We can hear the heart rate rising and see the steam coming out of your ears already, as you realise that half term is upon us once again!
You've run out of board games, baking ingredients and the repeats on television just aren't doing what they should be anymore, keeping the kids or yourselves entertained!
Thebestof Barnstaple hear your shouts and cries of 'What can we do??' and can offer you just a few ideas to keep the blues from settling in.
So here goes, we hope it helps!!!
1. Crafty Kids Half-Term Workshop
Running on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th February between 10 and 12.30, get your kids booked onto this delightful workshop where they can design and create their very own pencil case or purse. From age 7 upwards and costing just £10 per child which includes a midmorning snack and juice for the children and the adults. Call KK Design Originals in South Molton on 01271 308106 to book your child's place.
2. Visit Snowdrop Valley
Open until 23rd February, visit this beautiful valley and witness spectacular scenery and a vast carpet of snowdrops. Snowdrop Valley is a privately owned, remote valley in a hidden part of Exmoor, close to Wheddon Cross. Cutcombe Parish Council, in conjunction with Exmoor National Park Authority, runs a Park and Ride Service to Snowdrop Valley and staffs the Snowdrop Information Point in the Car Park. Visitors can also walk down into the valley, and there is a variety of merchandise available to purchase as souvenirs. Dogs on leads are very welcome. Proper warm clothing and decent footwear are highly recommended, especially for those braving the elements. For more information visit their website at: http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm
3. Half Term Sports Camp
Do you have any children aged 7-13? Then join the fun at Chulmleigh Sports Centre. Activities selected from: Badminton, Team Building Games, Basketball, Tennis, Trampoline and Volleyball. Delivered by Ruth Crumby with Hazel Gold and Tom Shacklock. Only £15 for the day with discounts offered for siblings. Take their sports kit, trainers, lunch and a drink and your enthusiasm.
4. Visit Arlington Court
Arlington Court is an unexpected jewel on the edge of Exmoor, a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over five hundred years. The collection consists of treasures for all tastes, from model ships to shells, collected over several generations. The house itself, built in 1823 and extended in 1860, has an austere facade. However, inside the cosy rooms purvey a homely, family atmosphere. The Carriage Museum in the stables has a vehicle for every occasion from cradle to grave. Currently on loan from the Houses of Parliament is the Speaker's State Coach, a glorious, gilded carriage with over 300 years of history. Visit this treasure from dawn until dusk over the half term break. Their website can be visited at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court/
5. Cycle or Walk A Part or Parts of the Tarka Trail
The 30-mile route, which stretches from Braunton to Meeth, passes through some of the prettiest parts of North Devon, including the Taw and Torridge Estuary, Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington. The Tarka Trail is one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths, and forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route, for those wanting a bigger challenge. The route has been made up of the old railways of North Devon and transformed into cycle paths. More information can be found at: http://www.devon.gov.uk/tarkatrail
6. Visit any of the Pannier Markets
Barnstaple, Ilfracombe and South Molton Pannier Markets are all open during half term. Great for picking up a bargain and for just browsing! Buy Local and support Barnstaple and North Devon traders!
We hope that these ideas give you some food for thought and that you, your kids or the whole family enjoy any of these events. We would love to hear from you if you have tried any of the ideas mentioned above or if you have done things we haven't mentioned.
Happy Half Term!!!!
