— Janie Pengilly is a Lincoln mum of two, both under the age of 4, that keep her busy. As well as being a stay-at-home mum, she is also the editor of the new online magazine, Lincoln Mums. In this column, Janie looks at places to take the kids around Lincoln if the autumn half-term is a wet one.
Autumn is here and out come the jumpers and proper shoes — I would say the rain coats, but they’ve been out all Summer.
When it’s cold and raining, you’ve read through your children’s library of books (several times), played every board game, completed every jigsaw and can’t take any more Peppa Pig, the time has come to venture out of the house. The good news is Lincoln is pretty good for things to do inside, and the Soft Play centres are a real joy for parents and children alike on days like these.
My favourite during term time is Wacky Warehouse based in The Gamekeeper on Newark Road. It holds a tot time between 9am and 3pm, and you can either pay £2 for unlimited entry during this time, or pay £3 and get free tea and coffee for you and free juice for the kids. It has a two storey soft climbing area, steps, ball pools and a few slides. There isn’t a huge area for babies, but from about 12-18 months old there is lots to do and hopefully the little ones might go and play — giving you time to relax and maybe even read a book. They also serve a full children’s pub menu, so you can feed the children out too.
Fun Factory is based in Gateway Park also on Newark Road. During term they also run “tot time” on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am until 11.30am at £2 per child. However play times are set throughout the day so make sure you know when they are before you arrive. This three storey climbing centre has ropes, blocks slides and much more. Parents are not allowed in the climbing areas with children, but if there is a problem a member of staff is on hand. There is a smaller area on the right hand side for the younger ones to play, some soft climbing blocks as well as a small slide, building blocks and rockers. Gateway Park also has a full food menu.
Fun Farm is a huge warehouse of soft play items, based on Stephenson Road in North Hykeham. This one is brilliant for all ages, catering from babies and crawlers right the way up to school age and older. Entrance for toddlers during term time is £3.75, and if you go on a weekday, you can return for free in the same week. There is also a café that does hot and cold food and drinks.
Playzone is based in the centre of Lincoln by the football stadium with plenty of parking right outside. This play area is like Fun Farm because it is hard to see your child; easier to lose them as there is more space for them to hide. It is great for the slightly older ones that have more independence, just be slightly wary of the “death slides” at the top at the back with vertical drops (can be fun) but not sure about letting my little ones go down without me watching. There is also a great area for crawlers and the younger ones just by the seating area by the café. Playzone runs a tot time during term time 10am to 1.30pm for £2.95.
So take your pick, we have a great choice of places around the city to go grab a cuppa, have a chat with some friends, or simply just to wear out the kids.
Janie Pengilly is a Lincoln mum of two, both under the age of 4, that keep her busy. As well as being a stay-at-home mum, she is also the editor of the new online magazine, Lincoln Mums.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.