Why Cornwall Is The Perfect Destination For A Family Holiday

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post.

Planning a holiday in the UK is becoming more and more popular and I can understand why. The UK has so much to offer including stunning beaches, historic castles, gardens and woodlands to explore and theme parks. If you are looking for it all in one holiday then Cornwall is the perfect destination for a family holiday. 

Beaches

It would be hard to visit Cornwall and not stumble across one of its beautiful beaches. There are over 300 beaches to explore and they all vary so you can take your pick. Enjoy miles of golden sands, or you can explore small coves which are perfect for small and big adventurers. Visit one of the many family friendly beaches or if taking your dog you can enjoy dog friendly beaches too. Some of Cornwalls beaches are busier than others however there are quieter ones that are perfect for relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery. 

Castles

Visiting a castle can be fun for all the family and in Cornwall you have 8 to choose from. The most popular choice is Tintagel Castle which is situated on the North Coast. Tintagel Castle is full of history with it said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The castle provides hours of enjoyment and stunning views of the north coastline and Tintagel beach. Another favourite is St Michael's Mount in the West. St Michael's Mount can be reached by boat or you can walk during low tide. There is lots of history to uncover, a sub-tropical terraced garden to explore and stunning views of Mounts Bay to enjoy.

Animals

A visit to Newquay Zoo is a great choice for animal lovers. Be prepared to see lions, lemurs, penguins, red pandas and so much more. You can also visit the Tropical House which is home to sloths, poisoned dart frogs and species of birds from around the globe. There are also lots of places to spot otters, seals and even dolphins in Cornwall so plan a visit to a coastal reserve.

The Eden Project

Visit the Rainforest Biome to experience the smells and sights of the rainforest. The Eden Project is the size of 30 football pitches and where you discover tropical plants, gardens and waterfalls. Take a walk across the rainforest canopy which takes you above the treetops, smell the orange and lemon tress or enjoy the world class sculpture and art. 

Theme Parks

If a day at a theme park is something you enjoy then you will be pleased to know there is not one but two theme parks in Cornwall. Camel Creek Adventure Park and Flambards Theme park have a huge range of rides and attractions suitable for all the family. They both have indoor attractions to enjoy also on the gloomier days. 

Where To Stay

There is so much to see and do in Cornwall which makes it the perfect UK destination for a family holiday. There is so much choice when it comes to accommodation and you will be sure to find something to meet your accommodation needs and budget.

Cornwall boasts a whole range of hotels, holiday park resorts, campsites and other self catering properties including Classic Cottages. 

There are lots of coastal cottages in Cornwall to choose from. Once you know how big you would like your cottage, whereabouts in Cornwall you would like to visit and your budget you will be sure to find the perfect property. 

Have you visited Cornwall? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit. Also if you are looking for more days out ideas you can visit our Out and About. We try to cover as much of the UK as possible, 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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Turn Your Living Room into a Livyn Room

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. 

The living room is the most relaxed room of the house where you just want to sit, read a book, watch TV or spend time with family - maybe even entertain some friends. That certainly is a lot of activity for a room just to hang out in. If you have a carpet in the room then maybe it sees more than its fair share of traffic over time also.

When you sit down, are you filled with a desire to punch up the room and give it a little life? Is that carpet looking a little faded and you just cannot stand the thought of spending more money on deep cleaning it again? How about something that does not fade or go out of fashion?

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

This is what just jumped into your mind:

“Vinyl is that old flimsy product that looks cheap and tacky.“

It certainly used to be, but throughout the past few decades, it has undergone a complete transformation to become the number one recommendation of interior designers and Residential Painters and Decorators right across the nation. The reasons are plentiful - it's durable, sustainable flooring that you can have your way when it comes to the choice of design. 

Enthusiasts and interior designers are further exploring the benefits of vinyl over traditional flooring due to growing changes in tastes and trends within the home. Having an easy installation on a flooring option certainly saves time and energy, and Quickstep flooring is certainly a flooring that you don’t necessarily require an expert to undertake.

Safeguards 

Pet proofing your floor is a huge sigh of relief with luxury vinyl flooring as it is manufactured with a scratch guard, meaning every time the dog darts across the floor your floor will not look like an ice rink. 

Children in the room can also pose a threat to regular floors, from food stains or mud trampled into the floor - and especially from playing with toys. A simple clean up with a wet warm sponge will bring the floor back around to its intended look, and no sending the kids upstairs to their room for causing damage.

Caring For

You can install most vinyl flooring via one of two methods; glue down vinyl flooring or click together.

Both are very simple operations and with them able to be designed and manufactured to the specific scale of the room, you won’t need too much trimming around the sides. The glue-down option does require an adhesive, and typically one that is recommended to the particular brand. You can ask your reseller for advice on the best product to use.

It is simpler to replace any section of the flooring should extreme damage occur, making it a totally stress-free operation to undertake. Should it need replacing, the sections are cheap enough to not make a dent in your bank balance too.

Quickstep Livyn looks great, shouts authentic and protects from any number of potential threats, so why not take a look at what it can bring to your living room for the year ahead.

Michelle

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Top 5 Most Luxurious Restaurants in London You Could Visit

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post 

When it comes to enjoying a fine dining experience, there are plenty of excellent opportunities in London – and, with this in mind, we’ve outlined five of the most luxurious restaurants in London you could visit. After all, there’s a reason it’s so often considered one of the most luxurious and expensive cities in the world; and, with fine dining luxury restaurants like these, it’s definitely clear that London is home to multi-millionaires and billionaires alike.

The Top 5 Most Luxurious Restaurants in London You Could Visit

So, you’ve been looking for the most luxurious restaurants in and around London? Whether you’re looking for somewhere to spend an extra special evening, or if you’re simply curious about how the other half lives, we’ve come up with some of the top five most luxurious restaurants in London to help you find an effective solution overall.

The Ritz London in Mayfair

We’ve all heard of the Ritz. However, for so many of us, thoughts of actually dining in this fine establishment are the things of dreams. Indeed, with a single omelette at the Ritz potentially costing as much as £180 (it’s made from caviar, admittedly), it’s clear to see that this level of luxury is restricted to a very specific few. Indeed, you might need to win the lottery or come into a massive inheritance to enjoy a meal at the Ritz – but if you ever got the chance, it’s sure to be more than worth it.

Hide

As recommended by the Conde Nast Traveller, f you’re looking for a more soothing and calming dining experience, the Hide restaurant in Mayfair might be just the opportunity you need. In fact, though it’s the newest restaurant on this list, it achieved its first Michelin star within half a year of opening; as such, diners can expect a lot when visiting this truly unique, split-floor dining destination.

When visiting, you absolutely have to try the restaurant’s most iconic dish – the Nest Egg – to enjoy the full experience. An irresistibly rich blend of egg yolk, smoked butter, cream, and gently toasted mushrooms, it’s undeniable that the Hide restaurant has firmly established itself as one of the most luxurious and creative in all London – truly a destination for those wanting a luxury, millionaire-worthy dining experience.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsey

Gordon Ramsey – he’s a household name, and with this in mind, it should come as no surprise that the Restaurant Gordon Ramsey offers an equally unparalleled experience. In fact, the restaurant holds three Michelin stars and has done so continuously since 2001 – that’s over two decades!

One of the most notable features of the Restaurant Gordon Ramsey has to be its tiny size; in fact, with only 14 small tables, booking is irrefutably necessary to get a space. All the same, this small-scale experience ensures that every dish is finished to perfection without compromise, and all guests hence know they will be treated to a truly incomparable experience overall. 

Head Chef de Cuisine, Matt Abe, never fails to pull out all of the stops to impress diners, just as his predecessor Clare Smyth had done. It’s this dedication that ensures every dish is cooked to perfection, and diners hence head into the Restaurant Gordon Ramsey with some of the highest expectations possible.

La Dame de Pic

If you have been looking for a luxurious dining experience in London, chances are, you’ll struggle to find a location that’s more sophisticated or sensual than La Dame de Pic. Indeed, it may not be one you’ve heard of in passing, but La Dame de Pic is a truly iconic restaurant that’s in equal parts a restaurant as it is a fine work of art in its own right.

La Dame de Pic was launched by Anne-Sophie Pic, who came from a long line of Michelin-starred chefs and internationally acclaimed culinary experts. As such, her uncompromising dedication to quality ensures that every diner knows just what to expect when they walk through those majestic doors – and this ensures that La Dame de Pic surely deserves a spot on this list.

Sketch Lecture Room and Library

It might not be quite as iconic as the Ritz, but few locations offer quite the same luxury as the Sketch Lecture Room and Library. Indeed, designed with a palette of deep reds and creams, this stunning property was even listed in the Michelin guide 2020, and for good reason! 

The stunning Grade II listed architecture perfectly compliments the refined and sophisticated feel of the interior; from studded ivory leather walls to luxury velvets and silk, there’s no expense spared for this truly iconic property. As such, if you can afford the meal prices, few celebrations are quite the same as a meal at the Sketch Lecture Room and Library – and, with a full 7-course meal on offer, you certainly won’t leave feeling hungry.

There’s no shortage of fine dining opportunities in London. Nevertheless, choosing that one perfect restaurant can seem like a challenge, in many cases; still, today’s top five picks are surely among the most luxurious restaurants in the big city.

While their prices ensure they typically remain reserved for just millionaire lottery winners and CEOs, there’s still something quite magical about the thought alone. And, after all, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy some time in the big city with these five fine luxury restaurants, too; you might just need to sacrifice a large lump on your savings in exchange for these once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences.

Michelle

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A To Z Date Ideas

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I know it doesn't seem that long since Christmas but Valentines Day is just around the corner. One of our resolutions last year was to make more time for each other, and spend time together as a couple. We did really well and managed lots of date days and nights. It's so nice to step away from life for even just a few hours and spend quality time with each other. 

This year we will be doing alphabet dating again (we did it a few years ago) and the aim is to try and schedule at least 2 date days or nights in each month that begin with the letters of the alphabet  by the end of the year you will have completed 26 different dates. It's a great way to think of new things to do together and if you need inspiration there are so many ideas.

A

Afternoon Tea

Aquarium

Art Gallery

Arcade 

Air BnB

B

Bowling

Beach

Bike Ride

Bingo

Boat Ride

Bar Crawl

Baking

C

Cinema 

Clubbing

Casino

Concert

Comedy Club

Camping

Castle

D

Driving Experience

Dancing

Driving Range

Dinner Date

Double Date

E

Exercise Class

Explore A New City

Escape Room

Eat Out

Experience Day

F

Ferry Ride

Football

Foot Golf

Fish n Chips

Fishing

Film Night

G

Games Night

Golf

Ghost Walk

Glamping

Go Karts

Go Ape

H

Hiking

Horse Riding

Helicopter Ride

Hop On / Hop Off Bus

I

Ikea

Ice Skating

Ice Cream

Indoor Climbing

J

Jacuzzi

Jog

Jigsaw Puzzle

Junk Food Night

K

Kayaking

Karaoke Bar

Karting

Kite Flying

L

Live Music

Lattes

Lazy Day

Lunch Date

M

Monopoly

Museum

Movie Night

Massage

Mountain Biking

Mini Golf

Murder Mystery Night

N

Nature Walk

National Trust

Night In

Night time Walk

O

Outdoor Adventure

Opera

Outdoor Cinema

Orienteering

P

Paintballing

Picnic

Park

Pamper Day

Pub Lunch

Q

Quiz Night

Quesadillas 

R

Running

Riverboat Cruise

Roller Skating

Rafting

Re-enact Your First Date

Retail Therapy

S

Stargazing

Swimming

Sleep

Seaside

Scavenger Hunt

Spa Day

T

Theatre Trip

Ten Pin Bowling

Treasure Trail

Theme Park

Tennis

U

Unplug and Unwind

V

Visit Somewhere New

Visit Old Friends

Vineyard

W

Wine Tasting

Welly Walk 

Whisky Tasting

Walk

Walking Tour

Water Park

X

Xbox Night

Y

Yoga

Yes Day

Z

Zoo 

Zip Wire

I'll make sure I pop back and update you on what dates we chose and if you have any different ones I can add to my list let me know? I am always looking for inspiration. Good luck and have fun!

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Michelle

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Our Goals For 2022

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Happy New Year! I like to start every new year with a fresh and positive outlook and 2022 will be no different. I know there is lots of uncertainty still in the air (almost two years on...) but we just have to make the most out of the situation and try our best to stay positive and that's what I am planning to do this year. I'm going to focus on all the things we can do rather than the things we can't. Every year I make the same resolutions as the year before, eat healthier, exercise more etc etc but this year whilst those resolutions will be in the back of my mind I am going to focus on small achievable  (hopefully) goals for us to accomplish this year.

1. Explore The UK

I've had it in my head for some time now that I would love to visit some of the top UK landmarks. I think when I last checked there were over 60 so I think that might be a bit too ambitious but I would love to visit maybe half of them before the year is through. 

As a family I think we are very adventurous but we always visit the same places when we head for weekends away or days out. I really want to try and step out of our comfort zone and explore more of the UK because it is beautiful. 

2. Enjoy Screen Free Time

We spend a lot of time on our screens and although I know it will be impossible to cut out screen time all together I would love to limit the time we spend looking at devices. I know I am not the only one who can waste a lot of time scrolling through social media randomly clicking on useless articles and photos. I could have been doing something more productive with that time and that's my aim for 2022. Limit the screen time and enjoy doing other things that doesn't involve a device. 

3. Walk 365 Miles At Home

During lockdown whilst doing PE with Joe I also found Walk At Home on You Tube. There are lots of videos from Leslie Sansone where you walk at home. Each video is broken down in to very simple steps to help you walk miles from the comfort of your own home. I absolutely loved doing the videos and was walking up to 3 miles a day. Life then got in the way as things got back to normal and I stopped doing the videos. I want to start up my walking again and my goal is to walk at least 1 mile per day.

4. Say Yes

One of my goals for 2021 was to say yes more and I am going to continue in 2022. It's so easy to say no to a drink after work with colleagues, a meal out with friends or a late night trip to the cinema. I felt like I was always saying no for various reasons when in fact I was just being lazy. I think because we had spent so much time at home in our own bubble I found it a huge effort. I smashed this goal in 2021 and I know I will in 2022 too. 

5. Leave The Country

Our Disneyland Paris trip was postponed last year so we are rebooked for Summer. That is the only overseas travel we have planned so far and I really really hope we get to go. If travel is up and running again in the Summer months I would love to go away for a much needed two week beach holiday but it won't be something we book till nearer the time. 

6. Plan A 21st

Big J will be 21 next year and I am really hoping we can make it as special as possible seeing as he spent his 18th in Lockdown. He's not really a party, centre of attention type of person so I'm thinking it may be a breakaway with us and maybe one with his friends. He loves America so I would love to take him over to the USA to watch a basketball game and no doubt lots of shopping!

7. Continue To Be Happy and Healthy

The past two years have been so worrying watching so many people get really ill and some die. It's also affected a lot of peoples mental health and jobs. I really hope we can continue to be healthy as well as happy throughout this year and be able to deal with whatever 2022 throws at us.

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

Are you looking forward to celebrating any of the days above? Leave us a comment below and let us know. 

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Michelle

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Christmas Ready With Buy A Battery.

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Disclosure - We have teamed up with Buyabattery to test the latest children’s toys and gadgets as part of its campaign to urge parents not to forget the batteries this Christmas Day.

This year we decided to put our Christmas decorations up almost two weeks earlier than we usually do. We did it over a wet and stormy weekend and it's really helped us get in to the festive mood. Each year we buy some new decorations for the tree and around the home. We also make sure we stock up on batteries. You can never have too many over the Christmas period. 

We recently came across www.buyabattery.co.uk. Buyabattery is a leading online battery store with a wide range of disposable and rechargeable batteries for all of your household and small business needs – making it the must-visit website to help power everything from TV remotes, toys and torches, through to hearing aids, thermometers, watches and car keys. They also supply to many trade and wholesale customers.

This Christmas Buyabattery is urging parents not to forget the batteries when it comes to the big day. Research by the battery retailer has found that more than a third of parents which is around 35%, have forgotten to buy the correct batteries for their children’s Christmas gifts. I know in the past we have definitely been in that 35%. Not having the correct batteries lead to tears on the big day but we have learnt from our mistake and we are always prepared for Christmas now.

Buyabattery managing director, Darren Jones has some great advice for all parents

"Always read the information on the box thoroughly to work out which batteries are required for the toy or gadget – don’t forget some toys like remote controlled cars will need batteries for the car and the remote control."

"Before you wrap your presents fit the batteries to make sure that the toys work – this will avoid any disappointment on Christmas Day and ensure that the toy is ready to go as soon as it has been unwrapped. No fiddling around with small screwdrivers required!"

"Make sure you buy quality, genuine batteries. Long-lasting power is key when it comes to kids’ toys so look for advanced battery technology which will give you improved power and shelf life. For example, the new Duracell Plus 100% extra life batteries have more concentrated power than the previous Duracell Plus batteries. They have also been equipped with Duralock which ensures a 10 year power preserve."

"Buy extra batteries so you have spares in case any friends or family members give your children battery powered toys. Most small to medium children’s toys will require AA or AAA batteries. Larger toys may require C or D batteries"

"Having spares to hand will also mean that there are no tears if batteries do end up running dry before the end of the day. Some toys can drain batteries quickly if played continuously."

"Before Christmas Day have a battery amnesty – remove batteries from toys that are no longer used and separate dead or old batteries from those that still work. This will give you a good idea of which working batteries you have and what you might need to buy. It also means that you aren’t powering toys with batteries that are low in charge and may not make it through the day."

"Always recycle your old batteries – there are collection points in most supermarkets, DIY stores, convenience stores and even some clothing retailers. Never put your batteries in the bin – they contain hazardous materials which could enter the eco-system. They should always be disposed of in the correct way."

"Consider investing in rechargeable batteries - instead of burning through packets of disposable, alkaline batteries, invest in a quality pack of rechargeable batteries that you can recharge hundreds of times. Consider having a spare set that are charged ready for when the set in the device run out. Just make sure they are compatible with your device before inserting them."

It’s not just the children’s gifts that might need battery power! Don’t forget to check the battery requirements for any of the presents you are giving this year – to avoid disappointment."

Have you ever forgotten batteries on Christmas? 

Michelle

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Forza Horizon 5 Exclusive Xbox Controller Review

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Disclosure - We were sent the product below for the purpose of this post and is in collaboration with Buy A Battery. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our unless stated. This post contains affiliate links. 

Another year, another Forza game. Probably the most popular franchise in car racing on Xbox sees Forza Horizon 5 release this month.  Alongside the game, Microsoft have released a Forza Horizon 5 controller so that you can really immerse yourself in the experience. 

Controllers for Xbox haven’t changed much over the years, however this controller is really striking with its bright neon colours and see through casing. You can see through to the rumble motors inside which themselves have splashes of colour which look great when spinning.  

Since the Series X / S release, controllers have included a new capture button in the centre, a really useful feature for those who like to capture screenshots, live streaming or quick recording features. 

Another great addition to this particular controller are the rubber grips. A nod maybe to the rubber you’ll be burning in game, these are a fantastic addition and maybe something for all future controllers to consider. The grip is excellent and if you use this and then drop back to a regular controller you really notice the difference. We also own the first series Elite controller and this also benefits from the rubber grips so it’s great to see them on a controller that doesn’t set you back £150. 

Coming back to the colour scheme, it really has to be seen to understand how vibrant the colours are. I’m sure some people will think it an eyesore, but compared to the standard vanilla controllers out there, this is my favourite of all of them. 

Finally, I love how Microsoft still allow you to use regular batteries for your controller rather than having to keep it charged. I find it easier to use normal AA batteries rather than remember to charge my controller after use.  I hope they continue this with future controllers.

Michelle

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Light The Night - The Snowman and The Snowdog Brick Model Trail

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Disclosure - We were invited to complete the The Snowman and The Snowdog Brick Model Trail for the purpose of this post. We have been compensated for our time. 

Light The Night - The Snowman and The Snowdog Brick Model Trail has arrived in Blackburn. The trail includes 16 illuminated brick models which are located in and around Blackburn's town centre and is the perfect day out for fans of the beloved animated classic The Snowman. 

What To Expect At The Light The Night - The Snowman and Snowdog Brick Trail, The Mall, Blackburn BB1 5AF

If you want to take part in The Snowman and The Snowdog Brick Trail then all you need to do is head to The Mall Ask Me Point to pick up a trail map and quiz. From here you can then follow the trail to find all 16 models. If you would prefer to be more interactive, you can download the free experience Blackburn app to join in with the QR code trail. Both trails will give you the chance to win a prize too. 

If you would like an sneak peak of where you can expect to see the illuminated brick models here are some confirmed locations 

Morrisons Instore Opticians

Mortimers Estate Agents

Rhode Island Coffee, The Mall

6G/The Wifi Centre

Grays Outfitters

Blue Inc

The Works

Althams

Jack & Jones

Edmondsons

Ainsworth Jewellers

Hobkirks Sewing Machines

Blackburn Central Library

M&S

Next

Blackburn Market

The trail includes 4 larger models including a 1.8m tall Snowman which used 53,851 bricks!

This is the third brick model trail we have done over the past few years. First we did a Paw Patrol trail and then We did Brickosaurs brick trail and in our opinion they keep getting bigger and better. The Snowman and The Snowdog brick trail perfect for this time of year and will really get you in the Christmas mood and is free to do.

The Light The Night - The Snowman and The Snowdog trail will illuminate from the 27th November to the 5th January. We loved the trail and would definitely recommend.

If you do the trail we would love to se your photos. Make sure you tag us on socials @playdaysrunways and use the #brickburn

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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Blaze and The Monster Machines - Axle City Racers Video Game

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Blaze is ready to race with his monster machine friends and wants to bring you along too. Race around Axle City’s colourful streets and the awesome Monster Dome stunt track, the world of Blaze is yours to explore. It's time to buckle your seatbelts and take control of Blaze, Pickle, Darington, Zeg, Starla, Stripes and even Crusher! Prepare to race at blazing speed and go for the championship or compete with up to 4 players in split-screen mode! 

The fun doesn't stop as you boost, drift, jump and pull off stunts around amazing tracks like Race to Eagle Rock, Stuntmania, and more! 

Collect the wrench to power-up and activate your character’s unique skill and outsmart the competition. You can even customise Blaze and his friends in the garage. 

STEM education features, plus accessible control options like Auto-Drive Helper, younger players will have a blast discovering as they race for glory!

Features:

BE BLAZE and 6 more heroes including Starla, Pickle, and Crusher 

RACE WITH FRIENDS in 4-player split-screen mode 

POWER UP with speed boosts, upgrades, and unique character abilities 

WIN THE CUP at the Axle City Grand Prix, the Monster Dome, and more 

AUTO DRIVE with optional simple controls for younger players 

To celebrate the launch of Blaze and The Monster Machines - Axle City Racers Video Games I have teamed up with outright games to offer one lucky Playdays and Runways follower the chance to win Blaze and The Monster Machines - Axle City Racers Video Game (on the console of your choice) and a Blaze Toy Bundle. 

All you need to do is complete the entry form below and pop back daily for bonus chances to win.

Good Luck

Win Blaze And The Monster Machines Video Game and Toy Bundle

Michelle    

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