%20world%20of%20adventures.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that was helpful to you!</div><div><div><br /></div><div>While it is not a cheap day out, Chessington World of Adventures is fun and you don't have to spend hundreds on the day. We spent about £24 in Tesco vouchers for the tickets, £9.2 for Sun Superdays tickets, £10 for coffees and drinks, £4 for parking and then of course petrol, the packed lunch costs, and £25 for McDonald's on our way back home, so all in all our day out cost less than £100. Not the cheapest day out but something you can certainly do as a treat!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And if you are hoping to go to Legoland and have some ideas for cheap tickets, have a look at my <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/10/legoland-windsor-on-a-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank">Legoland on a budget </a>post. In addition, you might like my <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/05/what-are-sun-superdays.html" target="_blank">How to use Sun Superdays promotional deals</a> post too for top tips. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What are your tips for doing Chessington World of Adventures on a budget?</b></div></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>You might also like: </b><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/10/legoland-windsor-on-a-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank">How to do Legoland Windsor on a budget</a></span></div>
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p><p align="center"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpizW17fesg4k8IHsWOseZwl3nmhmKs9HGHhNuJlPuuYrbLA3qRpKWo5O7KWdI5Kz1q7w4xwRZyfLYOzk5lR5YMR8eWhmFYLIUVnWdw0BjDFgThMj9AG28jQSRRxVpSNtCpDliBAUNo_m9yoracFc-8Uw6GqfyzEC-0KWl0EU_h5XQx1O9htix8-YdQ/s1102/chessington%20world%20of%20adventures%20on%20a%20budget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image for this post" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpizW17fesg4k8IHsWOseZwl3nmhmKs9HGHhNuJlPuuYrbLA3qRpKWo5O7KWdI5Kz1q7w4xwRZyfLYOzk5lR5YMR8eWhmFYLIUVnWdw0BjDFgThMj9AG28jQSRRxVpSNtCpDliBAUNo_m9yoracFc-8Uw6GqfyzEC-0KWl0EU_h5XQx1O9htix8-YdQ/s16000/chessington%20world%20of%20adventures%20on%20a%20budget.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-HPmGlg7F2m2TJkxgrEol_0ASLVi2iKNsKAMJCgSNwPlRHEaA0x9b_zB6asXdS2fWXb2eNTm0-H5eHgjLRqEDCU_-vl9CIkVo0QvfrTj9JIoLrd-IRoy3eIv_kT3fyrW5lX1BQZr_O1V9moKqH9FUAcq8pqyslF4flmqDNa9dNUkpR6OqUgf7QfNPw/s1102/chessington%20cheap%20tickets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image for the post" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-HPmGlg7F2m2TJkxgrEol_0ASLVi2iKNsKAMJCgSNwPlRHEaA0x9b_zB6asXdS2fWXb2eNTm0-H5eHgjLRqEDCU_-vl9CIkVo0QvfrTj9JIoLrd-IRoy3eIv_kT3fyrW5lX1BQZr_O1V9moKqH9FUAcq8pqyslF4flmqDNa9dNUkpR6OqUgf7QfNPw/s16000/chessington%20cheap%20tickets.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRH-ciCAyEElnRLGrpSzl2VLgzsSNaB9dLtAHwZxkJnHKZ9ZMn67-QgkkpxZmvNwzS2vCDskVoqB78wc2tA027dImLMzfhMM0pvMtS6efi0RmCDxl3kRCo8L-6Fsmc7dRWLblxirnEfjLa7ffZYtas5yuV1hWYyzuCr2fVyaU3PHMHWESdUL4RVBoPeQ/s1102/chessington%20budget%20tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image for this post" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRH-ciCAyEElnRLGrpSzl2VLgzsSNaB9dLtAHwZxkJnHKZ9ZMn67-QgkkpxZmvNwzS2vCDskVoqB78wc2tA027dImLMzfhMM0pvMtS6efi0RmCDxl3kRCo8L-6Fsmc7dRWLblxirnEfjLa7ffZYtas5yuV1hWYyzuCr2fVyaU3PHMHWESdUL4RVBoPeQ/s16000/chessington%20budget%20tips.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><br /></p> <p></p><p></p>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0Chessington, UK51.363583 -0.29625423.053349163821153 -35.452504 79.673816836178844 34.859996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-14863200549172391262022-05-11T23:07:00.010+01:002023-02-21T00:04:30.493+00:00What are Sun Superdays 2023 and how do they work? Tips and tricks to get ahead!<div style="text-align: justify;">Updated for 2023!! You might be wondering what Sun Superdays is? The Sun Superdays is a yearly promotion that offers free tickets to major UK attractions. It is often mentioned in different money-saving websites and on social media as a great way of saving money on days out. And yes, it can be. By buying The Sun newspaper and collecting codes you can book two free tickets to a variety of attractions. I have written my top tips on how to make the most out of it so keep reading for an explanation of how Sun Superdays work. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFtSmIF-aw1XrCZ5UTdmR9fuLNGzaPdQSVQeT7uhSFFZ4Uiz2v1NOopAUmTfYq3TisxSlAyYd8zjp2g5cDE7bvxL6Wvb23kCWFa5U4M-a8UhwyAAJNhv3hapArZ5jNtYo2fLAWEK8ksl8tr_ZlUQJFnswDD1YkpjuGGggaSvhrfw1fRoM6clx0JpmeA/s4032/egypt%20lego%20legoland%20attraction.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="legoland camel" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFtSmIF-aw1XrCZ5UTdmR9fuLNGzaPdQSVQeT7uhSFFZ4Uiz2v1NOopAUmTfYq3TisxSlAyYd8zjp2g5cDE7bvxL6Wvb23kCWFa5U4M-a8UhwyAAJNhv3hapArZ5jNtYo2fLAWEK8ksl8tr_ZlUQJFnswDD1YkpjuGGggaSvhrfw1fRoM6clx0JpmeA/s16000/egypt%20lego%20legoland%20attraction.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: justify;"><b>What is Sun Superdays promotion and how does it work?</b></h1><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sun Superdays is a great way of getting two FREE tickets to a variety of big theme parks and Merlin Attractions in the UK - there are tickets available for Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures, Madame Tussauds, SEALife, Shrek's Adventure, Bear Grylls, Warwick Castle and so on - there have even been free Cineworld tickets in the past and cheap London Eye add-on tickets with other ticket purchases. All you have to do is buy The Sun paper during the 18-day long collection period, collect the codes inside, enter them on the app, and after you have enough (typically 9 codes) you can book two tickets. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 2023 there are tickets to:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Chessington World of Adventures, collecting starts Feb 11th</li><li>Alton Towers, starting March 18th</li><li>Legoland, starting April 22nd</li><li>Thorpe Park, starting May 20th</li><li>Warwick Castle, starting June 10th</li><li>Bear Grylls, starting Sept 2nd</li><li>Madame Tussauds, not confirmed</li><li>London Dungeons, not confirmed</li><li>SEALife, not confirmed</li><li>Shreks Adventure, not confirmed</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><b>How does Sun Superdays work?</b></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Download the Sun Savers app or register at <a href="http://savers.thesun.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sun Savers website</a> using your full name that corresponds with your ID. You need to be 18+ years old. </li><li><u><b>On the day collecting starts,</b> <b>buy The Sun newspaper (physical copy)</b></u> and input the unique code to the Sun Savers mobile phone app or <a href="http://savers.thesun.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sun Savers website</a>. <u><b>The code is inside the paper</b>,</u> labelled as Sun Savers code. I personally prefer to use the app, as you can scan the code rather than type it in. </li><li><u><b>You will need to buy nine papers on nine separate days!</b> </u>Not nine papers on one day. So for example, you need a unique code from paper on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc etc, not just several codes from Monday newspaper. </li><li><u><b>You will need to buy the papers on nine consecutive days if you want a weekend date or a school holiday date! </b><b> </b></u></li><li><b><u>You need to book on the day the booking opens for weekends and school holidays.</u> </b>The codes are available for 18 days, of which you need nine. Term-time tickets can often be booked through out the whole booking period, so if you are after them you don't necessarily need to buy the papers on consecutive days. </li><li><b><u>Make sure you input each code in. </u></b>You can do them in a batch, or one each day, but make sure you do this before the day the booking opens, as there are often issues with the site/app due to high traffic. If you are inputting codes on the booking day, make sure you do so early in the morning. </li><li>When the booking opens, typically around 10AM or 11AM, you can choose your two free tickets. If there is high demand when the booking opens, you may be in a virtual queue. Set a reminder to log in to your app or the website before the booking slots open, I usually open it 15-30 minutes earlier in case it opens early. </li><li>If you didn't get a date you can work with on the day you tried to book it, try later in the day or the following day. Occasionally there has been additional ticket drops after the initial rush. </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Are Sun Superdays tickets really free?</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No, not really, but it is still an excellent deal. You have to buy The Sun newspaper nine times. If you want a chance for a weekend or a school holiday date you need to buy them on nine consecutive days. This comes to £8.8 (price of five weekday newspapers at 80p and two Saturday £1 and two Sunday £1.4) and in addition a £2 booking fee. If you are willing to go on term-time weekday, you could just buy the weekday papers and pay £7.2 for the papers and £2 booking fee. So all in all <b>you get two "free" tickets for a cost between £9.2 to £10.8</b>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Compare this to the online advance prices of £37 or on the day prices of £56 for one ticket to some of the theme parks, and you can see why people do this faff. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><b>How many tickets can I book with Sun Superdays? </b></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>You are limited to two tickets per household</u></b>. If you were to create two accounts, and book two sets of tickets, they would both be cancelled and you would often not find out until you get to the attraction. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, some people manage to circumvent this by using two separate names, emails and address details, and of course buying the papers twice every day, but it is more of a hassle than I can bear. If you wanted to go as a group or use four Sun Superdays tickets for your family, you would both have to log on at the same time and hope you manage to book the same day - and this is far from certain and quite stressful to organise. The weekends and school holiday dates go ridiculously quick. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rather than trying to beat the system, I would recommend other means of finding cheap tickets. I've explained a few ideas here on my <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/10/legoland-windsor-on-a-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank">Legoland Windsor on a Budget post</a> and here <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/05/chessington-world-adventures-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank">Chessington on a budget post. </a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedSGLCQqeBhS4bZLhQe9f-46h1O5DY56jjekFN3X4swhymnMNLPzvIxDOjcnFv5OEzopHLqfwKMBvFg9sxsDPkFyr_CGijiYeuumfhK6qlJe0hv8MbxPBo8TAvynS21mnS2tEopg7PSAZmmLrZ8uUvn2j5yK6O7byDKBFWOHQ8LxjUX-1oOtJZ5dQBg/s978/beyonce%20madame%20tussauds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="madame tussauds" border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedSGLCQqeBhS4bZLhQe9f-46h1O5DY56jjekFN3X4swhymnMNLPzvIxDOjcnFv5OEzopHLqfwKMBvFg9sxsDPkFyr_CGijiYeuumfhK6qlJe0hv8MbxPBo8TAvynS21mnS2tEopg7PSAZmmLrZ8uUvn2j5yK6O7byDKBFWOHQ8LxjUX-1oOtJZ5dQBg/s16000/beyonce%20madame%20tussauds.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vDGEWQlxLvX2qzMiimaYmaMQMngGXFI_jQ1qmDpWArvxnkpNo2DVn_7zmlTeEWU-zaeZcOeCA9okEPUxj6feKKlRES3brwsJK4H2zbX11_d96MXS8a6xSgYGciUpiSXhbPY1U6qZLwkvbk8rdI6uyP-iVrbKxsTqC6FI9rTi4gSE9-nyy54BM9MX8Q/s1422/feeding%20parakeets%20at%20chessington%20zoo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A child feeding parakeets at Chessington" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vDGEWQlxLvX2qzMiimaYmaMQMngGXFI_jQ1qmDpWArvxnkpNo2DVn_7zmlTeEWU-zaeZcOeCA9okEPUxj6feKKlRES3brwsJK4H2zbX11_d96MXS8a6xSgYGciUpiSXhbPY1U6qZLwkvbk8rdI6uyP-iVrbKxsTqC6FI9rTi4gSE9-nyy54BM9MX8Q/s16000/feeding%20parakeets%20at%20chessington%20zoo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><b>Can I change the dates on my Sun Superdays tickets?</b></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>No, you cannot change the dates after booking, </u></b>nor can you get any rainy-day guarantees or potential Covid-cancellation-refunds. You can't change the name on the tickets either. It's too bad, but it just is what it is with these types of promotions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><b>Can I buy/sell/gift my Sun Superdays tickets?</b></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>No, you cannot sell/buy/gift Sun Superdays tickets</b>. </u>You may be asked for an ID at the gates. If you do not provide the ID that corresponds with the name that is on the booking, you will be denied entry. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Due to people selling tickets on eBay and social media, there has been a crackdown by The Sun and the participating attractions and people are regularly asked for an ID at the gate and The Sun Superdays tickets checked against it. The terms and conditions I believe state now you should have photo ID, but in the past a bank card has been OK. To be on the safe side I'd bring a photo ID. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, do not buy the codes online either from anyone. You are likely to be scammed by someone who has copied codes off newspapers without buying them, or using ghost codes, and your tickets may be invalidated. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><b>What is a ghost code and how do you use them for Sun Superdays?</b></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ghost code is a print run code - so sometimes there may be regional issues that make it impossible for unique codes to be printed on the papers. In this case, all papers from that print shop might have the same code, so there might be hundreds or thousands of the same code. These are sometimes shared online, such on a private Facebook group. This in a way is truly free, as you do not need to buy the newspaper to get the unique code, you just input the ghost code and it ticks that day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>However, using too many ghost codes might invalidate your tickets!</b> </u>In 2022, there were nine ghost codes shared for Legoland booking period. These were then shared on social media by various pages and influencers, and also on extreme couponing and money-saving sites. Presumably this led to an influx of bookings using only the shared (free) codes, breaking the figurative camel's back and The Sun issued a statement those tickets were invalidated as they broke the terms and conditions. From discussions online I gather it some were cancelled and some remained valid, and many were very stressed so I'd advise to stay clear of blatant rule-flouting of this sort. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">How can The Sun find out if I use ghost codes / double-bookings? </h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They might not, or they might do. It wouldn't be difficult to use data analytic tools to find out multiple same names or same address details on separate bookings. Or if there are a lot of ghost codes attached to a wide variety of regional areas, it would flag up as suspicious, for example, if you were one day using a code issued in Cardiff, next day at Aberdeen, and third day in London. On some occasions people have reported their tickets have been cancelled due to detected double-bookings or overuse of ghost codes. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">My Sun Superdays code didn't work - what now?</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">I kid you not, but some people scan the codes in a shop without actually buying the paper. That has happened to me. Usually Sun Superdays app just automatically gives you an additional code to replace it, but if it doesn't retain your physical paper and get in contact with them. They will give you a new code. I've also heard of people ripping the code out and not buying the paper... I always try select a paper from the bottom of the pile and if it looks like it is read I quickly check the page still remains in. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">My experience of booking Sun Superdays in 2023</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">So far so good. I booked Chessington World of Adventures, logged on half an hour earlier on the app, let it run on the background. At 11 I was put into a virtual queue, queued on the app for 20 minutes and could then click to booking form. The experience was very easy and stress-free. I got tickets for a June weekend, and almost all days were still available when I booked. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fGsWjXCsryTOQ7Bz3jDfSdL9vWwMg_2Rja9ekY9IxRJzONa0YZie6Uy2HuGkjePjI3OAAAB4_W1WkDxb0C75YMi1KDQje3LKh3FUhYxeyNT4mnDEywskWWCeF3vPOO4kkNWKc5Ln2q1Z2QNopG6FZf4m-hOJvVGoOxKyhM9IjACHGvkD55v0Nf56Yg/s1422/skeleton%20at%20london%20dungeons%20pub.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="london dungeons skeleton" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fGsWjXCsryTOQ7Bz3jDfSdL9vWwMg_2Rja9ekY9IxRJzONa0YZie6Uy2HuGkjePjI3OAAAB4_W1WkDxb0C75YMi1KDQje3LKh3FUhYxeyNT4mnDEywskWWCeF3vPOO4kkNWKc5Ln2q1Z2QNopG6FZf4m-hOJvVGoOxKyhM9IjACHGvkD55v0Nf56Yg/s16000/skeleton%20at%20london%20dungeons%20pub.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Best tips for Sun Superdays - Conclusion</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The best way to secure two free tickets with Sun Superdays is to buy The Sun paper on nine consecutive days, starting when the colletion opens and ensuring you book on the first booking day. Make sure you log in before the booking opens, as weekends and school holidays run out one the first day. Don't try to beat the system - best bet is to book two tickets per household and use various other means to get additional tickets, such as Kellogg's 2-4-1 deals or Tesco Clubcard Boosts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And a helpful tip, there is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/184438505254764/permalink/1547939382237996" target="_blank">The Sun Superdays Facebook group</a> which has been really helpful for tips, and also to keep up to date with any changes and the dates, and has lots of lovely helpful people there. It may be worth joining if you have any more questions after reading this post!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Photos are from some of the various places I have booked tickets using The Sun Superdays - see how many you recognise! You might also like this post about <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/10/legoland-windsor-on-a-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank">how to do Legoland Windsor on a budget</a> and this post about <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/05/chessington-world-adventures-budget-cheap-tickets.html" target="_blank">Chessington on a budget!</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you used Sun Superdays tickets? How did it go?</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkobYrhUzCgRr03OEo8cwriLvbH9UO79fWYqXA3MbOgDBhnzvCku8m0Q7mymTMUDgtT1Jwh6PJtfkyJdUQmwkGdoEfV4uss-YbiM8R85e69Zjp0SxtIdZ8Hn0jUDzKnjX4doE7dfZ3vPWfiIMp95N2EArWyfY3u0jBVPGIcO4FyL9jUHZvMLb718oQVg/s1102/the%20sun%20superdays%20pinterest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the sun superdays pinterest image" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkobYrhUzCgRr03OEo8cwriLvbH9UO79fWYqXA3MbOgDBhnzvCku8m0Q7mymTMUDgtT1Jwh6PJtfkyJdUQmwkGdoEfV4uss-YbiM8R85e69Zjp0SxtIdZ8Hn0jUDzKnjX4doE7dfZ3vPWfiIMp95N2EArWyfY3u0jBVPGIcO4FyL9jUHZvMLb718oQVg/s16000/the%20sun%20superdays%20pinterest.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597327.067817163821154 -38.592223 83.688284836178838 31.720277tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-83028339036390114222022-04-26T22:26:00.001+01:002022-05-02T21:45:10.802+01:00What did I think of the Chestertons Polo in the Park with kids<div style="text-align: justify;">Chestertons Polo is back 2022! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We went to the <a href="https://www.polointheparklondon.com/2022-dates/sunday-12th-june-2022.html" target="_blank">Family Day at Chestertons Polo in the Park i</a>n 2019. This event happens every June at the beginning of the month. The last day of the three day polo event is the "family day" and is suitable for kids, with kids activities and a more relaxed atmosphere. Overall, fantastic day for families - I went there with my six year old. And of course, you don't have to take the kids, there were plenty of adult only parties too! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna53GzHHTaxI029qfUp95X5pxkvowas6gg68YhzExUZ3-k02-K5UXwnyYbh5GkrHRwOWfjxN55u_M_rOe-2QCnLUIMtDIv7_PYPnl3Fx7I9YPLrM1YansG_q0jXbT0JaMWWVnBAKlSe44IFNilsJLhTiFJOgv7RrGf9UgYnv9rzeF3cxNKANUJ5mnOA/s1334/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20with%20kids.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kid on a bouncy horse at polo event" border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna53GzHHTaxI029qfUp95X5pxkvowas6gg68YhzExUZ3-k02-K5UXwnyYbh5GkrHRwOWfjxN55u_M_rOe-2QCnLUIMtDIv7_PYPnl3Fx7I9YPLrM1YansG_q0jXbT0JaMWWVnBAKlSe44IFNilsJLhTiFJOgv7RrGf9UgYnv9rzeF3cxNKANUJ5mnOA/s16000/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20with%20kids.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've always wanted to go see polo. It looked interesting and it is one of those quintessentially English things I have wanted to try, but I had never been to see a polo match. In addition to that, I figured it might be a while as it's not really suitable for kids and those mini-mes are hard to shake off I tell you. </div>
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Until I was invited to a family day at the <a href="https://www.polointheparklondon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chestertons Polo in the Park</a>, I didn't think kids could have fun at an event like this!</div>
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I found Chestertons Polo in the Park worked well for families because:</div>
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<li>The polo is played with easier to understand rules, and is a quicker game than your normal polo. The rules are also explained and the commentary during the day was helpful in learning about polo. My six year old was getting really into the game. </li>
<li>There were lots of kids activities, both before and during the polo games. And all free. This included party games, bouncy castles, face paint and crafts, although there were long queues for the most popular activities. </li>
<li>Food is plentiful and lots of variety, and covers the usual pizzas and burgers and fish and chips so even the pickiest eaters will find something.</li>
<li>Overall there was a good decking, so easy to walk and easy to push a pram. </li>
<li>Under 10s go free!</li>
</ul><div><br /></div><div>Kids activities were great. Before the polo game starts kids get to play at the pitch, with <a href="https://www.sharkyandgeorge.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sharky and George children's party organisers </a>who are high-energy kids play leaders. There was bouncy ball horse races, water gun fights, and so on. This could get quite hectic, so thankfully the pitch exits were guarded and no kids were allowed to leave without an adult. During breaks kids could go on the pitch again - and you could go and see a horse and talk to a polo player at one break. There was also a kids play area with bouncy castle, face painting and crafting, all free activities, but with long queues for some.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zwH35KAKL4fQ94xwYQagro3iuPv0-4-qQQ6Qi8wLxusQH3pbAKjfmigGGonKiWRpN4Wi61_uuWScwhT0rKjJLCEVpcWTU6grknm8fuWjdow7OdNFY-dfvvQX_x6TMKXsreXuncfKbgghe_73wRXwcw293R6JG62N2mYTQeOK6LjUKUBCQRRaBi_C9A/s1000/chestertons%20polo%20match.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="polo match being played" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zwH35KAKL4fQ94xwYQagro3iuPv0-4-qQQ6Qi8wLxusQH3pbAKjfmigGGonKiWRpN4Wi61_uuWScwhT0rKjJLCEVpcWTU6grknm8fuWjdow7OdNFY-dfvvQX_x6TMKXsreXuncfKbgghe_73wRXwcw293R6JG62N2mYTQeOK6LjUKUBCQRRaBi_C9A/s16000/chestertons%20polo%20match.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLGE3YgGZeYO5_g-NNrUKDFEskfWXUw1WoQB4hnxd2EZpwQWMSTICDYtXCYzMp20MlolIewqDNiRW-Urt5roSLgA7BVdxEtZmVB-mc07yxCgWZcbosRgJydM0bkGOu_9lPHATdqtTvGYi2QYvhcrsaHfb3nrIgdx95zTDxQAQLr_g_OGwLsQ7dCSKhg/s1000/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20kids%20activities.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child on a bouncy horse ball" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLGE3YgGZeYO5_g-NNrUKDFEskfWXUw1WoQB4hnxd2EZpwQWMSTICDYtXCYzMp20MlolIewqDNiRW-Urt5roSLgA7BVdxEtZmVB-mc07yxCgWZcbosRgJydM0bkGOu_9lPHATdqtTvGYi2QYvhcrsaHfb3nrIgdx95zTDxQAQLr_g_OGwLsQ7dCSKhg/s16000/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20kids%20activities.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWqadwwmaG_B7Oi7702HCpIVndJ4cWRCHQ_B81yKXJ8jeIXV_Sg7TRSxfPAd1uoDVdr503pYdxNkCvV-V73LRObgWhxdbT43QlDP-19MejPXNihg3p2tepomy2X2jcUdh7z_c407Tg7mkS8NxQURb_SMlbakY9gEu5tOMZ9ZYjszYd8Y5OOvYfA-gmg/s1000/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20family%20day.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kids activities on the polo field" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWqadwwmaG_B7Oi7702HCpIVndJ4cWRCHQ_B81yKXJ8jeIXV_Sg7TRSxfPAd1uoDVdr503pYdxNkCvV-V73LRObgWhxdbT43QlDP-19MejPXNihg3p2tepomy2X2jcUdh7z_c407Tg7mkS8NxQURb_SMlbakY9gEu5tOMZ9ZYjszYd8Y5OOvYfA-gmg/s16000/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20family%20day.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITe7uvOYfPJpdf5krv7ofGezwdbCBGKgvEJv_0hpC0SG-CqwqECZGUXs0yVtKWNUZ_P89LWTaKKcWNhgG2dba_RBmgx793d0QgoE41Vh1dBerUkvN2TOHfZjtxemKw_dPFGBLvW0cCWgAUAS7GE1z0Uj4T45VVxy32U6Yy1noaggxb1pYeapeGCf3zw/s1333/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20mum%20and%20kid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mum and daughter posing on the polo field" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITe7uvOYfPJpdf5krv7ofGezwdbCBGKgvEJv_0hpC0SG-CqwqECZGUXs0yVtKWNUZ_P89LWTaKKcWNhgG2dba_RBmgx793d0QgoE41Vh1dBerUkvN2TOHfZjtxemKw_dPFGBLvW0cCWgAUAS7GE1z0Uj4T45VVxy32U6Yy1noaggxb1pYeapeGCf3zw/s16000/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20mum%20and%20kid.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipdcF9vRoOMF_lGv-xQi8pJXTxUx4WvhSswfmamXONNWrM8GzXfygwCfK1PiIJu2ag0yymK9VsLswHQOl-qXYUm90RoFgpOYX9Mg8ijG98-J0CcwUapyFehWe9fjNahCmIuoS3Iwjf-54pwO68-ttddqLkchg5cHmSkUgeU0JCFMgMi8zUk-garCQgg/s1333/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20with%20children.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kid in a balloon pit" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipdcF9vRoOMF_lGv-xQi8pJXTxUx4WvhSswfmamXONNWrM8GzXfygwCfK1PiIJu2ag0yymK9VsLswHQOl-qXYUm90RoFgpOYX9Mg8ijG98-J0CcwUapyFehWe9fjNahCmIuoS3Iwjf-54pwO68-ttddqLkchg5cHmSkUgeU0JCFMgMi8zUk-garCQgg/s16000/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20with%20children.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOx3GQsmBvYhN6B3aQhWGp8OK-ajmM6ZfAU838M882A_7iRlpw_lOnqOKZtlpcnDcDBAnTtIuIHyV3s7_A4FEvoybU7OzXjNd7IVzFcRLQoy2ei3Cln69y5AchyqLKbseQYRXtYjhlTaPjNNsQtFANggtSY4Gr1rP4adhIFXE_pDixCUJDI3m9JCMbg/s1333/kid%20at%20chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kid with face paint" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOx3GQsmBvYhN6B3aQhWGp8OK-ajmM6ZfAU838M882A_7iRlpw_lOnqOKZtlpcnDcDBAnTtIuIHyV3s7_A4FEvoybU7OzXjNd7IVzFcRLQoy2ei3Cln69y5AchyqLKbseQYRXtYjhlTaPjNNsQtFANggtSY4Gr1rP4adhIFXE_pDixCUJDI3m9JCMbg/s16000/kid%20at%20chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The event can get very busy, so I found the queues for food were very busy at the central area, but if you walked to stalls further away you got food quickly. I didn't drink as I was with the kiddo, but cocktails looked amazing and there were plenty of places to have a Pimm's or even an adult ice lolly. </div>
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Overall, a fun day! That said, the day is quite long for the youngest of kids, so we left before the final match. With slightly older children you might be able to enjoy the day all the way to the end. And as we left, all kids got a small goody bag to take home, with colouring pens and sheets, and a ball and some badges - my daughter was very happy. </div>
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If polo is something you want to try, or want a fun day out with the kids I'd definitely recommend the Finals day at Chestertons Polo in the Park - great fun with the kids. Have you been?</div>
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<b> You might also like: </b><a href="http://www.wavetomummy.com/search/label/London%20with%20kids" target="_blank">My London with kids series - tips for London family activities</a><br />
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms4w-xjVZ49eGGVDRtJdanaLWJSS8xb4gjcEWmXZf2lq719yP7bEJhQgAZevWl7-4CLxwCead1N34LVlb77i5-rG9G_q4Z455PeM4CTC6wzDwU9IhC7oQgvstqkg1eJL_nb6KZO4aX2VPyrMfKd6yPJM3wCMrHyl7diKnODVBDm-3KizSm2E_xDGZ4w/s1333/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20finals%20day.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kid at polo in the park event" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms4w-xjVZ49eGGVDRtJdanaLWJSS8xb4gjcEWmXZf2lq719yP7bEJhQgAZevWl7-4CLxwCead1N34LVlb77i5-rG9G_q4Z455PeM4CTC6wzDwU9IhC7oQgvstqkg1eJL_nb6KZO4aX2VPyrMfKd6yPJM3wCMrHyl7diKnODVBDm-3KizSm2E_xDGZ4w/s16000/chestertons%20polo%20in%20the%20park%20finals%20day.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a></b></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-83096081775150021092022-04-04T23:19:00.003+01:002022-04-04T23:21:32.120+01:00What I thought of the Secret Cinema Bridgerton - reviewing the good and the bad<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me and my husband finally visited the <a href="https://secretbridgertonball.com/" target="_blank">Secret Cinema Bridgerton</a> and I wanted to review it for you guys - and give a few tips if you are attending! Everything is SPOILER-FREE! And if you are still wondering whether Secret Cinema Bridgerton is worth it, this will help you decide. My opinion is that yes, it is worth the expense, if you enjoy Netflix Bridgerton. If you haven't seen it, do watch at least the first season before attending! I bought the normal tickets, so my review is focused on that, not on the VIP experience.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6mDic9dMQb3jtc5jA3G_XHgLNN6ymSRz0X53KB5Q0FNpT83jGE_-w4BlXQvFqX1VclRadRQ0RyXw8Ahfkx5a0ynt7SuJ6Y31Y6IrGNbLyrDvEyT1yxsThSA72YbS_1Unrw7u7jykSv6s06IIWItxQvvfdZ9wJ7OTgdRzcqlZ-IeXPH5uukO0DOpVYg/s1000/secret%20cinema%20bridgerton%20outfits%20couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="secret cinema outfits for us as a couple - black suit for him, green corset and skirt for her" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6mDic9dMQb3jtc5jA3G_XHgLNN6ymSRz0X53KB5Q0FNpT83jGE_-w4BlXQvFqX1VclRadRQ0RyXw8Ahfkx5a0ynt7SuJ6Y31Y6IrGNbLyrDvEyT1yxsThSA72YbS_1Unrw7u7jykSv6s06IIWItxQvvfdZ9wJ7OTgdRzcqlZ-IeXPH5uukO0DOpVYg/s16000/secret%20cinema%20bridgerton%20outfits%20couple.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Top tips</span></h1><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flat shoes! You will be doing a lot of walking from the station to the venue, and then within the set and if doing the dances - which you definitely should try! </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring a hankerchief and a fan for the dances. Obviously you can join in without them, but they do add an extra flair. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read the secret profile sent to you by Bridgerton crew, and watch the videos for the dances. They've got actors doing them as well, but it helped having seen them before. I don't think the profile matters much, but it is worth checking out the rest of the website for food menu, dance videos, and the activities on the dance card. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Print out the dance card (or buy it), as it is a helpful reminder of the things you can do during the night. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring a key or a secret... This will help you join in on the activities! You could get keys from some actors if you are lucky but it's not guaranteed. You do need a key for some activities. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If driving in, it is outside ULEZ and there is a parking area about 10 minute walk away (Pink Car Park at Wembley)</span></li></ul></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The set design</span></h1><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You enter via the gift shop and the make-up stall and photography spot. For photography you can either take your own photo (ask a fellow guest - staff apparently are not allowed to take them), or get a professional photo done at photo spot next to the gift shop. Gift shop has lots of accessories, a couple of outfits and even flip flops for hurty feet. Make-up counter does make-up looks for a payment. Handy if you are coming straight from the office or have forgotten something!</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inside there are five major rooms: </span></h4><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The entrance room / corridor where you have the promenade with wisteria and the French and German food stalls, and the German bar;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The bar which serves all kinds of drinks, and has a card game going for which you need a key to enter;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The painter's studio hosted by Benedict, with a chance to do live drawing and poetry readings;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The boxer's ring with fights and folk music and dancing, you might even join in to show your strength...;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The ball room/ main stage, where the Queen resides and all the dances and many of the scenes from Bridgerton are staged. </span></li></ul></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I quite liked the set design. I thought broadly it worked well with the activities, although I wish Benedicts painter's studio was bigger. It felt a bit stuffy and packed, so we left quickly. I personally enjoyed the mood in the boxer's ring the best, it was fun and lively.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAxrWC1uiV9RA3ZrytKqS3zYa6wMdZfmwC5BdW84y39ju5eRZNOFHEMrcsP73mDOSzKoaCsk-xwKU8kyL_42jqqjCTGTM2elthQnKDc3TfM8ZPSXpfyzWCNsYGcz_bedOcGT3gD4zzsSLWu4hvpu29HbsHQCmtTDi046HCheAJPeqCZhxXCV6LYkWsQ/s1422/secret%20cinema%20bridgerton%20ball%20room%20evening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="with a fan at bridgerton after party" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAxrWC1uiV9RA3ZrytKqS3zYa6wMdZfmwC5BdW84y39ju5eRZNOFHEMrcsP73mDOSzKoaCsk-xwKU8kyL_42jqqjCTGTM2elthQnKDc3TfM8ZPSXpfyzWCNsYGcz_bedOcGT3gD4zzsSLWu4hvpu29HbsHQCmtTDi046HCheAJPeqCZhxXCV6LYkWsQ/s16000/secret%20cinema%20bridgerton%20ball%20room%20evening.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs74MYIT-Ysq1jEYu20mIFJLXYQlYUBnL31L1QzKmhqACvT0oDVpMwjP_pb2sDJ7scpzcJFo-tcBzyTjUarQ9rGtVM9Gtu8vDK91FOWWq0Qi9veGkCGF25yNglmYKbjbHnqkWjGZhRXW-bkGaxpdGO7WXNVVQpIThV9EVTa7BdQijXCpTh9GyGKtjyQ/s1422/secret%20cinema%20bridgerton%20ball%20room%20after%20party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="woman standing in the dark room with purple lighting for bridgerton ball" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs74MYIT-Ysq1jEYu20mIFJLXYQlYUBnL31L1QzKmhqACvT0oDVpMwjP_pb2sDJ7scpzcJFo-tcBzyTjUarQ9rGtVM9Gtu8vDK91FOWWq0Qi9veGkCGF25yNglmYKbjbHnqkWjGZhRXW-bkGaxpdGO7WXNVVQpIThV9EVTa7BdQijXCpTh9GyGKtjyQ/s16000/secret%20cinema%20bridgerton%20ball%20room%20after%20party.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Activities</span></h1><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were some fun activities, and loads and loads of things to see. I was a bit uncertain of the dances in the ball room, me with my two left feet, but it helped having the actors do demonstrations first and then leading the dances. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now I don't want to spoil anything, but follow tips off your dance card and try all of those activities. I would recommend joining in the dances, and betting on the boxing matches, and of course chatting to actors as they promenade around. And do try find all those Lady Whistledown papers - there are three to collect! We only found two, but we didn't make a massive effort in this.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought the activities were fun, but after a while it felt like it was all done. There didn't seem to be an overarching story line to the experience like in <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/11/secret-cinema-stranger-things-review.html" target="_blank">Stranger Things Secret Cinema</a>, it was just a lot of unconnected activities which was a shame. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">There were a lot of actors around, both in the rooms and promenading around, and it was great fun interacting with them! Perhaps even the best part of the evening. We chatted with Eloise, Penelope, the prince, Daphne, The Duke and many others!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">Food</h1><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">As usual for Secret Cinema, the food is similar to London food markets and just as pricey. It tends to be things like burgers, chips, baguettes and so on, with a bit of a twist to fit the theme. I'd normally eat before coming, but since we didn't have time, we went for the potatoes with raclette, which was very nice, but rather small - I think it was around £10. You could also have things such as pulled pork buns and so on - the website with your character backstory has the full menu! We were tempted by the crepes definitely... </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">The good and the bad</h1><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So, to summarise my overall thoughts of the Secret Cinema Bridgerton... </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">My one overarching criticism would be that it was a load of loosely connected activities, inspired by Bridgerton yes, but with no storyline connecting them. You didn't really have any idea if you had managed to do them all, or if there was anything to explore more, and really what to do. After you had done the most obvious ones anyway, it felt like there was a fair bit of time to kill. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">There were some questionable fashion choices by some attendees. Perhaps it was a difficult one to dress for, but there were a surprising amount of short dresses that one would wear to a club or maybe a summer day out. Obviously, you don't have to dress up, but you miss out on the experience and will look like the odd one out. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The good things were definitely the interactions with the actors. I felt like there were a lot of actors around and they were very chatty and interacting with guests a lot. Perhaps because this run of Secret Cinema felt quieter than others, so they had more time. Or perhaps, it was just the whole point - some were running activities, others were promenading around, being chatty and interacting in the ball room and other rooms. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I loved the live music! There was a string quartet in the ball room playing all current major hits, just like in Bridgerton itself... And there was also live music in the boxing ring, with folk music played. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The event definitely felt geared towards women, and also groups of friends. I could imagine this is a fantastic event for a big bunch of friends, out drinking, joining in dancing and other activities, before moving on to continue the night elsewhere. But couples will enjoy this as well of course - we certainly did!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div>
<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/11/secret-cinema-stranger-things-review.html" target="_blank">What did we think of the Stranger Things Secret Cinema</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2018/03/secret-cinema-blade-runner-review.html" target="_blank">What was Secret Cinema: Blade Runner like</a></b><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2018/03/secret-cinema-blade-runner-review.html" target="_blank"><br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO81vptYOk8jAZBMZf6iAdogvHu9IULuERnZ5ALCCmp0qtog2x7Bt68lJCpZmzpeHXXkN2VlBsUl045jGXsDFmIdU5Cu9Y0-iaunuv-Gw6V1WFgHpgweA9r2KC3ZPrBiesNrXLTre-39TL7bngUxIc3C7XK6JfpRzwkz1LfHXsCy1N3GDFXgTY0f6DQ/s1067/secret%20cinema%20bridgerton%20wave%20to%20mummy%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="man and woman in bridgerton style outfits" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO81vptYOk8jAZBMZf6iAdogvHu9IULuERnZ5ALCCmp0qtog2x7Bt68lJCpZmzpeHXXkN2VlBsUl045jGXsDFmIdU5Cu9Y0-iaunuv-Gw6V1WFgHpgweA9r2KC3ZPrBiesNrXLTre-39TL7bngUxIc3C7XK6JfpRzwkz1LfHXsCy1N3GDFXgTY0f6DQ/s16000/secret%20cinema%20bridgerton%20wave%20to%20mummy%20blog.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com1London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-86973961655181573652022-02-23T00:16:00.001+00:002022-02-23T00:16:26.193+00:00Review of The Nutcracker: The confusing version by English National Ballet<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I haven't been to see The Nutcracker ballet for years. It is one of those Christmas traditions many theatre- and ballet-loving families have, and I took my eight year old ballet-dancing daughter to one of the English National Ballet evening shows. Here is my review of The Nutcracker as presented by English National Ballet, and a few extra tips on seeing The Nutcracker in London and for taking your kids to see The Nutcracker. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Nutcracker season tends to start in November, and in London you can typically see it in three to four places. The traditional versions are danced by English National Ballet at London Coliseum, The Royal Ballet at Royal Opera House, and Birmingham Royal Ballet at Royal Albert Hall. In addition, there usually is a modern re-imagined version at Sadler's Well by Matthew Bourne. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCxMV86fHYeAZID0JlhQmD_mUdV5NIqhleI-yvztQR0bCbrYeahxpkt1lUZQFoUBBdAfvBJrSpLl0ZefBYuuMbCKlcEabAhir5gsRLcxCB3F4cNnWoJ3n9cQmNo51kD5C3v3rx8mNd4EcYQYTCIooZv2I2LK9uI6P7hk5O79_Dr6pFPpE-g4jrMNr7bA=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="christmas tree made of ballet slippers" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCxMV86fHYeAZID0JlhQmD_mUdV5NIqhleI-yvztQR0bCbrYeahxpkt1lUZQFoUBBdAfvBJrSpLl0ZefBYuuMbCKlcEabAhir5gsRLcxCB3F4cNnWoJ3n9cQmNo51kD5C3v3rx8mNd4EcYQYTCIooZv2I2LK9uI6P7hk5O79_Dr6pFPpE-g4jrMNr7bA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Taking kids to ballet</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Nutcracker is a great ballet to introduce kids to. It is probably one of the easiest for kids and people new to ballet to get to grips with. The story line is very simple - a big family gathering at Christmas Eve, the daughter of the family receives a nutcracker as a gift from her Uncle Drosselmeyer, her naughty little brother breaks it, the uncle fixes it, and then when Clara goes to sleep it magically wakes up and off they go on adventures. The second act is almost wholly plotless, and is largely a collection of separate dances showcasing different techniques and styles, so manages to keep short attention spans up. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">That said, I wouldn't necessarily recommend The Nutcracker for children younger than eight. You know your kids of course, and a child who is obsessed with ballet might be able to sit through it relatively young, but it can be a bit difficult for younger ones. Late tweens and early teens are probably better as they start to appreciate it more. My eight year old for example thought it was a bit boring. </span></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Accessibility schemes aka cheaper tickets!</h2><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">If you are taking kids, English National Ballet has a fantastic accessibility scheme. Children under the age of 16 get half price tickets to all their shows, including The Nutcracker. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">While under fives are not allowed into see the shows, English National Ballet has one relaxed showing for kids of all ages where kids go free. This tends to be in January, one of the last shows of the season, and of course a matinee. I would imagine this to be a chaotic and noisy show, but hey, if you love ballet and have young kids, dress them in tutus and go and enjoy!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwiulJcPoTpAy0mQBhU-d9HyiimDWKWdg-n3rutb8wefc1fcvJF1TZLMoUE8YO7mMhhG8m8FXoOucwbe0IM6mu8BGpuggw0TMIlgPKlCsy-NGbT_PD0LEvm0iYpjvRwVFcRBc_8fvWwUbSdRu2nynG9sZ-oyEIfuIhkgritGz_IxkkKzAPR_jn5W-sOg=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="inside london coliseum" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwiulJcPoTpAy0mQBhU-d9HyiimDWKWdg-n3rutb8wefc1fcvJF1TZLMoUE8YO7mMhhG8m8FXoOucwbe0IM6mu8BGpuggw0TMIlgPKlCsy-NGbT_PD0LEvm0iYpjvRwVFcRBc_8fvWwUbSdRu2nynG9sZ-oyEIfuIhkgritGz_IxkkKzAPR_jn5W-sOg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIb5zcmVc0QUVKvIt5lSivG_IkSfvjrXQm7m_BPkUEALEZSzGRAbGx2_VwoWlbxfHDuUZP3JN0ltqQQzFkTg-2O3L-hg8PWgngosp3R0D9lleeUZQ8irE79g3AbZPG8htU_p0ar38Do66CSxb7jD-UYMjDA1YERn27t5P8H9uNt3cnUcTwXZEWFwE9og=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="london coliseum curtain stage" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIb5zcmVc0QUVKvIt5lSivG_IkSfvjrXQm7m_BPkUEALEZSzGRAbGx2_VwoWlbxfHDuUZP3JN0ltqQQzFkTg-2O3L-hg8PWgngosp3R0D9lleeUZQ8irE79g3AbZPG8htU_p0ar38Do66CSxb7jD-UYMjDA1YERn27t5P8H9uNt3cnUcTwXZEWFwE9og=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIgbwNs0HxCBNqr12CmvqlUuoC3DGBQVhtIxDsLuxnJ5bu2NxnsZF0bPCmOfNVHK6oGdRkGWqNO290__5sUtIp7jg2HSPaYFp_ot1PKJVuUQ7idXrlW-8VgrBO98n8U5mzW4rSv1fEaa5QGdqeqB1MDt11mxe0ucR-qMZdhE-7fNbsn1hnLnG1Kp9MTQ=s1333" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mum and daughter at ballet" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIgbwNs0HxCBNqr12CmvqlUuoC3DGBQVhtIxDsLuxnJ5bu2NxnsZF0bPCmOfNVHK6oGdRkGWqNO290__5sUtIp7jg2HSPaYFp_ot1PKJVuUQ7idXrlW-8VgrBO98n8U5mzW4rSv1fEaa5QGdqeqB1MDt11mxe0ucR-qMZdhE-7fNbsn1hnLnG1Kp9MTQ=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnV8pk6FAA_L8XVrkPX_7IloAFEqXp0a4222Hyk_fcR5MhaPoZKLgDnyVrUd3bSwVf2hkkolieBejfvSR1zNodFBseCAmSMmf3UMVRc1urWT5reY4lY0lpqc-yOwZhitmv4LyvPMj0fWJUpIVyLlnPKoI34paZaQJaJ60IzNaz7nOpj_bIAwvk30Lmbw=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="final bow by cast" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnV8pk6FAA_L8XVrkPX_7IloAFEqXp0a4222Hyk_fcR5MhaPoZKLgDnyVrUd3bSwVf2hkkolieBejfvSR1zNodFBseCAmSMmf3UMVRc1urWT5reY4lY0lpqc-yOwZhitmv4LyvPMj0fWJUpIVyLlnPKoI34paZaQJaJ60IzNaz7nOpj_bIAwvk30Lmbw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBD_iOe_MFiC5iUJlzjCH-ycH3ZHjsSJ6pyk2j1SvSHhKw3nfDBTtC9W8S_xzoF3G7zKITymF7-p2mB82UXDu0An-Ox8kC0gQ5izyW8t2w7BWF8EHPqL_9TozCTZS9eGDq2QkrsvCF7zB67ZWqJga6Y1WR8QG4Pf3CLA2IfSDzJv-MSbRN5PwZXObVaw=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child at ballet theatre" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBD_iOe_MFiC5iUJlzjCH-ycH3ZHjsSJ6pyk2j1SvSHhKw3nfDBTtC9W8S_xzoF3G7zKITymF7-p2mB82UXDu0An-Ox8kC0gQ5izyW8t2w7BWF8EHPqL_9TozCTZS9eGDq2QkrsvCF7zB67ZWqJga6Y1WR8QG4Pf3CLA2IfSDzJv-MSbRN5PwZXObVaw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Reviewing The Nutcracker by English National Ballet</h2><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The version of The Nutcracker by English National Ballet was created by their former director Wayne Eagling in 2010, and is slightly different from the traditional one you usually see. Typically the story goes that the nutcracker Clara gets for Christmas magically becomes alive in the night, fights the mouse king, kills him, and then transforms into a real prince and whisks Clara away to his kingdom to see all kinds of wonderful visitors who dance for them. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The English National Ballet The Nutcracker differed in some aspects though, which at times was enchanting, and at times confusing and annoying. Enchanting aspects were for example the first scene of ice-skating and snow fights outside the family home. I don't think I've seen a scene like that in any previous Nutcrackers I've watched, and it was lovely. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Confusing aspect was having Uncle Drosselmeyer appear with his nephew/apprentice, a young man, who then inexplicably changes places with the now-alive nutcracker doll at times. So sometimes you have the nutcracker doll, and sometimes this young man/prince. This is probably meant to signify a that Clara is dreaming, and how in her dreams the young man she may have had a bit of a crush on is transformed into the hero of her dream, the nutcracker doll. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It brings a more adult feel to the ballet, but I must confess, I found it confusing as I was expecting for the nutcracker doll to defeat the Mouse King, turn into the prince, and take Clara away. But Mouse King is never truly defeated, there are two interchangeable heroes, and the Mouse King sneaks into the second act, menacingly hiding in the hot air balloon ride Clara and her suitor take. Why? </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In particular, I felt Act II was displaced. There was no great welcoming to Clara and nutcracker/prince, so who were all the dances performed for? I mean, audience of course, but without Clara and the prince being the audience on stage, there is nothing to connect all these random dances together. The set design for Act II was also very bare. I believe there may have been the intention for it to be the puppet theatre introduced in Act I as one of the things brought by Uncle Drosselmeyer, but I don't know really. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Then Clara and the nephew come on stage as Sugarplum Fairy and her prince. Again, why? I guess dreams don't make much logical sense, and brings again forth the crush Clara might have on this young man. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In my opinion this version of The Nutcracker will be especially confusing to kids, who may expect the traditional version and who have perhaps seen that before, or read the story in one of the many picture books there is of The Nutcracker. I'm an adult and I was confused by some of the changes. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Confusing storyline aside, overall we enjoyed the atmosphere at London Coliseum, and loved the beautiful dancing. Orchestra was fantastic, and it all felt very festive and sparkly. And I appreciated the half price tickets for kids, wonderful was to increase accessibility for families and children, so well done on that ENB!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Have you guys been to see The Nutcracker?</span></span></div><div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b> You might also like: </b><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2021/12/christmas-orchestral-adventure-review-royal-albert-hall-christmas.html" target="_blank">Reviewing My Christmas Orchestral Adventure at Royal Albert Hall</a><br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr0xsS_SyfgqZCzFEfk2L9VN2ENlPFQDoE6ysdoT3an3_bF6TCf0eeCJLDdnNlYKseG2L--umiR6ffIQWoJE4OKwYbac12Boh9UW4RsenuMIvZ2K9bqb8Qb8-QG9OQzYdca-rHbcGHKf9CeW93GHwdLl-Ow_YTUbtHvxtbThhp30gladTGeKDqPp6oYA=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="in front of london coliseum theatre and lights" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr0xsS_SyfgqZCzFEfk2L9VN2ENlPFQDoE6ysdoT3an3_bF6TCf0eeCJLDdnNlYKseG2L--umiR6ffIQWoJE4OKwYbac12Boh9UW4RsenuMIvZ2K9bqb8Qb8-QG9OQzYdca-rHbcGHKf9CeW93GHwdLl-Ow_YTUbtHvxtbThhp30gladTGeKDqPp6oYA=s16000" /></a></div><p align="center"><br /></p> <p></p><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixd0twr3eS_WOtT4Ocw2AiQC4WV6oIWap-D7s_XCO0KNrRFJVPMjgsk-6suSdJ8EPPHhZeyos3VOALuXVNh9aEc4lDhYVx3DS51F7ntpNTQAFdSFpiAFcGaBry4BvLaLblSPq_YjDWB5ReKYjnMBdMwm0q04K5qhUz-L54FoPKr1cDx_NXfDBotMbBHA=s1102" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutcracker by ENB review pin" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixd0twr3eS_WOtT4Ocw2AiQC4WV6oIWap-D7s_XCO0KNrRFJVPMjgsk-6suSdJ8EPPHhZeyos3VOALuXVNh9aEc4lDhYVx3DS51F7ntpNTQAFdSFpiAFcGaBry4BvLaLblSPq_YjDWB5ReKYjnMBdMwm0q04K5qhUz-L54FoPKr1cDx_NXfDBotMbBHA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG1NmMS-45hBNl823Fi8eyGRCpkIQxqSKuNBeboMp3kKuuUc1O19tVWTah8QOA3RMPHS6jAldbKKpsF1qMWeg5E34s5j5gg3J4ah4d-lNAm0TlLLV4irQct4fg6UqMyLHoO2SpanSQVbR-W8Va9vU7LTTCvdjIfJBkL5jCdqLr3Hgo_WfFGkvTaDQXaQ=s1102" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review of The Nutcracker Pinterest pin" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG1NmMS-45hBNl823Fi8eyGRCpkIQxqSKuNBeboMp3kKuuUc1O19tVWTah8QOA3RMPHS6jAldbKKpsF1qMWeg5E34s5j5gg3J4ah4d-lNAm0TlLLV4irQct4fg6UqMyLHoO2SpanSQVbR-W8Va9vU7LTTCvdjIfJBkL5jCdqLr3Hgo_WfFGkvTaDQXaQ=s16000" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="text-align: -webkit-center;"> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a></b></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-9685132897315040262022-02-14T00:06:00.000+00:002022-02-14T00:06:27.978+00:00Dazzling carnival of theatre: Reviewing Lion King at London West End<div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I have to say - as far as West End musicals go, <a href="https://thelionking.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Lion King</a> is an amazing spectacle. The songs, the actors, puppetry, the stage design... You have everything and plenty of it. There is a reason why The Lion King has been running continuously since 1999, so over 20 years already! Here is my short review of The Lion King musical as it is currently running at Lyceum Theatre, in West End London, and how to get cheap tickets. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix4o_YmQW3SjMMzv9wAfMGJa9RnCH9nSwwAmx6IRV4kvJ0pysKWUEHeZZ3cOejzwhaobGpqmynrNZdtLNSsEj20OuNP_3LOJcsgHVGeHumrId_nHAcj8yzmFlOMi66TK-AMvJMYLg9DGJ1lJLfrhZW0tAsHx0WN0Q_EgIbmGJV3SZmFSmYOEaI3yVGJw=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girl in front of lyceum theatre to see lion king musical" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix4o_YmQW3SjMMzv9wAfMGJa9RnCH9nSwwAmx6IRV4kvJ0pysKWUEHeZZ3cOejzwhaobGpqmynrNZdtLNSsEj20OuNP_3LOJcsgHVGeHumrId_nHAcj8yzmFlOMi66TK-AMvJMYLg9DGJ1lJLfrhZW0tAsHx0WN0Q_EgIbmGJV3SZmFSmYOEaI3yVGJw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Review of The Lion King musical</span></h2><div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Set design and puppetry</span></h3><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The set design for Lion King is just phenomenal. I was amazed how they managed to capture all those scenes and loved how inventive the set design was. Lots of well-thought through designs that managed to capture the vibes from the animation, such as the sinister elephants graveyard, or the majestic savannah. For me the most surprising thing was how well the powerful stampede scene was captured. The design really demonstrated the nearing threat and fear. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The puppetry and costumes were also intricate and clever, and drew inspiration from techniques around the world.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'm sure I saw African masks and some Asian shadow puppetry influences amongst others. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favourite puppetry costumes was the cheetah, with the way the dancers moved in line with the costume. Overall, the stage was packed with a wild variety of small and large puppetry designs, from birds to giraffes to multi-manned rhinos and elephants. There were several different animals simultaneously on stage, like an explosion of a magical musical carnival. Always something to see and marvel at. In short, absolutely incredible display. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you can, I would recommend getting tickets in stalls by the middle aisles, as the dances walk through these to the stage and you get to admire the costumes up close that way. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The story, singing and acting</span></h3><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the musical parts, my favourite was Nala's solo Shadow Land and my daughters was the Can You Feel The Love Tonight. There was and original piece at the Elephant's Graveyard scene called Chow Down. All the hits from the original musical were in the theatrical adaptation and in the same order if I remember correctly, so it was easy to follow along. I for example found <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/02/frozen-the-musical-west-end-review.html" target="_blank">Frozen The Musical (my review here) </a>a bit tricky at times as the order of some songs had changed and it threw me off. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Acting was overall good, and for example Timon and Pumba sounded just like in the original animation, which was a nice touch and made it again feel more like the original animation. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr-sMgkrq2sndozyFjp6Vd-KGFYaCDX_Yil91pQvG_5QBIdJGqEhTZiecNuFEFg4Df85jPY0XSNSOcoJvxa1f0gz6s4jYMGF6sQKXxLyyBgihHuhSP_zh702Ddgw_nZBhQd3F5KysYkSpdrDn-we3AlZUHnUg-YXQ5FqToHxKfISuFL-RWAwqfHgL19g=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girl in front of lion king poster" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr-sMgkrq2sndozyFjp6Vd-KGFYaCDX_Yil91pQvG_5QBIdJGqEhTZiecNuFEFg4Df85jPY0XSNSOcoJvxa1f0gz6s4jYMGF6sQKXxLyyBgihHuhSP_zh702Ddgw_nZBhQd3F5KysYkSpdrDn-we3AlZUHnUg-YXQ5FqToHxKfISuFL-RWAwqfHgL19g=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB5PVbfdgpcPsZoaKljG1m0kii5kzLAWaQsR6PZbfZoCuqOX2TFoPjlZAQit7NTtqIfrOTOx00TjWbjr5wSOzPI3jXdM5OHPZtuPpxMMiLHKRP4zbPD28IEJYkkbxC1ivpo9CBUcoCdd51S68wvyimW76UHR7ghwCVe4KdwGeDmjocUj0pN4fBiI9jzQ=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lion king musical view from stalls row y" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB5PVbfdgpcPsZoaKljG1m0kii5kzLAWaQsR6PZbfZoCuqOX2TFoPjlZAQit7NTtqIfrOTOx00TjWbjr5wSOzPI3jXdM5OHPZtuPpxMMiLHKRP4zbPD28IEJYkkbxC1ivpo9CBUcoCdd51S68wvyimW76UHR7ghwCVe4KdwGeDmjocUj0pN4fBiI9jzQ=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzYNpCr1GzUR4DMEzDtKkXpXty0BH1TLu3QYT6WJnRyNTKrAuYYk-danAPdPQtwINNxq7urJl8pCIjAx7ZQD1DhQ1rTKZQVaxEBCU9CowrQzlyEPbqreUJrX0Ew76hrXgAkILZLVBJwUnKPKXPby2Mb-WGmmtdBy4Rq1YH24r4UCwJGAa_AI4FbPlWFw=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lion king musical merchandise at the theatre" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzYNpCr1GzUR4DMEzDtKkXpXty0BH1TLu3QYT6WJnRyNTKrAuYYk-danAPdPQtwINNxq7urJl8pCIjAx7ZQD1DhQ1rTKZQVaxEBCU9CowrQzlyEPbqreUJrX0Ew76hrXgAkILZLVBJwUnKPKXPby2Mb-WGmmtdBy4Rq1YH24r4UCwJGAa_AI4FbPlWFw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-JzPDj4rYTSnsW14gOGwZ0WjsNoB--IigxdHjMljJzcKvf0W9lDDWDeWKU_yL4XLpY0jAvawgWp54rwjRSLfxilWOfyf5DyCNi1qIISw7uS2aJBcXGJLw1SrUwrXUZ50QgNhbpc_25vCF-gXCUWD3DvXnJ8auZZc5tSzXnpj6Srm7JzFVExFU0vGz2Q=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lion king the musical bracelet from the theatre" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-JzPDj4rYTSnsW14gOGwZ0WjsNoB--IigxdHjMljJzcKvf0W9lDDWDeWKU_yL4XLpY0jAvawgWp54rwjRSLfxilWOfyf5DyCNi1qIISw7uS2aJBcXGJLw1SrUwrXUZ50QgNhbpc_25vCF-gXCUWD3DvXnJ8auZZc5tSzXnpj6Srm7JzFVExFU0vGz2Q=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lyceum Theatre</span></h2><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lyceum Theatre is very conveniently located near Covent Garden. It probably takes about 5-10minutes to walk up there from the station. The theatre in itself is quite nice with decent bathrooms, and there are booster seats for kids available although they are not the most comfiest. Do try get one as soon as you get there, as they do occasionally run out when there are lots of kids. And lots of kids do attend this musical!</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">As usual there is ice cream and drinks available, even pop corn, which was a bit weird for a theatre. I do really dislike when theatres sell "noisy" snacks. Anyway, audience behaviour at matinees can be a bit of a pain. I'm less bothered by noisy kids, as that's what they do, but noisy adults and chatting to your kids when in theatre drive me nuts. Thankfully, The Lion King was enjoyable enough to be able to block most of the annoyances out. It might be better in the evenings!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">Merchandise galore there is, but it is quite pricey! Plush toys if I remember correctly start at £25 for the smallest ones, and there are plenty more expensive things to get too, like a snowglobe at £50. I got my daughter a bracelet set at £15, which she has worn once after the theatre, but never mind... I now understand why some parents choose to pre-buy cheaper toys to give to their kids before they get there, it does add up if you've got several kids. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div></div><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">How to get cheap tickets</h2><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">There are occasional sales - I for example scored tickets to the stalls for £20 a pop when they normally sell for £70. Well worth a look, but you might have to book quite early. Worth checking around January in particular. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">Alternatively, check out <a href="https://www.disneytickets.co.uk/disney-day-seats-tickets" style="background: transparent; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">DisneyTickets Magical Mondays! </a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monday noon they release some tickets for the following week at £25 a pop. You can buy only two tickets. I recommend creating the account before, and logging in earlier than midday. There are also tickets to Frozen The Musical. You'll also be able to pre</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">-purchase plush toys with your tickets, for cheaper than at the theatre. </span></div></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">Have you been already? If this post helped you, please share with your friends!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><br />
<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2022/02/frozen-the-musical-west-end-review.html" target="_blank">Review: Frozen The Musical West End - the good and the bad</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/01/the-tiger-who-came-to-tea-theatre-review-london.html" target="_blank">Tiger who came to tea: Lively and energetic show!</a></b><br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq8_o6HC-dh5fidvL-9WmbN-jj14JINejIVwM5RT-ikCIr4en_9T8Hb5HUNvpQtvt6umYG_7AsjHnoE2Z9wWGEGhLEDaBfI1YP-dRXD0lpL7_oMjvaMLp4GoR663gyPdUX07wjtJSj6CeFDQ747-M_E2uRWPz0biKz4O5gyZkD11kk5QkPfzdWEn9N3g=s1778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girl at lion king musical" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq8_o6HC-dh5fidvL-9WmbN-jj14JINejIVwM5RT-ikCIr4en_9T8Hb5HUNvpQtvt6umYG_7AsjHnoE2Z9wWGEGhLEDaBfI1YP-dRXD0lpL7_oMjvaMLp4GoR663gyPdUX07wjtJSj6CeFDQ747-M_E2uRWPz0biKz4O5gyZkD11kk5QkPfzdWEn9N3g=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglEa8UlMKT7-MRL6sBKIuoQ3qHi1tN9wm5yGK6dvOHLNxdhyDsw7LVEkttudDBm9zGxE_9Jtil3zliMY_LJzuVNf6aOQcBpiogDkaQdhkmJcEWSDPkDRWMTUgFk0y2UyuPHEu66pXoFMcphnP7hMlQGKrf5B3Fzkt-exgLQ42EpYxqsAKVFLmoYQaJJA=s1102" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest pin for this review" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglEa8UlMKT7-MRL6sBKIuoQ3qHi1tN9wm5yGK6dvOHLNxdhyDsw7LVEkttudDBm9zGxE_9Jtil3zliMY_LJzuVNf6aOQcBpiogDkaQdhkmJcEWSDPkDRWMTUgFk0y2UyuPHEu66pXoFMcphnP7hMlQGKrf5B3Fzkt-exgLQ42EpYxqsAKVFLmoYQaJJA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZc8vU-oz_VeEvoxs2S8GK07XLgMPqTzFq73PfqIog870JJNDaw15FhVxKvV8oPmCH-Ow7o8CUyoKWlBgsCC0kOQ9AScp5qpHs7jmoN1zh4H03NcQHBFd64ZGJ4aDGtujxCGPgyxAcyLi2LWivRD5tx3F5m267YZy-ZM0KdmiVAVgyP2YGWoPkTaDzyw=s1102" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest pin for lion king review" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZc8vU-oz_VeEvoxs2S8GK07XLgMPqTzFq73PfqIog870JJNDaw15FhVxKvV8oPmCH-Ow7o8CUyoKWlBgsCC0kOQ9AScp5qpHs7jmoN1zh4H03NcQHBFd64ZGJ4aDGtujxCGPgyxAcyLi2LWivRD5tx3F5m267YZy-ZM0KdmiVAVgyP2YGWoPkTaDzyw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com2London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-8032964418298651072022-02-12T22:36:00.002+00:002022-05-15T01:17:18.212+01:00Review: Frozen the Musical at West End - the good and the bad<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I took my youngest to see Frozen, the West End Musical and wow what an amazing show that was. Here is my review of the new hit musical in London and the bad rap it has had recently, what you can expect to see at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and a few top tips on how to get cheap tickets to Frozen the Musical. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNcc3afAPD-8fQRzJC04Bihd01LONbqgfZvh-5yhaaG9t8IXRStreFIiTBGoDuAQN0z_NOn6nVi7Bf0JlHMNV4QPI5LX37HjqGv3X0fgIBjd4GsnTIRaFtj5CqgAtyFl-F1ZIMlIyvKaCbwKM3MtCY41ONj9qztLN1dxO13OttzMtiBe3DVHV93Ickhw=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="frozen display at covent garden" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNcc3afAPD-8fQRzJC04Bihd01LONbqgfZvh-5yhaaG9t8IXRStreFIiTBGoDuAQN0z_NOn6nVi7Bf0JlHMNV4QPI5LX37HjqGv3X0fgIBjd4GsnTIRaFtj5CqgAtyFl-F1ZIMlIyvKaCbwKM3MtCY41ONj9qztLN1dxO13OttzMtiBe3DVHV93Ickhw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h1 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Review of Frozen the Musical at West End</span></h1><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The good parts of Frozen the Musical</span></h2><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stage design at Frozen the Musical</span></h3><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved the stage design by Christopher Oram. The magical elements are captured so well, and have a real wow factor. Clever use of lights, strobes, smoke, pulleys and projectors transforms the stage into a magical Ice Palace in front of your eyes and Queen Elsa into the sparkling Ice Queen she is. The dress change is widely acclaimed and you can find compilations of it - it ends the first half of the musical with an amazing bang. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Music, singing and acting at Frozen the Musical</h3><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">I enjoyed that there were several of the original songs but also new songs composed for the musical. The big hits like 'Love is an Open Door', 'In Summer' and of course 'Let It Go' are there but roughly 50% of the songs are new to the musical. Singing was beautiful, although some singers were a bit nasal at times. Perhaps I came on a bad day, overall I can't fault the singing though! </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">Some of the scenes and songs are in a different order to the film, which may or may not bother you. It did throw me off, although I appreciate the artistic reasons why it was done (basically to end the first act with a big bang). </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to the incredible stage design and special effects, and strong emotive singing, there were plenty of other things to like too. The little Elsa and Anna were adorable, and the relationship between the sisters captured beautifully through childhood and adulthood. It was great to see representation on stage through the use of a multiethnic cast. Samantha Banks was fantastic as Elsa. I loved Craig Gallivan as Olaf, who was just as funny as in the film and sounded exactly the same. And Sven reindeer puppetry was incredible. Talk about abs of steel, as the actor was balancing on stilts and practically planking the whole time on stage. I was a bit concerned what they would do with Sven, but they managed to create that magic too. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, let's come to the bad parts... sort of. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg82pIDwKISUGR76EDaZqSr6AbJhqlqlrqGWUW6GjgXqH62bC87BABtxCXK0GK1X_Xch6epFkf7oeVAp8fk4gdSgVFTCxyGYhwAbUP_0KrVj9TW8k99bawWPP63cQ-iDaj-aqtF71uW_9cOhykf_hlxxPfPVA6cTfBqes-qqGzbbrrG1Z3_hGOM7hbbVA=s1333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="theatre royal drury lane stairs" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg82pIDwKISUGR76EDaZqSr6AbJhqlqlrqGWUW6GjgXqH62bC87BABtxCXK0GK1X_Xch6epFkf7oeVAp8fk4gdSgVFTCxyGYhwAbUP_0KrVj9TW8k99bawWPP63cQ-iDaj-aqtF71uW_9cOhykf_hlxxPfPVA6cTfBqes-qqGzbbrrG1Z3_hGOM7hbbVA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRBocvPKPMs1oH3-UalrlA67dwd2bVI4Q8SJYJ2kxat0wPeEtsQRmiurA4xd_Rp4jWwVRKFsVBxPdta4puUoqjyJ6pjw6fwII3VDIcBKS7E6ku0K-s7C-cskZOP-rdTxyrJ68CWJlzI6YNnuFLIyWdAv1T4KV9FoJl6nZmnwb7UOYCvfzVQH-S3XbxsQ=s1333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="elsa dress frozen west end musical theatre" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRBocvPKPMs1oH3-UalrlA67dwd2bVI4Q8SJYJ2kxat0wPeEtsQRmiurA4xd_Rp4jWwVRKFsVBxPdta4puUoqjyJ6pjw6fwII3VDIcBKS7E6ku0K-s7C-cskZOP-rdTxyrJ68CWJlzI6YNnuFLIyWdAv1T4KV9FoJl6nZmnwb7UOYCvfzVQH-S3XbxsQ=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDzP_Mjb6gGSxFE_S_m1CfUW2RYedOkF1manKBkyEi93s5wkA_yy3-0XAfEGGEnIQxIGT0UznoNliIBFH-nCvbAM9AC9I72Id7X2psbRGJd0OyF-R3TkXs9466d13LQDLDIJqaC_VebojoJWLEV1Wor-LwguZRLHJFUY-RB5zdy45Ft1OOhIodp2_Prw=s1333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Anna and child Anna dresses at Theatre display case" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDzP_Mjb6gGSxFE_S_m1CfUW2RYedOkF1manKBkyEi93s5wkA_yy3-0XAfEGGEnIQxIGT0UznoNliIBFH-nCvbAM9AC9I72Id7X2psbRGJd0OyF-R3TkXs9466d13LQDLDIJqaC_VebojoJWLEV1Wor-LwguZRLHJFUY-RB5zdy45Ft1OOhIodp2_Prw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifn9_RVhNYMgL_0buPja3i1Zy1tSjB7CeVygzHrFTmaDsFlEuGT8XLN0wocvFhwSdp9DzecWDz4bN1BBkZmFdNloVUttOa-9tvOPf6QQJqVCne9qO6GPNFDjZd4TTXrA9RipCOOhDlK0qvsO1HMA_AMiUb9GvvQVGkI284g2-eHkBAVhV1C-xf-1NWTw=s1333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frozen musical merchandise at the theatre royal drury lane" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifn9_RVhNYMgL_0buPja3i1Zy1tSjB7CeVygzHrFTmaDsFlEuGT8XLN0wocvFhwSdp9DzecWDz4bN1BBkZmFdNloVUttOa-9tvOPf6QQJqVCne9qO6GPNFDjZd4TTXrA9RipCOOhDlK0qvsO1HMA_AMiUb9GvvQVGkI284g2-eHkBAVhV1C-xf-1NWTw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiW1mUkia0tSEi20ovgeCrJWRgpx_wweZ6HHMUqJDiyDyg8HXQ7lPdj0BrlfRdoPBrYtqcHg12_6jr3lumTEzx-i0eXOqPGFJbY9Z5R4j1BM2zvY-7Lc3qYXd2tRyNqGncjfIWrL7pU2k0CIb_fm0kcd9FoDeEu7COXyorN19VSy1XfMdiU3moBhY1eg=s1333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child with reindeer sven toy from frozen musical" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiW1mUkia0tSEi20ovgeCrJWRgpx_wweZ6HHMUqJDiyDyg8HXQ7lPdj0BrlfRdoPBrYtqcHg12_6jr3lumTEzx-i0eXOqPGFJbY9Z5R4j1BM2zvY-7Lc3qYXd2tRyNqGncjfIWrL7pU2k0CIb_fm0kcd9FoDeEu7COXyorN19VSy1XfMdiU3moBhY1eg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bad parts of Frozen the Musical</span></h2><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Audience behaviour at Frozen the Musical</span></h3><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've got to say though, while I love an excited audience, there were so many situations where people started applauding mid-way through the finish of the song. It was really distracting. I liked the show, but not that much that I wasn't able to contain my excitement to the end. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Kids at Frozen the Musical</h3><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frozen the Musical has had bad rap on social media and quite a lot of bad feedback due to noisy and crying kids in the audience and yes, we experienced the same. My child also kicked off once, sorry! </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Due to the disruption caused by children, including singing so loudly with the performers the audience couldn't hear them properly, the age limit was increased from 3 years old to 4 years old. Now when you hear the usual spiel of putting your phones away before the performance starts, they also include 'no singing', much to the hilarity of the audience who haven't been privy to this... They also helpfully will try find an iPad for you to watch the performance from if you need to take your kid to the foyer for a chill out. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frozen is primarily enjoyed by young children - it is a massive kids hit. So while the musical recommended age limit is 6+ the biggest audience is going to be young kids, with their parents, and perhaps older siblings. There are plenty of West End musicals for adults, for young families it is going to be this, Wicked or The Lion King. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are bits that are slow for even 4 year olds (current minimum age to attend), so you might experience the same disruption. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If this concerns you, stay away from matinées and do the evening show, as there will be less young kids! </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For what it is worth, I didn't think the noise from kids was that bad at this showing, although there was some. I didn't hear any kids singing either. What actually annoyed me were the adults starting to clap midway through the final notes of songs, sometimes at the final build-up. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The venue for Frozen the Musical</h2><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Theatre Royal Drury Lane</h3><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">Theatre Royal Drury Lane is an absolutely gorgeous venue, and feels very up market and fancy! The facilities were good, and the booster seats for kids nice and velvety, instead of awkward plastic. Keep your eyes out for Elsa's and Annas dresses in the foyer. And if you are so way inclined, you can buy all kinds of Frozen merchandise! Remember to bring a deep wallet though. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">It is conveniently located in Covent Garden, so very easy to get to via public transport. There are rickshaws waiting outside in case you fancy being ripped off instead of walking the five minutes to the station. Anyway, Covent Garden usually has nice photo opportunities and pop up shops, and has had a few Frozen themes photo opportunities in the past (at Conduit Court and at the James St side) so it is worth popping by after the theatre to see what's there. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic7NPUpLOkzXYJikavd82jkjN3eIoEfnDmCWCyl9LZBVhXKvFoWaGUUZ3SjxPTfhPJa-9rvvVA1nyDMVOOi5RJDxeHcRXzHYimxw1xvRnR0KP3jhrwQj_msxF65PMytv5wsE8HQ15UPnK1bTxVCpSfER-mUUJTOl6dNzX5z6NJZIdsoFLQmW3aEtpgFw=s1333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kid at frozen musical theatre" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic7NPUpLOkzXYJikavd82jkjN3eIoEfnDmCWCyl9LZBVhXKvFoWaGUUZ3SjxPTfhPJa-9rvvVA1nyDMVOOi5RJDxeHcRXzHYimxw1xvRnR0KP3jhrwQj_msxF65PMytv5wsE8HQ15UPnK1bTxVCpSfER-mUUJTOl6dNzX5z6NJZIdsoFLQmW3aEtpgFw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioIaYOUfys4FIQLXC0xkcEbrmiVKnWfDUIA9OIETjrjODKfHENpXlnVWiZrHlDFsu6UM7rDuK1AWoh1YsjJ28Rts4Hz2jRqIR2B22s8hNm1hQ3MijY1EIFnetLuvz0135zzFR81KREiPy6fRo4BEX2TIq4DJ2mxfuLJn3m14T1Srk5ePj0oOdI-8pVdg=s1333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="view of standing ovation at side seats" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioIaYOUfys4FIQLXC0xkcEbrmiVKnWfDUIA9OIETjrjODKfHENpXlnVWiZrHlDFsu6UM7rDuK1AWoh1YsjJ28Rts4Hz2jRqIR2B22s8hNm1hQ3MijY1EIFnetLuvz0135zzFR81KREiPy6fRo4BEX2TIq4DJ2mxfuLJn3m14T1Srk5ePj0oOdI-8pVdg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><h2 style="background-color: white;">How to get cheap tickets to Frozen the Musical</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.disneytickets.co.uk/disney-day-seats-tickets" target="_blank">DisneyTickets Magical Mondays! </a>Monday noon they release some tickets for the following week at £25 a pop. You can buy only two tickets. I recommend creating the account before, and logging in earlier than midday. For example I bought us two tickets that normally go for £89.50 each, so a great saving! There are also tickets to The Lion King. </li><li>When buying tickets, you can also pre-purchase plush toys, with Elsa and Anna duo for £45 or Olaf/Sven for £30, so a bit cheaper than at the theatre. </li><li>Occasionally there are sales, but they tend to be quite limited. </li></ul><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">Top tips for attending Frozen the Musical </span></h2><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">A few thoughts that came to me when attending</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dress up! The venue is, like the name says, quite royal! Also, you will see many many small-scale princesses around, so you wouldn't want to stand out now would you? Most kids had an Elsa costume, and I spotted a mum or two dressed up as the characters as well!</li><li>Bring a deep wallet for the merchandise! Alternatively, I know some parents buy and bring a toy ahead of attending these musicals. If you leave it on the day, expect to pay £30 for a plush Elsa or Anna, and £40 for a plush Sven or plush Olaf. And yes, they come to the audience during the interval to flog them, so can't even avoid them. </li><li>As I mentioned, they rarely do sales but <a href="https://www.disneytickets.co.uk/disney-day-seats-tickets" target="_blank">DisneyTickets Magical Mondays</a> are a great way of getting discounted tickets. I saved nearly £70 a ticket when I did this. There are also tickets to The Lion King. When buying tickets, you can also pre-purchase plush toys for £10-15 cheaper than at the theatre. </li></ul></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">I hope that was helpful, and if it was, feel free to share with friends. <span style="font-family: inherit;">They are running the musical until October 2022, and to be honest, I would not be surprised if it became an enduring West End favourite just like The Lion King!</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you been already?</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div>
<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2021/09/review-what-the-ladybird-heard-london-palace-theatre.html" target="_blank">What the ladybird heard: Our review of the theatre show</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/01/the-tiger-who-came-to-tea-theatre-review-london.html" target="_blank">Lively and energetic: Tiger who came to tea</a></b><br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGdeJIsT3yn_pvTKAA7y2A7bbM3Brp06HNRAFw9bAtLMQ1wGVohWAZ6QF8UYdbMOpUrzCkQ0DWwaJ_ENXhCFX7qoF3DnI41Xgra50QGHlI2SOMSkoNsqEODihQdzDgMfOPKu1pOjY5lqTOPD5cClyfPM995eFNuo0cOLhKrRwuTAWfyu6u56LiHBsDEw=s1778" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girl with reindeer toy at covent garden" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGdeJIsT3yn_pvTKAA7y2A7bbM3Brp06HNRAFw9bAtLMQ1wGVohWAZ6QF8UYdbMOpUrzCkQ0DWwaJ_ENXhCFX7qoF3DnI41Xgra50QGHlI2SOMSkoNsqEODihQdzDgMfOPKu1pOjY5lqTOPD5cClyfPM995eFNuo0cOLhKrRwuTAWfyu6u56LiHBsDEw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4uaPP4KV30lY2enXA_e5hf2XKwQ7H2HOyV-X7am-UWIJ7d57ZBhwrHzGqNUybxiTBLk70bdfay8x1oRSMEJJVyGVEhUC4WTPkQwTWSC-NQPY_NeLE25qrgT5vv9h9_hOtcpeogQ8VCRpImVsJnLVcy5pgpYj3yv53y6TtVrceC7YyWBHQN8c4nkN74w=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girl at frozen walkway at covent garden" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4uaPP4KV30lY2enXA_e5hf2XKwQ7H2HOyV-X7am-UWIJ7d57ZBhwrHzGqNUybxiTBLk70bdfay8x1oRSMEJJVyGVEhUC4WTPkQwTWSC-NQPY_NeLE25qrgT5vv9h9_hOtcpeogQ8VCRpImVsJnLVcy5pgpYj3yv53y6TtVrceC7YyWBHQN8c4nkN74w=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOyIe7m97160a9p7p20Tsxis8LdZ5ZsrdotJieRGw4Sh1GMTWA3uRBZOHFz0-J3xvPdGMYl180XMHdSOXT_wrLFf_rZqW85onTuCzXaoUfRPL07gmTFk3kBHJWnd5ExKgG_pTJNVzvDSe4GmxT2nhuSc9xF4ntILac9FM4ayxEHt9Megbb9SYuNv-smw=s1102" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="frozen musical pinterest pin" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOyIe7m97160a9p7p20Tsxis8LdZ5ZsrdotJieRGw4Sh1GMTWA3uRBZOHFz0-J3xvPdGMYl180XMHdSOXT_wrLFf_rZqW85onTuCzXaoUfRPL07gmTFk3kBHJWnd5ExKgG_pTJNVzvDSe4GmxT2nhuSc9xF4ntILac9FM4ayxEHt9Megbb9SYuNv-smw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQVLFGQ-mAjLebOHyrnUh2QfvFlzxd3ZlQ4XekC2ZLpMp-yD7T_aCx5mixO0cprOtFCM436QpunKln25FA_BChDyyfEQd2SwD-M7DwqX3w7OtXfZ5x5kQyB76amUTVcoHL00IwV0XFpkfhekSMsI5uXrLrFhSJTjB5dSjuuR2NowXFXBjjMoMHHJd9YQ=s1102" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest pin for this post" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQVLFGQ-mAjLebOHyrnUh2QfvFlzxd3ZlQ4XekC2ZLpMp-yD7T_aCx5mixO0cprOtFCM436QpunKln25FA_BChDyyfEQd2SwD-M7DwqX3w7OtXfZ5x5kQyB76amUTVcoHL00IwV0XFpkfhekSMsI5uXrLrFhSJTjB5dSjuuR2NowXFXBjjMoMHHJd9YQ=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com4London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-21567146348134209452021-12-23T02:01:00.001+00:002021-12-23T02:01:33.783+00:00How to make the most of Christmas at Kew light trail: Top tips<div>We visited Christmas at Kew light trail at Kew Gardens for the first time this year, and what a wonderful experience it was! I've wanted to go for ages so was very happy to finally get tickets. Before going I had quite a few questions though, and while some were answered in the <a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas/everything-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">Kew Gardens FAQ site,</a> I did find there were some questions that were still missing - such as where to park for free at Kew Gardens. In addition, I think it is helpful to hear from people that have attended the event themselves, rather than organised it! So here are my thoughts and tips for having a great time at Christmas at Kew experience! </div><div><br /></div><div>And if you visit Kew Gardens later in daylight, you might also like my posts on <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2017/05/visiting-kew-gardens-with-young-children.html" target="_blank">How to enjoy Kew Gardens with under 5's</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/08/visiting-kew-gardens-2020-corona-measures-review.html" target="_blank">What was Kew Gardens like with corona restrictions</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7xgj9S8H3hG8HOFL_byVo5U_m4ssoVXU5LnmojrkKF85ftMn8jqRVjgskowE0WA9wTYIQX16GcxvoE6bKWGdQc6tvJDkGxZZylZRYt-MbOgdOZnQMlJCnWU43YwEsnU2SqwWg3k__rXr4HKxh92R9ZdZTlqZuYQ7DSEhjmnoOU6nKvYuu1NsI13WX-g=s692" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child looking at lights at kew gardens illuminations" border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7xgj9S8H3hG8HOFL_byVo5U_m4ssoVXU5LnmojrkKF85ftMn8jqRVjgskowE0WA9wTYIQX16GcxvoE6bKWGdQc6tvJDkGxZZylZRYt-MbOgdOZnQMlJCnWU43YwEsnU2SqwWg3k__rXr4HKxh92R9ZdZTlqZuYQ7DSEhjmnoOU6nKvYuu1NsI13WX-g=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Is Christmas at Kew worth going to?</h2><div><br /></div><div>Yes, most definitely yes, if you can get tickets. Tickets start to be sold in February (I believe members and other priority groups etc.) and the ones that are released later in the year can be quite limited and get sold out very very quick. But the light trail is stunning and really gets you on Christmas mood. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What to wear?</h2><div><br /></div><div>Comfortable but warm shoes as the route is long (2.6km). The day we went was dry, so I wore my Ugg boots. On wet days there are some small sections of the route that can get slightly muddy, but mostly it is paved roads and what appeared to be temporary paving in other places. </div><div><br /></div><div>Warm coat, and if very chilly, hat and gloves. There were very limited places to warm up on route - just one indoors shop/cafe at the entrance and one almost midway through. There was a stall selling hats and gloves, so all is not lost if you forget them. </div><div><br /></div><div>And obviously, it is all outdoors so umbrellas / rain coats needed if it is raining! </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Do you need a torch?</h2><div><br /></div><div>My eye sight is slightly poor in dark, and I felt OK without one. The trail is quite dark at times, but I found there was sufficient light and no torch was needed. But if it is something that concerns you using a mobile phone torch at tricky spots might suffice. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Is it suitable for kids?</h2><div><br /></div><div>Yes - although I would caution the trail is long and young ones can get very tired!</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall it is a really family friendly trail. Kew Gardens in general is very family friendly. There are plenty of toilets along the route. The route is also flat and fully buggy accessible, and should be accessible to wheelchairs too. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is also a traditional fairground midway through, which will appeal to kids as a little pit stop from walking, and will lighten parental wallets at £3 a ride (plus parents paying too...). </div><div><br /></div><div>After the fairground we saw Santa for a photo opportunity - not a chat, but literally he was waving to people and you could stop and take a photo with him with your own camera. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What are the toilet / food facilities like?</h2><div><br /></div><div>There are lots of stalls to buy food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from along the trail, and there is even marshmallow roasting experience! We missed this as the girls were being very tired silly, but it looks fun. Food was usual street vendor food, and sweet treats such as churros and waffles. Drinks available were things such as soft drinks, mulled wine and cider, hot chocolate, coffee and champagne.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plenty of toilets available throughout the whole path. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNhlZQRTk9MaZkt-_8HnS_teynPxlaol-RmSGGsgY-HnWe3wjFDOqxX2Sdmt7vunbHN3qD-t8015vFHld4oz1_HFCoqiVJbQxxNmevpoT_mtbobwbUGRADUK2p7Rj782uF555EAH6ImSrwDSaCVvE8DPEo2YWYcp2GaM7Ns79_D1gAxWIFcfucftyqAw=s692" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="christmas at kew neon lights" border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNhlZQRTk9MaZkt-_8HnS_teynPxlaol-RmSGGsgY-HnWe3wjFDOqxX2Sdmt7vunbHN3qD-t8015vFHld4oz1_HFCoqiVJbQxxNmevpoT_mtbobwbUGRADUK2p7Rj782uF555EAH6ImSrwDSaCVvE8DPEo2YWYcp2GaM7Ns79_D1gAxWIFcfucftyqAw=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM8UK-d7dPu9XyoP8tGBDG229DyR2QgCBKuHGVLyEWwUDYCW8QvM38KV8KLQMv9lWceGDe-iN0U6rWau6oHgIY6ZXmI1J3obwXvJDEb7MjJqVmAoD-kr3L64oJ7eKS3BS6dym8t_AJtdw0Wnnn-vHqzFhHt5xp5goxny6tiA2xHUyDhNx0pf33txREUQ=s1231" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kew at christmas illuminated trees" border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM8UK-d7dPu9XyoP8tGBDG229DyR2QgCBKuHGVLyEWwUDYCW8QvM38KV8KLQMv9lWceGDe-iN0U6rWau6oHgIY6ZXmI1J3obwXvJDEb7MjJqVmAoD-kr3L64oJ7eKS3BS6dym8t_AJtdw0Wnnn-vHqzFhHt5xp5goxny6tiA2xHUyDhNx0pf33txREUQ=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5GetaOFzxPnBFXFHrLKj1gLUeh2eeCAnE71Bi9L5VDPHTRUkC0Wqzgk7k3xXmJUow7pU8K5uCQRb-7N85IeYrBZ4HQ_tM0xoLA1CRi7zbAJtg67aLjosJywRZjzpT43X7RbiCtEwBduleQIFw1B2pEzvPNfDteEgtwx6rrDcmSkIBROl42jOUmLEoIg=s1332" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="christmas at kew palm house light show" border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5GetaOFzxPnBFXFHrLKj1gLUeh2eeCAnE71Bi9L5VDPHTRUkC0Wqzgk7k3xXmJUow7pU8K5uCQRb-7N85IeYrBZ4HQ_tM0xoLA1CRi7zbAJtg67aLjosJywRZjzpT43X7RbiCtEwBduleQIFw1B2pEzvPNfDteEgtwx6rrDcmSkIBROl42jOUmLEoIg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Are food and drinks expensive? How much money to bring?</h2><div><br /></div><div>Kew Gardens light trail is an expensive day out, no doubt about it. </div><div><br /></div><div>If it helps, our family of four paid for</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>£17.50 for drinks (one water, one hot mulled wine, one hot rum cider, one apple juice and one coke)</li><li>£30.5 for food (one wrap and chips, one burger, one haggis toastie)</li><li>£20.5 for snacks (two portions of churros, three chocolate bars)</li></ul><div>So altogether £68.5 on things to eat and drink, and this is on top of entrance tickets. </div><div><br /></div><div>The prices for food, drinks and snacks were a bit on the expensive side for what you get. We could have been more conservative with purchases but with young kids the trail did take us a long time and happened to be around the time the girls were getting hungry, so we ended up spending more than I had hoped. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Which gate to enter from? What gate to buy tickets for?</h2><div><br /></div><div>Short answer - the gate you have booked tickets for! Due to crown control Kew Gardens sells tickets to all four gates, so check which one you booked before coming to avoid difficulties at the door.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you haven't booked the tickets yet, I recommend Victoria Gate. This is the main gate and where the trail is designed to start. There is the big "Welcome to Kew" light feature at the beginning, and the trail ends with the grand finale, a massive musical light show at Palm House. Victoria Gate is also closest to the Tube Station. </div><div><br /></div><div>That said, tickets can be difficult to get, so if in doubt, just book what you can get. And if you are driving, Brentford Gate and pre-booking your parking will be the more stress-free option. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Parking</h2><div><br /></div><div>To get a parking space in the Kew Gardens Ferry Lane car park, you have to book tickets to Brentford Gate and pay for pre-booked parking at £10 a pop. This is the car park which is closest to Kew Bridge. </div><div><br /></div><div>Alternatively, National Archives (inside ULEZ) often offers paid-for parking for Kew Glow Wild visitors, but do check ahead. Then there is Kew Retail Park (also inside ULEZ) with free parking limited to 4h (but check on the day). These is about 10-15 minutes walk away from Elizabeth and Victoria Gates.</div><div><br /></div><div>Free parking around Victoria Gate is available, but you will have to trust your luck. There are very limited parking spaces on Kew Road, so you are probably more in luck if you try the side roads. This area has residents only parking usually Mon to Friday, from 10AM to noon, after which it is free to park. Also wasn't inside ULEZ! This is what we did, and managed to find a spot few minutes walk away from Victoria Gate!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then there is Old Deer Car Park (not too expensive), which is a fair distance away, 15 minutes walk from Lion Gate or 30min walk from Victoria Gate. If you use this, there are also buses you can catch down Kew Road. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDdKNULhT53uaSQgXI8d2_j-gqtF2lTPTJUEVObewh3e9KIwCbjvR6cPXFlfQbQRdWU0Mip6GUPg10l35Z7NyxlOgEAiKce1cZKBk0tdriFaZNmQs29Bd3iwFk4FVVLl_6fiNP6npAJfuNbxRYAv-x1mhLI09u2jfMA1JIqDRBx5oNRnkK-R8sHfft5A=s692" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kew gardens light trail christmas cracker photo spot" border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDdKNULhT53uaSQgXI8d2_j-gqtF2lTPTJUEVObewh3e9KIwCbjvR6cPXFlfQbQRdWU0Mip6GUPg10l35Z7NyxlOgEAiKce1cZKBk0tdriFaZNmQs29Bd3iwFk4FVVLl_6fiNP6npAJfuNbxRYAv-x1mhLI09u2jfMA1JIqDRBx5oNRnkK-R8sHfft5A=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h2><div>Kew Gardens light trail, or the Christmas at Kew experience, is a fab day out albeit expensive. Comfortable and warm footwear and warm jackets are needed, as the walking route is long. It is suitable for families, and many parents with young kids enjoy the experience. Best gate to start the light trail is the main gate, Victoria Gate, as the trail is designed to end in a grand finale at Palm House by that gate. Kew Gardens parking needs to be pre-booked, but there are various paid and free parking available locally. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you have a great time at Christmas at Kew and let me know if you have any questions. You might also enjoy my posts about Kew Gardens, such as <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2017/05/visiting-kew-gardens-with-young-children.html" target="_blank">How to enjoy Kew Gardens with under 5's</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/08/visiting-kew-gardens-2020-corona-measures-review.html" target="_blank">What was Kew Gardens like with corona restrictions</a></div><br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGf2sZOhqPuDhM67kTJYylPg5v2fPDWc2qJUPBk40OMhxoFr3ctRacoBm7CqwGqMHrqzJt06xUUSIjpGz6shetjJZieU9izRvuqN3WIGnTCTFMDJp6VhqVyJTa-TQRMF5YT-0yj_fIfoj/s1102/kew+at+christmas+light+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGf2sZOhqPuDhM67kTJYylPg5v2fPDWc2qJUPBk40OMhxoFr3ctRacoBm7CqwGqMHrqzJt06xUUSIjpGz6shetjJZieU9izRvuqN3WIGnTCTFMDJp6VhqVyJTa-TQRMF5YT-0yj_fIfoj/s16000/kew+at+christmas+light+trail.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbAPNBMVBy5dCxg5aOCUDiiZPC03GFj45tFHeWCT1Wy9KbKEZ_Txqyy1eiDuN_u3PT8LdXw0OPjeXp3bILrQm50qNTufJ3VkFy52GaNBx3SvQPHJ8QE_bSVYuLsysNbhnOZapyaINMTH2p0AmqxAx1ofkmPXcrMqO7-g76ZYXxcWjofwVFRDcW6j0hFg=s1102" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbAPNBMVBy5dCxg5aOCUDiiZPC03GFj45tFHeWCT1Wy9KbKEZ_Txqyy1eiDuN_u3PT8LdXw0OPjeXp3bILrQm50qNTufJ3VkFy52GaNBx3SvQPHJ8QE_bSVYuLsysNbhnOZapyaINMTH2p0AmqxAx1ofkmPXcrMqO7-g76ZYXxcWjofwVFRDcW6j0hFg=s16000" /></a></div> <b><p align="center"><b><br /></b></p></b><b><p align="center"><b style="text-align: left;">You might also like: </b><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2017/05/visiting-kew-gardens-with-young-children.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">How to enjoy Kew Gardens with under 5's</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/08/visiting-kew-gardens-2020-corona-measures-review.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">What was Kew Gardens like with corona restrictions</a></p><p align="center"><b style="text-align: left;">Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></b></p> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> <p></p> <p></p><p></p><br />Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-74080962608794506002021-12-16T00:20:00.001+00:002021-12-16T00:20:49.872+00:00Best Harry Potter gifts to buy this year - over 20 recommendations for kidsThis year is THE YEAR for great Harry Potter related gifts - it is after all the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film. With that in mind I wanted to write a quick gift guide to the best gifts available in 2021 for any of you Potter-heads out there for last minute shopping. I will include toys, Lego and family activities, so there are plenty of Harry Potter gift ideas suitable for kids here. In addition many of the gifts are suitable for other ages too - such as food and merchandise ideas for Harry Potter fans.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Some of these links are affiliates - this means if you click and buy through them I get a small fee at no extra cost to you. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdFsZaPLXifh1zreM8lM59NR2j40XBjXgArfkYFq6ymO0mLSeyKiolTAUYe5xQOEO-_S-4RIkkK2Q0IjaIgKB9z9JB5IgTX99CL_G2yFHUfiPcRY-1nDd8BCe5UQezluDQ1RdvyyC85El04FLGuW3S7TyHxjGXy2WSICLPNfdWtaLVj0VlB-xxSoU3JA=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harry potter magical capsule toy" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdFsZaPLXifh1zreM8lM59NR2j40XBjXgArfkYFq6ymO0mLSeyKiolTAUYe5xQOEO-_S-4RIkkK2Q0IjaIgKB9z9JB5IgTX99CL_G2yFHUfiPcRY-1nDd8BCe5UQezluDQ1RdvyyC85El04FLGuW3S7TyHxjGXy2WSICLPNfdWtaLVj0VlB-xxSoU3JA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Books</h2><div><br /></div><div>You might think the books are a bit redundant as everyone has them already, but Mina Lima has come out with these exquisite, beautifully illustrated pop-up books. They truly are works of art and a great upgrade to an existing, well-leafed through book. Currently there are the first and second book available, and they come out yearly. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/31YoUKj" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Mina Lima edition</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/31Wrcty" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Mina Lima edition</a> </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Games</h2><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3ypZDVj" target="_blank">Harry Potter Pictionary Air</a> - Fantastically fun game where you draw in the air using a wand and try to guess what the image is. The image can be viewed in your mobile phone (with the free Pictionary app) just like magic. The cards are inspired by Harry Potter, and you play as different houses from Hogwarts. Who ever guesses wins. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3dRDi9J" target="_blank">Harry Potter Wizarding Quiz Game</a> - This is a card-free push-a-button type of a Trivia quiz. It is great fun with kids and ensures there is no cheating by sneaking a look at the cards. Two to four players, there are 1,000 questions and two levels of difficulty. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3m5lLQ2" target="_blank">Harry Potter Catch the Snitch</a> - This is a chaotic game, suitable for older kids and do move away all your valuables and glassware from the vicinity! It's a mixture of a card game and an activity game. There is a Snitch - you never know when it will pop and you have to catch it. You might also be given a pair of Bludger cards, which means you have to throw the Bludger at your opponent who have to try swat it away, or lose their cards! Fun, but a bit chaotic and complex so 8+ years of age. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Food</h2><div><br /></div><div>There are fantastic food items available too, and these would make for great stocking fillers, Secret Santa gifts, or just little additional packages. </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3s6PWK8" target="_blank">A multipack - Jelly Belly Slugs, Chocolate Frog and Bertie's Every Flavour Beans</a> - one of each, just like from the trolley!</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3dQPur9" target="_blank">Chocolate Frog</a> - these are usually about £5 a pop, so rather pricey. But they do include a very funky motion card collectible of a wizard, there are lots different ones to collect. </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3yoGOlr" target="_blank">Butterscotch 4-pack</a> - This is a non-alcoholic soft drink, mild sweet flavour. It is quite nice. The bottle is a Flying Cauldron labelled. </li><li>Or how about a <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/jelly-belly-harry-potter-milk-chocolate-wand-42g/p3649126" target="_blank">chocolate wand </a>or a <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/jelly-belly-harry-potter-milk-chocolate-golden-snitch-ball-47g/p5083436" target="_blank">chocolate golden snitch</a>!</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioi4xsOXZgMtCzXgLiipYf9tXpsqQ1hgdh8AjSbvozof4DlSJqjcoIH83ukpTML4D-2Vdzb5wKr9xZzK1mYKB-zijb9kyw8YDoFtEz-4-PeuB9YMum5oHjqKLdUWgBvJPBPmKXC5AYL2C9U2MVzJ25grzdMJiwnt62TEZiP2fJ8hnvD7lIXoVfZ4A03A=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harry potter magical capsule" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioi4xsOXZgMtCzXgLiipYf9tXpsqQ1hgdh8AjSbvozof4DlSJqjcoIH83ukpTML4D-2Vdzb5wKr9xZzK1mYKB-zijb9kyw8YDoFtEz-4-PeuB9YMum5oHjqKLdUWgBvJPBPmKXC5AYL2C9U2MVzJ25grzdMJiwnt62TEZiP2fJ8hnvD7lIXoVfZ4A03A=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Toys</h2><div><br /></div><div>Loads and loads of toys available of course - but the most joy my kids have had are from the dolls, and little collectables so those are the ones I recommend. You might also be interested in seeing a review I've made of one of the collectibles - <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/07/harry-potter-magical-capsules-review-instructions.html" target="_blank">Harry Potter Magical Capsules and how they work.</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/321pjM5" target="_blank">Harry Potter Magical Capsules </a>- These have a cute anime-like little Harry Potter collectible doll and lots of little items for the dolls. 10 figures to collect. The mystery of opening is prolonged by several little clues you open first, giving you the characters favourite spell, their pet and so on. Older kids for this, due to lots of small parts and head that easily comes off with brute toddler force. </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/31YqMmt" target="_blank">Harry Potter dolls </a>by Mattel - These dolls are great, and similar to Barbie dolls. They are hard plastic, fairly sturdy, and can easily be moved and put in all kinds of positions. They also come with wands, gowns, and other accessories. We have <a href="https://amzn.to/32697sy" target="_blank">Hermione</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3230D5B" target="_blank">Dumbledore</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3sdFyAq" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a>, Draco and <a href="https://amzn.to/3m7ewXA" target="_blank">Ron</a> so far, and a small version of Voldemort. You can get others too, like <a href="https://amzn.to/32313ZJ" target="_blank">Luna Lovegood</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3DWMpQT" target="_blank">Snape</a>, or <a href="https://amzn.to/3DYQUKM" target="_blank">Hagrid!</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3m545UE" target="_blank">Light-up wand</a> - The best thing ever for any budding young wizard. Here is <a href="https://amzn.to/3m545UE" target="_blank">Hermione's wand</a> and here is <a href="https://amzn.to/3IV3uP6" target="_blank">Harry's wand</a>. </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3yt8Ko6" target="_blank">Huggable Hedwig plush</a> - I've provided a link to the official merch 11 inch white own plush, but you might find cheaper ones in different styles too!</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3oYm4Ol" target="_blank">Harry Potter Chocolate Frog Collectible </a>- This is not edible! The box is sturdy, and the frog is made from rubbery material. Looks just like in the films, although obviously doesn't jump around ha ha. </li></ul></div><div> </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Harry Potter Lego</h2><div><br /></div><div>If you love Lego and Harry Potter you are in luck this year as there are so many new sets. It is worth checking <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=75414X1525527&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lego.com%2Fen-gb%2Fthemes%2Fharry-potter" target="_blank">Lego's own Harry Potter site</a>, particularly if you are making large purchases, as they often have additional freebies. But for smaller value items Amazon do great deals:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/31VBFWi" target="_blank">Hogwarts Castle Clock Tower </a>- This is a great build. Takes quite a while, and does require plenty adult assistance if you have younger kids. Tweens and teens would do fine though. Around £80 and if you want you can also<a href="https://amzn.to/320hOVr" target="_blank"> buy lighting kit for it to display at night-time</a>! Released in 2019.</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3F09ALL" target="_blank">Fluffy Encounter Castle </a>- This comes at about £30 and includes a three-headed dog and a golden figure for the anniversary year. New for 2021.</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3DYOtIi" target="_blank">Transfiguration Class Set Travel Toy </a>- This is a very funky one. It is a book that you can open to become a set - and then pack it away again when you want to move it, or travel with it. It is not really a build-set, but rather an instant playset that you can use for imaginative play with loose parts. New to 2021 and between £22 and £27. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Clothes</h2><div>This year you are in luck as there are so many fantastic clothing selections, especially for kids. I recommend looking at: </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=75414X1525527&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marksandspencer.com%2FMSFindItemsByKeyword%3FsearchTerm%3Dharry%2Bpotter%26intid%3Dnormal%26langId%3D-24%26storeId%3D10151%26catalogId%3D10051%26categoryId%3D0" target="_blank">Marks and Spencers Harry Potter clothing collections</a> - I especially like the <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=75414X1525527&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marksandspencer.com%2Fpersonalised-kids-harry-potter-house-hoodie%2Fp%2Fclp60548889%3Fcolor%3DBURGUNDY%26prevPage%3Dsrp%23intid%3DprodColourId-60548886" target="_blank">Personalised House Hoodies</a>, and <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=75414X1525527&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marksandspencer.com%2Fcotton-harry-potter-onesie-6-16-yrs-%2Fp%2Fclp60515328%3Fcolor%3DGREYMIX%26prevPage%3Dsrp%23intid%3DprodColourId-60515328" target="_blank">Harry Potter onesies</a>. Plenty of pyjamas over here too!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=75414X1525527&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cathkidston.com%2Fen-gb%2Fnew%2Fshop-new%2Fharry-potter%2F" target="_blank">Cath Kidston Harry Potter collection</a> is worth a look too. They aren't on the nose Harry Potter, and have that Cath Kidston look to them. I particularly like the <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=75414X1525527&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cathkidston.com%2Fen-gb%2Fkids-and-baby%2Fkids-3-12-years%2Fkids-dresses%2F404866606545RED.html" target="_blank">Luna Tiered Dress f</a>or kids and <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=75414X1525527&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cathkidston.com%2Fen-gb%2Fkids-and-baby%2Fkids-3-12-years%2Fkids-pyjamas-and-nightwear%2F404867615302NAVY.html" target="_blank">HoneyDukes pyjamas</a>, but there are accessories and tableware too!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So I hope you found something you like - there is so much to choose currently that it is difficult to weed out the fluff! If you are a fan of Harry Potter you might also like to check some of my other posts - <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/07/harry-potter-magical-capsules-review-instructions.html" target="_blank">What to do with Harry Potter Magical Capsules</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2021/10/jk-rowling-book-signing-event-christmas-pig.html" target="_blank">At Christmas Pig book signing event with J.K. Rowling</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmJCJcsLY3jjiC5KNlrQC8f8vpSEK2ox4gNKhIHoqVtdK0qnp3QH23zwnXajc6jcf3Bk_BgUUMSdH9i5g-aoo_Iuy-X_YMgRMZToIdpQs6ygsfak8fOSNadYGE2vG4UTz8ls1IZAuPZn1K6YCM692cPXEPUkAVxCf2eHDZUr-IhYwGVO0hSHO31vF2ng=s1102" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest pin for harry potter gifts for kids" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmJCJcsLY3jjiC5KNlrQC8f8vpSEK2ox4gNKhIHoqVtdK0qnp3QH23zwnXajc6jcf3Bk_BgUUMSdH9i5g-aoo_Iuy-X_YMgRMZToIdpQs6ygsfak8fOSNadYGE2vG4UTz8ls1IZAuPZn1K6YCM692cPXEPUkAVxCf2eHDZUr-IhYwGVO0hSHO31vF2ng=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br />
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<b> You might also like: </b><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/07/harry-potter-magical-capsules-review-instructions.html" target="_blank">What to do with Harry Potter Magical Capsules</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2021/10/jk-rowling-book-signing-event-christmas-pig.html" target="_blank">At Christmas Pig book signing event with J.K. Rowling</a><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-34415075933793776272021-12-10T16:19:00.003+00:002022-10-29T00:39:53.496+01:00Reviewing My Christmas Orchestral Adventure at Royal Albert Hall!<div style="text-align: justify;">London is magical at Christmas, and Royal Albert Hall must be one of the most festive venues to visit! We have previously been there for Santa's Grotto, and this Christmas we first viewed the <a href="https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2021/my-christmas-orchestral-adventure/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Christmas Orchestral Adventure </a>. My Christmas Orchestral Adventure is an annual Christmas concert hosted at Royal Albert Hall. It has a loose storyline and uses a full symphony orchestra, and is geared towards families with young children. It was a very relaxed and fun event, and I'm glad I got to review My Christmas Orchestral Adventure concert on my blog! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRnFfILKOp-i3Aa5_OZ4IHKhAKvOlc3uLF6qw_-RGc6zLO6hKV8liF0TvAQHtFrFswAa3GGTyFl2kjnq3Bd1iDlVqSHWWIoaHIiTM0sMZJqZRwg_LAXqjzI-I8WIyGNwPD47mdTYOcffYcAXRC0AVdFGPk3CVPIFXP7BqYzwVn0zvX0bkfY5Qo_howg/s1000/royal%20albert%20hall%20outside%20at%20christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="family outside royal albert hall" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRnFfILKOp-i3Aa5_OZ4IHKhAKvOlc3uLF6qw_-RGc6zLO6hKV8liF0TvAQHtFrFswAa3GGTyFl2kjnq3Bd1iDlVqSHWWIoaHIiTM0sMZJqZRwg_LAXqjzI-I8WIyGNwPD47mdTYOcffYcAXRC0AVdFGPk3CVPIFXP7BqYzwVn0zvX0bkfY5Qo_howg/s16000/royal%20albert%20hall%20outside%20at%20christmas.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: justify;">What is My Christmas Orchestral Adventure at Royal Albert Hall? </h1><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My Christmas Orchestral Adventure is a musical story of Father Christmas losing his way and it is told through a story-teller, the conductor and musical pieces. There is plenty of humour included, lots of funny moments, and a full symphony orchestra demonstrates things such as ice-skating, riding in a sleigh and even snow fall through the use of musical pieces. This is a family event and suitable for young children especially. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Review of the My Christmas Orchestral Adventure</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the show the conductor and the story-teller led the story of Father Christmas losing his way, and finding back home. They engage with the audience, and plenty of interaction and jokes fly around. The atmosphere is rather jokey and jovial. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In years past they have invited a child from the audience to help the conductor, but this year they just led the children in the Arena-area for a short walkabout the seating area. I have to say it was rather chaotic with toddlers running off to join the mini-parade and their nervous parents trying to jump over seats to catch them, and I'm not sure they will repeat that again! Kids seemed to enjoy it nonetheless. Anyway, I'm not a massive fan of any shows that choose one child from an audience as it can leave some kids feeling left out and it isn't particularly interesting for the rest of the audience - I'd rather the show just went on normally! So hopefully in the future the interaction is more about the whole concert hall. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The humour and interaction from the story-teller and conductor was great. It made the atmosphere feel relaxed. Audience was invited to stand up and join dancing, which worked really well with young children. Those movement breaks are so important and get them enjoying the experience. We parents definitely enjoyed dancing in our seats and joining in on singing too!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The concert hall is lit up beautifully. It really is stunning and pictures don't quite do it justice. I was really mesmerised by the lights and the "snow fall" and it made it feel like a very magical place. Very very festive! It got us feeling very Christmassy in a slightly strange year and after a long long grey weather. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Overall, this was one of the top Christmas experiences we have had in London. It got us on a festive mood and we left Royal Albert Hall smiling and full of Christmas joy. I definitely recommend this experience to any family that enjoys music and Christmas! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwREki9bcS9tBliuCTTreVEboKJAHqbDn4HX5svoK_0mDELbIBcYqnYhcuqVGgwukUUFuAjNyxxSKVNYRJi81c-33UWSNIIG60yRW0436jE7xCNfPHbaB_30KzyN7I3MYy_pWX7lwGx2yb_dzv_OFcuZwKTbl-Fcf6CCa0XDmczPHzqZBWsPuQ5H89lw/s1000/my%20chrismas%20orchestral%20adventure%20lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="royal albert hall concert hall christmas lights" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwREki9bcS9tBliuCTTreVEboKJAHqbDn4HX5svoK_0mDELbIBcYqnYhcuqVGgwukUUFuAjNyxxSKVNYRJi81c-33UWSNIIG60yRW0436jE7xCNfPHbaB_30KzyN7I3MYy_pWX7lwGx2yb_dzv_OFcuZwKTbl-Fcf6CCa0XDmczPHzqZBWsPuQ5H89lw/s16000/my%20chrismas%20orchestral%20adventure%20lights.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi938qBUUw43OAGpuDcpwe81K8H_GqG-n8FjgYwsjKrZb0tcaQu5pG7WXhYxYf0w4nAh4yVFkTgfmpoPipvSAfST1otSedlAWx71q8h0axD-U50rAviWt94OCoORD-K8lW4mBtORXS3ic0l-2OwC1KwrvKv_NUYiQxjiD7EaZKaYZYzsSNjjJXpNAJbVQ/s1000/family%20at%20royal%20albert%20hall%20concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="family a royal albert hall concert" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi938qBUUw43OAGpuDcpwe81K8H_GqG-n8FjgYwsjKrZb0tcaQu5pG7WXhYxYf0w4nAh4yVFkTgfmpoPipvSAfST1otSedlAWx71q8h0axD-U50rAviWt94OCoORD-K8lW4mBtORXS3ic0l-2OwC1KwrvKv_NUYiQxjiD7EaZKaYZYzsSNjjJXpNAJbVQ/s16000/family%20at%20royal%20albert%20hall%20concert.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tsvZxVV2e4c4panZC-TfrRuMILpDznv84-pflRoE8WazWoDzt_fZP_2SyNTtgK2WBLG-sMUzV5Odnjbe3oOSQh6AqPlDYROnDLa6J9w_65V4VRAqqh0hoL8yi2jy62YSS0DAbfYKhWsIUnm_zcr0At0iCxVYMf3HTG5S6EiSIrr_al-vHVGClCgebw/s1778/royal%20albert%20hall%20at%20christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="royal albert hall concert hall christmas lights" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tsvZxVV2e4c4panZC-TfrRuMILpDznv84-pflRoE8WazWoDzt_fZP_2SyNTtgK2WBLG-sMUzV5Odnjbe3oOSQh6AqPlDYROnDLa6J9w_65V4VRAqqh0hoL8yi2jy62YSS0DAbfYKhWsIUnm_zcr0At0iCxVYMf3HTG5S6EiSIrr_al-vHVGClCgebw/s16000/royal%20albert%20hall%20at%20christmas.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO00NAhYLVrXEya-W7_FrD_0SGGBiTMsSY5xU3AI0caKGssou4UkrapitjiW-tU5qcenBCq_u_12JvudSjVhTPka1XRmtxF1zmfarz2WA9qQg-3rKTEFSZQqTwSKGIWGDjcNYEKBQVpkrAeSwdoawN5oVunE7qnFXmx-X9-UwxBvOS9Dl3TSiySd42wQ/s1778/royal%20albert%20hall%20christmas%20lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="royal albert hall concert hall purple christmas lights" border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO00NAhYLVrXEya-W7_FrD_0SGGBiTMsSY5xU3AI0caKGssou4UkrapitjiW-tU5qcenBCq_u_12JvudSjVhTPka1XRmtxF1zmfarz2WA9qQg-3rKTEFSZQqTwSKGIWGDjcNYEKBQVpkrAeSwdoawN5oVunE7qnFXmx-X9-UwxBvOS9Dl3TSiySd42wQ/s16000/royal%20albert%20hall%20christmas%20lights.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">What are the best seats for My Christmas Orchestral Adventure?</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In terms of sound, the whole concert hall should be fantastic. In terms of views and the feels, there are of course differences. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We sat at the Stalls directly facing the stage, which gave a fantastic view over the whole concert hall and the lights. The lights especially looked stunning as you got to admire the whole hall without craning your neck, but it may feel a little bit further away from the orchestra. You can't for example see the facial expressions on stage much. Arena feels like it is closer to the action and the characters on stage, but you might not get the whole twinkling light show experience quite as strongly there. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">What to wear at My Christmas Orchestral Adventure?</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most families wore comfortable casual clothes, and Christmas jumpers and various Christmas headgear was very popular! A smaller section of families wore fancier outfits, like finer dresses you might typically see at an evening opera. I think it is up to you - I personally would wear a Christmas jumper or otherwise a casual outfit as to me it felt like a very relaxed and active experience with us getting off our seats and dancing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">What to do after visiting Royal Albert Hall? </h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You could either:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Walk up through <a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/" target="_blank">Hyde Park to Winter Wonderland</a>. Mind you, you have to pre-book your tickets there nowadays, and it gets very busy at dusk so family visits are better in the mornings. See here for <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/12/hyde-park-winter-wonderland-young-kids-family-review.html" target="_blank">my tips for families at Winter Wonderland!</a></li><li>Visit Natural History Museum, Science Museum or Victoria & Albert Museum, which are just 5 minute walk away. See here my thoughts about <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2021/05/visiting-science-museum-london-with-kids.html" target="_blank">Science Museum and why it is such a fun place to visit with kids</a>!</li><li>You could walk past Kensington Palace and go to the <a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/diana-memorial-playground" target="_blank">Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens</a>. This is a very popular playground and may involve some waiting! </li><li>Alternatively, walk to Hyde Park and east towards Knightsbridge and visit <a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/childrens-playgrounds/south-carriage-drive-playground" target="_blank">Hyde Park Playground</a> before popping by the nearby Harrods for a gander through the Christmas windows. </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Would I recommend My Christmas Orchestral Adventure at Royal Albert Hall?</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Absolutely - I think My Christmas Orchestral Adventure was a fantastic event for families. It was perfect for families with young kids with built-in interaction and moving breaks. It was fun and creates enthusiasm in kids towards music. Finally, it had such an amazing Christmas atmosphere and the lights were stunningly beautiful For us it has been one of the best Christmas experiences we have had in London and one we will be sure to repeat in the future!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/series/christmas-at-the-royal-albert-hall/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Royal Albert Hall also has lots of other musical and theatrical events at Christmas</a>, which look inviting - Nutcracker for example is one Christmas tradition worth checking out... We have been to see Santa there and will go back to it again, so that is another thing worth booking for!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you been to Royal Albert Hall yet?</span></b></div><div><br />
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<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2017/12/exploring-london-on-christmas-eve-our.html" target="_blank">Exploring London on Christmas Eve, our fun but hectic day</a></b><br />
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</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjX1ETuEvIKB3riEOLT1iTxZJQVOY4-T69u3b7R8o8kqWD4Bsui8wyn9j6xPSWQ59LvAv_lUIIveLUkCQ9z-Df90-A6j93j8Geywpwrvb1c89Bg6sdpbaChHZ8bw-xtJRSuVC0r3CXd1JjMy9LshiyuZBO9PlcaqA9uZBphY9Pio63t1TBr0onhtHKA/s1102/royal%20albert%20hall%20concert%20pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas concert at royal albert hall pin" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjX1ETuEvIKB3riEOLT1iTxZJQVOY4-T69u3b7R8o8kqWD4Bsui8wyn9j6xPSWQ59LvAv_lUIIveLUkCQ9z-Df90-A6j93j8Geywpwrvb1c89Bg6sdpbaChHZ8bw-xtJRSuVC0r3CXd1JjMy9LshiyuZBO9PlcaqA9uZBphY9Pio63t1TBr0onhtHKA/s16000/royal%20albert%20hall%20concert%20pin.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc4iu3CLZgvdc9dEZX-sGDW-Yd0GTLnjvnRncgQNeWesi4HMaDGnr4xYPU6HiJEuKBIRzII8AHQq4i0QocHVSv7dsifCIfctoPz8U75c8bOrso87MGXQZ3FEwAW3FxnkRZHh2QXPzsJu1ewfK7xpOhML8H8KytZqbzKb91ZOuk0v5spaQx5AjCE2-Cw/s1102/christmas%20orchestral%20adventure%20review%20pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="my orchestral adventure review" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc4iu3CLZgvdc9dEZX-sGDW-Yd0GTLnjvnRncgQNeWesi4HMaDGnr4xYPU6HiJEuKBIRzII8AHQq4i0QocHVSv7dsifCIfctoPz8U75c8bOrso87MGXQZ3FEwAW3FxnkRZHh2QXPzsJu1ewfK7xpOhML8H8KytZqbzKb91ZOuk0v5spaQx5AjCE2-Cw/s16000/christmas%20orchestral%20adventure%20review%20pin.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-18193609810859004012021-12-03T01:05:00.001+00:002021-12-03T01:05:54.827+00:00Quick Guide: Best things to do in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland<div style="text-align: justify;">Here are a few top tips on what to do at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland this year. When visiting Hyde Park Winter Wonderland I am a big fan of the more unusual attractions and features, things that you can only do at winter or around Christmas. This year you also have to pay entry fee unless you book extra activities / food for £20 per person, so it is worth it to book things ahead - not to mention that some activities such as ice-skating tend to get sold out ahead of time. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've previously written a post about <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/12/hyde-park-winter-wonderland-young-kids-family-review.html" target="_blank">family activities at Winter Wonderland,</a> and share more photos there, so feel free to check that one out too. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHyj_A1z1KYzaLyp75WyOTpWnATpUM3weEv-FnixD0TyLKbVvNHbAHkNv0YwKnzGA6FFjkAINA_LNqGyJaItHJWvCRxEPbzD0o-AaSjFW9xSXktCYsdzwIA7ubqSUttFm7ESbfs-_U-mN/s1250/real+ice+slide+hyde+park+winter+wonderland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girl next to real ice slide winter wonderland" border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHyj_A1z1KYzaLyp75WyOTpWnATpUM3weEv-FnixD0TyLKbVvNHbAHkNv0YwKnzGA6FFjkAINA_LNqGyJaItHJWvCRxEPbzD0o-AaSjFW9xSXktCYsdzwIA7ubqSUttFm7ESbfs-_U-mN/s16000/real+ice+slide+hyde+park+winter+wonderland.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">What to do at Winter Wonderland</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">My top tips are to concentrate on the winter activities. I am not so fond of the amusement park rides, nor the food which I think it very expensive, but I appreciate some people do want to have the full experience so I'll share a couple of my favourites for these too. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Magical Ice Kingdom</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/magical-ice-kingdom/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magical Ice Kingdom </a>is incredible. There are a huge amount of incredible ice sculptures to admire, plenty of photo opportunities with icy backgrounds, such as houses or thrones in previous years, and even a small ice slide. It is -10ºC so wrap up warm. I think this is definitely worth the ticket cost! A family of four costs £36 and you can bring a pram. There are usually tickets to this experience available even at late notice. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Ice-skating</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/ice-skating/" target="_blank">Ice-skating</a> is amazing fun, and you can do this too at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. The rink is large enough and good, however, there are plenty of more picturesque places to skate in in London. My favourite is the Somerset House. That said, if you do go ice-skate at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, you get hire skates (no extra cost), but if you need a skate support, these cost an extra £5. The skate supports are penguins, so great for kids. Family of four costs £38. These typically sell out early.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Ice sculpting workshops</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/ice-sculpting-workshops/" target="_blank">Ice sculpting workshops</a> are a fairly new feature and seem like they would be great fun! These are a bit more pricey at £58.50 for two people (same price for one person only as you pay for the table) but also include a ticket to the Magical Ice Kingdom (£11 per adult), so you really pay £36.50 for the ice sculpting experience. Great date idea! Or also, if you have older kids, 12 or older, they would probably really enjoy this. These are limited, so sell out early. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Meeting Santa</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/santaland/" target="_blank">You can meet Santa at Santaland</a>. I recommend arriving very early as the queue gets quite long. If you come with kids, I'd recommend coming as the Winter Wonderland opens, and heading straight over here to beat the queues. This is free, I hear quite unhurried, you get nice pictures (and are also allowed to take your own photos) and get a small free gift (think party bag type of an item). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1np9SloWgKapt2C1gm7cP3B5rmmQEVcZb5QSc7SJxfGVBEqJ9KIeh7HStvO177_I31iWEVuW2Yzru8Xf780Z3bXRB2HrZwi9ImoNlIt29f31uNzGXZg_eHPq-jV5rjZ12R4A0rgezgI-2/s1922/magical+ice+kingdom+hyde+park+ice+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="magical ice kingdom girl knocking on ice door" border="0" data-original-height="1922" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1np9SloWgKapt2C1gm7cP3B5rmmQEVcZb5QSc7SJxfGVBEqJ9KIeh7HStvO177_I31iWEVuW2Yzru8Xf780Z3bXRB2HrZwi9ImoNlIt29f31uNzGXZg_eHPq-jV5rjZ12R4A0rgezgI-2/s16000/magical+ice+kingdom+hyde+park+ice+house.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOSxWYu_UMua8nmkUFfVXlgg2AHwNoYnaONAPcXU3BDfKejRn_64kQSwnRRuSQKkfiwb8BmUaA-jwuNyrSPnCnoduyFTp1uO7gcwoR69ikx3fWNhRmXhPGutPL4C0sTj7Lxzz4pwGHgpJ/s1000/magical+ice+kingdom+winter+wonderland+sculptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ice sculptures having a snow ball fight" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOSxWYu_UMua8nmkUFfVXlgg2AHwNoYnaONAPcXU3BDfKejRn_64kQSwnRRuSQKkfiwb8BmUaA-jwuNyrSPnCnoduyFTp1uO7gcwoR69ikx3fWNhRmXhPGutPL4C0sTj7Lxzz4pwGHgpJ/s16000/magical+ice+kingdom+winter+wonderland+sculptures.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfEdoMOGv4yGEkoN_w9Fp9Ygu0-_5t-uwiWhx-jpyUu__eRwXF5phV4LlIuDBVUQwJkeEXeVaukDzpYtzprzGROnwvnAeKF2t65eXLu8tRa-6CBgwl_29vHc2QnrFed0XebX111_H7jK8/s1000/magical+ice+kingdom+hyde+park+sculptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mum and child watching ice sculptures" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfEdoMOGv4yGEkoN_w9Fp9Ygu0-_5t-uwiWhx-jpyUu__eRwXF5phV4LlIuDBVUQwJkeEXeVaukDzpYtzprzGROnwvnAeKF2t65eXLu8tRa-6CBgwl_29vHc2QnrFed0XebX111_H7jK8/s16000/magical+ice+kingdom+hyde+park+sculptures.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Rides</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My ONLY recommendation would be to do the <a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/real-ice-slide/" target="_blank">Real Ice Slide!</a> This is great, you get to go down, yes, a real ice slide, on an inflatable ring. I found it a bit scary, as the slide is quite long (45m) and goes fast, but I am a bit of a wuss. There is a heigh limit of 1m for this ride. Smaller kids can ride with their parents, but I did find this a bit dodgy looking. I think kids over 1.2m can ride on their own. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Real Ice Slide is £5 a person. You can book this ahead of time, but if you haven't, or prefer to see what it looks like first, in the past they have also accepted ride tokens for this, and you can get ride tokens on the day. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That said, if you like amusement park type of rides, there are plenty of traditional ones to choose from. <a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/santaland/" target="_blank">Santaland</a> has rides for little ones, like the carousel or teacups and a fair few hook a duck or throw a ring type games. There are also larger rides for bigger kids (or adults!) in Winter Wonderland. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is a ferris wheel, <a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/giant-wheel/" target="_blank">The Giant Wheel</a>, which has nice views over Hyde Park but mind you the views over there aren't particularly special like from London Eye towards the Parliament and Thames. Still, nice enough views, and if you go in the morning you get less queues and more turns, and if you go in the evening you get the nice romantic twinkling lights everywhere but queue longer and get to go round less. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Food</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like I said I'm not particularly fond over overpaying for food, but I know plenty of people like to get the whole experience... There are LOADS of places to choose from, and quite nice stalls. We tend to go for Bavarian sausages or Truffle burgers, and for sweet things churros or waffles around the Street Food area, which is the most budget conscious option there is at Winter Wonderland. A family lunch with small kids cost us £40, prepare to spend more though if you are eating big. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/santaland/" target="_blank">Santaland</a> has a Family Chill Space, which is where you can eat your own snacks, or heat up food or bottles for kids. I have found the area to be a bit chilly, so not much different from eating in the other outside areas. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Other </h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are shows available. <a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/zippos-christmas-circus/" target="_blank">Zippo's Circus</a> is great and <a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/cirque-berserk/" target="_blank">Cirque Berserk</a> is supposed to be good too, although I do not like to sit in a tent at winter, with loads of jackets and bags to mind. But if you enjoy circus, Zippo's is great for kids and Cirque Berserk for teens and/or adults. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can also do shopping at the <a href="https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/christmas-markets/" target="_blank">Christmas Market,</a> and there are a selection of fairly nice looking decorations and crafty type things, and absolute tat, but the shops look nice and can be quite a picturesque place to wander about. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div>I hope that helped, and feel free to check my other post about <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/12/hyde-park-winter-wonderland-young-kids-family-review.html" target="_blank">Winter Wonderland for families</a>, where I share more photos of the experience and concentrate more on the best things to do with young kids!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGPkjBcXzkpaCwb72L5Zf5HnLJ4hUwiNalhCcipspV1Kwcrwza7QvJg6aLendm4fsddF_1SoEoJGIhSHGvAqP1ZbRvNAIEJ2fFSZM8ZCoS0w5BOtTz_RZuqc0QwOOQXHr2GhnAx0V4YVx/s1250/two+storey+carousel+hyde+park+winter+wonderland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child in two storey carousel" border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGPkjBcXzkpaCwb72L5Zf5HnLJ4hUwiNalhCcipspV1Kwcrwza7QvJg6aLendm4fsddF_1SoEoJGIhSHGvAqP1ZbRvNAIEJ2fFSZM8ZCoS0w5BOtTz_RZuqc0QwOOQXHr2GhnAx0V4YVx/s16000/two+storey+carousel+hyde+park+winter+wonderland.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8zRB86pG5Lou2UIhx4gDwxFZVuY3aPUrMjYW07w6KCyTUSvUEfHw5Vxm379fKZLsMHk7M36UFv4dlzrzWKbzzXWyucXLyhzcnMYjDhfwbxLq05I2yvzDzJ1PZnUju1c_qmZA_2vOsLSO/s1102/winter+wonderland+pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8zRB86pG5Lou2UIhx4gDwxFZVuY3aPUrMjYW07w6KCyTUSvUEfHw5Vxm379fKZLsMHk7M36UFv4dlzrzWKbzzXWyucXLyhzcnMYjDhfwbxLq05I2yvzDzJ1PZnUju1c_qmZA_2vOsLSO/s16000/winter+wonderland+pinterest.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03GMsC850I0eAKVxJwdarjonQ4wISxLEM0Lwoc4aQMvg8O-cOtPbv64AlMhK7aKMsRD6haSoQ8-CEXn2Fr0Hbwz05xfSfRatukYUKiw0AqSUgrFo-Nld9qxAgh2beN5imGBcmtJRExNip/s1102/winter+wonderland+pinterest+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinterest image for winter wonderland" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03GMsC850I0eAKVxJwdarjonQ4wISxLEM0Lwoc4aQMvg8O-cOtPbv64AlMhK7aKMsRD6haSoQ8-CEXn2Fr0Hbwz05xfSfRatukYUKiw0AqSUgrFo-Nld9qxAgh2beN5imGBcmtJRExNip/s16000/winter+wonderland+pinterest+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br />
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<b> You might also like: <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/12/hyde-park-winter-wonderland-young-kids-family-review.html" target="_blank">How to survive Hyde Park Winter Wonderland with kids?</a></b><br />
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p></div></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-57901991635591612702021-11-09T22:21:00.001+00:002021-11-09T22:21:29.427+00:00Is London Dungeons OK for kids? Reviewing the experience and scare factor!<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We went to the London Dungeons - me for the first time since late 90's and my eight year old for the first time ever. My my has it changed! So I wanted to share a quick review of London Dungeons here, as well as explain how scary and/or appropriate it is for kids. </span></span><div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeHJMnjpGQzkKQbh4EF9HeHx1euw4cQgjVCITIFhZOMOxlvL5KN8T7suF4727Qdq7sh9JpvRi3PGSRwGZ-Q7vnQFm4WZHp-oVkDBdpDFGw9LRGxd035cFUVwjhs_b2rtn4m5VXtcgep_m/s1422/visiting+london+dungeons+south+bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="in front of london dungeons in sunshine" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeHJMnjpGQzkKQbh4EF9HeHx1euw4cQgjVCITIFhZOMOxlvL5KN8T7suF4727Qdq7sh9JpvRi3PGSRwGZ-Q7vnQFm4WZHp-oVkDBdpDFGw9LRGxd035cFUVwjhs_b2rtn4m5VXtcgep_m/s16000/visiting+london+dungeons+south+bank.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Firstly, what did London Dungeons include as an experience? </b>London Dungeons is a theatrical experience. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The actors introduce you to the bits of history or lore of London's gruesome past. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It is dark, and has sensory experiences with smells and jump scares, but it isn't a horror or a scare experience and actors won't touch you. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The style reminds me of it's next-door neighbour, <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/03/shreks-adventure-london-honest-review-kids-baby.html" target="_blank">Shrek's Adventure</a>, but as an edgy teenage-version. You </span></span>start with a ride (The Tyrant Boat Ride), and then get taken to series of rooms where actors await you. You<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> are led through a loose storyline, from room to a room, and there was even the same type of a mirror maze as at Shrek's Adventure. But it is all of course spookier and darker, with gory undertones. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">At London Dungeons v</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">isiting the pub Ten Bells and hearing about Jack the Ripper was the highlight of the experience for me, quite spooky and good jump scares! You finish the experience with another ride, the Drop Dead ride, which is a 10 meter drop. As a final stop, there is a gift shop, as always, and a pub where you can get an actual drink too. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately for us, The Tyrant Boat Ride was out of action (under maintenance) when we went, and the Drop Dead ride was a no-go for us due to my daughters short stature - you have to be over 1.4 meters for the Drop Dead ride. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Secondly, how suitable is London Dungeons for kids? </b>I think this attraction is best for pre-teens and teens.<b> </b>I was a bit worried it might be too scary for my eight year old. It wasn't, although she did squeeze my hand hard and jumped into my lap a few times. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">She's quite the sensitive soul at times, but she was OK with it as the way she put it - "I know they happened a long time ago or are just stories, so I wasn't afraid". </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">If your kid is fine with Horrible Histories more gruesome stories, they'll probably be fine with London Dungeons. That said, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I wouldn't take kids younger than eight if I am honest, as some bits are a bit gory and it is one thing reading about gore to seeing it with your own eyes. I </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">believe the recommended age is 12+ though so you'll have to keep that in mind. On the day I'd say my daughter was the youngest one, but there were a couple of other younger kids around nine or ten years of age. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">If your child were to get too scared, I am sure you can ask one of the actors to escort you out through one of the emergency exits. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Obviously with kids, and depending on their size, they might miss out on the last ride, so keep that in mind and manage expectations. For the boat ride you need to be over 100cm and for the free-drop ride you need to be over 140cm tall, which tends to be about nine years old. I also found it a bit difficult to </span><span style="color: #222222;">manoeuvre</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> my kid to stand in areas where they could see the actors as most of the audience were adults. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Thirdly, what are the coronavirus safety restrictions at London Dungeons like?</b> To be honest, not much. There aren't any limitations imposed by the government currently and it looked like it was back to old business at the Dungeons. It was difficult to socially distance with a group size of about 30 and very few wore masks. As it was indoors for an extended period of time we wore our masks. There were some places with hand sanitising gels. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbC-NAJ-Dsgm0EyWqt1k9WoGQPdhvhUU0QyBlyPee63_fWMUKo-kE7YNEtLm7WefeOAjS8E0UOWaT1cHeiviGKU5JDlIQwYsA-0igK9YoaclHq-w4ceJCfQN_SxHnsAU6hzwLPD-2NR-0/s1422/skeleton+at+london+dungeons+pub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="standing next to a skeleton at london dungeons pub" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbC-NAJ-Dsgm0EyWqt1k9WoGQPdhvhUU0QyBlyPee63_fWMUKo-kE7YNEtLm7WefeOAjS8E0UOWaT1cHeiviGKU5JDlIQwYsA-0igK9YoaclHq-w4ceJCfQN_SxHnsAU6hzwLPD-2NR-0/s16000/skeleton+at+london+dungeons+pub.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-6Uiraduak6uXbgv-GVMZes8L6RzED-1ZeMG4ce-zndu0GgBHTiEK4hSPl3jOjJ666XnScl14xI_fyzln5HoLb2HaWxqskIdI_mini2FbHE0a_LndIA1ynXz7nsW8wrRfKJ9p3aMUBCt/s1422/london+dungeons+pub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drink selection at london dungeons pub" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-6Uiraduak6uXbgv-GVMZes8L6RzED-1ZeMG4ce-zndu0GgBHTiEK4hSPl3jOjJ666XnScl14xI_fyzln5HoLb2HaWxqskIdI_mini2FbHE0a_LndIA1ynXz7nsW8wrRfKJ9p3aMUBCt/s16000/london+dungeons+pub.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Finally, what are my top tips for London Dungeons?</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #222222;">Situated at South Bank, you can combine your visit with other next-door Merlin attractions, such as <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2018/09/sealife-london-aquarium-review-with-kids.html" target="_blank">London Aquarium</a> or London Eye. <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/03/shreks-adventure-london-honest-review-kids-baby.html" target="_blank">Shrek's Adventure</a> is also nice for young children, maybe ten or under.</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222;">You can get combined tickets to several Merlin attractions, saving quite a lot of money! These are a good deal if you are a tourist and want to do all in one hit. </span></li><li><span style="color: #222222;">There are no photos during the tour, which is nice as it adds to the feels. So if you want photos you will either have to take them at the waiting area, at the pub, or pay for some cheesy shots. </span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #222222;">It was a fun experience, but not one that I will be rushing back to. If we were to get very cheap tickets in the future I might take my kids when they are a bit older and could enjoy the rides too. </span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;">Check my other reviews for Merlin attractions, such as <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2021/07/visiting-madame-tussauds-new-fun-attractions-and-safety.html" target="_blank">Madame Tussauds</a>, <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2019/03/shreks-adventure-london-honest-review-kids-baby.html" target="_blank">Shrek's Adventure </a>and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2018/09/sealife-london-aquarium-review-with-kids.html" target="_blank">SEALife London Aquarium </a>too!</span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><div><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a></b></p><p align="center"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dBKIncb6Vx2cDDLJnpiLh3V1EtXXFMYXOdR_HVOLHjCFW9k3PLhFnwwZyawyDne84mvr_MitmINwZIiRQFDltae2IXiawXNbVaDVxnot4siHSHXC43XNdYGqTFh6YVnT7lhjTHLMcM_G/s1102/london+dungeons+pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="london dungeons pinterest pin" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dBKIncb6Vx2cDDLJnpiLh3V1EtXXFMYXOdR_HVOLHjCFW9k3PLhFnwwZyawyDne84mvr_MitmINwZIiRQFDltae2IXiawXNbVaDVxnot4siHSHXC43XNdYGqTFh6YVnT7lhjTHLMcM_G/s16000/london+dungeons+pinterest.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center"><br /></p> <p></p><p></p></div></div></div></div></div>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-89076441022487370792021-11-04T00:38:00.001+00:002021-11-04T00:38:35.412+00:00Reviewing Hawksmoor: Delicious steak with top notch service<div style="text-align: justify;">For our 10 year anniversary we ate out at Hawksmoor Spitalfields - one of the top steak restaurants I've ever eaten. Great food and drinks, very casual vibes and service with fine dining principles - lovely stuff. Since I liked it so much, I wanted to share our find with you guys too and review it here on my blog too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://thehawksmoor.com/" target="_blank">Hawksmoor</a> is actually a chain of restaurants, and you can find one in several central locations in London, and also in Edinburgh, Manchester, and New York, US. In London you can find Hawksmoor at Piccadilly Circus, Knightsbridge, Covent Garden, Spitalfields, London Bridge, and soon also in Canary Wharf. They style themselves as steak and seafood restaurants, and yes, there is also good fish and lobster available, but really, if you go to Hawksmoor, you go there for the steak. And steak they have galore. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMyfjd7MsWU6h_3EwnuXZGG4JYs7cswrPEGm5mpE7U9kZrx36eKA2uQy8QeCLFDB7D2ZcUMomJ3DZlPjNMnEq8zscqCS1lZAmhif7a2xJmUQ5fJWihQvNZfejF-3hJ7ov6CWFvPwxr-90/s1422/back+burner+cocktail+hawksmoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="woman holding a cocktail glass" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMyfjd7MsWU6h_3EwnuXZGG4JYs7cswrPEGm5mpE7U9kZrx36eKA2uQy8QeCLFDB7D2ZcUMomJ3DZlPjNMnEq8zscqCS1lZAmhif7a2xJmUQ5fJWihQvNZfejF-3hJ7ov6CWFvPwxr-90/s16000/back+burner+cocktail+hawksmoor.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I do like my steak, but I have to be honest, the amount of different cuts and weights left my head spinning. Our waitress explained everything very clearly, the differences of taste and textures between rib-eyes and t-bones and all, and while I appreciated the selection I knew I would go for either chateaubriand or fillet, as I like tender cuts. All the beef comes from well-kept animals from small farms, which was great to hear. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During our meal we had:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Starters: Bone marrow & onions for me, and Old Spot belly ribs for him</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Main: Fillet for me, Rib-eye for him</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Sides: Creamed spinach, Beef dripping fries, Macaroni cheese</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Desserts: Sticky toffee sundae for me, Peanut butter shortbread for him</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Drinks: 3 x Back Burners cocktails, one glass of red</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We started our meal at the bar with a cocktail - Back Burners to be exacts. These were a curious mix of sweet, and slightly sour with a nose-tingling spice from fresh jalapeno slices. We absolutely loved these, although apparently these are a bit of a Marmite drink. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For starters I had Bone marrow & onions, which was absolutely delicious - buttery, melt-in-mouth goodness, that was cut pleasantly by the crisp rye sourdough. Old Spot belly ribs were good, well-cooked and moist. For main we both had steak - my fillet was perfectly cooked to medium rare, and tender and flavoursome - same went for rib-eye. For sides I quite enjoyed the pleasingly crisp yet fluffy-on-the-inside chips, and creamed spinach. Macaroni cheese was something that was recommended to us as to-die-for side - it was nice, but really, it was just macaroni cheese. Maybe this was my Marmite moment then. As for desserts, my sticky toffee sundae was nice enough, but not particularly memorable. Peanut butter shortcake on the other hand was a top notch dessert, with great flavours and interesting combination of textures. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEChzRF2nJA6LuwTPw2DogP0PpQ6gTshWj1-hps9oQ8j1gfZHcCSyNVrU40Z9sB1RmVcrHiQYgZJqlmAU3HFijXc11fzD_IjmmorbNDj4AE5xSrFSGDfpoLYUbTqXOlBzZV7s3ngRjwUK/s1422/bone+marrow+dish+hawksmoor+restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="man at hawksmoor restaurant" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEChzRF2nJA6LuwTPw2DogP0PpQ6gTshWj1-hps9oQ8j1gfZHcCSyNVrU40Z9sB1RmVcrHiQYgZJqlmAU3HFijXc11fzD_IjmmorbNDj4AE5xSrFSGDfpoLYUbTqXOlBzZV7s3ngRjwUK/s16000/bone+marrow+dish+hawksmoor+restaurant.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7TQmCRa7gIjiA_2CQ7kW-7dNO0T5ethgdB8tfcZ3uAzUu1mXODbrSiiLMtMiL7E3wDHiTutDj9t7RaxesKFEFRIVF3XarS0Aia6cMcP0MNeCMz2Sw4-pVI4prptsBpUogTHceu9Wuxe_/s1422/reviewing+steak+at+hawksmoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="two plates of steak" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7TQmCRa7gIjiA_2CQ7kW-7dNO0T5ethgdB8tfcZ3uAzUu1mXODbrSiiLMtMiL7E3wDHiTutDj9t7RaxesKFEFRIVF3XarS0Aia6cMcP0MNeCMz2Sw4-pVI4prptsBpUogTHceu9Wuxe_/s16000/reviewing+steak+at+hawksmoor.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHnZAreK0t1-GCji-NVXaCwEgOB52KPyz2vWXv3sAb6-PC9JpJIoJgkouS9xX58G6iAxdJmlRN-gozlegRPbN3jhukPny5NiNYQOQjtfCMBP6M-Mjd9nVgO-j08LXaqWw4g5QXNdiu6Hl/s1422/desserts+at+hawksmoor+steak+restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sundae with toffee fudge cake at hawksmoor" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHnZAreK0t1-GCji-NVXaCwEgOB52KPyz2vWXv3sAb6-PC9JpJIoJgkouS9xX58G6iAxdJmlRN-gozlegRPbN3jhukPny5NiNYQOQjtfCMBP6M-Mjd9nVgO-j08LXaqWw4g5QXNdiu6Hl/s16000/desserts+at+hawksmoor+steak+restaurant.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The feel of the restaurant is very friendly, and welcoming, chatty even. It is almost like the staff are your friends, happy to see you there, and have a nice un-rushed chats with you. There is no dress code, in fact, staff are dressed very casual themselves in jeans. But at the same time, all fine dining service principles are adhered to. You'll be checked upon periodically, but not too often for it to feel annoying. Your glass of water or wine glass will be surreptitiously filled before it reaches the bottom, plates cleared away quickly, crumbs off the table swept away, white linen, quality tableware and all that. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The casual feel yet fine dining service is a nice mix. Alongside special occasions, this would be a perfect place for first dates, where you want to impress but not appear too full-on. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All this you of course do pay for - it is not a cheap meal. For us, two people, three courses and few alcoholic drinks came to about £195 with service charge. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So all in all, good menu, great steaks, casual vibes, excellent service - that's <a href="https://thehawksmoor.com/" target="_blank">Hawksmoor.</a> They do get very busy on Friday and Saturday evenings, so worth booking well in advance. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Have you been to Hawksmoor yet?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501844275414856197.post-75764352286084301642021-10-16T01:26:00.004+01:002021-10-16T01:36:19.245+01:00What we learned at The Christmas Pig event with J.K. Rowling<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What a fantastic evening we had at The Christmas Pig book launch event with J.K. Rowling. Her new book, The Christmas Pig, was launched on 12th October with a book signing event at Alexandra Palace Theatre, where she talked about the book and the inspiration for it. The Christmas Pig is now available nearly every bookshop, and in several languages across the glove. You can also get it online from </span><a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-christmas-pig/j-k-rowling/jim-field/9781444964912" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Waterstones</a>, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1444964917/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wavtomum-21&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1444964917&linkId=2564f742690845f92cd8f3c43cb3f9c9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a>, or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1338790234/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wavetomummy-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1338790234&linkId=1bd23a851d0ff93bf33741db8237f7ad" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> (affiliate links). </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHdjDawo3zTZwa-XALiYKw9VElBGW7IBfmlx3HgRi9ZcavAqOexq__fuzMw-3Veg11sCBpQMMmUADxqnJq7dEGAA6vDP9K-DXPLqyGrK52pykw4_muJuw8S5w_EbMv4-j1LOA_V6ygzb8/s1440/christmas+pig+book+signing+event+jk+rowling.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girl standing in front of a giant christmas pig book" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHdjDawo3zTZwa-XALiYKw9VElBGW7IBfmlx3HgRi9ZcavAqOexq__fuzMw-3Veg11sCBpQMMmUADxqnJq7dEGAA6vDP9K-DXPLqyGrK52pykw4_muJuw8S5w_EbMv4-j1LOA_V6ygzb8/s16000/christmas+pig+book+signing+event+jk+rowling.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So what happened at the event then?</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">At the event J.K. Rowling talked about The Christmas Pig, the inspiration for it, and how it was born. She got the idea from the precious toy her son had. As it regularly got lost at bedtime and they'd have to hunt all over the house for it, she bought a replacement toy just in case - until her son found it in the cupboard and decided it was the brother of the precious toy. This then inspired her to think of the special bond children have with some toys and what happens when they get lost. </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And when it was time for reading the book... You could hear just the rustling of paper as J.K Rowling asked us all to take out our books and turn to page 56, Chapter 13. She remarked how lovely it was to hear that sound and how it took her back to her days as a teacher. It was such a treat to hear J.K. Rowling read her book to us, and make the voices and all, and despite this being a children's book I was instantly drawn to the story. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Afterwards we had a short drawing session with the illustrator Jim Field, who has also illustrated books such as Oi Frog. He taught us how to draw Christmas Pig - and with his easy instructions even I, usually cack-handed enough to ruin a stick man, managed to draw something reasonable. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Q&A after the book reading and drawing class revealed some more information about the book, and also J.K. Rowling's writing. A few bits I remember were:</span></div><div dir="auto"><ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Christmas Pig had been in the making for nearly 10 years, with the idea originating in 2012 and the writing finished during the pandemic, and thus the book had a fitting life lesson of rapid change in a new world. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">City of the Missed was her favourite world created for the book, and Jim Field had illustrated it perfectly, it looking just like it did in her head;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her three favourite characters, other than Jack and Dur Pig, were three pigs, called Prudence, Hope and Patience (I hope I remembered those names right!);</span></li><li>There are no movie deals yet, but she thinks the story could make for a nice animation;</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her favourite snack while writing is pop corn, because it is easy to eat and not messy;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">She doesn't really get writer's block, but if you find writing hard at times, the best way to get over it is just to walk away and it will come to you later;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her favourite children's book was The Wind of the Willows, that her father read to her as she was sick with measles when five years old;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">She says scone as in gone, not scone as in bone!</span></li></ul></div></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBqVKL7h3ZXhWyHXOisMGes_7Mwmqtpzvr9KBwv6qg9lCeFtsuAb0geS7LMO81SuBInlG1qaOLeuQz6XOksD5NhfDFVJNzvokm9zIe-1wZHgQINjrC5hON3aIbe3fQVVxAcj_2PSPAVXp/s1440/mum+and+daughter+at+alexandra+palace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mum and daughter at alexandra palace" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBqVKL7h3ZXhWyHXOisMGes_7Mwmqtpzvr9KBwv6qg9lCeFtsuAb0geS7LMO81SuBInlG1qaOLeuQz6XOksD5NhfDFVJNzvokm9zIe-1wZHgQINjrC5hON3aIbe3fQVVxAcj_2PSPAVXp/s16000/mum+and+daughter+at+alexandra+palace.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0s0xSP8AzhOeOBuzw3Z8GGbLPjQq21rhWBL-txjlhMk3JTbvtxSBydSOfLH5N-V0B2fnNju9Dtr8n_HXo_M7TlDwrr9ZUZlXHFhmwj6gXiMESB1p9wf6eB7eljVH4z9vfX_8TbDu8oTC5/s1440/christmas+pig+family+event+ticket.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a ticket to a book signing event" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0s0xSP8AzhOeOBuzw3Z8GGbLPjQq21rhWBL-txjlhMk3JTbvtxSBydSOfLH5N-V0B2fnNju9Dtr8n_HXo_M7TlDwrr9ZUZlXHFhmwj6gXiMESB1p9wf6eB7eljVH4z9vfX_8TbDu8oTC5/s16000/christmas+pig+family+event+ticket.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytrEjDY-ZwDQ31SeE8EVUWDsLt_kSFypazLRxnM7uAHeosBpDkNTtw1_VYqCBrJRUuQVFMX50ndb3Lbs58aoq-l2CPAmt1mLB9a8u_3P-5s8F96KDQstnB1xj-gJcH41EpOdMYSFoHG4m/s1440/christmas+pig+books.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="table full of the christmas pig books" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytrEjDY-ZwDQ31SeE8EVUWDsLt_kSFypazLRxnM7uAHeosBpDkNTtw1_VYqCBrJRUuQVFMX50ndb3Lbs58aoq-l2CPAmt1mLB9a8u_3P-5s8F96KDQstnB1xj-gJcH41EpOdMYSFoHG4m/s16000/christmas+pig+books.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-tDfBj-U4tkSCjb6b3lDUxltD0b7ERfU9DG4W_CT6jfhBDKFLAtMMNY19lDpf7WK7tMutvhLvtC2Yw_Gr74cuScHg7t7uTj7MFKLY-IMoQiv44zHEzoU4-HBZztOpNSMrubMlRupKMgc/s1440/christmas+pig+alexandra+palace+theatre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the book signing event at stage" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-tDfBj-U4tkSCjb6b3lDUxltD0b7ERfU9DG4W_CT6jfhBDKFLAtMMNY19lDpf7WK7tMutvhLvtC2Yw_Gr74cuScHg7t7uTj7MFKLY-IMoQiv44zHEzoU4-HBZztOpNSMrubMlRupKMgc/s16000/christmas+pig+alexandra+palace+theatre.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxO2SSl_LLi5VA80uu1ipI9aoqaeLjVlibJPpzIi36i9ggsSHlwijR9EHDjGBn5rpIjWa_6qzBe2lv20MfLRkxpojvqdjE1DxKVncySawKuGV0JW2TKX8t5h7zOZ3IyrBnj2wHKd23XBf/s1211/jk+rowling+book+signing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="jk rowling signing books" border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxO2SSl_LLi5VA80uu1ipI9aoqaeLjVlibJPpzIi36i9ggsSHlwijR9EHDjGBn5rpIjWa_6qzBe2lv20MfLRkxpojvqdjE1DxKVncySawKuGV0JW2TKX8t5h7zOZ3IyrBnj2wHKd23XBf/s16000/jk+rowling+book+signing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We then proceeded to queue to get our books signed by the one and only. There were lots and lots of people so while waiting for our turn my eight year old kept herself entertained by reading The Christmas Pig in the queue and got all the way to page 91. It was pretty interesting how they added a small holographic sticker to the book to prove it was at a genuine book signing event and her real signature - so an additional measure to prove the signature wasn't faked. It was all quite busy, and I think we were both quite star struck so no other chat than a simple "thank you" came from us as we got in front of J.K. Rowling, and we were ushered swiftly onwards by her staff after receiving our books back. It was like a military operation getting everyone moving and all the books signed, I bet her hand hurt afterwards! </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've always been a big fan of Harry Potter series and J.K. Rowlings' writing, and I was probably more excited about attending the event than my daughter was. I don't think she quite understood how rare it is that J.K. Rowling does book events or book signings! The video from the event should be uploaded on <a href="She told us The Christmas Pig had been in the making for nearly 10 years, with the idea originating in 2012 and the writing finished during the pandemic, and thus the book had a fitting life lesson of rapid change in a new world. " target="_blank">J.K. Rowling Stories </a>on 17th October, so check there if you want to see more of the event. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't read The Christmas Pig myself yet, but my eight year old finished it in two days. She says "T</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">he book is very very interesting. The only bad thing about it is that you can't put it down, because you are itching to read what happens next." A rave review there! Like I mentioned, you can get it for example from </span><a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-christmas-pig/j-k-rowling/jim-field/9781444964912" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Waterstones</a>, <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1444964917/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wavtomum-21&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1444964917&linkId=2564f742690845f92cd8f3c43cb3f9c9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a>, or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1338790234/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wavetomummy-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1338790234&linkId=1bd23a851d0ff93bf33741db8237f7ad" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> (affiliate links) - and I reckon it will be a very popular book this Christmas!</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bhB-sc9hFmW0OGmhqErRKRg9qmsb4JDf4_igwMSbZ3Hr_j_f_ifrz8cVLDtWB1dXvCvjzKq73iy6xuYvH7Ru6-sS3e9hwo1S4cYG8K7Okps-G-r6ebRVS7l6ZTq1BP-2U1kkucts_Sf7/s1440/jk+rowling+signature+christmas+pig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a girl with a book signed by jk rowling" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bhB-sc9hFmW0OGmhqErRKRg9qmsb4JDf4_igwMSbZ3Hr_j_f_ifrz8cVLDtWB1dXvCvjzKq73iy6xuYvH7Ru6-sS3e9hwo1S4cYG8K7Okps-G-r6ebRVS7l6ZTq1BP-2U1kkucts_Sf7/s16000/jk+rowling+signature+christmas+pig.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div>
<b> You might also like: </b><a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2020/12/best-kids-christmas-book-ideas.html" target="_blank">24 Christmas books for kids I recommend</a> and <a href="https://www.wavetomummy.com/2015/11/how-to-do-christmas-book-advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">How to do a Christmas book advent calendar</a><br />
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</p><p align="center"> <b> Follow: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12783079" target="_blank">Bloglovin<br /></a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/wavetomummy" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=WaveToMummy" target="_blank">Email</a> </b> </p> <p></p><p></p>Sanna Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15362746150369804815noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.127758323.197117063821153 -35.284008299999996 79.817584736178844 35.028491700000004