By Kate Hodges
25th November 2017
DO Here Comes The Sun
Have your children ever been on a special trip to watch the sun rise? As the days grow shorter, and the sun appears later, it’s easier to get out of bed to watch its ascent. Check the weather forecast the day before to avoid fog and rain, pack some home-baked snacks, and wrap up warm. Then head to your nearest east-facing hill, stone circle, clifftop or beach for a dramatic, moving spectacle. It’s a lovely way to bond as a family as well as learning about the movement of the earth around the sun. Check out these 12 suggestions for the best sunrise-watching places in the UK.
EVENT and DO One, Two, Tree!
National Tree Week runs from 25 November to 3 December. It’s a chance for communities and individuals to celebrate the wonders of branch and bark, get their hands dirty, and join in events that contribute something positive to the local treescape. Find an event near you here. Take part in tree dressing events, storytelling, tree planting, or wintery walks across the country. Alternatively, why not visit your favourite tree, or find one and create a new family ritual – it’s a brilliant way of bonding. Visit the Woodland Trust site for inspiration
VISIT Temple of Doom
Discovered in 1954, London’s Roman Temple of Mithras opened to visitors last week. It’s thought it was the centre of the mysterious cult of Mithras the bull slayer, a virile young god worshipped by soldiers, who would sacrifice animals in his honour. Now situated in its original site, in Bloomberg’s new European headquarters, the stunning, brand new galleries incorporate an art space, a huge glass case with 600 of the 14,000 objects found on the site, including a tiny gladiator’s helmet carved in amber. Free to get in, but you must book ahead
RECIPE Pudding It On
It’s Stir Up Sunday – five weeks before Christmas, and the day on which you’re meant to make your Christmas pudding - find out all about it here. Try our own recipe here or our delicious paleo/vegan alternative here
EVENT Hay Ho, Let’s Go!
The Hay Festival Winter Weekender is the frostier, smaller version of the main summer literary festival. On Saturday, Hay Food Festival celebrates the joys of winter cooking, with stalls showcasing the very best local produce. On Sunday, the town goes vintage, with a festive outdoor flea market in the main square. Plus, of course, some of the biggest names in literature are on hand for readings and workshops (some ticketed, others free). We’re especially keen on the free Forest School outdoor cookery sessions, Barney Norris’ creative writing sessions for teens, hula-hoop classes, and the free tree-to-type printmaking workshop. Full programme of family-friendly sessions here
