TAB2517-Enter-Here.png

Take a Break – Issue 17

TAB2516-Enter-here.png

Take a Break – Issue 16

TSS2504-May-Enter-here.png

Take a Break May

TAB2515-Enter-here.png

Take a Break – Issue 15

TAB2510-Answers-Cover.png

Take a Break Issue 10 Answers

welcome-offer-1920x1080-1.jpg

Take a Break Bingo is welcoming you with a £50 bingo bonus!

TAB_13_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 13’s cover stories

TAB_11_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 11’s cover stories

TAB_10_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 10’s cover stories

TAB_09_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 9’s cover stories

TAB_07_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 7’s cover stories

TAB_06_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 6’s

TAB_05_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 5’s cover stories

TAB_04_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 4’s cover stories

TAB_03_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 3’s cover stories

TAB_02_COVER_lowres_pdf_1.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 2’s cover stories

TAB_01_COVER_lowres_pdf_1.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 1’s cover stories

TAB_49_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 50’s cover stories

TAB_48_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 49’s cover stories

TAB_47_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 47’s cover stories

TAB_46_COVER_lowres_pdf_1.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 46’s cover stories

sneak peek at issue 45's cover stories 2024

TAB_45_COVER_lowres_pdf.jpg

Sneak peek at issue 45’s cover stories

Homepage

Real Life

Stories

Advertorial

Craft

latest

Competitions

Latest Competitions

Winners

Answers

Lifestyle

Health

Brainwaves

Savers

Food & Recipes

Preview Only

Staging Mode

Holidays

Take a Break Holidays

Magazine

Latest Issue

Take a Break Makes

Take a Break Pets

Pets

Dogs

Cats

Advice

Care

brainwaves

2021 Issues

2022 Issues

2023 Issues

Apple Portal

Top Tips

PADDINGTONWordPressHeader_1600x900px.png

The Paddington Bear Experience Review: Hop into Easter at this GRRReat immersive family attraction…

best-cat-tracker-1.jpg

Keep your cats safe with the best cat trackers on the market

As a pet parent, there’s so much you need to remember to bring with you when leaving the house, but to your dog, having tasty treats is at the top of the list; that’s why it’s important to have the best dog treat bags to put them in. Life as a paw-rent can seem almost as complicated as being a human parent when it comes down to leaving the house to go on a walk. Okay, maybe we're exaggerating a little there, but little fur babies want everything from :a[dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-dog-food/' } to their favourite toys available to them on their walkies.

Even when you’re not on a walk, there is always a need for you to have :a[dog training treats]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-training-treats/' } on you at all times. No matter how old or obedient your pooch is, treats are always good to have on hand for a high-value reward. As most dogs are food-motivated, they’ll be more likely to do what you’re asking them if you’ve got something tasty in hand to entice them to do it. Whether you're working on recall or improving your pup's confidence around other dogs, having easy access to treats is a good idea, whatever the situation, which is where a dog training treat bag will come in handy.

Experienced dog owners will know that there are specialist :a[dog walking bags]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-walking-bags-uk/' } on the market that cater to all your needs, but sometimes you need something smaller to use just for treats. When your pup is displaying the behaviour you want them to, you need to make sure you’re rewarding that as soon as possible to reinforce their good work. Treat bags for dogs are specifically designed to make sure you can have easy and quick access to those high-reward goodies. Nobody needs a big bulky bag getting in the way when you’re trying to train your dog, so that’s why many of the best dog treat bags are designed for hands-free wear that you can either put around your waist or wear as a cross-body so you can use both hands for handling your dog when needed.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a treat bag for dog training that you can attach to an existing bag, dog lead or through waist loops on clothing, we’ve searched the web to bring you a selection of the very best. From the super small to ones with waterproof linings that will keep your treats fresh, there’s a dog training treat bag for every pup and owner on our list.

## Best dog treat bag UK {#h-best-dog-treat-bag-uk}

All of these dog treat bags have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered material, size and convenience in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog treat bags 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.

One of the biggest things to consider when looking for the best dog treat bag is its overall size. Are you looking for a bag for simply stashing some treats? Or do you need one that's big enough to carry all your dog's outdoor adventure essentials?

You'll also want to factor in what type of material your dog training treat bag is. With the Great British weather being so unpredictable, you're more than likely to get caught in a surprise shower, so you may want to opt for one made of waterproof material. If your pup has a tendency to jump up, make sure you choose a bag that you can easily wipe clean any muddy paw prints.

_:a[Hannah Mellin]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/author/hannah-mellin/' } is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism_ _industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in her jungle garden with her three cats and sausage dog Waffle._

_: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 dog treat bags for easy access to training treats on the go

Our book club special is a clever mystery and debut fiction novel from lexicographer and TV personality Susie Dent. You can get a MONEY OFF voucher for _Guilty by Definition_ in this week's Take a Break (issue 17), ON SALE NOW!

When an anonymous letter is delivered to the Clarendon English Dictionary, it puzzles the team of lexicographers working there. It soon becomes clear that this is not the usual eccentric enquiry. The letter hints at secrets, lies, and a particular year. For Martha Thornhill, the new Senior Editor, the date can mean only one thing: the summer her brilliant, beautiful older sister Charlie went missing.

After a decade spent living abroad, Martha has returned to her father, her home, and the city whose institutions have defined her family. But the ghosts she had thought to be at rest seem to have been waiting for her to return.

When more letters arrive and the team pull apart the clues within them, the questions become more insistent and troubling. Charlie had been keeping a powerful secret, but as the mystery of her disappearance starts to unravel, someone is trying to lead the lexicographers to the truth, while another is desperate to keep it buried.

Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent is available now in paperback, priced £9.99 from Bonnier Books, but you can pick up the book for £5 at Morrisons with the £1 voucher in this week's Take a Break, ON SALE NOW!

Take a Break BOOK CLUB special offer!

Finding the best slow feeder bowls for dogs can make a world of difference for your pup's mealtimes. If you're not sure what they are exactly, well, simply put, they're uniquely designed :a[dog bowls]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-bowls/' } with ridges, mazes and other obstacles built inside to help dogs eat at a more relaxed pace. They're made this way to ensure your pup can't just gobble up their food in a matter of seconds, enabling them to slow down and enjoy a healthier, more engaging eating experience. Whether you've got a ravenous puppy or a grab-loving adult dog on your hands, a slow feeder could be just what you need to make mealtimes more manageable and enjoyable for the both of you.

As every pet owner knows, dogs are passionate about their food (sometimes a little _too_ much). Many pooches will gobble up their entire meal in a matter of seconds, barely chewing and forgetting to breathe between bites. Eating their :a[dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-dog-food/' } with such speed can pose serious health risks. These include choking, gagging, vomiting and in some extreme cases, gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening condition that is more commonly known as bloat. Your dog slowing down at chow-down time isn't just a matter of their manners; it's a matter of health, and a slow feeder dog bowl can help with this.

## Best slow feeder bowls for dogs at a glance:

Slow feeder bowls for dogs are clever feeding tools that will turn mealtimes into fun, mentally stimulating activities. Instead of your dog being able to inhale their :a[dry dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dry-dog-food/' } or wet food in seconds, slow feeders make them work a little harder for their grub by making them navigate around raised patterns and shapes to access each bite. This slows down their eating pace and reduces the risk of digestive issues, but also provides some added mental enrichment. For pups that tend to get bored easily or need some more stimulation throughout the day, a slow feeder can serve as a puzzle toy for your pooch, too, so using one is a win-win.

If you're ready to make the switch to a slow feeder dog bowl, keep reaching. In this guide, we've rounded up the best slow feeder bowls for dogs, taking into account feedback from real pet parents online who've used these bowls with their own dogs. We've also consulted with Ciara Pollen, Behaviour and Training Specialist at :a[Woodgreen Pet Charity]{href='https://woodgreen.org.uk/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, to get expert insight on why slow feeders work and how to choose the right one for your pooch. Let's get the lowdown on the bowls that will make chowing down a healthier and happier experience for your pooch.

## How we chose the best slow feeder bowl for dogs

All of these slow feeder dog bowls have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered material, ease of cleaning and mental stimulation in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching slow feeder bowls 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. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.

_This article contains expert advice from :a[Ciara Pollen]{href='https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ciara-pollen' }_. _Ciara is a Behaviour and Training Specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity, where she supports dogs and their people through one-to-one consultations, group classes and professional training. With a Master’s degree in Zoology from Bristol University and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Canine) underway, she combines scientific insight with practical experience to tackle real-world challenges. She’s been working in dog training since 2017 and holds membership with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Her special interest lies in helping dogs manage frustration and reactivity using kind, effective, evidence-based methods._

Is your dog eating too fast? These are the best slow feeder bowls for dogs to help them slow down

**_I had never trusted my niece Mandy, but when she moved in with my frail mum, I couldn’t have imagined how low she’d stoop…By Ron Hutchings, 74_**

Visiting my mum Joyce one day, she looked as if she was on cloud nine.

‘We’re moving to a four-bed council house with a downstairs bathroom and bedroom, love,’ she told me.  
Mum was in her 80s and unable to use the stairs, so I was pleased.  
But what I learnt next  surprised me…  
My niece Amanda, who we called Mandy, had somehow managed to play a key role in securing the new place.  
I was suspicious of her motives, because I’d never trusted her.  
A few years before, she had been investigated for allegedly taking money from a family member’s bank account by  using her credit card without permission.  
But by the time it was discovered, the elderly relative was suffering from dementia,  and nothing could be done.  
I’d been wary ever since.  
For several months, my mum, Mandy, her boyfriend, my sister Jen — Mandy’s mum — and Mandy’s daughter had been squeezed into a small, rented bungalow together in Herne Bay, Kent.  
I was glad Mum would have more room and better accessibility, but I still had concerns about Mandy.  
‘I’m not totally happy with the arrangement,’ I said to her before the move, finding it hard to believe she’d done it purely in Mum’s best interests.  
‘I’ve changed,’ she replied.  
But I made sure she knew I’d be keeping an eye on things.  
Over the years, I visited as often as I could.  
I tried to call too, but it was getting more difficult because Mandy had taken Mum’s mobile phone and redirected the landline to her mobile.  
‘It’s to protect Nan from giving too much money to charity appeals on the TV,’ she told me when I questioned it.  
I couldn’t visit as often as I wanted as, by this time, I was having gruelling cancer treatment.  
But whenever I did turn up unannounced, I noticed Mandy was starting to take more control over the household.  
A couple of years later, Mum was taken to hospital after a problem with her hip replacement.  
While visiting her one day, she suddenly turned to me.  
‘Where are my bank card and savings book?’ she asked.  
I checked her handbag and reassured her they were inside.  
On our next visit, Mum asked how much money she had in her accounts.  
‘I should have thousands in there, Ron,’ she said.  
I’d recently learnt that Mandy had Mum’s PIN so she could do her shopping occasionally and buy her some treats, such as her favourite sweets.  
Realising this was my opportunity to find out how Mum was managing, I asked Mum if I could call her bank.

  
She agreed, so I spoke to a member of staff and asked if I could check her account.  
To my utter shock, I was told Mum was in debt by more than a thousand pounds.  
‘You’ve got nothing, Mum,’ I said.  
She was very upset and couldn’t understand how it had happened.  
I asked the bank for a year’s breakdown of movement on her accounts, and it was clear most of the money had been taken out from cash dispensers or via internet bank transfers.  
There was only one person who could have done that.

Mandy.  
Mum hadn’t given anyone permission to open an internet banking account and all her banking was done in person.  
With the green light from Mum, I immediately stopped all her cards and cancelled her internet banking.  
Then I ordered a new card and copies of recent bank statements to be sent to my address.  
When I left the hospital, my head spinning, I went straight round to my brother Graham’s house to discuss what I’d found out.  
‘We need to confront Mandy straightaway,’ I said, and  Graham agreed.  
When we got there, we told  her about the missing money.  
‘What do you have to say about this?’ I said, showing her the list of withdrawals, including £200 one day and £650 another.  
Eventually, she admitted she’d made the transactions and opened the internet account without Mum’s knowledge.  
My sister seemed shocked too.  
When faced with the evidence, my niece admitted she’d taken control of the household finances.  
Mum had told me she was paying £600 a month towards the share of the household bills. But even after that, Mum should have had £700 in her account each month.  
‘Where is it?’ I asked.  
‘It’s all in the accounts — I’m rubbish with money,’ she whined.  
But she’d claimed to be training to be an accountant!  
‘When Mother’s released from hospital, she’s not coming back to this house,’ I said.  
After I got home, I wrote down detailed notes of what I’d discovered. I also obtained power of attorney over Mum’s finances.  
Over the next few weeks, I spent hours going through the bank statements.  
I felt sick when I realised there was potentially £50,000 missing.  
By the time Mum was discharged I found her a place in a care home nearby.  
When I told Mum what Mandy had done, she was heartbroken.  
‘If she’d needed money, I would have lent it to her,’ she said, tearfully.  
Over time, I found out that the bank had sent Mum many letters that she had no idea about.  
Once I’d put together a file, I spoke to the police.  
A financial investigator,  Stewart Ross-Cumming, did a superb job putting a case together for the CPS.  
Eventually, my niece was charged with theft of £24,000. It was not the amount it might have been but there had to be a cut-off point, and it was unlikely Mandy would ever be able to repay it.  
In time, Amanda Farr, 48, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court, where she denied fraud.  
I didn’t see a shred of remorse.  
The court heard that Mandy stole thousands of pounds from her own grandmother, splurging the cash on iTunes, the PlayStation store, a weekend in Amsterdam and copious Just Eat takeaways.  
When quizzed about her lavish spending, Mandy had the gall to blame Mum, who she claimed was a ‘big eater’ of Chinese takeaways and that she ‘liked  her food’.  
I shook my head in disgust.  
Mum had simple needs — bingo evenings and fish and chips. It was obvious Mandy was squandering the cash on herself.

In thousands of transactions made over two years, Mandy stole £24,000, with some transfers totalling £1,800 each.  
As a result, Mum accrued large debts with energy and water companies.  
Debt collection agencies were even forced to get involved.  
Mandy claimed  the family operated  a system where money was pooled together in one pot, but said Mum could spend up to £20 a week on sweet snacks, £180 on sending her pet to ‘dog school’ and £35 each time she had it taken on walks.  
However, the prosecutor said, in reality she was stealing Mum’s post and hiding it under her bed.  
Thankfully, the jury saw through her deceit, and she was found guilty and jailed for 18 months.  
Now 94, Mum’s memory has declined dramatically, but she remembers what happened to her money and is still very hurt by what was done to her by Mandy.  
I carry a certain amount of  guilt that I wasn’t able to act sooner to stop my niece taking all Mum’s money.  
There’s a rift in my family which I feel will never be repaired, and it’s all because of Mandy’s dishonesty and greed.

Niece blew mums savings on just eat takeaways

THEFT in the FAMILY: Niece blew Mum’s thousands in savings on takeaways

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, sitting proudly in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is the seat of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. It's surrounded by beautiful Formal Gardens, and visitors can explore its 2,000 acre Parkland. It's the perfect day out for adults who fancy an historical outing, but there's loads on offer for children too, with a maze, little train, butterfly house and an incredible Adventure Playground that's a day out in itself!

I visited with my husband and sons Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6, on a lovely Summer's day at the end of June. Blenheim Palace is open throughout the year except for Christmas Day. The Adventure Playground is open during Spring, Summer and school holidays. During Autumn and Winter, it's open Friday to Sunday. Different parts of Blenheim Palace and Gardens open and close at different times. For example, The Palace and Formal Gardens close before the Parkland and the Adventure Playground, and the miniature train tends to stop running around 3.30pm. So visit blenheimpalace.com/app to get up-to-date opening times for the day of your visit.

I've started with the Adventure Playground because we arrived through the main entrance, and as the boys cycled up towards The Palace, they spotted the sign for the Adventure Playground and started veering left, adamant we visited there first. I had to promise them we were only heading on towards The Palace to drop the bikes at the ticket kiosk (a little black hut to the left before the entrance to the East Courtyard). There, they spotted an ice-cream kiosk and I was pleased we indulged in this treat early in the day, as when we returned later, there was a long queue.

Turning back on ourselves, we walked for about another 10 minutes before we reached the Walled Garden. There's a miniature train that runs from The Place to the Walled Garden (£1 each way to ride, under 3's go free) but one had just departed and the boys didn't want to wait for it to return, as they were too excited to get to the playground. After all the walking, I was happy to see that all the kiddy-friendly parts of the attraction were located next to each other (The Adventure Playground, Hedge Maze and Butterfly House) in the family-friendly Walled Garden area of Blenheim Palace.

There was a marquee with a kids-friendly theatre show taking place on the day we visited. The next show was in a hour and a half's time. We thought that would give us enough time to explore the playground before going to see the show. But as soon as we walked through the flower archway into The Adventure Playground, it was obvious the boys were going to be in no hurry to leave and we would miss the show.

The boys' eyes lit up when they saw all the climbing structures, and Odhran dived straight into the little man-made stream that trickles through the middle of the playground. With a water pump and water features including little water fountain jets, this part of the playground was a big hit, with lots of little kids splashing about in swimwear.

But there are also fantastic wooden structures, including giant carrots, with slides, tunnels, nets and rope bridges. There's a designated are for toddlers and zip wires for bigger kids. We had a great time playing hide and seek, and Odhran was having such a great time, he slipped and badly grazed his elbow and leg. I'd come unprepared without wipes or plasters.

Another mum jumped to my help before a member of staff was quick to offer assistance, and phoned for a first-aider. A lot of the staff are first-aid trained and on-hand to help with any issues that may arise. The first-aider was super helpful, and took us into a room (which doubles up as a first-aid room and a room can be used for children who might become over-stimulated and need a bit of time out). He cleaned Odhran's cuts with antiseptic wipes and bandaged him up well, all the while chatting in a friendly and reassuring way. We were super appreciative of his lovely, helpful manner, which allowed us to carry on and fully enjoy the rest of our day.

The first aid care is just an example of how the playground has been so carefully thought out. There are toilets and changing facilities within the playground area, picnic tables and plenty of areas for parents to perch while their children play, a kiosk selling ice-cream and hot drinks, and a standalone water fountain to fill up your water bottle.

The Adventure Playground is an attraction in itself. It's suitable from toddlers up to kids around 12, and kids could easily spend three hours in here. We just accepted that we would probably miss out on seeing some other part of Blenheim Palace as a result, but the boys were having such a fun time, we didn't want to drag them away.

The boys love a game of chase around a maze, and the promise of this was what eventually lured them out of the playground. Their dad was 'It', while myself and the boys tired to find our way out of the maze before he caught us. We had to climb the wooden structures in the middle a couple of times to get a bird's eye view and establish our route out, but eventually we managed to escape without being caught. If your family love a maze, then you'll want to make time to visit this part of the attraction.

Next, we headed for Butterfly House. Here, a member of staff showed the boys how to gently coax the butterflies on to their finger, and Reuben was delighted when a butterfly landed on his head. One attached itself to Odhran's arm and seemed reluctant to fly away.

There were lots of different species and we spent more time in here than I thought we would. Just be careful there aren't any still attached to you before you leave! I had to step back inside, as, much to the boys amusement, one was trying to make a cunning escape by attaching itself to my bottom.

After the Butterfly House, we went to The Palace. The day was getting on and there was still lots to do. I wanted to make sure we didn't leave without even setting foot inside The Palace! I was glad we did this after The Adventure Playground, Maze and Butterfly House, as I feel if we'd done The Palace first, the boys would have rushed us round to get to what they considered the fun bits! But, after being entertained for hours, they were happy to indulge us. At our time of visiting, there was a fantastic Icons of British Fashion exhibition taking place, and I loved following the route around this showcase of clothing, shoes and accessories by legendary designers through the decades, including Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and Lulu Guinness. As we wandered around, I heard another visitor telling his friends how amazing Blenheim looked at Christmas, and I could only imagine how magical the rooms would look, filled with baubles and giant Christmas trees. I also loved reading about the history of The Palace. Before our visit, I only knew that it was the birth place of Winston Churchill. So, I abandoned my husband to rush ahead with the boys, while I took my time to read all the information about Churchill's grandfather and how Blenheim Palace came to be built. I found all the information really fascinating.

This new interactive space invited families to explore the important role of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem. It's a hands-on experience where families can learn about bees, hedgerows and the best plants for attracting pollinators to their own gardens. There are immersive activities here for little ones to enjoy.

There is so much to do at Blenheim, and that's even before we get into the boating, paddle boarding and kayaking! On top of this, there are so many different events taking place at Blenheim Palace throughout the year that you could visit several times and find something new to explore on each visit. In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is hosting special events throughout this year. I loved the exhibition that allowed us to discover the pivotal moments of Churchill's life that unfolded at Blenheim Palace. After a family day out at Chartwell (former home and gardens of Sir Winston Churchill in Kent), it was really interesting to put further aspects of his life into perspective. My nine-year-old was interested in Sir Winston's not so exemplary school report card! And I was moved by his childhood letters begging his parents to visit him in boarding school. It added so many more dimensions to such a historical figure, and I'm always hoping that little bits of history seep into my sons' brains as we wander round these places.

Blenheim thinks of events for kids and adults alike, and this Summer (now until 1 September) little ones can enjoy a fun Shaun the Sheep Trail. Find out more:a[here]{href='https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/shaun-the-sheep-at-adventure-play/' }. And Bridgerton fans can stand in stunning locations from the hit show on The Bridgerton Trail. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/bridgerton-trail/' }. This Halloween, there's a spooky Illuminate Trail, and Christmas market at Blenheim is always a hit. So, check the website to make sure you visit at a time that offers the most exciting events for you.

Whether you choose to explore the Formal Gardens or the land extending around Blenheim Palace, there is plenty of ground to be covered here! The Tree Trail will take you on a journey through the magnificent landscaped across the estate, and the Formal Gardens reflect the styles throughout the ages. Standing on the bank of The Lake is The Harry Potter Tree, which fans of the 2007 film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix won't want to miss out on.

There are cafés, restaurants and ice-cream and hot drinks kiosks on site. So, if whether you're after a hearty meal, and afternoon tea or a quick bite, you're covered. The Orangery Restaurant offers a touch of sophistication for those wanting to treat themselves to something a bit fancy. The Oxfordshire Pantry and The Stables Café are a good pit-stop for those in search of a quick sweet or savoury bite to eat. The pizzeria is well places next to The Walled Garden for lunch times with kids. We packed a picnic (there are lots or spots to relax and eat, including picnic tables both outside and inside the Adventure Playground. We stopped for a treat in the courtyard and spent £17 on a Rocky Road, Scone with jam and butter, and three Mansfield ice-pops.

## How long does it take to go around Blenheim Palace and Garden

We didn't manage to see everything in a day. The boys spent so much time in the Adventure Playground alone that by the time we'd finished, their little legs were exhausted. So, although, I've loved to have explored the grounds around Blenheim, we were lucky to get a glance at the Formal Gardens. We'll definitely be back when we're next in the area.

All tickets must be booked in advance and you can even book online on the day of your visit. There are different passes. But if you're looking to visit The Palace and its gardens and the Adventure Playground, you'll needed the Palace and Play Pass - adult ticket costs £50, child £40 (free for under 3s), or a family ticket (two adults, two children) costs £150. A Palace Park and Gardens Pass (not including Adventure Playground) costs £38 for an adult, £22 for children over age three, or £99 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). But both these tickets included unlimited access for 12 months after date of purchase. It's also possible to purchase just a Park and Gardens ticket (so not including Adventure Playground). This costs £28 for an adult, £13.50 a child over age three, or £80 for a family ticket. A single visit Adventure Playground ticket can be added to the Palace Park and Gardens, and the Park and Gardens Pass at a cost of £5 for an adult and £7 a child. But if you're planning to return, it's more cost effective to purchase the Palace and Play Pass.

**Discounts:** NHS staff, blue light card holders and member of the Armed Forces can enjoy 10 per cent off the cost of entrance (not available on Christmas at Blenheim Palace tickets). Email customerservice@blenheimpalace.com to access a special discount code.

Blenheim Palace is a day out that has something to offer everyone in the family, from grandparents and parents to kids. There's more to pack in than you can manage in a single day. So, it's a good job the pass is valid for 12 months. But even if you live a distance away and are only likely to make the one trip, we found it to be full and fun-packed day that makes it still worth the money. It's also, an attraction that's definitely worth the journey. We rate it a 5/5 attraction.

Blenheim Palace has partnered with Darwin Escapes to create Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat - a collection of luxury self-catering lodges set in the grounds of the Blenheim Palace Estate. We had a three-night stay here, and from the moment we arrived, we could tell it was going to be a relaxing and restorative break. The grounds around the lodges were so peaceful and serene, with wildflower beds around each lodge. We stayed in Vanbrugh Lodge, which I later learnt was named after John Vanbrugh, the English architect who designed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. We've stayed in chalets and lodges before. But as we stepped through the doors of our lodge at this retreat, we were instantly struck by the sense of luxury and the quality of the design, colour schemes and materials used in the creation of these lodges. The luxury lodges at Blenheim Palace Lodge have featured in the final of the TV show Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr, and you can choose to stay in one of the two lodges that the two finalists designed.

Our lodge wasn't one of these, but still it felt like a very large suite in a fancy boutique hotel or a stay in a chic little holiday home. It was so stylish and cosy. Two double bedrooms were separated by a living area that included a kitchen with an island and breakfast table, and a comfortable living space with a sofa, coffee table and flatscreen TV. There were two shower rooms opposite each bedroom - each with a waterfall shower and stocked with luxury shower and body products from Arran Aromatics. There was great use of space in the lodge, with plenty of storage and a cute dressing table with a touch sensor light-up mirror in the area between each bedroom and its opposite shower room. Glass panelled doors opened out on to a back area where there was rattan furniture to relax on with a drink while we watched the sunset during the evening, or to enjoy breakfast outdoors on a morning. Our lodge overlooked a wild meadow, and we cut through here to make the short walk (about 15 minutes) to the entrance gate to Blenheim Palace. Even the bedding felt luxurious, and we had the most comfortable sleep.

The lodge came equipped with everything you need to enjoy a break away. I'd packed a hair-dryer and an iron but the lodge was already equipped with these things, including an ironing board. There was a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine and dishwasher. We were even provided with tea, coffee and milk sachets, and a sponge for washing dishes, dishcloth and a single dishwasher tablet. There were fluffy towels and toilet paper - pretty much everything you need to just whack your clothes in a bag and set off for a weekend away without having to thing about all the finer details (bring some laundry powered if you think you might need to wash clothes). The only thing that would have added to the experience is if the TVs (they're in the bedrooms as well as the living area) had been set up so we could connect to our personal Netflix account. It's also worth mentioning that the lodges are pet friendly, so your four legged friend is welcome to join in your family break away.

Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat is ideally located within walking distance of Woodstock and you'll find a Co-op food store nearby to top up in supplies. Woodstock is a charming town and we stopped off for a drink and chips and dips in the beer garden of the Back Lane Tavern. You'll find nice pubs, restaurants and boutique shops here to explore. Bring your bikes, as nearby, there's Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, and little ones will enjoy Cogges Manor Farm. Further afield, there's Oxford Botanic Garden, Bicester Village (if you're looking for a bit of designer shopping!) and Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens.

If you're looking for a tranquil retreat, from which there's plenty to explore, then Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat ticks all the boxes. We returned from our visit feeling completely relaxed and restored.

Blenheim Palace Review: Here’s why a stay near this UNESCO World Heritage Site could be your perfect family break

Set in beautiful grounds with a striking, part-ruined, stately home that dates back to 1810 as the backdrop, Alton Towers in Staffordshire is the largest theme park in the UK. The resort spans 550 acres of land. The theme park has more than 40 rides and attractions, and is home to CBeebies Land and other family friendly rides for little ones, alongside several white knuckle rides for older thrill seekers.

I visited on a sunny Friday during the last weekend of the Easter school holidays with my husband and our two sons Odhran, 8, and Reuben, 5. Alton Towers opening dates are March to November, when it closes for the winter season. During the peak summer months of July and August is it open 10am - 6pm. But it can get incredibly busy during these months, with longer queues. We've previously visited in April, May and September and find these months to be a good time to visit, when the weather is still somewhat reliable, but the queues aren't as crazy long. A member of staff informed me that Sundays and Mondays of bank holidays tend to be quieter than Saturdays. But it's worth avoiding peak times if possible. A school inset day might be a good choice. Little kids in particular won't be able to understand or tolerate the big queues that can develop at CBeebies Land. So, it's worth remembering that if you're visiting with an under-5 on selected off-peak dates (not weekends or school holidays) you can buy a Parent & Toddler Pass online for £29, and add an additional toddler for £5.

Alton Towers is a theme park that offers an equally enjoyable but different experience depending on the age of your kids. When we first visited, Odhran and Reuben were at the CBeebies Land and The World of David Walliams stage, and still are to some degree. But on this visit, Odhran had hit the 1.4m mark, so we started our visit in the more thrill seeking parts of the theme park. But, from tot to teen, Alton Towers makes for a great family day out. Alton Towers has 11 themed areas that contain a variety of different rides and attractions, suitable for different ages. These include: CBeebies Land, Dark Forest, Forbidden Valley, Gloomy Wood, Katanga Canyon, Mutiny Bay, The Gardens, The Towers, The World of David Walliams, Towers Street and X-Sector.

**Tips for visiting CBeebies Land at Alton Towers**

If a visit to CBeebies is top of your list for a visit to Alton Towers, I suggest you arrive at the park for as soon as it opens. The car parks and monorail are in operation an hour before opening time, so this gives you plenty of time to arrive at the gates ahead of opening. The theme park is a good 15-minute walk from the car park. The monorail will take you from the car park to the entrance. But it's worth keeping this in mind if you want to get to CBeebies before the crowds. There is an express car park, which is right opposite the theme park, and useful when you've got little legs that are tired after a long day out and can't walk back to the main car parks or stand in the queues that can develop for the monorail, during peak dates. But express parking must be booked in advance and will set you back £20, and needs to be booked in advance. Standard parking is £10.

Once you arrive, head straight to CBeebies Land, which is near to the entrance. It's worth mentioning that there's a Costa right next to CBeebies, in case you're gasping for a morning coffee. When you arrive at CBeebies, I suggest heading straight for one of the more popular rides, such as Get Set Go: Treetop Adventure (Children under 1.1m must ride without an adult) or Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure (must be over 0.9m to ride, and 1.1m or over to ride without an adult) or Go Jetters Vroomster Ride (must be over 0.9m to ride, and 1.25m or over to ride without an adult. Fast Tracks cannot be used in CBeebies Land or on any of the rides except for Gangsta Granny at The World of David Walliams. And queues for rides at CBeebies can reach up to 70mins - though we've found the times on the post next to the rides is always longer than the time you actually end up waiting.

By hitting CBeebies first thing in the morning, we've managed to get on a couple of the most popular rides before the crowds descend. The longest we've waited for a ride at CBeebies is about 25-minutes for the Postman Pat Ride. You don't want to kill the mood of the day for little ones by having to join a huge queue when you arrive, and remember buggies must be placed in the designated buggy areas, so your little one will have to stand. So aim to get there for park opening time and get on a couple of the most popular rides before huge queues develop.

There's no height restriction on JoJo & Gran Gran at Home and Andy's Adventures Dinosaur Dig. Something Special Sensory Garden and Hey Duggee's Big Adventure Badge (a playground with slides and mini trampolines) are great ways for little ones to have fun without having to queue. On all of our visits, the boys (and my husband!) have always enjoyed Justin's House Pie-o-Matic Factory, where you can shoot foam balls at one another. Download the app for Big Fun Showtime details, as you'll probably want to your little one to have the chance to meet some of their favourite CBeebie's characters such as Duggee or Bing. When we visited, there was the chance to meet Bluey and Bingo, but the queue for a photo was huge, and although Reuben is a big Bluey fan, he decided he wanted to get on another ride rather than wait around for a picture.

**What other family friendly rides are there at Alton Towers?**

You'll find lots more family friendly rides in The World of David Walliams, and across the park. Gangsta Granny: The Ride, where you sit in a carriage and spin through the sewers on a special effects heist, is always a hit with my boys. The queues can get very long for this. But on our recent visit, we were straight on. Due to height restrictions, my husband and I split up at this part of the theme park and I take my eldest on Flavio's Fabulous Fandango, while my husband takes our youngest on the Royal Carousel. Ray's Bouncy Bottom Burp is another fun ride we always enjoy.

But there are other family friendly attractions, including Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life and Heave Ho, a spinning pirate ship ride. The Blade provided the right thrill factor for my five-year-old, who was also delighted to be tall enough to go on the Congo River Rapids during this visit (you must be 1.1m or over to ride). Runaway Mine Train is possibly our favourite family ride at Alton Towers, and Battle Galleons is a fun ride. But prepare to get wet (bring a poncho or spare clothes if you plan to go on this ride). Skyride is a lovely way to get a view out over the park. The Curse is a haunting dark ride that opened in 2023. It's suitable for children 0.9m or over. But the boys were freaked out by the idea of this ride.

**What does Alton Towers offer for older children/adults?**

Alton Towers offers lots of thrill rides for older children and adults, including Nemesis Reborn, Nemesis Sub-Terra, Galactica, Rita, Th13teen, Oblivion, The Smiler and Wicker Man. I grabbed the chance to ride on Nemesis Reborn, which opened in March this year, and felt like my fillings were going to fall out as it hurtled round the track. Oblivion is a thrilling ride, where, as you hang over a 180ft vertical drop you think 'stop, I want to get off!' before you've screaming your way into the pit below, in a ride that is over in a few intense seconds. It's the world's first vertical drop roller coaster, and true white-knuckle ride. But our favourite ride is Wicker Man, purely for the theatre of this fire engulfed ride. My eight-year-old loves this ride. Wicker Man, Th13rteen and Spinwall Whizzer are thrill rides suitable for children over 1.2m.

There are several restaurants - Woodcutter's Bar & Grill, Rollercoaster Restaurant, Explorers Pizza Pasta Buffet, The Burger Kitchen and Just Chicken, alongside snack kiosks. But if you want to save money and avoid food waiting times, pack a picnic and a flask with hot drinks. For an idea of costs, we paid £10 for ten mini donuts and £8 for a coffee and hot chocolate.

**How long does it take to go around Alton Towers?**

You could easily spend two or three days at Alton Towers, especially if you have the time and money to stay at one of their themed on-site hotels, or visit their separate water park. But if it's just a day visit, you can have a jam-packed day of fun, but you'll need to be selective on what rides attract you most to make sure you have a chance to go on, or you might end up disappointed, and feel you didn't make the most of your visit.

It's suitable for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Child really needs to be 0.9m tall or over to make it truly worthwhile. But children under 0.9m go free, and there are still attractions for them to enjoy.

On the day tickets cost £68. So always best to book online in advance, where prices start from £29. Children under 90cm go free.

Book tickets :a[here]{href='https://www.altontowers.com/tickets-passes/' }

This will depend on the ages of your children and what sections of the park you want to visit. Fast tracks can't be used in CBeebies and on any of the rides (with the exception of Gangsta Granny) in The World of David Walliams. So, if you're after a relaxed day out with little ones it's unlikely worth paying the high cost of fast track tickets. But, if you're on a day out with teenagers, or you and your husband want to fit in thrill rides, then you might want to consider fast tracks, especially if you're visiting during peak times when queues can reach up to 70 mins. But these can significantly increase the cost of your day out. They come in four tiers - bronze to platinum, each allowing you to fast track a number of rides once, except the platinum fast track, which allows you to enjoy all of the rides and attractions as many times as you like. But fast tracks come at the hefty cost of between £32 per person for bronze to £130 per person for platinum.

**Tips for visiting Alton Towers Theme Park**

**How to save money on a visit to Alton Towers Theme Park**

Alton Towers is undeniably a fantastic, fun-filled, and memorable family day out. It's huge and has a range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. It's a theme park your family can grow with - taking them from CBeebies when they're little, to The World of David Walliams and the family friendly rides when they're a bit older, to the thrill rides as teenagers. But, like all theme parks, it's an expensive day out and can mean long queues. Entry tickets are expensive. And by the time you factor in high food costs, car parking, extras such as photos, souvenirs etc, and especially fast tracks, you could be talking upwards of £500 for a family of four. But all factors considered, we'd rate it 4.5 out of 5.

Alton Towers Theme Park Review: How to make the most of your visit

**_I’d made a splash in a hot tub — and not in a good way. But it made me determined not to embarrass myself like that again. By Stella Jane Thomas, 52_**

As I waded through the pool, I felt all eyes were on me.

In truth, people probably weren’t staring at me, but I felt so self-conscious about being 17 stone and a size 24, that it certainly felt like it.

‘Come on, Mummy, let’s get in the jacuzzi,’ said my nine-year-old son, Jack.

We were on holiday in DisneyWorld, Florida, and I should’ve been having the time of my life. Instead, I was dying of embarrassment.

As I approached the hot tub in the middle of the pool, I searched for the best way to get in.

_If I step over the nearside, rather than walking round to the steps, I can get in quicker without exposing myself too much_, I thought.

> ‘Come on, Mummy, let’s get in the jacuzzi’

But I misjudged the depth, and ended up toppling in headfirst!

I emerged spluttering for breath, facing a strange man whose sunglasses were splashed with water.

‘That’s one way of getting in!’ I said.

My kids stifled a giggle, and I pretended to find it funny too, but really I was mortified.

But after having my boys, I’d suffered from post-natal depression and had turned to food for comfort.

Rounds of toast for breakfast and ready meals became my staple diet.

As my weight crept up, my self-confidence plummeted, and I’d hidden my body in elasticated trousers and long tops.

Now, my hot tub shame made me realise something had to change.

Back home in Dartford, Kent, I went on a diet and lost two stone. But not matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to lose any more.

Then one day, a fellow school mum I was friendly with approached me.

‘I do a water fitness class at a health club. Do you fancy joining me?’ she asked.

‘OK, I’ll give it a go,’ I replied.

I found I enjoyed it and gradually my confidence grew. A few weeks later, I tried the aerobics class and felt even better.

The squats and lunges were difficult, but the teacher made tweaks so I’d find the routine easier.

After one class, she took me aside and told me she was a LighterLife counsellor.

‘I think you’d do really well on it,’ she said.

When I started, I was 15st 4lb, but within a month, I’d lost a stone.

It inspired me to keep going and six months later, I was down to 10 stone and felt like a different person.

Over the next years, with regular exercise and healthy eating, I maintained my weight.

We’ve since married and on our honeymoon in Las Vegas, I went on a zipline, which is something I would never have done before I lost weight.

Latest on Take A Break

Latest Competitions

Latest Magazine