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Original poster

Am I mad for considering Alton towers tomorrow? Have you ever done Cbeebies Land in blistering heat?!

38 replies

Mrscog · 24/07/2019 13:19

So I'm trying to find something for us to do tomorrow - 2 adults 2 children aged 4 and 7. I just looked up 'ride times' on the Alton Towers website and was pleasantly surprised how short the queues were for the Cbeebies/family type rides (that's all we'd go on as DS4 is only 105cm and DS7 is terrified of anything much scarier than a train).

Is it the hot weather? I can see it's not an ideal time to go, but actually if we went prepared with lots of drinks, hats etc. is it madness on possibly the hottest day of all time?

OP posts:
Figgygal · 24/07/2019 13:21

I wouldn't tomorrow but as you say it could be a lot quieter than normal.
We went to chessington at weekend and Saturday got very hot at times but wasn't too bad don't think I'd have fancied it being blazing down all day though

How much travelling would you have to do?

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 24/07/2019 13:22

I'd be concerned about getting burned on metal and things, unless you wear full-length clothes, which might be uncomfortable in the heat... But if our local Facebook page is anything to go by, they are still taking kids there tomorrow as part of holiday childcare, so some people are risking it!

Original poster
Mrscog · 24/07/2019 13:25

It would be 1.5 hours travel each way...in a lovely air conditioned car! Hadn't thought of being burnt by the rides... but yes dressing in longer drapy things is probably better that overly short.

Hmm - still mulling it over!

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ritzbiscuits · 24/07/2019 13:28

I can't say I'd want to go with little ones in that heat. A lot of the queuing areas aren't shaded so you'll be in the full sun. Also needing to drink more means more toilet trips, inconvenient if that's mid waiting for a ride.

There is a shaded area in the 'big funtime' show area, but given the demand for that, you may easily end up in the full sun again.

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 24/07/2019 13:33

We went last year with similar age Children on a day that was 33 degrees. We were SO smug about the short queues...we were total knobs

It was horrendous, we were hot, miserable, uncomfortable and felt like idiots for thinking it was a good idea!

Original poster
Mrscog · 24/07/2019 13:34

Hmm - I'm just struggling to think of things to do tomorrow - ideally beach but we're in the land locked midlands, so you're looking at 5 hours return of travel time to get to a decent beach.

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NewIDNewme · 24/07/2019 13:39

Family cartoon at the cinema, crazy golf, climbing wall or bounce, swimming, maybe garden sprinkler for 10 mins in the evening..
No way would I make an excited 4YO stay outdoors all day tomorrow.

Teachermaths · 24/07/2019 13:40

No way would I do this. Paddling pool at home under a parasol in uv suits is my plan.

TheSultanofPingu · 24/07/2019 13:45

I agree with Teacher.
Do you really HAVE to do something that involves going out for the day tomorrow. What's wrong with getting some nice treats in and staying at home?

Original poster
Mrscog · 24/07/2019 13:46

Yeah - and I just looked up the prices! OMG do people really spend that much on a day out?! I'm behind the times as haven't been for 20 years when you'd get a 2 for 1, and split the cost with a friend so would be about £20 admission!

I'm really bored of supervising them in the paddling pool all day!

Cinema might be a good option though.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mrscog · 24/07/2019 13:47

I suppose I wanted to get out tomorrow as it's a weekly day we have with my Mum and we tend to go out every Thursday in the holidays - we've been at home relaxing all week.

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Caspianberg · 24/07/2019 13:49

I wouldnt. Go right at the end of the school holidays just before schools go back. The weather might be cooler, and many have ran out of money after the long summer so less full.

For tomorrow is there a local ish outdoor pool you can go to? or just set up a paddling pool at home if you have a garden.

Original poster
Mrscog · 24/07/2019 13:51

All our outdoor pools are a 1-2 hour wait - I think the land locked nature of Worcestershire makes them really popular. Also, DS2 isn't a fan of swimming.

I'm considering cinema - are they air conditioned? The last time we went I remember being too hot.

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Original poster
Mrscog · 24/07/2019 13:52

@Caspianberg good tip - I'm also considering the first weekend after they go back in September, I think most people stay at home the first week back.

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ohtheholidays · 24/07/2019 13:56

Do you have any nice local parks with shaded area's?

Were very lucky where we are and have several and 2 of them have large permanent paddling pools,1 you pay a small amount to use and the other one is free.

We've been to both of them on really hot days,we took a large picnic and sat in the shade and we all went in and out of the pool and bought ice creams from the cafe/ice cream van and we had a lovely time.

I think any theme park would be a nightmare right now(we have merlin passes)lots of them don't have much shade and some people lose they're patience in this heat so I would imagine there will be lots of crying children and cross shouty parents is not my idea of a good day out.

Nquartz · 24/07/2019 13:58

Can you go to twin lakes or wheelgate park? Both have fab splash pad things & big indoor soft play.

Nquartz · 24/07/2019 13:59

Can you go to twin lakes or wheelgate park? Both have fab splash pad things & big indoor soft play.

SavoyCabbage · 24/07/2019 14:01

Go to a forest and do den building or something ok that. My dd went to Alton Towers yesterday for a school trip a she is good at managing hot weather as we used to live in a hot country and she was ok but some of her friends were absolutely miserable.

Nquartz · 24/07/2019 14:01

Both are loads cheaper too. If you go on their Facebook pages twin lakes is doing 10% off, wheelgate might be too

ohtheholidays · 24/07/2019 14:02

Have you got any nice local museums OP?

They're usually cooler and you could go and have some lunch afterwards with your DC and your DMUM.

Some museums run special drop in sessions as well in the school holidays,some you have to book,some you can just turn up,some are free and some you pay a small amount.

theydontknowweknow · 24/07/2019 14:02

If you do go to Alton Towers, I think Cadbury's share bags (big bags of buttons etc) have a free adult entry ticket on the side of them with any full price adult ticket

Original poster
Mrscog · 24/07/2019 14:04

All great ideas - thank you, I've scaled back now to probably cinema and wholesome trip to a local nature woodland!

I got too caught up in the 'summer holiday fun hysteria!' :D

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Original poster
Mrscog · 24/07/2019 14:06

@ohtheholidays we do, but they're mostly all timber framed tudor houses which seem not very cool!

The cathedral is always nice and cool!

OP posts:
Seafour · 24/07/2019 14:23

Drive to the Forest of Dean and spend the day in the shade of Puzzlewood with a picnic.

ritzbiscuits · 24/07/2019 14:27

Get a National Trust membership. £10 per month for a family and loads of wholesome family days out when you want them.

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