Jump Maniax Inflatable Park, Preston

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Jump Maniax is a unique inflatable park and is now open in Preston. With a 20,000 sq.ft arena it is every bouncers dream as all the inflatables are connected to make one huge bouncy playground. 

What To Expect At Jump Maniax, Preston, PR1 4LQ

Jump Maniax is located on Fishwick Park in Preston. The inflatable park covers 20,000 sq.ft and is the largest of its kind in the North West. The arena has different areas to provide bouncing fun for everyone.

Slam Dunk and Darts - Challenge your family or friends to some basketball or darts.

Wipeout Zone - Can you stay in the wipeout zone the longest? Be prepared to dunk and jump over the spinning beams.

Battle Beams - Balance on the inflatable beam with another beam in your hand as you try to knock over your opponent. 

Climbing Wall - Use all your strength to climb across the wall. Don't worry if you fall there is a nice bouncy soft landing. 

Wrecking Ball - Stand on the beam opposite your opponent and try to dodge the wrecking ball as you throw it back and forth.

Wac A Mole - Like the popular fairground game but you can choose an opponent (wearing a helmet) to whack. 

Inflatable Slides - Various slides to choose from all heading in to a ball pool. 

Ninja Climbing Wall - A little tougher than the climbing wall but there are ropes to help you. 

Ninja Obstacle Course - A One way obstacle course with lots of different challenges.

Multi Sports Arena - Perfect for basketball or football.

For Toddlers - The under 5's won't miss out on the fun with their own inflatable area including slide. Upstairs in the arena you will also find their own dedicated soft play area.  

Anything Else?

If you are feeling peckish the cafe serves hot and cold drinks and food all day.

There are lockers available to keep your personal belongings safe whilst bouncing. 

There are a variety of promotions offering discounted entry such as buy one get one free so make sure you check the promotions page before you buy tickets. 

Jump Maniax also offers party package perfect to help you celebrate a special birthday. 

Opening times differ depending on the time of year 

Term Time

Monday – Friday: 10am – 6:00pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 8:00pm

School Holidays

Monday – Friday: 10am – 7:00pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 8:00pm

We will be heading to Jump Maniax soon and will post a full review of our experience. If you would like to visit Jump Maniax, enter our giveaway to be in with a chance of winning one of two family tickets. All you need to do is complete the entry form below and pop back daily for bonus chances to win. 

Good Luck

Win A Family Ticket To Jump Maniax, Preston

Monday – Friday: 10am – 7:00Michelle

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The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall Cheshire

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The Ice Cream Farm is a family friendly attraction that offers a children's play area, lots of pay as you play attractions and over 50 flavours of ice cream to choose from.

What To Expect At The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall, Cheshire CH3 9NE

The Ice Cream Farm is located in Tattenhall in Cheshire. Like most days out and activities you now have to book in advance online. You can choose a 1, 2 or 3 hour pass. The passes cost just £1 or 90p if you are a VIP pass holder. You can choose a time slot that suits you. We went at 2pm and stayed in the farm until 5pm.

The attractions inside are pay as you play however we chose to buy a play pass online before we arrived. This cost us £15 per pass and allowed us to access the attractions inside at a discounted rate. Our play pass had 5 credits on so instead of paying £4.50 on the day per attraction it had only cost us £3.

Once inside you have access to Daisy's Garden which is included in your entrance fee of £1. This is a lovely play area with lots of different play equipment for the children. 

There is a large treehouse with rope ladders and slide. A selection of in the ground trampolines. Balance beams and tunnels. Rope swings and lots more. 

In-between attractions it was a great place to let the kids play in whilst we waited for the next. 

Strawberry Falls golf was a lot of fun and is probably the main attraction at the farm. There were 12 mini golf type holes on the course.

We had to book this attraction using the virtual queuing system. It was quick and easy to book your time slot and meant we didn't have to queue. 

Each player pays £4.50 or uses a credit from their play pass. You are given a scorecard, golf club and ball. Make your way around the course weaving in an out of lots of decorative yummy treats.

Gemstone Cove was lots of fun. You are given a small sieve and a mesh bag and then you are ready to go and find some gems. 

All you need to do is dig in the sand and water and then sieve it out and see what you've found. 

We found lots of stones of all different colours. 

Again this costs £4.50 per person or 1 credit from a play pass. We were asked to keep to a time limit of 20 minutes. 

SilverCone costs just £1 and you do need a £1 coin to put in the slot of the quad. You can then drive your quad around the track and straight to the finish line

Unfortunately we couldn't play on the marshmallow mound as little J has broken his finger so he just watched as his cousins had a turn. It's a huge inflatable bouncy pillow and they have a smaller one for little ones too.

The marshmallow mound costs £4.50 or 1 credit from a play pass. You are given a timed slot to return to the marshmallow mound and the children have a limited time bouncing.

There were a few attractions we didn't do including Rocky Road. This is another self drive attraction. The inside play attractions where closed due to restrictions and we also didn't see the farm this time. 

There is a lovely picnic area too which we will remember for next time. 

We finished the day with Ice Cream. There are over 50 flavours to choose from. 

The ice cream parlour usually has an indoor seating area however due to restrictions it was closed. There are places to sit around the play area though if you wanted to sit whilst eating.

We had a lovely day at the farm and would definitely recommend it. Pre booking tickets online meant it wasn't too busy and it felt safe. The virtual queuing system also meant less waiting times at the attractions too. 

We can't wait to go again. 

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Dunham Massey, Altrincham Greater Manchester

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We have visited Dunham Massey twice over the past few months and it has quickly become one of our favourite National Trust properties.

What To Expect At Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester WA14 4SJ.

Dunham Massey boasts a garden for all seasons, ancient deer park and a house that is filled with treasures and stories.

On arrival at Dunham Massey your tickets will be checked as you drive in to the car park area. Pre Booking tickets is advised and guarantees entry. Once your tickets are checked you are shown to the car park area and ready to start your day out.

The reception area is just as you enter the estate and has a cafe, toilets, gift shop and an ice cream kiosk. It is probably the largest reception area we have seen in the National Trust places we have been to, and its really modern and fresh. 

When you are ready to enter the main estate you can head up the steps or the accessible route which leads you to the courtyard. There is a large lake which you walk past here which has fountain sprays which fire up from time to time and are really nice to look at.  In the courtyard you have access to toilets, ice cream parlour, the gardens and the deer park.  The courtyard also has some pop up stands with freshly cooked pizza, coffee, and cakes to choose from. 

The house, mill and stables are closed at the moment but there is still plenty to explore.  The house itself looks really impressive, and well preserved so we are looking forward to being able to have a look around when it opens.  

From the courtyard you can choose to head out onto the deer trail, or into the gardens. Both are different experiences and I would recommend you visit both when you go. 

The Gardens are a lovely walk through brightly coloured plants and flowers and large open spaces too. There are plenty of benches dotted around for a break or just to take in the views.  The open spaces are really flat which makes it a great place for a picnic, or to play some games. We played frisbee and the area was perfect for that.  As with most National Trust areas a lot of the trees and flowers are labelled so if you want to have a look and see what everything is you will be able to. 

The Deer park is a much larger and open spaced part of the property. You can choose to wander across some of the more open wooded areas, or you can walk the deer park paths, which in places you can't go off as you have the Deer Sanctuary areas which are left alone for the Deer.  There is so much space to explore and the wide areas reminded us of Tatton Park.  If you follow the defined path you will be able to walk all the way to the end of the estate and come back along another path where we did see some deer from a distance.  There is lots to explore and plenty to climb over, run through and generally enjoy the outdoors. 

All paths will lead you back to the Courtyard area, which is a good idea as you can get refreshed and have an Ice Cream before you head back to the reception area and have a look in the shop if you like. 

Anything Else?

The car park at Dunham Massey is free and has lots of parking spaces. It's open daily from 9am-5:15pm (weekends) and 9:30am - 5:15pm. (weekdays)

Please check the individual opening times for the gardens, cafe, shop before you visit.

Well behaved dogs are welcome in the parkland (9.30am – 5pm) and gardens (12 noon – 5pm), but must be kept on a short lead at all times to protect the herd of deer.

Pre Booking tickets is essential. 

Prices are 

£8 per adult

£4 per child

£20 per family

There is plenty to see and do at Dunham Massey to keep you busy and makes a lovely day out. 

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Dino Falls Adventure Golf, Trafford Manchester

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Dino Falls Adventure Golf offers 36 holes over two courses. No need for golf experience the Dinosaur themed golf adventure is perfect for all ages and all abilities. 

What To Expect At Dino Falls, Trafford, Manchester. M17 8PG

Dino Falls Adventure Golf is situated in The Trafford Golf Centre close to the Trafford Centre. There are two courses to choose from each consisting of 18 holes. 

Dinosaur fans will love this themed adventure golf featuring prehistoric caves and winding fossil paths. There are a range of moving dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and Velociraptors.

Course 1 - Rapids

Navigate along the winding river and the following waterfall on the Rapids course. Make sure you don't get sprayed by the Pterodactyl overhead. 

Course 2 - Volcano

Head out on the ultimate adventure along the Volcano course complete with colossal erupting volcano. 

Both courses feature engaging obstacles with a pre-historic twist, selfie stations and fascinating facts to keep you informed as you play. 

Prices

£8 Adult

£6 Child Under 16 and students

£24 Family (2 adults and 2 children)

Booking is essential and guarantees your entry however payment is not taken online, you will need to pay on arrival. 

Opening times are 7:30am-10:30pm daily. Last tee time is 9:25pm. 

The cafe and bar is open for takeaway only and does not allow sitting/waiting inside. 

Dino Falls Adventure Golf is all outdoors so it would be wise to come prepared for all weathers. 

You must arrive 10 minutes before your tee off time. It is estimated that a round of 18 holes will take 1 hour when playing as a group of 4. 

Parking is free at the Trafford Golf Centre. 

Close by is The Trafford Centre which is home to lots of shops, bars, restaurants, cinema and amusements. 

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Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow Cheshire

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At the weekend we visited a new National Trust property, Quarry Bank Mill in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Although some of the property was closed it was still definitely worth a visit. 

What To Expect At Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4LA.

Quarry Bank Mill is one of Britains greatest industrial heritage sites, home to a complete industrial community. Although the mill and apprentice house remains closed at the moment there is a huge estate to explore.

On arriving at Quarry Bank Mill you will be checked in by a member of staff. Pre booking tickets is essential and guarantees entry. 

There are a couple of paths to choose from once inside the estate with most heading towards the upper gardens. 

The path that leads to the upper gardens is only a short distance away. The upper gardens are filled with beautiful spring flowers and landscape gardens. There are toilet facilities in the upper garden as well as a small shop and newly opened Garden Cafe.

There is a downward winding path from the upper gardens which takes you in to the lower grounds and mill. 

The path can be steep in places however there are oils to hold on to in certain parts. The path features lots of spring flowers and benches to enjoy the view of the estate below. 

Once at the bottom you can access the lower grounds, a range of walking routes, the mill (when open), weaving shed restaurant, mill shop and stables ice cream parlour. 

There are four walks to enjoy in and around Quarry Bank Mill. 

The Southern Woods Walk

Distance 2.5km

Duration 50 minutes

The Kingfisher Walk 

Distance 2km

Duration 50 Minutes

Giant's Castle Walk 

Distance 6.2km

Duration 2hrs30

We took the Southern Woods walking path and did the route in reverse. There are plenty of things to see along the way including rivers, wildlife and stunning views. There are benches along the way for those who need to rest or take in the views. If walking with the kids there are plenty of opportunities for them to explore and climb.

All routes are circular so bring you back to the estate. 

Anything Else?

The car park at Quarry Bank Mill is free and has lots of parking spaces. It's open daily from 8am - 8pm. The estate opens at 8:30am and there are individual opening times for the range of facilities available 

Gardens 10:30-5pm

Garden Shop 12-4pm

Mill Shop 10:30-5pm

Stables Ice Cream Parlour 10:30-5pm (weekends only)

Weaving Shed Restaurant 10:30-4pm (weekends only)

The Garden Cafe 10:30-5pm 

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome at Quarry Bank Mill. 

Pre Booking tickets is essential. 

Prices are 

£8 per adult

£4 per child

£20 per family

There is plenty of grounds and space around the gardens and mill to ensure social distancing. 

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Have you been to Quarry Bank Mill? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit.

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                                      Michelle

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What's New At Merlin Attractions In 2021

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Today is the day that we begin the second step of the Roadmap out of lockdown and restrictions. All non essential shops will open, as well as hairdressers and beer gardens to name a few. I think the one thing we have been looking forward to the most is the opening of the Theme Parks. Visiting theme parks is our favourite day out and we can't wait till we can visit our favourites this year. 

We are Merlin Pass holders so their attractions will be top of our visit list this year. They have been working hard behind the scenes during lockdown to bring lots of new and exciting updates to their parks and attractions in 2021. Here is what we can look forward to.

Alton Towers

Due to Covid-19 the opening of David Walliams land was delayed but it now looks set to open this year with the 'land' being added to the park map and features new rides. 

Gangsta Granny: The Ride

This dark ride will take you on a journey based on the popular David Walliams book, Gangsta Granny. 

You must be 0.9m or over to ride, and 1.2m or over to ride without an adult. All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

Royal Carousel

Hop on board the Queens horses or sit on the throne as you spin round and round. 

If you are under 1.3m you must be with an adult (18+). All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp

Bounce up and down on Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp Ride. 

You must be at least 0.9m to ride Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp. If you are under 1.1m you must be with an adult (18+). All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

If you are familiar with Alton Towers you may know David Walliams land will take over the former land Cloud Cuckoo Land. 

Although the location has not been confirmed yet I can only assume that Gangsta Granny The Ride will either be in the Charlie and The Chocolate Factory ride which closed in 2015 or the old Wobble World play area. 

The Royal Carousel and Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp sound very familiar to the Carousel and Frog Hopper which were located in Cloud Cuckoo Land so may not be new rides as such, maybe just rebranded. 

Alton made a very exciting announcement recently on their social media that they have added three 'pop up' type rides to the park called The Retro Squad. 

We don't know a lot about these rides other than they are old school rides called Mixtape, Funk'n'Fly and Roller Disco. 

The locations of the rides have been shared with a brief description.

Roller Disco 

Located in The Dark Forest and is a spinning ride.

Mix Tape 

Located in X Sector and seems to be a 'bouncy' type of ride. 

Funk'n'Fly 

Located in Forbidden Valley and says we will soar to heights.

All three rides require you to be a minimum of 1.2m and all riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask. 

All the above rides may not open on the 12th April 2021. Further updates will be made with opening dates once released.

Chessington World Of Adventures

It looks like there is just one new addition to Chessington World of Adventures in 2021. 

Croc Drop

Jump on board and reach great heights before being plunge 25m in to the Crocs Jaw.

Croc Drop is a fun and exciting 'drop tower' type of ride which requires all riders to be a minimum of 1.2m. If you are between 1.2-1.3 you must ride with an adult over the age of 16. All riders over 1.3 can ride alone. 

There is no update about face masks for this ride however I assume it will be similar to Alton Towers. 

Legoland Windsor Resort

Opening on the 29th May Lego Mythica is a new land coming to Legoland Windsor Resort. Mythica is a parallel universe where all the lego creatures we create go so they can come to life. 

There are three new rides opening in the land of Lego Mythica and includes the UK's first ever flying theatre ride. 

Flight Of The Sky Lion

Take a ride with Maximus through Lego Mythica and explore the realms facing some of the rarest and scariest creatures.

Fire and Ice Free Fall

Two spinning top tower rides.

Hydra's Challenge.

An interactive water ride with twists and turns.

Again there isn't much information about the new land and the three exciting new rides. As soon as information is released I will update minimum height restrictions and other updates. 

Thorpe Park 

Just one new attraction heading to Thorpe Park this spring and it is a UK first.

Black Mirror Labyrinth

Opening on May 21st The UK's first ever Black Mirror Experience attraction. Described as a twisted and sensory defying maze it will lead you in to the core of the Black Mirror Universe. 

Based on the description I will assume this will be adults only however will update as soon as more information is released. 

Warwick Castle

A new activity trail to follow.

Zog and The Quest For The Golden Star

Included in the price of your ticket and available until 5th September 2021, the Zog activity trail will keep you busy. Learn how to become a true dragon, rescue a princess and collect stamps along the way. 

Zog will be there to pose for a photograph and hand out some golden stars too. 

All these new rides and attractions should keep us busy this year. What are you looking forward to most?

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