Pennington Flash, Leigh

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A few friends have told us about visiting Pennington Flash recently so during the Summer holidays we decided to put on our walking shoes and head to the flash for an afternoon walk. As we had never visited before and couldn't really find much online we didn't know what to expect, other than the flash is a very large body of water. 

What To Expect At Pennington Flash, Leigh WN7 3PA

When looking at the map of the flash both online and upon arrival it's quite difficult to see which path leads where so we started out at the car park and took it from there.  There are maps dotted around the car park to show the different paths so we took a photo of the map to help us navigate . 

The car park is chargeable at £1.50 per day. There were plenty of spaces even though some of the car park was taken up by travellers.

When looking at the flash we headed right towards a toilet block which was closed. These were the only toilets on site which made it a little tricky as we were expecting to be at Pennington Flash for at least a few hours. Someone did tell me that there is a Morrisons about a 15 minute walk away if the toilets are closed on your visit. 

Just behind the toilets is a children's playground. It had the usual play equipment, swings, see-saws, climbing frame. 

We then followed a path which led us alongside the flash, in towards the woods and up alongside the Liverpool Leeds canal. 

There were hideouts alongside the paths which are great for bird watchers and were very popular. Some of the seats where marked as belonging to people, which I assume is just their way of saying they spend a lot of time here watching the wildlife over the year. 

After we had walked alongside the Liverpool Leeds canal we had to find our way back on the path which was a little tricky and very steep so we did double back. Luckily we were able to watch a canal boat going past, the man on board looked like he was enjoying himself waving to the kids as he went past.  There is a large bridge which takes you over the canal just here and its a great place for taking photos and looking out onto the canal. 

We then joined the path but somewhere on that path we should have turned and followed a path back to the car park which is approx a 1-2 mile walk if we wanted a short walk that wouldn't have covered the entire flash. 

We continued on a path which took is right around the flash. The path was mostly defined however it was wet and muddy in places so we did have to go in to the bushes a few times and climb over a fence. We managed to get really close to the waters edge at times too which meant we could stop to throw stones and have a little break watching the birds and swans.  

We then ended up on a main road but managed to get back in to the country park again on clear paths that took us through some private land with public footpaths through. There are signs to let you know where you need to go and which areas are private.

This walk wasn't what we expected and took us around 3 hours and was approx 7-8km. However it was enjoyable and there was plenty to see along the way including the boats on the flash from the nearby sailing club. 

Walking shoes or boots are definitely essential as even though there are defined paths they are rocky and proper walking boats will protect your ankles. 

There is an ice cream man at the car park until close each day. Luckily we had £10 cash with us as the ice cream man wasn't taking cards when we visited. 

We really enjoyed our walk around Pennington Flash and although we only expected to walk 1-2 miles it was a nice walk and was easy on the legs for most of it. The hideouts are great if you want to spot birds and the walk along the canal was really calm and peaceful. 

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Michelle

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It Only Happens In The Movies by Holly Bourne Book Review

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This post contains affiliate links.

Audrey isn't like the majority of her friends. Whilst they are gushing over boys, Audrey is over romance. Audrey had been brought up by two parents who were head over heals with each other until one day it was over. So whilst dealing with her parents divorce, a hurtful breakup of her own, and distancing herself from her friends she has every reason to feel cynical. To avoid being at home with her Mum who is clearly not over her Dad, Audrey starts a job at the local cinema. She meets Harry. Harry is her fellow coworker, brash, impulsive, and a major flirt. Audrey isn't interested and tries to resist, however she finds herself falling for his charms. 

In this funny, insightful, and ultimately empowering novel, love and life isn’t what it’s like in the movies. It Only Happens In The Movies by Holly Bourne.

My Book Review

This is the third book I've read since joining the monthly book club in May. It Only Happens In The Movies got the majority of the votes including mine. I am a sucker for a romance books however this really wasn't a romance book, but I loved it. 

The story tells a story about a teenage girl, Audrey who had been brought up by two parents who loved each other. Their proposal was epic in Rome similar to the movie Roman Holiday. Their daughter Audrey was actually named after the actress Audrey Hepburn. Audrey had no idea that one day her Dad would up and leave to be with another woman. He actually starts a new family. 

There is a lot of responsibility on Audrey to look after her Mum who doesn't take the situation very well. Audrey does have an older brother but he is away in college. I really felt for Audrey as she never seems to know what she will come home to so starts staying out later and later at her new job at the cinema. 

Audrey has had a failed relationship herself just recently so the idea of love isn't in her thoughts at all right now until she meets Harry. Harry is a charmer. Harry is funny, cute, says all the right things but has a reputation. I think we all knew this kind of boy in school. Some girls stayed clear and others fell for him, Audrey was a bit of both. 

I finished this book within a week or so, I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed watching the relationship build between Audrey and Harry. There is something special about your first love and although it doesn't always ends the way you want it too it's one you will always remember.

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- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

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- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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August 2021 | Looking Back

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I said last month that August will fly by and before we know it the kids will be back at school and yes, I was right. Days, weeks and even months can drag sometimes when you are in work however as soon as you are off they whizz past. I really can't complain as we had an absolutely brilliant Summer and it has probably been my favourite Summer for a long time. 

One of my favourite memories from this Summer was booking a very last minute to Disneyland Paris. It had been about 18 months since we visited a Disney park and as soon as they announced that France had been removed from amber plus we booked. It was the best Disneyland Paris holiday I think we have ever had. Everything went so smoothly and although we had to wear masks and the castle is under refurbishment it was every bit as magical as I remembered

We tend to visit Disneyland Paris around Christmas time so it was nice to enjoy the parks in just t-shirts rather than jumpers, coats, hats and scarves. We stayed in Hotel Cheyenne which is the only Disney hotel we hadn't stayed in before so it was a nice experience.

This visit was the first time that little J went on every ride we did except for Indiana Jones. He was so brave and went on Hyper Space Mountain and The Tower of Terror.

We had a truly amazing time and it was just what we needed. 

We visited quite a few indoor play centres this month including Flip Out, Kick Air and our local soft play. We love visiting indoor play centres, they are perfect for wet days, to burn off any extra energy and to spend time with friends. 

John and big J were in and out of work all month so I had planned a few days out just for little J and I. We went to the Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester followed by a visit to Sealife which is just next door.

As Merlin Pass holders we can visit the attractions throughout the year as and when we want however I still prebook our tickets as they can sell out very quickly. 

John and I enjoyed just one date day this month but it was a good one. We headed to Breakout which is our favourite escape room. We chose Detectives Office and we did manage to escape with just over a minute to go. 

We then hopped aboard The Floating Grace for afternoon tea and a cruise around the docks in Liverpool. I love afternoon tea and John had found this unique experience and it was a lovely way to spend a few hours. The food was delicious and the sights were stunning. 

A few years ago we did a trail around Blackburn looking for Lego Paw Patrol models and it was one of our favourite days out that Summer. This year it was back so we headed back to Blackburn but this time we enjoyed the Brickosaurs Brick Trail looking for huge dinosaurs. It was lots of fun. 

We headed outside quite a few times this month however a highlight was Pennington Flash. It's advertised as a 2 mile walk around the flash (like a large lake) however it was about 7km for us but I think we may have took a few wrong turns. We reached the Liverpool Leeds Canal which was lovely to walk along. We actually saw a boat going past which little J loved as the captain waved at him. 

The walk itself wasn't tough however there were parts were we had to improvise as the path was muddy or blocked off completely but it all adds to the fun I suppose. 

In Other News

I was really stressing about back to school shopping however it went really well and we got everything in just one trip. 

I've started planning our days out for Halloween and Christmas. Things sell out so fast so you have to be very early. 

Big J headed to Creamfields for the weekend. It's his first festival but he was very excited as well as nervous but had an amazing time. 

Our paddling pool didn't really get much use this year compared to last year. It's not been that warm at all however we managed to get it out over the bank holiday weekend which was fun. 

How was your Summer?

Michelle

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Osmo Coding Starter Kit

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Disclosure - We were sent the product below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own unless stated. This post contains affiliate links. 

You may have read a previous post where we have written about Osmo and the various sets and kits you can get to use once you have a starter kit.  We have recently been sent another starter kit - this one based around coding to try out and this is probably going to be our most favourite Osmo set to date. 

Osmo works in conjunction with an iPad or Amazon Fire tablet - so you must already own an iPad or Fire table in order to be able to use Osmo sets. Its a fantastic way of allowing your child to have screen time while learning and enjoying themselves either on their own, with friends or with you to be able so spend some screen time with them.

The Coding starter kit includes everything you need to get started. Included is the Osmo Base for iPad, access to three coding games, 31 coding blocks, storage for the blocks.The games themselves include over 100 coding puzzles and over 300 musical sounds. 

Setup is easy enough - you just need to find each of three games on the apple app store, download them to the iPad and then set the iPad in the base with the connector on top of the iPad. Each game guides you through a guided demonstration of how to use each of the coding blocks and then throughout the games teaches your chid how to include more complex coding instructions in a really simple and enjoyable way. The more you code, the further you get in the game and the more rewards you are given in game to use on unlockables. 

We started with Coding Awbie which is the recommended starting point to learn basic concepts. Little J really loves this game.  You control a character called Awbie who needs to make his way through the outdoors in order to collect items to build a nice big, well decorated campsite. You move Awbie by giving coding instructions using the blocks which the Osmo setup will recognise when you place them under the iPad. You start with a direction, then a number of steps in a direction, followed by more complex strings of instructions with movement in different directions and numbers of steps.  You can even move up to grabs, jumps and bounces as you go.  Little J managed a string of 7 instructions which the Osmo was able to pick up and follow perfectly which gave lots of rewards and really helped Little J understand how to plan a route and set instructions.  The coding blocks are easy to use, well designed and have a quality feel to them too which really supports a good learning and playing environment. 

Next it was time for Coding Jam, this is a more intermediate app which allows you to compose your own music using patterns and loops. This one has a much more detailed practice mode which teaches you how to line up coding blocks to make beats, rhythms and layer these over each other to make songs.  The more you progress the more musical sounds unlock and the more you can overlay your creations.  The app will remember creations and allow you to layer new ones over them to make intricate sounds.  This game felt more 'open' than Coding Awbie and has less of a clear path through the game. You can be more creative with this game and really see how different code strings affect the songs you can make.  Little J preferred Coding Awbie this game, but he did enjoy making his own songs and naming them. 

The final app is Coding Duo which is a more advanced Coding challenge, setting puzzles to be solved using the coding blacks.  This can be played solo or two player and we have decided to save this one until we have all mastered Coding Awbie and Coding Jam.  It looks like the more practice you have had at the previous games, the better this one will be to play. 

All in all, we really loved this new addition to our Osmo collection. It's really clever how the app is able to your coding instructions. It also feels as though the 'reading' capability has been improved from some of the previous games we have played using Osmo. 

You can find out more about  Osmo by visiting Play Osmo online.

Michelle

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Flip Out Trampoline Park, Liverpool

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Disclosure - We were gifted tickets for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

We have been trying to keep busy this Summer, getting out and about so the boys don't just sit on their screens all day. As we can't rely on the British weather we have had to plan a few outdoor days out and also some indoors. Luckily we have quite a large selection of indoor play centres in the North West and we recently visited Flip Out, Liverpool.

What To Expect At Flip Out, Liverpool L9 5AT

Flip Out, Liverpool is not just a trampoline park, it is so much more. Flip Out is home to a 65ft donut slide, total wipeout, cyber towers, drop slide, stunt boxes, a huge interconnected trampoline arena and lots more.

The arena is split in to different sections. There are steps down away from the trampolines which lead you in to an area that has a play structure, donut slide, and climbing frame. It's a great addition to the trampolines and the boys spent a lot of time there, climbing and sliding. 

The simple trampolines are a great way to get you used to bouncing and work out where everything is. There are also some high power trampolines that allow you to launch yourself into a foam fit, flipping as you go if you wish.

The 65ft tube slide, which is very similar to an ice slide is lots of fun. You sit in a rubber ring and slide to the bottom. I haven't seen one of these anywhere other than in ice adventure areas, and it was just as much fun.

The stunt area has higher powered trampolines all around a well padded Lamborghini car that can be jumped on, or over.  This was a really good area to get some height into your bouncing. This area has a minimum height restriction of 1.2m.

There was also an assault course type area, again with minimum height requirement, this was similar to a play area structure with climbing, rolling, and a decent size slide at the end which was very quick.

You are guaranteed lots of laughs on the total wipe out zone. This is an activity where you stand on a spot and have to either jump over or duck under a moving bar. 

Anything Else?

Each standard jump session is 90 minutes which we felt was just the right amount of time. We were able to explore the large arena and enjoyed all the features inside. A 90 minute session costs £15.

You can enjoy some toddler time at Flip Out during off peak times. Monday 1pm then Tuesday to Friday at 10am, 11:30am and 1pm. Costs for the Toddler and Parent session is £12 with one adult free (term time only).

A family bounce is available which saves you money. Each family ticket is for 4 (must include one adult over 18) and costs just £50 anytime on any day.

For those who would like to enjoy a reduced sensory environment with dimmed lights and reduced noise you can enjoy an additional needs session. The sessions run on a Tuesday 5:30-7pm and Sunday 10am-11:30am. Price is £12 and carers go free. We found it very loud and busy when we visited so I would highly recommend these sessions to those who may be overwhelmed.

An after dark session brings a party atmosphere to the arena with light shows and super sound systems. After Dark runs for 2 hours every Friday and Saturday at 6pm. Cost is £16 or you can upgrade to a Flip Feast which includes a 9" pizza and drink for £20.

If you are thinking of a party there are some dedicated party rooms with plenty of space throughout and even free wifi for the parents. We didn't try the cafe although it looked to serve a good selection of food and drinks and there was plenty of seating around too.

It is recommended you book online to guarantee entry. 

Arrive at the venue 30 minutes before your bounce time and sign your waivers before you arrive to save time. 

Flip Out socks can be purchased from reception for £3 per pair. 

There are plenty of parking spaces however near the session times it was very busy to park.

We all really enjoyed our visit. The separate areas, slides and climbing frame really give the trampoline park that extra something. 

I am always so grateful for any support I receive on my blog and social channels. If you did find this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Leave us a comment below and let us know what you thought. 

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Michelle

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Afternoon Tea On Board The Floating Grace

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John and I are always looking for places to go for date days and nights. Whilst looking online for something to do, John recently came across The Floating Grace. The Floating Grace is Liverpool's only floating restaurant and bar. 

What To Expect On Board The Floating Grace, Salthouse Quay, Liverpool L3 4AE

The Floating Grace is docked in the Salthouse Quay within The Albert Dock. There are a choice of cruises available which will take you on a historical tour of the Albert Dock taking in beautiful views of 8 of Liverpool's Docks. 

We bought an afternoon cruise and boarded the boat just before 2pm. The seating plans were already arranged and we were shown to our table for two. There were tables of two, four and six on our cruise and it was at full capacity. 

Once seated we chatted amongst ourselves, looking at the views whilst the staff came and took our drinks order. There is a bar on board, no draught beers or soft drinks but plenty of choice of bottled beers, wines, Prosecco and soft drinks. A drinks menu is on your table upon arrival for you to glance over. If you don't want to order drinks that is absolutely fine as you will be served tea or coffee with your afternoon tea. 

The captain introduced himself shortly before setting sail at 2:30pm. He did a safety chat letting the passengers know where to find life vests and emergency exit. He was able to give us lots of information about the different docks we sailed in and out of and so much history. It was quite obvious that he loved the docks and his passion really came across. 

Afternoon tea was served shortly after the cruise began. The three tiered afternoon tea had ham and tomato, tuna and mayonnaise, cheese and onion and egg mayonnaise sandwiches. Two scones with clotted cream and jam, two small pieces of lemon drizzle cake, two small cupcakes, two coconut macaroons and two wafer biscuits. It was more than enough for two. 

Your tea and coffee is served to you in large mugs. You do not have your own teapot however we were asked if we wanted a top up of tea. 

The staff on board were very friendly and approachable. The lady serving us was the captains wife and the waiter seemed like a family friend. The cruise had a lovely feel to it and was very enjoyable. 

The captain spoke about the history all the way along the docks and it was so interesting to hear. Once we had reached the end of the docks and we could not go any further the captain switched off his mic and we sailed back to some music. 

We boarded at 2pm and we got back to the Salthouse Quay at just before 4pm. The price for the cruise is £20 per person. 

Anything Else?

The afternoon tea cruise runs Wednesday to Saturday

There is an evening dinner cruise which again runs Wednesday to Saturday. Enjoy a three course meal on board with a glass of bubbly on arrival. Boarding at 7pm, set sail at 7:30pm and return at 9pm. The price for the evening dinner cruise is £35.

You can also enjoy a Sunday lunch cruise on board The Floating Grace. The 2 hour cruise offers a 2 course lunch with a glass of bubbly on arrival. You can choose to board at 12pm or 3pm. The price for the Sunday lunch is £25 per person. 

If you have any allergies or specific dietary requirements you can let them know beforehand via email or in the comments when booking. 

We really enjoyed our cruise on The Floating Grace. It was a lovely relaxed atmosphere, great food and lots of historical information. We would definitely like to book another cruise to experience the Sunday Lunch or Evening Dinner.

To find out more about the cruises, menus and booking information visit The Floating Grace.

I am always so grateful for any support I receive on my blog and social channels. If you did find this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Leave us a comment below and let us know what you thought. 

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful.

Michelle

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