What to do with your Family this Summer

WITH the summer holidays starting soon it’s time to look at

some of the activities on offer to the youngsters of Tiverton so they don’t get

bored over the long summer break.

If the weather is kind to us and you enjoy trains, then

Bickleigh is the place to be. The Devonshire Railway Centre has the Wheal

Beckie Tin Mine and The Black Hole which are new for 2010. A fun and educational

way to see a depiction of life in the Edwardian era and is an interactive

addition to the Exe Vale Model Village. The Black Hole will

house our new Space Orbitors and will provide fun

and excitement for older children.

When you’ve seen the model train, you can then get lost in

one. Just across the road from the railway centre is the Bickleigh Maize Maze

which this year has the layout of Tiverton’s Tivvy Bumper steam engine which is

celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Don’t forget to wear wellies

if it’s a bit wet.

Following a day in Bickleigh, and after being exhausted

after wandering around looking for brass rubbings in the maze, maybe a relaxing

meal at Fisherman’s Cot, the Trout or tea at Bickleigh Mill.

Why not go and see the Tivvy Bumper for yourself at the

Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life which is celebrating its 50th

birthday this year. The museum also has different displays and events

throughout the year, so it may be worth checking what’s on.

A nice day is an excuse to get outside and walk along the

old railway line and back towards Tiverton on the Grand Western Canal and feed

the ducks with your family, and enjoy the Duck’s Ditty at the basin or the tea rooms. You can

rent your own boat and row row gently up the canal or book a trip on the Tivertonian and let one of the shire horses take you on a trip. Away from the basin, the

Canal stretches along the path which is flat and perfect for cycling along, and

bikes are available to rent.

More outdoor pursuits include Knightshayes Court or the

grounds of Tiverton Castle – somewhere people in Tiverton know about, but a lot

say they’ve never been.

Staying outdoors – and for children there is the Adventure

Playground on Cowleymoor Road – I went for a summer when I was in year 4 while

my parents were at work. Another place to adventure is Monster’s Mansion,

something which has been described by Tiverton People users as ‘something

Tiverton has needed for a long time’.

What else is there to do in Tiverton for young people this Summer? What will you be getting up to?