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Make That Winter Family Break Memorable
A little preparation and research can make a big difference. Forget about spontaneity, winter family weekends have to be planned with military efficiency. You've only got a couple of days, so don't waste a minute. Water is your friend. In a boat, whether it's a kayak, a canoe, a dinghy or the Isle of Wight ferry, children tend to forget about the weather once they are afloat. Many outdoor centres or canoe clubs offer short beginners' courses that are suitable for families. Otherwise, enlist the children in planning your own adventure. There's little better than rowing out to a wooded island in a bend of a river and cooking cheap sausages over a camp fire. Take fishing-rods for added interest. Turn outings into adventures. Winter hikes can be transformed from a miserable tramp through chilly winds and rain into an exciting challenge to be overcome. The key is to introduce a competitive element, and to reward each achievement of a mile walked, a village reached or a summit climbed. In short, bring a flask of hot chocolate and a backpack full of biscuits, cakes and sweet treats. Steam railways are an ideal option on those wet days when you simply have to be under cover. Kids have all seen the Harry Potter films, and love the romance, noise and character of a steam train. Some of the restored railways only run in summer, so make sure you check the timetables in advance. Don't rule out the beach. Nobody is suggesting a winter swim, but deserted beaches can be great places to fly a kite or conduct a leisurely investigation of rock pools. If there's a nearby cliff path leading to a lighthouse, it can be the perfect way to spend an afternoon, especially if there's the promise of fish and chips for tea. If the weather is good to you then you should have a great weekend away. Head for a farm. Increasingly farmers are opening their facilities up to the tourist market by creating shops, cafes and family entertainment. The main draw is usually the opportunity to see the animals and feed the chickens, but there is always the chance of a ride on a tractor. With fresh-squeezed fruit juices, local ciders or beers and home-baking on sale, it can make for a very satisfying afternoon visit. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Colin McDonald writes on behalf of Potters Holidays - Weekend Break |
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