Like anything else in your home, your skirting boards also require some basic maintenance from time to time. Whether it’s a new coat of paint, a touch up here and there, or a simple clean and…
View PostDisclosure- The AD is for a link at the bottom of this post for another Polar experience up based up North. However, this original post has been paid for by myself.
The extremely popular and iconic Christmas film ‘ The Polar Express’ was released in 2004 and became available to buy on DVD in November 2005. My eldest son, Leo was born December 2005 and it has been his all-time favourite Christmas film since he was three years old.
A few years after the film was released, railway stations started to offer The Polar Express experience in certain areas of the Uk but, unfortunately for us our closest station was a 6 hour round trip, so we never got to do it. Then I found out that Norfolk had started to offer the experience in the Dereham station which is only an hour and twenty minutes away from us however, I was always too late booking the tickets and they were sold out.
This year, I did my research and set a reminder so that I would not miss the release. Norfolk Polar express release their tickets in March so you have to be organised and early to get them. So, set a reminder if you are planning to go next year.
I have kept this blog post very minimal in detail, so I don’t give too much way but what I will say is that we all enjoyed this trip very much. It was well worth the money spent on the tickets and the wait for the big event.
So here is some handy information for you if you are thinking about booking The Polar Express
Firstly, everyone wears Christmas pyjamas on The Polar Express (Including adults) but wear sensible warm shoes.
Car parking is available on site, but you need to obtain a permit or there is a Morrisons carpark across the road, but you are limited to three hours only. Blue badge holders can park on site, but you do not have a guaranteed space, so arrive early to ensure you can get a space if you have not booked one.
When you see the entrance to the waiting area. The very friendly staff greet you at the door and show you through to the ticket desk, and there is a lovely fireplace and Christmas tree for your arrival photo opportunity. The booking desk checks you in and gives you the details for your coach and seat numbers and you are let through into the large waiting hall. The train coaches are named after Santa’s reindeer and there are banners up around the waiting hall with the location of your carriage. For example, we were on Dasher which was the second coach along.
If you can arrive early, you can get to sit right in front of the stage. They do have TV screens within the hall so if you are sat further back you can still see, but up front and centre the kids will get to see the play and performance up close. There are disability seats reserved for those with limited mobility. These are situated in the middle of the room. They will take you through to the train ahead of time to allow opportunity to move easily and avoid crowds.
While you are waiting some of the performers (the chefs) come out and start interacting with the children in the hall. This was a lot of fun as they entertain and get the kids excited about what’s to come. Then, the show starts – the performance is great starting with the singing of the classic “When Christmas comes to town”, sung really well. As the story progresses, with laughs and interacting, getting the kids shouting, we are then met by the conductor.
Finally, he calls “All aboard!”, and we are off. We move to our train, and just a word of warning this happens quickly, and everyone moves quickly, so you can either move first or wait for crowds to move through and then go when it has calmed. Once you enter the train you are met by your conductor who helps you through and the Chefs help you to your seat.
When the train is full, the performance continues, and you set off to the North Pole. Throughout the journey you are provided with songs and dancing, silliness and jokes… and most importantly, hot chocolate and cookies! Then you reach the North Pole village where you see the town and Santa’s sled.
As the show continues everything goes deadly silent and you hear a bellow from the coach as Santa Claus enters. During this time, we were chatting with the Chefs, who were very engaging as they entertained the children until Santa Claus come past to deliver the first present of Christmas, the Jingle Bell.
After this, we start the journey home, the noise of jingling stops as we are met by a cheeky little elf who entertains us on the way. After more songs and dancing, engagement and entertainment we arrive back in the station where we depart. In the station there are more photo opportunities and if you look around you can find the King of the Polar Express. On your way out you pass through the gift shop where you can purchase a memento or collector item.
Overall, the whole experience was amazing! The kids were entertained, and even Leo – who is coming on to 17 now – really enjoyed the experience (and even joined in!!). We had a fantastic time; the team were great and I cannot recommend this experience enough for those who are looking for a bit of magic as we wait for the magical day of Christmas.
Please only buy directly from the website as I have found there is a lot of people on Facebook groups trying to scam you selling ‘tickets’. Not everyone is honest unfortunately so please be aware.
Polar Express Train Ride at Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire also offer this amazing experience for those who are located up north.
For more days out with the kids reviews, click here.
Ad- This is a collaborative post with Visit Great Yarmouth however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Great Yarmouth is always fantastic with lots for the kids and us to do. That being said, we are always looking for excitement and adventure and boy were we spoiled at the Hippodrome’s circus spectacular. I have been to many circus events and shows but I can honestly say, the Summer Spectacular at The Hippodrome is one of the best we have ever seen.
From the off, The Rhythm Circus Aruba, an acrobatic group from Aruba, were captivating us with acrobatic skills. An amazing entry into what the show will hold, they appeared later with their teeterboard routine, which was phenomenal! Launching high into the air performing flips and somersaults that at times made you lose your breath.
The juggling skills of Abraham, including his dance moves based on Michael Jackson was an amazing display of skill, eventually juggling up to 12 balls all at the same time! Followed by the lovely Ukrainian Olena Demchuk performing on the aerial straps, which is a show I have always loved. The artistry and skill in spinning and rolling within the straps has always captivated me.
Part way through the show the intermission gives you a chance to get some more snacks, ice cream and more drinks. There are a range of snacks to choose from including sweets (the kids favourite), nachos with either cheese or salsa, or popcorn and small ice creams to keep the kids happy.
The second half of the show kicked off with what can only be described as breath taking, with your heart in your throat every second of the performance. The Wheel of Death is an adrenalin inducing performance that will have your face in your hands from start to end as you gasp from the crazy and wild stunts from the Columbian daredevils. This is honestly one to watch!
The aerial tango with Duo Stellare and the aerial moon with Sara Jane Macaggi, are beautiful performances mixed with acrobatics, jaw dropping physical strength, grace and skill. However, just when you thought the show couldn’t get any better, the stage arena magically transforms into a vivid and colourful pool where the Hippodrome Circus Show Swimmers entertain and enhance the performances with their synchronised swimming.
All of this building to the crescendo of the end of the show, a wild and wonderful display of talent, skills, death defying stunts and beautiful art. From beginning to end we were all amazed with every act. The kids had a wonderful time enjoying every minute of it.
With all the amazing acts on display, one duo that pulled everything together with marvellous comedy and silly humour was the ring master Jack alongside his lovable sidekick, Johnny. This pair had the audience laughing with silly gags, puns and prop jokes and really kept the children (and us) engaged while the equipment was changed between acts.
With events run throughout the year, including the upcoming Halloween Spooktacular and Pirate show during Easter next year, the Hippodrome is an absolute must see for everyone, if you are in Great Yarmouth, and even if you are not, it is well worth the trip just to attend. The shows and performances are world class and from beginning to end will keep you entertained, engaged and amazed. All pulled together well with the humorous duo, Jack and Johnny.
For more Great Yarmouth reviews click here.
Ad- This is a collaborative post however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
After any great show you need a great meal, so what better place to go than to The Empire in Great Yarmouth who is owned by the same family as the Hippodrome. Set within the old iconic theatre, The Empire provides a quirky and exciting atmosphere where you can enjoy a wide range of different foods and drinks, including a cocktail bar, and craft beers.
When you arrive at the Empire, the place can seem a little daunting as there are three kitchens, two bars, a cocktail bar and plenty of space to sit. However, the process is very simple, with three kitchens you have three different food options to choose from. When we arrived, we had a burger bar, Mexican food stall serving only vegan and vegetarian options, and a pizza bar.
From time to time the kitchens will change bringing in new menus and food choices, so no month is exactly the same as another creating a dynamic and interesting eatery. Whats more is that with the choices, there was something for everyone – something we don’t always get in other restaurants.
Lydia has long been considering switching to a more vegetarian diet and the Mexican options were great for her. Emily is less adventurous so pizza was her choice of food. Leo, David and I are definitely more burger people, so opted for this menu instead.
The food was amazing! Lydia had never had Halloumi before and opted for the halloumi tacos. She had nothing but praise for the food and complimented the chef personally to say how lovely it was. Our burgers were amazing! From Leo’s triple stack, David’s Canberra burger and my chicken Kiev burger, we were absolutely stuffed by the time we finished.
The venue itself plays live music and the theatre’s ornate roof and building design really added to the whole atmosphere of the place. They also had a tree towards the end of the room which just worked so well along with the posters and wall designs, all set against old theatre, movie and television.
The tables have checkers and tic-tac-toe boards etched into the table top and counters are available from the bar so the kids could keep themselves amused playing games while the food was being prepared. Lydia, having never played checkers before, held her own and won most games she played (much to Leo’s disappointment).
The staff were super friendly and helpful and the entire experience is out of this world. We thoroughly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for authentic food from a wide choice of kitchens, with great beer, live music and an amazing atmosphere.
The Empire is located along the Marine Parade, NR30 2HF. For more reviews on things to do around Great Yarmouth, have a look at my places to visit guide.
Ad- This is a collaborative post with DNAVR however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow! Such an amazing concept and experience! DNAVR is a virtual reality gaming centre that allows you and your family to connect and play in the virtual space together. From escape rooms to multiplayer madness, to single playing for those who just want to have a go, DNAVR is an experience like no other.
We have played VR games before, but only on a single system where you play alone or at best with just two of you. Here at DNAVR, you can connect to a virtual world and play together in the safety of an empty space where you are not at risk of falling over tables, chairs or other objects within your home.
Up to four of you can join a virtual escape room, where you have to work together to solve a puzzle and escape the room.
This is done in a large space with four connected headsets so you can work together. There are also single spaces which up to four (although we could do five) can connect to play VR games, either single or multiplayer. Each space is a small room where you have your own headset that allows you to move around and play safely.
Not only was it entertaining for David and the kids but it was hilarious for me watching them. Dave was a bit boring to watch as he was more controlled in his play however, Leo and the girls were extremely amusing from Leo’s facial expression (from what I could see), Lydia’s random movements and giggles and Emily walking into the wall and watching her making a virtual drink and trying to drink it.
As a spectator I got to see what was happening on the other side through the tv screens which were being monitored by a DNAVR crew member. The member of staff wore a headset and was there to help them navigate through the games and just assist them should they need it. This way I got to see what each of them were playing or doing which I found very interesting and how I knew Emily was making a drink.
The kids had an amazing time playing virtual cooking, killing zombies and flying around a large dome shooting each other out of the sky. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely be going back there again. We attended the Hammersmith venue but there are others across London so plenty of opportunity. Hammersmith venue was located a 5 min walk from the tube station, so easy access.
You can book your experience on the website and prices are based on per/hour. Have a look at our other reviews on fun days out with the kids.
