DRAYTON MANOR ALL SET FOR ITS 60TH YEAR

Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, will launch its 60th Anniversary year on Saturday 20th March, with the premier of a brand new film for its 4D Cinema, the Oscar-winning animation, Happy Feet.

The specially adapted 12-minute film tells the tale of penguin Mumble, who bravely tries to save his friends from starvation after humans steal their supply of fish. Visitors will watch the film in 3D whilst seated in specially designed chairs, which react to scenes in the film by moving up and down, releasing sprays of water, bursts of air, bubbles and various smells, guaranteeing a memorable experience for all.

The award-winning family attraction will also unveil the new Dino Trail, located in Farmer McColl’s Farm, which has been created to intrigue and educate visitors about dinosaurs.

This year is a momentous occasion for Drayton Manor as it is the park’s Diamond Jubilee Year. It was 60 years ago in April 1950 when Mr & Mrs George Bryan first opened Drayton Manor to the public. Today, it remains a family owned attraction, which is run by three generations of the Bryan family.

Managing Director Colin Bryan, who is the son of Mr & Mrs George Bryan, said: “When my parents opened the park in 1950, there was one restaurant, a tea room, three hand operated rides, six rowing boats, some pedal cars and a set of second hand dodgem cars

“Today, we have some biggest, wettest and scariest rides around, including Maelstrom, Apocalypse and G-Force. There’s also Europe’s first and only Thomas Land™, and a 15-acre zoo, which is now home to some new residents – a pair of baby meerkats, who I’m confident will be a popular addition to our zoo given the recent meerkat revival. But over the years, one thing has always remained the same, our passion and core belief of providing an amazing day out for all the family.

“Everyone at Drayton Manor is very excited about the Diamond Jubilee Year and there will be various events taking place throughout the season, which runs until Sunday 31st October.”

For full details about opening times, or more information about the park, including prices, visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call the 24-hour information line on 0844 472 1950. Tickets can also be bought by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 472 1960

EASTER EVENT LISTINGS FROM ENGLISH HERITAGE.

CONSERVATION IN ACTION
Eltham Palace, London
Every Tue in April, 12pm-4pm (Drop-in sessions)
Have you ever wondered how we maintain our stunning collections? Come and join us this month for a practical look at conservation in action and find out about the techniques used by the team to conserve and maintain the sumptuous textiles and veneered furniture throughout the mansion.

Price: Adults £8.70/ Concessions £7.40/ Children £4.40/ Family Ticket £21.80
English Heritage Members: Free

EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire
Fri 2 - Mon 5 Apr (bank holiday), 10am-5.30pm
Can you crack the clues to complete this 'egg-citing' trail and collect your yummy Easter prize?
Price: Adults £5.30/ Concessions £4.50/ Children £2.70
English Heritage Members: Free

EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL
Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
Fri 2 - Mon 5 Apr (bank holiday), 10am-6pm
Can you crack the clues to complete this 'egg-citing' trail and collect your yummy Easter prize?
Price: Adults £5.80/ Concessions £4.90/ Children £2.90/ Family £14.50
English Heritage Members: Free

EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Fri 2 - Mon 5 Apr, 10am-3.30pm
Seek out hidden Easter eggs in this egg-cellent trail for all the family. Solve the clues and win a chocolate prize!
Price: Adults £7.40/ Concessions £6.30/ Children £3.70/ Family Ticket £18.50
English Heritage Members: Free

EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL
Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
Fri 2 - Mon 5 Apr, 10am-4pm
Seek out hidden Easter eggs in this egg-cellent trail for all the family. Find them all and win a chocolate prize!
Price: Adults £6.00/ Concessions £5.10/ Children £3.00/ Family Ticket £15.00
English Heritage Members: Free

EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Fri 2 - Mon 5 Apr, 10am-4pm
Enjoy traditional Easter activities and try your hand at quoits or croquet. Children will love their chocolate prize when they finish the family fun trail.

Price: Adults £11.90/ Concessions £10.10/ Children £6.00/ Family Ticket £29.80
English Heritage Members: Free

KNIGHTS FAMILY FUN TRAIL & DRESSING UP FOR CHILDREN
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire
Fri 2 - Mon 5 Apr (bank holiday), 10am-5pm
The Queen has asked you to invite the mini model English Heritage knights and squires to a banquet. Can you find them and deliver this invitation in time? You'll be royally rewarded with a fun sticker. There's also a chance to dress up with a box full of children's size medieval costumes. ready for your own photo opportunity.

Price: Adults £5.30/ Concessions £4.50/ Children £2.70
English Heritage Members: Free

EASTER FUN
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
Fri 2 - Mon 5 Apr, 10am-6pm
Join us at Battle Abbey for our Easter Fun event. Take part in the Easter trail and quiz, enjoy storytelling and face painting.

Price: Adults £7.00/ Concessions £6.00/ Children £3.50/ Family Ticket £17.50
English Heritage Members: Free

EASTER FUN
Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Fri 2 - Mon 5 Apr (bank holiday), 10am - 5pm (4pm on Sat)
Bring the whole family for some traditional Easter games including egg racing, face painting and Easter bunny mask making.

Price: Adults £6.00/ Concessions £5.10/ Children £3.00/ Family Ticket £15.00
English Heritage Members: Free

MEDIEVAL KNIGHTS
Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
Sun 4 & Mon 5 Apr (bank holiday), 11am-5pm
Richard III was the last English king to fall in battle, but was he hero or tyrant? Join us this Easter to find out, as the castle steps back into the medieval Ages, and is brought to life with over 100 folk from the Middle Ages including dozens of medieval knights and soldiers. Enjoy spectacular arena shows and have-a-go drills for children.

Pre-booking recommended - Tel. 0870 333 1183
Price: Adults £9.60/ Concessions £8.50/ Children £5.80/ Family Ticket £25.00
English Heritage Members: Adults £2.00/ Concessions £1.50/ Children £1.00/ Family Ticket £5.00

TIME TRAVELLERS GO. THROUGH THE AGES
Dover Castle, Kent
Sun 4 - Wed 7 Apr, 10am-6pm
Have you ever wanted to know if you would have made it as a gladiator, or if you could have made royalty laugh with your jester antics? Well now is your chance! Travel back in time to discover the skills and tricks-of-the-trade from characters of the past. Learn to play the fool in Jester School, learn circus skills and see if you could become a fearless knight!

Price: Adults £13.90/ Concessions £11.80/ Children* £7.00/ Family Ticket £34.80
English Heritage Members: Free*
(*+£1 for every child over five years, members and non members)

EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL
Eltham Palace, London
Sun 4 - Mon 5 Apr, 10am-4pm
Find hidden Easter eggs in this egg-cellent trail for all the family. Find them all and receive your chocolate prize!
Price: Adults £8.70/ Concessions £7.40/ Children £4.40/ Family Ticket £21.80
English Heritage Members: Free

EASTER IN CARMARTHENSHIRE - LITERARY LUVVIES, DUCK HERDING AND STEAM TRAINS 

Head to Carmarthenshire this Easter holiday to mingle with the luvvies of the literary world at south west Wales’ answer to Hay, the Laugharne Weekend. If poets and and prose don’t excite them how about duck herding or den making? There’s a whole raft of events taking place across the county this Easter to entertain, delight and amuse the whole family.

With special offers and availability at some of the region’s finest resting places, Carmarthenshire makes the perfect destination for an Easter break.

The events

Make way for Wales’ boutique literary festival, the Laugharne Weekend – 9–11 April

What: This literary festival is really gaining reputation as it goes into its fourth year for 2010. The three day event is set in the beautiful coastal town of Laugharne, described by Dylan Thomas, the town’s most famous resident as a ‘timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town.’ The full line up is still to be confirmed – but already includes Roddy Doyle, Bill Drummond, Stuart Maconie, Nicky Wire, Martin Carthy, Niall Griffiths, Trembling Bells, David Quantick, Howard Marks, Mark Olson, Jane Bussman, Rachel Trezise, Alasdair Roberts, Trezza Azzopardi, Twin Town, Richard James, Helen Griffin, Nick Kent, Clinton Heylin and Rupert Thomson
Where: Laugharne is set on the south west Wales coast, a short drive from Carmarthen. Accommodation is available in Pendine or St Clears, both 4 miles from Laugharne itself and there is a regular festival shuttle service laid on throughout the weekend which runs until the wee hours. In addition you can camp at Ants Hill Campsite (http://www.antshill.co.uk) in Laugharne itself if you want to be nearer.
Cost: A weekend ticket which will gain you entry into all events from the Friday evening through to the Sunday evening costs £65 per person and can be booked online.
For more info: www.thelaugharneweekend.com <http://www.thelaugharneweekend.com>


Duck herding, dancing, magic and den building in the Garden of Wales– 2-18 April

What: Fancy a spot of duck herding, a bonnet Parade, magic in a huge greenhouse or building your own den in the grounds of Wales’ most loved gardens? Well Easter’s your chance to dance among the daffodils and sing in the snowdrops as a host of activities mark the arrival of spring at the Botanical Gardens of Wales. Easter weekend sees a festival atmosphere with the marching ducks of ‘Quack Pac’ strutting their stuff, children’s theatre from Theatr na n’Og, magic shows, music and an Easter bonnet parade through the gardens. From 10 – 18 April would be badgers and those who like to hide can try their hand at den building in a special workshop.

Where: National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Llanarthne

Cost: Adults £8, Concessions £6.50, Children (5-16) £4.00, Families (2 Adults and up to 4 children) £19.50

For more info: http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk/en/72.html

Take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine – 2-5 April

What: Jump on board ‘Thomas’ or ‘Percy’ for a ride around the Carmarthenshire hills this Easter weekend at Gwili Steam Railway. Meet Sir Topham Hatt ‘The Fat Controller’ who can train you up as a ‘Junior Engineer’ and once the work is done it’s time for play on the carousel, trampolines and slide or take a ride on a vintage bus.

Where: Thomas will be pulling the Express Coaches on the Gwili Railway for Easter Weekend. The railway is a living reminder of a Great Western Railway branch line set in the breathtaking Carmarthenshire countryside. The scenic trip down memory lane starts at Bronwydd Arms Station and follows the route originally taken by the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line to a delightful halt at Danycoed
Cost: A family ticket is £34 and covers 2 adults and 2 children. Individual tickets cost: Adults £11 / Child £9. All Tickets allow unlimited travel for the day and all entertainment is free. Regular trains leave from Bronwydd Arms from 10.30 – 3.50 – last train back from Llwyfan Cerrig is at 4.10
For more info: http://www.gwili-railway.co.uk

Battle with the Knights of Longshanks at Kidwelly Castle – 3-5 April
What: Head to Kidwelly Castle for a spectacle of warriors, weapons and warfare this Easter weekend. Cheer on your favourite Knight as they go forth into combat, keep your aim as you shoot some arrows or get into character as you don the heavy armour.
Where: Kidwelly Castle, near Dyfed. Explore these Impressive remains of a castle that was established as a huge earthwork in the early twelfth century
Cost: Normal admission prices apply - Adult £3.00, Concession £2.60, Family £8.60
For more info: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Seek your fortune this Easter at Dolaucothi Gold Mine – 3-16 April
What: There’s not just gold to be found at Dolaucothi Mine this Easter, there are eggs too. So pan for gold and take the Easter egg trail – anything you find is yours to keep! With a host of Easter activities for younger children
Where: Dolaucothi Gold Mine, Llanwrda. These unique gold mines are set amid wooded hillsides overlooking the beautiful Cothi Valley. 2,000 years ago, the powerful Romans left behind a glimpse of gold-mining methods and the mining continued in the 19th and 20th centuries, ending in 1938. This is a fascinating spot to explore – don’t miss the thrill of a guided underground tour
Cost: Normal admission prices apply - Adult £3.60, Child £1.80, Family £9 - Booking essential
For more info: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-dolaucothigoldmines

Easter Eggstravaganza at Wales’ finest racecourse - 6 April
What: Thumping hooves meet chocolate eggs as Ffos Las puts on its ‘Easter Eggstranvaganza’ on the afternoon of 6 April, with the first race at 2.20 pm and the last race at 5.05 pm. Experience the thrill of fast and furious flat racing at Wales’ newest and finest course. Pick out your horse in the parade and cheer with the crowd as it gallops past the post, hopefully in first place!
Where: Ffos Las Racecourse near Trimsaran in the heart of Carmarthenshire, between the towns Llanelli and Carmarthen
Cost: A ticket to the Easter Eggstravaganza meeting costs £17. This will allow you full access to all public areas of the racecourse.
For more info: http://www.ffoslasracecourse.com

Celebrate the arrival of spring and at Dinefwr Park and Castle – 2-5 April

What: Spring is in the air at Dinefwr Park and Castle with an ‘Eggcitinig Easter’ weekend of egg trails, spring crafts for kids and fun and games at this wonderful National Trust property
Where: Dinefwr Park and Castle near Llandeilo. This place has been a magical land of power and influence for more than 2,000 years and has an iconic place in the history of Wales. The two forts are evidence of a dominant Roman presence and the visionaries, George and Cecil Rice, designed the superb 18th-century landscape that you see today
Cost: Adult £6.70, child £3.35, family £16.75 – booking essential
For more info: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-dinefwrpark

The places to stay

Family break from £99 per night at Stradey Park Hotel

What: Family room offer from Stradey Park Hotel - an impressive Mansion with a wonderful rural location. Head there this Easter weekend for a family break at only £99 per room per night – with Easter treats included!
Where: Stradey Park Hotel is overlooking Carmarthen Bay and the Gower Peninsula, with views of the ever-changing coast and the tranquillity of the surrounding green environment. This place offers a harmonious, eclectic mix of contemporary furnishings and traditional styles, great food and a warm welcome
Cost: From £99 for family room, including breakfast, Easter gifts for the kids and picnic hamper – valid for minimum 2 night stay based on maximum of 2 adults and 3 children (under 16)
For more info: http://www.stradeyparkhotel.com

Farmhouse stay in wild West Wales – From £30 per person per night

What: Glanyrynys Farm is the ideal location for walkers and cyclists. This cosy farmhouse B&B offers a warm Welsh welcome in the heart of west Wales’ rolling hills. Spend your days walking or cycling, get a taste for village life the local pub and bed down in the cosy farmhouse at night.
Where: Set in the beautiful Gwendraeth Valley in Carmarthenshire, close to the gardens of Aberglasney and the Botanical Garden of Wales. A short drive from the beautiful coastline of Pembrey Country Park.
Cost: From £60 per night based on two sharing
For more info: http://www.welshfarmaccommodation.com

Post Easter family break at David’s Farm – 10% discount

What: David’s Farm is offering a 10% discount off the rates for its self catering properties this Easter holidays – with availability for w/c 9 April. A real rural experience – think acres of woodland, rolling hills and your own cosy traditional stone cottage.
Where: Perfect for families, the cottages are set in the peaceful vale of the River Taf on the Carmarthenshire / Pembrokeshire border with over 450 acres of organic farmland and 40 acres of woods to explore. Enjoy idyllic leisure time on this wonderful working farm, head off for a spot of fishing and let the kids run wild in the adventure play area.
Cost: From £300 for a 2 bedroom cottage (sleeps 4) for week commencing 9 April
For more info: http://www.davidsfarm.com

20% discount on a Welsh cottage holiday

What: Enjoy a 20% discount on a week’s stay at Swallow’s Nest cottage from 3 April. This 5* cottages is set in 7 acres of lush landscape. Kids will enjoy using the football nets, racing around the playing field and discovering the indoor games room with its pool table and table tennis and for mums and dads that want a night off Able Cottages also offers a dog and babysitting service.
Where: Able Cottages are located on Dolau Farm in Llansteffan, near Carmarthen
Cost: Now £317 per week for Swallows Nest (sleeps 4)
For more info: http://www.ablecottages.com

Blacksmith’s cottage in the lush Brechfa Forest

What: Penrhipyn cottage was originally a blacksmith’s shop. This charming 19th century traditional Welsh cottage is a beautiful and tranquil rural retreat - the perfect base for exploring the trails and tracks of the Brechfa forest.
Where: Located in the idyllic hamlet of Gwernogle, in the heart of the Cothi valley, situated within the Brechfa forest and close to Llanfihangel Rhos-y-Corn mountain and Gorlech Trails Abergorlech, Penrhipyn is an ideal base for walkers and cyclists or for those who just want to get away from it all.
Cost: Book for a 5 day break from 5 – 10 April for £442 (sleeps 6)
For more info: http://www.penrhipyncottage.co.uk/

One for keen gardeners – free entry to the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney

What: Book a five night Easter stay at Ty Castell Guest House on the banks of the River Towy and get free entry to both the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and Aberglasney gardens. For those looking for a shorter break Ty Castell is also offering nights for the price of three.
Where: Ty Castell sits in the heart of the Carmarthenshire countryside, in a small hamlet called Nantgaredig. Tucked away at the end of a lane on the banks of the River Towy with tranquil gardens and panoramic views all around
Cost: From £60 per night for a double room based on two sharing
For more info: http://www.ty-castell.co.uk/
For more information about Carmarthenshire visit http://www.discovercarmarthen.com

EASTER HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN HEAVENLY DEVON
Spring has sprung in England’s playground and Devon’s attractions are celebrating with a host of Easter activities for the whole family, from close encounters with sharks, to scarecrow building and bushcraft, or fudge-tastic fun in Clovelly. You can even try raft running or kayak polo. There are oodles of activities taking place across the county to fill those longer spring days.

For more events and information on accommodation in Devon, including late availability and special offers go to http://www.visitdevon.co.uk

Meet the Spring Babies at Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, Nr Totnes (2-5 April)

What: Head to Pennywell Farm this Easter and meet the abundant new animal life, cuddle and feed the new born lambs and goat kids and get acquainted with the cute fluffy chicks and ducklings From Good Friday to Easter Monday there will be Easter Egg Hunts, an Easter film in the Pennywell Theatre and family entertainment from Dan the Hat, Nutty Noah, Ben Cornish and Spangles the Clown. The park is open from 10.00am – 5.00pm daily.
Cost: Entrance costs £10.50 for adults, £8.50 for children (3-16), under 3’s go free. This includes half hourly activities, displays and shows throughout the day.
A ride on the Run Rabbit Ride, the UK's longest gravity go-kart ride (8+), the Rainbow Railway, the Red Rocket Ride (4+) and a tractor and trailer ride are included in the ticket price
For more information: visit http://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
.
Scarecrow Workshop at Occombe Farm, near Paignton (8 April)

What: Occombe Farm needs your help to stop the birds eating the crops! Join in the special scarecrow-making workshop this April to create a frightening figure for the farm’s fields – or take your new friend home if you would prefer. Make sure you bring some old clothes to dress him in, plus lots of creativity and enthusiasm! There will be two workshops – one from 10am-11.30am and the second from 12.30pm-2pm. Occombe Farm is an organic farm on the edge of Paignton in South Devon. It has an award-winning farm shop and cafe featuring the best of local food and drink, a traditional butchery brimming with local and organic cuts, an organic bakery, a 2km easy-access nature trail and an education centre which houses visits from local schools and cookery workshops.
Cost: Free - no booking needed
For more information: visit http://www.occombe.org.uk

Kayaking and Canoeing Extravaganza, Plymouth – (9 & 16 April)

What: Why not try your hand at raft running or kayak polo this April? The Mount Batten Centre in Plymouth is running two Kayak and Canoe Adventure Days that provide a playful introduction to these activities - or an opportunity to perfect your existing paddling skills! The centre is the South West's premier waterside venue, specialising in sailing, watersports and adventurous activities. Come along to learn new skills, breathe in the fresh sea air and escape the daily routine while invigorating your senses!
Cost: £35 per person
For more information: http://www.mount-batten-centre.com

Junior Rangers Bushcraft, Haldon Forest Park (6 & 8 April)

What: Go wild in the woods this April with two special Junior Rangers Bushcraft Days. These events are a chance for children to learn basic survival skills like building shelters, lighting fires and tracking wildlife – with lots of hands on fun to keep them amused all afternoon. The event takes place from 1.30pm-4pm and is suitable for children aged 8 - 12 years. Whether you want a quiet gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for you at Haldon Forest Park - 3,500 acres of woodland just fifteen minutes from Exeter!
Cost: £12 per child and accompanying adults go free. Booking essential
For more information: visit http://www.haldonforestpark.org.uk

Head to Clovelly for the Fantastic Fudge Hunt, North Devon (2-9 April)

What: From Sunday 2 – Sunday 9 April the village of Clovelly will be staging its fantastic fudge hunt, each day ten fudge stones will be hidden around the village and each one is a winner! Anyone finding lucky Fudge Stone No. 10 will win a kilo of delicious Clovelly fudge.

Set into a steep hillside, Clovelly is one of the most famous villages in the world. The single cobbled high street winds its way down the hillside through traditional whitewashed cottages festooned with fuchsias and geraniums.
Cost: Admission to the Visitors Centre costs £5.90 for adults, £3.75 for children and £15.90 for a family (2 adults and 2 children)
For more information: visit http://www.clovelly.co.uk

Sleep over with Sharks at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth (10 April)

What: Back by popular demand, the National Marine Aquarium is hosting another family ‘Sleeping with the Sharks’ event on 10 April. Snuggle down in your sleeping bag next to Emily, Enzo and Howardine the resident Sand Tiger Sharks. Starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 9am the next day, the overnight stay includes an Aquarium tour, Arts and Crafts in the Discovery Zone, games, a movie in the Atlantic reef, midnight feast and breakfast.
Cost: Sleeping with sharks costs £70 for one adult and one child, a family ticket (2 adults plus 2 children) £100 and £25 per person for 30 + children.
For more information: Visit http://www.national-aquarium.co.uk or to book call 01752 275214

EasterFest at Crealy Great Adventure Park, near Exeter (2-4 April)

What: Crealy Great Adventure Park near Exeter is hosting its EasterFest this April. Discover the new ‘Wilderness’ area, feed the deer, ride 2000 years back in time on Maximus the ride, meet the bouncy lambs, fluffy chicks and baby rabbits in the Animal Nursery and take part in Bunny Hop Races to win a chocolate rabbit! A popular highlight is the Easter M’Egga Hide ‘n’ Seek, with over 30,000 chocolate eggs to find and eat, which takes place every day over the 4 day weekend.
Cost: Individual tickets cost £14.50 on the gate or £12.95 online

For more information: visit http://www.crealy.co.uk or call 01395 233200 to book tickets

Diversity at Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth City Centre (3 April)

What: Come and see the UK’s number one dance group perform with their unmistakeable energy and creativity. This is not just any show from the Britain’s Got Talent winners - it will be an interactive story based around the concept of toys coming to life. Apart from their outstanding dance routines, the show will also include state-of-the-art lighting and sound to create an unforgettable experience.
Cost: Tickets cost £18.99
For more information: http://www.plymouthpavilions.com

Take in Some Tall Tales, Bovey Tracey (6 April)

What: Join ‘Young Story Teller of the Year, 2009’, Wilf Merttens, for a morning of enthralling entertainment, as he spins his tall tales and captures the imagination. Taking place at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, the event is suitable for children aged 4-12. Come along and enjoy the magic of a good story from 10.30 -11.30 am in the Jubilee Gallery. The Devon Guild of Craftsmen is an acclaimed exhibition space for contemporary craft and design as well as a leading charity for craft education in the South West region. Located in Bovey Tracey, this large craft centre offers inspiring exhibitions, events and opportunities for people to buy, make and learn about contemporary craft.
Cost: Free but booking essential
For more information: visit http://www.crafts.org.uk

Easter Eggs and New Born Lambs at The BIG Sheep, near Bideford (1-16 April)


What: Don't worry if the Easter Bunny forgets to deliver eggs this Easter because the BIG Sheep will have enough chocolate eggs to share with everyone – you just need to find them. Dad might hunt for his egg in the brewery, while mum busies herself hunting in the gift shop or restaurant! A trip around our indoor play area might unearth a few eggs or some maybe hidden among the daffodils on the walk to our plant centre, outdoor laser area and trampolines. As well as the chocolate fest, visitors can experience spring first hand, with a chance to meet the host of new born lambs and other animal babies. Children can even enjoy a magical moment bottle feeding our orphaned lambs.

Cost: Children £10.50 / Adults £10.50 / Groups of 4 or more £10 each

For more information: http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk
For more information about Devon visit http://www.visitdevon.co.uk

NEW EXCITEMENT COMES TO PORTAVENTURA THIS SEASON
This year PortAventura celebrates its 15th Anniversary
PortAventura, Spain’s first theme park is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Since it opened to the public on the 1st of May 1995, almost 50 million people have enjoyed its wide array of offerings that cater to the whole family. To celebrate this, the resort is holding numerous events and surprises for guests, which will be kicking off from the 26th of March.

For the 15th anniversary, the park will be premiering three new live shows. The Great Theatre will be holding PortAventura LIVE! a show full of dancing and acrobatics that reflects each of PortAventura’s five themed areas. The Far West themed area will host two shows; the Can-Can Forever show and the Bang Bang West show. At the Saloon, energetic Can-Can dancers will liven up spectators with a showcase of the best choreographies from over the past 15 years at the park. At the Stunt Show theatre, the exciting script of Bang Bang West, will be performed by stunt artists on horseback. The daring acrobatics in this show will leave spectators’ mouths wide open in astonishment.

A carnival of floats and dancers will also parade around the park allowing visitors to celebrate in true Spanish fiesta style. The park’s iconic characters; Woody, Winnie, Ernie and Bernie will also be mingling with visitors amongst bright and colourful birthday décor, giving guests an unforgettable visit!
The resort’s gastronomic offerings will also be expanded with brand new dishes on the menus and the opening of two Café di Roma outlets, one located in the Mediterrània area and the other at the Hotel Villa Mediterránea. The Vinosfera restaurant will also be offering tapas and wine, giving guests a real taste of Spain.

In addition to these special events are top attractions such as the exciting Furius Baco, which has become one of the visitor’s favourites, along with Hurakan Condor and the thrilling Dragon Khan rollercoaster.

15 years of excitement and experience
Since it opened its doors back in1995, the theme park has become a major leisure and holiday destination, with four themed hotels, (Hotel Villa Mediterránea, Hotel El Paso, Hotel Caribe and Hotel Gold River), an aquatic park for the whole family, and an area for relaxing by the sea, the Beach Club.
At the end of 2009, PortAventura established itself in the Tourism and Business sector with the opening of the PortAventura Convention Centre. The PortAventura Convention Centre has the capacity to accommodate over 4,000 people in an area of 14,500 square metres. The space is equipped to host various events such as trade fairs, conventions, seminars and banquets.

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