Capital bars team up for Maker’s Mark ‘Remarkable Neighbourhood’ Initiative 

Maker’s Mark, the handmade bourbon from Kentucky, has teamed up with Edinburgh’s finest bars and artisan producer Scottish Bee Company, to celebrate Maker’s Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative for the first time in Scotland.

You can enjoy limited edition drinks on a new bourbon cocktail trail across Leith until May 31st. 

Three Edinburgh bars, Nauticus, Mother Superior and Innis and Gunn, have created their twist on a Maker’s Mark’s ‘Gold Rush’ cocktail made with honey syrup, lemon, and Maker’s Mark bourbon.

The brand’s signature serve has been chosen for cocktail lovers to enjoy and, as a delicious option for those who might not have tried bourbon before, for its smooth and well–balanced flavours.

Imaginative drinks from Edinburgh’s top bartenders are available exclusively on curated menus in each bar until the end of the month and feature homegrown honey by Scottish Bee Company to enhance the bold flavours of Maker’s Mark bourbon.

Menu highlights in venues include a refreshing Fools Gold at Nauticus with Maker’s Mark, Edinburgh Honey Co, ginger, rooibos tea, fresh grapefruit and lime. Or try a smoky Maker Break cocktail at Mother Superior, expertly mixed with Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig 10yr Old, lemon and honey syrup. 

The Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative takes place in May throughout the UK across Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, with 18 of the UK’s best bars and restaurants part of the exciting programme of craft cocktails and events. 

All are designed to explore iconic bourbon cocktails whilst celebrating local communities and neighbourhoods. Bars have been selected for their superior quality and sustainable practice, and partnerships with local, artisan honey producers will occur in each city, paying homage to Maker’s Mark recent B – Corp certification. 

Handcrafted in small batches, Maker’s Mark bourbon is crafted with precision and care to create a smooth yet full flavoured bourbon whiskey. Their production process includes rotating each barrel by hand and hand dipping each bottle at their distillery in Loretto, Kentucky in order to create the best-tasting Bourbon whiskey. 

Edinburgh: Remarkable Neighbourhood – Edinburgh: Leith

  • Mother Superior Book your table by calling 0131 554 5280
  • Nauticus Book your table here
  • Innis & Gunn Taproom Book your table here

Celebrate your local neighbourhood in style this May. MAKER’S MARK Remarkable Neighbourhood runs until May 31st across Leith in Edinburgh. For more information, visit https://www.makersmark.com/uk 

Follow MAKER’S MARK on social here

David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair launches local recruitment drive

David Lloyd Leisure has appointed its senior management team in anticipation of opening its new Edinburgh Shawfair club.

Michael Lindores joins the team as General Manager from David Lloyd Aberdeen and will oversee preparations for the 2023 summer opening. The Edinburgh Shawfair team has launched its local recruitment drive this month, with management interviewing candidates for key hospitality, spa, and fitness roles.

Those interested in a role can learn more here: https://careers.davidlloyd.co.uk/

David Lloyd Leisure expects that the new club will generate up to 75 jobs when operational. Construction began in October 2022, and the development phase is expected to generate more than £4 million for local subcontractors and companies and involve 50-60 construction jobs.

The site recently opened a dedicated marketing suite staffed by a full-time membership team. There has been intense interest from locals who have registered for updates in recent months, and early-bird discounts still operate for those registering online for a little while longer.

The club is committed to exploring opportunities to develop local community partnerships over the coming months, most notably as a sponsor and participant at the Midlothian Gala in May.

The centrepiece of David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be the 100+ station gym, which will house David Lloyd Clubs’ cutting-edge gym concept with an unrivalled array of best-in-class equipment.  

Four bespoke designed studios will offer high-octane High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes, such as Blaze, group cycling with Cyclone and mind and body classes, such as SPIRIT.

A 20m indoor and a 25m heated outdoor swimming pool will offer a range of activities, including aqua aerobics, family splash time as well as quiet adult swim sessions for a more relaxing way to enjoy lengths. The new Club will also feature three outdoor padel courts plus four tennis courts inside an aerodome.

There will also be a Clubroom which will be carefully zoned to meet member needs, including a dining area with freshly cooked meals and a business area to catch up with work in peaceful surroundings. Families can enjoy a dedicated zone with eating areas and an indoor playframe. An outdoor patio area will offer a space for outdoor dining and socialising on warmer days and evenings, with playground facilities for the children.

The club will have a 250-space car park and is well-connected to Edinburgh and surrounding towns in Midlothian and East Lothian by nearby bus, rail, and cycle links. The development was granted planning approval in April 2021 following extensive consultation with the local community in 2020.

To secure membership at David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair and join today on the introductory offer, visit www.davidlloyd.co.uk/edinburghshawfair.

Michael Lindores, General Manager at David Lloyd Shawfair, said: “I am delighted to be appointed General Manager to oversee the process of building our new community at David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair. It is a privilege to lead the new team welcoming our members in summer 2023.

“David Lloyd Edinburgh Shawfair will be an amazing place. Our members will enjoy new and unrivalled facilities, ranging from incredible outdoor spaces to an extensive suite of group exercise studios, with Signature classes exclusive to David Lloyd Clubs. 

“We are committed to the Midlothian area, and our recruitment drive is a fantastic opportunity for those with the drive and passion to thrive in a fast-paced fitness environment.

“Many of our senior team have transferred from across the United Kingdom, and we are steadfastly committed to seeing Shawfair become a premium destination that locals can be proud of.”

Some of the more unusual activities you can try at Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure launches new membership campaign

As Edinburgh Leisure launches its new May membership campaign, here’s a look some of the more unusual activities to try at Edinburgh Leisure.

Pickleball

Don’t get yourself in a pickle!  Invented in the USA over 50 years ago by a family who named it after their dog Pickles, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world. 

Played on a court very similar to badminton but with a lower net, it is played with a ball and a paddle, and uses racket skills from tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis. The rules and scoring system mean that pickleball is very accessible for the young and not so young, making it a family activity for everyone to enjoy. 

Pickleball is available at the new Meadowbank Sports Centre and Gracemount Leisure Centre. Book your place online or via the App under ‘Social Sport Class” 

Volunteering

Have time on your hands? Perhaps, you could consider volunteering for Edinburgh Leisure?AtEdinburgh Leisure, their wonderful volunteers play a vital role in supporting people in our Active Communities programme.

They make an enormous difference to people’s lives and, quite simply, many of Edinburgh Leisure’s projects couldn’t exist without them.  No matter which role you undertake as a volunteer, training and support will be provided.

Get an overview of their different programmes, and register your interest in any that suit you.

Hydrospin

Most people are familiar with Aquafit, but Hydrospin takes working out in water to a whole new level. If you’ve tried spinning, then try cycling underwater for an hour to get a whole new perspective on a workout.

Hydrospin is a water-based fitness class combining the dynamism of indoor studio cycling with the benefits of water-based exercise.Available at the Royal Commonwealth Pool only.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/fitness-classes/water-based

Adult swim and dive coaching

Hone your skills in the water with Edinburgh Leisure’s 1-2-1 swim and dive lessons. 

Whether you are looking to build confidence in the pool or perfect your technique Edinburgh Leisure’s enthusiastic team will help guide, support and encourage you to achieve your goals – fast. Their lessons are open to all ages and abilities, although the swim 1-2-1 session times are more suitable for adults.  

Prices are £22 for a 25-minute session or £44 for 50 minutes.  Bookings can be made up to a week in advance (or 8 days in advance if you have a membership card).

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching-courses/swimming#SwimAdult

Squash

Grab your racquet and step on court at venues across Edinburgh. Available at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre and the new Meadowbank Sports Centre.

And if squash isn’t your bag, then there’s always tennis, badminton, Pickleball or table tennis.

Edinburgh Leisure run a series of Adult social sport classes across their venues. These are regular social and fun classes designed for all ages and abilities: 

Badminton – Instructor led adult social classes available at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Meadowbank Sports Centre and Wester Hailes High School.  More information on these sessions can be found here

Pickleball – Gracemount Leisure Centre and Meadowbank Sports Centre. Book your place in the class online or via the App under ‘Social Sport Class” 

Take a dip in a Victorian pool

Edinburgh Leisure boasts not one but five Victorian pools!

At GlenoglePortobelloDalryLeith Victoria and Warrender, which over the years have received substantial refurbishment and TLC. To swim in a Victorian pool with the natural light that floods in through their glass roofs is a relaxing experience like no other.

Turkish Baths, steam rooms and saunas

And chill! Looking for something a little less strenuous or to soothe your muscles after a workout? Or just a place to unwind?

Taking some regular time out can improve your mental and physical wellbeing.  The gentle moist heat in Edinburgh Leisure’s spa facilities will relax your mind and body which can have a beneficial effect on your sleep and help to alleviate any aches and pains. There are lots of options across Edinburgh!

And for the ultimate in relaxation therapy, look no further than Edinburgh Leisure’s authentic, original Victorian-designed Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre, the last of their kind in Edinburgh.

Sauna and Steam Room: Ainslie Park Leisure CentreGlenogle Swim CentreLeith Victoria Swim Centre

Sauna: 
Dalry Swim CentreDrumbrae Leisure CentreGracemount Leisure Centre and Warrender Swim Centre

Steam Room and Turkish Bath: Portobello Swim Centre

With 50+ venues across the city, which includes 1 world-class climbing centre;11 superb swimming pools, including 5 Victorian ones; 15 state-of-the-art gyms; 32 tennis courts; 141 sports pitches; and 750+ fitness classes per week, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is right up your street and has a flexible and affordable membership option to suit most budgets.

Those joining in May will pay no joining fee*. There are also additional member benefits, including priority bookings, free gym induction and discounts on a range of activities. There is no contract and membership can be frozen or cancelled at any time. 

For more information and to join Edinburgh Leisure:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/may-membership-campaign

New For Spring 2023: Rabbie’s launches brand new tours departing from Bristol & Belfast

Award winning, small tour company Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) has announced two new departure points in the cities of Bristol and Belfast.

From these cites, new tours will explore all West England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has to offer, providing the opportunity for both the cities’ natives and visitors from the world over to explore the regions. The new tours start from April 2023 and are available to book now.

In their luxury mini-coaches, all Rabbie’s tours venture off-the-beaten path to show guests hidden gems, like Carreg Cennen Castle in Wales and Northern Ireland’s beautiful Lough Erne, without missing out on much-loved sights like Stonehenge and or Giant’s Causeway.

By venturing beyond the guidebook, Rabbie’s tours support the local economies of the places they visit, supporting family-owned restaurants, attractions, giftshops, hotels, and more.

Bristol provides the perfect point to set off and explore the far reaches of the Southwest and the unspoilt terrain of Wales. Natural wonders like Dartmoor National Park and the Wye Valley, as well as man-made sensations like Tintern Abbey await.

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is a vibrant and historically resonant city, and offers the perfect introduction to the stunning sights of the rich and diverse region, like the gorgeous Causeway Coastal Route and the hilltop fort Grianan of Aileach.

Tours departing from Bristol and Belfast start from April 2023 and include:

Four-day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge tour from Bristol

A drive through Exmoor, a National Park which offers a mix of moorland, woodland, coast, and rivers is the perfect tour introduction. The road will take you to the clifftops of North Cornwall and the ruins of Tintagel Castle, famed for its links to King Arthur. The castle is a unique mix of fact, myth and natural beauty.

Explore Cornwall’s beloved St. Ives and walk along the cobbled streets of the idyllic fishing town before hitting the road and arriving at Land’s End. 

Walk the rugged landscape of Dartmoor National Park and visit the rocky granite outcrops before enjoying the lively city of Exeter. Witness one of the UK’s most remarkable national landmarks, Durdle Door and visit Shaftesbury, a quaint English village over 1000 years old. Conclude this adventure at Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic sights and most puzzling mysteries.

Join Rabbie’s four-day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge tour from Bristol from £325 per person based on a 23 April 2023 departure.

Three-day Causeway Coast, Derry & Fermanagh Lakelands tour from Belfast

History, legend, culture, and nature all unite on this stunning tour that celebrates the very best of Northern Ireland. The Causeway Coastal Route is the perfect beginning to the tour. Driving from Belfast, the road winds past steep cliffs, ancient castle ruins and the magnificent Glens of Antrim.

Journey through the Dark Hedges, the haunting beech avenue that is over 300 years old and explore the wonders of Derry’s growing cultural and artistic scene. Take in the charming island town of Enniskillen and cruise on its beautiful Lough Erne.

Travel inland to the ecclesiastical city of Armagh to explore the two cathedrals dedicated to St. Patrick and taste the local ciders and legendary Irish Black Butter. Finally, walk the ornamental grounds, tranquil woodlands and charming glens of the Hillsborough Castle.

Join Rabbie’s three-day Causeway Coast, Derry & Fermanagh Lakelands from Belfast from £299 per person based on a 1 May 2023 departure.

Other tours departing Bristol include:

  • The one-day Stonehenge & Cotswold Villages tour. A day out exploring myths, history, and the quintessential villages of the Cotswolds.
  • The one-day Flavours of Somerset & Glastonbury tour. Explore the flavours of Somerset, renowned for its cheddar cheese and cider, and marvel at the history and legends of Glastonbury.
  • The two-day Stratford–upon–Avon, Oxford & the Cotswolds tour. Discover Great Britain’s history as you explore the world-famous Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
  • The four-day South Wales, Cotswolds & Oxford tour. A coastal drive in the south of Wales. A medieval town with an interesting past. A photo-worthy mountain range. A book-lovers paradise. And much, much more.

Other tours departing Belfast include:

  • The four-day Donegal & the Wild Atlantic Way. An escape to county Donegal famed for its wild, rugged coast and warm welcomes.
  • The six-day The Wild Coasts of the North. A combination of both of Rabbie’s Northern Ireland tours provide the ultimate Northern Ireland experience.

From April 2023, Bristol and Belfast expand Rabbie’s departure city options. UK and Ireland tours also depart from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, London, Manchester and Dublin.

For more information about Rabbie’s and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.

Over 23,000 celebrate Easter with the National Trust for Scotland

  • Scotland’s largest conservation charity welcomed 23,822 children to take part in its Easter Egg Trails 
  • Events took place across 32 Trust places throughout the country, with Crathes Castle welcoming 3,363 children, Newhailes 3,251 and Brodie Castle 2,261

The National Trust for Scotland welcomed 23,822 children to its places over Easter weekend, as people flocked to sites such as Crathes Castle, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Glencoe National Nature Reserve, to take part in its Easter Egg Trails and enjoy the country’s nature, beauty and heritage.

Following the popularity of last year’s Easter Egg Trails, which saw nearly 20,000 children take part in activities at 21 National Trust for Scotland places between Good Friday and Easter Monday, this year even more events took place across Scotland to encourage more families to get outdoors and enjoy some fun-filled activities in the beautiful surrounds of the Trust’s properties. This resulted in an increase in participants of almost 20%.

This year’s Easter trails took place across 32 Trust properties, from Friday 7 to Monday 10 April, where the family-friendly events tasked visitors with collecting clues dotted around the gardens, grounds, hills and woodland owned and cared for by the conservation charity, before solving the puzzle and winning some tasty chocolate prizes.

Certain places across the country saw a remarkable increase in participants this year, with figures at Hill of Tarvit up 155% to 846 children, meanwhile Crathes Castle welcomed 3,363 children (up 51% on last year), Newhailes 3,251 and Brodie Castle 2,261. House of the Binns, which recently re-opened its doors to the public on 1 April, participated for the first year and sold out in advance, with 478 children taking part.

Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of National Trust for Scotland, said: “Easter is one of the highlights of the National Trust for Scotland’s calendar, giving people and especially families the chance to enjoy nature, beauty and heritage at our fantastic places.

“All over the country, our places were alive with people from across generations spending time together outdoors, while the sun mostly shone. What a great start to spring for everyone who loves Scotland’s special places. This support means so much to our charity and allows us to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland’s rich heritage, now and in the future.”

The Easter Egg Trails are just one example of the events and activities the National Trust for Scotland has made available this year, as part of its commitment to making Scotland’s heritage more accessible, as outlined in the charity’s 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone. 

Focused on caring for, sharing, and speaking up for Scotland’s heritage which doesn’t have a voice, the Trust offers its members and visitors the opportunity to explore over 100 sites, while learning about some of the most magnificent buildings, collections and landscapes in the country.

For more information on the National Trust for Scotland visit www.nts.org.uk

Cineworld Edinburgh hosts IMAX Film Fest with £3 tickets

  • IMAX FILM FEST TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 22 APRIL
  • TICKETS REDUCED TO £3 FOR ALL FILMS, ALL DAY, ONLY IN IMAX
  • OFFER VALID ACROSS ALL 27 IMAX CINEMA SITES IN THE UK & IRELAND

Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will be holding its sixth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 22nd April 2023.

To celebrate the world’s most immersive viewing experience, this exclusive one-day event will give movie buffs all across the country the opportunity to watch a film of their choice in IMAX for only £3.00 a ticket. 

Cineworld is bringing back some of the biggest blockbusters from the last year including: Avatar: The Way of WaterTop Gun: Maverick, Academy Award Best Picture-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, and residents can also exclusively catch Ponniyin Selvan: 1 on the day, one week ahead of its sequel release.

The festival will give guests the chance to experience the IMAX difference, with the clearest images on the largest screens and heart-pounding audio that puts you in the middle of the action. 

Stuart Crane, VP of Film Cineworld Group, said: “We look forward to offering guests the chance to escape to other worlds in IMAX for only £3.

“Whether that’s immersing yourself with Avatar: The Way of Water or going Mach 10 and beyond with Top Gun: Maverick, the stunning images and powerful, heart-pounding audio in our IMAX auditoriums will give customers a chance to experience films to the fullest.

“There really is no better way to experience a blockbuster than with IMAX at Cineworld.”

David King, VP, Distribution EMEA & Film Development at IMAX: “We are delighted that Cineworld is hosting the IMAX film festival for the sixth year in a row to celebrate the world’s most immersive cinematic technology.

“With crystal clear life-like images and powerful audio to the highest quality, these auditoriums are made to bring the film to life and  transport audiences into their favourite blockbusters – take advantage of the reduced rate while you can, you’re in for a treat!”

Tickets for this unforgettable experience can now be purchased from the Cineworld website or the Cineworld app.

#IMAXFilmFest

Black Axe Throwing Co makes it’s mark

Black Axe Throwing Co is Edinburgh’s original & first-ever Axe Throwing pop-up after launching on Valentine’s Day 2018. It’s now April 2023, and the Black Axe team is stronger than ever! Black Axe Throwing Co Edinburgh now have their very own venue located at 27 Beaverhall Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4JE. 

Not just their own venue, but Black Axe Edinburgh is now home to the UK’s largest designated alcohol-free bar with the help of breweries from around the UK and beyond. 

The range includes beers from Scotland’s only woman-owned non-alcoholic brewing company Jump Ship Brewing, as well as Edinburgh’s non-alcoholic spirit Talonmore inspired by the versatility of the city’s historic charm, natural surroundings and unique festival spirit.

There are many axe-throwing experiences across the UK; however, Black Axe offers something different. A certain charm, a real experience, a welcoming feeling that will make you want to tell everyone you know what you have just done. 

They must be doing something right as they now have venues across the UK in Edinburgh, Belfast, Lancaster and Margate. 

Edinburgh’s original urban axe-throwing experience offers the perfect stress-busting activity for a group of friends, team-building camaraderie amongst work colleagues or the ideal alternative date night.

 As Spring arrives the venue is getting busy, so send an email to:  

edinburgh@blackaxethrowing.com

or DM on @blackaxethrowingcoedinburgh to secure your spot!

Live Forever? Ultimate Rock and Pop Pilgrimage launched

It’s a UK road trip with a difference – music fans have been invited to make the ultimate rock and pop pilgrimage by visiting the locations where some of our biggest stars passed away.

Car rental experts from StressFreeCarRental.com have revealed the postcodes and locations where some of the biggest names in music, including Amy Winehouse, Freddie Mercury and George Michael, sadly died.

They have suggested a 1200-mile round Britain itinerary to visit the sites which can be reached by inputting the provided postcodes into any sat nav device.

They’ve also made available a free to download checklist which music fans can print out and then tick off each location as they visit.

But they are urging fans to undertake the road trip purely to pay their respects to the late artists and to remain mindful that many of the sites remain private property.

The 1200-mile road trip takes in several locations which attract thousands of visitors each year – such as the ditch where Marc Bolan crashed his Mini in 1977.

Starting in London the unique tour takes in the spots where icons Amy Winehouse, Freddie Mercury, Keith Moon and Jimi Hendrix passed away.

After leaving the capital music fans are encouraged to journey south to the crash site in Surrey where Glam Rock legend Marc Bolan died before heading on to Hartfield, East Sussex to visit the house where Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones was found dead in a swimming pool in 1969.

They then travel west to Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, where sixties icon Dusty Springfield sadly passed away before heading to nearby Goring-on-Thames where 80s pop legend George Michael died on Christmas Day 2016.

From Goring it’s a short trip to Salisbury where Thin Lizzy star Phil Lynott sadly died. Fans are then told to head to a lay-by close to the Severn Bridge near Bristol where Manic Street Preacher guitarist Richey Edwards is believed to have disappeared. He was later declared legally dead.

From there the road trip turns north stopping at Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire where legendary singer-songwriter Nick Drake passed away, before heading on to a terraced house in Macclesfield where Joy Division singer Ian Curtis hung himself in 1980.

The trip then veers north to Scotland to Auchterhouse, near Dundee, the location of the suicide of Billy Mackenzie, lead singer of 80s band The Associates. He was found in a garden shed after an overdose.

The trip then heads back down south stopping at Arkesden, Essex at the location of the death of legendary Small Faces frontman Steve Marriott who sadly perished in a house fire in 1991.

A spokesman for StressFreeCarRental.com, who came up with the tour, said it was a chance for music fans to pay their respects to some of the biggest icons of all time.

He said: “Britain has produced some of the greatest stars in the history of popular music and many of them will never be forgotten. They are the legends who changed the lives of millions and many of us still listen to their music every day.

“So we thought it would be a good idea to gather together the greatest names who sadly passed away on UK soil and offer music fans an itinerary to visit the places where they passed on.

“Many of the locations remain private homes so we urge everyone who follows our guide to remain courteous and respectful at all times.

“By gathering all of the locations together into one suggested road trip we want to celebrate the legacies of some of the greatest talents Britain has ever produced.

“Fans can print off our handy checklist and tick off each location as they make the trip. By the time they’ve completed their journey they will have visited the locations where some of our greatest stars have passed away. Although in a way these legends will never die. They live on forever through their music.”

To download the free checklist and to find out more about the UK road trip to rock and pop star death sites please visit https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/en/uk/rock-pop-pilgrimage

Easter opening times at Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening times for the Easter weekend (Friday 7th – Monday 10th April) for those looking to enjoy a day out with family and friends or pick up some last-minute Easter gifts, decorations for the celebrations.  

From Friday 7th – Monday 10th April the centre’s shopping hours will be:

  • Good Friday – 7th April: 10am – 9pm
  • Easter Saturday – 8th April: 9am – 7pm
  • Easter Sunday – 9th April: 10am ­– 6pm
  • Easter Monday – 10th April: 10am – 9pm

Fort Kinnaird always recommends checking with individual retailers for their specific opening times before setting off to avoid disappointment. For the most up to date Easter opening hours, check here: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/opening-times

Along with its wide variety of shops and restaurants, the centre has also compiled a range of options for family fun for the Easter school holidays, including the chance to meet and learn about small animals at Pets at Home, and crafting workshops at Hobbycraft where kids of all ages can enjoy clay-making and painting.

Fort Kinnaird is home to over 70 shops and restaurants including M&S, H&M, Primark, Bread Meats Bread and newly opened Chaiiwala, as well as a seven-screen Odeon cinema. There are also more than 2,600 free parking spaces.

For more information to help plan your Easter trip to Fort Kinnaird, including what’s on during the Easter holidays head here.   

Butlin’s launch £2.5 million SKYPARK

  • Butlin’s officially opens SKYPARK – a brand new inclusive playground – at its Skegness resort
  • New research reveals three quarters of UK parents believe more should be done to support children with additional needs
  • Almost half (44%) of parents say they’ve had to cut back on play opportunities for their children in the last 12 months due to financial concerns

A brand-new £2.5M playground, Butlin’s SKYPARK has opened today at the home of entertainment’s Skegness resort – designed specifically so children of all abilities can play together, shoulder to shoulder.

The opening comes as new national research reveals the majority of parents believe children with additional needs do not receive sufficient support, with three quarters (75%) saying more should be done in this area.

What’s more, the research found that almost half of parents (44%) have had to cut back on play opportunities for their children in the last 12 months due to financial concerns. With parents on average spending £100 (£94.31) per month on paid for activities, such as assault courses and soft play. 

Despite UK parents cutting back on paid for activities, they unveiled that the top skills they feel their children develop through socialising and playing with others include; confidence (55%), sharing (51%), cooperation (46%), patience (42%) and respect (41%).

The state-of-the-art playground is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible trampoline and roundabout, sit-up swings for support and sociability, and wheelchair-friendly walkways and ramps, to ensure no child is left on the side lines.

Butlin’s SKYPARK further features four epic climbing towers with the tallest standing at 14 metres high, offering an incredible panoramic sea view.

The site, at Butlin’s Skegness resort, is also home to the UK’s longest interactive seesaw, at an impressive 24 metres long, children and adults can work together to generate enough energy to light up the area.

Alongside the park sits the Butlin’s SKYPARK Café, where the adults can relax and keep an eye on the children enjoying themselves.

Featuring an array of indoor and outdoor seating, with a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks, the café also has a specially curated music playlist, set at an appropriate volume setting and to a calming low beat with inclusivity in mind. 

Jon Hendry-Pickup, CEO at Butlin’s, said: “As the home of entertainment, we’re really proud to be able to offer a playground that’s designed to be truly inclusive for all families – with Butlin’s SKYPARK included in the price of a break.

“Launching Butlin’s SKYPARK is an incredibly proud moment for us as a business and it is the first of many exciting investments we’re making across our three resorts in the next few years.

“Our new playground provides a safe, stimulating place for children of all abilities to play together. We can’t wait to see families enjoying our incredible new playground this Easter and beyond.”

To see more about Butlin’s SKYPARK, including full information on the different zones and key features, please head to: www.butlins.com/discover-butlins/things-to-do/skypark