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Family travels and adventures are a huge part of our lives. Something we wanted for the children, to make memories together and to in part heal our guilt for our work patterns. Although the past few years have taken a hit on our family adventures due to the pandemic and financially. This year, we are hoping to make the most of the staycation trend and make the most of the beautiful places we have in the UK to visit and explore.
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Planning a Family Travel Bucket List
In order to get an idea of places and attractions that we’d like to visit this year, we sat the children down to make a family travel bucket list for the year ahead. Which was great fun to hear them share memories from places we have previously visited and their excitement at places they really want to go to.
Merlin Annual Passes
For a number of years we have been Merlin Annual Pass Holders, however, this year we have taken the decision not to renew our passes. Whilst we can see the long term benefits of having the passes, we are not in a position to pay the upfront cost of these after being hit financially from the pandemic. It is something that we would consider again in the future, but this year we will be focusing on visiting other attractions.
Theme Parks
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
This is an attraction from my youth, having spent many a family day out with my family when I was growing up visiting Blackpool. Despite a trip to Blackpool a few years ago, we didn’t manage to squeeze in a trip to the pleasure beach so I’m hoping we can get on planned for this year.
Drayton Manor and Thomas Land
From when Roo was just a toddler we have been visiting Drayton Manor and Thomas Land, however, in recent years we haven’t visited. The last time we visited we were somewhat disappointed by the number of rides that were permanently closed or had issues and weren’t working on the day. The children would like to go back to visit and will be great to see if things have improved since our last trip.
Paulton’s Park, home of Peppa Pig
We had a trip booked to see the new Tornado Springs ride at Paulton’s Park back in 2020, however, that was delayed and we haven’t had the opportunity to reschedule a trip as yet. With it being a long drive over to the theme park I’d love to try to combine it with a visit to something else in the area.
Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts
One of the places we have talked about visiting for a number of years and for one reason or another we have never managed to get there. With four different locations to choose from, I’m confident that we’ll be able to squeeze in a visit to at least one of them.
Attractions
Butlins
This was the first place that the children requested when we started talking about places to visit this year. In fact, they are always wanting us to rebook whilst we are on the resort to ensure that their next fix of the Butlins fun is locked into our family calendar. The children just love the range of activities, shows and the swimming pool u=during our visits, so I really do hope that we will be able to visit again this year depending on finances.
West End Show
Roo especially loves the theatre so I’d love to take her to see a West End show or two this year. I already have my eyes set on seeing the new Beauty and The Beast show with my best friend – which will make for a lovely girls day out in London.
Beamish
A place from my childhood that I would visit on school trips. I have taken the children a couple of times but What The Dad Said is yet to come with us so it would be lovely to spend a day riding around n trams and buses, exploring how life once was. Plus the chips and the chip shop are amazing!!
Staying Local – Norfolk
Mammoth GoGoDiscover 2022
GoGoDiscover 2022 will take place between Monday 27th June and Saturday 10th September 2022 with a mighty herd of Steppe Mammoth across Norfolk and even more T.rex to be discovered in Norwich. The trail is delivered by East Anglian based children’s charity Break, who provide lifelong support to children and young people in care, on the edge of care or leaving care, in partnership with Wild in Art.
Beach trips
Surrounded by beautiful beaches in Norfolk it would be a shame to let them go unvisited. Whilst we always seem to visit our favourite ones, I’m hoping that we can explore some new areas and build lots of sandcastles.
Cinema
There is something quite wonderful about seeing a movie on the big screen. Whilst a family trip to the cinema can work out expensive, it can be made cheaper by looking for offers and seeing films during off-peak times etc. As well as taking snacks and drinks into the cinema to cut out the additional pull towards the concession stand.
National Trust & English Heritage
Norfolk and its neighbouring countries have a wide selection of both National Trust and English Heritage venues to visit. A great chance to get outdoors and explore the local places of interest as well as learn as we explore.
Places of interest
Barry Island
I’d always take a trip over the border into Wales to spend a few hours, days or even a week at Barry Island. Whilst it has its connection to Gavin and Stacey, there is something quite soothing to me when I sit on the beach and watch the world go by. It’s been far too long since we made a trip and this is certainly high up on my own family travel list.
Scotland
For the last two years, we have been attempting to make the trip across the border to Scotland. When the pandemic hit we had a family trip booked to Rosneath Castle Park for the beginning of the summer holidays. As you can guess didn’t happen and of course, last year was just as up and down with what restrictions were in place both here in England and then potentially different ones in Scotland.
All being well we have rebooked our trip for the summer half-term holiday. Hoping to make the most of the journey from Norfolk and visit places and attractions along the way. Thinking about taking a trip up the west coast via Carlisle on the way up, then a trip down the east coast via Newcastle on the way home. But I really need to look into what things we can squeeze in to make a full travel plan.
London
York
Carlisle
Newcastle
Do you have any family travel adventures booked for this year?
