Lockdown Easter Activities For The Whole Family

www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

We might not be able to celebrate Easter this year like we're used to, but that does not mean we can't still have fun! Madia & Matilda has put together a list of family activities that you can do with your kids to turn this Easter into one they won't forget!

1. Egg-babies

Have your kids boil some eggs and draw cute faces on them using paint or markers. Next, name them and have your children looking after them as if these were actual babies! This will teach them to be more responsible as well as just being a whole lot of fun.

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161425967868517897/ 

2. Egg & Spoon Race

Grab some eggs, grab some spoons and go! If you have not heard about the Egg & Spoon Race before (which is doubtful), the point is to win a race during which you have to balance an egg on a spoon. You can use boiled eggs or if you're really brave - go for raw ones. And if you don't have a garden, just use your local park instead. To make it fairer between kids and adults, maybe have the grown-ups do the race by hopping on one leg!

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/83598136818583051/ 

3. Easter images using nature

When going out for your daily walk, try to create Easter-themed images by using objects you find in nature. For example, how about the Easter Bunny made from sticks, leaves, acorns and flowers?

4. Pin The Tail On The Bunny

An Easter version of the popular game of Pin The Tail On The Donkey! Print out an image of the Easter Bunny, buy some cotton wool or a fluffy pom pom and try to stick it to the bunny as a tail whilst blindfolded!

Image from: https://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/pin-the-tail-on-the-bunny-free-easter-printable/ 

Image from: https://www.parkgrandheathrow.co.uk/blog/easter-time-in-london/ 

5. Egg decoration

The classic Easter activity - decorating Easter eggs. You can later use these for an Egg Hunt with the whole family!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

How To Turn Your Lockdown Walks More Fun

During lockdown the comfort of your home might start to feel a bit confining and your everyday walk too monotonous. Lucky for you, we have a couple of ideas to help make your daily stroll more exciting!

Image from: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/1346992-how-to-make-good-conversations-a-walk-in-the-park 

1. Have a chat with your loved ones. Maybe suggest your mom, dad, sibling or friend also go for a quick hike and give you a call. That way it feels almost as if you are walking together! It is also a good way to check in on how they are doing. Talking through your emotions and thoughts can help a lot with the stress you might feel during the lockdown.

2. Try out photography! It doesn't matter whether you think of yourself as a good photographer or not - this is the time to practice. You can just use your smartphone and look out for interesting things to capture during your walk.

3. Make up lyrics - keep your mind busy by making up new lyrics for a tune you like or even try to write a poem in your head.

4. Listen to podcasts. There are tons of podcasts and audiobooks on the internet that will definitely make your walk more interesting.

5. Play counting games. Take in your surroundings by counting things like how many types of dogs, flowers or shoes you see on the way.

   

Remember, walking is one of the best ways to both reduce anxiety and keep yourself active. We hope this list will help you to do so!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

How To Hang Out With Friends During Lockdown

 

Quarantining can be tough, especially when you can't see your mates. It is important to do regular check-ins on your friends to make sure that no one feels alone during this difficult time. However, how can you turn these catch-up sessions into more fun?

1. Download Houseparty. It is an app on which you can play games like Pictionary, take quizzes and so much more with up to eight people on one video call.

2. Virtual workouts. By watching a Youtube workout video simultaneously you can get your daily exercise done together. You will find yourself having a lot more motivation for it!

3. Use Teleparty - a new way to watch TV in synchronization with your friends online.

4. Try cooking together. Prop your phone or computer up somewhere in your kitchen, pick out a recipe both you and your friends are curious to try and cook the same dish whilst catching up.

5. Create a TikTok account. It is fun to learn TikTok dances through a video call, but even more fun when you can then go on to duet your mates dance videos.

6. Host a presentation evening - everyone picks their favourite movie, book or something they are passionate about and prepares a quick presentation about it.

7. DIY projects. Pick some kind of an arts & crafts project for you and your friends to do whilst on a call and afterwards compare the results. This way you might also learn new tips and tricks to simplify your everyday life!

Even though we cannot see our closed ones physically, that does not have to stop us from being able to still have fun and do activities together with them. We hope these ideas will come in handy for your next catch-up session!

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Places: Cotswold's, Bristol, London & Scotland - Easter Trips

Places to Go, Eggs to Find..

Cotswolds

Take advantage of the longer spring days and better weather, by camping, glamping or holiday cottages. Why not take an extra special Easter trip here are some of our suggestions below

Zen - Frill Top

Bristol

Collect activity sheets from The Bristol Cheesemonger and hunt for brightly-coloured eggs in the windows of Wapping Wharf's eclectic mix of independent businesses. Crack the code to spell out an Easter-themed sentence and a reward awaits for your hard work! 

Or why not visit Noah's Ark there's plenty going on that the whole family, will love and they certainly won’t be disappointed; plus parking at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is completely free of charge.

Clover - Chiffon Top

London

There's plenty of fun to be had in London from Good Friday to Easter Monday (Friday April 19 – Monday April 22 2019). Whether you're treating yourself to a Eggs Benedict or simply taking in the city in bloom, 
socializing, visiting botanical gardens or finding the best places to eat; we’ve tracked down the some of the very best things do over your Easter weekend in London. 

Gastropub Bobin, Clapham. Does a cracking roast dinner, or Coal Shed, London Bridge, but on Sunday the whole family can pile in for a ‘sharing roast’ in traditional style

Peckham is blessed these days when it comes to decent food, and we have a particularly soft spot for this lovely-looking eatery attached to the Assembly Point Gallery – a cool hangout that regularly has bands plays to packed houses. 

Scotland 

Have fun and learn about wildlife at the same time. At Blair Drummond Safari Park, there’s a Giant Egg Hunt over Easter weekend where dozens of eggs will be hidden around the park for you and the family to find.

Shetland Craft Trail. Pick up a leaflet from a VisitScotland Information Centre and visit the crafty workshops and studios of everyone from carpenters to painters.


Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Easter 2018: The Food Edit (No Chocolate Here!)

For all you peeps who like to do something special to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus/chocolate bunnies, this is for you! Of course, there's the good ol' Egg Hunt (who's dressing up as Mr Bunny this year?), a family walk, or church. Whatever Easter looks like for you, you can't beat a bite to eat with the Fam. We've got some ideas to kick things off. 

Places to Eat
The Cotswolds are famous for the broad range of places where you can get some truly amazing, locally produced food. Here are three of our favourites:

Lavendar Bakehouse is a little teashop and cafe in Chalford, just by the canal. They source their ingredients as locally as possible and you can taste the love they put into the food! This is a lovely place for brunch or cake, or both! 

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

The Canteen is Nailsworth's quirky, yummy offering to the Cotswolds' food scene, drawing celebrity attention stars such as Liam Gallagher. The food is incredibly good and the cafe backs onto Domestic Science, a mini emporium supplying chic vintage homewares, quality office supplies and much more. 

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

Wild Garlic is also based in Nailsworth (Naily's got it all, folks!). Jay Raynor is a big fan— need we say more? We will anyway. Chef Patron Matthew Beardshall handpicks local, seasonal ingredients with which to create his dishes. And did we mention the "locally sourced traditional roast" on the Sunday lunch menu?! (Psst! Booking recommended).

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

If 'forking' out for a full meal isn't for you, you could ask everyone to make their favourite dish (assign some people to sweet, some to savoury, some to drinks etc.) and put on a bring and share. Something a bit different, and if you find dates like Easter stressful, 
it should take the edge off! 

Whatever you're doing on the Easter weekend, we hope you have the loveliest, yummiest time! (And good luck with the rest of Lent!)

Sincerely, Madia & Matilda

Fathers Day

There’s no doubt about it, the very best dad deserves the very best gift - we've got it covered!

Father’s Day is on Sunday 18th June 2017..

Father’s Day is all about celebrating your dad and so if you’re looking for a fabulous gift that’ll tell him he’s the best dad in the world, then you’ve come to the right place. Whatever he’s into, we’ve got a range of fabulous presents that he’s sure to love.

Personalised Father's Day gifts are always a popular choice as you can personalise the items with your dad’s name and the special message of your choice. Try a personalised cards and signs from Coco loves. Chocolate from Lola Apothecary. There's a lot to choose from and if it’s especially chosen and personalised by his family then he’s sure to be over the moon with what your selection.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Easter - Family days out!

With Easter just around the corner, what better time to spend with the family?

Here are SoGlos's ideas for fun for all the family this Easter.

Tweedy's Lost Property at Everyman Theatre

Venue: Everyman Theatre

What’s happening: One of the country's favourite clowns, Tweedy, will take his latest show, Tweedy's Lost Property to Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre, offering an afternoon of hilarity and havoc. Big and little kids can enjoy comic entertainment as Tweedy attempts to ‘find himself’ by getting a new job at a lost property office, with chaos ensuing as the objects in his position develop a life of their own, and he is constantly prevented from answering the telephone.

For children who like getting involved in the on-stage action, Everyman Theatre will also host a special Easter Project during the school holidays, offering the chance for budding young performers to explore text, audition, rehearse and perform The Insect Play at Everyman Studio Theatre, working with professional practitioners, Young People.

When? Tweedy’s Lost Property will be performed on Sunday 9 April 2017. The Easter Project will run from Wednesday 12 to Saturday 22 April 2017, with performances at the end of the week.

How much: Tickets for Tweedy’s Lost Property range from £14 to £19. The Easter Project costs £100.

For more info: See Tweedy's Lost Property at Everyman Theatre

To book: Call Everyman Theatre on (01242) 572573, email admin@everymantheatre.org.uk, or visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk directly.

Alice in Wonderland at Cheltenham Town Hall

Venue: Cheltenham Town Hall

What’s happening: Lewis Carroll's children's classic, Alice in Wonderland will take audiences on a magical journey at Cheltenham Town Hall, letting little imaginations go wandering as Alice falls down the rabbit hole and into a wonderful world of mischief and mayhem. The exciting adventure offers the chance to meet famous characters such as the Mad Hatter, and avoid losing your head to the formidable Queen of Hearts. Offering a twist on the traditional pantomime, this Easter show promises a thoroughly entertaining afternoon, with the fast-paced, fun-filled performance featuring pop songs, magic, puppets, and best-loved characters who are sure to leave a smile on children’s faces.

Aside from the pantomime fun, the whole family can give something new a 'glow' during the holidays, when the popular Glow Sports event returns to Leisure at Cheltenham. What’s more, with two new sessions for children and their parents, the whole family can now be part of the fun, with the chance to play tennis, badminton and more under the UV lights.

When? Alice in Wonderland takes place on Wednesday 12 April 2017. Glow Sports take place on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 20 April 2017.

How much: Tickets for Alice in Wonderland cost £12.50. Glow Sports costs £6 for a child, £8 for a child and their parent.

For more info: See Alice in Wonderland at Cheltenham Town Hall.

To book: Call Cheltenham Town Hall on 0844 576 2210, email boxoffice@cheltenham.gov.uk, or visit cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk directly.

The Easter Joust at Sudeley Castle

Venue: Sudeley Castle

What’s happening: The Easter Joust is set to go into battle in Winchcombe, promising a fun-filled family event with thrilling displays and exciting entertainment. Highlights include a high energy performance from The Cavalry of Heroes, its talented horses and experienced horsemen; the chance to boo the baddie, Black Knight Lord Pendragon, and cheer on the noble knights during a thrilling jousting match; and royal appearances from King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and members of the Tudor Court, who will oversee the proceedings.

Aside from springtime entertainment on Easter Sunday, Sudeley Castle will also host two Children's Wednesday Science and Nature events during the school holidays, promising a weatherproof day of fun featuring interactive workshops; the chance to explore the castle’s natural areas; and discover creatures in their natural habitat.

When? The Easter Joust takes place on Sunday 16 April 2017. Children’s Wednesdays take place on Wednesdays 12 and 19 April 2017.

How much: Normal admission charges apply.

For more info: See The Easter Joust at Sudeley Castle.

To book: Call Sudeley Castle and Gardens on (01242) 602308, email enquiries@sudeley.org.uk or visit sudeleycastle.co.uk directly.

Jumping for joy at Airborne Trampoline Park

Venue: Airborne Trampoline Park

What’s happening: Airborne Trampoline Park’s exciting facilities are perfect for burning off some steam during the school holidays, with the activity centre home to 35 trampolines, basketball hoops, a jump tower, a reaction wall, and much more. The Air Time sessions run daily and promise one hour of fantastic family fun, during which all ages can jump to their hearts’ content. There is also dedicated Toddler Time in the morning for young jumpers and their parents.

Airborne Trampoline Park offers the chance for speedy jumpers to become the master by tackling the Ninja Run, the premier obstacle course where children can test their skills in stealth and complete the route as quickly as possible. What’s more, with monthly prizes to be won, children have even more incentive to take on the challenge.

When: Airborne Trampoline Park is open daily

How much: Prices vary as per activity

For more info: See Airborne Trampoline Park

To book: Call (01242) 255551, or visit airbornetrampolinepark.com directly.

Prescott Bike Festival

Venue: Prescott Speed Hill Climb

What's happening: Perfect for car enthusiasts and fun-seeking families, Prescott Bike Festival offers the chance to snap a selfie with some famous names, with other highlights including an appearance from Darth Vadar, live music, delicious food and drink, and motorcycles galore.

When: Sunday 9 April 2017

To book: Call Prescott Bike Festival on 07005 968687.

Easter at Holst Birthplace Museum

Venue: Holst Birthplace Museum

What's happening: Holst Birthplace Museum will open its doors during the Easter holidays for some seasonal fun, decorating biscuits and getting the chance to see the museum’s specially designed hare statue, which is part of the Cotswold Hare Trail.

When: Tuesday 11 April 2017

To book: Call Holst Birthplace Museum on (01242) 524846.

Easter holiday play scheme in Cheltenham

Venue: Prince of Wales Stadium, Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 4RN

What's happening: Cheltenham Trust’s ever-popular play scheme returns, giving children the chance to burn off some steam with a host of fun-filled activities including outdoor exploring, art and design, sports, cooking, swimming, sensory play, and much more.

When: Monday 10 to Thursday 13 April 2017; Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 April 2017

To book: Call Cheltenham Trust on (01242) 528764.

Easter egg hunt at Central Cross Café and The Boathouse

Venue: Central Cross Cafe, Pittville Park, Cheltenham, GL52 3JE

What's happening: An Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, and a new boating season await happy families in Pittville Park this spring, offering the perfect chance for a day trip to the park – not to mention a rest-stop in the delicious café, where homemade cakes are sure to go down a treat.

When: Saturday 15 to Friday 21 April 2017

To book: Call Central Cross Café on (01242) 234907.

Easter Eggspress at GWSR

Venue: Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

What's happening: Children can jump on board a steam train when GWSR promises a day of egg-cellent fun for all the family and of course a visit from the Easter Bunny too.

When: Monday 17 April 2017

To book: Call GWSR on (01242) 621405.

Easter painting at Holst Birthplace Museum

Venue: Holst Birthplace Museum

What's happening: Children can get creative during an Easter painting session, using pretty pastels to create art which is inspired by the museum’s new portrait.

When: Tuesday 18 April 2017

To book: Call Holst Birthplace Museum on (01242) 524846.

The Big Batsford Chicken Hunt at Batsford Arboretum

Venue: Batsford Arboretum

What’s happening: Putting a twist on the traditional Easter Egg hunt, little ones at Batsford Arboretum can find the hens that laid them in the Big Batsford Chicken Hunt. Children must uncover all the secret locations of the hidden hens at the day-out destination, marking them on a map to win a special prize. Promising the perfect opportunity for children to burn off some of those Easter eggs, as well as the chance to explore the beautiful location in the fresh air, this special event is sure to go down a treat with Gloucestershire families.

Following the bloom of snowdrops at Batsford, the arboretum will be bursting with new colour in March at the start of its daffodil and magnolia month, promising plenty of picture-perfect photo ops for those family selfies.

When? The Big Batsford Chicken Hunt takes place from Saturday 8 to Sunday 23 April 2017.

How much: Tickets cost £2.50 per child, plus normal admission charges

For more info: See The Big Batsford Chicken Hunt.

To book: Call Batsform Arboretum on (01386) 701441, email arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk or visit www.batsarb.co.uk directly.

Easter at Corinium Museum

Venue: Corinium Museum

What's happening: A host of Easter-themed activities will be keeping youngsters busy at Cirencester’s Corinium Museum, with highlights including an Incredible Insects workshop, family film, and Illuminated Birds drop-in session.

When? Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12, Thursday 13, Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19, Friday 21 April 2017

To book: Call Corinium Museum on (01285) 655611.

Magic Sundays at The Hollow Bottom

Venue: The Hollow Bottom

What's happening: Families can enjoy a sprinkle of magic during their Sunday lunch when close-up magician Andy Cole visits The Hollow Bottom for some mind-boggling entertainment.

When? Sunday 9 and Sunday 23 April 2017

To book: Call The Hollow Bottom on (01451) 850392.

We hope you have fun this Easter!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda