‘Man-sized’ getaways in Leicestershire
Father’s Day is just around the corner so here’s a round-up of the top five ‘manly’ experiences and attractions in Leicestershire that are sure to get dad out of his easy chair. And there are no spas or pampering in sight!
From woodland survival workshops to exhilarating car crushing experiences, Leicester and Leicestershire is the perfect place for the ultimate ‘man-sized’ experience getaway.
Drive a tank at Tank Mania
Ashby de la Zouch, tankmania.co.uk
Ever fancied driving a tank or a real armoured vehicle? How about powering a tank right over an entire car? For the ultimate testosterone-inducing driving experience, treat your dad to a visit to Tank Mania in Ashby de la Zouch, where he’ll have the opportunity to drive some serious big boys’ toys around a purpose built track. Gift vouchers are available.
Stay overnight at the Ramada Birmingham East Hotel – A modern complex set amid the rolling countryside of Leicestershire. Twin/double rooms with breakfast start at £49 per room per night.
Book a ‘Father & Son Bushcraft Adventure’ workshop at The National Forest
Leicestershire, woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com
For the ultimate Ray Mears-style survival experience and proper bonding time with dad, book a Father & Son Bushcraft Adventure workshop at Woodland Survival Crafts, situated in the heart of the stunning National Forest in Leicestershire. This is an all-action experience designed to teach participants primitive survival techniques in a wild woodland environment. Learn how to make fire using flint and wood, build weatherproof shelters and cook grub on open fires.
Stay overnight at the YHA National Forest. Accommodation has been built to four-star standard with excellent facilities including en suite rooms. Rates start at £15.95 per adult at £11.95 per child.
Take a journey into space at the National Space Centre
Leicester, spacecentre.co.uk
Why not take Dad for a truly out of this world day out? Just don’t tell him you got the ticket for free! The National Space Centre in Leicester is letting all dads visit for free this Father’s Day – perfect for ‘big kid’ dads who’ve always dreamed of experiencing space travel. The attraction is the largest in the country dedicated to space discovery and with 250 exhibits, you can do everything from ascend the awesome 42 metre-high Rocket Tower to undertake real ‘astronaut training’ in the human spaceflight 2025, the UK’s most thrilling space simulator. Log onto spacecentre.co.uk to claim your free Father’s Day pass for dad.
Stay overnight – for just £99 a family of four (two adults, two children) can stay overnight at a top Leicestershire family friendly hotel and visit the National Space Centre PLUS two other top Leicestershire attractions. Visit stayplayexplore.co.uk for more details.
Drive a stream train at the Great Central Railway
Loughborough, gcrailway.co.uk
Has your dad ever dreamed of getting behind the controls of a powerful steam train? At the Great Central Railway budding drivers can do exactly that for a few hours or even an entire day. The ‘Drive a Train’ experience day will give him the opportunity to drive a giant express passenger or freight engine on Britain's only mainline double track steam railway. As the only place in this country where you can drive a steam locomotive up and down a mainline, this really is an experience he won’t forgot in a hurry.
Stay overnight at Charnwood Lodge – a charming guesthouse set in peaceful surroundings within walking distance of Loughborough. Twin/double rooms start at £40 with breakfast.
Try power kite flying at Airbossworld’s Airfield
Loughborough, powerkitecentre.com
With 52-acres of flat green grass to fly on, the Airfield at Airbossworld in Loughborough is the biggest dedicated powerkite park in the UK, offering powerkite flying facilities for all abilities. Never flown a four line powerkite before? Fear not, as the centre offers day-long courses in the very basics of powerkite flying.
Stay overnight at imago at Burleigh Court – a contemporary hotel offering exceptional leisure facilities like a well equipped gym and sauna. Twin /double rooms with breakfast start at £99.
For more ideas on days out and short breaks in Leicester and Leicestershire, visit: goleicestershire.com
