Inspiration for Activities with your Grandchildren

Many of us are looking forward to spending precious time looking after grandchildren and maybe even great-grandchildren.

We thought we would highlight family activities located near to our villages are the UK, with all less than a 30-minute car journey and many on bus routes, if you’re looking to plan a fun day out then look no further!

Reaseheath Mini Zoo, Cheshire
26 minutes from our Gifford Lea Village

Reaseheath is one of the countries leading land-based education establishments and as the first college in the country to receive a zoo license, the gates are opened to the public on school holidays and weekends, making it the perfect destination for a day out. 

From horses to owls and reptiles to tapirs, the zoo houses a wide variety of animals that you and your grandchildren can view up close, as well as a range of other activities throughout the day. The zoo opens from 10am with prices for children and concessions being just £5, it’s a perfect way to explore something a bit different. 

Ceramics Cafe, Farnham
25 minutes from our Bramshott Place village

Whose grandchildren don’t like getting their hands a bit messy? What could be better than spending a day creating some clay-based masterpieces at the Ceramics Cafe in Farnham? You will be able to choose from a wide selection of bisque designs, whether it’s a new mug, bowl or even a piggy bank.

A typical session lasts around 2 hours and prices range from £8 to £40 per item, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. The studio will fire the masterpieces in their kiln for you and they are then available to collect 2-4 days after, perfect for another excuse to look after the little ones and put their new art piece, pride and centre in the house. 

Diggerland, Devon
24 minutes from our Millbrook Village

We’re not sure who will enjoy this the most, you or the grandchildren! Diggerland is located in Collumpton, Devon and features a huge array of full-sized construction machinery that you can ride, drive and operate. 

The park is aimed at children between 4 and 14, with younger visitors being able to enjoy the indoor and outdoor areas. Open from 10am daily, concessionary tickets (65+) are priced at £9.95, children over 90cm at £19.95 and those under 90cm are free. 

The British Motor Museum
11 minutes from our Austin Heath Village

Another one that grandad might enjoy just as much as the children (if not more). The British Motor Museum has recently undertaken a fantastic refurbishment and features an exciting array of imaginative displays and activities, suitable for all ages. 

The museum features interactive displays that allow you and your grandchildren to experience the sights, sounds and stories of the British motor industry, showcasing how motoring and family lives have changed through the decades as cars are brought to life by costumed guides. 

Open daily from 10am, children aged 5-16 receive entry for £9 and concessionary tickets are just £12. 

The Mechanical Art and Design Museum
19 minutes from our Great Alne Park Village

A quirky take on mechanical engineering, the MAD Museum offers an interactive experience as you and the little ones discover the exciting world of kinetic art and automata. With many rooms featuring a sensory array of lights, sounds and colours — it’s perfect to entertain even the youngest of visitors (with under 5s entering for free). 

Make a marble run, press as many buttons as you like and learn a bit about the physics of MAD’s many and varied contraptions and engineering gadgets. 

Children aged 6-15 years gain admission for £5.20 and concessions are just £6.30 with the museum opening from 10.30am on weekdays. 

Huxley’s Bird of Prey Centre & Gardens
11 minutes from Durrants Village

Accessible by bus from Durrants, Huxley’s is home to a huge selection of beautiful birds of prey. Their core work is to rescue and rehabilitate wild, injured birds and their collection includes many different varieties of owls, buzzards and even a mischievous raven. 

Alongside the beautiful falcons, the gardens curated by centre owner, Julie — are stunning! You can relax beside the Japanese gardens or tropical collections as you watch the many birds housed in the centre fly around. 

The centre is open Wednesday - Saturday from 11am with a child ticket costing just £4.50 and concessionary tickets £5.