National Space Centre & Planetarium
It was time to blast off—figuratively speaking on a journey to the National Space
Centre. No spacesuits required, but the excitement was
definitely sky-high as we arrived at one of the UK’s most iconic science and
discovery attractions. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we knew we were in for something special. Towering above us was the striking Rocket Tower, housing real spacecraft like the Blue Streak and Thor-Able—two historic rockets that once played key roles in the early days of the space race. With six huge interactive galleries covering everything from astronaut training to alien life, there was so much to explore and experience. We began in the Into Space gallery, where we got a feel for daily life on the International Space Station. 
We tried our hands at docking a virtual spacecraft, tested our reaction times in a simulated mission control centre, and got a surprising insight into space hygiene—let’s just say space toilets are not for the faint of heart! Jonathan was especially amused by the vacuum-sealed food, while Jackie gave us all a giggle attempting to navigate the astronaut’s sleeping pod. In the Tranquillity Base, we trained like astronauts through a series of games and challenges, including piloting a lunar rover, solving space emergencies, and practising zero-gravity manoeuvres (sort of!). Cameron proved to have lightning-fast reflexes, earning top scores on the reaction test panel. The highlight of the day for many came in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium—the largest in the UK. As we reclined in our seats, the lights dimmed and we were launched into a dazzling, 360° cosmic journey. Stars exploded into life above us as we travelled through constellations, swooped past Saturn’s icy rings, and zoomed toward the heart of our galaxy.
We even took a daring plunge into a black hole, learning what might happen if someone actually fell into one. (Spoiler alert: it’s not good... and you wouldn’t be coming back.)
There were plenty of opportunities to get hands-on throughout the day. From building rockets and sending virtual satellites into orbit to measuring the scale of the solar system, the exhibits brought complex science down to earth in the most engaging way. We even got to see a real piece of Moon rock and read about Britain’s own astronaut, Tim Peake.
A fun evening was had down at the ten-pin bowling. The competition was fierce, with everyone cheering each other
on.
It was a beautiful day to spend in Bourton-on-the-Water often dubbed the "Venice of the Cotswolds" for
its quaint low bridges and sparkling river. Our first stop was through a
prehistoric-themed woodland where we discovered over 30 life-sized dinosaurs,
from baby Stegosauruses to a towering T-Rex! A highlight was meeting England’s
only colony of King Penguins. Their enclosure, designed to look like a Falkland
Islands fishing village, was the perfect cool retreat on a hot day. We arrived
just in time for feeding and learned fascinating facts about their diet,
behaviour, and quirky personalities.
We then headed to Twycross
Zoo, a renowned conservation zoo in the heart of the Midlands and the only zoo
in the UK that is home to all four great apes—chimpanzees, gorillas,
orangutans, and bonobos. We
started our adventure at the Chimpanzee Eden, where we watched in
fascination as the chimps built nests high in their enclosure and interacted in
their complex social groups. One cheeky chimp even seemed to wave at us! Moving
on, we were captivated by the majestic silverback gorilla, who sat calmly
surveying his leafy habitat like a true king of the jungle. The orangutans,
with their thoughtful expressions and long flowing arms, gently swung between
platforms, while the bonobos, rare and intelligent, amused us with their
playful antics. In the Giraffe Savannah, we were amazed at just how close
we could get to these towering yet gentle creatures. Watching them stretch
their long necks to reach leafy snacks was mesmerising and the sheer size of
their hooves was enough to make us glad we weren’t on the menu!
The Black
Country Living Museum is one of the UK’s most remarkable open-air museums and we couldn't wait to explore. As soon as we stepped through
the gates, we were transported back in time. The sound of horses’ hooves on
cobbled streets, the scent of coal smoke in the air, and the sight of costumed
characters going about their daily chores made it feel like we’d travelled a
century into the past. We wandered through the reconstructed Victorian village, peering
into lovingly restored shops, houses, and workshops. Each building told a
story. In the blacksmith’s forge, the rhythmic clang of hammer on iron echoed
as we learned how essential this craft was to the age of steam. A visit to the
old-fashioned schoolroom brought history alive with a bang—quite literally for
Jonathan and Jackie, who were subjected to the wrath of a stern Victorian
schoolteacher. Jackie, attempting to write with her left hand, was branded a
“devil child” and instructed to switch hands immediately. Exploring further, we entered dimly lit cottages where
entire families lived in one or two cramped rooms, often with little sanitation
or privacy. The attention to detail was astonishing from flickering oil lamps
to laundry hanging by the stove.
Our
afternoon continued with a unique canal boat journey through
the Dudley Tunnel, carved through 428-million-year-old limestone caverns.
As we glided silently through the dark, cool tunnels, we were treated to
the Singing Cavern light and sound show an atmospheric performance
that brought the geology and mining history of the area to life in a truly
magical way. Just when we thought the experience couldn’t get more immersive, we
donned hard hats for a tour of an underground coal mine. Guided by torchlight,
we learned about the dangerous and backbreaking work carried out by miners,
including children deep below the surface. The tight passages, damp air, and
pitch darkness gave us a humbling appreciation for the hardship endured by past
generations.
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