Tag: February half-term

Half-term Savings at Dobbies

Great-value family fun

Families looking for great-value half-term days out will find plenty to enjoy at Dobbies Garden Centres this February. Younger children can experience a fun-filled session at Dobbies’ Soft Play where they can let off some steam, and parents can make the most of Dobbies’ Kids Eat for £1 restaurant offer. 

Soft Play

Families are welcome to join the fun at Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Soft Play, where toddlers and young children can burn off energy and play in a safe environment. 

The soft play is located in the restaurant, where families can enjoy a hot drinks, snacks, meals, and a famous Dobbies’ scone while the kids play. There’s also the chance to take in the wider garden centre experience as part of the visit, including plants and gardening, toys, pet products, homeware, clothing and gifting. 

Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, but there may be walk-in spaces available on the day. Prices and age ranges vary for each store, starting from £2.50.

For more information and to book, visit Soft Play | Dobbies Garden Centres

Kids Eat for £1 restaurant offer

Dobbies offers Kids Eat for £1, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for £1 with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. Children can pick from the kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or pick ‘n’ mix meal, and this deal also includes a drink. 

Kids Eat for £1 is available every day, all year round, with no membership required. Restaurants are open Monday to Sunday from 9am, location times may vary and customers are advised to visit the website to check the restaurant opening hours. * 

A £1 supplement applies to kids’ Sunday roasts, and customers are advised to visit dobbies.com to check local opening times and menus.  

* 9am for Scottish stores, 10:30am for stores in England and 1pm for the two Northern Ireland stores.

Big screen family fun lands at Vue Edinburgh this February half term

With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term. 

Follow Will, a small goat with big dreams, who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join a professional roarball team – a high, intensity co-ed, full contact sport dominated by the fastest and fiercest beasts in the animal kingdom – in the animated comedy GOAT. 

From the artists behind the worldwide sensation KPOP Demon Hunters, this film promises a slam dunk of animal antics when it arrives on 13 February – just in time for the half term break.  

Also heading to Vue on 13 February is the stunning animated tale Little Amélie, nominated for Best Animated Feature at both this year’s Academy Awards and BAFTA’s. This enchanting story about curiosity, courage and the power of human connection is based on The Character of Rain, the best-selling autobiographical novel by Amélie Nothomb, following a young Belgian girl’s life living in Japan.  

Meanwhile, an adorably family twist on the horror classic Frankenstein is screening this half term, with the arrival of Stitch Head. Set in a castle laboratory formally owned by a Mad Professor, we meet his very first creation, Stitch Head – a kind-hearted monster who takes it upon himself to teach the other creations from being quick so monstrous.  

Vue will also be screening The Scarecrow’s Wedding and The Smeds and Smoos as part of their Big Shorts screenings from 9 February, as well as the return of recent favourite Spongebob: Search For Squarepants, which will be shown at 10am every day across half term as Vue’s Mighty Morning screening. 

General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “There’s plenty to get excited about heading to the big screen this February, just in time for the half term break. With a whole host of fantastic new releases, recent favourites and family stories tailor made for the big screen, there’s no better place to enjoy quality family time this February.   

“Even better, our Vue Mighty Mornings at 10am, will continue to show the latest kids’ films at just £2.49 a ticket if purchased online and £3.49 in venue. Parents and children can come along, immerse themselves in great stories and switch off.” 

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com 

The Real Mary King’s Close announces selection of special tours for February half term

This February half term, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to step back in time and discover the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past with three captivating experiences. From the chilling tales of true crime to groundbreaking medical advancements, there’s something for history buffs and curious families alike.

Beneath the iconic Royal Mile lies a hidden world teeming with history, and the True Crimetour offers a glimpse into the city’s darker side. This adults-only experience delves into the Old Town’s grim tales of crime and punishment.

Visitors will explore the reign of James VI, the witch trials, and the shocking realities of addiction, eviction, and lawlessness in centuries past. Led by a dedicated “True Crimes” guide, the tour even reveals a fascinating connection between Mary King’s Close and the character who inspired The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Meanwhile, the Medical History tour takes guests on a journey through 17th-century medicine. Visitors can enjoy learning about the city’s last plague outbreak, the unusual diagnostic methods of local apothecaries like Dr Arnott, and Edinburgh’s legacy as a hub for medical innovation.

Guests will hear the inspiring stories of trailblazers like the Edinburgh Seven, who fought for women’s right to practice medicine, and Dr James Barry, the military surgeon who performed the British Empire’s first successful caesarean section.

For those seeking a hands-on adventure, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation offers families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in historical medicine. After a guided tour of the Close, participants will use all their senses, including taste, to diagnose ailments using 17th-century techniques. Guests will also create their own herbal remedy using authentic recipes.

Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We’re excited to welcome visitors this February to experience the real stories of our former residents and their remarkable contributions to history. Whether you’re uncovering the city’s criminal past, delving into medical breakthroughs, or stepping into the role of a 17th-century doctor, there’s something for everyone to discover.”

Recently crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction and ranked 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in the 2024 TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best, The Real Mary King’s Close continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.

Tour Information:

  • True Crime Tours (adults only):
  • Medical History Tour:
  • Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation

For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close and bookings please visit:  www.realmarykingsclose.com