We’re not long back from the Easter holidays, and now the May half-term is here!
To help keep little minds busy for the coming week, we’ve put together some more interesting and unusual things to do with the kids this school break.
From swinging trapezes to biscuity celebrations, there’s sure to be something to appeal to all members of the family.
Marvellous Mysteries
Are you ready for mind-twisting goggles and manuscript vortexes? How about mirrored mazes and infinite picnics? You can find it all and more at the Oxford Illusion Museum!
This brilliantly bonkers museum is made up of four floors of mind-bending illusions and tricks of the eye to entertain and trick visitors. The innovative team at the museum offer wacky experiences in each individually themed room, carefully crafted for entertaining fun. It’s certainly a day out that needs to be seen to be believed, and even then you’ll still be wondering how they pulled it off!
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Oxford Illusion Museum by bus, click here.
Mighty Machines
You’ve probably hopped on a train at Didcot Railway Station before, but chances are you’ve never wandered over to view the mighty steam locomotives that call Didcot Railway Centre home. Tucked away behind the main station, this heritage hotspot has been part of the Great Western Railway story since 1844, and today you can climb aboard beautifully preserved engines and soak up nearly 200 years of railway history.
Many of the trains on site have even enjoyed their moment in the spotlight. The 3822 played the part of the ‘Miracle Express’ for Queen’s Breakthru’. Meanwhile, the 6106 appeared as itself in ‘The Wolvercote Tongue’ episode of Inspector Morse. All of which makes the centre a brilliant day out in its own right, and this half‑term there’s even more to tempt you.
On 29th May, it’s National Biscuit Day! Visitors to the railway centre will come from far and wide to take part in the holiday and enjoy some free biscuits! A Biscuit Trail is also on offer, perfect for curious little visitors. The trail takes you around the 21-acre museum grounds, discovering facts about Huntley & Palmers, the inventors of the decorative biscuit tin. Partnering with Reading Museum, different rare and interesting artifacts relating to the history of both the railway and biscuits will be on display to discover.
Then, on 30th and 31st May, Steam Days roll in, bringing shiny engines, clouds of steam and plenty of wide‑eyed little trainspotters. Get hands on in the Signalling Centre to learn more about how vehicles are controlled and hop aboard General Eisenhower’s VIP Saloon, reputedly used for D-Day preparations. Why not round off your day with tea and cake in the Engine Shed Café? Because let’s face it, every great day ends with cake.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Dicot Railway Centre by bus, click here.
Circus Shenanigans
The coulrophobic should avoid Millets Farm Centre this half-term, as John Lawson’s Circus is coming to town! From 24th to 30th May, Ringmaster Ben Arundale will take visitors young and old on a thrilling circus extravaganza that is sure to inspire and amaze.
Magic and mystery come all the way from Ukraine with Magic man Novoselev and co, while a dazzling laser show from Mya is sure to take your breath away. Of course, you can’t forget Clown Kirubin, back by popular demand for his third circus season. With audience participation encouraged, dancing and bubbles galore, it’s set to be a memorable day out the kids will be bragging about when they head back to school.
Your day isn’t done when the show wraps up. The rest of Millets is still there to enjoy and explore at your leisure. Kids can run out some energy in the Play Area and say hello to the animals along the walkway. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, then Sprouts Play Barn is an excellent bookable soft play for kiddos up to the age of 15.
Worked up an appetite? Pop into the Farmhouse Kitchen for decadent afternoon teas, perfectly cooked pizzas and more. Kids can tuck into their own customisable lunchbox. Plus if you want to save a trip to the supermarket, the Farm Shop is stocked with fresh, homegrown, local produce to make yourself a healthy, hearty meal.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Millets Farm Centre by bus, click here.
Terrific Tours
It wouldn’t be a City Sightseeing blog if we didn’t take the chance to tell you more about our tours! Our bus tours are a great way for little legs to take a break while visiting the city while still getting to explore the area. With kids’ narration from Mia Cloo, kids can grab a booklet and uncover a special word on their journey. Rumour has it that this word has special powers. See something you like? Hop on and off at your convenience, making it a great way to explore the Dreaming Spires and see everything they have to offer.
Included in the price of your bus ticket, kids may also enjoy a 60-minute jaunt around the city on the Oxford Uncovered walking tour. Listen to your brilliant guide as they take you through some of the key sites in the city. Film buffs may even recognise some from their favourite movies!
Combo tickets are also available to visit some other local favourites while on your tour. When you’ve finished your bus tour, why not take advantage of our combo-ticket offers to hop aboard Salter’s Steamers to see Oxford from a whole new angle.
To book your bus tour tickets, click here.
Zazzy Zoos
Plucky penguins, resilient rhinos and laudable lions are all to be found at Cotswold Wildlife Park. Visitors are welcomed to take a walk on the wild side as you learn all about the conservation efforts of the park and gardens, and the amazing animals that call it home.
Throughout the day, keepers will visit enclosures to feed the animals and give talks on each species. Walk through the lemur house as experts tell you more about the island of Madagascar, then swing by the penguin’s pool to watch them gobble up fish.
If you want your visit to be truly memorable, then visitors of all ages can sign up to become a keeper for a day. Taking part gives you the chance to get stuck into the behind‑the‑scenes world of zoo life. Enter enclosures, feed the animals and take home an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Cotswold Wildlife Park by bus, click here.
