WINTER, in itself, is thrilling. Twinkling Christmas lights cheer darkened streets and the aroma of pine smoke evokes happy memories. It’s the season to gather together special friends and family for heart-warming celebrations around a crackling fire.  

 

But the onset of chilly weather and the gloom of dwindling daylight hours always make my heart sink a little bit. Keeping young children amused, happy and healthy can be a testing task. But with a little bit of imagination, a sensible coat and a spirit of fun, you and your little ones can still enjoy a succession of memorable and bracing exploits throughout winter.

 

 

A is for Army Adventures: Within the National Army Museum is a colourful, historically themed soft play area. Kids’ Zone explores many aspects of army life. Allow your kids’ to dress up in army uniform, scale a castle fortress, or simply go wild in the forest and arctic themed play areas. The emphasis is on learning and discovery in a safe environment. The Costa Cafe at the museum is bound to keep mums and dads happy too.                                               
Admission:  Free, Kids’ Zone £2.50, Under-1s free                                                
* Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4HT                           
 www.nam.ac.uk , 020 7881 6606

 

B is for Ballet: Join the English National Ballet for a captivating retelling of the Nutcracker. This magical wintertime tale will enable children to enjoy their first taste of ballet, and might even inspire a life-long passion.                                                                                     
Admission: £10 - £67                                                                                    
* 8-30 December, Family friendly performances on 13and 26 December              
St. Martin’s Lane, London Coliseum, WC2N 4ES                                     
www.eno.org, 087 1911 0200

 

C is to Celebrate Children:  It is worth checking out the V&A Museum of Childhood’s jam packed festive events calendar. Family friendly activities include magical aerial dance performances and Christmas crafts. Also on offer are a variety of free everyday activities, including art-fun, storytelling and treasure hunts. This is the perfect place to spend those rainy afternoons and icy weekends.        
Admission: Free                                                                                                    
* Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9PA                                            
www.vam.ac.uk, 020 8983 5200         

 

D is to ‘Deck’ the Tree: Why not invite some friends and family over for a relaxed get-together to decorate the Christmas tree? Light the fire and serve goblets of steaming mulled wine and homemade Christmas cookies. Get the children involved in cutting out construction paper and decorating with crayons, stickers and glitter.

 

E is for Elephant Encounter: Woburn Safari Park promises a memorable day out for you and your family. Safari adventure by car, or go wild as you encounter a menagerie of animals, including elephants, on foot. Rainy day? No problem. Keep dry in the Mammoth Play Ark, an indoor, soft play adventure area. Make it a mini-getaway, and stay overnight in the warm and welcoming Woburn Inn.
Admission: Adult £13, child £8.95, under-3s free                                                   
* Woburn, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA                
www.woburn.co.uk, 01525 290407         

 

F is for Fun on the Farm: Set in picturesque countryside, a refreshing visit to Longdown Activity Farm will certainly blow away all your winter cobwebs: enjoy the appealing animals, go for a bumpy tractor ride, and let your children get stuck into lots of fantastic play (in and outdoors).                                  
Admission: Adult £7.75, Child £6.75                                                            
* Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Hampshire, SO40 7EH              
www.longdownfarm.co.uk, 023 8029 2837

 

G is for Gruffalo: Forget the chill outside and be mesmerised by this simple, musical adaptation of The Gruffalo’s Child. Little children will be delighted to follow the adventures of the plucky Gruffalo’s Child as she tiptoes out into the snow...                                                                                                        
Admission: £12, family tickets £40                                                                   
* 11 December – 30 December                                                                          
Arts Depot, Pentland Theatre, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North
www.artsdepot.co.uk, 020 8369 5454

 

H is for Harrods: It is the season of twinkly lights and mistletoe kisses. What better place to imbibe the season’s jolliness than in the warmth and luxury of London’s grandest department store, Harrods. Harrods Christmas Grotto promises to be an unforgettable treat for your child; a magnificent, festive tree and the chance to meet Father Christmas himself.                                   
Admission: Free for Reward Club Members, Booking fee £10                     
* 5 November-24 December,                                                                             
87 – 135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL            
www.harrods.com/grotto, 0845 350 0015

I is for Imagination: The Tate Modern Under Fives Zone is an interesting attraction which has been inspired by the Cubist Artworks. Little children are encouraged to explore using their creative, physical and sensory powers.
Admission: Free                                                                                       
*Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG                                       
www.tate.org.uk/modern , 020 7887 8888                  

 

J is for Jingle Bells: Head to Trafalgar Square for a sprinkling of Christmas magic. On evenings throughout December a variety of choirs from London and the Home Counties will sing all the festive classics under the glowing lights of Trafalgar Square’s famous Christmas tree.                                                         
Admission: Free                                                                                             
* 5-22 December, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1                    
www.london.gov.uk

 

K is for Knights and Armour: Visit Bodiam Castle to ignite the imagination of your adventure loving youngster. With its evocative moat, spiral staircases and windblown turrets, Bodiam Castle conveys a fascinating impression of medieval life.                                                                                         
Admission: Adult, £6.80, child £3.40, under -5s go free                                
* Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA                          
www.nationaltrust.org.uk, 01580 830196

 

L is for London Bus: Jump on board at the Brooklands Museum, where you can explore over 30 restored buses, as well as the iconic Concorde. Also on site is the refurbished Sunbeam Cafe, which serves a range of seasonal food and drinks and toolbox style lunch boxes amidst a family friendly environment. Little ones will enjoy the softplay facilities.
Admission: Adult £11, Child £6.05, under-5s go free                                          
* Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 OQN                                      
www.brooklandsmuseum.com , 01932 857 381

 

M is for Masterpiece: Is your child an aspiring Monet? Then head to a family friendly, create-your-own ceramics studio. Choose and paint an item of your choice, and then come back and collect your masterpiece once it’s been professionally glazed and fired. Happy designing!                                           

Admission: From £4.50 studio fee (excluding cost of pottery)                              
* Crockery, 5B Derby Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5QD www.thecrockeryltd.co.uk, 023 8061 1070

* Dish, High Street, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 OAJ  www.dishreigate.com, 01737 241567
* Ceramics Cafe, 1A Mortlake Terrace, Kew Green, Richmond, TW9 3DT www.ceramicscafe.com, 020 8332 6661

N is for Nautical Discovery: Clamber on board the HMS Belfast this winter for an opportunity to explore a well preserved and historic warship. Your boat-loving youngster will be able to learn all about life at sea on this vast vessel.
Admission: Adult £13.50, under-16s go free                                   
*Morgan’s Lane, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2JH
www.hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk, 020 7940 5300

 
O is for Oodles of Splashing: There is no need to hibernate your pool noodle and goggles over the chilly season. Take your children swimming! For an especially exciting swim, why not try Rapids? Rapids is an indoor water wonderland, with three pools, bubble seats, water cannons and an exciting tipping pirate ship.
Admission: Adult £5.05, child £3.80                                                                       
* Southampton Road, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 8AF                                
www.the-rapids.co.uk, 01794 830333

 

P is for Peppa Pig Live: Perennial toddler favourite Peppa is back with a brand new stage show. ‘Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt’ allows even the teeniest of tots to enjoy the fun and unpredictability of live theatre.
Admission: £13.50-£17.50
www.peppapiglive.com

 
Q is for Queen and King: Let the formidable Tower of London stimulate the imagination of your history-loving youngster. The Medieval Palace family trail will lead you on a fascinating tour through the warren of rooms lived in and used by the kings and queens of the Middle Ages.
Admission: Adult £19.80, child £10.45, under-5s free.
✽ London, EC3N 4AB.
www.hrp.org.uk, 0844 482 7777
 

R is for Ramble: Bundle up warmly and head to Priory Farm, a gem in the Surrey countryside which has been lovingly tended by the same family for over 50 years. At Priory Farm, the entire family can enjoy an invigorating ramble around the enchanting 40 acre Discovery Walk, whilst searching for answers to a fun Christmas quiz.
Admission: Free, Discovery walk £2                                                    
*Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 4EJ                              
www.prioryfarm.co.uk, 01737 823304                 

 

S is for Snow Day: It is bound to happen. There will be a day so foul and miserable that even the most intrepid mummy won’t want to venture out of the house. Give in to the magic of a home day. Crank up the heating, loaf in your pyjamas, and dig out the Playdoh, paints and puzzles. Bake cupcakes together, and eat them as you watch the snow flurries outside.

 

T is for Train: Take your little explorer for a memorable ride on the Docklands Light Railway. DLR trains don’t have a driver, so if you nab a seat at the front, you can pretend to be the driver. Continue the railway theme with a visit to the Museum of London Docklands Mudlarks gallery and softplay. Here, youngsters can learn about London’s vibrant port as they load a tea clipper, dig for treasure, or weigh cargo.                                                                                       
Admission: Free                                                                                             
* 150 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5HN                                          
www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands, 020 7001 9844                          

U is for Up: The Spinnaker Tower soars 170 metres above the Solent, and offers incredible views of Portsmouth Harbour, the South coast and the Isle of Wight. You’ll be so high up that you can pretend to be an eagle – and your little one will learn to appreciate the beauty of the southern seascape.       
Admission: Adult £8, child £6.30, under-3s free                                                      
*Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TT
www.spinakkertower.co.uk, 023 9285 7520

 

V is for Vroom Vroom: A visit to Beaulieu, which is set in the heart of the New Forest, is a day out which is guaranteed to keep everyone in the family happy. Speed around the National Motor Museum, before exploring the 13^th century Palace House. Also enjoy the vast gardens, unlimited monorail rides, and fun jaunts on the replica 1912 open-topped London bus.                          
Admission: Adult £17.75, child £9.25, under-5s free                                              
* Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7ZN                                
www.beaulieu.co.uk, 01590 612345

 

W is for Wonderful Wednesdays: Head to Cobham’s Painshill Park to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this 18^th Century landscape garden. Toddlers can run around and explore, whilst you enjoy the beauty of the Serpentine Lake and a number of curious follies and temples. After your rambles, thaw in the tearoom with a glass of wine, produced by the park’s very own vineyard. Entry is free each Wednesday during November.                                                                      
Admission: Adult £6.60, child £3.85, under-5s free                                       
* Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 IJE            
www.painshill.co.uk01932 868 113

X is for Xmas Amble: Enjoy a merry walk along one of Surrey’s most tranquil and pretty waterways. Starting at Newark Lock, the ‘mince pie march’ will end at The Anchor Pub at Pyrford, where there will be mince pies and a brass band.
Admission: Adult £5, child £2.50                                                                     
* 11 December
River Wey & Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR
www.nationaltrust.org.uk, 01483 561389

 

Y is for Yummy Mummy: Treat yourself to some yummy mummy time. Heaven is an indoor oasis where parents and under 5’s can relax, play, eat and shop. Mum’s can work out in the yoga/Pilates studio, or alternatively indulge in a session of pampering in the treatment rooms, whilst their young children are cared for and entertained in the crèche. Otherwise, join in the fun with your children in the ‘Playroom’, a room decked out with comfy sofas and an array of toys and play equipment. The Cafe provides a simple and seasonal menu, as well as fresh coffee and cakes.
Admission: Free, Play Room £4
* 19 High Street, Nutfield, Surrey, RH1 4H
www.heaven-nutfield.com, 01737 420 102         

Z is for Zoo Adventure: ZSL London Zoo’s ‘Into Africa’ exhibit offers an opportunity for your child to meet some of Africa’s most curious wildlife, including giraffes, zebras and warthogs. You can dream of the heat of Africa as you view the graceful giraffe from an aerial platform. You will also be able to support ZSL’s conservation work by adopting your very own giraffe.                 
Admission: Adult £18.50, child £15.10, under-3s free                                          
* Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY                                                         
www.zsl.org, 0844 225 1826