As a part of a family weekend, we visited Monopoly Lifesized, and this is what we thought.
We had good fun and played on the city board but…
Price for six was £307 and we discussed at the end and decided it was expensive for what it was. In total there were four teams of six so 24 people in the room with four staff for the entire game. If you were a group of less than six you may be put with another group. Each team had a playing piece, our playing piece was great throughout the game. Some rooms were small and tight for 6 adults standing. The game lasted 90 minutes and we were kept busy the entire time. We did really well (we won) but some families with young children didn’t do so well with winning properties by completing the activities set. Some of the tasks would have been too high up for smaller children to read and complete.
The decor was great, and the game could be absolutely amazing if some adjustments were made.
The prize for winning was £5 to spend on pictures only, they take the pictures and are £20+, this seems a little pathetic and tight considering the cost and we didn’t use it.
Staff on entry and in the shop were ok but I felt like just a number to them and that they just wanted us in and out, a real shame as the characters were brilliant.
I booked a table at the Top Hat the restaurant and bar and I spent £57 for, 3 Pepsi, 2 cocktails, a glass of champagne and a red bull.
It was good fun we just felt it was expensive for what it was, and I was then sent a link to get 25% off my next visit the day after we visited!
We got our first family dog a beautiful Siberian Husky we named Kojak in November 2020. I knew that he would change our lives and the way we travel and explore. We have been away without him and been lucky enough to have had excellent care for him whilst we were away. But we would like Kojak to also come away and enjoy travelling with us.
One thing that we consider when looking to go away is – will we spend lots of time with Kojak?
Our first trip abroad with Kojak and we have took him out every day finding dog friendly places to visit and eat. This time in France we have not left him at all, however we would leave him if we wanted to eat out at a restaurant, go food shopping or for a couple of hours max to do an activity he could not do. My rule would be at least one night before we would leave him somewhere new on his own – this is to make him know he is safe, secure and knows we will come back in a strange place.
I was worried as this was the first time abroad with a dog but I need not have worried the Le Shuttle was great and had excellent processes in place. The time in the train was quick and Kojak wasn’t fazed one bit.
There will be times that Kojak will not come away with us but knowing it’s an option is great as he is a wonderful part of our family.
My travel checklist for Kojak:
Insurance
Check vaccinations are all up to date
Animal Health Certificate
Return journey – appointment at the vets for tapeworm treatment administered 1-5 days before travel back to the UK. Treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the dog’s scheduled arrival time in the UK. Treatment date and time must be recorded by the vet in the pet’s documentation.
Food – what can we take and what we can’t
Water
Teddies and Toys
Dog leads
Check the rules around dogs for the European country you are travelling in.
Kojak’s Travel Bag
Kojak has a travel bag that we can pick up at any moment and go with him, with many hotels dog friendly they can enjoy a mini break too.
Puppy Pads – these are excellent if your dog becomes unwell or if you want to use as a door mat for muddy paws.
Hair Brush
Spare Leads
Treats
Small teddy
Towel
Collapsible Drinking Bowl
Food Bowl
Poo Bags
Bottle of water
Please note this is my travel list for a dog travelling into Europe using Le Shuttle and you will need to ensure that you have fully checked what is required for your pet to travel.
Animal Health Certificates (AHC) replaced Pet Passports and to be honest they are a pain and you have to get one each time you travel. I advise you speak with your vet to find out if they do them or if you need to get one from another vet. My vet does not do the AHC but provided me with somewhere that could Animal Health Certificates Online I filled in the form paid and then took Kojak to collect it on the agreed date.
The certificate can be used to enter the EU & NI for up to 10 days from the date of issue.
Once inside the EU a pet can travel within the boundaries of the territory for up to four months.
Once the pet exits the EU a new Animal Health Certificate is required to re-enter the EU as the AHC is single use.
Past times exploring has given me so many special memories, this one seems so apt right now too far for me to reach and hold you my darling husband.
The children and I have grand plans for our lives and hold you in every thought.
St Michael’s Mount had been on our list for so long and so glad that we made it. With something a little special planned soon tied in with this beautiful place.
Love is holding on to the memories only the heart can see. 💙 I can remember so much of our road trips, from working out what budget I had to play with to planning what we could do when we got there. I will never change that, making memories so we can remember with laughter when things didn’t go so right or when we ordered food that we didn’t really know what it was or the stunning scenery and so much more. My heart hurts so much that I now don’t have the other half of me but I have the wonderful children to continue to explore the world with. 🌍 We have some great trips planned so I’m hoping that most of them can go ahead with the ever changing world around us.
Black Rock Sands in North Wales holds many precious memories for us as a family. You can drive on the beach in your car with all your kit and enjoy a fantastic day at the beach. We are looking forward to visiting this beautiful beach again soon.
So half term is here and if your looking for something extra special to do last minute then check out Today Tix great priced tickets for top London Theatre Shows, I can highly recommend The Lion King 🦁 and so many others too, I currently have my eye on Frozen ❄️ maybe I should take my beautiful niece? 👸🏼
February Half Term Ideas – time to get walking and maybe jumping in muddy puddles. It’s cheap it’s fun and the kids won’t forget it. I mean really let them have fun, go prepared take spare clothes a towel and don’t forget your wellies ❤️
Wingham Wildlife Park is a fantastic family run park that house the largest number of animal species out of all wildlife parks and zoos in Kent. It is packed full of beautiful animals from Moon bears giraffes, chimps, meerkats, tigers and even some very exclusive dinosaurs.
Choose to either picnic at one of the many picnic tables provided at the park or grab a treat in the café. With one café at the entrance to the park and the other located with the indoor play area.
It’s very hard to choose a favorite part but I do love the giraffes, they are just beautiful.
With an excellent indoor play area and an expanding outdoor play area, a season ticket is great for you to keep the children entertained all year round.
It’s a wonderful place to take a visit on your own, with your family or maybe as a couple or with friends, no matter who you visit with you will not be disappointed.
With the whole park having step free access it’s a great place for everyone to enjoy.
My top tip would be to go early and spend the whole day immersed in this truly brilliant wildlife park.
Interesting note: The wildlife park had fantastic local support during COVID-19 from people purchasing off the Amazon wish list, they were really overwhelmed with the support from people. Keepers hosted many Facebook lives that were just truly wonderful when so many people could not leave their homes. Let’s remember people’s kindness during COVID-19 didn’t keep the money rolling in the bank and they will need support to keep their amazing wildlife Park going and I can tell you is worth every single penny for a visit or maybe two or three.
Canterbury’s world famous cathedral is something not to be missed. Growing up in the Canterbury area I have been lucky enough to visited many times including singing in the cathedral with the school choir several times.
Why not take advantage of the children go free offer (valid until 31st October 2021, children aged 17 and under when accompanied by a paying adult).
After you have explored this magnificent cathedral you could explore the surrounding cobbled streets and grab a bite to eat in one of the many fantastic local eateries.
Visit a Beach
With so many beautiful beaches on the south east coast you have a spectacular choice. With both stony and sandy beaches there is bound to be the perfect beach for you.
Head to Birchington Minnis Bay Beach where you will find a vast flat area of sand ideal for a family day, with parking along the seafront; this can get very busy on hot days so arriving early and setting up for the day is a great plan. Or maybe take a trip to Viking Bay in Broadstairs where you will find a beautiful sandy beach in the quaint seaside town with lovely shops and delicious fish and chips. There is limited parking close to the beach however there are a selection of car parks in Broadstairs but will mean a walk down to the beach. No Car no problem there is a train station in Broadstairs head to National Rail to book train tickets.
Head over to either Herne Bay and Whitstable beach if you prefer a pebbles. Herne Bay has a lovely pier steeped in history where you can explore the local small business huts and then sit back and relax with some of the delicious treats they have to offer. Over in Whitstable you could look to explore the harbour and have a delicious fish treat from the Lobster Shack.
Try Local Food and Drink
In the Canterbury area we have a fine selection of fabulous local food and drink to try.
The Foundry Brew Pub a unique Craft Brewery, Distillery, Restaurant & Bar, located in the heart of Canterbury City Centre. Why not try their beer Taster Tray, Five 1/3 of a pint samples of any of their beers or ciders.
Kathton House offers fine dining at it’s best and if you want to make a night of it you could book their guest room. Why not try their six course tasting menu that you can have with or without matched wines.
Over at The Goods Shed you can either buy local produce to take away and try or take a seat at their restaurant and enjoy the delicious seasonal offerings.
Gibson Farm Shop is a delightful farm shop set in the countryside just outside of Wingham, stocked with lots of locally produced food and drink. They have their have their own Café where you can enjoy some delicious treats.
The Anchor at Wingham is a great place to visit for great pub grub and live music.
And one currently on my list to visit is The Corner House a 16th Century former Coach House overlooking the city walls and is now a stylish restaurant but one which retains lots of its original character.
These are a few of the many amazing places you can eat and drink in the Canterbury area. Please remember many places require you booking before you arrive however don’t presume places are fully booked on the day as unfortunately many do get last minute cancellations.
Pick Your Own
Take your pick of Kent’s finest fruit and vegetable offerings. A great family day out and you get to take it home, that’s if you haven’t already eaten it! Felderland Pick Your Own is my favorite.
Why not get messy with the children and make some Jam, a pie, a cake or a family meal with your pickings. I often set up mini cooking challenges for the family this is a great way to learn long term life skills.
Take a River Trip
It’s time to explore a River or two. Take a chilled guided tour in the heart of the city with Canterbury River Tours.
If your up for an adventure and getting stuck in yourself why not take a trip over to canoe wild to hire a canoe or maybe you will try paddle boarding. If a river is not your style then head to explore the coast instead, with one of Dover Sea Safaris unforgettable Experiences.
Visit a Castle
Step back into history and visit one of the local Castles. if your looking for something small and beautiful then head to Whitstable Castle and Gardens where you can also take a visit to their tea room for afternoon tea (pre-bookable only). Looking for something a little bigger for the children to play knights of the castle then head to the white cliffs and explore Dover Castle.
Go for a Walk
Where do I start? There are so many fantastic walks suitable for every ability. If your looking for a guided walk the why not take a guided walk along The Crab and Winkle Way with Saltmarsh Walking Company.
Remember that a walk doesn’t have to be long or in the middle of nowhere, it needs to be fun and enjoyable. So why not get out and do some exploring yourself? Check out Explore Kent for some fabulous walks. And for some walking inspiration follow The Wild Native on Instagram.
I am currently designing walking tours so be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep updated on new experiences coming later in the year.
Visit an Animal Park
Here in the South of Kent we have an excellent selection of animal parks. If your looking to see some elephants then head to Howletts to see the largest African elephant herd in the UK. The elephant herd maybe heading back to their natural habitat so take the opportunity now to visit them before they depart.
If your a penguin or giraffe lover then head to Wingham Wildlife Park. During the English covid19 lockdowns the wildlife park hosted many fabulous Facebook Live streams so lets get supporting them now they are open.
Explore some Gardens
Why not take a visit to one of the many beautiful gardens hidden in Kent. One of my favorites is Mount Ephraim Gardens take time to explore their gorgeous grounds, gardens and yummy food at the tea room.
Just outside of Canterbury in the village of Goodnestone are Goodnestone Park Gardens not only are these beautiful gardens but also offering theatre performances and other events throughout the summer.
Stay Over Night
Visiting Canterbury? Why not stay here too? And even if you live local why not take a local mini break?
Airbnb is a great option for those wishing to have a home from home whilst visiting Canterbury.
If your looking for something luxury then head over to The Cave Hotel which is simply stunning with fantastic facilities including a golf course, pool and restaurant.
Looking to be outside with nature? Then head to one of the many local glamping/camp sites; Nethergong Camping, Woolton Farm Or maybe the delightful Shepherds Hut nestled in vines by Hut in the Vines.
Canterbury and the surrounding areas really have so much to offer all times of the year. Why not take some time out this summer and spend it getting to explore Canterbury more.
My Jones Life 