This half term broaden their horizons – right here in the Chilterns!

Date: 08th February 2023

Half-term is almost upon us and with changeable weather likely, you may be wondering how to keep your kids busy? Never fear, activities across the Chilterns are reopening and ready to roll!

Wear them out... outdoors!

Here are some fantastic ways to wear your kids out with outdoor space, fresh air and healthy experiences…

Chilterns ANOB

Ridgeway 50 activities

This year is the Ridgeway’s 50th anniversary since it was opened as a National Trail, so to celebrate, there’s a programme of discovery and events, which you can visit. View the Ridgeway 50 programme.

As well as these upcoming anniversary events, take a look at the #Ridgeway Spotter, a free monthly magazine challenging everyone to enjoy the Ridgeway and discover new seasonal sights, sounds and changes. The perfect guide to a walk anywhere along the Ridgeway, the whole family can discover more about our environment and history, as half term kicks off.

Animal-tastic fun

Are they big into animals? Visit Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park near East Claydon. This half term, discover The Zoo that Comes to You! Animal Adventures Week will bring puppets, music and characters to the farm, as well as the usual animal encounters, indoor and outdoor play areas, café and loads of space for running around. Sure to be a roaring success and available from 11^th – 19^th February, 10am – 5.30pm.

Widmer Farm Park is a brand new outdoor farm attraction between High Wycombe and Aylesbury with lots of animals that can’t wait to meet you. See Llamas, Alpacas, Sheep, Goats, Donkeys and Horses.

Family walks with cheese toasties, nature reserves and snowdrops!

Choose from the suggested circular walks on the Nettlebed Creamery website and grab a free copy of their children’s nature activity sheets. Points of interest on the walks include historic Nettlebed village and the Warburg Nature Reserve, one of the largest reserves owned by Bucks, Berks and Oxon Wildlife Trust and home to an incredible variety of habitats. Afterwards The Cheese Shed, at Nettlebed Creamery offers refreshments to families, cyclists, walkers and their furry friends.

Lane End is home to Lacey’s Farm – visit their website for details of three beautiful walks from the farm in and around the Hambleden Valley – a real gem at the heart of the Chilterns. The walks vary from an easy 1.5m farm trail, a 4 mile pub stomp and a more challenging 12m day out. Lacey’s Farm shop offers quality local produce including fruit and veg, bakery, delicatessen produce and dairy (kids will love their ice-cream!)

Braziers Park on the edge of Ipsden near Wallingford is a beautiful country house and estate housing an education and events centre. In February the grounds are carpeted in the most amazing snowdrops and the public are invited to a ‘Snowdrop Tea’ – explore the gardens and take tea and cakes in the house (11^th – 12^th). On Sunday 19^th February, there’s a fun-filled Forest School session suitable for all ages.

What to do on wet weather days…

Here are some ideas for challenging and keeping them busy, even in a downpour!

Discover Bucks Museum has a new exhibition until 15th April called Your Amazing Brain. Find out how your brain works with family fun activities including over 15 interactive puzzles and mind-bending illusions. Discover how your brain can play tricks on you and get ready for some surprising experiences!
For younger children, revisit the Roald Dahl Museum to get playful with all things Matilda :: drama workshops, behind-the-scenes insights, a chance to be creative with pottery and junk. Open 11th – 18th February from 10am – 4.30pm.
Explore West Wycombe caves for a spooky tour extending 0.25m underground. There’s a wide choice of thriving cafes in the area including the Apple Orchard Cafe café in West Wycombe and the Red Lion Tea Room tea room in nearby Bradenham.

Drop into Challenge HQ at Bletchley Park Find out how different parts of the Enigma machine worked to create a strong cipher; have a go at breaking Enigma communications or create your own secret messages. Or join in a fun, family-friendly Amazing People, Amazing Machines tour and discover the incredible people and machines at Bletchley Park during WW2. Suitable for families with children from 5 – 14 years accompanied by an adult.
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Quainton offers train rides behind a fabulously restored steam locomotive. There’s also an amazing museum full of engines, carriages and artefacts, a popular miniature railway and a large area dedicated to model railways. There’s also a restored Visitors Centre, café and gift shop.