15 great days out for Father’s Day 2017
It’s almost time to celebrate Dads across the region on Sunday 18 June. Are you stuck for ideas for Father’s Day? Read our guide to great days out and events in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.
Bedfordshire days out for Father’s Day
Father’s Day Pit Stop at Wrest Park
Taking place on 17 and 18 June, 11am-5pm, rev your engines for some wheel-y good fun! Beat the chequered flag and join in fun and interactive family-friendly shows on the history of motor sport through the ages. (Psst we’ve even heard that some racing drivers were spies!) Is your dad a secret Stirling Moss or a daring Damon Hill? Then time to climb inside one of the three wonderful full-size replica historic racing cars for a perfect picture. Put yourself into top gear and race over to Wrest Park this Father’s Day – 3, 2, 1, go go go! Adults £10.40 / Concessions £9.40 / Children £6.20 / Family £27. www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrestpark
Golf at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa
Luton Hoo Hotel is hosting a Father’s Day special offer on Sunday 18 June. Treat him to a three course lunch, dinner or afternoon tea in a choice of two settings. Dine in the opulent mansion house or enjoy a relaxing afternoon of jazz in the more salubrious Adam’s Brasserie. In addition, all Dads will be given a full day pass for the Country Club, allowing access to the tennis courts, infinity pool and golf course. Well, he can’t play by himself can he, so you’ll have to book in too! Prices start at £40 per person. http://www.lutonhoo.co.uk/fathers-day-0.
Lunch and music at The Sculpture Gallery, Woburn Abbey
If your Dad is more swing and soul than the swinging 60s, treat him to a delicious traditional two course lunch this Father’s Day at The Sculpture Gallery, in the grounds of Woburn Abbey, whilst listening to the dreamy sounds of the saxophone and vocals by Lynden Blades, performing a selection of classic jazz, swing and soul.
Details of the menu on the day, prices and timings can be found on the website at https://www.woburnabbey.co.uk/events/theatre/fathers-day-2017/
Father’s Day ideas in Cambridge
Pamper day at Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, Cambridge
If your Dad is constantly working to office deadlines and is need of some complete relaxation, why not pamper your pops with a special Father’s Day package which includes full use of the onsite facilities and gym at the Quy Mill Hotel set in beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. http://www.cambridgequymill.co.uk/events/fathers-day/.
Feasts for Foodie Fathers
Eat your way around Cambridge with The Cambridge Food Tour. Purchase a voucher for a foodie experience within the city, which include multiple tasting, live demonstrations and food and drink pairings – there is something to whet every foodie’s appetite. http://www.cambridgefoodtour.com/fathers-day-presents/
Essex days out for Father’s Day
Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park
Dads go free this Father’s Day at Marsh Farm Animal Park, so if your Dad is always monkeying around, or has always wanted to get up close and personal with a specific species or bird of prey, now is his chance. Marsh Farm is also offering a special bird of prey experience for Dads where they get to fly a bird on 14-15 June and 21-22 June. Online booking in advance is advised. https://www.marshfarm.co.uk/.
Classic Cars at Audley End House, Saffron Walden
On Sunday 18 June from 11am-5pm, Audley End House will be hosting a fantastic display of classic cars. Put your pedal to the metal and discover what it takes to take care of your dream motor. The perfect Father’s Day event for all ages! http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/classic-cars-audley-end-house-and-gardens-18-06-2017/
Father’s Day events in Hertfordshire
Angling Amateur at Willows Lakes, St Albans
If your Dad prefers the slower pace of life and is partial to catching a carp or two, take him for a day at Willows Lakes, set in 38 acres of open water stocked with carp galore. Day tickets cost £7. Take a few sandwiches and wait for those finned friends to take the bait. Loser buys the chips! http://www.willowslakes.com.
De Havilland Aircraft Museum, London Colney
Is your Dad the type to wing it? Or just has a passion for the history of aircraft? With three Second World War Mosquito planes, assault gliders, jet fighters, the world’s first turbojet ‘The Comet’ and many more, history will be at his fingertips. The museum opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays during the week, weekends and bank holidays. http://www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk.
Father’s Day days out in Norfolk
Wells Harbour Tours, Wells-next-the-sea
Book onto a trip to Blakeney Point to see the seals; moor up in the marshes and take in some of the hundreds of species of wildlife; or go overboard with a sunset cruise which promises spectacular views back towards the Quay. http://www.wellsharbourtours.com/
Summer Diesel Gala North Norfolk Railway
Between 9-11 June, diesel mad Dads can let off some steam at The Poppy Line, Diesel Gala, in Norfolk. Hosting an impressive array of guest diesel locomotives, this is a must for any diesel enthusiast. http://www.nnrailway.co.uk.
Father’s Day in Suffolk
Adnams Brewery Tour, Southwold, IP18 6EW
Take your Dad on a one-hour tour of a working brewery followed by a beer tasting session. Following the distillery process from hops to the glass here in the beautiful town of Southwold, http://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/suffolk-coast-towns-and-villages/southwold
Ellough Park Raceway, nr Beccles, NR34 7XD
If it’s feeling the force of gravity and watching the world pass in a blur of exhilaration, take your Dad to a kart circuit. Sessions start from 15 minutes for beginners to longer sessions on the track. www.elloughparkraceway.co.uk
Sci-fi super Dad at Rendlesham Forest, IP12 3NF
Is there extra-terrestrial life beyond earth? Head for Rendlesham Forest and explore the UFO trail which will take him past the areas where an unidentified flying object was spotted in 1980. https://www.forestry.gov.uk/rendlesham.
Newmarket Shetland Pony Grand National and family fun day at National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art
Come and celebrate Father’s Day with a difference. On Sunday 18th June we will be hosting the Newmarket Shetland Pony Grand National and family fun day. Enjoy an action packed day full of adrenalin as you watch some of the country’s fastest Shetland ponies race to become crowned the winner. Have a go at being a jockey on the racehorse simulator and enjoy a delicious BBQ by The Tack Room in the paddocks. Tickets for this are just £5pp for the paddock area and can be purchased on reception on the day. www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk
Written by Liz Mattock