Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buckinghamshire-waddesdon-manor-nr-aylesbury-sat-10-sun-18-feb">BUCKINGHAMSHIRE: <a href="https://waddesdon.org.uk">Waddesdon Manor</a>, nr Aylesbury, Sat 10 &#8211; Sun 18 Feb </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Untitled-design-51.jpg" alt="DOODLE JAM WADDESDON MANOR BUCKS" class="wp-image-156128" /></figure>



<p>While the main House is closed for winter, all the action at <strong>Waddesdon Manor</strong>  is down in the Coach House with the brilliant Doodle Jam. Illustrator <a href="https://www.upagainstthewall.co.uk/work/peaks-h82em-3s48z">Scott Walker</a> has created giant Waddesdon-inspired doodles during this free, drop-in activity, where kids can colour as they wish. The grounds are still open so you can let the kids play on the woodland playground before making your way down to the Stables where the café remains open.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berkshire-legoland-windsor">BERKSHIRE: <a href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/">LEGOLAND Windsor</a> </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Adventure-Golf-outer-space-course-courtesy-of-Legoland-Windsor.jpg" alt="Legoland Windsor new Adventure Golf" class="wp-image-87393" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Adventure-Golf-outer-space-course-courtesy-of-Legoland-Windsor.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Adventure-Golf-outer-space-course-courtesy-of-Legoland-Windsor-600x338.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Adventure-Golf-outer-space-course-courtesy-of-Legoland-Windsor-1000x563.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<p>If you’ve got a couple of days to fill, let&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/">LEGOLAND Windsor</a>&nbsp;take the strain. All the usual adrenaline-fuelled fun but, if the weather&#8217;s pants, make a beeline for the new adventure golf course which is like a trippy explosion of colour (in a good way). They&#8217;re also running a stonking <a href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/short-breaks/offers-and-packages/brick-week/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2RlUIPTpbYNRxOUwc7CApMpjIIwd_BR7qthJBlV5rSgcknWCI2rB850aAuhzEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">half term offer</a>, which includes a overnight stay in a Lego-themed family room at the onsite hotel, entry to the park, and a swim in the pirate-themed pool. For parents, there’s breakfast, free parking and wifi. For day trippers, there are some great <a href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/brick-week/#Tickets">Brick Week</a>&nbsp;deals during half term and they&#8217;re running Brick Day activities for young builders. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxfordshire-blenheim-palace-woodstock-sat-10-sun-18-feb">OXFORDSHIRE: <a href="https://www.blenheimpalace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blenheim Palace</a>, Woodstock, Sat 10 &#8211; Sun 18 Feb</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="843" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/375461938_701100802057637_7053915260663332126_n-e1707305904453.jpg" alt="Blenheim Palace Woodstock Oxfordshire aerial shot if palace and grounds" class="wp-image-87396" /></figure>



<p>Glamorous, grand and there&#8217;s acres fun for the kids. <a href="https://www.blenheimpalace.com/">Blenheim Palace</a> in Woodstock, you&#8217;ll find arts and crafts, activities and storytelling at this stonking Oxfordshire estate. Kids can hop on the miniature railway down to The Walled Garden with its maze and pop-up sheep petting pen and make sure you stop off at the new adventure playground too. The bonus? Kids eat FREE at the pizzeria with paying adults. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hampshire-nbsp-festival-of-the-moon-winchester-until-sun-18-february">HAMPSHIRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/festival-of-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festival of the Moon</a>, Winchester, until Sun 18 February</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/01/Festival-of-the-Moon-min-1-955x1000.jpg" alt="Festival of the moon in Winchester cathedral - Luke Jerram" class="wp-image-33027" /></figure>



<p>More Luke Jerram you cry? Oh go on then! His impressive Museum of the Moon has landed in Winchester for the first time this February. Featuring detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, moon-gazing at his super-sized installation in the nave of the Cathedral is included in general admission tickets. Also on, book for special moonlit events and activities including craft, a talk on the planets and even a silent disco.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warwickshire-spectacle-of-light-compton-verney-until-sun-18-feb">WARWICKSHIRE: <a href="https://www.comptonverney.org.uk/event/spectacle/">Spectacle of Light</a>, Compton Verney, until Sun 18 Feb </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="675" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Compton-Verney-spectacle-of-lights-2024_-7.jpg" alt="Spectacle of light, Compton Verney " class="wp-image-87279" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Compton-Verney-spectacle-of-lights-2024_-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Compton-Verney-spectacle-of-lights-2024_-7-600x405.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Compton Verney’s&nbsp;Spectacle of Light&nbsp;is back until&nbsp;18 Feb.&nbsp;Take the kids and Fido, wrap up warm and take in the beautiful installations. There’s food from Digbeth Dining Club too when you get to the end – what more do you need!&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-devon-pulp-nbsp-bovey-tracey-until-sat-13-apr">&nbsp;DEVON: <a href="https://makesouthwest.org.uk/all-activity/pulp">PULP</a>,&nbsp;Bovey Tracey, until Sat 13 Apr</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/RosaYoo1.jpeg" alt="Rosa Too, PULP, Make South West exhibition Jan-April 2024" class="wp-image-62042" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rosa Yoo&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>



<p>This fascinating exhibition looks at paper in all its forms – a material with a history extending as far back as 100BCE China – and reveals this ubiquitous material in a vast array of unexpected guises, from paper flowers to clothes and jewellery, and featuring a selection of original specially commissioned works, alongside International artworks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worcestershire-nbsp-go-ape-treetop-challenge-were-forest">WORCESTERSHIRE: &nbsp;<a href="https://goape.co.uk/locations/wyre">Go Ape Treetop Challenge</a>, Were Forest </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="781" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Go-Ape-Treetop-Challenge-at-the-Wyre-Forest-in-Worcs-1000x781.jpg" alt="Go Ape Treetop Challenge " class="wp-image-87282" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Go-Ape-Treetop-Challenge-at-the-Wyre-Forest-in-Worcs-1000x781.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Go-Ape-Treetop-Challenge-at-the-Wyre-Forest-in-Worcs-600x468.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Go-Ape-Treetop-Challenge-at-the-Wyre-Forest-in-Worcs.jpg 1094w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Got a head for heights? Then take them to the brilliant&nbsp;Go Ape Treetop Challenge&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Wyre Forest in Worcs. Muddy loves it, because it&#8217;s one of the few activities that genuinely works for all ages. Ascend to the highest canopies (if you dare, or just wave at them from the ground) and have a go on the obstacle course and fast zip wires.&nbsp;Set in one of Britain’s largest remaining ancient forests, with its enormous Douglas fir trees – they don’t call the Wyre the Valley of the Giants for nothing. Perfect for thrill seekers and fearless mini-bouncers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kent-howletts-wild-animal-park-nr-canterbury">KENT: <a href="https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/whats-on/kids-go-free-at-half-term/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Howletts Wild Animal Park</a>, nr Canterbury </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/howletts.jpg" alt="Fun things to do near me in Kent. Adorable lion cubs at Howletts Wild Animal Park." class="wp-image-97379" /></figure>



<p>Kids go&nbsp;FREE&nbsp;at&nbsp;Howletts Wild Animal Park (until <strong>Sun 18 Feb</strong>), housing some of the world’s most endangered and wild animals with over 390 animals, including Kent’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and the introduction of the adorable lion cubs, Zemo and Zala. Children aged 0-15 years can enter Howletts for free and receive vouchers to claim at sister park, Port Lympne Hotel &amp; Reserve. A fun-packed, wild day out for the whole family. Maximum of 3 kids per booking and on advance online bookings only.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devon-gaming-content-creator-experience-exeter-phoenix-thu-15-feb">DEVON: <a href="https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/gaming-content-creator-experience/">Gaming Content Creator Experience</a>, Exeter Phoenix, Thu 15 Feb</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kid-gaming-Pexels-picture-.jpg" alt="Girl playing computer games" class="wp-image-87310" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kid-gaming-Pexels-picture-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kid-gaming-Pexels-picture--600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Screen time that educational (come on, go with it). Kids aged 11-17 can join a team of gaming experts at Glitch eSports Arena, Exeter, for a fun-packed day learning how to record and create their own gaming video content, recording software to capture their gameplay and voice, and going head-to-head in a Minecraft build battle. Free but places limited.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sussex-south-downs-dark-skies-festival-various-locations-sat-10-sun-18-feb">SUSSEX: <a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/dark-night-skies/dark-skies-festival/">South Downs dark skies festival</a>, various locations, Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dark-skies-festival-.jpg" alt="Windmill in front of starry night sky " class="wp-image-87287" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dark-skies-festival-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dark-skies-festival--600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by: Dark Skies Festival </figcaption></figure>



<p>Twinkle twinkle, the annual celebration of the South Downs returns for another year speaking it’s way through a week of guided stargazing events and tie-in activities in Sussex, many free or low cost and most family-friendly. There’s beach-side star gazing, a nocturnal animals walk and the chance to use a proper telescope and see the magic under a new lens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warwickshire-festival-of-archery-warwick-castle-sat-10-mon-19-feb">WARWICKSHIRE: <a href="https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore/events/february-half-term/#tickets">Festival of Archery</a>, Warwick Castle, Sat 10 – Mon 19 Feb </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/02/Untitled-design-1493.jpg" alt="Warwick Castle festival of archery " class="wp-image-52417" /></figure>



<p>Man the forts! Warwick Castle&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore/events/february-half-term/#tickets">Festival of Archery</a> is back with a fascinating show of archers battling in the grounds, and make sure you leave time to explore Zog Playland and the&nbsp;<em>Horrible Histories</em>&nbsp;maze. Book one of the log cabins or glamping tents if you fancy making a break of it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hertfordshire-magical-mischief-warner-bros-harry-potter-studio-leavesden-until-thu-16-apr">HERTFORDSHIRE: <a href="https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/magical-mischief/">Magical Mischief</a>, Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio, Leavesden, until Thu 16 Apr </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Magical-Mischief-at-Warner-Bros-Harry-Potter-Studio-.jpg" alt="Harry Potter studios " class="wp-image-87292" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Magical-Mischief-at-Warner-Bros-Harry-Potter-Studio-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Magical-Mischief-at-Warner-Bros-Harry-Potter-Studio--600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/magical-mischief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magical Mischief</a>&nbsp;at Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour (until 16 Apr), where the secrets to the filmmaking trickery in the movie franchise will be revealed, including the invisibility cloak and the fireplace letter scene at 4 Privet Drive, and look out for the pesky Cornish pixies on the loose.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suffolk-west-stow-anglo-saxon-village-amp-country-park-west-stow-sat-17-sun-25-feb">SUFFOLK: <a href="https://www.weststow.org/whats-on/details.cfm?id=874747&amp;ins=1301790">West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village &amp; Country Park</a>, West Stow, Sat 17 – Sun 25 Feb</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/02/Unknown-3.jpeg" alt="west stow" class="wp-image-24957" /></figure>



<p>Teen Tolkien fans can head to&nbsp;West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village &amp; Country Park&nbsp;to experience the popular&nbsp;<em>Lord of the Rings</em>-themed family challenge, with a brand new Quest trail in the Park for 2024. Kids can visit the Ring Quest displays, the Hobbit Hole and Mirkwood (watch out for the huge spiders), see an enormous dragon guarding its treasure, meet Halbarad the Ranger of the North and try their hand at archery. You may even meet a friendly Orc! There’s also a special talk and tour&nbsp;<em>The Real Middle Earth</em>, taking place on&nbsp;<strong>Sat 10 Feb</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devon-mars-war-and-peace-exeter-until-wed-28-feb">DEVON: <a href="https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/whats-on/events/mars-war-peace-by-luke-jerram/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars: War and Peace</a>, Exeter, until Wed 28 Feb </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/mars-jerram.jpg" alt="Mars: War and Peace by Luke Jerram " class="wp-image-63266" /></figure>



<p>Always a visual treat, artist Luke Jerram returns to&nbsp;Exeter Cathedral&nbsp;with&nbsp;<em>Mars: War and Peace</em>&nbsp;– an awe-inspiring 7m-diameter globe hanging in the cathedral’s nave, with detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface and sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer, Dan Jones. If you liked Luke Jerram’s Earth, you’ll love this.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cornwall-the-lost-gardens-of-heligan-st-austell-nbsp-until-sun-18-feb">CORNWALL: <a href="https://www.heligan.com/events/events-at-heligan/half-term-at-heligan-love-heligan/">The Lost Gardens of Heligan</a>, St Austell,&nbsp;until Sun 18 Feb </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/12/Heligan-Rope-Bridge.jpg" alt="The lost gardens of heligan" class="wp-image-25501" /></figure>



<p>Last year&#8217;s Muddy Award winner for best family attraction, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are always a half term hero. This month, the theme is all about luurve with family-friendly activities like the &#8216;Love Heligan Trail&#8217;, hands-on activities in seasonal crafting, including planet earth paper chains, love &amp; hope dove decorations and Heligan Valentine card decoration. You&#8217;ll also get time to explore the stunning gardens which boast a whopping 200 acres waiting to be explored. Plus, all activities are included within Garden Admission price – how could we resist? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nottinghamshire-festival-of-science-and-curiosity-until-fri-16-feb">NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: <a href="https://nottsfosac.co.uk">Festival of Science and Curiosity</a>, until Fri 16 Feb </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Festival-of-Science-and-Curiosity.jpg" alt="Girl wearing science contraption at Nottingham festival of science " class="wp-image-87346" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Festival-of-Science-and-Curiosity.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Festival-of-Science-and-Curiosity-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Nottingham’s <a href="https://nottsfosac.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festival of Science &amp; Curiosity</a>&nbsp;is always an imaginative, interactive whirlwind of a treat and it’s back from Mon 5 – Tues 16 February to celebrate the wonders of science. There’s a jam-packed programme of free, family-friendly events including robot building, bath bomb making, magnets, craft and Lego. Check out the fun-filled programme and book a place asap.</p>


Road trip! Things to do with the kids outside London this Feb half term

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