Free or cheap summer holiday activities in Berkshire (and at home!)

How many of you struggle to come up with ideas to entertain the children over the summer holidays? Whether your kids are constant balls of energy or lethargic teenagers who need to be dragged away from a computer there will be something here for you!

Summer holidays can be expensive. As its the one time of year when we are (usually) guaranteed some nice weather, we all like to make the most of it. Days out, breaks away, meals out and more. So I thought I’d compile a list with my ideas and the ideas of many Berkshire Mumsnetters of activities you can do and places you can visit that are relatively inexpensive or free.

I will be updating this regularly throughout the summer and you can of course see Mumsnet Berkshire for other listings

Explore Nature

Go on a nature exploration looking for bugs and insects galore. Pack up a magnifying glass and a few clear plastic pots to (temporarily) capture your finds and examine. See how many you can find! Berkshire has a great variety of nature reserves. Here are just a few:

1) Hoselake Theale http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/parks-playgrounds/233454-good-for-a-relaxing-stroll

A beautiful lake you can walk around with lots to explore. Free parking near by and you can always pack some snacks or a picnic.

2) Inkpen Common Newbury http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/parks-playgrounds/233460-flower-filled-woodland

This flower filled common will be teaming with wildlife such as butterflies, bees & dragonflies!

3) Bray Pit Maidenhead http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/parks-playgrounds/233432-teaming-with-nature

With a little lake and beautiful scenary you are bound to spot some great wildlife here! Definitely take your camera. It’s very pretty!

4) Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/parks-playgrounds/229962-thatcham-nature-discovery-centre

5) Englemere Pond Winkfield http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/parks-playgrounds/230555-nature-reserve

Have a stroll around the pond, take some bread and enjoy the simple task of feeding the ducks

For more nature reserves to visit across Berkshire visit Mumsnet Berkshire http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/parks-playgrounds

Activity & Discovery Centres

1) Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/parks-playgrounds/229962-thatcham-nature-discovery-centre

With family friendly walks, a visitors centre packed with interactive wildlife and a natural history display, there is lots to see and do here

2) The Lookout Discovery Centre Bracknell http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/parks-playgrounds/235515-the-lookout-discovery-centre-park-woodland

Don’t forget your car park gives you a discount into the Discovery centre! Fun for the whole family inside, as well as three parks with play equipment designed that it can be used by children and families with special needs, equipment designed for older children and lots of things for the little ones to do too. There are loads of walks, you can hire bikes and a lovely café for something to eat if you don’t take a picnic.

3) Horse Shoe Lake Sandhurst http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/parks-playgrounds/230567-walking-watersports-more

Popular with those who enjoy walks, dinghy sailing, birdwatching and other water sports.

Toddler Groups

1) Wokingham Salvation Army Toddler Group is on during the school holidays. http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/baby-toddler-groups/165318-salvation-army-parent-toddlers

A lovely little toddler group on Monday & Friday mornings where you’ll get a warm welcome

2) Not a toddler group as such but Toddler Sense have a number of classes on for only £5.50 per class covering Winnersh, Bracknell & Twyford. It’s worth contacting your local Toddler Sense to see what’s on.

http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/preschool-sport-active-classes/236020-toddler-sense-summer-specials

3) Diddi Dance Classes have a few summer specials on too in the Reading area

http://local.mumsnet.com/berkshire/summer-holidays/235747-diddi-dance

Libraries

Never underestimate how awesome your local library is for activities for children of all ages. Not only do they have books to read, they also offer crafts, singing and much more! Please note not all rhymetime and storytimes are mentioned here. Please assume you need to book places on activities, especially those with a charge.

1) Under 5’s at the libraries in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Library	Time	Day	Activity	Dates
Ascot	10.30am	Wednesday	Story & Rhymetime	30 Apr, 14 May, 11 Jun, 25 Jun, 9 Jul
Boyn Grove	2pm	Tuesday	Story & Rhymetime	Fortnightly: 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 15 Jul
Cookham	2pm	Thursday	Storytime & colouring	Fortnightly: 17 Apr, 1 May, 15 May, 29 May *
Cox Green	10.30am	Wednesday	Story & Rhymetime	23 Apr, 30 Apr, 14 May, 28 May, 11 Jun, 25 Jun, 9 Jul
Cox Green	11.30am	Sunday	Storytime	18 May, 15 Jun, 20 Jul, 17 Aug, 21 Sep, 19 Oct, 16 Nov, 21 Dec
Datchet	10am	Wednesday	Story & Rhymetime	30 Apr, 14 May, 28 May *
Dedworth	9.30am	Thursday	Storytime	24 Apr, 8 May, 22 May, 5 Jun, 19 Jun, 3 Jul, 17 Jul
Eton	2.30pm	Friday	Storytime	25 Apr, 23 May, 20 Jun
Eton Wick	10.30am	Wednesday	Story & Rhymetime	23 Apr, 7 May, 4 Jun, 18 Jun, 2 Jul, 16 Jul
Maidenhead	10.30am	Tuesday (term time only)	Storytime & colouring	Every Tuesday during term time
Maidenhead	10.30am	Saturday	Story & Rhymetime	26 Apr, 24 May, 21 Jun, 19 Jul
Maidenhead	12.30pm	Sunday	Storytime	Fortnightly: 3 August, 17 August, 31 August, 14 September, 28 September, 12 October, 26 October
Windsor	10am	Friday	Storytime & colouring	Every Friday (including holidays)
Windsor	10.30am	Saturday	Story & Rhymetime	10 May, 14 Jun, 12 Jul
Windsor	11.30am	Sunday	Storytime	27 Apr, 25 May, 29 Jun

2) Newbury Library

Tuesdays & Wednesdays throughout August -11am Rhymetime for under 3s

Fridays 11am & 2pm – Story time for under 5’s

Tuesday 26 August, 2pm & 3.30pm- ZooLab workshop for 8-11 year olds, in connection with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Come and meet some of the extraordinary creatures from the world of myth and fairy tale. £2 per ticket in advance.

3) Hungerford Library

Thursday 21st August – 12pm ZooLab workshop for 4-11 year olds, in connection with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Come and meet some of the extraordinary creatures from the world of myth and fairy tale. £2 per ticket in advance.

4) Lamborne Library

Thursday 21st August 10am – ZooLab workshop for 4-11 year olds, in connection with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Come and meet some of the extraordinary creatures from the world of myth and fairy tale. £2 per ticket in advance.

Wednesday 27th August 10:30am – Rhyme time for under 5’s

5) Pangbourne Library

Monday 4th August -2pm, Tuesday 5th August 1030am & Thursday 7th August 930am – Pangbourne Heritage Group WW1 exhibition

Thursday 21st August 230pm – ZooLab workshop for 4-11 year olds, in connection with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Come and meet some of the extraordinary creatures from the world of myth and fairy tale. £2 per ticket in advance.

6) Thatcham Library

Mondays throughout August 215pm – Storytime for under 5’s

Tuesday 12th August 11am – Rhymetime for under 3’s

Tuesday 26th August 11am – ZooLab workshop for 4-11 year olds, in connection with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Come and meet some of the extraordinary creatures from the world of myth and fairy tale. £2 per ticket in advance.

7) Theale Library

Fridays in August 11am – Storytime for under 5’s

8) Aborfield Library

Monday 4th August-  215pm Mythical Maze Stories & Crafts, ages 4-12 £1.50

Monday 4th August – 3pm Elmer Parade – listen to Elmer and make your own Elmer mask, age 5 & under

9) Finchampstead Library

Get Creative Tuesday August 5, 12, 19, and 26. Session 1: 2pm to 2.45pm Session2: 3pm to 3.45pm For children aged 12 and under, £1 charge Please book at the FBC Centre, (0118) 908 8155

Beading Workshop for children Create different creatures with tutor Caroline Marriot. Wednesday August 6 Session 1: 9.45am to 10.45am Session2: 11am to 12noon For children aged 8-12 years old £4 charge, places must be booked at the Library.

Mythical Story Morning Friday August 8, 15, 22, and 29 10am to 10.50am For children aged 4 to 12 years, Free, just drop in.

Rainforest Discovery Thursday August 21 1pm to 2pm For children aged 4 to 12 years old £3.50 charge, places must be booked at the Library.

10) Lower Early Library

Thursday 7th August – 245pm Fizzlebert Stump, age 6 and over £3, meet the author and hear stories and poems

Thursday 14th August 2pm – Circus Workshop, age 4-12 £3.50

Thursday 21st August 11am – Rainforest Discovery & Quirks Animal Roadshow, age 4-12, £3.50

Tuesday 26th August 1pm – Alice In Wonderland, free explore learning ages 6-9.

Tuesday Augyst 26th 1pm – Tracey Beaker, free explore learning, ages 8-11

11) Maiden Erlegh

Monday 11th August 2pm – Mythical Maze story & craft session, age 4-12 £1.50

Thursday 14th August 1pm – Mythical Puppet Workshop, age 4-12 £3.50

12) Spencers Wood

Mythical Maze Story and Craft Session Monday August 11 2.30pm to 3.30pm For children aged 4 to 12 years old £1.50 charge, places must be booked.

Mythical Puppet Workshop Thursday August 14 10.30am to 11.30am For children aged 4 to 12 years old £3.50 charge, places must be booked.

13) Twyford Library

Mythical Maze Story and Craft Session Tuesday August 12 10.30am to 11.30am For children aged 4 to 12 years old £1.50 charge, places must be booked.
Rainforest Discovery Thursday August 21 9am to 10am For children ages 4-12 years old £3.50 charge, places must be booked

14) Wargrave Library

Fridays throughout August 230pm – Get Arty, £1.50 ages 4-12

Wednesday 6th August 1030am –  Circus Skills, £3.50, age 4-12

Wednesday 13th August 1030am – Mythical Puppet Workshop £3.50 age 4-12

14) Winnersh Library

Circus Workshop Come along and learn some circus skills. Wednesday August 6 2pm to 3pm For children aged 4 to 12 years old. £3.50 charge, places must be booked.

Mythical Puppet workshop Wednesday August 13 1pm to 2pm For children aged 4 to 12 years old. £3.50 charge, places must be booked.

Mythical Maze Stories and Crafts Listen to tales of dragons, with mythical craft. Thursday August 28 2pm to 3pm For children aged 4 to 12 years old. £1.50 charge, Just drop in!

Children’s Games Club A selection of Chess, Draught, Connect Four or bring your favourite game. Every Wednesday 2pm to 4pm For children aged 4 to 12 years old, just drop in!

15) Wokingham Library

Heritage Walk around Wokingham Find out about the story of James ‘Sooty’ Seaward, from child chimney sweep to town councillor and probable inspiration for Tom in The Water Babies Monday July 28, 11am For children aged 7 years old and over. Free to attend, places must be booked.

“I’m a Little Alien” Poetry Workshop with James Carter Wednesday July 30, 1pm to 1.30pm and 1.45pm to 2.15pm For children aged 6 and under, £2 charge, places must be booked.

“Journey to the Centre of my Brain” Poetry Show with James Carter Wednesday July 30, 2.30pm to 3.30pm For children aged 6 to 12 years old, £3 charge, places must be booked.

World War 1 Vehicle Session Friday August 1, 10am to 11am For children aged 4 to 12 years old, £1.50 charge, places must be booked.

Fizzlebert Stump and Poems Galore with Author A.F. Harrold Thursday August 7, 10.30am to 11.30am For children aged 6-12 years old, £3 charge, places must be booked.

Get Arty Thursday August 21, 10.30am to 11.30am For children aged 4 to 12 years old, £1.50 charge, just drop in

Rainforest Discovery Thursday August 21, 3pm to 4pm For children aged 4 to 12 years old, £3.50 charge, places must be booked.

16) Woodley Library

“I’m a Little Alien” Poetry Workshop with James Carter Wednesday July 30, 9.45am to 10.15am For children aged 6 and under, £2 charge, places must be booked.

“Journey to the Centre of my Brain” Poetry Show with James Carter Wednesday July 30, 10.45am to 11.45am For children aged 6 to 12 years old, £3 charge, places must be booked.

Fizzlebert Stump Come and meet author AF Harrold, hear about Fizzlebert Stump and his adventures. Thursday August 7, 1pm to 2pm For children aged 6 and over. £3 charge, places must be booked.

Circus Workshop Come along and learn some circus skills. Thursday August 14, 10.30am to 11.30am For children aged 4 to 12 years old. £3.50 charge, places must be booked.

Get Arty Thursday August 21, 10.30am to 11.30am For children aged 4 to 12 years old. £1.50 charge, Just drop in!

The Famous Five  Create a picnic collage and try out our Famous Five treasure hunt. Tuesday August 12, 10.30am to 11.30am For children aged 7 to 11 years old. £2 charge, places must be booked.

Mythical Maze event with Author Margaret Bateson-Hill Thursday August 21, 2pm to 3.30pm For children aged 7 to 12 years old.

Free session courtesy of local Federation of Children’s Book Group – ‘Getting Reading Reading’, places must be booked.

17) Bracknell Forest Council Libraries

As part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge we have some puppetry workshops arranged with ‘Arm Chair Puppets’. These workshops last for approximately 2 hours and cost £3.50 per person. Places are limited and so booking is essential.

• Binfield Library – Tuesday 5 August at 10.30am
• Crowthorne Library – Tuesday 5 August at 2.30pm
• Bracknell Library – Wednesday 6 August at 10.30am
• Sandhurst Library – Wednesday 6 August at 2.30pm
• Birch Hill Library – Thursday 7 August at 10.30am
• Harmanswater Library – Thursday 7 August at 2.30pm
• Great Hollands Library – Friday 8 August at 10.30am
• Whitegrove Library – Friday 8 August at 2.30pm

Mondays’ Harmans Water Library – Bounce and rhyme – 10am to 10.30am (weekly – beginning on 2 June 2014)

Tuesdays – Birch Hill Library Bounce and rhyme – 2.30pm fortnightly – please check with the library for dates

Tuesdays Bracknell Library – Children’s Tuesday Club with stories, bounce and rhyme, and crafts. Takes place fortnightly from 10am to 11am. All welcome.

Thursdays Binfield Library – Drop-in – the library opens at 9am for refreshments and the activities start at 9.30am – stories, rhymes and craft

Thursday – Binfield Library Crafts – first Thursday of the month – 10am to 10.30am

Thursdays in August Bracknell Library – Children’s story time and music – 9.30am – this session is run by Willows and Maples Children’s Centre.

Thursdays in August, Sandhurt Library – Storytime – 2.15pm for under 5s Free.

Fridays, Great Hollands Library, Storytime – 3.40pm for under 5s free.

Fridays Great Hollands Library, Bounce and rhyme – 11am under 3s free.

Fridays, Sandhurst Library, Bounce and rhyme – 9.30am – 2nd and 4th Friday of the month

Family friendly Day out at Ascot Racecourse

Mumsnet Berkshire

Mother’s Day – what better way to spend it than with your family and complimentary tickets to Ascot’s Country Fair Race Day.

So that is exactly what I did! When I was first asked to come along to a family day at Ascot Racecourse, I must admit I was dubious. My memories of a trip to Ascot were pre-children and involved drinking jugs of Pimms and lazing in the sun. How could a race course be family friendly? By family, I mean my husband, my parents (on-site baby sitters ;-)), my 2-year old and my 6 month old… oh and me!

Panic set in. How would I entertain my 2 year old? He would never sit still. Oh no he would have to miss his nap! Would there be a mega toddler meltdown associated with sleep deprivation? However,  I love a freebie and the opportunity to go in a Private box  was not one to be missed.  I have to point out at this stage that if anyone is going to find fault, it will be me.

On arrival, parking was easy and plentiful, we spent very little time queuing and there was plenty of staff on hand to take tickets, ask directions etc. We walked through the grounds of Ascot and I was struck with amazement at how good it looked with all the children and family activities set out. There were games to play such as a coconut shy etc, there were farm animals in a petting zone, a softplay & toddler area, a climbing wall and a huge blow up slide attached to a climbing frame where you had to scale about 6 levels in order to get to the top of the slide! Oh and not to forget the obligatory Ice Cream Man.

The concourse entrance had several stalls outside selling items such as hats and inside there were food stalls and a craft area for the children and a mum chill out zone where you could have a complimentary massage with tea and cake.  All looked good so far!

We found our box and I enjoyed several cups of tea whilst fretting that my 2 year old was going to some how scale the balcony and fall over (not possible for one so small) or leg it under the dividing rail outside that links the balconies of all the private boxes (very achievable for one so small and so quick). Of course, he did manage the latter but we soon learned to hang out by the barrier.

We then went on a quick tour so we’d know our way around. We had a look at the third floor which is for premier admissions, so premier ticket holders can go on a balcony and watch the races, we were shown where the finish line is (surprisingly not obvious for a complete novice). Premier tickets are £30 per adult (children under 18 are always free).

We were then taken down to the concourse where it was explained to us how the system worked i.e. the concourse is slim so you can stand in the grandstand to watch the races but it is only a short walk to place a bet/collect your winnings before walking back outside to the grandstand again. I have to admit, it was a great atmosphere. It was buzzing and nicely busy but not jam-packed.  Grandstand admission is the cheapest tickets starting at £15 per adult if you are booking for 6 or more adults or £25 per adult for less than 6 people.

We then went back to our Private Box for a wonderful lunch. If you can stretch to a Box, I’d recommend it because it’s great to have a base for the family to hang out or leave your stuff whilst you explore the grounds and having your own balcony means a great view! However, if you opt for the Grandstand or Premier admission there are plenty of restaurants and places to sit and eat and drink. So whether you fancy fish and chips, fine dining or just a sandwich, there was something for everyone.

Speaking of food – If you didn’t fancy eating inside and wanted the little ones to run around, there is plenty of green space to chuck a picnic blanket on the floor or take some fold up chairs to sit on and plenty of picnic benches on the lawn of the grandstand. In fact, it was such a lovely sunny day I was (almost) envious of the families sat on the lawns sunning themselves whilst we sat eating our very gorgeous meal upstairs. What a lovely treat to not have to cook for once!!

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch, I took my 6 month old and my mum to the concourse to find the location of the mum’s chill out zone while my husband and dad took my son off to find something toddler friendly. This brings me to a slight negative – the lifts. I have a Baby Jogger City Select Tandem buggy so it’s very long. We waited over 10 minutes for a lift that we could get in. We gave up and abandoned the buggy because, not only did we have to wait what felt like an eternity for the lift to arrive, when it did, it was full of people from the floor above so we could never get in it. Anyway, as I say, we took the buggy back to the Private Box and just carried the baby downstairs.

The massage was nice. It was right next to the concourse so you were surrounded by people which slightly negated from the relaxing element of the massage. However, relaxing it was and it was nice just to sit down and let someone work out those knots for you! In fact, even whilst my mum had her massage (after mine), I was still being offered complimentary teas and coffees.

This brings me quickly to the staff. They were all so incredibly polite and helpful. I could not fault them. My mum even ran the buggy over a member of staff’s feet and he was incredibly polite about it despite the fact it hurt. Now, you do expect great service but you don’t often get it so it was lovely just to have people offering you help all the time and being really approachable. I actually can’t fault the staff at all  ( and I am normally so good at picking fault with customer service!).

After the massage, we went over to the bandstand where we joined the rest of the family at the animal petting zone. My son was in an enclosed area petting rabbits. It was so cute! All the children were allowed to go in the Rabbit pen and feed or stroke the rabbits. There were also goats, a sheep, ducks & geese, as well as baby chicks. Hand sanitiser was provided so I didn’t have to worry about my sons germy hands.  I was really impressed. Even the layout was good. There was a white picket fence with an entrance and inside the area, the animal pens were nicely spaced out so there was plenty of room for everyone and to navigate buggys and pushchairs.  On one side of the animal pen was the children’s play area. This was very busy as you can imagine as it was filled with children. It was quite hard to keep an eye on my two year old but there was lots of play on that was suitable for him and other equipment as I mentioned above, more suitable for older children.

A bit further over they had a Sheep Racing area for the Lamb National. It was quite funny to watch as these sheep were dressed up with a knitted jockey on each sheep and a sheep dog chasing them round. The commentator made it really good fun to watch.  Unfortunately, we missed the falconry display but I am sure it would have been impressive and I was told that older children would be able to get involved with the show.

 

 

 

 

 

I have mentioned feeding myself and I have mentioned feeding my toddler (children eat free in some of the eateries) but I haven’t mentioned feeding my baby. I am breastfeeding my baby and although I am happy to breastfeed in public wherever I need to, I do prefer the quiet of a private feeding room. This is partly because my baby is distractable and likes to be nosey and partly to reduce the likelihood of exposing myself to anyone who might be bothered by it (not that they should be mind you!).  I was pleased to see a baby feeding room by the Box Holders entrance to Ascot. I didn’t venture inside but I took note it was there. What then took me by surprise was the fact that there are no private baby feeding areas within the main Ascot Racecourse building.

Once we had arrived at our Private Box, I asked a member of staff to find out if there was anywhere I could feed my baby. She was great and went off to find out immediately. What wasn’t great was her answer. I am welcome to use the ladies toilet or the disabled toilet. What?! Feed my baby on the loo? Despite the fact there was nothing negative intended, but merely the offer of somewhere quieter to feed, offering a nursing (or bottle feeding) mum the use of the toilet to feed her baby is never acceptable.  In the end, most of her feeds were done in our Box but I did resort to one feed in the loo in the afternoon because it was very busy in our Box. It would have taken me about 10 minutes to walk across the Racecourse grounds to the baby feeding room at the entrance. Anyone with a hungry baby will know that seconds count when it comes to producing food. Although the toilets were clean and well-kept, it is quite difficult to feed a baby whilst sat on a toilet seat. One suggestion for future improvement might be to at least put a couple of comfortable chairs in the toilets in the corner for nursing mums (not ideal but better than actually sat on the loo) or to use some of the space within the main building to create a baby feeding room with facilities not only for nursing mums, but also bottle feeding mums i.e. bottle warmers, sterilising equipment etc.

I would like to make it clear that I felt very welcome to feed my baby anywhere and that I believe Ascot Racecourse to be supportive of mothers however they feed their babies. This is proven by the feeding room they already have in place as well as being friendly whilst I was nursing my baby.

Moving on…… Each child was given a little pack with a brochure, colouring pencils and a chocolate lollipop. The brochure included pictures to colour in and games for older children, as well as information on the horses. This meant it was not only fun but educational too. Win Win! If I was going to be picky I’d suggest a piece of fruit instead of chocolate for the children but who doesn’t love a bonus chocolate lollipop from time to time as a treat?

Increasing it’s family friendliness even more, and engaging children in learning about horses, Ascot Racecourse also has a free club that under 16’s can join called Colts and Fillies (www.coltsandfillies.co.uk). On the Race Days there are activities that are exclusively available to these little members. This is taken directly from the site:

The club is free for children age 16 and under and organises activities throughout the year which
allow youngsters to engage in horse racing and learn about it in a fun and exciting way.
For 2014 the club will have a horse in training with Eve Johnson Houghton. This will enable the members to experience the thrill of racehorse ownership. A large number of regular visitors to the races had their interest sparked as a child, usually by being taken racing by a parent who loved the sport. The club aims to ignite that spark in children by making it easy and free to be involved so that no child, whatever their
circumstances, is excluded from enjoying this wonderful sport.

All race days are family friendly and children are welcome any time. However, they do run certain events throughout the year that are specifically aimed with children in mind. Look out for the following dates:

19th May - Victoria Cup Day
27th July - King George Family Sunday
9th August - Shergar Cup Day
1st November - United House Group Raceday And Fireworks Spectacular
19th & 20th December - Christmas Weekend Meeting

If you strip out all the family activities and focus purely on the racing side of it what do children really think of it? Do they take any notice? I can tell you my two year old enjoyed it – he really enjoyed seeing the horses trot past to go to the starting line and actually propped himself up on the balcony to get the best view for him if no-one was volunteering to hold him up. Once the races actually started he did get a bit overwhelmed by the noise and cheering but he couldn’t tear his eyes from the screens with the horses on. We spent some time at the parade ring and got to see some of the horses close up and I was so pleased my son got to see these beautiful animals up close.

Observing all the older children, I’d say they enjoyed watching the racing too but it was good they had entertainment in between races or instead of watching the races.

Earlier on I discussed the price. Cheapest tickets are £15 per adult (don’t forget children are free up until 18!) if you are booking for 6 adults or more, or £25 per adult for less than 6 people.  Does this pose value for money for a family? A family of 4 (based on two adults and two children) would be £50. This does sound expensive but when you consider you are there for the whole day, children are free and you can bring all your own food and drink then I think it offers not only value, but experience, education and atmosphere. I do think for family days all Grandstand tickets should be £10-15 per adult regardless of the number of adults in the party – this would make it more affordable to the general public and therefore more appealing to a wider audience. Plus you get to dress up a bit! The only downside was that the staff weren’t able to tell us which horse would win 😉

On that note, I did find myself talking to other parents who weren’t placing bets on the day because they did not feel comfortable gambling in front of their children. This article isn’t here to discuss the ethics of gambling and children but it is nice to note that there is absolutely no pressure to have a flutter and that for us, whether we placed a bet or not, this did not influence the enjoyment of the day.

Overall, my family had a brilliant experience. The day went very smoothly, the staff were impeccable in both manners, helpfulness and knowledge and a credit to Ascot Racecourse, there was plenty to do without being overwhelming and had a nice relaxed pace set so there was no feeling of being rushed at all or thinking that you’d miss out on something if you spent too long in one area. There was lots to see and do for the children and the adults so very much a day for all.  As I mentioned above, my only real disappointment was the lack of baby feeding areas within the main building. I probably wouldn’t take my toddler to a race day if it wasn’t a family day because I think I’d spend it running round after him rather than enjoying the races, but I would take him to another family day in future. Older children and teenagers are likely to get more out of it on non-family race days than very young children. Plus we all need a bit of grown up time on occasion! Well Done Ascot Racecourse.

*Photos supplied by Ascot Racecourse and William Stott Photography

 

Country Fair Race Day