Friday 28 April 2017

Fun Day Out at The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth

We really are spoilt for choice for fun days out in Devon, whether you are looking for some free fun or a jam-packed day out there really is something for everyone. 

The National Marine Aquarium 


A few weekends ago we visited the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. It's the UK's largest aquarium attraction and a great day out! 

As an added bonus if you pay once you can visit again free for a whole year! That makes it great value for money if you are local. 


We had a guided tour of the aquarium which the kiddies loved! 
They have different zones throughout the aquarium including...


  • Plymouth Sound
  • Eddystone Reef 
  • Ocean Drifters 
  • Atlantic Ocean 
  • The Biozone 
  • Great Barrier Reef





As well as being a fun day out the aquarium is also a marine charity. 


'The National Marine Aquarium is the charity dedicated to raising awareness of the oceans, the challenges they face and the ways in which we can all help ensure they have a sustainable future. With this in mind, our mission statement is to drive marine conservation through engagement and we do this through visitor interaction, teaching more than 30,000 school children and running conservation projects here in the UK and abroad'.

You could easily spend an entire day there as there's so much to see. They have a cafe (with amazing views) on site or alternatively, you can pack a picnic and use their dedicated outside picnic area (if the weather is nice). 





The boy loved walking under the sharks! He just couldn't get his head around how we were underneath them and kept ducking every time they swam over us. 



We had a really lovely day out and would definitely recommend the aquarium if you are looking for a fun indoor day out in Devon. 





Useful Information  

Opening Hours

Aquarium

Open Daily 10:00–17:00
Latest Admissions: 4pm

How to Get There

National Marine Aquarium
Rope Walk
Coxside
Plymouth
PL4 0LF
United Kingdom
To find out more about The National Marine Aquarium visit their website

Wednesday 5 April 2017

Devon Egg Hunt - Easter in Devon

This week we have been taking part in the Devon Egg Hunt with Devon Top Attractions. 


Day One - Crealy


On the first day, we visited Crealy near Exeter. The weather was amazing!





The boy finally plucked up the courage to go on the Twister roller coaster!



Event: M'egg'a Easter Egg hunt.
Date: 14th - 17th April 2017


'Taking place over the bank holiday weekend (*14th - 17th April 2017), join us for our biggest and best Easter egg hunt ever where we will be giving away 10,000 free eggs! To get yours, simply collect your map from Guest Services, follow the clues to find the stamps, and once you've found them all you can collect your egg from Guest Services or from Buttons the Bunny on the Piazza Stage at various points across the weekend.'



Day Two - Kent's Cavern


We spent the second day at Kent's Cavern in Torquay. Lowenna was a little scared of the darkness in the cave to start with but soon got used to it. 

They both really enjoyed digging for gem stones in the kids activity area. Henry really surprised me as he already knew most of the names of the gem stones. Apparently, they are all in Minecraft. Who knew Minecraft could be educational!

After we went into the caves the kids completed their dinosaur trail. 












Events: Dino Quest & Easter Egg Hunt
Date: 1st - 23rd April 

'Go underground this Easter! Fun cave tours all day every day with lots of Easter activities to complete - you'll even get an Easter surprise'




Day Three - Powderham Castle


The third day we spent at Powderham Castle, also near Exeter. We visited their science lab where the kids learnt all about eggs. They also did some Easter crafting. 

We completed two of their trails and the kiddies got a medal each at the end. 





Events: Mad Science & Easter Fun
Dates: 2nd April - 13th April & 14th April - 17th April

"The Essence of Eggs - an egg-themed mad science  event, with an egg quiz, egg decorating, egg display and egg-speriments!"

'Children can join in the Easter fun and games and follow the bunny trail to win a tasty treat from south west chocolatier Chococo!'

It's been a very busy 3 days! What are your plans for the Easter holidays?