The festive season is the perfect time of year to wrap up warm and head off on an adventure. To help Britons make the most of our £35 room offer, we have compiled a day-by-day list of fun Staycation ideas over the 12 Days of Christmas. It’s the ideal solution to keep the children entertained during the holidays!
1. A Peartree at Blenheim Palace, Oxford
25th December
If you want to alleviate the pressure on friends or family to accommodate you on Christmas Day, why not do as so many Travelodge customers do every year, and use one of our hotels as a spare room? The Great Outdoors Christmas Spectacular features over a million lights, lasers and seasonal sounds in the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens, where families can discover glittering tunnels of light, trees drenched in jewel-like colour, and perhaps a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way!
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2. Turtle Doves in Hyde Park, London
26th December
Hyde Park makes for a fabulous family stroll at the best of times, but the Hudson Memorial Bird Sanctuary, a beautifully carved memorial dedicated to William Hudson, a 19th-century naturalist, is home to a little–known gem of a bird sanctuary that’s just perfect for a Boxing Day walk as a family. Complete with scarves, gloves and hats, families will marvel at the incredible small birds such as goldcrests, wrens, blackbirds, robins and doves as they enjoy a natural winter wonderland.
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3. French Quarter and Dippy the Dinosaur, London
27th December
On the third day of Christmas, London’s French Quarter in South Kensington is the perfect place to enjoy a croissant and coffee before visiting the Natural History Museum. Located just a short hop away from the London Fulham Travelodge, the nation’s favourite dinosaur Dippy is back to visit the museum and will be displayed until 2nd January 2023. Dippy was the first Diplodocus to be displayed anywhere in the world after it was gifted to the National History Museum back in 1905.
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4. Calling Birds of Prey, Wales
28th December
Based within the National Botanic Garden of Wales, the British Bird of Prey Centre features many different species of Owls, Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Kites, Buzzards and Kestrels. Families can enjoy flying displays during their visit, where shows are designed to educate visitors on the importance of conservation as well as provide exciting entertainment.
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5. Gold Accolade Cathedral, Lichfield
29th December
Awarded the prestigious Gold Accolade by Visit England, Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval three-spired Cathedral in the UK. The Gold Accolade is only awarded to the top-scoring sites in the country, aiming to recognise and reward those attractions that go the extra mile to create an outstanding visitor experience’. This year the Christmas Tree Festival runs until 2nd January, offering a wonderful selection of real Christmas trees which have been decorated by local businesses, schools and charities.
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6. Geese and Playing, Maidstone
30th December
Kent Life in Maidstone is a real working farm where heritage and family sit side by side on 28-acre grounds. The farm showcases and breeds traditional farm animals – and the Cuddle Corner is always a hit with the kids. With sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, donkeys, goats, poultry, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, ducks, alpacas and… geese, there are plenty of animals to keep kids happy. Children can also enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, paint pot studios and tractor rides, while parents can relax with some homemade cake in the tea room.
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7. Swansea Stopping, Swansea
31st December
Thousands of families flock to Swansea every year to visit its famous ‘Waterfront Winterland’. Open till 8th January, Winter Wonderland features an ice walk, ice rink, food stalls, festive funfair with a big wheel and the ever-popular “Alpine Village” attraction. There’s a host of funfair attractions and a range of food and drink, providing a perfect setting for socialising.
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8. Parade Made for Viewing, London Picadilly
1st January
Editorial credit: JessicaGirvan / Shutterstock.com
Every year on New Year’s Day, dancers, acrobats, cheerleaders, marching bands, historic vehicles and more assemble in the heart of London for a colourful celebration of contemporary performances and traditional pomp and ceremony, with huge balloons, music and confetti filling the air. With more than 10,000 performers representing the London boroughs and countries from across the globe, this fantastic event usually attracts many spectators and live television broadcasts in the UK and abroad. Watch the parade for free from the sidelines of the London streets or purchase a ticket to sit in one of the viewing grandstands along the route.
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9. Lights are Dancing, Yorkshire
2nd January
Experience one of the country’s largest and most creative light displays set on the grounds of the historic Stockeld Park Estate in Yorkshire. Dazzling light effects, a captivating soundscape and animated installations come together through almost a mile of beautiful, ancient woodland in our Enchanted Forest. This event takes place from dusk and is open for all ages, from children to grandparents! The Winter Illuminations are open until 3rd January.
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10. Lord it Leaping, Brighton
3rd January
Editorial credit: Miew S / Shutterstock.com
For a festive treat, take a spin on an outdoor ice rink at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. Dubbed the UK’s most picturesque ice rink, it is suitable for children and powered entirely by green energy! This year the ice rink is open to the public until 8th January 2023.
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11. Bagpipes and Piping, Glasgow
4th January
Glasgow has its finger on the pulse all year round where the arts & culture world is concerned, and even in the dreariest of winter months this dynamic city really shines. Families on a visit to the city can see and hear about the Heritage of the Great Highland Bagpipe at the famous Museum of Piping National Piping Centre. The museum’s themed display focuses on the Scottish tradition, with bagpipes thought to date back to the 18th century on show.
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12. Drummers Drumming, Edinburgh
5th January
Expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour this festive season as Edinburgh Castle becomes the ‘Castle of Light’ for a third year. Visitors can look forward to stunning visuals, state of the art lighting installations and Rex, the famous red lion, back to guide them. This year he’s got some new friends with him to help children of all ages explore the hidden treasures of the castle.
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