days out with the kids

Family days out

Is a Kids Pass Worth It? My Honest Review – Mummy Conquering Anxiety

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PLEASE NOTE – this is my honest review of Kids Pass. Based solely on my own experiences. Before writing this review, I spent over two weeks constantly searching for deals and weighing up the costs.
Kids Pass

With another three weeks left of the school holidays in the UK, I thought it was the perfect time to share my honest thoughts on Kids Pass.

Hearing about Kids Pass

I first heard about Kids Pass in a local Facebook group and was deciding whether to sign up for one during our recent holiday. However, having looked at the type of holiday we were going on and the activities available in the area, I decided not to proceed.

Not being able to search for offers before signing up

One thing I didn’t like was that you couldn’t search for what was available in your area until you had signed up. This means the membership might not be useful for you, but you wouldn’t know until you had paid the £1.00 trial fee.

Signing up for Kids Pass

When I returned from holiday and had two weeks with my little one during the summer holidays, I signed up on the £1.00 offer. This gives you 30 days for free, after which you will be charged.

One of the main selling points of the pass – was being able to use this at a pub we visit regularly. However, upon closer inspection, they are offering 50% off the Wacky Warehouse, which no longer exists. The newly refurbished pub now has a small soft play area, which is completely free. I thought the offer was on food. It wasn’t. And I have contacted Kids Pass about it. They have responded confirming this will be passed to the offers team to update.

Have I used any offers so far?

I’ve spent two weeks trying my best to make use of some of the offers that fit our family’s needs, but I’ve come up with it not really working out in reality. When you factor in travelling costs against existing offers I can get elsewhere.

The clearest example of this I can give is:

There was a 10% voucher off at a Toby Carvery about 35 minutes drive from us. We were going out for my husband’s birthday breakfast and needed somewhere to go (a little discount is always welcome – more money to save or do other things!). But logging onto the Toby Carvery app and signing up for the first time, meant I got an offer for 25% off or kids eat free. We decided to use the kids eat free because this applied Monday-Friday and given our current circumstances, it’s unlikely we will all be together again as a family, during the week, until the next school holidays in October.

Finding better discounts directly with the vendor

My point is that I can find much better discounts online or through the retailer and book directly. With a bit of searching online, or by using cashback apps, you can often maximise discounts.

Referral link for Kids Pass

Everyone who signs up for the free trial is provided with a referral link. If you’ve read my blog before you will know I do share referral links for things I use. But on this occasion, I won’t be sharing mine for Kids Pass. The post in the Facebook group included a referral link and I have seen many other parents also sharing theirs.

Please check reviews & make your own decisions

I’ve said in my previous review posts, that you should always Google products, places to visit and services – and check the reviews before committing to purchase. Feel free to complete a Google search on Kids Pass and make your own informed choice about what is best for your family.

Blogger discounts

If you are looking for genuine discounts, the best ones I’ve ever used have been from other trusted bloggers, writing about their own experiences. Seek out someone you trust and follow what they say:

Here are some people I follow and I subscribe to their updates:

Neesha at The Fun Money Club

Claire Mac Blog – recommendations for school holidays

My reviews of Places to Eat & Family Days out

If you’re interested, you can check out my reviews below:

Places to eat

The Craft House in Bingley – Is It Worth a Visit?

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Places to eat

My Review of The Old Bridge Cafe In Skipton

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Places to eat

The Noble Comb Hungry Horse Pub in Shipley – MCA Review

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Family days out

Is a Kids Pass Worth It? My Honest Review – Mummy Conquering Anxiety

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Family days out

A Rundown of the UK Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

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Family days out

Worth Valley Railway – A Fun Packed Day Out

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Family days out

5 Fantastic Reasons To Visit East Riddlesden Hall

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Family days out Toddlers

The benefits of soft play at Kidzplay Shipley & other soft play centres

10
Family days out Parenting tips

My review of Billy Bobs Parlour, Skipton, North Yorkshire

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Until next time

I was unsure whether to post this review, but I did want to provide my thoughts on how the membership worked for me. I have since cancelled the trial because we simply wouldn’t make use of it.

I will leave the decision to you, as to whether it would benefit your family…

Kids Pass
Family days out

A Rundown of the UK Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

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In the lead-up to the weekend, I always seem to be on my phone researching the best places to take my little one. She is a recent school starter, full of energy and needs entertaining. Don’t even get me started on school holiday entertainment plans.

It’s that time of year, when I am looking forward to warmer weather and planning lots of family days out, to enjoy throughout the year. If you are doing the same, be sure to check out this great list of attractions. It’s always great to have something to look forward to!

The purpose of my new page FAMILY DAYS OUT – is to help other families find great attractions to visit -without researching them. Want to be featured? Feel free to contact me and check out more details here.

Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people.

Images are taken from the affiliated websites

Let’s dive into my list of the Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

Merlin Passes

You can book more than one adventure and save money! With annual passes starting from £99 per person, for over 200 Days of Entry (please do view the small print on the passes to ensure this fits with your circumstances).

  • Unlock access to the UK’s BIGGEST and best attractions for the smallest price
  • Off-peak entry only. Restrictions apply.
  • Over 200 Days Entry (view calendar)

attractions in Blackpool

  • Blackpool Tower
  • SEA LIFE Blackpool
  • Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play
  • Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse
  • Blackpool Tower Dungeon
  • The Blackpool Tower Circus
  • Madame Tussauds

attractions in and around Birmingham

  • SEA LIFE Birmingham
  • Cadbury World
  • Bear Grylls Activity Centre
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
  • Warwick Castle

attractions in Manchester

  • LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
  • SEA LIFE Manchester

attractions in London

  • London Eye
  • SEA LIFE London
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Shrek’s Adventure
  • London Dungeon

Image created by Canva

Other attractions

SEA LIFE Centres in the UK

  • SEA LIFE Bray
  • SEA LIFE Brighton
  • SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
  • SEA LIFE Hunstanton
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond
  • SEA LIFE Scarborough
  • SEA LIFE Weymouth

Merlin Dungeons in the UK

  • The York Dungeon
  • The Edinburgh Dungeon
Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

Short breaks

When visiting an attraction or theme park, it’s always great to stay overnight so you have more access to the array of things to do. Let’s have a look at Merlin Entertainments and their great offers – if you are considering visiting the theme parks anyway.

Short Breaks Offer – 2nd Day Free –

Add your 2nd Day in the Theme Park for Free when you book a Short Break


Chessington World Of Adventure – offer valid until 03/03/24

Chessington World Of Adventure is made up of 10 themed lands, Chessington Zoo and SEA LIFE.

WORLD OF ADVENTURE – Including Adventure Tree Carousel, Room on the Broom – A Magical Journey, the Tiny Truckers ride and Elmer’s Flying Jumbos.

CHESSINGTON ZOO – Hundreds of wild animals can be found in the zoo, with two live shows at Sealion Bay and Penguin Bay.

SEA LIFE – housing species ranging from tiny shrimps and starfish to magnificent sharks and stingrays. With over 20 marine life displays.

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Here are some tips if you’re visiting the park –

Take a packed lunch.

Paying for parking in advance is much cheaper.

Mobility scooters can be hired on the day, to help you get around the park.


Thorpe Park Short Break – offer valid until 03/03/24

With an array of thrilling rides, a beach, a playground and rides for little kids – you will be guaranteed a fun-packed day out. Your short break booking includes two full days of theme park thrills!​

Here are some tips if you’re visiting the park –

1. Check your height before you start the day, to ensure you know which rides you can go on.

2. Bring zip-lock sandwich bags or waterproof bags for your electronics – whilst on water rides.

3. Bring spare clothes in case you get a bit too carried away on the water rides.

4. Change into flip-flops when riding water rides – no need to worry about ruining your trainers!

6. Bring lots of water! You never know how long the queues will be.

7. Want to beat the queues? Head over to Nemesis Inferno & SAW first thing and work your way around the park from there. There are fewer queues at the back of the park at the start of the day and you’ll find yourself working against the crowds all day!

Days out

Shall we look at some of the other Merlin Attractions in more detail?

Alton Towers

Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

Nemesis Reborn Has Arrived! Opening Saturday 16th March 2024

Nemesis Reborn invites the bravest of thrill-seekers to tackle dominating drops and intense inversions aboard the ride. The Phalanx have lost all strength and now it’s your turn to encounter this terrifying creature.

Legoland Windsor

Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

Legoland has launched a new mini-golf section and it looks fantastic.

You can book your family stay. Check out the seasonal events they have on. And the other special events, by clicking this link.

Bear Grylls Adventure

Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

Located in Birmingham, at the NEC. There is an array of activities for your adventurous kids. Including – indoor climbing walls, archery range, iFLY wind tunnel and escape rooms.

Cadbury World

Join Freddo and a whole host of Cadbury characters as they whisk you away on an adventurous journey in the 4D Chocolate Adventure cinema experience, complete with motion seats!

Discover the origins of the cocoa bean and jump on the magical Cadabra ride. Seen the adverts? You will also get to meet the infamous Cadbury drumming gorilla. 

Sealife Centre Scarborough

Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary is a unique indoor and outdoor attraction ideal for a family day out.

Penguin Island is a specialist enclosure, which was designed to let guests get closer to the animals. You can also meet seal pup patients and stop by the specialist Seal Hospital.

Gruffalo Clubhouse

The perfect experience for all children under 10 years old.

Burst through the pages of your favourite stories into a magical place of imagination, creativity, discovery and play. Adapted from some of the UK’s most loved children’s stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, with 6 captivating and immersive zones, this 2-hour play experience is enjoyable for a family day out.

The Dungeons York

See, hear, smell and feel York’s stories come to life before your eyes as frighteningly funny characters transport you through time.

Surprises await you at The Dungeon… Fear the Vikings as they invade and conquer York. Discover Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot and what happened that November night. Step inside the carriage to the York Knavesmire, where one of the infamous highwaymen Dick Turpin has returned.

Warwick Castle

Image courtesy of Warwick Castle Website
Image courtesy of Visit Warwick website

I remember a wonderful family trip we had to Warwick Castle, over two days. The castle itself is amazing. I remember the princess castle and I want my little one to experience it. We also managed to catch the knights’ battle, which was amazing to see.

What’s on in February?

  • Watch the spectacular Birds of Prey display at 12 pm and 2:30 pm each day.
  • Join an expert team of Historians for a free guided tour of Warwick’s past.
  • Journey through the exquisite Great Hall, State Rooms, and Royal Weekend Party.
  • Slide into the world’s first Zog Playland.
  • Get lost in time in the Horrible Histories Maze.
  • Indulge in a tasty afternoon tea at the Conservatory Tea House.
  • Visit the Princess Tower for an immersive storytelling experience, perfect for children aged 3 to 8. Get your free-timed ticket (weekends only). 

CLICK the links above, to stay up to date with the latest events.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed the rundown of these amazing attractions.

Have you visited any? Which one is your favourite?

Let me know in the comments below…

Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids
Family days out, Parenting tips

My review of Billy Bobs Parlour, Skipton, North Yorkshire

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We visited Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton – on a day outside of the school holidays and it was nice to finally see the car park half empty. We’ve tried to visit in the school holidays before and we couldn’t even get in the car park.

Post updated 13 July 2023

The place is so popular, and you can see why. You can check out their website here. And book a table here. Since the day we were disappointed and couldn’t get a table, we always book a few weeks in advance, if we can.

Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for you.

Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton

My review of Billy Bobs Parlour

PLEASE NOTE – this review is based on my own experience after visiting for a day out.

Walking in

From the moment you arrive, the place screams fun. Our little one couldn’t wait to jump out of the car and start zooming around. You just feel relaxed, ready for fun. Ready to indulge in yummy food, drinks, ice-creams.

Inside – takeout and ice creams

We went inside for some take-out coffee. It was nice to stand waiting with the music on in a very cool environment. I took this opportunity to take some pictures whilst it was quiet. I started writing this blog post in my phone notes whilst waiting for the coffee, hehe! The whole atmosphere made me feel like I was still on holiday at the Haven caravan park.

Fancy an amazing family break at Legoland?? Check out Budget Family Breaks

Play barn at Billy Bobs Parlour

Our little one loved the slide and because there are hay bales everywhere, we could let her climb up by herself, without fear of her falling. There are plenty of benches to sit in the sun and around the sides for larger groups who all want to sit together.

There are also benches inside the barn, so you can sit and watch the little ones as they play. Perfect for tired mummies & daddies like us!

The climbing frames are all cool buses, and fire engines, and made of sturdy stuff. Grandad is talking about having one made for the garden, haha!

Dining at Billy Bobs Parlour

Inside we booked the family area and the table is equipped with drawing pencils & paper. Perfect for the little ones. There is a separate adults-only dining area, which I think is great. The hubby and I booked this pre-children.

Our bambino noticed some other boys & girls with the Cadillac car housing their sandwiches. This led to a slight meltdown, but some colouring seemed to help things. She is now at the stage where she knows they cook food in the kitchen and being the impatient child she is, constantly points to the kitchen waiting for the food to cook. These data and distractions are very welcome when we eat out.

Are you looking for more Family Day Out Reviews or Staycation reviews…

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Family day out reviews, Parenting tips

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The food arrived and it was so yummy. Sorry, no pics as we were too hungry and focused on the cardboard car. I promise I will take them next time!

I can tell you the buttermilk chicken burger was melted in the mouth. Perfect, even down to the toasting of the bun. Our little one also loved her cheese sandwiches. Crusts cut off, thanks to Billy Bobs. She was given cucumber, carrot sticks, and a pot of jelly. Everything she could want. It was one of the best children’s lunches I’ve seen. We also bought a Kool-Aid for her. I’ve never had it before but it’s like drinking sweet, yummy sherbert.

Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton

Playing outside after food

Outside we went straight into the other play park, which is situated outside the main doors and she was off with Daddy, whilst we sat in the rocking chairs looking at the beautiful view.

The play area is set out well. Lots of sturdy climbing frames, and seats around the edges for parents and prams, so you can see your little one from where you sit, which is a bonus. Even though she’s a toddler, she was able to play on all the equipment and we usually have to tell her no to things in a public play park.

Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton

Facilities

It’s important for parents to be aware of the facilities available before visiting. There is a nappy-changing cubicle in the ladies toilets, but there was no nappy bin, which would have been useful. I didn’t personally go into the disabled toilets, but I am assuming they also had a baby change, and possibly there was a nappy bin in there that I didn’t see.

The toilets are located outside the main doors, which means you can use the facilities even if you’re only visiting for ice cream, or playing.

How to get there

The all-important opening hours and map can be located here.

Rules

You can visit this page for more information. During term time, when it’s quieter because the kids are at school, you can pay £3.00 to play for an hour. Perfect if you want to just let the little ones play, or only want a take-out coffee. Now I know they offer this option, I would be inclined to visit Billy Bobs Parlour again whilst out and about doing other things. It goes without saying, we will also be back at some point for food.

I hope you enjoyed this review…

If you like this post, here are some other posts you might like.

Have you visited before? Or is this somewhere you would like to go?

Let me know in the comments below…

Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton

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