Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers and all those women who care so selflessly for children. You are all mother-figures and the world owes you a debt of gratitude. Just one day each year is set aside to honour mothers. So, we must not forget to celebrate and reward our mothers on this day.

How Will You Mark Mother’s Day?

Will your mother just get a phone call? Or maybe, you’ll splash out on a bunch of flowers and a card. There will be the lucky mothers who will get a gift of some description too.

But, what would your mother really like from you, apart from your love and more than one phone call every year? Given what she did for you, she has got to be worth more than that.

Mothers are People Too

As well as being your mum, mothers are the girls of yesteryear with hopes, dreams and interests. Those girls are still there – maybe deep down, but they are still there. Becoming a mum doesn’t cancel the girl within. Mothers and grandmums like to think that the people who love and know them respect that. So, when you reach for her gift, if she is one of the lucky ones, remember the girl who became your mum. She is one in a million – your mother.

Mothers Rarely Expect Much

With motherhood comes a lot of self-sacrifices and the ability to praise off-springs for the smallest gesture or gift. So ingrained is this in most mothers that they continue with this over-gratitude when their children become adults. This results in a mother almost going into paroxysms because she gets an annual phone call, a card or a bunch of flowers from the petrol station on the way to dinner at her house that she is cooking on a day that she should be spoilt.

What Would Your Mother Really Like on Mother’s Day?

Well, for starters, you remembering that it is her day and not a day you get a lovely meal she slaved over in the kitchen to serve for you. Then there is the fact that as well as being your mum or gran, she would like to remembered as more than that. She may say she likes the bunch of flowers and the card, and she would not be lying – flowers are a lovely gift and women are particularly fond of a bunch of blooms. But, make an effort. Don’t get some scraggy bunch from the petrol station.

More than Choccies and Flowers

Maybe you could make a real effort this year and wow the mother in your life with a gift that will literally blow her stockings off – that’s if she wears them. And, then go one step further and present it to her at a slap-up meal at her favourite restaurant instead of expecting her to cook. Now, if this is not too much of a shock to her, get her a decent gift too. Chocolates and flowers are always a winner, and they should be included with the real gift.

How About These Gifts?

For the dynamic mum or grand-mum, please don’t hold back, go for something she secretly has on her bucket list. You may need to talk to your dad or someone who really knows her to get that right. If research is anything to go by, you can’t go wrong with paragliding. Can’t see your mum or gran doing that? You may be very wrong, but in your case maybe keep her feet on terra-firma and send her clay pigeon shooting. Blasting clays out of the sky will have her laughing out loud. Mums often have a lot to put up with and realising tension with a bit of axe-throwing may be just what she needs. If you think she’s a crazy, then go for it with a paintballing session or some other adrenalin-fuelled activity.

A More Sedate Gift

Okay, so your Mum & Gran are not the adrenaline junkies that some women secretly are. So, how about a hot air balloon ride, a Segway experience or a boat trip? Are they Brainiacs and love puzzles? Then we can confidently recommend an Escape Room. Now, that’s quite a few recommendations, but if you have no idea what your Mum or Gran would like, then choose a Geronigo® Gift Card, and then they can surprise you just how adventurous they really are when they choose their activity. As the card will give then the choice of every single activity type in the UK and Ireland at over 2000 venues, they really will be spoilt for choice.

Happy Mother’s Day!

By CJ

As the capital of Wales, you’d expect Cardiff to be a dynamic city with plenty of things to do—and you will not be disappointed. This ancient city has so many things to see, do and explore you’re better planning for a weekend visit at least.

Cardiff Castle 

Cardiff castle can’t be missed – no literally, it can’t be missed as it stands towering over the city a mere stone’s throw from the high street. It’s an ever-present reminder of Cardiff’s past. Built-in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of an earlier Roman fort it’s steep in the history of Cardiff. During the Victorian era, the 3rd Marquess of Bute renovated and decorated it making it into a medieval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion.

Wales Millennium Centre 

The Wales Millennium Centre opened in 2004 to be the home for Welsh performing arts. Its design reflects both the natural and industrial landscape of Wales, taking inspiration from the sea-cliffs and steel industry of South Wales and the jagged slate mines found in the north. There’s also a nod to the maritime history of Tiger Bay, reflected by the hull-shaped copper-coloured roof that gave rise to the building being known locally as the armadillo. Check out what’s on, but honestly, it’s worth just visiting to see the building.

Escape Cardiff

You’ve only just thought about your visit and now and we are suggesting that you escape. It does make sense if you know about Escape Rooms and are up for a challenge. Cardiff has several Escape Rooms, all posing different puzzles and conundrums in unique settings. A great addition to any visit to the capital of Wales.

Spillers Records 

Opened way back in 1894, Spillers could well be the oldest record shop in the world. This is the proud boast made by the owners. As well as selling an eclectic mix of records and CDs, it hosts regular live gigs and music events. It is located in the equally famous Morgan’s Arcade, which was built around the same time. Spillers and their live musicians do an excellent job of providing music to shoppers.

Cardiff Bay 

It’s Europe’s largest waterfront development and on one of the guided boat tours, a perfect perspective to see iconic buildings, like Pierhead and the Norwegian Church, as well as the old docks and Wetlands Nature Reserve. Guided boat tours run regularly from Mermaid Quay and Penarth Barrage and typically last around 45 minutes. After cruising the bay, pop into Craft in the Bay: a permanent exhibition of work by Welsh craft-makers.

Cardiff Clay Pigeon Shooting

Whether you’re a family group or organising a corporate event, clay pigeon shooting is one of the most popular activities in the UK, so you can’t go wrong with including this in your visit to Cardiff. Doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or crack shot, you’ll be smashing those clays to smithereens in no time.

The Bute Park Sculpture Trail  

This Sculpture Trail can be found in Bute Park behind Cardiff Castle just a short walk from the city’s main high streets and civic centre. Bute Park is 130 acres of parkland and truly the green heart of the city. Explore a superb tree collection, natural play features, an education centre, three cafes, and a wealth of horticulture and wildlife. But the highlight is the Sculpture Trail featuring twenty-one sculptures to discover throughout the park. They were created by various artists, often using dead trees from within the park.

Go Bush in Cardiff

Fancy going off-grid and learn how to survive in the wild. Cardiff can offer you this opportunity just outside of the city in the rugged and wild Welsh countryside. Experienced survivalists will teach you the basics to survive, which think are handy skills to have. The bush skills sessions range from a short 20 minutes to a full day.

St Fagan’s Museum

St Fagan’s Museum is totally unique. Nothing ordinary about this place. Visitors actually visit the history of the area by visiting a collection of historically correct buildings. For more distant history, there are displays. You’ll be transported back in time. Their slogan – welcoming visitors through over forty different doorways. Free entry.

Take to the Hills near Cardiff

You’ll have to travel north of Cardiff for approximately six miles for this crazy off-road experience. Set in the mountainous South Wales countryside, you will have your driving skills put to the test as you tackle the rugged off-road track packed full of tailor-made obstacles. Designed by off-road course builders, you’ll have to navigate through tight heart-racing 90 degree banks, challenging man-made obstacles and mud-filled mud pits.

Nantgarw China Works 

Nantgarw China Works is the only surviving early 19th-century porcelain works in the United Kingdom. In the years 1813-1814 and again in the period 1817-1820 the finest porcelain in the world was produced here in Wales by William Billingsley, one of the most remarkable porcelain painters and manufacturers of his time.

Bubble Football Match

If the reason you are in Cardiff is for a stag party weekend or a hen do, you may want to include this achingly funny team activity. Donned with a giant inflatable on the top half of your body, you attempt to play a regular game of football with hilarious results. Guaranteed to make your weekend memorable, Bubble Football is now one of the top activities during weekends celebrating last days of freedom. It also makes a brilliant ice breaker for corporate events.

There are many more activity experiences in Cardiff and its surrounds, which can be found here.

A Potted History of Cardiff

The history of Cardiff, a City and County Borough, spans at least 6,000 years. The area around Cardiff has been inhabited by modern humans since the Neolithic Period, evidenced by four Neolithic burial chambers that stand within a radius of 10 miles of Cardiff City Centre.

The Industrial Revolution brought with it the Marquises of Bute. In the 18th century, the town was still a sleepy backwater of 1,500 people, but after the Bute family built the Glamorganshire canal to join Cardiff with Merthyr Tydfil in the 1790s. They then invested their fortunes in constructing the first docks in Cardiff in 1839 aiming for world domination of the coal export business.

The Bute family went onto to renovate Cardiff Castle and gave the city’s inhabitants Bute Park, Sophia Gardens, and Cathays Park, one of the most impressive civic centres in the world.

In the 1950’s, Cardiff put a bid in to be the capital of Wales. Caernarfon, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth, Llandrindod Wells and Swansea were all involved in the fiercely-contested race. Cardiff won the nomination.

In 2010, Cardiff was listed as the 11th largest and most sustainable city in the United Kingdom and is currently the 10th most popular city visited by international tourists. It can boast 18 million tourist visitors a year.

Today Cardiff claims that it is the youngest and most dynamic, non-purpose built Capital City in Europe. It plays host to many major events, including World Class Rugby, FA Cup and Olympic Football, Test Match Cricket, the massive Admiral sponsored annual ‘Cardiff Festival’, Mardi Gras, The National Eisteddfod of Wales (Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru), musical concerts both in the stadium and the Motorpoint Arena, and Presidential visits. The Sci-Fi programs Torchwood and Doctor Who were filmed in the city, as well as the Welsh drama ‘Caerdydd”.

By CJ 

1. Eat the right food
2. Move your body
3. Adopt clean habits
4. Sleep Better
5. Stress less

All these actions will strengthen your immune system, and with a robust immune system, your body will fight bacteria, toxic chemicals and viruses that cause conditions like the flu and the common cold far more effectively. If any virus, like the COVID 19, attacks your body and finds it weak, then you’re more likely to have a real fight on your hands.

EAT THE RIGHT FOOD

If you have a diet that is rich in antioxidants, you have immediately boosted your immune systems. You’ll find these magic bullets in abundance in fruit and vegetables. Try for a rainbow approach to your fruit and vegetables, rather than eat the same ones over and over. Healthy fats also are very protective, such as those found in avocados, flax seeds, nuts and oily fish. Unhealthy fats are found in meat and dairy products and should be eaten only occasionally. Drinking plenty of water helps cells operate efficiently and allows your body to process food and eliminate waste. Heavyweights in immune-boosting foods, herbs and spices are garlic, ginger, onions turmeric, tarragon, allspice, rosemary, dark chocolate, blueberries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, beetroot (not in vinegar) spinach, all citrus fruits and strawberries. Here is some more practical advice.

MOVE YOUR BODY

Being active undoubtedly boosts the immune system. Exercise literally mobilises immune system cells, thus helping the body defend itself against pathogens and even cancer cell growth. Those who regularly engage in exercise have fewer illnesses and less systemic inflammation. Being more active also protect the immune system from the effects of ageing – now that’s a bonus. Other theories put forward about how exercise boosts your immune system include:

• Physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways, therefore reducing your chance of getting a cold, flu, or other illness.
• Exercise causes a change in antibodies and white blood cells (WBC). WBCs are the body’s immune system cells that fight disease. These antibodies or WBCs circulate more rapidly, so they detect illnesses earlier.
• The brief rise in body temperature during and right after exercise may prevent bacteria from growing. This temperature rise may help the body fight infection better.

To find all the activities near you, click here.

ADOPT CLEAN HABITS

Recent studies demonstrated that we touch our faces on average 23 times an hour. All it takes is one microbe on your finger from the many surfaces we touch all day — doorknobs, elevators, keyboards — to slip into your body through your nostril, eyes or mouth, and we have an illness. So, wash your hands, frequently and then they are down the drain and not in your body. It’s the most useful preventative against the very worst virus infections out there, including the Corona virus (COVID 19) as the COVID 19 virus can live on a surface touched by an infected person for 9 days.

But COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are primarily spread through close contact – defined as 6 feet or less – with an infected person, specifically via droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. So, stay away from couching sneezing people and practice hygienic methods of coughing and sneezing into a tissue and throwing it away.

SLEEP BETTER

Another healthy habit vital to preventing sickness is getting a full eight hours of sleep each night, which in itself boosts your immunity. A study of over 22,000 people found that those who slept less than six hours per night or who had a sleep disorder were more likely to have colds and other respiratory infections. If you don’t sleep well, try and few techniques to help you drop off and stay asleep.

• Avoid using your screen an hour before bed. Blue light over-stimulates the brain.
• Exercise in the evening. Don’t go from the TV chair to bed, but finish the activity half an hour before you retire. Download the Geronigo App so you have every activity on your phone.
• Create a restful environment in your bedroom. No TV. Tidy room. Clean sheets. Maybe use a little lavender oil on your pillow
• Have a shower or bath. The hot water stimulates, but also calms you.

STRESS LESS

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on immunity, according to a landmark study with a total of 18,941 participants. The review suggests that while short-term exposure to stress can rev up your immune defense, like when you are exercising, prolonged stress may wear down the immune system and increase your vulnerability to illness. If you can incorporate a relaxing practice like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your weekly routine, the benefits will be immense. But the best route would be to remove the stress-causing things in your life, or at least minimise them.

By CJ

The choice of activities is broad, from escape rooms, paintball, axe throwing, clay pigeon shooting, combat archery, horse riding, bubble football, go-karting right through to white water rafting and other water-based activities, such as SUP boarding and kitesurfing. All these activities and much more can be found on Geronigo®, the largest network of adventure and adrenalin activities in the UK and Ireland.

The Sightseeing ‘Must Dos’ in Dublin

The Dublin Musical Pub Crawl has to come top of the list. The best of the many that are on offer are run by professional musicians – as this experience is all about the music, and the odd drink or two! Your musician guides, who take you to some of Dublin’s most notable public houses, explain the history and stories behind traditional Irish music and perform songs and instrumental Irish Jigs and Reels throughout the tour. A truly immersive and interactive experience filled with great Irish music and dancing.

The Book of Kells Exhibition should be on your itinerary if history and religion are of interest. Located in the heart of the city centre in Trinity College Dublin, the Exhibition displays the Book of Kells, a 9th-century manuscript that documents the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. The Book of Kells is Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. The Exhibition also features access to the Long Room, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, that houses 250,000 of Trinity College’s oldest books.

Dublin Walking Tours are many and varied. History and culture are featured in the form of storytelling and music, one notable being a guided tour by opera singers. Others highlight the darker side of Dublin’s history and the ghost and ghouls who are said to wander the city’s oldest areas on the darkest nights. Tours like ‘The Grave Digger’s Tour’ should set your teeth rattling or the ‘Dublin Ghost Bus Tour’ that promises to take you to the scariest and most sinister places in the city. Dubliners love a good story and have many storytelling events that are hosted in the city pubs, museums and public spaces.

The Guinness Storehouse Experience and taste the story of Ireland’s most iconic stout beer – Guinness. For fans of this brew, the Guinness Storehouse is a veritable place of worship. The Storehouse – also called the Guinness Hop Store – opened in 2000 in a century-old fermentation plant. Today it comprises seven floors surrounding a pint-shaped atrium. Visitors are treated to a blow-by-blow account about how the delicious dark brown beer is made, the history of the Guinness brand and the life of its founder, Arthur Guinness. To round off your visit, you get a complimentary pint of Guinness in the spectacular Gravity Bar on the Storehouse’s 7th floor.

Jameson Whiskey Tour is another Dublin favourite. For over 200 years Jameson’s have been producing their fine whiskey in Dublin. The tour takes you from the year 1780, when John Jameson walked through the doors of the Bow St. Distillery in Dublin and through the early years when the distillery saw rapid growth, and employed so many people, it was seen as a vibrant city within a city. The story then takes you through the years and developments to the present day. Jameson whiskey is touted to be the world’s most famous and best Irish whiskey, and you can try it for yourself during your tour.

Dublin Castle – one of the most important buildings in Irish history. The castle has witnessed the historical progression from a country ruled by the British to one of independence. From 1204 until 1922 it was the seat of English, and later British rule in Ireland as a residence for the Viceroy of Ireland, and as a ceremonial and administrative centre. Originally a medieval fortress constructed on the ground once occupied by an earlier Viking settlement, and despite a severe fire in 1684, much of the medieval and Viking structures survived and can still be explored by visitors today.

In the late-seventeenth and eighteenth centuries saw the Castle transformed from a medieval bastion into a Georgian palace. The new building included a suite of grand reception rooms known as the State Apartments, which accommodated the Viceroy and were the focus of great state occasions. The Castle remains one of the architectural highlights of Georgian Dublin today.

On 16 January 1922, the last Viceroy of Ireland handed Dublin Castle over to Michael Collins and the government of the newly-independent Irish state. Successive Irish governments have continued to use it for important national events, such as state dinners and commemorations. Since 1938, all of Ireland’s presidents have been inaugurated in St Patrick’s Hall within the castle. Among the many famous figures associated with the Castle is Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, who worked as a civil servant at the Castle from 1866 to 1878.

O’Connell Street has often been centre-stage in Irish history. Renamed in honour of Daniel O’Connell, a nationalist leader of the early 19th century, whose statue stands at the lower end of the street, facing O’Connell Bridge it forms part of the main thoroughfare created in the 18th century that runs through the centre of the capital, terminating at City Hall and Dublin Castle. It has great prominence in Irish history because it formed the backdrop of many protests, demonstrations and celebrations, and so has many monuments and significant tourist stopping points. To know the Irish is to know their history and this street is steeped in it. However, it would be hard to miss this famous street as it’s central to any location you visit in Dublin.

Theatres, Music Halls Clubs and Pubs in Dublin are all venues for performance, be that impromptu or planned. Irish people love to dance and sing and tell stories. So, one venue you must not miss, is Smock Alley Theatre, which is nestled on the banks of the River Liffey. Originally built in 1662, The Theatre Royal at Smock Alley gave the world the plays of George Farquhar (The Recruiting Officer), Oliver Goldsmith (She Stoops to Conquer) and Richard Brinsley Sheridan (The Rivals). 300 people attended the theatre each night, seven days a week to be enthralled, entertained and enlightened by actors, acrobats, dancers, musicians and trapeze artists. Now, 350 years after it was first built, the theatre has been carefully and lovingly restored to become Dublin’s Oldest Newest Theatre. It is now once again a bustling hub of theatre, song, dance, art and creativity. Check out their performance schedule, you will not be disappointed.

Dublin – the City of Diversity, Fun and Intrigue 

So now you can combine a cultural visit to Dublin with a few activities; an ideal combination for a Dublin stag party weekend, a Dublin hen party weekend – or any holiday that affords you a little more time. Taking part in activities in the countryside that surrounds Dublin also enables you to experience some of the most breath-taking scenery that the county of Dublin has to offer.

By CJ

We welcome our new kayaking partner in Anglesey, North Wales to the Geronigo network – the biggest network of adventure sports in the UK and Ireland.

Anglesey offers the sea kayaker an amazing water playground ranging from beautifully sheltered paddles, small islands and short journeys, to exciting tide races and rough water for the experienced sea kayaker. There’s something for every paddler, from just five years of age.

As you paddle amongst the waves off the island of Anglesey, you will be treated to fantastic scenery, sandy coves, stunning cliffs, islands and maybe even a glance some of the wildlife – Puffins to Porpoises, Turnstones to Seals. The expert kayakers at our Anglesey venue are looking forward to sharing the wonders of sea kayaking, with you soon. If that isn’t enough to get your fingers itching to book, then here are a few more reasons to try sea kayaking in Anglesey very soon.

1. Anglesey in north Wales is an Area of Outstanding National Beauty with rugged coastlines, remote islands, tidal currents.
2. The instructors are highly qualified, have top local knowledge together with being friendly and highly experienced.
3. The company have high environmental awareness and encourage all kayakers to collect a few items of plastic, from the beach/sea each time you’re on the water.
4. With a large island like Anglesey, the company use the conditions to their advantage and really ensure you experience nature and the natural environment.
5. Because our Anglesey operator is run by a highly regarded professional paddler, you can expect top-quality equipment like Kokatat, VE paddles and P&H Sea Kayaks. 
6. All kit & equipment is impeccably maintained, which also means your wetsuit, won’t smell and it will be dry when you put it on!
7. Small personal groups allow more time for you and what you want out of your kayaking experience and make your time on the water more productive and more rewarding.
8. Safety is always Anglesey’s main priority so that you can have fun, face challenges and be safe at the same time.  
9. Local knowledge, combined with vast experience and being highly qualified, ensures you have the best day possible.

How can you resist? To book, follow this link

For more information about adventurous Wales, visit this link

By CJ

Our rapid expansion has seen us partner with over 2,000 venues all over the UK and Ireland. If it’s thrills you’re seeking, we have them by the bucket-load! Speaking of venues, we’re excited to announce our newest addition – our spectacular multi-activity venue in Redhill!

What makes this venue special, you ask?

Nestled between London and Brighton, Redhill is a great place to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and of course, get your adrenaline fix! This venue is perfect for our London friends who may want a short break from the hustle and bustle that is the capital. If we haven’t convinced you yet, read on and learn more about all the activities you can try when you visit the site!

Fly Boarding

If you’re seeking a new adrenaline rush, this is a sport that will definitely deliver! Once you’ve properly suited up, an experienced instructor will teach you how to handle this hover board style device. During this fly boarding session in Redhill you’ll learn how to balance on water, and once at a comfortable height, can try to do twists, turns, and other maneuvers. There’s nothing quite like it!

Off Road Karting

Prepare for some mud mayhem! This off-roading experience in Redhill is perfect for all speed junkies out there! Imagine going at 60mph; doing hairpins and high speed turns on uncharted terrain! Off-road karting, also called off-road buggies, is a great activity to try for those that prefer their fresh air with a hint of petrol and mud. Be warned though, it is not for the faint of heart!

Quad Bikes

Big, powerful, and a lot of fun to play with; let’s talk quad bikes.

These bad boys are usually seen in farms, due to their ability to easily handle rough terrain (and treatment). So, if you’re looking for a fast paced, exciting day out, this activity is for you. You’ll learn how to drive the bikes, and take them through fields, woodlands, muddy puddles, and (if you’re lucky) boulders! Are you up to the challenge?

4×4

If you’re a true petrol head with a need for speed, you’re going to love this! Guided by a professional driver, you’ll cruise through hills, mud, rocky terrain, and even rivers! This 4×4 driving experience in Redhill is a challenging activity that will test your driving skills like nothing else. Don’t forget your driving licence!

This list is just the tip of the iceberg! Redhill offers a cornucopia of incredible activities. All you have to do is reserve your space and get ready for excitement.

By SG

There are so many activities in and around Bristol, it’s hard to know where to start. So, we broken-it down into categories and give you a sample of what’s on offer.

Combat Sports in Bristol – If you are into combat sports, Bristol can satisfy you with airsoft, paintball and combat archery

Target Shooting in Bristol – Shooting at targets in and around Bristol is easy with a choice of archery, crossbows, clay pigeon shooting and the more recent addition, axe-throwing.

Motorised Experiences in Bristol – go-karting, quad biking, off-road buggies, driving a performance car, 4X4 driving or rally driving are in Bristol city itself or can all be accessed easily from the city.

Water-Based Activities in Bristol – if the water calls you when it comes to adventure, then you’ll want to take part in canoeing, raft building, and surfing, which are a short drive from Bristol city.

Adrenalin Rush Activities in Bristol – Bungee jumping is the biggest adrenalin rush you can have in Bristol – that and paragliding.

Less Adrenalin – maybe, but hot air ballooning will still take your breath away as you float above the beautiful south west coast. Then there are escape games in Bristol. Do you have the wit and courage to try your hand at the puzzles and conundrums and make your escape?

You may also want to take advantage of the Geronigo® App, so you can have every adventure, everywhere in the UK and Ireland right there on your phone. You’ll also be one of the first to know when Geronigo adds more activity adventures.

THINGS THAT YOU MUST SEE IN BRISTOL

The South West city of Bristol has a name for being a creative and multi-cultural together with being a hub for regular events. We’ve listed some of the key ‘must-sees’.

The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge comes in as the first recommendation with its views across the picturesque Avon Gorge and the entire city together with its spectacular transformation as it lights up at night. Walking across is the best way to appreciate the views, and some local pubs will give you a first-class advantage point while you sip a drink or two.

As one of the UK’s most significant science centres, We the Curious offers a fun day out for the entire family. Located right in the centre of town with hundreds of hands-on exhibits to explore, live shows and a Planetarium.

Park Street is a major shopping street in Bristol with lots of quirky stores and places to stop for coffee and tasty eats. Linking the city centre to Clifton, the building of Park Street started in 1761, and it was Bristol’s earliest example of uniformly stepped hillside terracing. Look up the street, and you will be treated to a dramatic view of the Wills Memorial Building. Keep an eye out for Banksy artwork, located at the bottom of the street. As Banksy is one of the famous Bristolians, you can also do a tour of his artwork around the city.

J K Rowling, another famous Bristolian, went to School in Winterbourne of the Northern outskirts of Bristol. If you want to see where this acclaimed author learned her early English skills, you can visit the school. Well, probably just look at it as I don’t suppose the teachers wouldn’t be too impressed by tourists gawping through the classroom windows from the playground.

Bristol Zoo’s stated mission is to “maintain and defend biodiversity through breeding endangered species, conserving threatened species and habitats and promoting a wider understanding of the natural world”. The mammal collection at the zoo numbers around 300, representing 50 species, including gorillas, Asiatic lions, pygmy hippos, and red pandas. Among species now on view at Bristol which are rare or absent in the other UK zoos are Livingstone’s fruit bats, aye-ayes and quolls.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain is a huge ship which, it is claimed ‘changed the world’ is located in the Bristol Harbour. Launched in 1843, you can visit the ship and soak up its history and marvel at its structure.

The Arnolfini art gallery is an international art centre and gallery. It has a programme of contemporary art exhibitions, artist’s performance, music and dance events, poetry and book readings, talks, lectures and a cinema.

The amazing Cargo at Wapping Wharf is home to a host of independent eateries, shops and more. This new concept made entirely of converted shipping containers is part of Wapping Wharf and boasts stunning views across the water.

Just across from Cargo, the M Shed museum is a vast space offering several exciting exhibitions for people of all ages to enjoy. There are working exhibits outside the building that you can see when the museum is closed, such as the electric cranes and Fairbairn Steam crane.

If vast, rolling green space is what your heart desires, then a visit to the Downs is a must. The Downs consists of Clifton Down and Durdham Down, bordering the Clifton Village, Clifton and Redland areas of Bristol. Together they represent a vast area of protected parkland right on the edge of the city within walking distance of other major attractions such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, giving the impression of being surrounded by countryside.

If you want to know more about what to see in Bristol, then we can recommend you visit this site.

HISTORY OF BRISTOL AND ITS NAME

Iron Age hill forts and Roman villas have been found at the junction the rivers Frome and Avon, and records show, from around the beginning of the 11th century, the settlement at this spot was known as Brycgstow (Old English “the place at the bridge”). Bristol received a royal charter in 1155 and was historically divided between Gloucestershire and Somerset until 1373 when it became a county of itself. From the 13th to the 18th century, Bristol was among the top three English cities, after London, in tax receipts. Bristol was then surpassed by the rapid rise of Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool during the Industrial Revolution. A more in-depth history can be found here.

By CJ

In AD49 Colchester (then known as Camulodunum) was the first place in Britain to be given the status of a Roman Colonia by the Roman Emperor Claudius. A Colonia was a planned settlement for retired veteran soldiers who became citizens of Rome upon discharge, with all the privileges that Roman citizenship afforded. This meant Colchester acted as a focal point for “Roman-ness” in the new province of Britannia and a beacon for transmitting Roman civilisation and values throughout the region. It’s status and importance further endorsed by the attack on Colchester led by Queen Boudica in AD60 as her revolt against Roman rule.

Britain’s First City

Colchester’s status as a Colonia has never been revoked. So, while it has yet to achieve modern city status, Colchester’s historic claim to be both Britain’s first city and the former capital of Britain is undisputed as far as any records show. Its position, close to the sea, and a large population of circa 12,000 indicated it was a large and vital town by Roman standards. Its status and importance were further endorsed by the attack on Colchester led by Queen Boudica in AD60 as her revolt against Roman rule.

Besieged, Ransacked and Rebuilt

The town saw many invasions after this starting with the Saxons who named it Colne Ceaster (now Colchester) Ceaster was the Saxon word for a group of Roman buildings. The Danes came next who used the old Roman forts and walls as strongholds. The English then recaptured it from the Danes besieging town and fought till they overcame it and killed all the people except those who fled away over the wall’. The English then repaired the damage to Colchester and occupied it. The Normans came next capturing Colchester and building a castle on the vaults of the old temple of Claudius. King John’s men then besieged the castle and expelled the French.

Colchester – a Fascinating Place to Explore

National political and religious struggles were reflected in dramatic local events in the 16th Century. St Botolph’s Priory & St John’s Abbey were both closed down in King Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530’s. In the reign of his zealous Catholic daughter Queen Mary, forty Protestants from Colchester and the surrounding district were burnt alive at the stake as heretics; a more substantial proportion, relative to population, than in any other town in England. When Mary was succeeded as Queen by her sister Elizabeth I, Colchester became a haven for Protestants fleeing from Flanders, where they had been defeated in a rebellion against Catholic Spain. Many of them were skilled weavers, and it was through this Dutch community that Colchester became famous for high-quality cloths. Today, Colchester celebrates its long, rich history and invites tourists to share in these experiences. You can find out more here.

Activities Befitting Colchester’s History

A town that has a long bloody history of battles with soldiers and everyday people fighting for their town and their homes, it seems appropriate to recommend activities in keeping with the town’s history as you tread upon this ancient part of the UK. So, let’s look at some of the activities that fit the bill.

The medieval longbow played a big part in the history of Colchester. These skilled bowmen were essential for the defence of the town, as well as in the ranks of those that attacked and overthrew the town’s defences.

Combat archery a modern form of archery that sees participants go into battle. Our ancestors would have approved of this fast a furious team game for their leisure time.

Being able to wield an axe would have made you a top warrior in any battle. Can you throw an axe and hit the target? These Axe throwing experiences will help you hone your skills without hurting anyone.

Clay pigeon shooting. Shooting skills became paramount during the history of Colchester when guns became common-place in battle. Together with being able to kill food, the defence of the town would have benefitted from skilled shooters. Try your hand at this sport.

Crossbows in Roman times were huge weapons operated by several men. Modern crossbows are handheld and are made to be lightweight and easy to handle. Try your hand at this weapon made famous recently by Game of Thrones.

The ability to scale walls and get at your enemy would have been an essential skill throughout the warring history of Colchester. The climbing skills you learn today will never be used like the soldiers of Rome, or the invading hordes of Saxons or Danes, but it’s a great ability to have and 100s people can be found on climbing walls regularly every week in the UK.

By CJ

Are you trying to plan a special Valentine’s Day date night? You’ve got the card, but where to go? You can’t stay in a watch the TV – not on Valentine’s Day! Then there’s always that restaurant you both love, but it’s a set menu for Valentine’s Day and neither of you like what’s on offer. The theatre, maybe? But you can’t talk to each other, and that’s not very romantic.

How about being totally original and doing an escape game together. It’s different, fun and you can finish the evening in a pub, cocktail bar, restaurant, nightclub of your choice.

But why an escape game?

• It’s unique, and that’s always going to make you look good if you think of booking it.
• You have a shared challenge to work on together.
• How cute is that furrowed brow your date makes when they are trying to fathom a clue?
• Your date may surprise and delight you when they crack a difficult puzzle – or you might surprise yourself
• You’ll get to show-off just how clever you are.
• The experience may be full of surprises that get you clinging to each other for support.
• The memories you create will carry you through the rest of the evening as you share and laugh together about the experience.

When Should I Book?

Right now, is your best bet! Escape Rooms are becoming very popular for date nights and Valentine’s Day is the biggest date night of the year.

By CJ

Northern Ireland has the most stunning scenery with rolling hills, mountains, lough’s, castles and buildings oozing with history and atmosphere. To give you a taste, we can recommend the following.

Armagh, Northern Ireland’s smallest city where you can take a short stroll to Navan Fort and gaze upon the spectacular views of Saint Patrick’s City, with the spires of the two cathedrals standing proudly above the skyline. Then there are the golden sands of Whiterock’s Beach in Portrush, where you will be rewarded with a view of the striking white chalk cliffs, sea stacks and a chalk arch. From here you can also catch a glimpse of the haunting ruin of Dunluce Castle looming on a cliff edge in the distance.

If you’re looking for a great view of Northern Ireland’s capital city, Belfast you need to head to Cave Hill to the basaltic outcrop known as ‘Napoleon’s Nose’ that makes the hill easily recognisable. From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping views over the city, all the way to the Mourne Mountains, and on a clear day, the Isle of Man and the Mull of Galloway in Scotland are also visible.

The only inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland, Rathlin sits just six miles from the mainland and a short ferry trip from Ballycastle. Walk from the harbour to the RSPB Bird Sanctuary to marvel at the thousands of fulmars, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins in residence on the nearby cliffs.

Then there is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway on the North Antrim Coast, which lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau. It is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland. It continues to draw thousands of visitors year-round. For the best views take a bracing walk along the Red Trail on the cliffs above the Causeway.

Game of Thrones

We can’t ignore the fact that Northern Ireland was a key filming location for Game of Thrones with over 25 locations where this famous series came to life. As well as the visiting the filming locations, you can also call into the Titanic Studios in Belfast, where much of the show was filmed. Why not go on your own Game of Thrones themed Irish adventure? There are so many tours and activities on offer linked to the show that you ‘live’ the experience yourself.

Tourism and Where to Eat Websites

So, we have whetted your appetite for Northern Ireland, and you want to know more. This information website is the best we have seen, so we can recommend it for all sightseeing tours in Northern Ireland. This is a handy resource for where to eat, and if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, this is the best resource.

Activities and Adventure Website

If you want to do less looking and more doing and take part in the best activity adventures in Northern Ireland, there is no better resource than Geronigo®.  Tried, tested and approved activities can be found on the site, and you can book with ease as they have live availability, which is available 24/7. Many people download the Geronigo® App onto their phones before they set off, so they can book more activities when they are actually exploring Northern Ireland.

By CJ