Out in the Great Outdoors: Aston Springs Farm

Do your children have a love for animals? Are you wishing to get out of the city this summer but don’t want to travel too far? 

Aston Springs Farm is the perfect family day out for you. Opened to the public in May 2013, the farm is one of South Yorkshire's newest attractions. Created for the love of animals, you can spend the day getting up close and personal with Aston Springs residents including Alpacas, Sheep, Rheas, Donkeys, Goats and many more.

Photo Credit: http://www.astonspringsfarm.co.uk/gallery

The farm trail provides the perfect opportunity to escape an urban backdrop and to experience nature and life on the farm. Trail prices are £3 for adults, £2 for children and under 3’s go free. Alternatively a family ticket is available for £8 for two adults and two children.

A gentle stroll around the fields and woodland to see animals including rare breed Berkshire pigs and piglets, Red Deer and Ponies is a wonderful way to enjoy the British sunshine.

http://www.astonspringsfarm.co.uk/farmtrail                                         

Photo Credit: http://www.astonspringsfarm.co.uk/gallery

After seeing the animals you can enjoy a coffee and cake in the onsite restaurant –or perhaps get creative in the paint-a-pot studio. There is even the option to have your child’s birthday party here with ‘Animal Magic’ parties:

http://www.astonspringsfarm.co.uk/parties

Photo Credit: http://www.astonspringsfarm.co.uk/gallery

Getting There

The farm is accessible by car with parking onsite, and by bus via the x5 service from the Sheffield Transport Interchange. For more information on this service please visit:

http://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/timetables/sheffield/545.htm

Learning in the City: MAGNA

While school may be out, a trip to one of Sheffield’s many museums and science centres is a perfect opportunity for children to learn over the holidays. MAGNA Science Adventure Centre is a fun way to see science in action. With unique experiences in the former steelworks who knows what parents and children will learn?

Photo Credit: http://www.visitmagna.co.uk/content/70/hotels

MAGNA is a great day out for all ages, the exhibition is packed full of interactive exhibits. Explore the wonders of science and laws of nature on a voyage of discovery. There are over a hundred hands-on exhibits, all in theme of one of the four elements; Water, Air, Fire and Earth.

Photo Credit: http://www.patrickryanassociates.com/projects/magna-science-adventure-centre--rotherham

There is no entry charge to the science centre for children under four years old, for children aged 4-16 there is ticket price of £8.95. For adults the tickets are priced at £10.95. Family tickets and concessions are available. For a 10% discount, buy tickets online at:

https://www.visitmagna.co.uk/book/

Getting There

Travelling to MAGNA is easy by Bus, Car and Rail. Parking is available on site but parking for specific events may be charged. For more information on finding Magna, please visit:

http://www.visitmagna.co.uk/findus.php

Photo Credit: http://www.visitmagna.co.uk/content/58/fire-pavilion

What are you waiting for? To see what’s happening at MAGNA now visit:

http://www.visitmagna.co.uk/science/

Out in the Great Outdoors: Weston Park

While the British weather may be unreliable, when the sun is shining you can rely on the outdoor spaces of Sheffield for wonderful family days out.

Photo Credit: http://www.photoprolific.com/weston-park-sheffield-uk/

The closest park to Sheffield city centre, Weston Park is an ideal setting for picnics, sports and walks during the summer months. Covering 5 hectares, Weston Park was opened on the 6^th of September 1875 and boasts many floral displays, a lake that is home to geese and ducks, tennis courts and the Weston park weather station.

Restoration work has been ongoing in recent years to return the park to its former glory. These improvements include restoring the lake to the original vision, it is now a beautiful reflective sheet of water, crossed by two bridges and inhabited by geese and duck that love to be fed by visitors. New trees and shrubs have been planted to increase interest throughout all season, the two tennis courts have also been refurbished.

Photo Credit: http://www.r4tw.org/locations/weston-park/

Getting There

The main entrance is located on Weston Bank across from Sheffield Children’s Hospital. The park is easily accessible by both car and public transport. For more information on parking and travelling by tram, bus and rail please visit:

http://www.museums-sheffield.org.uk/museums/weston-park/planning-a-visit/how-to-get-to-weston-park

Weston park is a favourite spot for local families, it provides the idyllic backdrop for a day out with young children with ample space for sport and games. For more information on all that Weston Park has to offer please visit:

https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/parks/city-district-local-parks/weston-park.html

Hello From Sheffield Tourism...

...And welcome to the Summer in the City blog!

The summer school holidays are almost upon us and while children may be counting the days, we understand why parents could be filled with dread at the thought of bored children for 42 days. That’s why we are here to help, this blog aims to tell you all that Sheffield has to offer to keep your young ones entertaining. With a mix of indoor activites as well as outdoor that won’t break the bank and will entertain all ages come rain or shine. No Xbox or computers here, just days packed with family fun.

From all of us here at Sheffield Tourism we wish you a very happy Summer.

Enjoy!