Out and about - Family Festivals

Days Out

Out and about - Family Festivals

Family friendly festivals and events to look out for this coming spring/summer


Legoland Windsor March to November Windsor, Berkshire Now named ‘resort’ thanks to the opening of the brand new hotel with themed rooms. Also new this season is the Star Wars addition to the excellent model landscape called Miniland. The Atlantis Submarine Voyage aquarium ride that opened last season is also a highlight for those who don’t want to queue for the high speed rides. www.legoland.co.uk	Marwell Wildlife Park All year round Winchester, Hampshire Celebrating 40 years this year, Marwell is a beautifully landscaped wildlife park that is home to wild animals exotic and domestic, large and small, familiar and endangered. www.marwell.org.uk	London Pet Show May 12-13 Earls Court Two The show includes animal skills displays, a chance to shop for pet treats and gadgets, and the opportunity to get to know more about cats, dogs and other potential pets before your family invests in one. www.londonpetshow.co.uk


The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee June 2-5 Various venues There will be lots of small events happening locally over the extended bank holi- day weekend, but one of the major highlights will be The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant (June 3) with 1000 boats sailing down the Thames, lead by the Queen on her Royal Barge. www.2012queensdiamondjubilee.com	Greenwich+Docklands Festival 2012 June 21-30 Various venues Spectacular free street theatre with live music, dance, acrobatics and drama in and around Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs, also using the Thames itself. www.festival.org	London 2012 Festival June 21-Sept 9 Various venues In the run up to the London 2012 Games, there are hundreds of arts and entertainment events happening around the UK, with London a particular focus. Most events are free and many are family-friendly, including live music on stages along the Thames for the BT River of Music (July 21-22). www.festival.london2012.com


Wilderness August 10-12 Cornbury Estate, Oxfordshire A classy take on rock festivals with families in mind. Live music, craft workshops, nature trails and food that’s a cut above the norm (with the likes of the award-winning Peterhsham Nurseries restaurant selling their wares here). www.wildernessfestival.com	Lollibop September 8-9 Central London The popular free, annual weekender features events on the river bank and on the Thames itself, from Westminster Bridge stretching eastwards to beyond Tower Bridge. Live performances, side stalls and fireworks. www.thamesfestival.org	Walk with Us Oct 27-Nov 4 Various National Trust properties A major nationwide festival to encourage all ages to get out and stretch their legs. The National Trust website has a huge database of suggested walks, searchable by area. www.nationaltrust.org.uk