Out and About in the Region
As a single mum to a teenage boy, it’s not always easy to keep them off the Xbox and entertained, so what’s out and about for us to do together, writes Tracy Hargreaves
With February half term, Mother’s Day and Easter holidays coming up, I need to get my thinking cap on as to what my son and I can do on days out.
For a rainy day and free admission, take a look around the Greater Manchester Police Museum, probably one of Manchester’s best kept secrets. Situated on Newton Street, you can discover the stories of cops and robbers while learning loads about local history.
Step back in time to a hidden city of slums and unruly alehouses. You’ll see what life was really like for the police who worked there by exploring where criminals were charged, fingerprinted and the cells where they would often spend the night – sometimes 12 men at a time with nothing but wooden pillows!
For the more adventurous, follow it up with a vertical chill indoor ice climbing wall. Owned by Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports on Deansgate, the aim of the walls is to provide a realistic test environment for beginners and experienced climbers to learn winter climbing techniques, and hone their skills using new equipment.
For something nearer to home visit Level, Preston’s newest leisure and entertainment venue. The latest development of the Guild Hall, where you can choose from ten pin bowling, laser tag, crazy golf and a dare devil assault course, all under one roof! And when you’ve ran out of energy, why not enjoy a bite to eat and drink at the sports bar or Mundos Street Kitchen.
Ramp City is a 29,000 square foot indoor skatepark located not far from Blackpool town centre at the end of the M55, motorway. Consisting of halfpipes from the 3’6” micro mini spine (one of the UK’s favourite mini spines ramps) right up to one of the UK’s largest vert ramp standing a massive 13’3”, it maybe not one for the mums, but there is plenty to keep your skaters entertained.
For those interested in energy, then a visit to the EDF Heysham Power Stations Visitor Centre is a must. The visitor centre has an exhibition area which looks at how power is produced and also nuclear energy in general. Visitors can spend 30-40 minutes in the exhibition often before going on a site tour.
The centre is also the base for those who have pre-booked a site tour. (Which is free). This will take a minimum of three weeks before a proposed visit. Those going on the tour will get a detailed pre-tour brief. The tour goes on to Heysham 2 nuclear power station, and visitors will get to stand in the turbine hall and see the site’s reactors and control room. This visit will take at least two hours.
So, do something different with the kids these holidays. There’s plenty of things out there.
