Great days out

Since re-opening in 2015 and expanding in 2017 after additional investment, Dreamland has been delivering exciting experiences for international visitors across its estate. Offering vintage rides, the park is currently free to enter. Here Anne Coates shares her experience.

Over 3,000 objects from around the world exploring the fundamental question of what it means to be human go on display this week as the Horniman’s much-anticipated World Gallery opens to the public. The 600 sq m gallery opens following a major redevelopment of the historic South Hall to provide a bright and contemporary setting for the Horniman’s world-class anthropology collection. Anne Coates went along to preview.

Experience the magic of sitting in your own bird’s nest, take an exhilarating all-night moonlit ramble, hunt for glow worms, build dens or join a seashore safari! Wildlife Trusts across the UK are offering hundreds of nature-tastic events during the first ever Big Wild Weekend which runs from 16 to 17 June, 2018.

The View from The Shard is teaming up with the friendliest bull in town, Fredinand to create exciting entertainment for all the herd. London’s tallest attraction is hosting a range of fun-filled activities throughout the day, all free with a general admissions ticket. Children and adults alike can take part in a Ferdinand-inspired treasure hunt to help find his favourite flowers, and spot some of London's most iconic landmarks along the way! The Coates family scaled the heights and were delighted.

Olivia Coates went along to experience the new Christmas feature, Hogwarts in the Snow, at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. For the first time ever, the iconic Yule Ball makes up part of the Studio Tour’s festive makeover and Olivia, a huge Harry Potter fan, was enchanted.

During her press trip to Bodrum, Turkey, Anne Coates experienced the total relaxation of a boat trip hosted by Barbados Yachting.

Congratulations to the winners of our Silverstone Classic competition – they're in for a treat on the 40th anniversary of James Hunt’s world championship-winning season.

Two lucky families won family tickets to Rave-A-Roo at the Ministry of Sound in London. Harriet and Anne Coates went along to enjoy the experience as well.

With Spielberg’s BFG released on 22 July, locations across England will be brought to life on the big screen. And, with celebrations gearing up for the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth on 13 September, there’s an abundance of scrumdiddlyumptious activities to get involved in across the country this summer.

One of the highlights of Arundel Castle’s events calendar, the Castle Siege saw visitors transported back to 1475 where they were captivated by French and English troops locked in a dramatic battle for control of the Castle. Olivia Coates and family attended.

Paultons Park just revealed their latest attraction: Lost Kingdom. Olivia Coates reports on a delightful day spent there.

Arden and her father Phil Viner have been members of Sea Life Brighton for many years. Here eight-year-old Arden with just a little help from her father, reviews two new attractions at the aquarium: the Seahorse Nursery and Secrets of the Reef Coral Gardens.

For Easter the Coca Cola London Eye has teamed up with the west end production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Olivia Coates reviews the experience.

This Easter, The Coca Cola London Eye is thrilled to announce it will be partnering with Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, bringing a scrumptious taste of Wonka’s world and the acclaimed West End Musical to the South Bank as it introduces “The View of Pure Imagination” immersive Easter experience, from 25 March to 9 April, 2016.

Celebrating the centenary of the birth of one of Britain's best loved authors, The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl is a fantastic experience for children aged from seven to 12 (and adults)  – exciting, exhilarating and inspiring. At the Southbank Centre until 3 July, 2016 when it transfers to Cardiff.

Edirne is a city which needs a lot more time than the one day allocated during the Thrace trip organised by the Trakya Development Agency. However one attraction that should be on everyone's itinerary is the Beyazid II Complex which includes the Health Museum, writes Anne Coates. 

Butterfly World in Hertfordshire offers a value-for-money great day out for families as Ian Robinson discovered. 

Ian Robinson visited Whipsnade Zoo, part of the Zoological Society London which is actively engaged in conservation work. Here he reviews what's on offer and accessibility,