Avoiding February melt down in Wendover…
As Spring glimmers around the corner we start to feel excited about getting out and about from our winter hibernation. Here are my Top Ten ideas that might just give you some smiles, without breaking the bank, this February Half Term in Wendover.
1. Woodland Walks and Bike Rides
We are so fortunate to be surrounded by the beautiful Wendover Woods, Chiltern Hills and landmarks such as Coombe Hill and the Ashridge Estate. Wendover Woods has some fantastic activities for children during the holidays .
My children are aged from 4-11 and we have all loved completing the Go Ape trail together followed by a treat in the cafe. Being outside encourages children of all ages to interact with each other in a totally different way. I absolutely love to watch my children running around and laughing outside. I find it is when they are at their most ‘together’.
2. Wendover Swimming Pool
It is easy to forget that we have this fantastic pool on the schools campus in Wendover. It also offers special opening times, usually 2-4pm during the School Holidays. Parents of older children can easily observe from the side of the pool and, for those of us who still have to get in, compared to many pools, it really isn’t cold 🙂
3. Rumsey’s Chocolate Fondue
Rumsey’s Chocolaterie do the most incredible chocolate fondue. It’s a massive treat that we reserve for February half term – in this instance, pictures most definitely speak louder than words!
4. Bake-off at home
Ready, steady….. BAKE!! My older children, aged 11 and 7, love to ‘be in charge’ while Martha, aged 4, assists, cracks eggs, and licks the spoon! They especially love to video themselves using my phone as if they are hosting a cookery programme! The results are generally yummy enough to make the mess worthwhile! I love the BBC’s child friendly baking recipes CLICK HERE.
5. Wendover Outdoor Play Parks
When the sun starts to bring a little bit of warmth, often in February, my children are desperate to get back to the many parks that we have in and around Wendover. Below is a map of some of our favourites in Wendover. We also love Aston Clinton Park, just a 10 minute drive away.
6. Lambing at Mead Open Farm
Mead Open Farm is a little further afield, about a 30 minute drive away, towards Leighton Buzzard. It is a fantastic farm for all ages and we especially love meeting the adorable new-born Lambs. You can even bottle feed them which is a huge hit with the children.
7. Day tour of London without breaking the bank
As well as being surrounded by beautiful countryside we also have brilliant to access to London. And, with a little planning, it can be done on the cheap. Yes, it does involve the avoidance of Regent Street and anything resembling a Toy Shop (specifically beginning with the letter H!)
Travel
I would recommend the train and underground network for the most fun and least stress. Under 5s travel free on the train and tubes and under 16s cost just £1 when accompanied by a full paying adult. You can also gain 241 entry to many London attractions with a Chiltern Rail Travel Card
Travel Tips:
- Take snacks! Always at the top of any kids day trip list 🙂
- Make a plan. I usually choose one attraction to aim for and then the rest of the day unfolds around the travel to and from that place
- Take a pushchair for toddlers – I am usually delighted by how willing strangers are to help. Don’t be afraid to ask.
- Download a tube map onto your phone: London Tube Map App.
- Indulge in some trivia with the kids here: 150 London Underground facts
Where to go:
- Last year we did a travel tour using the mainline overground to Marylebone, the Underground to Westminster, then the River Bus to Tower Hill (also included with your Travel Card) where we had a sneaky lunch with Daddy. We then used a bus to work our way west via Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and back up to Green Park where we got on the tube back to Marylebone, followed by the Mainline back to Wendover. It was a fantastic fun-filled day, and bar the lunch with Daddy, we spent less than £30.
- People often head to the Natural History Museum, which is fabulous, but my top tip is the Science Museum. It is so interactive, the queues are much shorter to get in, and you could fill a whole day in there!
- For year 1 children learning about the Great Fire of London, the Museum of London in Barbican is also fantastic
- We love going into the Lego shop and playing with what is on offer – for free!
- We also love hanging out in the Apple Store and trying out the gadgets – for free!
- Below is a list of the many many other attractions that London holds, this February Half Term:
8. Waddesdon House and Gardens
We love the National Trust’s Waddesdon Manor. They always have brilliant activities in the holidays and this half term is no exception. With organised Orienteering and fabulous family cookery schools, as well and beautiful grounds and a brilliant woodland play park, there really is something for all ages.
9. Bucks County Museum and Roald Dahl Gallery – Aylesbury
We have spent many rainy half term mornings and afternoons at the Bucks County Museum. There are always brilliant creative activities to do and the staff are always so kind and encouraging. Even when it comes to making lots of messy craft chaos!
10. Lynx Gym – Aylesbury
Soft play is one of the few things that fills me with dread when I have all of the children on my own. I can’t always see them, they bump their heads and I find it a little/lot stressful. When I discovered Lynx Gym many years ago, it was a huge relief!
A bright, clean space where the children can run, dive, jump and swing all on one level. I can go from one to the other with them all, just about in view. The opening times must be checked and you have to arrive on time before it fills up, but if you can make it work, then I highly recommend!
I found it so hard to narrow down to ten as there are so many brilliant things to do this February Half Term in Wendover! We also love the Waterside theatre, Whipsnade Zoo and Tring’s own Zoological Museum. I would love to hear your favourite things to do at February Half Term in Wendover. Please do comment below 🙂
Sarah x