Here are some of the activities and experiences you can enjoy on your visit to
Holmside Lodge. If you discover a worthy inclusion to this list on your hot tub break, please
let us know and we'll add it so that other visitors can enjoy it too.
Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom - TF6 6DJ
about 11 Miles
Locally renowned for the Sheep Steeple chasing and daily goat races this is a really unique family attraction that the kids will love. You can really get hands on with the farm animals with the animal handling sessions and you can have a go at teaching the parrots to talk! The crazy craft cabin will keep even the most creative entertained with pottery and painting amongst other things. When you are in need of a rest head for the The Hungry Shepherd Tea Room where you can enjoy a bite to eat and children can burn even more energy in the indoor play area.
Wonderland - ME10 4PB
about 16 Miles
This award winning theme park in
Shropshire has something for everyone. Children will delight at the amazing array of rides and activities. Described on their own website as a "fairytale adventure" there is a nursery rhyme and fairytale characters theme running throughout the park. One inside the park you can enjoy unlimited free rides and there's an indoor soft play area for the younger ones and for when the weather is not on your side. Another popular aspect of this attraction is the nature trail. Check out their website for the latest events and admission costs. This company also owns Jungleland - another great attraction just 4 miles from Wonderland.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust - SY3 5FB
about 17 Miles
This is a fantastic attraction in the Shrewsbury area of Shropshire. Designed to provide children with a fun and educational experience the whole family can learn about wildlife here and the outdoors. There are 38 nature reserves in total and visitors are welcomed and encouraged to enjoy the area by taking part in walks, talks and regular events. Check out their website for the latest events such as Apple Day and Wildlife through the Seasons.
British Wildlife Rescue Centre - TN8 7AR
about 20 Miles
This is a really unique opportunity to see the fantastic work going on at this centre. The purpose of the British Wildlife Rescue Centre is to treat and care for injured wildlife which cannot be released into the wild. Many of the animals are brought to the centre by members of the public or the RSPCA. Visit their website to see the picture gallery and to find out how to help if this is something which interests you. There are also regular fundraising events such as the Sponsered Leg Wax.
The Edge Adventure Activity Centre - SK17 8PW
about 21 Miles
The Edge Adventure Activity Centre is the place to go if you are looking to have a day out with a difference. Ideal for active families with older kids and teenagers, the centre offers a range of thrilling activities including High Rope Courses, Trekking, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Mountain Boarding and Off Road Karting. You can enjoy just one or try a few of the available activities during a day at the centre. The centre also offers fun packed birthday parties and corporate events.
Go Ape Cheshire - WA16 6RW
about 23 Miles
Out of all of the Go Ape! courses the one in Cheshire is the most spread out and it takes staff ten minutes to patrol the site on bike - which gives a good indication of the size of this place. If you're looking for an adventurous and memorable day out then Go Ape is highly recommended. Trek through the treetops, swing between the trees and enjoy zip wire rides all as part of your experience. This attraction opens every day from the end of March to end October and is open on weekends in November. Go Ape Cheshire is closed every Tuesday except school holidays.
Alton Towers - ST10 4DB
about 25 Miles
Of course you can't mention attractions in Staffordshire without featuring the fabulous Alton Towers theme park. The rides range from thrilling to quite simply terrifying although there are more gentle family rides for the little ones. All ages are catered for here. Some of the most famoue rides include Th13teen, Air, The Blade and Nemesis. There is also a waterpark on site for some splashtastic fun. Look out for seasonal events taking place throughout the year such as Wonderful Winter, Pirate Weekend and The Ultimate Fireworks Event. Check out their website for the latest admission costs and save money by booking your tickets online.
Llangollen Boat Trips - LL20 8TA
about 28 Miles
Llangollen Wharf is one of the major attractions in North Wales and is an excellent place to spend the day as a family. The Wharf is situated in the peaceful market town of Llangollen - now part of a World Heritage Site. Horse Drawn Boat Trips are available along the feeder for the main canal and are a unique way to explore the area. Motorised Aqueduct Cruises are also on offer for those who prefer a slightly faster pace. Both trips allow visitors to take in all the magnificent sites of Llangollen Canal.
Blue Planet Aquarium - CH65 9LF
about 29 Miles
Fantastic attraction in the Cheshire region suited to family days out as well as school and corporate visits. The "Jawsome" sharks are a sight to behold and new for 2010 is the Tarantula Tower. You can save time and money by bookings online and at the moment they are offering a discount of £2.00 per person when you book this way. Winner of the Visit Chester and Cheshire Best Tourism Experience of the Year - you can be assured of a fun and educational day out. Look out for special events throughout the year including Boo! Planet Halloween and Otter Month.
Dudley Zoo - DY1 4QF
about 31 Miles
A day trip to Dudley Zoo in Worcestershire is a real treat for children and adults alike. The zoo is crammed with unusual and rare animals and educational talks, shows and organised activities are also on offer to make sure visitors get the most from their experience. During school holidays the zoo is particularly popular with families and a range of events take place including crafting sessions, face painting and hands on animal encounters. There is also a cafe and giftshop onsite.
Wepre Country Park - CH5 4HL
about 31 Miles
Wepre Country Park is home to one of the largest play areas in Wales and is perfect for a fun family day out during the summer months. The site has miles of attractive woodland to be explored and cycling and nature trails are very popular ways to see the best of the area. The grounds of the historic estate also have beautiful gardens with stunning floral displays and there is plenty of open space for children to play. An annual events programme ensures that seasonal activities take place regularly including spooky Halloween Walks, Christmas Carol Singing and Ranger led events. There is also a visitor's centre with a small shop.
Powis Castle and Gardens - SY21 8RF
about 32 Miles
This National Trust site is one of the finest in Wales. The stunning castle was once a medieval fortress and has been remodelled several times over the last 400 years. The Great Hall is home to some amazing collections of paintings as well as sculptures and tapestries. The gardens are world famous with stunning areas of French and Italian style as well as a gorgeous orangery. Children's activities can be enjoyed during school holidays and on special occasions such as Halloween and Christmas.
Pen-Y-Ffrith Bird Garden - LL11 3AB
about 32 Miles
Pen-Y-Ffrith Bird Garden is an 18 acre site, filled with glorious woodland, dramatic gardens, streams, ponds and a 3 acre lake. As the seasons change so do the delights of the park. During springtime the bluebell woods are spectacular while in the summer the bog garden is a favourite attraction with some unusual displays of flora and fauna. In the autumn a walk through the ravine with its flowing waterfalls in not to be missed. There are also several yearly events to enjoy including the Bat walk in September.
Gulliver's World Theme Park - WA5 9YZ
about 35 Miles
This is a very popular theme park with three different locations. The theme park in Warrington contains not only the theme park but also Gullivers Splash Zone and Gullivers Star Studios. The Solash Zone is a fully heated indoor water play factory fun for all ages which will appeal on rainy days. Throughout the year there are seasonal events too such as the Halloween and Fireworks event taking place from 23rd to 31st October. You can book online to save time and secure your tickets during busy periods. Over 50% of the rides are actually under cover so you don't need to worry about the British weather spoiling the fun.
Rosliston Forestry Centre - DE12 8JX
about 36 Miles
Rosliston Forestry Centre is a beautiful woodland site with tranquil areas for Fishing as well as some beautiful meadows and a lake. For children there is a Play Area to run around on and during school holidays organised activities such as range led walks are available. The site is also an excellent place for Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding. Other available events taking place this year include an Archery drop in session, a Christmas Crafting Afternoon and a Mince Pie and Mulled Wine Walk.