The one line version of this post: there’s some AWESOME new stuff happening at LegoLand Windsor this spring/summer. And it’s really NOT a good idea to wear skinny jeans if you plan on doing any ‘wet’ rides.

My bottom didn’t dry out until early evening. (TMI ? Sorry).

We visited during the Easter hols to check out two of the new features already open – a new addition to the Star Wars Miniland Model Display and 4D Chima movie – and had a blast (literally, from lots of water squirters on the Vikings’ River Splash. An absolute must-do, although I swear I get more soaked and feel more motion sick every time. Which makes for an entertaining fridge magnet).

Another tip (along with the Don’t Wear Skinny Jeans one)? BUY the LegoLand rain poncho, as early as possible, if there is even a hint of rain or you’re planning on doing the wet stuff. By the time I realised this, as my friend pointed out, it was a bit ‘after the fact’ and would’ve just sealed in the dampness, creating more of a personal steam jacket effect.

Which could be good for detoxifying, spa-style treatment point of view, but not for a family day out.

Being with Star Wars fans (big and small), the Star Wars Miniland Model Display ROCKED the entire visit. It’s larger than we expected – you walk round a series of fantastic, incredibly detailed scenes (which smaller ‘tour guides’ will delight in identifying. This can take some time).

There are lots of sound and lighting effects, plus interactive bits and it’s been added to with a Gallery of 12, large scale models of key characters, like Luke and Princess Leia (pictured top of post), and everyone’s favourite …

You can also get a photo with these guys in the entrance to the all-Star Wars gift shop …

… where I think we spent more time than in the attraction itself (which is saying something). But, as the girl who was all about the gift shop on any family trip (of course, not anymore *nose grows as she types*), I’m not in a position to say anything.

Honestly, I was quite tempted by a Princess Leia keyring …

The new CHIMA 4D movie was super-fun, too – just long enough (about ten minutes) and, along with your 3D specs, there are special effects in the theatre, including wind, rain and snow (poncho alert!! Actually, not so much for this one).

Along with seeing the recently introduced (real!) baby sharks swimming around the Duplo as part of the Atlantis ride, we had a great day out and, as always with LegoLand, only did a fraction of what there is to see and do. We didn’t get a chance to see the new Hero Factory area, for example, which opened last month (we’ll have to fight against evil brains another time).

Coming in May is the new DUPLO Valley ‘splash and play’ land, which promises to be fantastic!

May the force (and ponchos) be with you.

With the Easter hols coming up, we had to flag up a fabulous, all-new family day out (or short break)!

Opening next weekend, 22 March, Tractor Ted’s Little Farm will open at Bowood House & Gardens in Wiltshire (above).

Featuring Tractor Ted-themed farm games, tractor rides and ‘big’ farm machinery to see in action, there’s plenty to keep little fans of the famous green tractor busy.

Entrance also includes admission to the beautiful Bowood House & Gardens, designed by Capability Brown, Adventure Playground, Arboretum and laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestly discovered oxygen gas (one for the older science whizzes!).

If you’re visiting from further afield (sorry) or want to make a mini-break of it, the family-friendly Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is located within the Estate (nonstopmama will be reviewing the hotel and Tractor Ted’s Little Farm in time for the spring hols, so watch this space!).

For more info on Tractor Ted’s Little Farm here, and Bowood Hotel here!

We love this free, London-based going out app from YPlan, which will also help you source a last minute Mother’s Day activity or day out with a difference!

Just for Mother’s Day, the Parenting Events network Mothers Meeting handpicked their top 5 activities featured on the YPlan app, that mamas can enjoy in the capital. A great source of inspiration and insider, local knowledge, you’ll find listings of events happening in London focusing on fashion, food, culture and design.

‘YPlan takes the stress out of scouring the Internet for hours looking for fun days out,’ says Jenny  Scott, founder of Mothers Meeting. ‘It’s easy, slick, fun to use and their suggested events are all cherry picked, so you can guarantee you’ll end up doing something cool in the capital!”

For example, the Mother’s Day ideas for this Sunday recommended by Mother’s Meeting include a Chocolate Tour of London, a vintage-themed Central London Bike Tour, which takes in St James’ Park, and a Street Art London Tour, amongst others.

Check out and book events by downloading the YPlan app here!

This is a sponsored post.

We’re always keen to share news of truly family-friendly holiday destinations, especially those that leave a nonstopmama feeling recharged and fabulous (rather than desperate for another holiday in which to recover!).

Just one click (rather than a frustrating internet trawl) away, Luxury Family Hotels aims to make searching for affordable, child-friendly holidays in the UK a pleasure rather than a challenge (the only one, in fact, will be choosing which of the fantastic destinations to choose for your ideal family holiday).

Located throughout the UK, Luxury Family Hotels are both sought after, luxury hotels and child-friendly holiday destinations in one, making it possible to find the perfect holiday without compromising on quality or value for money.

The hotels welcome children of all ages, including pre-schoolers. As every mama who has braved a hotel break with little ones knows, finding genuinely child-friendly hotels for this age group can be no mean feat (especially when the hotel in question is the last word in luxury, such as Calcot Manor, Moonfleet Manor and Fowey Hall, to name a few Luxury Family Hotels).

Also, if your children are under school age, you can take advantage of some fantastic deals mid-week and outside of school holidays. So, not only will you feel welcome with the smallest people, you can save even more money on your family holiday, this way, too.

Along with a great range of activities for the kids, Luxury Family Hotels are also renowned for their oh-so-fabulous hotel spas. So, while the children are busy having a wonderful time, mamas can escape for a spot of blissful pampering at a spa which is a first class retreat in its own right (relaxing hot stone massage, anyone?!).

The emphasis is very much on the ‘home from home’, so you can exhale (honestly!) and make the very most of your family holiday.

For more information on child friendly holidays in the UK, including mid-week and term time periods, visit luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk. You can also follow Luxury Family Hotels on Facebook and Twitter.

This is a sponsored post.

How sweet is this Thomas & Friends themed room at Drayton Manor Hotel?

Nonstopmama stayed at the hotel late last year whilst visiting the Staffordshire family theme park, home to the wonderful Thomas Land, and we’ve been meaning to recommend it ever since.

With the half term holidays in mind (next week – how did that happen?!), what better time to suggest it to mamas as a FANTASTIC treat for Thomas fans? There are Thomas-themed rides for all ages, from teenies to toddlers and older children – as either a great day out, or a short break (details of February half term Stay & Play packages and more here).

We didn’t stay in a Thomas room, but ours was clean, comfortable, modern and ticked all the boxes for a family-friendly overnight stay, with the super-convenience of being a short walk from the theme park.

But we think fans of the No 1 engine would find a sleepover with Thomas irresistible …