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Second chance ROMANCE: 'I found love with someone surprising after my husband died'

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Nutritious & tasty: Here’s why Lily’s Kitchen’s supplements are sure to get tails wagging

**_While tending to her horse, Kris tried to multitask with terrible consequences…_**

One by one, I led my three horses out to pasture.

‘C’mon boy,’ I said to Owen, leading him gently out of his stable.

While he was grazing, I realised the vet was running late.

He was supposed to be giving Owen his regular joint injections.

I wrapped Owen’s lead around my right wrist and used my free hand to get my phone.

After sending a message, I must have tripped.

I glanced up at Owen and I recognised the look in his eyes.

He bolted and I was being dragged through the pasture as he galloped.

After going over a drainage ditch, I blacked out.

When I came to, there was blood all over me.

I wasn’t in pain but I was fading in and out of consciousness.

I couldn’t see my right arm, so I thought it was gone.

Thinking about my children, I mustered the determination to get to my front door.

There, I collapsed and my mum came running out, calling for an ambulance.

‘Mum, it’s starting to hurt,’ I mumbled.

‘You’re going to be OK,’ a paramedic told me.

When I woke up, I was in hospital and a nurse was stitching up a gash on my head.

‘We’d like to try to reattach the rest of your hand,’ said a doctor.

The skin of my thumb, little finger and ring finger had been ripped off to the second knuckle, exposing the bones.

But the other fingers were completely gone.

I’d also broken my humerus and torn ligaments and tendons.

Because I was heavily sedated, it was hard to take it all in.

I decided against the reattachment, because it would involve a lot of surgeries with no guarantee of success.

Instead, I had to have seven minor amputations and a metal rod put into my humerus.

What was left of my hand had to be sewn into my abdomen to form a new blood supply.

Then a flap of skin could be created to go over the end of my wrist.

‘Are you OK, Mum?’ asked my daughter Hailey, 11, and my son Tyler, 12.

‘Yes, I’m sorry for scaring you,’ I replied.

I wore baggy T-shirts to hide the hand on my stomach and I was glad when it was removed three weeks later.

After the procedure, I tried to adjust to life with one arm.

Where it used to take me 10 minutes to get ready, it now took an hour.

Something as simple as putting my hair in a ponytail was impossible.

I learnt how to use my armpit, bicep and elbow to hold things.

I quickly got back to riding my horses, holding the reins with my left hand.

What happened wasn’t Owen’s fault, so there was no way I was getting rid of him.

A year later, I was physically healed but mentally struggling.

‘You’ve lost a part of you, you’re going through a grieving process,’ said my therapist.

I was always right-handed, so as I practised trying to write with my left, I felt like a kid at school.

I tried using a prosthetic hand, but it wasn’t for me.

Time has passed and, now, I’ve finally learnt how to embrace my new look!

REIN of TERROR: What this horse did to me will leave you gagging

Our hounds can get bored of their playthings quite quickly, and buying the :a[best dog toys]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-toys/' } to keep them constantly entertained can soon add up, which is why looking for the best deals on dog toys is a good idea. After all, playing with toys isn't all about fun for your pup, but they're vital for your pup's physical and mental well-being and can aid with training, too. One of the best times to shop for deals on dog toys is during the **:a[Amazon Spring Sale]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/care/pet-deals-amazon-prime-day/' }, which starts TOMORROW, Tuesday 25 March.**

From interactive puzzles to :a[dog soft toys]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/soft-toys-for-dogs/' }, there is a lot of choice when it comes to choosing toys for your dog and they all offer different things for your pooch. Many will have your hound running and chasing, some will offer mental challenges and a workout for your pup's brain, and others will provide your mutt with something to snuggle up to.

:a[Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/events/springdealdays?tag=qtabparticle1224-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, runs from Tuesday 25 March, to Monday 31 March. That means an entire seven days of savings during the Amazon Spring Sale, paw-fect for snagging great deals on dog toys and treating your furry friend without breaking the bank so you'd be barking mad to miss out.

The Amazon Spring Deal Days (or the Amazon Spring Sale as it was previously known) offers a great opportunity to stock up and save on pet essentials such as food, treats and toys, but you can also bag a bargain on a wide variety of products across home and garden, beauty, tech and more.

Making sure you've got enough toys to keep your pup engaged while providing different types of enrichment means you're going to end up buying a lot of toys. Plus, if your pup is a chewer, you're probably going to go through toys quite quickly. Shopping for deals on dog toys means your pup will always have new things to play with, but without it costing you a small fortune.

Whether you're after :a[toys for a small dog]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-toys-for-small-dogs/' } or a large dog, we've searched Amazon for all the best deals on dog toys ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale that will keep your pooch happy and content. We'll be updating this page throughout the seven-day shopping extravaganza so be sure to bookmark this page and keep checking back for all the latest and best deals on dog toys.

_: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._

Best deals on dog toys during the Amazon Spring Sale 2025

The best deals on dog toys to give your pup cheap thrills ahead of Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025

Buying the :a[best food for your pooch]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-dog-food/' } can soon add up, so if you want to make a saving on your mutt's favourite meals, you'll want to take advantage of dog food deals. Ensuring your pup is fed a healthy and balanced meal that is filled with all the nutrients dogs need to stay strong and healthy is of the utmost importance. However, it doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune to make sure your hound gets the very best. Luckily, **:a[Amazon Spring Sale]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/care/pet-deals-amazon-prime-day/' } is starting TOMORROW, Tuesday 25 March 2025**, so it offers a great time to stock up on your pup's favourite food, other pet care essentials and treats and must-haves for yourself, too.

In a time when we're all trying to cut down on household bills, shopping for dog food deals will help you to save some pennies. You may think that :a[cheap dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-cheap-dog-food-uk/' } means you have to compromise on quality but that simply isn't the case. If you find a good deal, your pooch can chow down on food from their favourite brands at a fraction of the cost of the RRP.

:a[Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/events/springdealdays?tag=qtabparticle1222-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} (formerly known as the Amazon Spring Sale) is happening from Tuesday 25 March to Monday 31 March, giving shoppers a full week to bag some serious bargains. This annual sale offers huge savings across a wide range of categories, but if you're a dog owner, it's the perfect time to stock up on dog food at unbeatable prices. Expect deals on popular brands, bulk-buy discounts, and even savings on speciality diets like grain-free or :a[weight-loss dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-food-for-weight-loss/' }. Plus, you'll find markdowns on other pet care essentials alongside discounts on home, garden, tech, and more.

## Early Amazon Spring Sale discounts: Best dog food deals during Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025

Whether your pup is a lover of wet or :a[dry dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dry-dog-food/' } or has specific dietary requirements, such as needing a :a[grain-free recipe]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-grain-free-dog-food/' } for their meals, there are some great dog food deals to be had. To save you some scrolling time, we've searched the web to bring you a selection of dog food offers and discounts on much-loved brands.

Our team of dog owners and pet lovers has been hunting for the best Amazon pet deals for years, so we know a great dog food discount when we see one! We’ll be keeping this page updated with the top dog food deals during Amazon Spring Deal Days so bookmark this page and check back regularly to keep your furry friend well-fed for less.

Best dog food deals in the Amazon Spring Sale

Early Amazon Spring Sale discounts: Best dog food deals to stock up and save on

The cost of providing your kitty with complete and balanced nutrition can soon add up, but thanks to the best cat food deals, you can serve up tasty meals for less than the RRP. Cats can be notoriously picky at mealtimes, so if you spot :a[cat food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/cats/best-cat-food-sensitive-wet-dry/' } that you know your moggy just can't get enough on offer, it's always a good idea to stock up so you can save in the long run. If you're after a particular food for your fussy cat and love a cheeky bargain, Amazon has some great cat food deals and offers on other cat care essentials during its **:a[Amazon Spring Sale]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/care/pet-deals-amazon-prime-day/' } event starting TOMORROW, Tuesday 25 March.**

When it comes to taking care of your feline friend, providing them with the best food is very important for their health and happiness. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to guarantee your kitty is getting a top-quality meal. Taking advantage of cat food deals on dry or :a[wet cat food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/cats/wet-cat-foods/' } means your moggy gets all the vital vitamins and minerals they need but for less.

:a[Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/events/springdealdays?tag=qtabparticle1225-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} (or Amazon Spring Sale as it was previously known) is taking place from Tuesday 25 March to Monday 31 March, giving you seven whole days to take advantage of the discounts and bag yourself a bargain. As well as deals on cat food and other pet care essentials, you'll find sales across multiple categories on the site, including home, garden, beauty, tech and SO much more.

## Early Amazon Spring Sale discounts: Best cat food deals ahead of Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025

Whether you're after :a[food for a senior cat]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/cats/best-cat-food-for-seniors/' }, a kitten or an adult feline, we've searched Amazon to find all early cat food deals ahead of the Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025 that will leave you feeling happy that you've saved money while providing your kitty with food that leaves them very satisfied.

We'll be keeping this page updated with all the best cat food deals during the Amazon Spring Sale, so bookmark this page to stay on top of the best discounts for your lucky cat.

Best cat food deals during Amazon Spring Sale 2025

Best cat food deals: Save on Lily’s Kitchen, Felix and more during the Amazon Spring Sale 2025

With more than 70 bowling centres across the country to choose from, Hollywood Bowl is the UK's largest ten pin bowling operator. And it's not just bowling on offer, as, depending on location, you'll find other fun activities available to choose from, including mini golf, pool, duckpin bowling, interactive darts and arcades. We visited Hollywood Bowl at The O2 in London.

I visited late lunch time on a Saturday in March with my husband and our two sons, Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6. There was a really lively atmosphere, with families, groups of friends, and couples all having a fun time. It probably depends on which Hollywood Bowl venue you're visiting, but if you're thinking of popping along to The O2 during peak times, I'd highly advise booking in advance, as we heard a couple being turned away at the booking desk as there was no availability for the rest of the evening, and as we finished up our game, there was a group waiting to hop on our lane.

We got into the swing of things with a game of ten pin bowling. There are 13 bowling lanes at The O2 branch, and, while bowling alleys can sometimes feel a bit run down, with sticky carpets and a fusty smell, Hollywood Bowl was clean, slick and aesthetically pleasing, with neon lights and a pink/purple and dark blue colour scheme. Odhran enjoyed being able to enter our player names and I had the honour of playing as 'Poopy Mum'. There was also the fun option to enter your bowler photo, and a service call button meant it was easy to grab the attention of a waiter to come take your food and drinks order, so you could enjoy your game without having to go to the bar to order. My husband is a bowling show off and came away with an end of game score of 151. I came last, and while I have no intention of divulging my shameful score, I will admit that it was significantly lower than my six-year-old son's. But in my defence, the kids had the buffers raised, so...There were also ball ramps for kids, which in hindsight, I should have grabbed hold of to keep my ball from constantly veering left in the gutter! As there were only four of us, we had plenty of room, but it might be a bit of a squeeze for a large group, as you can only occupy one side of the seating, and there's a shared table between lanes. So, if everyone in both lanes is ordering food and drink while playing, it doesn't leave much space.

Ten pin might not be my forte, but when it came to duckpin, I was king. Well, not quite, but I did come in second place to my husband. With shorter lanes, smaller pins, and lighter balls, it's perfect for young kids and adults who struggle with heavier bowling balls. The balls are without finger grips. It's just a smooth small ball that fits in the palm of your hand. The duckpin bowling lanes at Hollywood Bowl at The O2 are located upstairs in a small area with its own bar. There were a few stools and ledges to place a drink but no designated seating area per lane.

I was surprised to see that Hollywood Bowl doesn't operate a games card, similar to other arcade venues, where you can purchase a card with a certain amount of credit and then top this up on your next visit. Instead, you pay in the traditional way of slotting coins into the machines. There's a change machine for the arcades. We used our bank card to get change and weren't charged extra for the transaction. Using cash suited us, as we were able to then just give the boys a couple of pound each to tag a bit of arcade enjoyment on to the bowling experience. There wasn't a huge amount of arcade games, but there was enough to get the kids excited. Odhran spent his cash on the nudge machines and Reuben was thrilled to win a strawberry plush keyring in a grab machine game.

**Shuffleboard - Mini golf - Pool - Interactive Darts**

While available at other select venues, mini-golf and digital darts weren't available at The O2, but you could play shuffleboard and pool.

There's an American style diner where you can eat before or after your game. But if you want to eat during your game, it's recommend pre-ordering food and drink when booking your bowling slot. The menu is everything you'd expect from this sort of venue - shakes, nachos, hot dogs, burgers, nuggets, with veggie options available. We enjoyed the pre-ordered Family Feast. This included two adult meals, two kids meals, a side of onion rings, and four soft drinks. The Family Feast costs from £31. We found the food and drink to be very reasonably priced, considering the London location. Adults can grab a cocktail for £7.45 (two for £13) or a pint of Madri for £5.45. My husband opted for a chicken burger, I went for the plant-based burger, Odhran chose the beef burger, and Reuben had the hot dog. All came with fries. Service was prompt and the food arrived hot and with condiments, so we weren't having to chase the waiter for ketchup.

Prices vary depending on the venue and the time, but at The O2 branch, one game of ten pin bowling costs from £8.65 for ages 16+, from £7.65 for under 16s, from £30.97 for a family of four (max two adults 16+), or from £38.24 for a family of five (max two adults 16+). Duckpin bowling is booked in time slots of 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes. Prices from £20 per lane for 30 minutes (up to eight people per lane). Sign up for Hollywood Bowl's mailing list to get exclusive discounts and a surprise treat when you've been signed up for a year. And keep an eye out for weekday offers and early bird discounts at weekends.

If you're looking for a fun :a[Easter day out with the kids]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/hobbledown-heath-review/' } early chicks can get up to 50% off bowling when you book before 11am during the Easter school holidays. Each day during the Easter holidays, Hollywood Bowl will be hiding two golden eggs at its centres - one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. Be the first to find an egg and hand it to a team member to win a FREE chocolate Easter egg. Snap a photo with your egg and share it on social media and you could be in with the chance to win an annual family bowling or mini golf pass. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/' }

We loved the buzzy atmosphere at Hollywood Bowl. It's a fun and affordable :a[all weather attraction]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/we-found-the-perfect-attraction-to-keep-the-kids-active-this-half-term/' } for an enjoyable family day out, and the food and drink was reasonably priced. The venue is stylish and elevates your bowling experience, but it can get busy and there's not a great deal of seating if you have the maximum of eight people playing in a lane. We'd rate it a 4.3 out of 5.

Hollywood Bowl review: Let the good times roll, and if you can’t win at traditional bowling, try your swing at duckpin

When it comes down to pampering your furry friend, it's hard to know where to begin – we just want to treat them to everything. That's why we love shopping on Amazon, as we can get cat and :a[dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-dog-food/' }, treats, toys, and so much more for our fluffy besties under one roof. If you're looking to save with the best Amazon pet deals, one of the best times to shop is during the **Amazon Spring Sale, which starts TOMORROW on Tuesday 25 March**, so there's not long to go until you can bag a bargain. Some early deals are live right now, but more on these later...

We've been waiting patiently for Amazon to confirm the dates of this year's Amazon Spring Sale, and we can now reveal that :a[Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/events/springdealdays?tag=qtabparticle1105-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} is going to be running from 25-31 March, so that's seven whole days of big deals across the whole site to take advantage of. Last year's Spring Sale was five days long, giving you two extra days this year to shop the sales.

If you're not sure what the Amazon Spring Sale is (or the Amazon Spring Deal Days as it's being called this year), think of it as a big shopping extravaganza where you can buy and save on almost anything you can think of. When you love your pets just as much as we do, we see Amazon shopping events as the purr-fect chance to spoil our furry friends. Shopping on Amazon can help you stock up and save on everyday pet care essentials with :a[offers on cat food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/cats/cat-food-deals/' }, dog food and treats. Plus, there are products such as :a[dog DNA tests]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-dna-test-uk/' }, cat trees, pet cages, toys and more to spoil your pet with.

It's not just pet products, though (although treats and essentials for our furry friends will definitely be in our baskets); there are big discounts and deals to be had across home and garden, hair and beauty, everyday home essentials and so much more, from top name brands that we all know and love.

## Amazon Spring Sale early deals: Best Amazon pet deals ahead of the Amazon Spring Deal Days

Here at Take a Break, we have been searching and shopping the Amazon Spring Sale deals for years, so we know what a good deal looks like. We'd recommend bookmarking this page so you can revisit it as we update it with all the best Amazon pet deals during the Amazon Spring Deal Days.

While the Amazon Spring Deal Days sale hasn't started quite yet, there are some early pet deals that you can take advantage of right now. Hurry though, as often once they've sold out, that's it!

_:a[Natalie Corner]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/author/natalie-corner/' } is the Commercial Content Editor across the Specialist Portfolio for Bauer Media,_ _specialising in dog care. Her beloved cocker spaniel, Dash, is a keen tester of all dog treats and food and will always show off his wagging tail for Take A Break Pets._

Best Amazon Pet Deals for the Amazon Spring Sale

Stock up and save with the best Amazon pet deals ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale 2025

Cats are creatures of comfort, and there is nothing more comfortable than warm heated cat beds. If you're a cat lover, then you will know that felines love warmth. You will often find cats curling up on a windowsill or a warm patch soaking up the sun. So - we've rounded up the best heated cat beds for your fussy feline - to help you find a :a[cat bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/cats/best-cat-bed/' } suitable for your fussy, furry friend.

British weather can be very unpredictable! So, give your pet their allocated warm space all year round and spare them from snoozing in front of an oven or climbing into the airing cupboard. Why not get them a comfy place to rest? For winter, consider a :a[radiator cat bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/cats/radiator-cat-bed/' }. Simply turn the heating on and watch your cat curl up in their cosy, new spot.

**• Best overall heated cat bed:** Pets at Home Heated Square Puppy Bed Grey - :a[view at Pets at Home]{href='https://www.petsathome.com/product/pets-at-home-heated-square-puppy-bed-grey/P71289' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**•** **Best budget heated cat bed:** Ancol Self-Heating Pet Pad, Medium - :a[view on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ancol-Self-Heating-Pet-Medium/dp/B002Q5AF84/?tag=qtabparticle1008-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**•** **Best heated cat bed for portability:** Knupis Self Heating Cat Bed - :a[view on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knupis-Self-Heating-Cat-Bed/dp/B0D6N7XW8Q/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

Unlike :a[cooling mats]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/magazine/tab-pets/best-pet-cooling-mats/' } for the summer, heated cat beds are a great way to keep your cat snug and warm. So, whether your indoor cat is looking for a bed of luxury or your outdoor cat is looking for a mat to lounge on, here are our chosen favourite heated beds for every cat to help you make your decision easier.

## Our pick of the best heated cat beds {#h-our-pick-of-the-best-heated-cat-beds}

All of these heated cat beds have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered material, comfort and durability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching heated cat beds to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.

## Heated cat beds buyer's guide {#h-buyers-guide}

When browsing for a heated cat bed, it is good to think about where this bed will primarily stay and what its purpose is. If you have indoor cats, then electric-powered heated beds have been built with cats explicitly in mind. Although, do make sure that the temperature is just right for your cat before they get snuggled in. If you have outdoor cats, then you're neighbours want to stop them from :a[messing in their garden]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/cats/cat-deterrents-for-garden/' }. For kitties free to roam, a portable self-heating mat would be ideal.

This is because you can move it around to their favourite hangout spots.

**Check the electric wire and heating pad**

It is also essential to ensure that the heating element isn’t exposed, as it could potentially injure your cat. Finally, when your cat is relaxing on the heated bed, keep an eye that it isn't getting too hot every so often. Some upmarket :a[cosy cat cave models]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/cats/best-cat-bed-cave/' } have an automatic switch-off system in place after a set time of being on, which makes it safer for you and your kitty. Additionally, make sure the cable is correctly encased as you do not want your cat to play with wires and potentially hurt themselves.

Just like any electrically heated item, they need to be switched off. Think of them as electric blankets; if they are left on for too long, they could be potentially dangerous. All products mentioned are safe to use. However, common sense should be applied when using any electrically heated item. Just remember to turn it off when it's not in use and switch it off every few hours.

_:a[Ellen Kinsey]{href='https://www.yours.co.uk/yours/authors/ellen-kinsey/' } was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions._

Best heated cat beds to keep your feline friend warm

Dealing with a soggy doggy after a rainy dog walk isn't the most fun task for us pup owners, which is why the best waterproof dog coats come in handy on days when the forecast is looking particularly damp. They're a must-have :a[dog-walking accessory]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-walking-accessories/' } for any pup who loves the adventure of going on wet walkies.

## Best waterproof dog coats at a glance:

While putting your pooch in a :a[dog coat]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-dog-coats-uk/' } can be fun and they’ll look super cute, the waterproof ones are practical too. They’ll keep your hound nice and dry (and also clean) so you won’t have to worry about them shaking off everywhere after they’ve been out in the rain. Not only that, but the best waterproof dog coats will provide your hound with an additional protective layer to stop them from getting cold, whether they're out in the rain, playing in the snow, or exposed to other elements, such as strong wind.

Whether you're heading out in a little drizzle or a full-on storm, the best waterproof dog coats combine functionality and style to make sure your canine companion is ready to embrace whatever the outdoors throws at them. Take a look at our top picks below and don't forget to grab up a :a[dog waking coat]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-walking-coat/' } for yourself too, so you're both kept nice and dry on walkies together.

## How we chose the best waterproof coats for dogs

All of these waterproof dog coats have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, fit and style in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching waterproof coats for dogs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.

__: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.__

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Climb through tunnels and whizz down the slides of giant wooden play structures that look like something from a fairytale, enjoy messy play and get soaked in the outdoor wet play area, enjoy sensory play, chase each other round the huge indoor soft play, bounce on the jumping pillows, visit the farm and zoo animals, step inside the lemur enclosure, and meet Hobbledown's real-life characters. This is a place where imaginations can run wild, and where fun feels less commercialised that other days out attractions. There are two Hobbledown Heaths, one in Hounslow, West London, and one in Epsom, Surrey. We visited the one in Epsom.

I visited on a bank holiday Friday during the Easter break, with my husband and two sons, Odhran, aged 8, and Reuben, aged 5. Its was raining in the morning but turned into a beautiful warm day, with blue skies, which was a relief as most of what there is to enjoy here is outdoors. It is best to visit during the warmer months when the weather is more reliable. But if rain affects more than an hour of your visit, Hobbledown will issue you a 50 per cent return admission voucher that is valid for rebooking within one month. The bit of rainy we had didn't interfere with our enjoyment of the day in the slightest.

There is so much to see and do at Hobbledown. It's an adventure park, farm and small zoo combined. We visited during the Easter school holidays when there were additional activities on offer, such as a Golden Egg Hunt, Spring Story Time, and archery (rubber ended bow, suitable for all ages). There was so much to see that we didn't have time to visit a lot of the animals.

The outdoor water play area is directly in front of you as you enter. So, most kids will make a beeline to the water pumps, pipes, funnels and tipping jugs. We found some of the tipping jugs weren't working properly but that didn't stop the boys enjoying themselves. I was grateful for the advice of a friend who previously visited Hobbledown and told me to pack a towel and dry clothes as my youngest was soaked from head to toe within minutes. It got the day off to a fun-filled start. Luckily, you're allowed to exit and re-enter so my husband could take the heavy bag of sopping wet clothes out to the car, instead of having to carry them around all day. Next to the outdoor water play area is a giant wooden structure where the boys quickly made friends with other kids and they all enjoyed chasing each other around, climbing and playing hide and seek. I joined in for a game myself and found it fun with lots of areas to duck and dive and hide behind. The Easter Bunny was roaming around with enchanted characters creating huge bubbles. But my boys couldn't be torn away from the wooden play structure.

This is a wonderful addition to Hobbledown as it offers a bit of respite should it rain. We headed into The Imaginarium when it started to drizzle. There's a large water table area, where little ones can enjoy water play without getting soaked. There are little boats and water shooters you can aim at wheels to make them turn, alongside kinetic sand tables. Then there's an area that's a couple of levels high, with tunnels and rope nets for climbing. It's also part reptile house. As they're climbing and crawling around, children can discover creatures in glass enclosures, including a tarantula and poison dart frogs. They're being encourage to creep and crawl alongside the creepy-crawlies, and it's a wonderful idea.

The rainy morning meant the indoor playbarn was busy. But considering it was during the Easter holidays, it wasn't heaving, and it didn't take long before we found a table to sit at, while the boys chased each other round the soft play. The soft play was huge, with lots of slides, tunnels and trampolines. There was also a gated toddler area for under 3s, with its own mini play-frame, sensory lights and mirrors. The boys spent about 45mins in the indoor playbarn, and would have spent longer only they were keen to go explore Fern's Castle.

The sun was out by the time we ventured down to Fern's Castle. This fairytale castle is an impressive structure, where kids can have endless fun. Made of metal and wood, it has tunnels, towers and slides to explore.

There was story time and a move and groove session with characters at The Thinkery during our visit, but my boys deemed these activities too babyish for them. This is probably more suitable to under 5s and certainly something my boys would have really enjoyed when they were a bit younger. The toddlers there seemed to be having a great time engaging with the characters and dancing along.

This is an area of Hobbledown we'll need to revisit to fully explore. Hobbledown Epsom is home to a variety of animals including: armadillo, ring-tailed lemur, camel, meerkat, wallaby, prairie dog, otters, mara, pygmy goat, alpaca, capybara, giant rabbits, sheep and pigs. There were a couple of times during the day when we could go inside the Lemur enclosure. We waited for the last slot in the afternoon but by then it was a little windy and the lemurs refused to come out and play. So, if you want to enjoy this part of your visit, it might be best to attend the earlier slot to give yourself a second chance to visit in the afternoon if the lemurs aren't playing ball. You can pay extra for experience days, whether it's feeding the meerkats or a full zookeeper experience. We saw a few animals while making our way around Hobbledown, including the tortoise. But some enclosures were closed during our visit. You can purchase food to feed the farm animals.

A range of bird of prey rest in their aviaries and throughout the summer there are daily flying displays on peak days (weekends and school holidays).

You'll find different characters roaming around Hobbledown on different dates. These include Fern the fairy, Professor Topperpot, Sludgebucket, the colourful Flower Ranger, and the mischievous Skibblers. The characters help to add to the sense of fairytale magic at Hobbledown.

There's a giant bouncy pillow and water pillow, which the boys loved, as these activities are always a hit with kids. There was a big outdoor messy play area, where Odhran seemed completely lost in his own imagination. Reuben loved the wooden dragon sleigh and the wicker basket swing.

Hobbledown run extra special events during occasions such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas. We visited during the Easter school holidays and extra activities included in the cost were a Golden Egg Scavenger Hunt, which the boys really enjoyed. They collected a treat on the way out, after finding eggs hidden all around Hobbledown. We enjoyed taking pictures at the Easter Bunny meet and greet. There was also a build your own bunny workshop, to stuff your own cuddle toy, and a bunny brunch, both of which guests could play extra to enjoy. During our visit there was archery. This is available on peak days. So, weekends and school holidays. Archery is usually an additional extra on days out, so we were pleasantly surprised to find this covered in the admission cost at Hobbledown.

These were closed during our visit due to essential maintenance work. But this activity needs to be booked at an additional cost of £5 per session. The minimum height requirement is 1.3m. So, my five-year-old would have been too little to take part. Besides, there was so much to do during our first visit to Hobbledown that I think we'd have struggled to fit in the high ropes too. But this 70-metre-long sky trail, which stretches about the bouncy pillows and fairy castles, might be something to consider if you've got older kids to entertain. Or if the adults want to have a bit of fun! The high ropes tend to only be open during select times over the summer months.

There is a really good range of food options. The main restaurant is the Hobnosh bar, which is beside the softplay area. Here you'll find everything from all day breakfast, noodles, katsu curry, chicken nuggets, fish goujons, jacket potato, and kids meals from £4.95 for a hot meal to £5.95 for lunch box including ham and cheese roll, drink and fruit, and the choice of two snacks. There's also the Pizza Cottage, a shack next to an outdoor seating area with a large overhead canopy. We had lunch here and shared a good-sized and reasonably priced handmade Margarita and Pepperoni pizza, at a cost of £22. The boys also each had two marshmallows for toasting, at a pricey (but similar to what we've seen elsewhere) cost of just over £5. They enjoyed toasting these over the open pit. The boys also had a slushie each, which is something that's hard to avoid when you're on a day out with kids. There's lots of seating, both inside next to the soft play and outdoors (lots of which has overhead covering), and lots of families had brought a packed lunch. So if you're looking to save, bring a picnic.

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