What To Expect At Shrek's Adventure, London

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Even though we have been Merlin Pass holders for as long as I can remember and visited all their attractions, Shrek's Adventure is one we just haven't visited. There was no reason as such it just never made it on to our 'to do' list when visiting the capital and after our recent visit I am sad we haven't experienced it before because it is such a fun attraction. 

What To Expect At Shrek's Adventure, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB

It is a brilliantly bonkers, interactive and immersive walkthrough experience, where the whole family can journey through Far Far Away as the stars of the show.

See, hear, touch and smell the adventure by exploring 10 fairytale themed live shows, from a magical 4D flying bus experience, interacting with various famous characters including Princess Fiona and Donkey to collecting the special ingredients that you will need in order to find Shrek and make it home safely.

Once inside there are lots of photo opportunities before you start your adventure to Far, Far, Away but once you start there are no cameras allowed which I loved as I was able to experience it without reaching for my camera every couple of minutes.

We had no idea what to expect but now that we have visited I would say it is very much like The Dungeons experiences were you move through the attraction and come face to face with characters. 

You move through the attraction in a small group of maybe 20-30 people including children. You stay with your group throughout. 

There is some audience participation but only a small amount and I guess you could hide behind other visitors if you don't want to get picked. 

There is lots to see and some surprises along the way. It's a fun attraction for all the family and I don't think you need to be a fan of Shrek either to enjoy it.

Anything Else?

Shrek Adventure, London is a Merlin Entertainments attraction which allows you to access using your pass however there are exclusion dates so always check the passholder website before visiting. 

There are a wide range of tickets available which include standard, anytime and multi attractions. Standard tickets are from £24 if booked online which is recommended to avoid disappointment and also to save money. To book the best ticket package for you I would recommend visiting the website to view what is available. 

Timed slots are every 15 minutes. 

The attraction can take anywhere from 70 to 90 minutes. 

There are opportunities to meet characters and also have photographs taken. There is an option to buy single photographs or to purchase a travel book with all photographs in. This is available just before the exit. 

To exit the attraction you do have to walk through the shop with opportunities to purchase Shrek branded merchandise. 

We really enjoyed Shrek's Adventure and would definitely visit again. You can find out more information by visiting Shrek's Adventure. If you visit before the 4th September 2022 you can also meet Puss in Boots. 

Are you planning a visit to Shrek's Adventure? Leave us a comment below and let us know.  

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Michelle

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Our Top 5 Merlin Attractions From Buyagift

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Disclosure - We were gifted a Buyagift experience, however the idea for this post, photos and any opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links. 

We have been Merlin Pass Holders for as long as I can remember. Being a Merlin Pass Holder allows us to visit Merlin attractions up and down the country and it’s a great way to spend a day, a weekend or even a week. Other than the a few Sealife centres and Shreks Adventure we have visited all the Merlin Attractions and they are by far our favourite day out. Recently I came across a collaboration between Buyagift and Merlin where you can now purchase Merlin experiences through Buyagift.

I love this collaboration because we are really big fans of Buyagift and we’ve used them many  times in the past and it’s nice to know now that we can buy Merlin experiences for our friends and family.

So what attractions can you purchase? Buyagift offer over 20 different experiences that you can choose from and I’ve listed just a few of our favourites. 

So if you follow our blog and socials you will know that Alton Towers is probably our favourite place to go for a day out. As a family of four we all absolutely love rollercoasters and Alton Towers is definitely the place for thrill seekers offering a huge range of thrill rides. If you have little ones it is also suitable as Alton Towers is home to CBeebies land and David Walliams World. Through Buyagift you can now purchase an experience that offers day entry to Alton Towers for two.

Madame Tussaud’s in Blackpool is a fun day out. John and I went just recently and we had a really good time. We went during the week when the children are in school, it was so quiet. We pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. This allowed us to take our time, look at all the different waxworks, and see the Marvel section which was fantastic. 

Whilst in Blackpool you can also now buy the Blackpool Tower Eye entry tickets for two. The Blackpool Tower is an iconic landmark in the North and is a must see for any visitor to the city. The Blackpool Tower Eye is more than just a tower inside you can enjoy the 4D cinema, check out the tower ballroom, circus and mini golf. Travel 380 feet above the ground to the top of the Blackpool Tower and will you be brave enough to walk across the SkyWalk?

From an iconic landmark in the North to an iconic landmark in the South. The London Eye is a 'must see and do' experience if you are in London. We’ve been on it many times and now Buyagift offer an experience where you can purchase London Eye tickets and a river cruise. The river cruise for two allows you a full day out in London with unlimited sightseeing trips on the hop on hop off with 10 stops in 24 hours. Check out the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern. The experience also includes a ride for two on the London Eye.

It’s been a few years since our last visit to Warwick Castle and we are definitely overdue. The last experience that I would recommend from Buyagift is entry to Warwick castle for two. The castle boosts almost 1000 years of British history, Birds of Prey shows and lots more. The popular Julia Donaldson book Zog now features throughout the castle and grounds with a new Zog Playland, Zog Live show and a Zog quest for a golden star. 

You can check out more Merlin attractions by visiting Buyagift

Have you bought an experience from Buyagift before? How was it? Leave us a comment below and let us know.  Also if you are looking for more posts about Merlin attractions visit our Merlin page. 

You can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you, you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

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October 2021 | Looking Back

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We had a very busy October with us all doing lots of stuff as a family that we had planned. Some of the things we enjoyed had been booked for a long time so we were just so grateful that we were able to go. No one knows what the next couple of months might look like here in the UK as the Winter kicks in so we tried to enjoy it as much as possible.

We started the month with a date night for a Chinese and then off to a charity quiz night. John and I were absolutely rubbish at the quiz although John did make the best paper plane. His plane that went the furthest out of about 40 so he won a prize. He won a juicer. We didn't win at the quiz but it was lots of fun. 

Around Springtime we took part in a Percy The Park Keeper Trail in Tatton Park. It was a lovely trail around the gardens and we got to explore, do challenges and meet Percy himself. There was a new Autumn trail to experience at the park this month called After The Storm. The trail was really good and was free to enjoy or you could buy a trail map for just £1. We got to see parts of Tatton Park we hadn't seen before. 

We went to the theatre for the first time in what feels like forever and it felt so good to be back watching a live show. Unfortunately there were only about 100 people in there, which was just so sad. I can't even say it was the show as it was the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, Tell Me On A Sunday. I guess people may not feel comfortable heading to such an intimate setting yet. However I absolutely loved the show and Jodie Prenger was amazing.

We made our way up North to visit Blackpool to see the Blackpool illuminations. We try and do it every year and it has become a tradition. We always do the same thing every year but the boys still enjoy it. We head to Coral Island to play some games and try and win some goodies. Then we usually go to the chippy for dinner because you can't go to Blackpool and not get fish and chips. As we are Merlin Pass Holders we then visit the Blackpool Tower to see the illuminations from 380ft in the air. After that we drive through the lights all the way along the golden mile. 

Pumpkin Picking was the start of five days of Halloween and was so much fun this year. We managed to pick some really nice pumpkins at Kenyon Hall Farm. Tickets sold out very quickly so we were lucky to grab some before they did, however we actually realised that you only needed the ticket to visit the pumpkin field, everything else was available at no cost with lots of pumpkins already picked for sale. You can also enjoy the play area, cafe and shop too so I won't be too stressed next year if we don't manage to get a ticket as there is still lots to enjoy. 

Only one thing to do after you've picked your pumpkins, time to carve them. From left to right is big J, mine, John's and little J's.

After our pumpkin picking day and pumpkin carving night we headed to the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest experience. We had tried not to see anything about the trail online as we didn't want to spoil our experience so didn't really know what to expect. It was absolutely amazing. The trail was at Arley Hall and Gardens National Trust property which was magically transformed in to all things Harry Potter. The rain poured down however the trees proved to be amazing umbrellas so we didn't feel it until we headed in to the open. It was an unforgettable experience and worth every penny.

We made it to Scarefest at Alton Towers after almost being put off by the rain. We are so glad we still went as the rain stayed away all day and we had a really fun packed day. The morning was a slow start with queuing almost 2 hours for Mixtape but after that we managed to get on all the rides we wanted, visited the new Trick O'Treat Town which was a really fun experience for all the family and rode Galactica and Wicker Man in the dark

We finished off our Halloween themed half term with two Halloween parties. 

I hope November is as fun as October was.

Michelle

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Halloween Events At Merlin Attractions

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Halloween is almost here and there are so many events happening close to us. However as we are Merlin Pass Holders we usually try and visit as many of the Merlin attractions as possible to experience their spooky events. Here's what in store for 2021

Where?

 Legoland, Windsor

What?

Brick or Treat

When?

14th -31st October

How Much?

Tickets start at £39

What Can We Expect?

Lord Vampyre is throwing the ultimate Halloween party and would like to invite all little monsters and their families to the Legoland Windsor Resort for his favourite time of the year, Halloween! Lord Vampyre promises to make this years Brick or Treat event the most spook-tacular event of the year.

With many fun Halloween activities for you to dig your fangs into, including my very own Haunted House Monster Party Ride and NEW for 2021 Harbour Show, Lord Vampyre’s Creepy Crypt Trail, Monster Rocker’s fang-tastic Pumpkin Trail, costume competitions and so much more – plus all of our rides including the brand new land Legoland Mythica - World of Mythical Creatures, live shows and attractions, it’s a frightfully fun day out for all the family.

Photo credit and for more information visit Legoland Windsor Resort

Where?

Thorpe Park

What?

Fright Nights 

When?

8th - 10th then then 15th -31st October

How Much?

Tickets start at £39

What Can We Expect?

Prepare yourself as Fright Nights at Thorpe Park returns for another year. Fright Nights are not for the faint hearted as you will be scared senseless at the UK’s premier Halloween event. Ride Europe’s most thrilling coasters in the dead of night before taking on live action scare experiences. 

The Fright Nights event is recommended for guests age 13+ and certain Merlin passes are excluded so a ticket would be required and can be purchased at a discounted rate. 

Photo credit and for more information visit Thorpe Park

Where?

Chessington World Of Adventures

What?

Howl 'O' Ween

When?

16th -31st October

How Much?

Tickets start at £34

What Can We Expect?

The mischievous Wild Witches of Adventure Point have conjured up a devilish spell this Howl’o’ween and brought back to life spooktacular characters across the Resort. With lots of tricks and plenty of treats, watch your step as you explore the lands, because you’ll likely encounter all kinds of delightfully ghastly creatures around every corner. Maybe you will bump in to the vile villagers, plunderous pirates, ferocious pharaohs or barbaric bandits. 

Make sure you check out the Legends of The wild witches show, the curse catchers and the forgotten forest. All included in your admission. 

Photo credit and for more information visit Chessington World Of Adventures 

Where?

Alton Towers

What?

Scarefest

When?

8th - 10th October then the 15th -31st October

How Much?

Tickets start at £39

What Can We Expect?

Open until 9pm each day guests can face head-spinning, hair-raising rides and attractions in darkness including Wicker Man and the Alton Towers Dungeon! If that’s not scary enough, 4 multi-award winning, terrifying mazes are set to return. In addition, older families will be able to enjoy the brand-new Trick o’ Treat Town, an interactive walkthrough a special town where every day is Halloween and as well as treats, there are tricks aplenty.

Returning for 2021 is the free attraction ‘Garden Lights Walk: Whispering Souls’, where the gardens come to life in a whole new spooktacular.

Younger families can enjoy live shows including the CBeebies Monster Ball and the Freaky Fun Zone characters and shows.  There really is something for all the family to enjoy.

Scare mazes and Trick O'Treat town are an additional cost.

Photo credit and for more information visit Alton Towers

If you are a Merlin Pass Holder then you can also visit Legoland Discovery Centre in both Manchester and Birmingham and Sealife centre across the country to enjoy their Halloween events. Please check the individuals centres for up to date information. 

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

Are you planning to attend a Halloween event at any of the Merlin attractions this year? Leave us a comment below and let us know. 

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Michelle

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September 2021 | Looking Back

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I love looking back at our month to see all the things we got up to and what has happened over the past 30 days. The main thing for us this month was settling back in to the back to school routine. Things are going well for little J, he is really enjoying it. Big J doesn't start university till this month but hopefully he will settle well and enjoy it too.

We had a last minute trip to Oktoberfest at Alton Towers which was definitely a highlight. Alton Towers is one of our favourite places to visit and although Oktoberfest isn't a new event for the resort it was our first time visiting.

The resort planned five huge events this year starting with Mardi Gras (which was amazing), Oktoberfest, Scarefest, Fireworks and Christmas. I am hoping we get to visit the last three as they are always a great day out. 

While we were at Alton we got little J measured and he has FINALLY reached 1.4m. He absolutely loves rollercoasters so he was over the moon and couldn't wait to try out a new ride. He chose Galactica and loved it so much he went on it twice.

Another highlight was seeing my favourite band in concert, Mcfly. We booked the tickets almost two years ago so it was a very long wait but it was definitely worth it. Unfortunately Tom who is one of the lead vocalists caught Covid so had to isolate. I was really gutted as I wasn't sure what the concert would be like without him but his band mates stepped up and also brought in a little Tom from the band Chapter 13 to help sing Tom's parts.

I've been going to McFly Concerts for as long as they have been putting on shows and I never get bored, they are amazing live. 

In Other News

We have had quite a few social events to go to this month so it's been a busy one. I don't think there has been one weekend when we haven't had something planned.

John and I joined the gym at the very beginning of the month and pleased to say that after 30 days we are feeling much better in ourselves. We've been to a variety of classes and also swimming and really hope we keep it up. 

Little J's football has started up again. They played two matches this month, lost 6-3 in one match and then won 2-1 in another.

We started and finished all three seasons of Manifest. I really enjoyed it at first but then it got a little crazy but I stuck with it. John loved it and he cannot wait for the fourth and final season next year. 

How was September for you?

Michelle

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July 2021 | Looking Back

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I feel like July has flew by and I know August will be the same and before we know it we will be heading back to work and school in September. July was a busy month so it's nice for me to look back at what we got up to. 

We headed into July with no plans and nothing booked but we ended up having a really nice month. July is usually the month we head on a Summer holiday but this year we stayed closer to home but still had lots of fun. 

Little J managed to visit three different play areas this month that had his favourite thing, an inflatable slide. The slide at Jump Maniax was huge which he loved. He even enjoyed racing with a friend he made while we were there. The inflatable slide at Calderstones Beach was lots of fun and he got to share it with his cousins. Then during a visit to Dino Kingdom in Manchester he spotted the slide and bouncy castle in the far corner of the fairground area. He was very happy. 

Little J was really excited about the Euros and managed to stay up and watch some of the matches even the ones that went to penalties. He really wanted England to win but unfortunately it didn't go their way. He's now looking forward to the start of the Premier League and then the World Cup. 

It was the end of another school year for me and it's such a sad time as I have to say goodbye to all my little ones. We were all spoilt this year. The parents were so kind and we got lots of lovely gifts and some personal gifts too.

We decided on a last minute trip to the seaside. It was late in the afternoon when we got there and it was fairly quiet. It was a nice but windy day, a lovely way to spend a few hours. 

We also managed to fit in a trip to Coral Island in Blackpool. Little J loves it there and was brave enough to go on the ghost train, we played air hockey, arcade games and we won a huge baby Yoda. 

We headed to one of our favourite places, Alton Towers to celebrate Johns birthday. We booked a stay over at the Alton Towers hotel and surprised him with the adult birthday package. We spent the day in the park, early evening in the waterpark and then to the Crooked Spoon for dinner. A lovely way to spend the day. We headed back to the park the next day to do some more rides. 

After our second day in the Alton Towers theme park we headed to Goin Golf. We had been invited to visit and try out the Golf Simulators and it was amazing. We didn't want to leave and really over stayed our welcome but it was so much fun. 

We finished off the month with a stay over at Drayton Manor Hotel and a visit to the theme park. It's a lovely family park with just a handful of thrill rides. Little J is absolutely desperate to ride the 'big ones' but is just short of the 1.4m requirement. Won't be long though.

In Other News

Big J has been working lots over the past few weeks so unfortunately has missed out on a few of our days out which he doesn't like but we have a full week with him very soon. 

To our surprise little J had to have a filling this month. It was a surprise because he is so good brushing his teeth at least twice a day and isn't a big sweet or fruit eater. He has a very strong gag reflex so had to be sedated but was very brave. 

We had one week of glorious weather which meant the pool came out for the week. I love having the pool out it was a lovely way to spend the first week of the Summer holidays. 

I completed my July book club in plenty of time. This months book was called Beauty Sleep. It was a great read and I would definitely recommend it. 

How was your July?

Michelle

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