Half term is upon us, and we – like countless aging grandparents – are called upon to look after grandchildren. This can be quite expensive, so we are constantly on the look out for places to visit, which are not too expensive, somewhat educational and guarrenteed to wear them out. Conkers, an adventure and discovery park in the heart of the National Forest, (off the M42/A42 junction) is one such place. Pick a fine day, as most is out of doors, 120 acres, on an old pit site. The indoor bit was not liked by my grandgchildren( aged 5 & 7) The enchanted forest and tree top walk were both a bit dark and scary, and the interactive section too grown up to be instantly appealing. They really enjoyed outdoors though. A large and challenging playground, a bare foot walk through water, mud, straw, pebbles etc ( remember to take a towel), and a train to ride one as many times as they wanted. The teenage and adult assault course was one attreaction for the future, but we did manage the rope bridge walk. Trees, lakes and plenty of walks, so not too crowded, except the playground and train. I'd recommend taking a picnic, unless you like the overpowering smell of chips and burgers. The souvenir shop does not have to be walked through to get out ( worth a look round when the little people are occupied elsewhere) Worth looking in the local press or on the internet for two for one addmission vouchers. Yes, it did wear them out – they slept in the car on the way back-didn't want to go to bed!
