ESHER AND WEYBRIDGE HOLIDAY CAMPS AND CLUBS P23 COMPETITIONS/ DISCOUNTS P31 WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO P4 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2023
Creative Courage For Life® Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Unlock your child’s potential Performing Arts Schools CHERTSEY 0772 517 6102 stagecoach.co.uk/chertsey WALTON-ON-THAMES 01932 506806 stagecoach.co.uk/walton WEYBRIDGE 07939 208234 stagecoach.co.uk/weybridge COBHAM 07484 208274 stagecoach.co.uk/cobham HINCHLEY WOOD AND ESHER 01372 238238 stagecoach.co.uk/hinchleywood Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED
Raring2go! Welcome to the Spring edition! Welcome to the Spring edition! Days are definitely getting longer, so Spring is on its way! Whether you are looking for a family day out, an Easter or May half term holiday camp to keep even the most active child busy, Raring2go! has got you covered. We have a competition to win a family ticket to Jungle Book Reimagined at Sadlers Wells, or a Horrible Histories Terrible Thames tour. And... there are some discounts too...! Our website has a host of additional resources, including ideas for both indoor and outdoor play, and a selection of recipes that the children can help with. Yummy treats taste even better when you’ve made them yourself! This issue covers the period that includes both Easter and May half term. Details on events are still being finalised, so follow our social media channels, and visit our website for all the latest news and updates. Make sure you Go Local when visiting our website to get the most relevant, local information and offers. As a favour, please also use any QR codes in the magazine or mention Raring2go! when speaking to businesses that you’ve seen in our magazine or digital channels. Have a great Spring! Kirsten Hackman xx Get in Touch: 07858 751776 esherandweybridge@raring2go.co.uk
4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! What’s On This Spring! Running now Kingston upon Thames Town Centre Chimps are Family Art Trail Ten characterful chimps are located on a trail to discover around Kingston town centre, showcasing different chimpanzee behaviours such as laughing, grief, and imitation. kingstonuponthames.info/ Saturday 25th March – Sunday 16th April Claremont Landscape Gardens Easter at Claremont Join us between 25th March and 10th April for some eggstra special fun during the Easter Holidays. £3 per egg. Then... between Tuesday 11 April - Sunday 16 April, join in with Spring Games in the garden. Normal admission applies; nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden Saturday 25th March – Wed 19th April Polesden Lacey Run Wild Through Time Easter Trail Journey back in time to when elephants, wolves, lynx and dinosaurs would have roamed free, with a few surprises along the way. £3 per child and includes a trail map, a pencil, bunny ears and a chocolate egg at the end. Booking not required. Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April Chessington World of Adventures Resort EGGSplorers - NEW Easter Event Discover Chessington’s brand-new Easter event - EGGSplorers! Running throughout the Easter holidays, hunt for GIANT decorated Easter eggs as you follow the clues in the Easter trail as your family journeys across the Resort through different lands and come face-to-face with incredible animals. Then meet the Easter bunny, who is making his Chessington debut. And with the theme park opening from 23 March this year, enjoy a family day out at Britain’s biggest wildlife theme park. Enjoy over 40 rides and attractions for all ages, from rollercoasters to water rides, and meet amazing animals, from Amur Tigers to Rothchild’s Giraffes. Plus coming Spring 2023, World of Jumanji, with the world’s only Jumanji rollercoaster. Find out more and book your next WILD adventure by visiting chessington.com. What’s On This Spring! March / April Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April Hever Castle & Gardens Easter Family Fun Children are invited to help the Easter bunny find their sweet treats as part of an Easter quest around the grounds or get creative with an egg-cellent craft egg decorating workshop at Hever Castle. Children aged between 7-14 can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground, whilst under 7s can discover the natural play area, Acorn Dell. Why not challenge yourself not to get wet in the Water Maze (fun for all ages). hevercastle.co.uk Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April Ham House & Garden Easter Egg Hunt Enjoy a family-friendly trail around the grounds of Ham House and Garden - can you complete all the activities to secure an Easter egg? Normal admission applies; £3 per trail, including a chocolate (or free-from) Easter egg. nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-and-garden Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April Painshill Egg-straordinary Dragon Trail Find all the dragons and their eggs at Painshill this Easter holiday with our family statue trail. This springtime, magical beasts have come to the landscape to lay their eggs; can you make your way through the park and find them all? But oh no, one of the dragons has lost their egg! Can you spot which egg is missing? Perfect for all the family, the dragon trail follows a 1 mile route for those with buggies or little legs! painshill.co.uk Monday 3rd - Friday 14th April Squires Garden Centres Create and Grow Easter Holidays Plant three colourful plants in a wicker basket decorated with a raffia bow, to create a lovely Easter gift or place in your garden. Weekdays only and excludes bank holidays. Advance booking essential. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk/
Raring2go! What’s On This Spring! 5 Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April Godstone Farm Easter Fun at the Farm Easter fun for the whole family with bunny hop sack racing, egg & spoon contests and seasonal crafts. Not forgetting all the usual farmyard fun this Spring! godstonefarm.co.uk/ Saturday 1st – Monday 17th April RHS Garden Wisley Easter Holidays - Giant Egg Hunt Bring the whole family to find the enormous painted eggs hidden around RHS Garden Wisley this Easter holidays. There will also be daily activities, including planting and craft workshops. rhs.org.uk/wisley Tuesday 4th – Saturday 15th April Sadlers Wells Theatre Jungle Book reimagined A magical dance-theatre retelling of Kipling’s classic set against the backdrop of the climate crisis. In Akram Khan’s new dance-theatre production based on the original story of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved family classic, Akram and his team reinvent the journey of Mowgli through the eyes of a climate refugee. Featuring an original score, ten international dancers and state-of-the-art animation and visuals, Jungle Book reimagined is a beautifully compelling and vital piece of storytelling about our intrinsic need to belong and bond with others, and placing the importance of connecting with and respecting our natural world at its heart. sadlerswells.com Wednesday 5th – Monday 10th April Morden Hall Park Easter egg hunt Make your way along the Easter trail and take part in fun-filled games and activities that will get your heart racing and your brains whirring. £3 per child including a chocolate egg (or free from / vegan alternative) at the end. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/london/morden-hall-park Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April Brooklands Museum Easter Holidays: Ready to Race! It’s time to return to the track this Easter as Brooklands get Ready to Race! Join in with a family workshop to make a downhill racer and see how far it goes! Follow a new discovery trail around Brooklands, and experience the Concorde Supersonic walkthrough. Plus... pedal planes and pedal cars will be available for the under 5’s, and London Bus Museum will be operating bus trips around the local area. brooklandsmuseum.com Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April Bocketts Farm Park Easter Eggstravaganza Enjoy a great family day out this Spring, with over 500 newborn lambs due between before early May. Complete the Easter trail, with a chocolate treat, meet chicks and bunnies in the Small Animal Encounter sessions, and hop on board the Tractor and Trailer Ride. With plenty of play indoors and out, you can be sure of a great day out whatever the weather! www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April WWT London Wetland Centre Duck Detectives Can you quack the clues this Easter? To succeed as a Duck Detective and complete the Easter trail, you’ll need to get closer than ever to nature. It’s time to investigate underwater mysteries. Follow tracks to work out who’s been creeping around at night. And use everything from feather bird calls to animal poo (honestly!) to reveal the wildlife secrets only a true Duck Detective knows. Duck Detectives trail - £1, available from Admissions. Suitable for all the family. wwt.org.uk/London Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th April Hampton Court Palace Easter Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt Join the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt around the gardens and enjoy some springtime family fun. Match up the name of the important palace character on the trail to the red ribbon on the bunny statue at each location. www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace WIN A TICKET FOR 4 TO JUNGLE BOOK REIMAGINED SEE PAGE 31 FOR DETAILS
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! What’s On This Spring! Friday 7th, Sat 8th and Mon 10th April Albury Vineyard Easter Trail We are excited to open the vineyard for Easter! Our self-guided vineyard tour features stunning views over the Surrey Hills and is a great way to find out more about English wine. Kids will love our Easter themed trail with a chocolate treat at the end. www.alburyvineyard.com Monday 10th April Kempton Park Easter Family Fun Day Enjoy the perfect family day out at Kempton Park with quality racing and family fun. Alongside the fantastic on-track action there will be FREE family fun including inflatables, face painters, kids races and an Easter Egg Hunt. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/kempton Saturday 29th April – Monday 1st May Hever Castle & Gardens May Day Weekend Celebrate May Day at Hever Castle & Gardens with a weekend of fun family activities and traditional May Day customs. Dance around the Maypole with brightly coloured ribbons intertwined and watch a free May Day Play on the Castle forecourt. www.hevercastle.co.uk Monday 1st May Bluey at Birdworld Bluey will be making her debut appearance at Birdworld, appearing at intervals throughout the day. Don’t forget your camera to capture the magic! Standard park entry tickets or membership ticket required. www.birdworld.co.uk Saturday 6th – Monday 8th May Hever Castle & Gardens King’s Coronation Weekend Celebrate the King’s Coronation at the home of two former queens of England, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. Bring along a picnic and revel in the royal atmosphere of the historic Castle and stunning gardens or purchase mouth-watering treats from the Moat Café. Your little ones can get creative and decorate their own crown in a free workshop. www.hevercastle.co.uk Saturday 27th May – Sunday 4th June Bocketts Farm Park Superheroes Week Learn superhero skills at the superhero academy and complete the look with face painting. Meet birds of prey, pan for gold and get creative in craft corner, plus plenty of indoor and outdoor play. Saturday 27th May – Sunday 4th June RHS Garden Wisley May Half Term – Sow Awesome There will be a garden trail, daily activities and interactive performances to help you discover more about growing your own. Sat 27th May – Sunday 13th August Polka Theatre The Everywhere Bear One small bear’s big adventure... The Everywhere Bear has a wonderful time with the children in Class One, but one day he gets more than he bargained for when he falls unnoticed from a backpack and embarks on his own big adventure! Will he ever make it back to Class One? This captivating and beautiful story, from best-selling author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Rebecca Cobb, springs to life with rhyme, original music and delightfully expressive puppets in Polka’s fun and exciting stage adaptation. polkatheatre.com/ Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd June Epsom Downs Racecourse The Derby - Family Festival A racing experience for the whole family. Under 12s go free! www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom-derby/ Saturday 3rd June Birdworld Paw Patrol - Chase & Skye Are you ready for some pawsome adventures? Chase & Skye will be making their debut appearance at Birdworld, appearing at intervals throughout the day. Don’t forget your camera to capture the magic! Standard park entry tickets or membership ticket required, but there is no booking required to meet Chase and Skye. Pre-book your park tickets now. www.birdworld.co.uk May / June
7 Raring2go! PLACES TO GO EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 10TH APRIL BOOK ONLINE THEJOCKEYCLUB.CO.UK/KEMPTON
8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! What to do and Where to go Wholesome Easter fun for the whole family with bunny hop sack racin , e & spoon contests and seasonal crafts. Not for ettin all the usual farmyard fun this Sprin ! 1st - 16th April EASTER TIMES ROLL THIS LET THE GOOD BOOK ONLINE Don’t for et to book the GREAT EASTER ESCAPE too! THE ACCLAIMED TOUR RETURNS FROM APRIL! TOWER BRIDGE QUAY, LONDON FAMILY TICKET FROM £60! terriblethames.com
9 Raring2go! What to do and Where to go #ChimpsAreFamily #LoveTheLast FOLLOW THE TRAIL AND FALL IN LOVE WITH OUR CLOSEST LIVING RELATIVES PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION KINGSTON UPON THAMES SCAN FOR MORE GILLIEANDMARC.COM LOVETHELAST.COM @GILLIEANDMARCART Landscape Garden Tea Room Gift Shop Natural Play Area up to 20% off when you book online at painshill.co.uk Free tickets for the under 5s Bikes or scooters allowed for the under 5s Dogs welcome on leads Paved accessible route available An Egg-straordinary Dragon Trail AT PAINSHILL THIS EASTER Ten characterful chimpanzee sculptures from the successful public art exhibition ‘Chimps Are Family’ are waiting to be discovered on a trail around Kingston! The exhibition is brought to the town through a partnership between internationally-renowned artists Gillie and Marc and Kingston First, the town's Business Improvement District, and will be in place for six months. The sculptures are designed to be interactive, with people encouraged to touch and hug them. Each of the chimps will be displayed with a QR code where the public can learn all about the individual chimpanzee and conservation with the option to donate funds to WWF. Trail maps are available in local businesses, at kingstonuponthames.info and lovethelast.com. Picture credit: Chris Dalton / Gillie & Marc
10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Raring2make! - Banana Bread
11 Raring2go! What to do and Where to go Easter at Claremont Landscape Garden At Claremont Landscape Gardens this Easter, we’re celebrating the start of Spring with a host of activities for all ages and school holiday calendars. From 25 March to 10 April, join us on an Easter Adventure and get cracking on our egg-citing activity trail. £3 per trail including a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg. The fun continues from 11 to 16 April, with games in the garden whilst enjoying the picturesque views created by some of the greatest Landscape designers. Then why not join one our kids and teens photography workshops on Friday 14 April to capture those great views and nature’s treasure. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/ claremont-landscape-garden to find out more. ©National Trust Images/Rob Stothard Come and join our ©National Trust 2023. The National Trust is a registered charity, no. 205846. ET25 Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/easter Join the fun from at Claremont Landscape Garden Sat 25 March - Mon 10 April Book online today!
12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Brooklands Museum this Spring This Spring get up-close, go onboard and discover the amazing history of Brooklands Museum Head down to Brooklands Museum for an incredible day out for the whole family. The previously known British Marques Day is now Best of British on 7 May, suitably being held on the weekend of the Coronation of King Charles III. Celebrating all things British, even Paddington Bear will be making a special guest appearance. Later, Brooklands’ Double 12 weekend will see the site and Mercedes-Benz World track in action on 17 June, and a nostalgic trip back to the heyday of Brooklands, with Brooklands Relived on 18 June. Featuring race starts on the original Finishing Straight and Test Hill ascents, alongside vintage themed music, costume and food, combining to revive the spirit of Brooklands’ past and deliver a corker of weekend. The Easter holidays provide an action-packed day for families, from building a downhill race car, completing the activity trail around the Museum or going on a Concorde Supersonic Walkthrough, there’s just so much to get involved in! Plus, look out for costumed actors portraying pioneers from Brooklands’ past and enjoy a heritage bus ride from the London Bus Museum around the local area. There will also be a host of motoring events, beginning with a celebration of the iconic Mini on 26 March, the Easter Classic Gathering will return on 8 April and Italian Car Day, in association with Auto Italia magazine, on 29 April will be keeping the site bustling with activity. The popular events have something for everyone, amazing cars and motorbikes, live entertainment, a variety of food outlets and a lots of trade stalls full of interesting memorabilia. Come and explore the 32 acre site brought to life through hands-on and interactive experiences, both indoors and outdoors. Get up close to classic and vintage motor vehicles, and the aircraft designed, built and flown at Brooklands during the 20th Century and learn about the pioneering men and women that shaped the world of motoring and aviation. Easily accessible by car or train, parking is free and there’s a café and plenty of picnic space available. The great value family tickets start at £33.55 or enjoy Brooklands Museum for the entire year with family membership starting from just £70.00 for unlimited admission. Book your incredible day out now at brooklandsmuseum.com. Fancy taking part in event days? Visit the website under What’s On for more details.
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 13 For more information and to save on gate admission visit: www.brooklandsmuseum.com SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO Race! TO 1ST-16TH APRIL Fun for all! BOOK ONLINE TO SAVE VIABROOKLANDSMUSEUM.COM WEYBRIDGE, SURREY BROOKLANDSMUSEUM FREE FOR MEMBERS •DISCOVERY TRAIL• •FAMILY WORKSHOP• •VINTAGE BUS RIDES• •LIVE ACTORS IN COSTUME• CONCORDE •SUPERSONIC WALKTHROUGHS• •PEDAL PLANES AND CARS• FOR UNDER 5s
14 raring2go.co.uk Fun Spring crafting ideas from our friends... Our friends at Red Ted Art have given us these wonderfully simple and fun spring craft ideas to share with you. Not only do kids LOVE to create when crafting, there are lots of hidden learning opportunities too. Everything here and on their website is easy to set up and very do-able, even for the most “non crafty” among us. So fear not, Red Ted Art has your back. Just pay a visit to to Red Ted Art’s amazing website for full instructions and further guidance on the suggestions below and many more. For hundreds more crafting ideas, go to: www.redtedart.com Paper Tulip Origami Pop Up Rainbow Cards Paper Butterflies Origami Bookmarks Butterfly Lifecycle Paper Craft Large Paper Plate Flowers Raring2go! Spring Crafting
15 Raring2go! What to do and Where to go Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL. Tel 0370 400 4000. A fun day out for all the family this Easter. Exciting attractions and experiences that will keep everyone entertained. Search Mercedes-Benz World to find out more.
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Visit Chessington World of Adventures Resort in 2023 for a memorable family day out for all ages at Britain's BIGGEST wildlife theme park. Join Chessington from March 23rd as they ‘Wake up the Wild’ with the theme park opening for the 2023 season. This Spring, leave the everyday behind as you and your family explore the world's first Jumanji themed land - World of Jumanji - only at Chessington. Escaped from the cinema and way beyond a board game, World of Jumanji sucks families in.... follow in the footsteps of Dr. Bravestone through a whole world of adventures to locate the Jaguar's Eye Jewel, lift the curse and save Jumanji. Brave adventurers will discover deep in World of Jumanji, not just one, but THREE new rides including the world’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster and Chessington’s first ever inversion, Mandrill Mayhem. Get swept up in the long arms of a mandrill, the most fearsome of all the animals, and launch at full speed through the treetops flipping upside down on a hair-raising adventure, spiralling to the summit of the 55ft tall Jaguar Shrine. Glimpse the Jaguar’s Eye Jewel glow before falling and braving the adventure again… backwards. Families’ second adventure takes place in the dunes on Ostrich Stampede. Swerve a herd of stampeding ostriches on this whirlwind trip. Ostriches may be flightless birds, but this is going to be a bumpy ride. The third adventure can be found in the bazaar; dodge the fangs of the black mamba on a dizzying, untameable ride, Mamba Strike. There’s not a moment to lose… adventurers must jump on and hold tight - the black mamba is about to strike! PLUS navigate the pathways of the Jungle Maze in the heart of the land and encounter challenges and quests, some trickier than others, based on the iconic Jumanji game board. The family adventures don't stop there, discover over 40 rides and attractions for all ages, from rollercoasters to water rides, and step into the pages of some of the nation's favourite stories with The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, Room on the Broom - A Magical Journey and Elmer’s Flying Jumbos. © 2023 Columbia TriStar Marketing Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. © 1999 & 2001 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd. © Orange Eyes Ltd. 2009 & 2012. © David McKee. Licensed by Andersen Press. 2023 Explore and stare wide-eyed discovering more than 1,000 animals in Chessington's Zoo, with daily feeds and talks from Keepers. Roam Wanyama Reserve and learn more about the ‘dazzle’ of zebra, Rothschild’s giraffes, Ankole cattle and ostrich. Then, get lost beneath the waves in an underwater world full of fish, sharks, and jellyfish at the SEA LIFE Aquarium. Throughout the year the Resort will also be hosting a year of family entertainment and event-ures for all ages to enjoy. From Chessington’s dazzling street carnival, MARDI GRRRA!, to the summer music festival, Wilderfest, and not forgetting all the spooks, screams and rides at dusk at Howl'o'ween. Plus, discover Chessington’s brand-new Easter event - EGGSplorers! Running throughout the Easter holidays, hunt for GIANT decorated Easter eggs as you follow the clues in the Easter trail as your family journeys across the Resort through different lands and come face-to-face with incredible animals. Then meet the Easter bunny, who is making his long-awaited debut. Are you and your family ready to answer the call of the wild?
18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! The Coronation Big Lunch Neighbours and communities across the United Kingdom are invited to share food and fun together at Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday 7th May in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. From a cup of tea with a neighbour to a street party, a Coronation Big Lunch brings the celebrations to your local area and is a great way to get to know your community a little better. Thousands of events will take place in every corner of the UK this May as people take to their streets, gardens, parks and community spaces to join the Coronation celebrations and mark this historic occasion. There are Free downloadable resources available online by the Big Lunch team to help people and local communities start their Coronation Big Lunch planning. To give you a helping hand, here’s a few tips: Pick a time: You don’t have to have your Big Lunch at Lunchtme! If for various reasons, it’s proving trickey to get everyone together for a daytime lunch, how about a Lunar Lunch? If anyone is fasting during Ramadan, or working irregular shift patterns, the Lunar Lunch will bring people together after dark and you can feast your way into the night! Invite the neighbours: Got a local WhatsApp or Facebook group? Invite the neighbours and spread the word. Publicise your event locally and if you're not a member of Nextdoor yet, take a minute to sign up so you can connect with locals that way too. And of course, try to invite people personally, as you'll no doubt find people who want to help with the organising too! Hang the bunting: Make bunting using scraps of old material, plastic bags or the contents of your recycling box. You could ask others to make bits and link them all together. On the day, give the kids some chalk to decorate the pavement. Take a look at a few of our simple ideas for decorations. You could have a prize for the 'best dressed' home! Tickle the Tastebud: You could ask everyone to bring something to share, odd numbers bring savory, evens sweet, or keep it simple and safe and just ask people to bring their own lunch. If you have the time, take a look at some simple recipes shared online by Big Lunchers. Enjoy the day! Try to make sure that your entertainment, games and activities are suitable and safe for all. Set a time for lunch so that everyone comes out at the right moment. Organise some music or ask everyone to tune into the same radio station or open their windows, or see what local talent there is to organise a little live performance or sing along! attling the ele-ments on Big Lunch day. Take plenty photos and selfies and most importantly, have fun! Fundraise at your Big Lunch: Lots of people use their Big Lunch to raise awareness or funds for a cause close to their heart, be it for their own community group or a local asset such as a children's play area, or for a national charity. In 2022 a whopping £22 million pounds was raised at Big Lunch and Big Jubilee Lunch events across the UK, and the majority of that was for local charities and causes. After the party: Once the bunting is down, don’t forget to share your story, using hastags like: #TheBigLunch and #TheCoronationBigLunch on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Oh, and this is the grown up bit... make sure you tidy up and take your rubbish home with you! The Coronation Big Lunch Join the nation in celebration and be part of history on Sunday May 7th!
A racing experience for the whole family – JUNE UNDER s GO FREE AT EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE
20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Take to the Thames with GoBoat As the sun comes back out and summer is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to try a new outdoor activity. With no prior boating knowledge necessary, GoBoat is a unique and eco-friendly experience that gives you first-hand access to a stunning section of the River Thames. Climb aboard your GoBoat and set off from Riverside Walk, with a choice of two beautiful routes for you to explore. Head down the river to scenic Teddington Lock or upriver as far as Molesey Lock for spectacular views of Hampton Court Palace from the water. GoBoats are easy to drive, with no prior experience required. GoBoat crew will provide your designated captain with a full boating handover, a map and information about the route before you set sail, and each boat is fully supplied with safety equipment. The ride is a casual 3 ½ knots, approximately 4mph, the perfect cruising speed for a lazy waterways journey. Each GoBoat has seating around a central table creating a sociable space ideal for picnics, with space for up to eight passengers (and there’s even room for the dog!) Unlike other self-drive boating experiences, the driver of the boat also sits around the table, allowing for easy conversation and social connection. Bring your own picnic from home or pick up food from one of the many restaurants and cafes that Kingston has to offer before boarding. It’s the perfect experience for the whole family and life jackets are provided for all passengers under the age of 16. GoBoats are powered by an almost silent electric motor, an eco-friendlier alternative to petrol engines. The deck and table are made from sustainably sourced forestry wood and the foam kernel is made of 80 per cent recycled PET - the equivalent of 600 plastic bottles. It’s time to relish the freedom of being your own captain and explore the UK’s waterways! Book your GoBoat adventure online now at goboat.co.uk. GoBoat Kingston opens for the 2023 season on Saturday 1st April with bookings available from 9.30am until sunset every day. Prices start from £85 per boat for one hour. Advanced booking is strongly recommended. Visit goboat.co.uk for more information. Family Adventures Ahoy! Take to The Thames on an electric GoBoat with no need for a license Key info: • Each GoBoat seats up to 8 passengers, including children and babies • Rent your GoBoat for between one and four hours • No prior boating experience is required • Lifejackets are provided for children • Alcohol can be consumed on the boat, but the captain must always remain sober
Open from 1st April 9.30am - sunset Book at goboat.co.uk/kingston Explore The Thames on a GoBoat Charter your own family adventure on a fully electric picnic boat. You are the captain, you choose the route. Use promo code RARING2GO to save 15% on your booking. Offer valid until Friday 9th June 2023. GoBoat Kingston bookings only. GOBOATKINGSTON GOBOATUK
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! What to do and Where to go The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Tel: 01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be The Look Out Discovery Centre R2GAUTUMN2023 Over 90 activities of hands-on science and discovery fun for children of all ages! BOOK ONLINE and enter RARING2023 at checkout for 10% off admission www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery @thelookoutbracknell Can you quack the clues this Easter? Find out more at wwt.org.uk/London/easter nature trail 01-16 April at WWT London Join us for a family day out of exploration and discovery that will put all of your senses to the test. © WWT 2023. Registered charity no. 1030884 England and Wales, SC039410 Scotland.
23 Raring2go! Clubs / Classes and Holiday Camps Swimming classes for bumps, babies and beyond in Surrey & Hampshire www.swimkidz.co.uk Find a class near you... Tamlyn Sutton E. DucklingDive@swimkidz.co.uk T. 07739 660356 Swimkidz Surrey & Hants Company registered in England &Wales OC417927 l 100s of ideas for family days out l Downloadable vouchers to save £££’s l Great competitions to enter l Monthly email newsletters with new offers and events l It’s FREE! Become a website member today: Join now Raring2go.co.uk/join ring2go.co.uk/sign-up
24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! What to do and Where to go
25 Raring2go! Clubs / Classes and Holiday Camps Looking for something different to do in the school holidays? Look no further than Dramacube’s Musical Theatre and Movie-Makers Workshops! Inspired by popular films and musicals, children aged 7-14 will use their imaginations to create, and star in, their very own shows! This Easter, budding actors, or perhaps we should call them "maggots", will act, dance and sing their way through a Matilda-inspired workshop at Esher High School. The immersive 3-day workshop culminates in a performance for parents and carers to enjoy. For those who like to book ahead, Dramacube Summer Holiday Workshops will take place in Esher and Walton on Thames. There will be a selection of new Musical Theatre Workshops PLUS Movie-Makers workshops where children explore film techniques, stage make-up and screen-acting. Led by professional directors, actors, musical theatre teachers and choreographers, Dramacube’s workshops are bursting with activities to build confidence and encourage creativity. Whether your child has previous or little experience of treading the boards, everyone is made to feel welcome and will love being part of something a little bit different! Musical Theatre & Movie-Makers Musical Theatre 3-Day Workshops Esher: 12th - 14th April 26th - 28th July Walton on Thames: 16th - 18th Aug Movie Makers 2-Day Workshops Esher: 24th - 25th July Walton on Thames: 14th - 15th Aug Book holiday workshops at www.dramacube.co.uk MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS 8YRS+ YOUTH THEATRE 13YRS+ HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 4YRS+ Book now at www.dramacube.co.uk 2 WEEK TASTER JUST£30* DramacubeProductions @Dramacubeshows Dramacube Dramacube Productions *TASTER SESSION PRICES VARY BY CLASS TYPE. PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Outward Bound Adventures! 1. Building connections and relationships Many young people struggle in their relationships with others, feeling isolated, disconnected and both anxious and afraid of meeting new people. Time spent on an Outward Bound residential helps build meaningful relationships, develop trust, cooperation and a sense of ‘connectedness’. 2. Tackling fear of failure Outward Bound courses are carefully designed so that failure can be positively experienced and overcome. Instructors help develop a positive relationship with failure by encouraging them to redefine it as a learning experience, where “fail” stands for “First Attempt In Learning”. 3. Building a sense of confidence Comfort zones are never easy to step out of but during an Outward Bound adventure young people learn to embrace new experiences and tackle things they have never done before. 3 ways an Outward Bound adventure improves wellbeing Taking part in an Outward Bound course gives young people the opportunity to build confidence and self-belief, to develop skills and to improve their relationships with others, providing them with the tools and resources they need to function well as individuals and to flourish in life – the very foundation of wellbeing. The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity that delivers life-enhancing adventures in some of the wildest corners of the UK. Learn more about their school residentials and Summer Adventures at: outwardbound.org.uk
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28 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Reading for Pleasure Any parent of a school age child will know that learning to read is a significant part of a child’s school life. But what exactly are the benefits to a child of taking pleasure in reading books, and how can you support this at home? Research by The Reading Agency indicates that reading for pleasure – so not just the ability to read, but the child’s choice to read for the sheer joy of it - is the single most important factor in a child’s later success and happiness in life; it ranks more highly in the statistics even than their parents’ wealth, for example. Currently, there is also a large gap in achievement between secondary school students who read books for pleasure, and those who do not; so enabling and encouraging a child to read what they want from a younger age will help them as their schooling progresses too. Reading for pleasure has many non-school based benefits: it can increase empathy, improve relationships with others, reduce the symptoms of depression and improve wellbeing throughout life. Students who read for pleasure make significantly more progress, not only in vocabulary and spelling, but also in maths, than children who read very little. EADING r ri Cuddle up with a Book Reading for pleasure – the key to achievement! Kenilworth Books, Talisman Square, Kenilworth CV8 1JB Enjoying a book with a pre-school child can bring huge benefits to them later on; when you’ve finished a book, take the time to talk about it together: did they like the story, what did they think of the characters, what was their favourite illustration? For an older child learning to read or a child who is just about reading independently, the single most important thing you can do is genuinely allow them to choose what they read. Libraries are a great, and free, way to allow your child to explore. There is a significant correlation too between a child who has been allowed a genuine choice in their reading, and their commitment and enjoyment in it. So, while it is tempting to make a choice for them, taking them to a library and allowing them to choose for themselves, will boost their reading significantly. Reading comic books and non-fiction absolutely counts as reading, and is valid and valuable. Don’t fall into the mistake of thinking that only fiction counts as ‘proper’ reading, lots of children prefer non-fiction. And there is some brilliant storytelling in comic form being published today too. So even if it isn’t what you would choose, accepting their choice is extremely important! By Tamsin Rosewell, Kenilworth Books Photo: The Reading Agency
Reading Eggs, the multi-award winning online reading programme for kids aged 2-13. Trusted by teachers and parents alike, watch your child’s confidence, motivation and progress skyrocket in just 15 minutes a day with Reading Eggs. With access to all 5 programmes, including Mathseeds, for up to FOUR children, it’s the perfect way to fit in some positive screen time. Ages 3–9 Learning Maths Nurture an early love of maths with structured lessons and activities that build essential maths skills. Ages 7–13 Building Confidence Older children can continue building key literacy skills that will help them succeed in school. Ages 3–7 Learning to Read Children follow structured, one‑on‑one lessons that teach phonics, sight words and reading skills. Ages 2–4 First Steps Delight your toddler with fun games and activities that build alphabet knowledge and ready‑to‑read skills. Ages 5–10 Mastering Phonics Fast‑paced lessons cover key phonics skills, perfect for both emergent and struggling readers. Valid for new customers only. FREE 30-DAY TRIAL readingeggs.co.uk/r2gospring Scan QR code for 30‑Day FREE trial *30‑day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of your trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel at any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only.
30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2023 The United Kingdom’s biggest active travel competition is back for its 13th year as Sustrans’ Big Walk and Wheel sets to challenge schools to make the most walked, wheeled, scooted, and cycled journeys over ten school days. Delivering the challenge is Sustrans, the charity aiming to make active travel the easiest and first choice for everyone, with sponsors Schwalbe. A Sustrans survey found half of UK pupils worry about air pollution. Over 2million active journeys to 1,519 schools took place during the 2022 challenge. This saved 1,335 tonnes of CO2 and 2,984kg of NOx emissions if the journeys had been made by car. To read more about how to get involved with Big Walk and Wheel, please read the full article on the Raring2go! website. Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2023 Register your school for Sustrans’ Big Walk and Wheel today! Xavier Brice, CEO at Sustrans, said: "The Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is a fantastic opportunity for parents and pupils across the UK to enjoy the fun of a healthier and cheaper school run by walking, wheeling or cycling. Every short car journey swapped for an active alternative helps cut pollution, for a cleaner environment and healthier, happier communities."
31 AkramKhan Company 4 - 15 April 2023 Amagical retellingof Kipling’s classic set against thebackdrop of climatechange. HHHH TheScotsman HHHH TheHerald WIN FAMILY TICKET for Saturday 8 April at 2pm Raring2go! Competitions / Discounts and Vouchers Camp Beaumont USE CODE RARING2023 TO SAVE 10% See page 22 for details Look Out Discovery Centre USE CODE RARING2GO TO SAVE 10% See page 23 for details Visit our website - raring2go.co.uk - and localise to this area to see all of our local and national competitions. Make sure you visit our discounts and offers page too! A family ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children. Prize can be redeemed between April and June 2023 Win A family ticket! Enter online by 31st March 2023 at: www.raring2go.co.uk/area/ esher-and-weybridge/competitions R RETURNS FROM APRIL! N FAMILY TICKET FROM £60! terriblethames.com Enter online by 29th March 2023 at: www.raring2go.co.uk/area/ esher-and-weybridge/competitions Reading Eggs 30 Day FREE TRIAL See page 29 for details USE CODE GO15 TO SAVE 15% ON ECO ACTIVITY BOXES See page 10 for details It’s Our Panet Too Eco Activity Box
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 32 raring2go.co.uk
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