QHotels Offer

Up to 60% off Breaks with QHotels

QHotels, named AA Hotel Group of the Year 2008/09, is offering Parent’s World readers up to 60% off across all its 21 properties in the UK!



The offer is valid against two night’s accommodation at any QHotels property and includes breakfast, dinner on the first night and a kid’s activity pack to keep the little ones entertained! You will pay from just £200 per room, per stay and have full use of the leisure facilities in the property of your choice.

Each and every one of the 21 properties within the QHotels collection has its own carefully nurtured unique identity, just like your family unit. Some offer acres of grounds for family picnics and games like Crewe Hall in Cheshire, while some preside over bustling city centres with an array of nearby cafes, museums and theatres to entertain the little ones. But all offer a family friendly experience you won’t soon forget.

For more details or to book, please contact QHotels Reservations on 0845 074 0050, quoting the special reference code ‘RO3PW06’. For further details on QHotels, log on to www.qhotels.co.uk

Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid on bookings made and taken until 6 September 2009 inclusive. All offers subject to availability.

HEAD TO THE SAHARA DESERT THIS WHITSUN WITH SMALL FAMILIES

You can have an adventure of a lifetime this Whitsun by taking a trip across the Sahara desert with Smasll Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays, and visit the location of one of the most famous films ever made!

Forget the myth of the Sahara being a barren landscape, rather it’s an intoxicating mix of palm tree lined oasis’, shimmering salt lakes and small towns which you will visit in your 4x4 vehicles. You will also visit Mos Espa which appeared in Star Wars and was in fact Luke Skywalkers’ home planet!

Your trip starts and ends in the very comfortable Hotel Mediterranee situated in Hammamet in Northern Tunisia and you will be able to enjoy the company of other single parent families.

The trip departs from Heathrow on a scheduled Tunisair flight on 23 May.

Prices for a seven night stay, inclusive of travel, taxes, transfers breakfast: lunch & dinner including drinks with meals (while at hotel), excursions, entry fees to sites and museums and the services of a Small Families host throughout the holiday are £820 per adult, £648 for the first child under 12 years and £676 for any additional children also under 12.

For more information call 0845 9000 895 or visit www.smallfamilies.co.uk or www.singleparent.travel.

Roll On Arm Bands

If you’ve ever been bent double trying to blow up an arm band while your child is wriggling to get into the pool, you’ll appreciate this innovative design.

New from Muddy Puddles, Roll On Arm Bands are made from an amazing new material that’s soft yet durable. You simply blow them up, then roll them up your child’s arms. They are completely rounded when inflated, with no sharp edges or corners, making them more comfy than traditional arm bands.

Made from heavy duty Vylux™, Roll On Arm Bands have dual air chambers and non-return safety valves. They come in high-vis Orange, Pink or Blue, priced £5 per pair, and are designed for children aged 1 to 6 years, to a maximum weight of 25kg. NB. Never leave children unsupervised in water.
For further information see www.muddypuddles.com or
call 0844 557 4945.

Romantic Cities – The ideal spot for an afforable short break on Easter

Koblenz, Romantic Cities. Sparkling Moments. These are what visitors can expect in each themed package for our six historical cities on the Rhine and Moselle. Ryanair flights from the UK to the Romantic Cities region (Frankfurt-Hahn airport) including new connections from Manchster or Birmingham are short, affordable and bookable now.

As far as the eye can see, almond trees swathed in delicate hues of pink and white transform the countryside into a sea of blossom. This natural spectacle takes place in the sun-drenched Palatinate region around the city of Speyer where thousands of almond trees flourish in March and April, signalling the end of winter.

During the Easter holidays, Easter markets and other festivals offer a variety of events for the whole family. Several Easter packages are on offer.

Selected themes with something for everyone. All six cities have put together an exclusive themed package for spring:

Kaiserslautern (Romance & Gardens package): Kaiserslautern is perhaps best known for its passionately supported football club, known as the "red devils of Betzenberg". But there is, of course, so much to more to discover in this wonderful city in the Palatinate Forest.

Both institutions appreciate the outstanding quality of the wines grown in the surrounding Rheinhessen region, which enjoy a reputation well beyond the confines of the city.

Romantic Cities- Office Weinheim Rheinland Pfalz Tourismus GmbH
c/o TourComm Germany (Trade & Press Only)
(Bookings & Inquiries)
Olbrichtstr. 21 Löhrstr. 103-105
69469 Weinheim-
Germany 56068 Koblenz-
Germany
Ph: +49 (0)6201 – 60 208 15
Ph: +49 – (0)261 – 91520-0
Fax: +49 (0)6201 – 60 208 29
Email: info@romantic-cities.com
Email: werner@romantic-cities.com
Internet: www.romantic-cities.com

GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

JellyBelly*JellyBrain, the home of traditionally-styled personalised gifts for children and the home, has launched a new range of handmade PE bags. The collection includes seven designs for girls, including a retro camper van and kitsch Russian doll, plus eight for boys, ranging from a dinosaur to a pirate. The £20 kit bags are the perfect back-to-school essential – lovingly handcrafted in cotton and featuring an appliquéd motif alongside the child’s name, the bags are practical yet still stand-out in the school cloakroom. Buy online at www.jellybelly-jellybrain.co.uk.”

Dora and Diego team up with Gulliver’s for kids’ adventures

Nick Jr has teamed up with Gulliver’s theme parks to feature its popular characters Dora the Explorer and Diego.

In the first deal of its kind for Gulliver’s, Nick Jr will be running activity in the parks from this Easter. Gulliver’s is an award-winning, family-run company operating theme parks in Warrington, Milton Keynes and Matlock Bath in Derbyshire, for children aged two to 13. It is the number one destination for affordable and fun family days out, catering specifically for younger children. Nick Jr is part of the number one kids' TV network, Nickelodeon UK, with channels available in over 12.5 million homes. Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! are two of Nick Jr’s most popular animated series for children aged 2-6. Both shows have hugely successful merchandise offerings in the UK.

Children visiting the parks from April will be able to take part in Dora and Diego-themed challenges throughout their visit, with a reward to be redeemed at the end. Dora and Diego will also be visiting each site for appearances and photo opportunities with kids.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for children to actively take part in fun adventures with Dora and Diego,” says Clare Piggott at Nickelodeon UK. “Nick Jr is proud to introduce two of the UK’s best-loved preschool characters into Gulliver’s family-friendly outdoor theme parks.”

"The partnership between Gulliver's and Nick Jr is an extremely exciting one for everyone involved,” says Julie Dalton, Managing Director of Gulliver’s. “We are thrilled to welcome Dora and Diego to our parks to join in the fun, and we look forward to offering even more enjoyment to families looking for great days out and excellent value for money."

The partnership will initially run until 31st December 2009.

Kids Eat for Free in Florida

First Choice are now including the Kids Eat Free card on all Florida holidays taken next summer. The card is the ingenious way to keep costs down as for every adult meal purchased, your child can eat for free. Previously available at a charge, the card can be used as much as you like throughout your holiday at family favourite restaurants located in the popular areas of Florida making it that bit easier to budget your spending money in Florida.

For further information or to book visit www.firstchoice.co.uk/florida, call 0871 200 4455 or drop into your local First Choice shop.

WILD SAFARI WEDDINGS LEAVE COUPLES FEELING RICHER NOT POORER!

When tying the knot some couples still pledge to love, honour and obey for richer or poorer, which is just as well because when the bills arrive from the big day they are likely to feel a lot poorer! With new reports suggesting that the average price of a traditional wedding in the UK costing more than £20,000 it is no wonder that more and more couples are choosing to get married abroad!

There are many obvious advantages to choosing an exotic location rather than staying in the UK – which is why it is increasingly becoming the obvious choice for many couples. You have the cost savings (which can run into thousands), a picturesque location, great weather and of course couples can start the honeymoon straight away.

Aim 4 Africa www.aim4africa.com offer tailor made weddings to the idyllic landscape of East Africa which can cater for all possibilities whether it is a beach wedding in Zanzibar or a safari wedding set against the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Safari weddings are becoming increasingly popular, as many couples are breaking away from the norm, taking their family and friends on this unforgettable experience. Set against the panoramic vista of elephants, giraffe and buffalo in their natural habitat, with vast plains of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in full view, East Africa makes the ideal setting for a wedding!

Ceremonies in Mainland Tanzania range from traditional Maasai-style weddings to western style weddings - at a lodge near the foothills of Mt Meru, or on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, or the Rift Valley escarpment. Costs for a wedding safari for the bride and groom can cost less than £2,500 and with up to 10 family and friends can cost less than £5,000.

Alternatively, couples looking for a tropical paradise, with the ocean and beach can head toward Zanzibar where they have a choice of 3 very different wedding options.

Beach Wedding costs approx £1700 (for up to 10 persons: bridal couple and 8 guests). This includes a minister/priest and wedding certificate, refreshments, reception with 3 course meal, wedding cake, sparkling wine, flowers, Jazz duo or traditional drummers.

A Private Sandbank on the beach with a traditional Dhow to take couple to the sandbank and back. The price is approx £2800 based upon a group of 10. This includes a priest/minister, wedding certificate, refreshments on the sandbank, reception at restaurant overlooking Indian Ocean with full 3 course meal, wedding cake and glass of sparkling wine, flowers, jazz duo or traditional drummers.

Traditional Dhow Wedding OR Wedding on Historic Ruins costs approx £2200-£2500 based upon a group of 10. This includes a priest/minister, wedding certificate, refreshments, reception at restaurant with full 3 course meal, wedding cake and glass of sparkling wine, flowers, jazz duo or traditional drummers, plus transport.

Planning a wedding in a foreign country can be a daunting prospect but Aim 4 Africa has the team and the experience to ensure it goes without a hitch. We know that it is often the small things that can make a lasting impression, so we work hard to ensure the quality of the food & drinks, the presentation and the standards of service couples receive is first class.

Aim 4 Africa offers all couples whether on wedding or honeymoon a complimentary Sunset Dhow Cruise in Zanzibar (with chilled aperitifs on board) - this is a traditional sailing vessel used by Arabs when Zanzibar was once part of the Sultanate of Oman. Today people can observe Dhow builders who create boats in the traditional way.

Here at Aim 4 Africa we know that for most couples their wedding day is the most precious day of their lives so we work hard to conjure up something that goes beyond their wildest dreams and leave them witha lifetime of memories.

To find out more call 0845 4084541 or visit www.aim4africa.com.

HIGHLAND SAFARIS- FAMILY ADVENTURES THIS SUMMER.

Introducing Highland Safaris [www.highlandsafaris.net] in Perthshire, Scotland, the perfect activity for families this summer.

Whatever the age and whatever the weather Highland safari has great adventurous that all the family will love.

Older kids can safely explore the thriving wilderness on an awe inspiring 4 wheel drive ride on The Mountain Safari, which gives fantastic opportunities to spot majestic red deer, famous grouse, elusive mountain hares and soaring golden eagles. Provided with eye spy sheets, fact files and binoculars all the family have the chance to really relate to this amazing natural wilderness and learn of how they can protect its future while spending some quality time together.

For younger families the shorter Forest Safari which tours a Caledonian Pine Forest at 1600 ft with a friendly ranger to get up close to nature and introduce to children what creatures and their habitats.

For daring families, why not opt for The Combo Safari, where dad has the chance to take the wheel of a 4x4 off road, up rough private hill roads and mountain side – The highest off road domain in the UK. Accompanied by an experienced ranger who is also an off road driving instructor, enjoy the thrill of off road driving these sturdy vehicles over 20 kilometers of savage terrain.

Kids and adults alike can also have a great time searching for real Gold and gems using our gold panning shoot and whatever you find you get to keep!

Highland Adventure Safaris

Aberfeldy
Scotland
PH15 2JQ

Bookings: 01887 820071 .

www.highlandsafaris.net

The Mountain Safari lasts for two and a half hours and costs £35 per adult, £20 per teenager (age 12-18), and £15 per child (age 5-12). Do not be put off by bad or stormy weather as this is often the best time to see eagles on their hunt and red deer sheltering close to the safari tracks.

• The Forest Safari lasts one and a half hours and costs £20 per adult and £10 per child, ideal for children under 12 years of age.
• The Combination Safari lasts for two and a half hours and costs £60 per adult (minimum 2 adults per car), £35 per extra adult,

Mobile Tourist Guide Pockets a Smile

Pocket London, an innovative mobile phone information guide for the City of London has combined comedy and technology by adding a range of fresh, comic audio recordings from historical characters which are sure to keep tourists amused all around town.

Mark Oakden, the inventor, has teamed up with a comic scriptwriter and actors to create seven clever and amusing commentaries about major sites including the Natural History Museum, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus and London Zoo.

Pocket London

Stewarts Court 218-220 Stewarts Rd, London, SW8 4UB 020 77201166

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES - AFFORDABLE, ATTRACTIVE STYLES WITH SUPERB UV PROTECTION

For summer 2009, Polaroid has designed their latest Sunglass Collection with your family in mind. Not only does it offer a range of attractive styles designed to appeal to everyone from toddlers and teenagers to mum and dad, but it offers up to 400nm UV sun protection for the eyes too. And because we all want to spend less right now, without sacrificing fashion or quality – these sunglasses, come at a surprisingly reasonable price so everyone can look good and keep safe.

Parkdean Holidays

(www.parkdean.com) is celebrating as ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ has released the details of beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag of Excellence for 2009. The awards are in recognition of high quality bathing water, safety and services provided at UK beaches.

There were 71 blue flags awarded in total this year, which is great news for Parkdean Holidays, because seven of its parks are situated on and nearby 19 of these beautiful beaches:



Hayling Island Park – Hayling Island West and Central beaches Sandford Park – Sandbanks Peninsular, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs and Breaksome beaches Challaborough Park – Challaborough beach Torquay Park – Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Anstey’s cove, Goodrington South Sands, Paignton, Preston sands, Maidencombe and Torre Abbey Sands beaches St Minver – Polzeath beach Cherry Tree Park – Gorleston and Great Yarmouth beaches Warmwell Park – Weymouth and Portland Borough beaches

SAFE FUN IN THE SUN FOR CHILDREN – WITHOUT THE SIZZLE

All SAFER SUN Care formulations carry SPF 15-50+ rating and 5 star Ultra UVA protection. All are water resistant, dermatologically tested, rub in easily, are non-greasy and photostable. The Simpsons Safer Sun range is available from Tesco stores and Booker Cash & Carry nationwide.



SAFER SUN SPF 15 Sun Lotion featuring Homer 200ml -- £5.99
SAFER SUN SPF 30 Sun Lotion featuring Bart 75ml -- £2.49
SAFER SUN SPF 30 Sun Lotion featuring Bart 200ml -- £5.99
SAFER SUN SPF 30 Coloured Sunspray featuring Bart 75ml -- £2.49
SAFER SUN SPF 30 Coloured Sunspray featuring Bart 200ml -- £5.99
SAFER SUN SPF 50+ Sun Cream featuring Lisa 150ml -- £5.99
AFTER SUN Lotion featuring Marge & Maggie 200ml -- £2.99

For further information please contact:

Jacquelyn Redpath or Jessica Benton
Freshwater UK, Kingsbourne House,
229-231 High Holborn,
London
WC1V 7DA. Tel: 020 7067 1597
email: jacquelyn.redpath@freshwater-uk.com

Bournemouth boasts fun in the forecast sun!

Bournemouth will officially “have it all” this summer, following yesterday’s (Thursday 30th April) latest long-range weather forecast for Britain from Met Office. Bournemouth as the leading seaside destination already gets the best of the British weather.

Ewen McCallum, the Met Office's chief meteorologist, said that the period from June to August would “see prolonged spells of hot weather”; some temperatures would be above 30 Celsius or 86 Fahrenheit.

Mark Smith, Director of Bournemouth Tourism said; “The positive weather results from the Met Office are another compelling reason to come on holiday in Bournemouth as the British summer is going to be a great one. Already we have enjoyed the boost of a busy Easter weekend and statistics are showing people are looking to holiday in British seaside resorts this summer.”

Bournemouth with seven miles of award-winning Blue Flag beaches, picturesque landscaped gardens, renovated landmark Piers, high-quality hotels voted best for value in UK (based on 2008 website survey www.hotel.info ), a wide range of watersports facilities and is well placed to attract visitors looking to enjoying the forecast good weather.

Bournemouth has planned some spectacular and free outdoor events so that visitors can really make the most of the sizzling summer. Events include the More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival taking place 20th -23rd August 2009; which will be even bigger and better this year, the Friday Family Fiesta, Flowers by Candlelight and much more.
Bournemouth is an all year-round holiday experience to suit everyone, boasting better weather, extra activities and events and now extra tan lines! So, if visitors are looking for the perfect break this year, book Bournemouth; who are advising to book early and pack extra sun cream. For more information visit www.bournemouth.co.uk or
call the Tourist Information Centre on 0845 051 1700.

Butlins

The UK’s favourite holiday destination, today launches its Bedtime Stories Campaign to encourage more families to read together at bedtime, parents to read to their children every day and families reading bedtime stories on holiday.

To celebrate the launch Butlins will give away 1,000 free books to families taking part in the Butlins Storytime Sessions from 25 – 29 May in all three Resorts to encourage bedtime reading at home. There will also be a new Children’s Book Swap at the Resorts’ nurseries for children to swap books during their Butlins break.

www.butlins.com

First Choice will be introducing Gogos Crazy Bones toys into Kids’ Clubs this summer.

The collectable characters have swept through the nation’s playgrounds like wildfire since launching last year and there are 240 Gogo’s to collect.



The Gogo themed sessions in First Choice Kids’ Clubs will include special games and activities. The sessions will be included in SuperStars Kids’ Clubs for children aged six-eight at Kids Academy or Holiday Village resorts. They will also receive a complimentary pack including three Gogo toys and stickers to start off or add to their collection.



For further info or to book a First Choice family holiday visit www.firstchoice.co.uk/families or call 0871 200 4455.

The Simpsons Safer Sun; Suncream all the family will love!

Kids hate: Brussel sprouts, bedtime and having sun tan lotion applied
Kids love: Eating sweets, playing outside and The Simpsons

What parent hasn’t had to face the grumps, grizzles, tears and tantrums when it comes to the sun protection application moment?

At long last! A collection of sun protection formulations that AMAZINGLY, children will actually want to use.

The Simpsons SAFER SUN range has been created by Mercona, who have been developing sun care protection for more than 20 years. These high performance formulations with a strong element of FUN, solve the problem and please Mums, Dads and their kids at the same time.

Spray coloured sun protection over your body with the SAFER SUN SPF 30 Coloured Sunspray featuring Bart.

Smell the deliciously fruity fragrance of the AFTER SUN Lotion featuring Marge and Maggie.

Grip the ergonomically designed bottles including SAFER SUN SPF 15 Sun Lotion featuring Homer.

All SAFER SUN Care formulations carry SPF 15-50+ rating and 5 star Ultra UVA protection. All are water resistant, dermatologically tested, rub in easily, are non-greasy and photostable. The Simpsons Safer Sun range is available from Tesco stores and Booker Cash & Carry nationwide.

SAFER SUN SPF 15 Sun Lotion -- featuring Homer -- 200ml -- £5.99

SAFER SUN SPF 30 Sun Lotion -- featuring Bart -- 75ml -- £2.49

SAFER SUN SPF 30 Sun Lotion -- featuring Bart -- 200ml -- £5.99

SAFER SUN SPF 30 Coloured Sunspray -- featuring Bart -- 75ml -- £2.49

SAFER SUN SPF 30 Coloured Sunspray --featuring Bart -- 200ml -- £5.99

SAFER SUN SPF 50+ Sun Cream -- featuring Lisa -- 150ml -- £5.99

AFTER SUN Lotion -- featuring Marge & Maggie -- 200ml -- £2.99

AN ALPINE ADVENTURE IN THE SUMMER SUNSHINE.

Make the most of the great outdoors this summer with a family holiday in the stunning alpine scenery surrounding the small resort of Ste Foy en Tarentaise.

Luxury Chalet provider Première Neige, whose winter programme includes up to 50 catered and self catered properties of all sizes and budgets, is offering summer visitors to the resort a plethora of adrenaline filled sports, picturesque villages, local markets and total peace and quiet in a number of its self catering properties.

Considered by most as a winter destination, the benefits of this spectacular corner of France are often overlooked for a summer holiday; but with high ropes courses, white water adventures, climbing, mountain biking, and even summer skiing on the Grande Motte glacier in the nearby resort of Tignes, this is the ideal location for a family holiday, and one which needn’t break the bank. In addition, the Col de Petit St Bernard will whisk you over to Italy in a short drive, with the small towns of Courmayeur and Aosta in the local vicinity.

With prices ranging from as little as £350 for a week in a 2 bedroom apartment, an itinerary which can include being as active or inactive as you like, taking in restorative pursuits such as Pilates to adrenaline adventures such as paragliding, a holiday with Première Neige ticks all the boxes for even the most diverse of families. Just leave the PSP at home – you simply won’t need it.

With properties still available for all weeks of the summer, it isn’t too late to book an unforgettable alpine adventure.

Sainte Foy will be running a minibus & trailer shuttle, taking cyclists and walkers up to the first lift, every day from 12 July to 22 August.

For prices and further information please refer directly to Premiere Neige’s website, www.premiere-neige.com

SOAK UP THE SUN IN CYPRUS.

You can soak up the sun throughout the school summer holidays in Cyprus with Small Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays.

Stay at the four star Capo Bay Beach Hotel in Protaras which overlooks the Blue Flag, Fig Tree Bay Beach with other single parent families. It offers a superb range of facilities including two outdoor swimming pools, fitness centre, scuba diving centre and supervised kids club.

Departures are by scheduled flights with Cyprus Airways from Heathrow on 27th July and 6th, 16th & 26th August

Prices for a 10 night stay, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner, beach towels, sun beds, kids club and the services of a Small Families host throughout the holiday are £1215 per adult and £782 for the first child and £470 for additional children.

For more information call 01763 226567 or visit www.smallfamilies.co.uk or www.singleparent.travel

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LAUNCH NEWS-CRAFTS

littlecraftybugs is also for big craftybugs

craftycapers.co.uk has just launched two exciting new sites for adults crafts, including a male themed craft shop at craftsformen.co.uk

craftsformen.co.uk is the first shop of its kind, focused completely on male themed paper crafts - it's a real innovation in the adult craft world. The shops all share the same shopping basket, enabling you to include all your craft purchases for kids and adults in one simple checkout.

We look forward to welcoming you to craftycapers.co.uk soon.

Please visit our web site at www.craftycapers.co.uk

Postal Address:
Crafty Capers Ltd,
26 Glenmoor Business Park
Blackhill Road
Holton Heath
Poole
BH16 6NL

A DAY OF ADVENTURE FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT GREENWOOD FOREST PARK North Wales

Lying in the foothills of beautiful Snowdonia is GreenWood Forest Park, an innovative, award winning and very special family adventure park in the UK .

Bringing together the elements of fun and adventure with learning for both children and adults, GreenWood Forest Park offers maximum entertainment on a green theme. It is the only family adventure park in the UK to provide true eco-friendly rides, which includes the only people-powered rollercoaster in the world.

Learn the art of building a den, walking on stilts, shooting long bows and much, much more. Which is why GreenWood Forest Park has become North Wales’ leading family attraction.

Green Dragon Roller Coaster

A 20-person, five car train travelling a 250 metre long track, including a 360 degree horizontal loop, reaching a top speed of 25mph, the Green Dragon Roller Coaster is the world’s only environmentally-friendly roller coaster. Not only does it use people power to run it, but it generates more electricity than it uses during the year.

Traditional roller coasters use large amounts of electricity to lift the cars and passengers from the lowest point to the highest point, after which gravity takes over. The Green Dragon is unique in that it uses traditional slate quarry technology (a funicular railway) to make use of the weight of the passengers to lift the empty cars from the bottom to the top of the hill.

Passengers walk up the hill to the loading platform and board the funicular cabin, which then descends a short rail track down the hillside. The cabin, on one set of rails, is connected by ropes and pulleys to the empty roller coaster cars sitting on a transporter on another set of rails at the bottom of the hill. The cabin plus passengers are heavier than the cars, so as the cabin descends it pulls the cars up the hill. At the bottom of the track the passengers disembark and walk up the hill again to the loading platform to board the cars. They then set off on the gravity coaster ride, ending up at the bottom of the hill, where the whole cycle begins again.

As a bonus, if the funicular cabin has more than 10 people on board it not only pulls up the empty cars but it also generates electrical power as it travels down the track. This electricity is fed back into the grid, so reducing the Park’s need for external power.

*Please note that children under 3ft 2in (96cm) cannot ride the Rollercoaster and children between 3ft 2in - 3ft 11in (109cm) can only ride the coaster if accompanied by an adult.

BareFootTrail

The BareFootTrail is GreenWood Forest Park’s exciting new activity for 2009 and a first for Wales. So take off your shoes and get set to rekindle your childhood spirit as you walk barefoot over a variety of terrains including leaves, pebbles, bark, sand, slate, water and even toe-squelching mud!

The specially devised 300 metre long BareFootTrail offers fun for all the family and the chance for you to go back in time walking barefoot like your ancestors. Not only will you experience the feel of natural surfaces on your bare feet, but you will also benefit from feeling totally rejuvenated afterwards.

Emanating from the German word, Barfuss, Barefoot treatment was developed by Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th Century Bavarian Priest. Kneipp was one of the founders of the Naturopathic medicine movement and he believed that applying a different range of natural stimuli to your feet would have therapeutic benefits.

Homeopathic Doctor and former North Wales GP, Dr Paul Nickson, put the BareFootTrail to test and commented; “This was a totally new experience which through the sense of touch importantly reconnects you with our environment. It was a lot of fun and I found it very invigorating.”

Amanda Jones, Anglesey Chiropodist said; “Going ‘barefoot’ in today’s world (other than on the beach) is considered rather eccentric, so the BareFootTrail is such an entertaining and original attraction that allows people to enjoy their feet and perhaps, for a short while, think about them and how marvellous they are. Feet are remarkably sensitive to different textures and walking along the track I was pleased to find myself enjoying the sensory input.”

The Great Green Run

The Great Green Run is an exciting sledge slide, which at 70 metres, is the longest in Wales. All you have to do is just sit in your sledge, keep your arms and legs safely tucked in, listen carefully to all the instructions, and then get set for the ride of your life! And, once you reach the bottom, there is nothing to stop you going round again....and again....and again! And for our smaller visitors, there’s the little Green Run.

Jungle Boat

Imagine yourself in Africa or South America as you climb aboard your Jungle Boat and then use paddles and ropes suspended over the channel to pull your craft round the bends and through the woodland water course.

TreeTop Towers

TreeTop Towers is an exciting array of timber structures constructed on the side of the wooded hillside with many different levels of platforms and ladders, slides, netted walk ways and tubes for older children (and adults) to scramble about on! Very much designed for maximum fun, TreeTop Towers will also help children develop their physical skills.

With only one entrance, TreeTop Towers has been specially designed for parents’ relaxation. There is also a toddlers’ slide, sandpit and picnic tables.

Tunnel Warren

For children under the age of seven, The Tunnel Warren offers them the opportunity to enjoy the features of TreeTop Towers but on a smaller scale. Tunnel Warren is a clever mix of tactile climbing frames, tunnels, slides, rope bridges, towers and levels for children to safely clamber on. With an animal theme, Tunnel Warren will also aid their physical skills.

Giant Jumper

The amazing Giant Jumper, another first in Wales, is a huge inflated bouncy pillow – 1500 square feet of fun for the under 12s. Special sessions are run during the day so toddlers get their chance to bounce along when it is less boisterous.

Archery

If you fancy your chances as a modern day Robin Hood, don’t miss out on the Archery. Learn to shoot a traditional longbow, just like the great Welsh archers who were instrumental in achieving extraordinary victories like the one at Agincourt.

Each visitor shoots three arrows, but you can return as many times as you like during the day.

Den Building

Could you survive living outside without the comforts of home? Well, the first thing needed is somewhere to live and in the forest clearing you will find the Den Building, so you can try your hand at constructing a shelter out of purely natural materials. A fun challenge for all the family, let your sense of adventure be your guide as you build a den from logs and fallen branches.

Crocodile Maze

You can also test your skills of navigation by finding the centre of the Crocodile Maze in Wales’ only boardwalk maze. Lying on the rainforest edge, the Crocodile Maze has willow cuttings dotted throughout which will grow up and around the Maze making it hard to see round the next corner where the crocodile might lurk! The Maze has also been especially designed for assisted wheelchair access.

Moon Karts

Pedal powered one and two seater quad bikes and trikes on an all-new circuit through the woods.

Stilt Arena

Great fun, and a challenge for all the family, give your sense of balance a workout in the Stilt Walking Arena.

Mini-Tractors, Diggers and Puzzles

Youngsters can enjoy the thrill of really driving their own vehicles by getting behind the wheel of the Mini-Tractors or dig for glory in the Diggers. There’s also a huge covered Puzzle Barn which will keep children entertained for ages.

Toddlers Village

The Toddlers Village was designed and built especially with youngsters in mind. It includes lots of activities to keep young children occupied and amused, including several mini-houses, a slide and a sand play area.

Forest Theatre

Sit back and be entertained in style in the open air Forest Theatre. Built in a natural amphitheatre in the woods, the theatre can seat 200 people at a time and hosts a variety of performances and shows daily including Robin Hood, Clowns, Magicians and Pirates in the Easter holidays and from Whitsun half term to early September.

Snowdonia Viewpoint

For stunning panoramic views of the Snowdonia mountain peaks, climb up to Snowdonia Viewpoint, which also gives a visual guide naming each of the landmarks.

Crafts and Activities

Several traditional and unusual crafts are also featured at GreenWood Forest Park. Visitors can carve their own gypsy flower from a tree branch, see a stick maker at work or have a go at log sawing and then have the disc you cut engraved before going home.

There is also a diary of other events and activities planned for 2009 from rag rug weaving to making a Harry Potter style broomstick.

The Great Hall

Inside the medieval-style Great Hall is a superb exhibition relating to the Wonderful World of Trees, a gift shop and a café serving healthy lunches, snacks and other refreshments. Much of GreenWood Forest Park’s menu has been carefully sourced to give a tasty selection of Red Tractor, Fairtrade and Marine Stewardship Council Approved meals. The café also serves Fairtrade coffee, tea and hot chocolate, freshly ground coffee and a range of herbal teas.

Within the Park you will also find plenty of picnic tables, the Theatre Snack Bar and Snowdon Snacks.

After all this action packed fun, take a walk through the rainforest, check out what is growing in the herb garden or look out for the peacocks and peahens as well as the rabbits and guinea pigs in Pets’ Corner. Dogs are welcome both indoors (except the café) and outside but must be kept on leads at all times.

All the activities apart from the Diggers, Tractors (£1 each) and some of the craft work sessions are included in your admission fee. There is also no limit to the number of goes you have, which is why GreenWood Forest Park is a full fun day out for all the family, offering excellent value for money.

Admission Prices for 2009

Adult £6.85 to £9.80
Child £5.75 to £8.95
Senior £6.10 to £9.20
Family 2+2 £22.50 to £33.60
Family 2+3 £27.75 to £41.50
Family 2+4 £32.80 to £49.60
GreenWood Forest Park, Y Felinheli, Gwynedd LL56 4QN.
Visit www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk for more information or contact the 24 hour answerphone on 01248 670076 for opening dates and times.

Greenwood Forest Park, North Wales - the only adventure park in the UK to provide true eco-friendly rides!

ENJOY THE SPA TREATMENTS OF THE MAASAI AND YOGA OVERLOOKING MT. KILIMANJARO!

A trip to Tanzania may not be your conventional idea of a ‘well being’ escape, one that takes in spa, massage, beauty treatments and Yoga. But then again there is nothing conventional about the ‘wellbeing’ treatments practiced by the Maasai or taking a Yoga class over looking Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Aim 4 Africa offers tailor made relaxation safari’s to Tanzania, a country unmatched for its cultural and colourful diversity. It is a country that embraces life in the great outdoors – and invites you to do the same. So when you have finished an exhilarating safari what could be more wonderful than a rejuvenating massage in an idyllic sanctuary where you can leave the world outside?

About Aim4Africa

Set up over four years ago by Nancy Cutinha, who was born and raised in Tanzania, Aim 4 Africa’s main ethos is responsible tourism. Aim4Africa helps with the development of local communities, creating more permanent employment, taking part in community and conservation projects so that the local people and the environment benefit from tourism and clients get to enjoy their holiday knowing they have helped make a difference to the local communities. Aim4Africa is a member of ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association) (www.atta.org.uk), EAWS (the East African Wildlife Society) and TIES (The International Ecotourism Society).