We're All Going on a Book Hunt

Hopefully the next spate of bank holidays will be sunnier and warmer than these Easter ones just gone.

But if not, here are a few (literary) ideas for days out with the kids. Although, to be honest, I’ve done some of these without kids too and found them just as enjoyable. 

Roald Dahl Museum

Great Missenden

http://www.roalddahlmuseum.org/

Not your average stuffy museum by any means. In my opinion a museum with a chocolate room (it smells of chocolate, you can’t eat it, alas), makes this an instant winner. With loads of activities to entertain little ones, and the most exhuberant staff I’ve ever come across, this is well worth the trip. It’s also cleverly placed among a number of cute little shops for grownups to browse through which makes it worthwhile for everyone.

Thomas the Tank Engine

Events nationwide

http://events.hitentertainment.com/gb/home/index.asp?cid=fromThomasUK

My four-year-old nephew has Thomas the Tank Engine books, toys, lampshade, bed, toothbrush, wellies, underwear etc. So you might say he’s a real fan. Future trainspotters will love these events.

Your Local Library

At a time when many libraries are shutting their doors due to cuts in government funding, there’s never been a more pressing reason to visit one. Use it or lose it.

If you’re not already a member find your closest library here. Best visit the library and stock up on books to read prior to the bank holiday of course - it's likely to be closed then.

If you're struggling for entertainment for the kids outside of the bank holidays, many libraries do storytime for little ones too which is a great opportunity for you to let someone else do the entertaining for a few minutes and zone out. 

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

Bowness-on-Windermere, The Lake District

http://www.hop-skip-jump.com/

One of my childhood favourites: Jemima Puddle-duck, Mrs Tiggy-winkle, Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin – they’re all here ready to enthral your little ones, and take you for a trip down memory lane. And if you time your visit well, you can take tea with Peter Rabbit himself.

If you’re interested in the whole collection, the entire box set is available from The Book People at an absolute bargain.