TAB2443-Enter-here.png

Take a Break – Issue 43

TSS2409-Sept-Answers-Cover.png

Take a Break September Answers

TSS-August-Winners-Cover.png

Take a Break August Answers

TAB2430-Winners-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 30 Winners

TAB2429-Winners-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 29 Winners

TAB2437-Answers-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 37 Answers

TAB2436-Answers-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 36 Answers

TAB2435-Answers-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 35 Answers

TSS-Jun-Cover.png

Take a Break June Answers

TAB2428-Winners-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 28 Winners

TAB2427-Winners-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 27 Winners

TAB2434-Answers-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 34 Answers

TAB2427Answers-2.png

Take a Break Issue 33 Answers

TAB2427Answers-1.png

Take a Break Issue 32 Answers

TAB2427Answers.png

Take a Break Issue 31 Answers

TAB2426-Winners-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 26 Winners

sneak peek at issue 45's cover stories 2024

TAB_45_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 45’s cover stories

TAB_43_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 43’s cover stories

TAB_42_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 42’s cover stories

TAB_41_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 41’s cover stories

TAB_40_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 40’s cover stories

TAB_39_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 39’s cover stories

TAB_38_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 38’s cover stories

TAB_37_COVER_lowres_pdf_1.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 37’s cover stories

TAB_36_Cover_NEW_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 36’s cover stories

TAB_35_Cover_NEW_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 35’s cover stories

TAB_34_Cover_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 34’s cover stories

TAB_32_Cover_lowres_pdf_1.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 32’s cover stories

TAB_31_COVER-Price-Test_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 31’s cover stories

TAB_29_Cover_NEW_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 29’s cover stories

TAB_28_Cover_NEW_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 28’s cover stories

TAB_27_Cover_NEW_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 27’s cover stories

Homepage

Real Life

Stories

Advertorial

Competitions

Latest Competitions

Winners

Answers

Craft

latest

Holidays

Take a Break Holidays

Lifestyle

Health

Brainwaves

Savers

Food & Recipes

Preview Only

Staging Mode

Pets

Dogs

Cats

Advice

Care

brainwaves

2021 Issues

2022 Issues

2023 Issues

Magazine

Latest Issue

Take a Break Makes

Take a Break Pets

Apple Portal

Top Tips

ChristmasDaysOut.jpg

Find the Best Christmas Family Days Out across the UK

WinHAPPY_WordPressHeader_1600x900px_NEW-1.png

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A MASSIVE £100,000 TAX FREE!

best-Black-Friday-pet-deals.jpg

Best Black Friday pet deals so you can save on essentials and spoil your furry friend

**_Improve your gut health to tackle digestive and weight issues - and up your feel-good factor!_**

Digestive issues are on the rise – 86% of Brits have had gastrointestinal complaints, ranging from being bloated to extreme pain, and Google searches for ‘gut health’ have risen by 400% in recent years.

The good news is that improving our gut health can have a massive impact on both our physical and mental health, and it needn’t be complicated or require expensive ingredients or supplements.

Alana and Lisa MacFarlane, who were part of groundbreaking gut health research at King’s College London, assembled an expert team of scientists, doctors, nutritionists and dietitians to write _The Gut Stuff._

They say, ‘We got fed up with gut health being associated with swanky, expensive health food products and ingredients. So, we wrote this book to prove you can get all the ingredients in the supermarket to make family gut-friendly meals. We pooled together top gut experts to bring you the science, then created simple ways to action them.’

Here, Alana and Lisa highlight some of the main reasons your gut might need care, and simple changes you can make.

They are bursting with additives and emulsifiers, which can have a negative effect on our microbes. Microbes are the gut bacteria and microorganisms that help keep our gut healthy and in turn help regulate our metabolism, keep our immune system healthy, and influence sleep. Aim to eat a diet higher in natural foods, that don’t come with a long ingredient list, such as wholegrains, lean meats, vegetables, and fruit.

A lack can negatively affect your microbes. Get more plant diversity into your life to up your fibre intake. Thirty different plant variants a week is a good target. Try mixed bags of salad, different colours of peppers (each colour counts as a variant), mixed frozen veg, lentils, pulses, and use a sprinkle of nut and seed mixes on soups and salads.

It’s bad news for your beneficial microbes and one of the biggest hurdles in modern life. Take three deep breaths before eating, enough to switch to rest and digest mode. Planning your meals and taking your time to eat can help reduce overeating (and stress!). Try healthy gut recipes like sourdough French toast with a mixed berry compote for breakfast, chicken noodles with miso and lots of veg for lunch, and lentil and aubergine parmigiana with spicy courgettes for dinner.

Antibiotics can be lifesavers, but they’re like a nuclear bomb on your microbes! These can regenerate in time, but not always in a good balance. Having a regular intake of fermented foods rich in probiotics (good bacteria) can help improve this. Good choices include live yogurt, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and kombucha.

Overindulging before bedtime can disrupt your sleep and your microbes. Research shows the better quality of sleep you have the more likely it is that you’ll have a greater number of beneficial microbes. Go to bed earlier too – aim for at least seven hours a night.

Exercise can positively change your microbes and how they function. Studies in women have shown that those who did at least three hours of exercise a week had increased levels of gut bacteria associated with a lean BMI. You don’t need to do high intensity exercise as this can actually stress out the body (and can therefore negatively influence your microbes), simply do more exercises you enjoy – like walking with friends.

Excess alcohol can damage your gut lining and reduce beneficial microbes. Binge drinking (more than six units for women) can be particularly problematic, with studies suggesting negative gut results can last one to two weeks. If you’re going to have a drink or two, then red wine is a good option as it’s packed with healthy polyphenols (plant-based chemicals, which can help your microbes be more efficient.)

• For more information, and great gut healthy recipes, check out Alana and Lisa’s book, _The Gut Stuff: Nourishing Recipes and Expert Advice for A Happy Healthy Gut_ (Pavilion Books, £26)

7 ways to…GET A GOOD GUT

Taking our pooches out for a stroll when it’s dark outside can be a worry, but finding the best reflective dog coats can make all the difference. When it comes to nighttime walks or misty mornings, these :a[dog coats]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-dog-coats-uk/' } and jackets are a game changer as they’ll keep your dog visible so they’re easy to spot by cars, cyclists and pedestrians. Not only that, but your furry friend will look completely adorable wearing one too.

Reflective coats for dogs are designed with your pup’s safety in mind. They’re made with highly reflective materials that catch and reflect light from sources such as car headlights, streetlamps and torches to name a few. When you’re out for after-dark walkies or heading out on a stroll in low visibility conditions, such as rain and fog, pairing one of these coats with a :a[light-up dog collar]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-light-up-dog-collar/' } offers peace of mind that your pooch remains seen and safe by other people at a distance.

## Best reflective dog coats at a glance:

When looking for the best reflective dog coat for your pooch, there are a couple of things you’ll want to consider. We’ve touched on these in our FAQs section at the bottom of this article, but your decision may go beyond the amount of visibility that is increased by your pooch wearing one. You may want to consider a reflective dog jacket that is also made from waterproof materials for wet-weather protection during walks on rainy or snowy days. The additional features available on a coat may also sway your decision as to whether it’s the right one for your pooch, such as adjustable straps for a more customisable fitting or holes for :a[lead and harness]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-lead-and-harness-set/' } attachment.

If you’re someone who likes to head out on adventures with your fluffy BFF after dark, a reflective dog coat will be just what you need to be safe and seen. We’ve enlisted the help of pooches on the Take a Break Pets team to test and review some of the best reflective dog coats, while others come highly rated by other dog owners online or are made by trusted brands in the pet community. Read on to find the paw-fect reflective dog coat that combines safety, comfort and, of course, style for your pooch.

_:a[Rosie Floyd]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/author/rosie-floyd/' } is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers._

Keep your pooch safe and seen during evening walkies with the best reflective dog coats

**_Here’s how to minimise your exposure and live in harmony with your furry friends_**

Creating a completely pet-free zone can be challenging, especially in a small apartment, but it's still possible to manage your environment if you suffer from severe allergies. One effective way is to designate certain areas of your home, such as the bedroom or living room, as off-limits to your pet. By keeping these spaces pet-free, you can significantly reduce the spread of allergens like dander, fur and dust, which often trigger allergic reactions. In addition to setting boundaries, regularly cleaning these spaces can help maintain better air quality which will give you some relief.

To breathe cleaner air in your home and reduce exposure to dust and pet dander – common triggers for sneezing – consider investing in an air filter. A filter with fine particle filtration, such as a HEPA filter, can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles.

It's essential to regularly wash your pet's bedding, blankets, and toys, as dander particles can become airborne and trigger allergic reactions. To effectively eliminate allergens and maintain a clean sleeping environment, wash these items in hot, soapy water using an anti-allergen detergent. Allow them to soak thoroughly before rinsing to ensure the removal of any remaining irritants.

Carpets are notorious for nesting allergens. Consider replacing carpets with hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring, which are easier to clean and less likely to harbour allergens like pet dander.

• From the experts at Allevia (alleviaallergy.co.uk)

4 ways to…MANAGE PET ALLERGIES

**Here's a sneak peek at issue 45's cover stories**

The biggest shopping event of the year is nearly here and along with other pet care essentials, such as dog food and grooming products, the best Black Friday deals on dog beds will make sure your pup gets a comfortable night's sleep for less. **Black Friday 2024 is officially on 29 November** this year, but even though November has only just started, the deals have already begun! Our hounds spend a lot of their lives getting some much-needed shut-eye, so making sure your pooch has a comfortable :a[dog bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-bed/' } to rest their head should be one of your top priorities as a pet owner. However, getting a top-notch bed doesn't have to cost a fortune, thanks to this year's :a[Black Friday deals]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/care/pet-black-friday-deals/' } on dog beds.

Dog beds come in various designs, sizes and materials to suit the needs of your pup. You can get orthopaedic beds for senior dogs that need a bit more support on their ageing joints, as well as :a[anti-anxiety dog beds]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/anti-anxiety-dog-beds-uk/' } for those pups that get scared or nervous to help them sleep soundly. You can get beds that are made with cooling properties to keep your pup chilled during warm weather as well as ones with self-warming technology so your pooch can stay nice and toasty in the winter months. Whatever style of bed your dog needs, you can get some great offers and discounts on dog beds during Black Friday.

## Where to shop for the best Black Friday dog bed deals:

If you're after a particular dog bed or want to keep up to date with all the latest offers, here is a list of retailers that we expect to see all the best Black Friday dog bed deals.

**Amazon UK** - :a[Amazon deals all pet products - cat, dog and beyond...]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/blackfriday?tag=qtabparticle1227-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Pets at Home** - :a[Save up to 50% on dog beds - and so much more]{href='https://www.petsathome.com/campaigns/listing/black-friday-dog-bedding' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Very** - :a[Save up to £15 on some leading dog bed brands]{href='https://www.very.co.uk/browse/home-pet-beds/black-friday--all-black-friday-deals' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Robert Dyas** - :a[Save up to 40% on dog beds and other paw-fect picks]{href='https://www.robertdyas.co.uk/black-friday/pet-bird-care/pet-bedding' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Wayfair** - :a[Make some comfy savings on dog beds and other pet accessories]{href='https://www.wayfair.co.uk/pets/cat/pet-furniture-sale-c527449.html' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**The Range** - :a[Offering pet deals across the site this month]{href='https://www.therange.co.uk/black-friday/pet-offers' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

If your dog's bed has seen better days, Black Friday is a great time to replace it. Whether your pup prefers a :a[memory foam dog bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-memory-foam-dog-bed/' }, a doughnut-shaped bed or a mattress-style one, here are all the best early Black Friday dog bed deals to snap up right now.

Your pooch can get cosy for less with the best early Black Friday deals on dog beds

## 1\. Winter's Tail at Chessington World of Adventures

Last year, we had the most wonderful build up to Christmas at Chessington World of Adventures' Winter's Tail event, and the festive wonderland is back again with a brand new Christmas Village, promising a sleigh-full of fun. My young sons, Odhran and Reuben, loved being led by an elf through a mini forest to meet Santa and collect their Golden Ticket. They were in wonder on a trail, where actors, dressed as animal residents, took them on a fun journey towards the Toy Workshop to trade in their Golden Ticket for a lovely gift. The sets were cosy, twinkly and atmospheric, and the boys enjoyed collecting sweeties along the way, and writing letters to Santa.

All of Chessington theme park was beautifully decorated for the festive season, and Christmas tunes played softly in the background. Another wonderful thing about visiting Chessington at this time of year was that it felt more relaxed than during the height of summer.

Only select rides are in operation during Winter's Tail. But we were able to enjoy the popular World of Jumanji section of the theme park without any queues! Also, without the time pressure of having to queue up for rides and squeeze in as many as possible, we found that we were able to explore other parts of the attraction that we've overlooked during summer visits, such as the great indoor soft play area and the outdoor high nets playground Canopy Capers. The atmosphere was more laid-back, and we were able to have relaxed fun. We loved the cosy feeling of sitting with a hot chocolate, as we enjoyed the Christmas Panto, and riding Elmer's Flying Jumbos after dark was a fun experience. We highly recommend Winter's Tail at Chessington World of Adventures for an experience that'll get kiddos and parents alike in the mood for Christmas.

**Where:** Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE

**Price:** From £29pp, under 90cms go free. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.chessington.com/' }

A visit to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is an annual tradition for my family, and Odhran and Reuben are already talking about the rides they want to experience again this year, such as the multi-level funhouse, and Snow Jet (a sleigh ride that shifts gear from gentle to super fast, and sprays out foam 'snow').

Older thriller seekers can brave lots of exciting rides such as The Hangover (at 85m it's the tallest transportable drop-tower in the world) and Blizzard, where you'll spin 360° in the air. New for 2024, visitors can scale the heights of the most iconic Winter Wonderland rides with the Five Peaks Pass. If you book this, you can access five big thrill rides including: Munich Looping; The Hangover; Aeronaut Starflyer; Airborne and Blizzard. The Five Peaks Pass will qualify you for free entry to Winter Wonderland and a free fast-track upgrade on all five rides (worth £10).

One of my favourite rides is Wilde Maus XXL, which is back after a year-long hiatus. For little ones, the Santaland Unlimited Ride Pass is back. This gives unlimited access to enjoy more than 12 rides in Santaland as many times as your child's heart desires, plus it unlocks free entry to Winter Wonderland when booked in advance. Children can also visit the man himself at this section of the attraction.

While the rides are a huge part of Winter Wonderland, the attraction has lots more on offer including: an ice-rink; Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk (with more adrenaline-fuelled stunts for ages 12+); The Magical Ice Kingdom (venture down the rabbit hole with the story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland told through incredible ice-sculptures); a real ice slide, and The Giant Wheel.

Following sell-out performances in 2023, children's TV star Justin Fletcher returns for Justin's Christmas Singalong (a show filled with singing, dancing and festive fun). Winder Wonderland is a family day out filled with rides, shows and other attractions, alongside live music, stalls for any last minute Christmas gifts, and lots of food and drink options to be enjoyed. Last year, we rounded off a perfect festive day out with Bratwurst for the kids and beer for myself and my husband, as we all got cosy round a fire pit in an open-air bar, and listened to live 50s style festive tunes. Winter Wonderland is a great Christmas day out for all ages.

**Where:** Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London

**Price:** The event offers three types of entry tickets - off-peak (free), standard (£5), and peak (£7.50). But any entry fee is waived when guests spend £25 or more pre-booking activities and rides online ahead of their visit. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/' }

## 3\. Tulleys Farm Christmas Santa Experience

Sleigh bells are ringing out at Tulleys Farm, where you can expect a day out packed with fun festive activities. Climb aboard Santa's Tractor Sleigh Ride and journey through the forest to visit Santa in his log Cabin, where he will delight you with a story, and as your chosen gift, you can build your own bear. Your little one can choose which one they want to bring to life from a range of fluffy friends.

Kids will be able to write a letter to Santa and post it in Santa's Post House, where a post master will take very good care of it and make sure it goes straight to Father Christmas. And if they've been a very good little boy or girl, they might just get a reply under their pillow to open! Meanwhile, Mrs Claus is out of time to decorate all the gingerbread biscuits before Christmas, and needs the children's help.

Step through the twinkling Elves' Magical Forest. Find the names of Tulleys elves in a hunt around the farm, and once you've found them all, you can collect your prize. And tempt Rudolph and his pals to your front door by making your own special reindeer food. There's also a 3D Cinema, a Christmas circus, and a couple of fun fairground rides, and a little collection of stalls, selling Christmas gifts, handcrafted goods, home decor and decorations and more. Plus, at an additional charge, you can book to go ice-skating.

**Where:** Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Rd, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE

**Price:** Adult £29.95 to £39.95, child £46.95 to £69.95, under 1s £15.95 to £19.95. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.tulleyschristmas.co.uk/' }

## 4\. Kent & East Sussex Railway Santa Specials

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a 75-minute return steam train journey in festively decorated carriages, while Santa makes his way to your seat to deliver an age-appropriate gift to your child, addressed with their name for a personal touch. Enjoy a complimentary refreshment pack containing a mince pie for each adult, a chocolate bar for each child, and soft drinks for all.

A magician will provide on-board entertainment, and there'll be unlimited free rides on vintage gallopers at Tenterden station. Receive a free family photo, and visit the station's Winter Wonderland, where there'll be a complimentary mulled wine or hot drink for adults. There are three tiers of bookings to choose from - Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Silver includes a trolley service with a choice or alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks for adults only, included in the cost, and Gold passengers can enjoy unlimited Prosecco, beer or non-alcoholic beverages, and a selection of festive cakes and mince pies.

Passengers in Silver and Gold will also meet Jingle and Sparkle, Santa's head elves, as they search for the next generation of spirit elves to uphold the magic of Christmas. Will your group pass the spirit of Christmas detector test? Each successful guest will be crowned with their very own elf hat and awarded the prestigious 'Diploma of Elfship'.

**Where:** Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Station, Kent, TN30 6HE

**Price:** Bronze - £100 for two people, £110 for three people, £120 for four people. Silver - £300 for first class tables for up to six people, £250 for a private family compartment for up to four people, £330 for a private family compartment for up to six people, £400 for a private family compartment for up to eight people. Gold - £375 for premium first class tables for up to six people. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://kesr.org.uk/santa-specials-2024/' }

## 5\. Ffestive Fforest and Zipmas at Zip World

The outdoor activity centre and adventure park, Zip World, has some exciting Christmas experiences taking place at a couple of its sites in Wales. A festive adventure awaits families visiting Ffestive Fforest at Zip World Betws-y-Coed, where you can catch three rides on the Polar Coaster Express (the UK’s only alpine coaster of its kind), and an hour on the bouncy Snowtop Nets. Finish your trip with festive music, food and drinks.

Meanwhile, Zipmas is back at Zip World Llechwedd, with brand new adventures this year. Board the cable railway and venture underground, passing thorough a light maze and Santa's workshop. Meet Santa at the end, comfy in his Grotto, where children will receive a gift and a bauble to decorate at the dedicated Bauble Decorating Station. Little ones will also have a chance to post their letter to Santa.

Visitors can pay a bit more to elevate the experience by adding the Grotto Golf package, enjoying an 18-hole round in the world's first underground adventure golf set in a cave! For a unique Christmas experience, Zip World has something memorable to offer.

**Where:** Zip World Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0HX and Zip World Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3NB

**When:** Ffestive Fforest runs from 30 Nov to 24 Dec, and Zipmas runs from 22 Nov to 24 Dec

**Price:** Ffestive Fforest - priced from £36. Tickets include three rides on the Polar Coaster Express, an hour on the bouncy Snowtop Nets, a burger/hot dog, hot chocolate/mince pie. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.zipworld.co.uk/festive-forest' }

Zipmas - priced from £20 for adults, £23 for children (of walking ability). Tickets include hot chocolate/mulled wine, mince pie, Santa and his elves meet and greet, gift from Santa, bauble crafting experience, post a letter to Santa. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.zipworld.co.uk/zipmas' }

## 6\. Horrible Histories presents Horrible Christmas

If you're looking for a great alternative to the traditional Christmas Panto then :a[Horrible Histories]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/horrible-histories-terrible-thames-review-a-theatrical-boat-tour-thatll-have-the-kids-in-stitches/' } presents Horrible Christmas brings holiday cheer with a twist. It's a show that tells the story of how Christmas came to be what it is today - in Horrible Histories gruesomely funny style! Did you know that William the Conqueror was crowed on Christmas Day but when the guards outside heard a huge cheer, they thought a rebellion had started, and burnt all the houses in the area? Blending fact and fun, Horrible Histories Live on Stage never fails to entertain audiences of all ages, from five years old upwards.

If you've ever wondered why you put up a Christmas tree, or send a Christmas card, or eat a turkey, then this terrific tale of Christmas takes you on a journey to discover the answers in what promises to be a unique way to celebrate the festive season. Expect sing-a-longs, 'behind you!' moments, and plenty of laughter. The show takes place at Alexandra Palace Theatre, a Victorian gem in North London, and is part of a wider festive season at the historic venue that includes a Santa's grotto and much more.

**Where:** Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY

**Price:** Tickets from £17.50. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/horrible-christmas/' }

_Looking for a ghoulishly good family day out this Halloween? Here are THIRTEEN of the biggest and best events taking place across the UK this October..._

## 1\. Shocktober Fest and Pumpkin Festival at Tulleys

So this one is for ages 16+ as it's super scary! Nightmares come to life at Tulley's award-winning Shocktober Fest - one of the biggest Halloween attractions in the UK, which is this year celebrating 28 years. Get ready for a heart-pounding, skin-crawling experience, as you venture through one of the many immersive attractions on offer. Each experience has its own creepy backstory, whether it's an abandoned circus, terrifying nuns, spine-chilling burlesque, a haunted hayride, or a nightmarish dinner party. The horror is brought to life with detailed sets and talented actors. Run from zombies and navigate terrifying mazes with sinister surprises round every corner. Catch your breath with a bite to eat at one of the street food vendors, and settle your nerves with a stiff drink at one of the bars. But keep your eyes peeled at all times for wandering jump scares. Thrill rides, live music and DJs add to the festival atmosphere.

But for younger kids, there's plenty of daytime Halloween fun on offer with Tulleys Pumpkin Festival. I visited last year with my husband, mum-in-law, and my two sons, Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6. It wasn't our first time visiting Tulleys for Halloween. Whether you're after a big pumpkin, a tiny pumpkin, a white one, or a warty looking squash, you'll find so much variety at Tulleys. The kids loved wandering round the pumpkin fields and each picking their special one to take home and carve. They also loved riding round in a wheelbarrow - which even mum-in-law had a go in! Tulley's is perfect for those Halloween Insta shots, as there are photo opportunities everywhere.

It's fun to bring the kids in fancy dress and snap shots at the many wonderful picture sets and backdrops. There were people there with dogs in fancy dress grabbing a photo opportunity too. We loved the roaming Pumpkin Village characters and toasting marshmallows. There's a food court selling things like burgers, hotdogs and waffles. Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte, or sip a cocktail or beer, and don't forget the pick 'n' mix cart. There's also a 33-metre high observation wheel, for views across West Sussex. You'll spend hours enjoying this family day out at Tulleys and are sure to capture pictures worth framing. Tulleys also do Pumpkin Nights, for those who want to pick their pumpkins under the moonlight. There's live music and lights to make for a more thrilling pumpkin experiences, and more than 30 photo opportunities.

**Where:** Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE

**Dates:** Shocktober Fest takes place from now until 2 Nov. Ticket prices range from £40-£250 depending on which pass you purchase. Daytime Pumpkin Festival open now until 31 Oct. Pumpkin Nights open on select nights from now until 31 Oct.

**Price:** Shocktober Fest ticket prices range from £40-£250 depending on which pass you purchase. Daytime Pumpkin Festival tickets cost from £7 to £10. Under 2's go free. Pumpkin Nights tickets cost from £11.95 to £14.95. Under 2's go free. Book :a[here]{href='https://www.tulleysfarm.com' }

## 2\. Dark Arts at Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

For Harry Potter fans, a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter is a must. Go behind the scenes for a magical day out. And at Halloween, the attraction is transformed for its Dark Arts event. The lights are dimmed and the iconic sets from the Harry Potter film take on a spookier vibe. Step into the Great Hall with over 100 pumpkins floating above a spooky feast, as seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Look out for the Death Eaters' procession in a menacing display that showcases the costumes and sinister choreography seen on-screen. Learn duelling techniques in our Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and put your spell-casting to the test against the Death Eaters. New for 2024 - Dementors will be floating in the Forbidden Forest, and the clown Boggart will be on display. But if you feel this might be too scary for your child and wish to avoid either of these elements of the tour, a member of staff will be able to show you an alternative route.

**Where:** Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR

**Price:** Tickets from £56. Book :a[here]{href='https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk' }

## 3\. HOWL'O'WEEN! at Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington goes all out for different themed events throughout the year, with decorations and shows transforming the theme park for the given occasion. This Halloween sees the return of Enchanted Hollow - Trick or Treat, theme park rides at dusk, and Halloween fancy dress competitions. The Enchanted Hollow experience involves actors dressed as animal townsfolk. It's a walk-through adventure activity, and the characters are waiting for trick-or-treaters to drop by. The locals are all ready to treat you...but beware, some will play cheeky tricks too. Chessington hosts a Christmas version of Enchanted Hollow too. We visited last Christmas and my sons Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6, loved the experience. I can only imagine the Halloween Enchanted Hollow is just as much fun. Alongside the theme park with its many great rides for all ages, the zoo, SEA LIFE, a large soft play, and adventure play areas, Chessington hosts fantastic shows. This Halloween, don't miss Banyan - The Final Flame, a faBOOlous award-winning show. Loveable werewolf Wilf and the friendly vampire bat Violet are back on the mini stage for a Halloween party, and explorers looking for their first taste of Halloween fright, are invited to head to the corner of Wild Woods, where the Vile Villagers are hunting for new souls to join their fantastic club.

**Price:** Tickets from £32. Book :a[here]{href='https://www.chessington.com' }

The Witch of Wookey Hole is bringing her best magic to help get families into the spirit of spooky season. Start your adventure with a tour through the great chambers of Wookey Hole Caves, where you'll learn about the legend of the Witch. Outside of caves, you can join in the Giant Pumpkin trail and solve a mystery to win Halloween treats of the kids. Then, head to the 4D cinema, for a new adventure with the crazy characters of Happy Family: Next Level 4D. Delve into the mysterious past of Wookey Hole, at its on-site museum, where you can handle the bones of some of the surprising creatures who have called the Valley home. Watch real life footage of divers exploring the darkest, most hidden recesses of underground Wookey Hole in the cave diving exhibit. Kids can let off steam in the giant soft play, while adults grab a coffee. And the Halloween adventure continues with the Circus, where you'll enjoy a spooky 30 minute original show, _Ghost Pirates_, exclusive to Wookey Hole. Round off the day in the penny arcade, or challenge you family to a round of Monster Golf. There'll also be a daily fancy dress competition. So, come dressed to impress!

**Where:** Wookey Hole Caves, The Mill, High St, Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1BA

**Price:** Adult £24, child (3-15 yrs) £19, senior £22. Book:a[here]{href='https://www.wookey.co.uk' }

Blenheim Palace's Dusk to Darkness Light Trail returns. Explore eerie paths and spooky spaces. Meet the colossal King of the Pumpkins, brave the ringmaster with his giant Jack-in-the-boxes and discover Dr. Frankenstein’s electrifying lab. Along the way, dodge wicked witches, sinister scarecrows, and other Halloween horrors. Perfect for children and families, this haunted trail promises thrills and chills for everyone. There will be a Halloween twist on savoury treats, including bewitched burgers, Frankenstein’s fries, and loaded curly worms. Warm up with a devilishly decadent hot chocolate, and toast marshmallows over a crackling fire. Or treat the family to a special Halloween Afternoon Tea. There are three different timed events - Daylight, Twilight and Moonlight. We visited Blenheim Palace and its Adventure Playground for the first time this Summer. Discover :a[here]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/blenheim-palace-review-everything-you-need-to-know-when-visiting-this-unesco-world-heritage-site-with-kids/' } why we rated it a 5/5 family attraction.

**Where:** Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL

**Price:** Adults £20, child (3-16) £15, under 2's go free, family ticket (2 x adults, 2 x children) £67. Book :a[here]{href='https://www.blenheimpalace.com' }

Latest on Take A Break

Latest Competitions

Latest Magazine