Stay Play Explore
Leicestershire
Reviewed by Julie Leousis
with boys aged 8 and 10 years
The Stay Play Explore experience allowed us to choose from a number of hotels and attractions in the Leicestershire area. The cost of one night bed and breakfast in the four star hotel and entrance into 3 attractions for 2 adults and 2 children was £129 (saving up to 46%).
This is a great deal for any family wanting to do exactly what it says, Stay Play and Explore. To do this individually would cost far more than the inclusive trip. The hotel and one attraction entrance alone would cost the package price!
The range of attractions allows families of all ages to enjoy both fun and educational activities at a reasonable price. The hotels are in good locations or visiting the attractions. It is good to look up which attractions you intend to visit prior to planning your trip and which hotel you wish to go to as you may find yourselves travelling a lot over your trip. We booked a hotel near our day two attraction and travelled to the attractions prior to the hotel on day one. It is a fun filled and packed weekend, especially if you go for the one night option, so an early start is advised on day one to fit in the attractions.
National Space Centre – we arrived here just before it opened at 10am. There was plenty of parking just a short walk from the entrance costing £2 for the day. The outside of the space centre wowed the children and they followed the space man’s footprints to the entrance. There were plenty of staff and no queueing to get in. we were given a time to go to the planetarium half an hour after our arrival. The children were given a card to find aliens as they went around the centre.
I think at 8 and 10 it was a great age to be discovering space and there were so many interactive facts for them to explore. The centre was very spacious, all staff were friendly and helpful. The planetarium show is a definite must see, though can make you feel a little queasy. It was extremely engaging for both adults and children alike with excellent facts that the children have since been telling everyone. The great science facts, fantastic real life space outfits and actual rockets makes this a day to remember. The ability to sit in a spaceship chair and feel what is like to have less gravity engaged the children into science that a class room would never be able to. The simulation flight was great, the boys thought it was the best part of their weekend, on a mission to a star and crash landing, it was a rough ride but they loved it! We had lunch at the Space centre right next to a real life rocket, although not cheap there was plenty of choice and we managed to get sandwiches, crisps and drinks for four of us or £19.
The Space Centre is a definite must if you visit Leicestershire, a fun but educational day out for child and adults of all ages. Recommend a visit. Rating: 4/5
Snibston Discovery Park – we arrived at Snibston Discovery early afternoon. There was plenty of car parking for free right outside. Staff upon entrance were great. Both friendly, smiling and gave us a clear understanding of what to do and where to go. The lady certainly made us feel welcome. The place was clean, tidy and spacious. Immediately after entering the museum the children were able to explore science. There were so many interactive activities for them to try. They were able to lift a car using a magnet and pulling system, then learnt that to push something heavy they could use rollers. We all loved being able to play with old video games from 1970’s up to present day games, this kept them busy for an age. Walking through the museum, in each area there were more interactive science for them to try. This showed them how water is used to make energy and how electricity travels. We all thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the activities and this had the whole family laughing together. The skeleton on a bike had the boys very excited, they both got on bikes with the skeleton and were able to make it move. Other areas of the museum were the clothing and transport sections where the boys were able to climb into an imaginary coal mine and do art. After an afternoon of education the boys went outside to the play area where learning still continued.
The use of water for movement and sound were explored outside in the great play area. We all got on the four person see saw and had great fun together.
Snibston Discovery is great for exploring all range of science and history under one roof, it’s a great day out for children of any age. Recommend a visit. Rating: 4/5
Twycross Zoo – the zoo is easy to find and plenty of parking close to the entrance. On the way in, you pass the soft play area, which caused issues as the boys wanted to play in there rather than go into the zoo itself. Staff were friendly and we were given a map of the zoo upon entering. Once through this there is an abundance of monkeys at Twycross, all different species, though most were out of the way due to the poor weather. The pathways were not great for disabled, I took my elderly grandmother with the children and she found it difficult at times to get about.
The children loved all the monkeys and also spent a long time watching the penguins, which they were able to get quite close to. The bird area meant that the boys were able to purchase some nectar for £1 and feed the bird. They came right up to them and fed out of their hands which they loved.
There is a lot of work being done at the zoo at present and this did take away some of the attraction, though the boys had a good day. There were pop up cafes as you walk round so we were able to stop for a drink without going back to the entrance. Four packets of crisps and four drinks cost £11.20 so it’s not cheap, though there were good deals on meals in the main restaurant area.
The toilets were accessible on the way around the zoo and these were clean. The soft play area cost an additional £4.50 per child and they were allowed in there for an hour and half to play, though this was plenty long enough after walking around the zoo. This area was clean and child friendly with plenty of seating.
The children had a good day at the zoo and it’s definitely worth a visit on a nice day, though be aware of the current building work. Recommend a visit. Rating: 3/5
Hinckley Island Hotel – on arrival at the hotel it’s hard to not notice the lovely grounds and fountain not to mention the beautiful entrance area. There is plenty of parking within walking distance from the hotel entrance.
On first look the hotel is well presented, clean and modern. The reception staff were friendly and welcoming. After signing in with minimal effort we were given our room card and given directions as to where our room was. We were on the 2nd floor, half way down the corridor, though there was a lift available. The hotel corridors are well decorated and clean with a beautiful seating area leading to the staircase.
Our room was delightful, two king size beds well made with white sheets, a seating area and plenty of storage space. The room was clean and well presented. It was spacious and well equipped, with a large television, kettle and a number of teas and coffees. The room information was well presented with all details needed for the stay, including breakfast arrangements, room service and leisure facilities. The bathroom was clean with plenty of towels and toiletries for both adults and children. Two dressing gowns were also left on the bed.
In the leisure area the pool was a good size, though quite busy. The changing rooms were clean and warm. The boys enjoyed an hour in the pool while I relaxed with a hot chocolate watching them play.
In the evening we decided to eat in the Triumph bar. The menu was mainly sandwiches and burgers, though prices were reasonable. I requested a children’s menu, however we did have to request this twice as staff seemed too busy. The children’s menu had plenty of variety at reasonable prices. One adult meal, two children’s meals and 3 soft drinks cost £22. The food was served within 15 minutes and was beautifully presented and tasted great. However we did have to wait over 30 minutes for the children’s drinks as they kept forgetting to bring them over. We asked three times for these and eventually we received them with an apology.
We slept very well, black out curtains and very comfy beds were great.
At breakfast the restaurant was very busy, we gave our room number and were told to find a table down the bottom end of the room. There were none so we had to go back to the entrance. We were eventually found a table and helped ourselves to a cooked breakfast and were told that someone would bring us tea and coffee to the table.
After we had finished eating we still hadn’t received our drinks so I had to call a waitress over. My tea cup was also dirty. The waitress was polite and helpful, replacing the cup and getting us tea. The breakfast variety was very good, with good quality food. As with the evening meal I think staff were just over stretched to deal with us effectively.
Overall the hotel was beautiful and well kept. We enjoyed our stay and were very comfortable during it. I would recommend staying here in the executive rooms. Rating: 4/5
Overall Stay Play Explore is excellent value for money to enjoy exploring Leicestershire. If family fun isn’t your thing other Stay Play Explore packages are available (all for £129):
- Family Adventure Leicestershire for 2 adults and 2 children – family adventure activities.
- Gourmet Taste of Leicestershire for 2 adults – includes one night’s stay for two people and 3 delicious experiences.
- City Treat Experience Leicester for 2 adults – includes a night at a hotel with 3 indulgent city experiences.
- Glorious Heritage Leicestershire for 2 adults – includes 3 historical attractions and a one night stay in a hotel.
- King Richard III Short Break for 2 adults – includes one night in a hotel and 3 King Richard III experiences.
We give the Stay Play Explore package overall 4 out of 5. A cost effective way to have fun and explore Leicestershire.
Rating: 4/5
For more information or to book your package visit www.stayplayexplore.co.uk.
