Wicky’s Play Factory


what’s on when On-going


Eco-education for Nene Valley Day Nursery children


Growing vegetables, creating animal habitats and crafting with natural materials are just some of the activities that children from Nene Valley Day Nursery in Cliftonville are enjoying as part of their commitment to being green. T: 01604 628444 or


E: nene.valley@childbase.com


Hunsbury Hillfort Tree Trail Enjoy the newly developed Tree Trail around the Hunsbury Hill Fort and Country Park.


Free activity suitable for all ages. W: www.northampton.gov.uk


Stoke Bruerne… An amazing day out for families!


With its boat trips, pond dipping, flight of locks, colourful narrowboats, waterway walks, infamous tunnel, two pubs, shop, events and a café it provides a great family day out. In the museum you will discover the story of Britain’s canals, from the great engineers and navvies who created them to the boat families, leggers and lock-keepers who lived and worked on them.


T: 01604 862229 or


W: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ thecanalmuseum


Wicksteed Park Clip ‘n Climb centre!


The amazing climbing challenges provides fun for ages 4+. There are a wide variety of different activities catering for all kinds of skill levels and ages.


E: clipnclimb@wicksteedpark.org or T: 01536 512475


Wicksteed Park offers a range of packages for parties, with the option to hire the Play Factory exclusively. The play factory is open Monday to Friday 9:30am – 5:30pm (Term Time) and 10:30am – 5:30pm (Weekends and School Holidays). Wicksteed Park.


W: www.wicksteedpark.org/indoorplay November


Saturday 16th Stoke Bruerne Floating Market


Go along and support the Roving Canal Traders, buy something unique and enjoy a free day out. Stoke Bruerne. W: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk


Christmas Parade


Weston Favell shopping centre’s annual Christmas Parade returns with entertainment from 11am-4pm around the centre. Enjoy singers, stilt walkers, runaway presents and much more, before paying a visit to Santa and his elves.


W: www.westonfavellshopping.co.uk


Elements in Space On 6 March 1869 Russian chemist and inventor, Dimitri Mendeleev, published his periodic table of all known elements. The modern version lists all elements in existence, but do they just exist on Earth? Get involved in some experiments to find out at the National Space Centre, Leicester. W: www.spacecentre.co.uk


Saturday 23rd


Christmas Lights Switch On Northampton Borough Council will illuminate the town during the annual Christmas lights switch-on. Heart FM will kick celebrations off at 2pm, with fun musical performances and the countdown to the Christmas lights switch on at 5pm.


W: www.lovenorthampton.co.uk


Sunday 24th Santa Specials


Visit Santa in his Magical Grotto and then take a train ride along the Northampton & Lamport Railway from the Pitsford and Brampton station. Running weekends until 22nd December. W: www.nlr.org.uk


Christmas Fair


Now in its eighth year, this very popular Christmas Fair includes artisan producers and crafters offering quality gifts, decorations and festive food and drink. Also on 24th November. Abington Park Museum. W: www.lovenorthampton.co.uk


Family Crafting for Christmas


Make a traditional orange Christmas decoration or colour a wooden decoration to take home for the festive season. £1 per item and normal admission prices. Also on 24th November. Canons Ashby. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk


Wednesday 27th


Victorian Christmas at Rockingham Castle


Visitors will be transported back to Christmas Eve in 1849, to the reign of Queen Victoria, as the Watson family gather for their traditional Christmas celebrations. Running until 1st December. Pre-booking essential. W: www.rockinghamcastle.com


Saturday 30th


Christmas Experience Let the magic unfold through the candy cane maze, elf forest and elf village. Write a letter to Santa and see how he delivers presents. Decorate gingerbread in Mrs Claus’ kitchen and settle down for storytime. Meet Santa in his workshop and receive a present. Running until 23rd December. Mini Meadows Farm. Pre-booking essential. W: www.minimeadowsfarm.com


Christmas at Gulliver’s


Be transported into a winter wonderland with a great selection of Christmas rides, shows and attractions throughout the theme park. Running until 23rd December. Gulliver’s Land Resort Milton Keynes.


W: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk


Magical Wicksteed Park Take a magical ride on the festive train to meet Mr and Mrs Claus and their reindeer, the experience includes festive train journey, reindeer food making, biscuit making, meet santa, Christmas gift, fairground favourites. Runs until 24th December. Wicksteed Park, Kettering. Children £15, adults £7.50.


W: www.wicksteedpark.org Reindeer Trail


Explore the outdoor space this festive season looking for rustic wooden reindeer. Follow the trail together and then claim your prize to take home! NB. This is a reindeer-themed trail, no live reindeer on site. £3 per trail and normal admission prices. Running until 22nd December then 27th December- 2nd January. Canons Ashby. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk


Christmas at West Lodge Farm Park


Featuring a trip to the elves village, see Santa and take part in a live nativity play. Plus the usual farm activities and free access to the heated indoor adventure barn. Running until 24th December. West Lodge Rural Centre. W: www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk


Christmas Through The Ages


Experience Christmas from different times in history as you explore the beautiful festive house. Father Christmas will be visiting Canons Ashby on 7, 8, 14 and 15 December – the little ones can meet him as they visit the house- no need to book. Normal admission prices apply, extra charges will apply for the children’s lucky dip (£2). Canons Ashby. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk


Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/Northamptonshire for thousands more great days out


WINTER ISSUE 2019/20 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16