Who has some time off in between Christmas and New Year? Here are some fun things to do with the kids in this weird in between period!
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Hit the Ice
This is your last chance to go ice skating at one of the winter ice rinks. These ones all have skate aids available for younger children too. I took Ashley (3) ice skating for the first time at Chiltern View Ice Rink and she absolutely loved it!!
Chiltern View Ice Rink in Aylesbury – they have an offer on for £5 tickets Monday to Thursday 10am – 7pm.
Windsor on Ice – on Tuesdays kids skate free at Tiny Tuesdays. The maximum age for this is 7.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – the ice rink here is in such a beautiful setting with the palace as the back drop.
Go See a Light Display
If you missed out on going to a light trail in December, or just fancy another one then now’s the perfect time to go! They are often a lot quieter after Christmas, but just as magical!
Winterfest at Wembley Park
On until 4th Jan 2022
This is a completely free light trail at Wembley Park. It’s only a short trail but has some really lovely installations. The showstopper at this display is the 25ft LED Christmas tree. It’s a great way to combine some sale shopping with something fun for the kids. Everyone wins!
Central London Light Displays 2021
Various dates
London never fails to disappoint with it’s impressive light displays. Here are some of the best free displays for you to have a walk round.
- Carnaby Christmas Kaleidoscope – Get ready to be immersed into a kaleidoscope of shimmering neon butterflies!
- Oxford Street – shimmering stars fall down over the street
- Covent Garden – see London’s biggest hand-picked Christmas tree and see snow fall every hour. You’ll also find an immersive LEGO installationn, a Frozen takeover and traditional Christmas Village.
- Belgravia – a classic all white display lights up Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street, Pimlico Road, Eccleston Yards and Halkin Arcade
- Regent Street – watch the 45 golden angels flying high above the streets
- Bond Street – the luxury shopping street is lit up with beautiful peacock inspired lights
- Southbank Centre – Winter Light is a free open-air exhibition with ten exciting lightwork
Winter Light at Waddesdon Manor
On every day until 1st January and then Thurs – Sun 6th – 23rd January
Explore the light trails around the beautiful grounds of Waddesdon Manor. See the Manor illuminated and an interactive light trail. Make sure you see the whole trail as it’s split into sections and I know some people have missed the part on Miss Alice’s Drive.
Click here to buy tickets.
Twilight Trail in Reading
On until 31st December
This is a brand new light trail and features innovative light installations that mirror the biscuit making process. The trail is very family friendly and has lots of interactive elements. It will take you around an hour to get round so it’s not too long for the kids either.
Click here to buy tickets.
Lap of Lights at Silverstone
On until 3rd January
For this light trail you drive around Silverstone race track and take in the lights from your car. This is the trails second year and they’ve expanded it this year to include ice skating (although it’s on one of those fake no ice rinks) and a ski chalet type area with live entertainment and food/drinks.
I’ll be honest I’ve heard mixed reviews on this, some people have loved it and others have said it’s just ok. So I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you fancy it.
Click here to book tickets.
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
On until 9th January
This is another new light trail this year. It’s family friendly with plenty of interactive bits and about an hour long. The reviews I’ve read of this trail have all been really good.
Click here to book tickets.
Christmas House Light Displays
The lengths some people go to with their home light displays are incredible! If you live around High Wycombe or Marlow then a few of my favourites are:
The Shepherd Family Christmas Lights
On until 5th January
This is an infamous house in Marlow Bottom with a truly epic light display which is all synced to music! There are 15 songs in total.
46 Hill Farm Road, Marlow Bottom, SL7 3LU
Hogwarts Express
Nathan and his Dad Andy for the last few years have recreated the Coca Cola truck in their garden. This year they decided it was time for a change and built the Hogwarts Express! The train is truly impressive and if you’re lucky enough you might catch the snow fall too!
You’ll find it on Bank Street in High Wycombe – use the postcode HP13 7DT and you won’t miss it!
Go to a Pantomime Show
You still have time to catch a panto show this year with most running until the new year.
Cinderella at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Snow White at The Elgiva Theatre in Chesham
Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal Windsor
Jack and the Beanstalk at Milton Keynes Theatre
Beauty and the Beast at Hexagon in Reading
Go on a Family Walk
There are loads of walks available on Baby in Bucks. Click here to view some of my favourites around High Wycombe.
Other local walks I love are:
Cliveden National Trust
Hughenden Manor
Rickmansworth Aquadrome
The Thames path from Marlow towards Hurley
Windsor Great Park
Go Out for Brunch
Make the most of having a lazy day and go out for a family brunch. Here’s a couple of my favourite family friendly brunch spots.
The Botanist in Marlow
Head to The Botanist for their build your own brunch menu with some seriously tasty choices. They cater really well for kids here too so we love to go as a family.
Click here to book.
Connexions Cafe in Princes Risborough
This is my favourite new cafe as not only does it serve the most incredible brunch but it also has a brilliant kids play area. Trust me you will love it here!!
Click here for my full review.
I hope these give you some ideas on what to do! Remember to tag me on Instagram @babyinbucks if you do any of these suggestions as I love to see what you get up to.
