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14 Zoom Party & Stay Home Entertainment Ideas

This post has been in drafts but with the good news that has just been announced, I thought I better ping it off before Zoom meet ups are a thing of the past! IFollowing on from my how to keep the kids entertained during lockdown piece, I wanted to put something together for adults and families too. Here are some top-notch Zoom party ideas, online cocktail masterclasses, virtual wine tasting sessions, mind-bending challenges and delicious DIY meal kits to keep every occupied.

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Virtual Cocktail Parties & Masterclasses

Cocktails By Lollipop

Throw a virtual cocktail party with Cocktails by Lollipop. The team do everything from preparing and sending the cocktails to organising your Zoom call. All you have to do is wait for your delivery, grab some glasses and open your laptop!

WeAreLollipop.co.uk 

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Stir Crazy Drinks Online Masterclass

Want to master a new skill during lockdown? Perfect the art of cocktail making with Stir Crazy Drinks. The cocktail company deliver the ingredients to your door and then you join their live masterclass on Saturday night to pick up some new skills and discover your new favourite drink.

StirCrazyDrinks.co.uk

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Cocktail Making

Hook up with boozy events for a virtual cocktail making class — ideal for birthday celebrations and alleviating Saturday night boredom! Boozy Events will send you a cocktail ingredient kit, metal and glass equipment and a cocktail maker to shake it all up. Once you’ve received your kit, a mixologist will join you on Zoom to guide you through the menu.

BoozyEvents.com

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Virtual Wine Tasting

Rebottling Wine Experience

Join a luxurious wine and chocolate experience with flavour alchemist Paul A Young. Order the wines, book your place on the rebottling experience and wait for a delivery and instructions on how to join the event. It’s certainly a place to indulge and learn a thing or two about fine wines.

Rebottling.com

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The Fine Little Wine Online Tastings

Enjoy a guided online wine tasting session with The Little Fine Wine Co. Each month the team select a different wine region to travel through and work to share their knowledge about vineyards around the world. February is all about New Zealand and features three delicious white and one fabulous red. Private sessions and corporate bookings are also available.

TheFineLittleWineCompany.co.uk

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Unwined Private Wine Tasting

Host your own wine tasting party or sign up for a private session with Unwined. The DIY tasting kit takes you on a wine tasting journey where you can go at your own pace to level up your wine knowledge. Alternatively, let an Unwined sommelier take the reins and join you and your friends on a Zoom chat. Choose from a selection of four kits with three or six bottles or work your way through them all to become a true wine aficionado.

UnwinedBars.co.uk

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Virtual Family Games

Games Night In for Macmillan

Sign up to host a virtual Macmillan games night with friends and family. Let the attendees know that it’s a fundraiser so they’re able to donate a little to the charity too. Macmillan has a range of games to choose from including Whodunnit?, Trapped! An Escape Room, Horse Racing Night and Quiz Night.

GamesNight.Macmillian.org.uk

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Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.


Tulley’s World Domination Online Strategy Game

Keep the whole family occupied with this live action strategy and role-playing game. The aim of the game is world domination! For two hours, you’ll work to improve your designated country by making alliances, boosting the economy and increasing living standards… or causing the next world war. Book a private or public game and get involved.

World-Domination.co.uk

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Virtual Magic Time With Thomas Dixon

Planning a birthday party or a family Zoom event? A virtual magic show is just the ticket to keep everyone entertained. Book Tom Dixon to experience some mind-blowing magic. It’s certainly something you don’t do everyday!

ThomasDixonMagic.com

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Ping Pong Fight Club’s Lockdown Challenge Show

For lots of laughs and great family entertainment, I highly recommend Ping Pong Fight Club. Log on for a 45-minute Zoom show and get involved in ping pong challenges and trivia rounds as you compete against friends and family to win the lockdown challenge.

TheBigSmokeEvents.com

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Escape Hunt Adventure

Escape Hunt has taken its escape room games online so everyone can play along at home. You and your teammates (who can be from different households) can all come together to solve a variety of puzzle-solving games and challenges. Choose between the remote escape room challenge, print and play and digital games.

EscapeHunt.com

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DIY Dinner Delivery Kits

A Taste Of France

Get stuck into a DIY food delivery kit from Cote At Home. The French bistro delivery company has a huge range of starts, mains, desserts and set menus to choose from — all made from the best, high-quality French ingredients. I’ve got my eye on the lobster frites and artisan cheese selection.

CoteAtHome.co.uk

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Pizza Kits At Home

Pizza making is a brilliant activity to get the whole family in the kitchen. Each kit comes with all the ingredients you need (dough balls, mozzarella, tomato sauce etc.) fresh from the pizzeria. There’s also an option to make garlic bread and a Nutella pizza! Mmm…

PeterInThePan.co.uk

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DIY Burger Kits from Patty&Bun

Missing Patty&Bun? Or want to learn how to make a top-notch burger from scratch? Order a DIY Patty&Bun burger kit to recreate the London burger chain’s signature smokey cheeseburger. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

PattyAndBun.co.uk

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Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

Activities

9 Online Exercise Classes You Need To Know About

For me, online exercise classes are essential fitness motivation. If I’ve got classes in the calendar and I’ve paid for them, I’m definitely going to attend! I love exercise videos on Youtube but there’s something nice about being part of a live class too — maybe it’s having someone watching so you don’t skip the hard bits, ha! I wanted to curate a list of the online workout classes, fitness apps and yoga sessions that I’ve been using throughout lockdown to stay on top of things physically and mentally, so here you go!

Online Yin & Power Yoga sessions with Jo Arthur

Join Jo Arthur on the mat for some fantastic virtual yoga classes. The health coach and yoga teacher offers dynamic Power Yoga, a form of Ashtanga, and slow Yin Yoga which works into deep connective tissues and helps you to relax.

Time: Yin yoga — Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings, Power yoga — Morning evening

JoArthur.com

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Zoom classes from Balance: The Countryside Gym

Balance has opened its virtual gym and studio by taking all of its classes online. Get involved in Balance Burn, Bounce Fit Body, Cardio Yoga, Pilates, Sculpt & Tone classes and many more. Classes are running every day. All you need to do is sign up for a membership.

BalanceTheCountrysideGym.co.uk

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Circuit training with Caroline’s Circuits

It’s 30 minutes of fitness classes three mornings a week — that’s not too much of a commitment, is it? Join Caroline in her online exercise classes that will help you incorporate regular exercise into your routine without it taking a chunk out of your day. The class options are Full Body Workout which works out all the muscle groups and Lower Body Sculpt which works on toning legs and tummies.

Time: Full Body Workout on Monday and Fridays, Lower Body Sculpt on Wednesdays

CarolinesCircuits.com

online exercise classes carolines circuits

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Beginner to experienced yoga classes from The Yoga Studio Hartley Wintney

For yoga, pilates and meditation, I recommend The Yoga Studio. The Hartley Wintney-based fitness studio has a huge range of online exercise classes to choose from, including Clubbercise, Chakra Balancing Sound, HIIT Yoga, Tai Chi Meditation, Candlelit Flow and loads more. Pick up a 30 or 7-day pass to make the most out of the classes.

TheYogaStudioHartleyWintney.com

online exercise classes hartley wintney

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Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.


Find something local on Gymcatch

Download the Gymcatch app and locate an exercise class near you. Obviously, everything is online at the moment, so you’ll be able to have your pick of everything on the app but when restrictions start loosening, it’ll be handy to know what’s happening near you too. Gymcatch offers plenty of options to sign up for monthly packages and deals both online and offline.

Gymcatch.com

online exercise classes gymcatch

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The Body Coach on Youtube and on the app

Where would we be without Joe Wicks? He really does offer something for everyone, whatever level fitness you’re at. Check out The Body Coach Youtube channel to get a flavour for the classes that Joe offers or download the app for live online exercise classes. The app offers dietary advice too.

TheBodyCoach.com

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Get fit with the Peloton app

You no longer need the bike to exercise along with Peloton. The fitness brand now offers a huge range (over 1000 classes!) that you can stream on-demand. The app will guide you in strength, yoga, running, stretching, cycling, bootcamp and meditation. You’ll need to sign up for a digital membership to access the library via your phone, tablet, TV or web browser.

OnePeloton.com

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Fitness and nutrition with Gemma Carnegie

Stay motivated and meet your fitness goals with personal trainer and nutrition coach Gemma Carnegie. Gemma offers a range of classes including Total Body, Quick Cardio Blast, Glutes, Legs & Arms, and Abs & Cardio. It’s simple to book through her website and there are classes running most days.

GemmaCarnegie.com

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The 7-Minute workout app

Ease yourself back into exercise with these brilliant 7-minute routines. Every minute counts, right? Designed by Johnson & Johnson, the app features a trainer who will take you through each movement, a timer to tot up your seven minutes and a tracker to measure your progress. Get started now!

7MinuteWorkout.JNJ.com

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You might also like:

Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

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Activities

10 Things To Do With Kids During Lockdown This Weekend

Running out of kids’ lockdown activities? It’s pretty easy to have been through all the family board games, art supplies and Netflix shows when we’ve all been in the house for so long. With homeschooling in full swing, it’s important to come up with some kids’ lockdown activities that are active and creative to help them unleash some pent up energy. I’ve picked out some nature trails and challenges that have been keeping my family sane, as well as some cool online activities and subscriptions that are well worth getting involved with. What are you doing to keep the kids occupied? Please leave a comment below with any recommendations!

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Stay home

Hogwarts Is Here

Is there a Potter fan in your house? I’ll be surprised if there isn’t! Hogwarts is Here is a fantastic online platform for the kids to immerse themselves in the wizarding world. They can enrol for realistic Hogwarts courses, earn house points and play with magic in the common room. Sign up and get involved!

 

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Kitchen Disco With Sophie Ellis Bexter

Get everyone up and dancing around the kitchen with this hit playlist from Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Featuring hits from Donna Summer, Cher and Boney M, get lost in some classic pop hits.

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Disney Plus

With over 500 movies and 350 series, Disney+ is a brilliant way to while away the hours and watch all of the classics. It really has something for everyone with the Pixar favourites (Toy Story, Monsters Inc etc.), the Star Wars films, 30 Marvel movies, The Simpsons and loads more.

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London Symphony Orchestra – Online

Catch a performance from The London Symphony Orchestra. Discover what happens to an orchestra when everyone has to keep their distance. Learn how sound travels and what you can hear between the notes.

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Check out List.co.uk for more events like this.


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Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts can take as little or as much planning as you have time for. I’ve put together a list of nine tried-and-tested scavenger hunts that will keep them occupied indoors and in the garden. An ideal lockdown activity!

9 Scavenger Hunts To Do At Home With The Kids

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Learn to play cards

No need to buy anything, just pull out your pack of playing cards and teach the family some new card games. Fun Attic has a good selection of games for 1-4 players. If you do need to buy a pack of cards, you can order them here.

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Discover somewhere new

Geocaching

Geocaching has been around a while but it’s really started to rise in popularity again since we’ve been in lockdown. Rediscover the world around you with this fantastic geocaching app and get involved in a worldwide treasure hunt. Be warned, it can get addictive!

kids lockdown activities geocaching

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Forestry England

Is there a Gruffalo hiding in your local forest? There have been sightings of the mythical beast around the UK, so check out Forestry England website to find more. There is also a family-friendly Gruffalo-themed orienteering course that will hopefully be reopening soon (covid-permitting!).

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Treasure Trails

Sign up for a socially distanced adventure with Treasure Trails to get the cogs ticking out in the fresh air. Buy a Treasure Trail for your local area via the website and then have your young detectives solve clues, catch crooks and find the hidden treasure.

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Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.

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Get creative

DIY fake snow recipe

Missing the snow? With two ingredients you can create your own! If you have a toddler, DIY  snow is great for sensory play, while older children can have fun making mini snowmen and creating a fake snow small world.

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Water pistol art painting

Definitely one for the garden, pick up a canvas and dig out the kids’ water pistols and let them blow off some steam firing watercolour paint to create a new piece of artwork.

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You might also like:

Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

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Activities

10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss On Netflix This Summer

Nothing beats relaxing with a Netflix show after the kids have gone to bed. I asked on Facebook for some recommendations for my watchlist and have added in a couple that I think you really need to check out.

Unbelievable

Based on a true story, Unbelievable is about a tough but important one to watch. It follows the aftermath of Marie Adler’s rape as a flawed justice system tears her life apart and the lifelong impacts of sexual violence.

The Last Dance

I don’t think you need to be into basketball to enjoy this 10-part series. Yes, it follows the greatest basketball team of all time, the Chicago Bulls, but the show is really about success and the motivation you need to achieve that.

White Lines

This show has such mixed reviews: you’ll either love it or hate it but I’ve been told it’s one that you can’t stop watching! It’s a murder mystery set in Ibiza but it also has soap drama, a journey of self-discovery and flashbacks to 1996.

Ozark

Ozark is one of the most popular shows on Netflix and I completely get why! If you’re into suspense and a fan of Jason Bateman, you need to see this. The premise is Bateman impersonates a financial advisor who has become mixed up in money laundering for some Mexican cartels.

Unorthodox

I loved this series. It gives you a rare glimpse into the Hasidic Jewish community in New York, as its main character 19-year-old Etsy, flees from her orthodox upbringing. It portrays her life in a brilliant series of flashbacks and her attempt to make a fresh start in the present day.

Read also: 6 Family Farm Days Under One Hour From London

Hollywood

The 1940s was the golden age of filmmaking in Tinseltown… but not for everyone. Netflix Original Hollywood is about what really happened behind the scenes: the drama, the betrayal and corruption. You’ll love it if you like anything with old, film star glamour.

Outerbanks

Teen dramas can be a brilliant way of escapism and Outerbanks has romance, friendship, and murders. It’s set in an idyllic beach vacation town that we’d all love to be in right now. We can dream, right?

The Affair

A does-what-it-says-on-the-tin Netflix series about a complicated love triangle, The Affair is one of those you won’t be able to turn off. Each of the characters has their own story and seems to remember events very differently.

Dead To Me

For dark comedy lovers, Dead To Me is one to watch. It’s all about female friendships and grief as a widow tries to track down her husband’s hit-and-run driver.

Motherland

From school-gate politics to fundraisers and organising the perfect kid’s birthday party, Motherland is a must-watch for all parents. It’s currently on two-series but I hear whispers of a third this year.

Read also: Luxury Staycations The Whole Family Will Absolutely Love

Activities

10 Podcasts That You Should Download Now

I love a good podcast. In particular putting one on to unwind before bed, when I’m cooking or just out and about! I’ve been looking for something new to listen to, so I asked on my Facebook page what TLM followers for recommendations and now I’ve got a very long list to get through. I’ve picked out a top ten of must listens. You’ll find almost all of these on Acast, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

The High Low

I’ve been a huge fan of Dolly and Pandora since the High Low began. I even miss it when these two ladies take a break! If you’re after a quick run through weekly culture, the High Low catches you up on everything, as well as discusses the topical things you’ve been thinking about.

Listen now on Acast.com

The Style Matters Podcast

Listen to interviews with the people who know how to do it best. On Style Matters, Zandra, the founder of Little Yellow Couch interviews top stylists, designers, artisans and tastemakers to inspire our creativity and teach us a thing or two about style. From understanding colour and decorating your house with books to decluttering and making your home work for you, I always finish an episode feeling like I have some work to do.

Listen now on ListenNotes.com

Sheerluxe Podcast

I love Sheerluxe, especially for style and beauty recommendations. The Sheerluxe Podcast brings all the brilliant bits of the online magazine together. There are weekly news briefing and entrepreneur success stories, mixed in with cultural tidbits and the very latest style and shopping advice. What’s not to love?

Listen now on Acast.com

Brave & Brilliant

This is a must-listen for women in business, regardless of whether you’re still mulling over business ideas, running a start-up and working for a small business. It’s super inspiring with topics including, time management, imposter syndrome and coming up with the initial business idea.

Listen now on Apple.Podcasts.com

Sh***ed, Married, Annoyed

Sh***ed, Married, Annoyed is “the only way Rosie and Chris Ramsey can have a conversation without being interrupted by a toddler” — don’t we all relate?! They discuss all sorts of things including parenting, relationships, annoyances and everything in between.

Listen now on Acast.com

Grounded with Louis Theroux

I’ve always got time to watch or listen to Louis Theroux, so I was pleased when he started his Grounded podcast during lockdown. His chats with Jon Ronson and Helena Bonham Carter are particular favourites.

Listen now on BBC.co.uk or download the BBC Sounds app.

Happy Place with Fearne Cotton

Fearne Cotton has all the best guests on Happy Place and they’re literally from all walks of life. It’s nice to pick-and-choose episodes and the guests are always super inspiring. Her latest episodes feature Alicia Keys, George Ezra and Holly Tucker MBE.

Listen now on Acast.com

Read also: Swimsuit Season: A Round Up of Flattering Swimwear

Happy Mum Happy Baby

One of the number one parenting podcasts has to be Giovanna Fletcher’s. I love her honesty and frank conversations with high-profile parents. “There is no such thing as the perfect parent, and we’re all simply doing our best,” is her motto and she really gets into the nitty gritty in some episodes.

Listen now on Acast.com

Motherkind with Zoe Blaskey

I like Motherkind because it tackles problems we all have to face at some point: how to break up with guilt, how to develop a relationship with your inner self, and homeschooling in lockdown. Motherkind aims to help motherhood be less overwhelming!

Listen now on Acast.com

Fortunately… with Fi and Jane

Fi and Jane cover all sorts of things on their Fortunately podcast – literally. One minute it’s social media rage with 1Xtra DJ Ashley ‘Dotty’ Charles, the next it’s motorway services with author Afua Hirsch. All their guests are from radio, TV and podcasting. If you like to listen to people having a good chat, this is the one.

Listen now on Acast.com

How to Fail with Elizabeth Day

How To Fail is ‘a celebration of the things that haven’t gone right’ — that’s something we can all empathise with. Her top-notch guests include Glennon Doyle, Malcolm Gladwell and Alain de Botton.

Listen now on Acast.com

Read also: Al Fresco Inspiration: 10 Things Your Family Picnic Is Missing

Activities Days Out Places

6 Family Farm Days Under One Hour From London

Back in the day, you would go to a farm and expect to see a couple of domestic animals roaming around, a few farm animals in the field, have a play on a rickety old climbing frame, eat a Mr Whippy and then head home. Oh no. Not nowadays. We expect a farm to entertain our poor little deprived children and not only give them a taste of the countryside but entertain, thrill and stimulate them like a theme park! Fun farms!

Here a few that you can reach in about an hour from London – so go for the day and still be back in time for tea – that definitely won’t disappoint!

Bocketts Farm

Leatherhead, Surrey

Nestled just off the A3, it’s very easy to get to Bocketts. There is lots to do – inside and outside play areas, animal feeling and some lovely lunch options – as well as Bocketts being a working family farm. The farm is home to hundreds of animals, including lambs, piglets, chicks and calves. For us, The Pig Racing was a real highlight. It’s actually a full-on marathon and the children went nuts for it. I didn’t know pigs could run that fast… Very fun.

Address: Young St, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9BS, United Kingdom

Find out more on BockettsFarm.co.uk

Photo credit: @olliedixonphoto, Facebook

Bucklebury Farm Park

Reading, Berkshire

This is a delightful farm and we particularly enjoyed the go karts and play bus. The guys had fun careering down the assault course in the woods too! Bucklebury is very charming and the shabby-chic style cafe was lovely and also very helpful – warming baby food and helping prevent our errant 2 year old from wandering into the kitchen without losing their cool!

Address: Bucklebury, Reading RG7 6RR, United Kingdom

Find out more on BuckleburyFarmPark.co.uk

Credit: buckleburyfarmpark, Facebook

Looking for a short family break? Here are 12 luxury staycations the whole family will love… 

Godstone Farm

Godstone, Surrey

The soft play and vast adventure playground alone is worth the entry fee here. There is also a much appreciated section for the under 2’s. The dino trail and designated playground filled with ride on tractors and trucks was also a real hit. They are very generous with the time they allow for rabbit and chicken ‘cuddling’ although the chicks were out of bounds for the 1 year old. ‘They aren’t very good at releasing their grip at that age…’

Update July 2020: Animal holding and the playbarn are currently closed but hopefully we’ll see them opening very soon!

Address: Farm Limited, Tilburstow Hill Rd, Godstone RH9 8LX, United Kingdom

Find out more on GodstoneFarm.co.uk

Credit: Godstonefarm.co.uk

 


Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.


Hobbledown

Epsom, Surrey

Hobbledown is the ‘Harry Potter’ of all farms. It is like entering a different land and each area is crafted beautifully. Teepees and tents line the paths and there is something interesting going on at every turn. I could have perused the shop for longer than I did too. There were loads of cool books, games and toys – will definitely stock up on Christmas presents next time we head back!

Address: Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT, United Kingdom

Find out more on Hobbledown.com

Credit: Hobbledown.com

Read also: Al Fresco Inspiration: 10 Things Your Family Picnic Is Missing

Odds Park Farm

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Odds Park is a huge farm with plenty to do including tractor rides, animal feeding, a wonderful sandpit and plentiful play areas. Everyone’s highlight was the sheep racing though, where you backed a sheep and if it came in, you won a medal. That made a few happy (and unhappy) faces! The staff are very friendly and the map is clear with an extensive plan of what’s on at what time.

Address: Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe HP10 0LX, United Kingdom

Find out more on OddsFarm.co.uk

Credit: OddsFarm.co.uk

Wellington Country Park

Riseley, Berkshire

We always race straight to the train as soon as we arrive. Hughie, the train driver, always welcomes us aboard with a huge smile. Each time we visit they have added to the collection of little statues, gnomes and animals along the route. Don’t forget to scream when you go through the tunnel! If you manage to get beyond the three different outdoor play areas (they are brilliant – especially the zip wire), there is a sweet little farm area and a beautiful lake to walk around. A top day out.

Address: Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP, United Kingdom

Find out more on Wellington-Country-Park.co.uk

Whichever one you choose, you will have a lovely day. They are all perfect destinations to meet friends, escape the grind and fill up one day of the holidays!

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Activities Family Life

9 Scavenger Hunts To Do at Home with Kids

This period of staying at home has taught me one thing. To eek things out so they take as long as possible otherwise all my ideas are done by 1010! We all really enjoyed an indoor scavenger hunt yesterday and it was popular with your guys on Instagram so I have collated a few hunts from Pinterest for you to print and use at home.

NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

Nature Scavenger Hunt

EASTER THEMED TREASURE HUNT

Easter Themed Treausre Hunt

ALPHABET SCAVENGER HUNT

Alphabet Scavenger Hunt \

TREAURE HUNT 

Home Treasure Hunt

BACKYARD (GARDEN!) SCAVENGER HUNT

Backyard Treasure Hunt

SPRING SCAVENGER HUNT

Spring Scavenger Hunt

5 SENSES SCAVENGER HUNT

5 Senses Scavenger Hunt

INDOOR SCAVENGER HUNT

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT

Photo Scavenger Hunt

I hope this helps and fills up a few minutes in a fun and non stressful way! This post on activities for kids may also help! 

Love from Lucinda xx

Activities Family Life Services

Top Tips for Managing Your Social Media During the Current Crisis

As a small business owner, it’s hard to navigate your social media at the moment.  Milla from Pink Storm Social has put together a few points to help us during this unprecedented time. I have found it so helpful and hope you do too.

Acknowledge the situation and don’t avoid it

We know it isn’t business as normal because nothing about the current situation is normal so use this time to share how you are dealing and adapting, any initiatives you are taking, any inspiration you are seeing from other people, share it.

Be yourself, be relatable and be realistic

If its relevant post a statement from your company telling your followers what measures and actions you are putting in place and reassure them.

Keep showing up and posting consistently

Now is not the time to go quiet, if you ease off on your marketing communications in general you might feel the effects in 6 months time when hopefully we will all be looking to build again. Much better to stay active and present and ride the wave.

Engage with your followers in ways that aren’t too sales heavy

Be more human. If you have senior members of the team who don’t usually feature on your social media, give them a shout! Use your stories to ask questions. If you have followers from all over the world ask where they are located and how they are being affected. Go live to have conversations with your followers. Make your content as personal as possible.

Don’t be disheartened if you see your engagement levels drop

Naturally we are going to see more people posting on social media so we might see a slightly dip in our levels of engagement.

Check what you have scheduled – grid wise and advert wise

Adjust your language and tone of voice to fit the current situation, check all your content with a coronavirus lense. You don’t want to be caught out by a post you had scheduled advertising the best places to take children on summer holidays in Europe for example. ​

Use this time to try new things on social

There are so many online tutorials being offered at the moment for free. Take advantage and upskill. If for example you haven’t posted an IGTV before, learn how to and get cracking. If you sell products online use your Instagram stories a bit like QVC!

Use social media to find people to collaborate with

More than ever find ways to be helpful to your customers, think about adding value – what products do you produce that could make their lives easier. Are there some like minded brands you could collaborate with to produce an activity pack for children for example.

Try and gather as much UGC as possible

By UGC I mean user generated content. If you sell a product and a client sends you a photo of that product in their home, that is called user generated content. So ask your customers for photos of your products. If you sell a service ask clients for reviews and testimonials that you can use in your content. Now is the time to build trust in your brand and you do this by showing how amazing your customers think you are!

Don’t feel ashamed to keep “working” and selling your product or service people are still buying, let’s face it we are all going to be spending a lot more time online over the next few months so don’t see self promotion as a negative. There is no reason why you need to stop.

Stay positive, while the situation is beyond serious we have to keep lifting each other up

Milla Richardson
@pinkstormsocial
www.pinkstormsocial.co.uk