Wed. Nov 20th, 2024

A play area in Staffordshire has some special summer entertainment on offer to keep the fun flowing for families during the holiday season.

Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn, owned and managed by Chillington Hall estate, has proved a huge hit since opening earlier this year and the family-run attraction is gearing up for a busy six weeks when schools break up.

With spacious play areas both indoors and outside, there is bundles of high-energy fun to be had, come rain or shine.

The central turret inside the barn allows children to explore a series of bridges, high-level walkways, tunnels, slides and ropes. Step outside and the adventure continues with zip lines, swings, slides, sand pit and a designated toddler area.

For budding Lewis Hamiltons, the Hockerhill pedal go-kart track starts outdoors before heading inside on a winding tarmac track, where thrill seekers can channel their inner Formula 1 and set their best lap time.

There will also be some special guests paying a visit to Hockerhill during the holidays.

Visitors can enjoy readings from a local author on Thursdays throughout the holiday period, with three storytelling sessions a day from local resident Jess Mills’ book about a travelling turtle, Wendy Wanderlust. She will also host craft sessions.

On Monday, July 29, youngsters can meet a real-life princess when Rapunzel drops in to Hockerhill. She will host face painting, glitter tattoos, photo opportunities, autograph signing, arts and crafts.

On other dates there will be the chance to do some pottery painting with local company The Codsall Hive.

Charlie Giffard, custodian of Chillington Hall and Estate, said: “Our all-weather playground is designed to challenge, entertain and inspire and we are bringing in some special guests this summer to enhance that experience.”

“We encourage our young visitors to explore, learn and have adventures, whilst adults are catered for with plenty of delicious food, and drink and comfortable chairs, knowing all the needs of their family are met.”

Early birds can enjoy a delicious breakfast from 9am or pod served stone baked pizzas and delicious Snugbury’s ice cream, or the indoor food and drink counter, serving hot food, fresh sandwiches, cakes and other treats and refreshments, all produced as locally as possible.

Spacious outdoor seating and picnic benches provide the perfect place to refuel, with a mouthwatering choice of locally-sourced healthy and indulgent options to suit all tastes.

For more information and to book, visit: www.hockerhill.com

Pre-booking is recommended. Tickets for two hours’ play during the summer holidays are £8 for adults, £12 for children (3 – 18 years) and £7 for toddlers (1-2 years) and can be purchased from www.hockerhill.com  It is open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm on Saturdays and bank holidays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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