Fabulous day trips in Leicester?

[Tambajam]

In a couple of weeks I have a one-day conference in Leicester. My DH is entertaining the kids (4 and 18 months). What would you recommend he do? Is the space centre good? Any help appreciated.

[lizzy77]

The Space Centre is good and not bad value at around £9 for adults and £7 for kids. If the weather is nice, I would go to Tropical Birdland. Loads to see and do with over 100 species of birds. In the wider area, take a look at www.womenrepublic.co.uk/travel/leicestershire/ for ideas. Conkers in Ashby de la Zouch is great for kids. It's an outdoor activity centre with assault course but might be a bit old for your little ones.

[saggyhairyarse]

Conkers?

[PerfectPrefect]

What age are teh kids.

Twinakes is an excellent day out in Melton Mowbray for kids between 3ish and 10ish.

Or twycross zoo.

[PerfectPrefect]

Sorry just seen ages.

Your 18m old may be a touch on the young side.

[janeite]

The Space Centre is good but quite expensive. The New Walk museum is free and very good. The Roman museum is free and okay, especially if a sunny day so you can walk around the 'walls' which are actually just the foundation stones in the grass. Some excellent vegetarian Indian restaurants for lunch!

[dontdillydally]

Twin lakes yes, or maybe a Alton Towers which is not too far or Loughborough Steam Railway. Space centre we thought a huge disappointment, expensive plus not much for young ones, lots of interactive things not working and ques were huge, couldnt fill a whole day there

[mrstimlovejoy]

stonehurst farm park in mountsorrel,animals,play area,tractor ride,nice tearooms with homemade dishes good kids menu.take dd [4] there quite alot.

[TigersChick]

mrstimlovejoy - I went to Stonehurst today! Totally agree that it's a lovely day out - we had DD who is 3 and friend's DD who is 10mo.

[Tambajam]

This is all really useful stuff. Thanks so much.

[goldrock]

You could try Manor Farm which isn't too far from Leicester and there's loads to do there. The Space Centre is probably better for older children

[rachels103]

I agree the Space Centre would be great for your 4 year old but a waste of time for 18mth old. New Walk museum is pretty good and there's a nice park alongside for a picnic if the weather's good.

[Trebuchet]

Bradgate park is great. They can see deer really close up and there's plodging in the shallow water possibilities plus a sort of fort. Then lovely lunch in the village. Enjoy x

[PerfectPrefect]

Maybe we should do a Stonehurst farm meet up....I go there quite a lot too....don't know why i didn't suggest that.

[mrstimlovejoy]

that sounds good perfectprefect x

[fairylights]

just agreeing with the Stonehurst Farm and Bradgate park suggestions! Also from all i have heard the space centre would be too old for your two. Abbey park is really close to town and we often manage to spend a couple of hours at least there - there is lots of green space to run around, 2 play parks (for older and younger kids), pedalos on a litle lake and at weekends there is a little steam train, and there is a cafe which serves ice creams and nice cakes although is often pretty grubby! But the kids don't mind that
i would be up for a stonehurst meet up!

[TigersChick]

Ladies - I have started a Meet-up thread HERE
Hope to see you on it