Educate’s pick of the things to do and places to visit in the UK

Shropshire Kids Festival

Where: Telford

When: 26-27 February – Price: Child from £15 Adult from £5

The Shropshire Kids Festival is back and bigger than ever for February half term. Think of it like the Olympics, since the last time it took place was four years ago! This family event is perfect for children up to 14 years old, filling your day up with go-kart racing, martial arts, baking and even a mini ice rink. Once you pay your admission, you won’t have to pay again! Whether your child is a virtuoso with music or prefers STEM-related activities, there’s plenty to do at the Shropshire Kids Festival, and it will be sure to keep them entertained in the half term! www.shropshirekidsfest.co.uk/festivals/telford-2022

Ice Trail

When: 5th March to 6th March – Where: York

With last year’s trail being cancelled due to COVID-19, the UK’s biggest ice trail is returning for 2022! Organised by Make It York, the self-guided trail will see dozens of ice sculptures dotted all around the city for people to find and look at. Fun for all the family, explore places you’ve never been and get inspired! Who knows? It might wake an inner sculpturer inside one of you! www.visityork.org/york-ice-trail

Japanese Garden Tour

Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens – When: 24th March – Price: (Standard entry) Child: £4.72/Adult:£6.75/Family: £19.80

To add to the Japanese theme, why not have a look at Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ very own Japanese Garden? Home to about 25 bonsai trees of different styles, it’s something different and can be enjoyed by anyone who’s a lover of nature! A place for relaxation, it serves for a more peaceful day out. Experts will be on hand to give answers to any budding bonsai enthusiasts! www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/events/guided-tour-japanese-garden-and-bonsai-collection/

Dog Lover Show

Where: Aberdeen and Glasgow – When: 26/27 March (Aberdeen) and 2/3 April (Glasgow) – Price: From £13.52

The Dog Lover Show is finally back for the first time since 2019. The biggest dog show in Scotland, it’s well worth going if the family are keen dog lovers. From 10am to 5pm, the day will be filled with dogs doing all sorts of agility tricks and stunts! You’ll have the chance to meet and greet over 40 different breeds, perfect for any canine enthusiasts. With a Children Zone which has plenty of free activities, it’s suitable for little ones and teenagers alike. Although do note, you will not be able to take your own furry friend! www.thedoglovershow.co.uk/tickets/

RHS Garden Wisley – Cherry blossoms

When: March/April – Cost: Prices vary – Where: Surrey

Since a lot of us don’t have the time to take the family on a trip to Japan to see the beautiful spring cherry blossoms, the next best thing in England might be RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey. You’ll be greeted with hundreds of pink and white blossoms in the garden on your arrival. Perfect for a lovely spring walk with the family, you can also download a guide if you want to learn more about the blossoms you’re looking at! www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/articles/cherryblossom-to-celebrate

Hale Village

Where: Hale

If you’re looking for a nice spring walk, look no further than Hale Village! The walk starts in the village, where you can then walk along some footpaths to end up near the River Mersey. Soon, you will come across the infamous Hale Head Lighthouse, and can take a nice walk along the clifftop. If you’d like to do a little history lesson in your visit, why not take a trip down to St Mary’s Church, the burial place of John Middleton, the Childe of Hale. He was an English giant who was said to be so big, he couldn’t even fit properly inside his house! www.halevillageonline.co.uk/map

The Flower Bowl – Curling

Where: The Flower Bowl, Preston – Price: £25 per person

As the 2022 Winter Olympics is in full swing, it’s time to get on the ice and try your hand at curling! Being the only centre in the north of England that does this mediaeval sport, the Flower Bowl in Preston offers a ‘family and friends try curling session’ which accommodates up to eight people. You’ll have a coach on the ice to guide you every step of the way and you’ll be given special curling equipment for an almost two-hour session in this unique Scottish sport. A perfect activity for teens and parents alike! www.theflowerbowl.uk/familyand-friends-try-curling/