May Baskets

 

Let us take our baskets early
To the meadows green,
While the wild-flowers still are pearly
With the dewdrops’ sheen.

Fill them full of blossoms rosy,
Violets and gay
Cowslips, every pretty posy
Welcoming the May.

Then our lovely loads we’ll carry
Down the village street,
On each door, with laughter merry,
Hang a basket sweet.

Hey-a-day-day! It is spring now,
Lazy folks, awake!
See the pretty things we bring now
For the May Day’s sake!

by Evaleen Stein

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Let’s have fun at the seaside

Family Fun at the Seaside

A day out at the seaside is fantastic fun for all the family, whatever your age! Enjoy an ice cream on the pier, stroll along the promenade, sunbathe on the beach, and have fun at the amusements or on the rides. Explore the many Norfolk visitor attractions at the seaside, or simply have fun on the beach with a good old bucket and spade!

Seaside towns

Norfolk’s seaside towns are full of activities, attractions and fun for all the family. Try Great Yarmouth‘s famous golden mile of attractions, with rides and amusements for children of all ages along the seafront, from crazy golf to thrilling rides at the Pleasure Beach. Or have a family day out on the beach, playing rounders, flying kites, building sandcastles, or just kicking back and relaxing. There are over 15 miles of beaches in the Great Yarmouth area, including the seaside village resort of Hembsy, meaning space for everyone to enjoy the sands. And with beach wheelchairs available from Great Yarmouth TIC, it means that all the family get to join in the fun on the beach.

Take in some seaside family entertainment on the pier at Cromer, or visit the traditional and picturesque towns of Sheringham and Hunstanton, and also Sea Palling and Mundesley, all of which were awarded the Blue Flag in 2011 for the safety and cleanliness of their beaches. Children can also enjoy a traditional donkey ride along the beach at Hunstanton or Great Yarmouth.

Find out more information about Norfolk seaside towns

Family attractions at the seaside

For 100 years of British history, take a trip to Yesterday’s Worldin Great Yarmouth. This extensive museum covers the era from Queen Victoria’s reign to the 1960s and with spectacular light and sound shows the past is brought to life. Browse the old fashioned sweet shop, have fun in the Hall of Mirrors and then enjoy a good old fashioned English cream tea in the café.

If you’re in Sheringham, then a must for all the family is a trip on the heritage North Norfolk Railway or Poppy Line, an exciting journey for all through Norfolk’s spectacular countryside. Be amazed at the marine birds and animals at either Hunstanton’s Sea Life Sanctuary or Great Yarmouth’s Sea Life Centre.

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Holiday poems

Holiday Wishes

 

We wish for you a holiday
That’s better than your dreams,
Filled with peace, good will and hope
And firelight that gleams,Overflowing with holiday spirit
Good food and holiday laughter;
And when it’s done, We hope that you
Live happily ever after!By Joanna Fuchs 

 

Special HolidaysWe’re thinking of you this time of year,
Wishing you happiness, joy, and cheer.
May all your days be warm and bright,
And your nights enhanced by holiday light.Enjoy your delectable holiday foods,
As parties and gifts create holiday moods.
Favorite people play a meaningful part,
While treasured rituals warm your heart.You are special to us in many ways,
So we wish you Happy Holidays!By Joanna Fuchs

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Things to do in Britain’s woods, walking, adventures and days out with the kids.

Whether you’re in the mood for an adventure or a peaceful stroll, there are lots of things to do in the woods. Follow the links below to find the perfect activity for you.

If you try any of these activities, we’d love to read about it on our blogs. Simply find a wood to visit, try the activity and then return to the wood’s page to write about it share and your photos.

 

Walking We’ve found some of the best woods for enjoying a walk in. Check out these downloadable guides and information on woods with way-marked trails.		Kids activities Keep the kids entertained no matter the weather with these free activities, from spotter sheets to parkour and much more.		Adventure Woods are the perfect place for adventure lovers and adrenaline junkies. Check out these activities to fire up the imagination and get the blood pumping.
Peace Get away from the hustle and bustle of modern lives. Getting back to nature with these stress-busting ideas will help you unwind.		Health and fitness Escape expensive and gyms and get out in to nature’s free gym. These free activities will help you improve your health.		Nature Learn how to identify trees, plants and animals and watch wildlife with these free nature spotting activities.

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10 HOLIDAY CAMPS UK

Top 10 UK Holiday Parks

 

Summer is upon us. The fresh air of the great outdoors seems to call out to us, tempting us to believe that wishes for clear skies and sunshine just might come true. What better way to make the most of the fair weather season than to take a break from the humdrum of everyday life. Holiday Parks in the UK offer all the amenities for the perfect getaway, and the home-away-from-home setting means that you’ll feel yourself relaxing as soon as you’re on your way.

Holidays are taken less often than they’re deserved and with a long weekend coming up at the end of August, why not take the opportunity to explore the unknown or head for your old favourite spot. Essential Travel has put together a guide to the Top 10 Holiday Parks across the UK to cater to your every desire.

If you have a favourite UK holiday park, we would love to hear about it. Let us know on Facebook or drop a comment in the box below.

For First Timers

Perran Sands Holiday Park, Cornwall

Image source: Haven Holidays / CC BY-SA

The untamed beaches of Cornwall make for a surfer’s paradise. And Perran Sands, with direct access to the beach and surfing school, is the perfect holiday location for anyone keen to catch a wave. The holiday park also offers heated indoor and outdoor pools and, for the less aquatically inclined, a sports court, paintball, adventure golf, kart hire, circus school and nature walks to explore Cornwall’s natural beauty. With the wide range of facilities, the convenience of a variety of restaurants and bars and the exquisite views, Peran Sands might just become your new favourite holiday destination.

Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Devon

Image source: Haven Holidays / CC BY-SA

This five-star holiday park sees guests returning year after year. Nestled on the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, many caravans overlook the sea and sandy beach below. Despite the exquisite cliff-top location, the award-winning beach can be accessed directly from Devon Cliffs, so the only difficulty will be deciding just how to make the most of your time. The holiday park boasts an indoor pool, a multi-level pool complex, boat trips and a luxury spa, as well as a variety of other activities, such as abseiling, archery, ice-skating and Laser Combat. There is also a range of restaurants and bars, and almost-around-the-clock entertainment to make sure that your holiday park experience is everything you could ever want.

For Families

Church Farm Holiday Village, West Sussex

West Sussex offers families the perfect getaway. With a holiday park operating there for more than 70 years, Church Farm is the expert in happy holidays for the whole family. The five-star holiday village has direct access to a nature reserve, lagoon and shingle beach so all the wonders of nature are just a few steps away from your comfortable self-catering accommodation. For the sporting enthusiasts, there’s Crazy Golf, gyroscopes, bungee trampolines, indoor and outdoor heated pools, tennis courts, a bowling green and a nine-hole golf course. If that isn’t enough to get you packing, there is also an array of day and evening entertainment – a large part of which is catered entirely to kids. To top it all off, Church Farm is pet-friendly to make sure that every member of the family gets to be part of your holiday experience.

Primrose Valley Holiday Park, North Yorkshire

Image source: Haven Holidays /CC BY-SA

UK Holiday Parks make for the perfect family holiday experience. The wide variety of activities and entertainment mean that there’s something to suit everyone. Primrose Valley is the epitome of this – set in coastal Yorkshire with exquisite views of Filey Bay, an array of activities to keep you entertained and direct access to a sandy beach, you’re guaranteed a memorable holiday. The nearby lake offers you the opportunity to take a boat trip or to try your hand at fishing. Sporting enthusiasts can head for the zipline, climbing wall, multi-sports court or Crazy Golf. The whole family can take a leisurely bike ride to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area or get your hearts racing in Laser Combat or at the Funfair. With so many activities to choose from, the hardest part of your holiday might be deciding what to do next.

For Young People

Image source: Haven Holidays / CC BY-SA

Thorpe Park Holiday Centre, Lincolnshire

Surrounded by fields and nature trails, and less than 200 yards from a sandy beach, Thorpe Park is the perfect getaway for anyone young at heart. Take the time to explore Lincolnshire’s natural beauty or make use of the great variety of activities on offer right at the holiday park. From dune buggies, paintball, abseiling and zipline to golf and lake fishing, there’s something for everyone. Head nextdoor to the Pleasure Island Theme Park to get your heart racing or wind down the day at one of the restaurants or bars while enjoying the live music and other entertainment. Thorpe Park is a favourite time and time again.

Bideford Bay Holiday Park, Devon

Bideford Bay is Devon’s answer to a memorable holiday experience. A short drive from Westaward Ho blue-flag beach and surrounded by the peaceful woodland area, this holiday park offers guests the perfect combination of exquisite natural beauty and an array of activities to ensure that you’re in the holiday spirit from the moment you arrive. Relax at the Spa Bath, head to one of the heated pools or experience the excitement of the flume or hydrodome. Sporting enthusiasts can enter the five-a-side Festival of Football and the nearby horseriding facilities are a great way to explore the area. So get your family and friends together and head to Bideford Bay for the holiday you deserve.

At The Beach

Seawick Holiday Park, Essex

What could be better than a holiday at the coast with the beach less than 500 yards away? Seawick Holiday Park is proud to be situated near to a number of beaches and offers guests the chance to really experience Essex’s beautiful coastline. There is also direct access from the park to St Osyth Beach, where Seawick Holiday guests are welcome to make use of any of the facilities. And after a day at the beach, you can head back to the holiday park to take a dip in the heated pool or try your hand at the many activities on offer. The adventure playground and on-site funfair are the cherry on top. There is also a selection of restaurants as well as breakfast and half-board available, to ensure that your holiday is completely hassle-free.

Peppermint Park Holiday Park, Devon

Image source: GaryReggae / CC BY-SA

Devon’s Jurassic Coast draws tourists year round. The rural scenery and picturesque setting see holiday park guests returning year after year. Surrounded by beaches, sand dunes and lakes, and close to the ever-popular Torquay, Peppermint Park is one of the UK’s top coastal holiday parks. With the added convenience of choosing between an on-site holiday home or to bring your own caravan and with the pet-friendly atmosphere, Peppermint Park is the perfect place for a beach holiday.

For Outdoor Activities

The Orchards Holiday Village, Essex

Image source: Haven Holidays / CC BY-SA

For an outdoor adventure holiday, head to the Orchards Holiday Village. Just outside St Osyth with a beach and nature reserve on either side, the outdoor activities are almost endless. The holiday village has direct access to a sandy beach, there’s a fishing lake with the chance to get fishing coaching, a boating lake for boat trips and pedal boats, a nine-hole golf course, crazy golf, a putting green, a bowling green and indoor and outdoor heated pools. And after an action packed day, you can head to one of the on-site restaurants or bars or enjoy relaxing to the sounds of the live music show or tribute band.

Allhallows Leisure Park, Kent

Close enough to London to escape for the weekend, but far enough to feel like you’ve had a holiday in the countryside, Allhallows Leisure Park is one of the UK’s top holiday parks. And with a variety of outdoor activities to keep you entertained, it might just become your favourite getaway destination. Guests can partake in horseriding or throw out a line at the lake. There is also a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, a multi-sports court and a bowling green, amongst other facilities. And for the water lovers, there is direct access to a sandy beach, as well as indoor and outdoor heated pools with inflatable slides and turbo paddlers. And with a variety of on-site restaurants and bars, including a pub on the banks of the Thames, you’re guaranteed activity-filled days and nights.

Image source: Haven Holidays / CC BY-SA

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