Make 2017 The Year of Adventure...

January can be a miserable time of year, the excitement of Christmas is over, there are bills to pay and the weather is pretty rubbish. There is one way to escape the dreariness of the long cold nights and put a smile on your face, and that is to plan your adventures for the year ahead!

Why not get comfy on the couch, crack open the popcorn and pop on a DVD or two and watch dreams being made, challenges being overcome and history being made in some of the greatest adventure movies Warner Brothers have to offer?

You could watch Tarzan run through the jungles of Africa where he was raised, sing along with Dorothy as she journeys down the yellow brick road and finds some friends along the way, or follow Peter's adventures as he yearns to discover who he really is and becomes the boy who wouldn't grow up.

Then follow their lead and plan your own year of adventure travelling to somewhere you've always dreamt of, finally climbing that mountain or exploring your favourite city for the twentieth time but still managing to find something new to discover...

We have a very special adventure planned for our family this year and we'll certainly be watching some movies to prepare. Next month we will be taking our children abroad or the very first time and they will be taking their first trip on an aeroplane!

As well as that epic adventure, well be creating lots of memories within the UK too, with camping trips planned, days out mapped out and lots of unplanned escapes on the cards too.

Do you have any adventures planning this year? I'd love to hear all about them...


Disclosure: We received a DVD bundle in exchange for writing this post.

What's Happened? What's Happening? 22/10/2015

Welcome back to the latest #WHWH linky, we are deep into October and if you're anything like us, the heating is on and the winter coats are out! We've been enjoying reading about outdoor adventures this week and getting excited about our plans for the upcoming half term, as well as Halloween and bonfire night.

 We really appreciate you joining in and sharing your posts with us and it would make us both very happy to see you include our #WHWH badge in your post or on your site. The more people that join in with our lovely community the more exciting places we get to discover and fabulous events we get to read about. We can't wait to get busy pinning, sharing and commenting on all of your posts this week!

 'What's Happened?' this week took us to the movies, to a music festival and even to Disney World Florida, but the post that stood out to us the most was a fun yet educational day at Warwick Castle from In The Playroom and her family.  From the chance to try archery, see a working trebauchet and learn about medieval times which also having lots of fun in the fresh air, it sounds like the perfect Autumn day out!

Photo credit: In the Playroom

'What's Happening?' saw some great posts linked up, full of ideas for fast approaching school holidays. If you are looking for family fun in the Greater Manchester area then don't miss these posts on half term happenings from Red Rose Mummy and The Brick Castle.

The one post that had us both planning trips to West Yorkshire for some spooky Halloween fun was from Yorkshire Tots.  They have something for every family from spooky interactive films to Pumpkin Festivals and even Freaks in the Forest...

Photo credit: Yorkshire Tots

What have you been up to? What are you planning?


We'd love you to link up your blog posts to What's Happened? - featuring events, days out, holidays, film, theatre and restaurant reviews and any other 'happeneds'. What's Happening? is the place for you to link your event previews, ongoing events and ticket giveaways.


We read and comment on every one and share on Twitter, Facebook. Google+, Pinterest and StumbleUpon.


We've created a brand new #WHWH Facebook Page is where we'll be sharing all of your posts from now on so please head over and give it a 'like'.


There is also a Pinterest board where we pin all of your posts, feel free to follow it.

Follow What's Happened? What's Happening? on Pinterest.

As always, please grab our badge to show you've joined in and point your readers in our direction.

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An InLinkz Link-up

An InLinkz Link-up

What's Happened? What's Happening? 8/10/15

The madness of back to school led to a wee break for #WHWH but we're back this week to showcase all of your events posts once again. We really want to push this linky as it's your posts which make it successful and we're really hoping to be busy pinning, sharing and commenting on all of your posts from now on.

Our favourite posts from What's Happened last time around couldn't be more different. I love reading about people's travels as a family, the more exotic the better and the lovely Five Adventurers' post about their stay at a very exotic hotel in Malaysia - The Best Family Hotel in Chiang Mai - was a fascinating read. The amazing villa they stayed in, complete with their own pool, looked simply perfect for a family holiday. The hotel and it's extensive grounds and activities really seem to set it apart from the run of the mill. I really admire the way Nisbah travels the globe with her gorgeous family and her writing is great Head on over to take a look at her blog if you haven't visited before.

Photo Credit: Five Adventurers

The second post from last time that we loved was ET Speaks From Home's take on their traditional British seaside holiday to Southbourne Beach in Dorset. My co-host knows Eileen well and can't quite imagine her on a caravan holiday but it looks like they had a lovely time. Dorset is such a beautiful county and the kids had lots of fun in the sea and pool on their caravan site. I love the photo of the seafood platter dinner they ate, isn't it amazing?

Photo Credit: ET Speaks from Home



What's Happening saw two giveaways linked up. One has now closed but you can still enter my giveaway to win an amazing Great Yarmouth break in 2016. It just might be the perfect UK holiday so make sure you enter!



What have you been up to? What are you planning?


We'd love you to link up your blog posts to What's Happened? - featuring events, days out, holidays, film, theatre and restaurant reviews and any other 'happeneds'. What's Happening? is the place for you to link your event previews, ongoing events and ticket giveaways.


We read and comment on every one and share on Twitter, Facebook. Google+, Pinterest and StumbleUpon.


We've created a brand new #WHWH Facebook Page is where we'll be sharing all of your posts from now on so please head over and give it a 'like'.


There is also a Pinterest board where we pin all of your posts, feel free to follow it.

Follow What's Happened? What's Happening? on Pinterest.

As always, please grab our badge to show you've joined in and point your readers in our direction.

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An InLinkz Link-up

An InLinkz Link-up

What's Happened? What's Happening? #WHWH 10/09/15

The last week or two has all been about fitting a few final days out into the summer holidays and getting ready for the start of the new term. Like many other four year old's my daughter started reception last week and is loving it so far, choosing to go into class without me from the second day!

Both our families love the outdoors so we have been making the most of the summer and getting out and about visiting local parks, camping and exploring the countryside. It was lovely to see so many linked up posts showing outdoor adventures so we've chosen a nature theme for this weeks round up. 

We really enjoyed reading about LifewithNaomi's Hedgerow Safari at Gazegill farm near Rimmington. It sounds like a really fun activity that both our families would enjoy. There are some beautiful pictures of a pair of baby shrews and a young toad that you must check out. If you live in the area I would suggest contacting the farm and finding out when the next free event is planned.

The second post we are featuring is InthePlayroom's write up of their day at Drusilla’s Park in Sussex. As our children love animal this seems to be an ideal place to visit if we are ever in the area as it offer lots of interactive activities from sensory trails to the zoolympics. As well as interactive walk through animal exhibits both our girls would adore the Hello Kitty Secret Garden, Europe's only Hello Kitty themed attraction!

What's Happening? was a little lonely last week however we loved We're Going on an Adventure's Ten Reasons Why York Maze is Amazing, with the puntastic laughs, the money back map and the friendly staff, it's somewhere that's certainly on our must do list for the future.

What have you been up to? What are you planning?


We'd love you to link up your blog posts to What's Happened? - featuring events, days out, holidays, film, theatre and restaurant reviews and any other 'happeneds'. What's Happening? is the place for you to link your event previews, ongoing events and ticket giveaways.


We read and comment on every one and share on Twitter, Facebook. Google+, Pinterest and StumbleUpon.


We've created a brand new #WHWH Facebook Page is where we'll be sharing all of your posts from now on so please head over and give it a 'like'.


There is also a Pinterest board where we pin all of your posts, feel free to follow it.

Follow What's Happened? What's Happening? on Pinterest.

As always, please grab our badge to show you've joined in and point your readers in our direction.

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An InLinkz Link-up

An InLinkz Link-up

What's Happened? What's Happening? #WHWH 27/08/15

With the Summer holidays drawing to a close our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram timelines have been jammed with bloggers and their families getting out and about together both in the UK and abroad. It was great to see so many of you link up again last time and we're looking forward to seeing your further adventures this week. I apologize that I'm a little behind with commenting as I've spent a significant part of the last two weeks in a tent without internet access but I will be catching up this week, I promise!

There were so many lovely posts last time and we've chosen a holiday theme for this round up. Both The Brunette Says and Mummys Little Stars chose to holiday in the UK this Summer and their posts were a great recommendation for staying at home.

Mummy's Little Stars holidayed at Perran Sands in Cornwall with Haven. I'm a big fan of this site, having stayed there twice and highly rate it so it's good to see  another blogger who feels the same way. The week on the beach and being entertained around the site looked wonderful for the whole family. We can't wait to return next Easter!

Photo Credit: Mummy's Little Stars

Our second UK Summer holiday feature was shared by Lianne at The Brunette Says. With eleven years between her children it's important that their holiday destinations really keep the whole family entertained, They chose Butlins in Skegness this year and the lovely photos show that a great time was had by all. This is another UK holiday park that we have stayed at and enjoyed.

Photo Credit: The Brunette Says

What's Happening saw a few lists of ideas for things to do, pleasingly (for us anyway) they all had a Northern England bias and there are some top tips for getting out and about in there. We loved Helpful Mum's '16 Things to Do in North Yorkshire this Summer', with everything from ice cream to soft play and castles to butterflies covered, Sian gives a great local's view of her particular part of the world. We've visited a fair few of them already but there are some intriguing ideas that we weren't familiar with and they are suitable for a range of budgets too.

Photo Credit: Helpful Mum

What have you been up to? What are you planning?


We'd love you to link up your blog posts to What's Happened? - featuring events, days out, holidays, film, theatre and restaurant reviews and any other 'happeneds'. What's Happening? is the place for you to link your event previews, ongoing events and ticket giveaways.


We read and comment on every one and share on Twitter, Facebook. Google+, Pinterest and StumbleUpon.


We've created a brand new #WHWH Facebook Page is where we'll be sharing all of your posts from now on so please head over and give it a 'like'.


There is also a Pinterest board where we pin all of your posts, feel free to follow it.

Follow What's Happened? What's Happening? on Pinterest.

As always, please grab our badge to show you've joined in and point your readers in our direction.

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An InLinkz Link-up

An InLinkz Link-up

Majorca - Sun, Sand and Family Adventure...

Image credit First Choice

Do you dream of lying on a beautiful sandy beach sunbathing all day with a cocktail in one hand and a book in the other?

Turn the clock back ten years and that's what I looked for in a holiday, now I have children and holidays are different. As a parent, holidays are about adventure and quality time together, they are packed with fun and tire me out so much I'm asleep by ten every night instead of partying until the early hours! When I was twenty I wouldn't have believed you if you told me I’d much rather be hiking through the mountains than lying by the pool, but now I wouldn't have it any other way. 

As you may know, we love camping and exploring different parts of the UK, but there is a large part of me that wants to take my family further afield. I'd love to take my children to the holiday destinations of my teens. The Balearic Islands aren't just about getting a tan and dancing until the early hours, there is so much more to a holiday in Majorca and I've been putting together a list of the places we'd love to visit on the island. 

Image credit Life of Spicers

Majorca Safari Zoo

What children don't love a zoo? The Majorca Safari Zoo allows you to ether take the Safari Train or drive through the open terrain to see giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras, gazelles and many more exotic animals.

Palma to Soller Vintage Train Ride

My children both love trains and I can only imagine their excitement at the idea of travelling in the vintage mahogany panelled carriages of this quaint railway that takes you back to a time almost forgotten.

Castell de Bellver

We love castles and Castell de Bellver offers stunning 14th century architecture and the Palma History Museum provides a brief overview of the legacies that various civilizations have left the city, a great educational addition to our adventures.

Lluc Monastery

High in the Tramuntana Mountains stands the ancient Monastery of Lluc, offering breath-taking views and a real taste of Majorca History.  

What do you look for in a family holiday? Do you prefer to relax on a beach or get exploring with your children?

This is a collaborative post.

How Travel Habits Have Changed Over the Last 30 Years

James Villas, the leading villa tour operator in the UK celebrate their 30th anniversary this year (It's not just me turning 30 in 2014!) and to commemorate the occasion they commissioned a study into the changing travel trends over the last three decades.

The study of over 2700 Brits uncovered some fascinating insights into how our holiday habits have changed. Back in 1984 a hop over the Channel to France was the second most popular short haul destination, now it's not even in the top three as we favor Italy, Spain and Greece. Our tastes have changed when we are thinking further afield too, Australia has overtaken the United States as the most wished for long haul destination.

The way we book our holidays has changed too. Do you remember the days when high streets were full of travel agents? You'd go in and grab a selection of brochures to browse though, then return and book your trip. These days 72% of us book our travels online and 42% check out reviews on TripAdvisor before deciding on our destination.

One of the things that has led these changes is our increasing reliance on technology.  You don't need me to tell you how much we have become dependent on our technological possessions. I imagine that the majority of you are reading this on a smartphone or tablet! A third of those questions admitted that they could not take a holiday without their mobile phone and the average person will check theirs 4.5 times a day when on holiday!

It's good to know that some things just don't change. Today just as thirty yeas ago the British holiday goers most most important holiday essential is a good old paperback book!

You can read about some more interesting changes in the below infographic.

James Villa Holidays - 30 Years of Travel Infographic


So do you agree with those questioned? Is a private pool your ultimate holiday luxury? Do you still pack a paperback or do you enjoy your holiday reads on a kindle?

I've really enjoyed reading about the research and just how much holidays have changed in my lifetime. I wonder how things will look in another thirty years time? Will we be taking our trips even further afield do you think?

This is a collaborative post.

Visit Dublin: Five Must-See Attractions

Visiting somewhere for the first time can be a little daunting, especially when it’s a thriving, metropolitan city that is teeming with sights and attractions. Dublin certainly falls into this category, with its streets full of Georgian architecture, museums and top-notch attractions to fill your time. Book into one of the Travelodge hotels in Dublin and take a look at these five must-see attractions to add to your itinerary.

Dublin Castle

The Guinness Storehouse – it’d be sacrilege if you visited Dublin and didn’t take an afternoon to wander the renowned brewery. After all, the black stuff is one thing that the city is famous for, and a tour of the Storehouse is highly recommended. Buy your ticket online to avoid the queues and the on-the-door prices.

The Old Jameson Distillery – Sticking with booze, this whiskey distillery is also a must. Learn more about the smooth, triple distilled whiskey and enjoy a tot or two as part of this fabulous tour.

Dublin Castle – Crammed with artefacts that will help you to immerse yourself in its history, Dublin Castle should be high on your to-do list.

The Book of Kells – Located in the Old Library at Trinity College, the Book of Kells is arguably the most beautiful book in the world, with intricate, lavish detailing dating back to the 9th century.

Kilmainham Gaol – At 200 years old, this prison has its fair share of stories. It was first used in 1796 and a guided tour of the gaol will introduce you to Irish crime and punishment, as well as more about the country’s history.

You almost certainly won’t be able to appreciate Dublin in it’s entirety during a short break. However, if you plan your time wisely, you can enjoy as much as you can; you could always book a return trip the Emerald Isle anyway!

Posted in collaboration with Travelodge

Dreaming of a Summer Holiday....

As the weather gets colder and snow and ice is predicted for the next few weeks I can't help but allow my thoughts to drift to next summer's holiday. So far we have stayed in the UK since we started our family either in holiday parks, caravan's or camping and we've had a fantastic time, but now the children are that bit older I've started thinking about taking them further a field and as France is a place I've visited regularly before I became a Mummy, it would be the perfect place to start!

One decision we would need to make is how to get there? This great little infographic from Brittany Ferries weighs up the the pro's and con's of travelling with your family by Ferry and By Plane...

With the convenience of taking as much baggage as we want, less time waiting around and the bonus of free wifi, I know what my choice would be!

Image source: Brittany Ferries - Ferry To France VS Plane

Posted in collaboration with Brittany Ferries

What to do this half term in Manchester?

It's almost half term and if you're anything like me you'll be looking for some fun activities to keep the children entertained these school holiday's so I thought i'd do a round up of some great activities and days out around Manchester this half term! Some free, some have great offers on and other's are more of a well deserved treat...

Half Price Bowling for kids at Dog Bowl

This half term kids can enjoy a game of bowling for half price at Dog Bowl on Manchester’s Whitworth Street West, meaning there’s no need to let boredom set in over the holidays.

From Monday 28th October until Friday 1st November kids will be able to bowl for just £2 per person from 12pm-6pm as part of the half term offering.  

Why not make a day of it and have lunch too? Kids are catered for in the restaurant with a specially devised three course children’s menu available for just £6.50 which includes a soft drink. With options including pork tacos, tortilla pizza and spanish inspired churros, the Tex-Mex menu is sure to keep the niños happy at mealtimes!

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester

The LEGO pumpkins are back! From the 19th Oct – 3rd Nov you can expect freaky fun at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre as MINILAND is taken over by glow in the dark ghastly ghouls and frightful phantoms! Join the hunt through MINILAND and count the ghost Minifigures, build a LEGO brick Witch in the Model Builder's Workshop, and check out the LEGO bats and spiders around the attraction. There will be spooky fancy dress contests on Saturdays and Sundays with daily chances to win annual passes to the the attraction as well as other tricks and treats! There will also be scary facepainting for all children who attend the attraction over the weekends. If you want to read more about LEGOLAND Discovery Centre check out our Days out.

Big Imaginations Family Theatre Festival

From the 18 October to 3 November 2013 Children's Theatre is coming to the North West.

 The Big Imaginations Festival is part of the nationwide Family Arts Festival and celebrates brilliant children's theatre.  From the classic showdown between the Hare and the Tortoise and a re-imagining of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night to the world's first projection-mapped pop up book and the spine-tingling terror of Spooky Tales, the festival showcases the best in children's theatre and fires the imaginations of young ones - from toddling two-year-olds to sophisticated pre-teens. Take a look at what we thought of the launch (Where I met Mr Bloom!) and check out the full selection of shows and venues on the website...  http://www.bigimaginations.co.uk/

The Big Draw at IWMN

The Imperial War museum North at Salford Quays is one of our favourite local museums, as well as being free the exhibitions are always really interactive and accompanied by activities for the whole family to get involved in. 

Families are being invited to take part in the world’s largest drawing festival this October at IWM North, 

visitors can take part in The Big Draw 2013 by creating their own works of art inspired by IWM North’s 

collections. Meet an artist whose work is on display, come face to face with a walkabout artist character, 

or enjoy free storytelling sessions, performances and workshops. Find out more on their website... www.iwm.org.uk 

 

So what will you be doing this half term? I'd love to know your plans...