Posts Tagged ‘chessington world of adventures’

5 Places To Take The Kids This Half Term

February 22nd, 2011

February half term has arrived, so why not treat the kids to a fun-filled short break and make it a school holiday to remember?

Spend some quality time with your family and enjoy an exciting adventure to one of the following attractions — just don’t forget your camera.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort — African Adventures

Come along to Chessington this February half term and enjoy your very own African Adventure. Stay at the on-site safari-themed hotel; explore the Zoo and SEA LIFE centre, home to a wonderful variety of fascinating creatures; and even check out the brand new attraction Azteca, a mystical city deep beneath the sea.

Experience face painting, have a go at jewellery making, enjoy African drumming and much, much more. Dine at the new Zafari Bar and Grill overlooking the Wanyama Reserve and delight in a true African experience.

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Alton Towers Resort

Join in the fun at Alton Towers Resort this half term. Stay on-site at the family friendly Splash Landings Hotel, located just a stone's throw away from all the best attractions and be at the heart of the action. Enjoy a variety of rides open especially for half term from the ever popular Runaway Mine Train to the terrifying rollercoaster Nemesis and even check out the tropical waterpark — the kids will love it. If you don't fancy staying on-site, why not relax overnight in a nearby hotel and enjoy a break to suit you!

Alton Towers Resort

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Paultons Park

Book a fun-filled trip to Paultons Park today and get a second day FREE. Located on the edge of the New Forest, Paultons has over 50 different rides and attractions for both thrill seekers and younger visitors and is a wonderful world of adventure. Explore the Land of the Dinosaurs, check out the Magic Forest and even brave the swinging Pirate Ship. Enjoy two whole days of fun and make your half term extra special.

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Eden Project

Home to the world’s largest greenhouses alive with crops, wildlife and even waterfalls, the Eden Project is a fascinating place to explore. A family-friendly attraction, the kids will love the play areas, stepping stones, short cuts and hiding holes and if they get hungry there are plenty of places to enjoy a tasty meal.

What’s more, come along and discover the fantastic Rainforest Time Quest open this half term. Travel back in time as you venture deeper and deeper into the jungle meeting explorers along the way and get set for an encounter you won’t forget! Book today and enjoy two days for the price of one!

The Eden Project

Paultons Park

Warwick Castle

Head to Warwick Castle for a fascinating adventure this half term. Retrace the steps of royalty including King Henry VIII and take in the grandeur of this historic attraction. Explore the creepy dungeons, take a trip to the top of the towers and unfold a host of gruesome history. Young princesses and princes will love the Pageant Playground, so let their imaginations run wild and enjoy an educational and entertaining short break. Book today and take advantage of our second day FREE offer, ideal for half term.

Warwick Castle

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While the kids are off school, make the most of your time together and create memories to last a lifetime. Take plenty of pictures and on the next rainy day make an album or a collage to savour.

Top Five Ways To Spend Valentine’s Day

January 25th, 2011

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so why not plan a surprise for the one you love?

Whether you think Valentine’s is wonderfully romantic or disgustingly soppy, it is always nice to treat someone special, so here are five top ideas to help make your Valentine’s one to remember.

Cook a Romantic Meal

You don’t have to blow lots of money at a fancy restaurant to enjoy your evening. Send the kids off to the grandparents for a few hours, light the candles and serve your loved one’s favourite meal in the comfort of your own home.

If you are nervous about cooking, dig out an easy and simple recipe the week before and get all the ingredients before the big day arrives  — this should help you relax on the night. Decorate the table with roses, play the background music and enjoy a romantic evening together.

Enjoy a Movie Night

The cinema has always been seen as a great place for a date, so why not head out for a few hours and watch something on the big screen? You could even go out for a romantic meal and reminisce over the year’s gone by.

Valentine’s is on a Monday this year, so if you don’t fancy heading out after a busy day at work, you could always watch your favourite movie at home. Rent some films, buy some popcorn and chill out in front of the TV with a hearty take away meal.

Go Shopping

The weekend before Valentine’s, why not treat your lover to a shopping trip? Tell them you will buy an outfit of their choice and watch their delight as they pick something extra special off the rails.

Ok, so this may seem like one for the girls, but if your husband or boyfriend wants a new suit or the latest rugby shirt then this is the ultimate treat.

With goodies in toe, why not slip away for a romantic lunch together and make a day of it? Head to the nearest confectionary store to buy some chocolates for later and enjoy a rather indulgent weekend.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Turn your Valentine’s Day into a Valentine’s weekend and plan a host of fun activities. Enjoy a long walk, or a bike ride and spend quality time in the great outdoors. Find a country pub and enjoy a quiet drink or grab some lunch in a hidden brasserie. If the mood takes you, why not even put the slow cooker on in the morning of one of your outings and return to a fantastic casserole or a delicious stew? Wrap up warm and enjoy a wonderful few days together. 

Take a Short Break

This Valentine’s, treat your loved one to a short break away and spend some quality time together. Book a trip to the Eden Project for a few days and admire the beauty of this wonderful attraction, or pre-book a break to one of the country’s fantastic theme parks, which open later in the year.

Give your loved one something to look forward to by arranging a break to THORPE PARK, or Chessington World of Adventures Resort and if you really can’t wait why not go along to one of the themed weekends at the Alton Towers Resort, taking place until March.

Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s this year and spoil the one you love.

Theme Parks Get Festive

December 14th, 2010

It’s finally December, which can only mean one thing – the countdown to Christmas has begun. Hurrah!

If you’re thinking about a festive break this winter, then look no further than a theme park get away. Although most of the rides are now in hibernation throughout the cold months, there is plenty of seasonal cheer happening at the parks.

Alton Towers is hosting a range of entertainment to keep the whole family happy. Book to stay at one of their onsite hotels and enjoy a Santa Sleepover, Festive Break or New Year Celebration package. Not only can the kids meet Santa and his reindeer, you’ll also have access to the tropical waterpark and SEALIFE Centre as part of you package.

Drayton Manor is holding their Magical Christmas event until 2nd January 2011. Celebrate the festive season with Thomas the Tank Engine in Thomas Land, head down to the Farmer McColl’s farm or watch a Christmas film in the 4-D cinema. It’s the perfect treat for the kids this Christmas.

Chessington World of Adventures is also getting into the Christmassy spirit with their very own Father Christmas Sleepovers.

Whichever break you choose, you and your family are guaranteed a brilliant time.

What To Do with the Kids This Half Term

October 19th, 2010

It doesn’t seem like 5 minutes since the children went back to school after the Summer Holidays and already October Half Term is fast approaching.

With loads of Halloween and Fireworks events taking place, there has never been a better time to treat the family to a theme park break, without it costing a fortune. Thankfully, Play and Stay are are here to help you plan your trip.

If you are looking for something spooky to do with the family this Halloween that will even be suitable for the little ones, then plan a holiday to Chessington World of Adventures and go to Hocus Pocus between the 22nd – 31st October. If you book now you will get 2 days for the price of 1, meaning twice as much family fun.

For these older ones who aren’t afraid to be frightened to the max, THORPE Park is hosting it’s famous FRIGHT Nights event now. Visit the nations thrill capital on the 15 — 17 and 22 — 31 October for lots of terrifying fun. Be warned, this is not for the faint hearted and definitely not suitable for the younger kids.

Alternatively, Alton Towers is holding their Scarefest event, which caters for all ages. Come along between the 16th – 31st October and experience all of the tricks and treats Alton has to offer it’s visitors. There are horror mazes for the brave one’s among you and family fun entertainment for the younger ones. Or, if you’d rather give Halloween a miss, then the Alton Towers Ultimate Fireworks display is a must. From the 5th – 7th November you can book a break with Play and Stay to see the magical event.

LEGOLAND® Windsor is also hosting their annual Wizard’s Fireworks display on the 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st October and 6th November. It’s the perfect family break away, with rides, fireworks and a hotel stay all included in the price. And on certain dates you can get your 2nd day in the park for FREE!

So what ever age your kids are, with so much going on, there is something to suit everyone! See www.playandstay.co.uk for more information and our latest prices.

Top Attractions for Toddlers

September 7th, 2010

It’s September and everyone has gone back to school. So, what better time to take your little one’s to a theme park!

There are plenty of rides to keep toddlers entertained. And what’s best, the queues will be a lot shorter as it’s off-peak season! Here’s our selection of rides for kids under 5…

Alton Towers Waterpark

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LEGOLAND®
LEGOLAND really does cater for younger children, with so many of it’s attractions and rides aimed for this age group. Kids will love to see the LEGO models in the LEGO Creation Centre. Or they can design their very own LEGO car in the Rocket Racers area. For something a bit more adventurous, 3-5 year olds get the chance to race their very own LEGO car in the L Drivers zone. Even better, children under 3 years old get into the park for FREE! Hurrah!

Alton Towers
For a real treat, plan a family trip to the Alton Towers Waterpark. The younger children won’t be able to go on all of the big flumes, as restrictions apply, but there is The Little Leak pool, which is shallow enough for your kids to have plenty of fun in! Or take a visit to the pirate themed aquarium. Sharkbait Reef is full of sharks, fish and rays for you to see. Be brave and dip your fingers into the UK’s only Tropical Interactive Pool!

Chessington World of Adventures Resort
If the kids want even more driving experience, take them to Chessington for a ride on the Tiny Truckers. Or if they have lots of energy, let them run around the Dragon’s Playhouse. This indoor soft play area is the ideal place to let them have some fun! Alternatively, take some time out of your busy day at the park and enjoy a live show. The Dragon’s Tale Theatre has shows running throughout the day at 11am, 1pm or 3pm (see site for more information) and join the characters as they embark on a safari themed adventure.

You don’t need to go onto the biggest roller coasters to enjoy a day out at a UK Theme Park, see what else there is to explore and book your family break today.

Top 10 Queue Busting Tips

July 21st, 2010

Want to beat the theme park queues this Summer? Simple, just follow our 10 helpful tips…

1. Print at Home Tickets
To save time, buy your tickets to the park on line and print them out at home to avoid the queues at the entrance gates. All our themepark tickets are print at home, just print off the email attachment, stroll past the ticket queues and scan your barcoded ticket at the entrance – easy!
 
2. Plan in Advance
If you’re going in a large group, have a look at the park map and plan which rides you want to go on BEFORE you arrive. This way you’re not wasting time deciding which rides to go on all day.
 
3. Go Outside of School Holidays or during weekdays
School holidays and weekends are obviously the busiest times for theme parks, so if you can, go when the parks are quieter and the queues are shorter.
 

Stay overnight at a hotel and beat the queues the following morning!

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4. Book a Break
Stay the night before your visit and head to the park ready for opening time, that way you’ll be first onto the most popular rides or stay late and enjoy the rides once everyone else is heading home and head to your hotel for the evening. In fact why not do both and book yourself in for a proper family adventure.
 
5. Start at the Back of the Park …..
and work your way forward! Everyone else will be starting at the front, so this way you’re more likely to get on the rides quicker.
 
6 Have a Late or Early Lunch
Visit the big rides when everyone else will be eating – usually around 12 – 2pm – and hopefully there will be less people in the ride queue and you may avoid the lunch queue too!
 
7. Fast Track Tickets
Although they cost extra money on top of your entrance ticket many people say they are well worth it. Fast Track tickets are a great way to beat the queues on the most popular rides. Simply pay at the stand for your ticket and head straight to the front of the queue! LEGOLAND Windsor offer Q-bot from just £10pp which queues for you on the most popular rides, you can just turn up at your allocated time straight into the fast track entrance.
 
8. Stay at the On Site Hotel
By staying at an on site hotel the night before you can be first in the queue the following morning AND beat the crowds. During school holidays Chessington give 30 minutes early ride time to those staying at the on site Holiday Inn Chessington.
 
9. Download the App
THORPE Park have now launched their app for the iPhone which helps you keep up to date with the queue times while you are actually at the park. Brilliant!
 
10. Visit the Most Popular Ride First
This way, even if you do have to queue, at least you know you have been on it! And if you get into the park nice and early, the queue is likely to be shorter.
 

Stay Longer and Save – Summers Deals Not To Be Missed!

July 12th, 2010

Turn a day trip into a mini break and keep the kids entertained for longer this summer.

With so many fantastic deals out there right now, be sure to make the most of them and get real value for money. Here’s our guide to the best offers around this summer. All you need now is your sunscreen and sunglasses and you’re ready to have some summer fun!

Stealth at Thorpe Park

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LEGOLAND®
Can’t decide which them park to take the family to this summer? Well now you don’t have too. If you book a break at LEGOLAND you can get your 2nd day at the park FREE! Now the kids will have plenty of things to look forward to throughout the holidays! Hurrah!

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES
If you are already planning a trip to Chessington this summer holiday you’ll want to make the most of this deal. Book now and you can stay for a second night at the Holiday Inn Chessington for only an extra £10 per room! From the huge selection of rides to the animals in the zoo, there is something everyone will enjoy.

THE EDEN PROJECT
Don’t worry if theme parks aren’t your thing, you can still benefit from these summer deals. The Eden Project is the perfect place to spend a relaxing summers day walking around the beautiful gardens and taking in the Cornish scenery. If you book a break now, you will get 2 days for the price of 1. Everyone deserves a summer break so book now and make the most of this unmissable deal.

Why not turn your break into a real adventure and explore the surrounding area too. You can add on attractions at each park when you book a break and you’ll receive even more great discounts. Visit places like the London Dungeons or the Waterpark at Alton Towers and make the most of your break. Happy holidays!

Splash Out at UK Theme Parks

July 8th, 2010

Make the most of the hot weather and visit one of Britain’s theme parks for a great day out.

There are so many unmissable water rides, but don’t worry if you get soaked, it’ll take no time at all to dry off in this heat. Here’s a list of the UK’s very best water rides for you to enjoy this summer. See how wet are you likely to get with our very own SOAK-O-METER! Whether you want to get absolutely soaked or you want to try to stay mostly dry, there’s something everyone will enjoy.

Tidal Wave

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1. Tidal Wave at THORPE PARK
The Tidal Wave flume at THORPE PARK is not for the faint hearted! Not only will you plummet at a massive 85ft, you will get VERY, VERY wet. If you really need cooling down, stand on the bridge by the ride and get soaked by the enormous wave without having to go on the ride. The thrill seekers among you will want to go on again and again. It’s the perfect ride on a very hot day.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 5/5 Absolutely soaked!

2. Rameses Revenge at Chessington World of Adventures
Prepare to get very wet on the Rameses Revenge at Chessington. You will be turned upside down and round and round, while being drenched by the giant water fountains that will be spraying into your screaming faces! Definitely one for the adults, you will love this iconic ride.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 4/5 Very wet!

3. Congo River Rapids, Alton Towers
Most of the theme parks have a rapid river. In this one the giant inflatable rings float around a giant river while you get sprayed with waterfalls, shoots and other surprising features. Staying completely dry is near enough impossible unless you protect yourself in a waterproof poncho. It may not be the most stylish accessory, but it’s a theme park necessity!

SOAK-O-METER rating: 3/5 Take your waterproof!

4. Depth Charge, THORPE PARK
Have a race with your mates on this giant water slide. Shoot down the slide on a yellow inflatable boat and see who gets to the bottom first. You don’t get THAT wet on here, it’s all about who reaches the bottom first! Don’t worry, this is nothing compared to the Tidal Wave.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 2/5 Just enough!

5. Monkey Swinger, Chessington World of Adventures
This is a great ride that the whole family can enjoy. The monkey swinger is basically a giant carousel with swings and water shoots that soak you as you go round and round. This is great fun on a summer’s day, and even the faint hearted among you will enjoy this gentle swing.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 1/5 A light spraying!