Red Kite Days Awards 2018 Winners

Wowzers – you went all out to support your local family favourites in the Red Kite Days Awards 2018, with literally thousands of people voting. It was extremely close in many of the categories so a huge congratulations to all the finalists and a big thank you to everyone who supported by nominating and voting.

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Here are the winners of the Red Kite Days Awards 2018

Red Kite Days Awards Winners

Museums

Oxford University Museum of Natural History – affectionately as the ‘dinosaur museum’ by my kids, this was a firm favourite in your votes. They are a a family friendly museum and you and your children are very welcome at any time. The Museum building is spacious and light, so perfect for little ones to explore and discover the wonders of the natural world.

Animal Attractions

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens – set in 160 acres of parkland, the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is now one of the UK’s largest zoological collections and most exciting gardens. Millions of visitors in that time have discovered here the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

Eating Out

The Milk Shed – locally roasted coffee, gorgeous banana pancakes, crispy bacon sarnies, daily lunch specials of chorizo and butterbean stew, grilled mackerel on toast with chunky tartare, a perfect club sandwich, deli platters, kids cheese and bean toastie or chipolata toad in the hole, salted butterscotch cream pot, sticky clementine cake… Their ice cream is made for them by Dan, to their original recipe, with up to 16 flavours on offer.

Indoor Play

Sprouts Play Barn at Millets Farm – the new kids on the soft play block, Sprouts Play Barn rose quickly in popularity with their large soft play area, suitable for children and adults alike – they want the whole family to have fun and great quality food and coffee. Check out our review from an early visit.

Outdoor Fun

Blenheim Palace – The picture-perfect British stately home of Blenheim Palace sits among more than 2000 acres of extraordinary landscaped Parkland and Formal Gardens. With the amazing Malborough Maze, pleasure garden play park, adventure play park and miniature train, there’s plenty to keep your kids occupied here. Blenheim Palace also often have great family friendly events during the school holidays.

Theatres

Oxford Playhouse – a theatre for everyone, the Oxford Playhouse programme includes the best of British and international drama, family shows, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy, lectures and poetry.

Baby & Toddler Groups

Jellybeans Stay & Play – set up earlier in 2018, Jellybeans Stay & Play is a welcoming baby and toddler group running on Thursday mornings in Bicester. This lovely group has a good selection of toys, the bonus of outdoor space, a themed craft activity each week, snack time and the most delicious homemade cakes.

Under 5’s Class

Baby College (Wokingham & Reading) – Vanessa joined the Baby College family in 2016, running classes in Wokingham and Reading, having previously attended Baby College with both her children. Baby College offers something different to other classes; a fun mix of activities for children 0-3 years and the chance for parents to bond with their child and gain an invaluable insight into baby and child development, thereby helping give their child the best start in life.

Kids Activity Class (Over 5’s)

Amanda Alder Dance Academy Ltd – providing classes in ISTD Ballet, Tap and Modern plus Jazz and Street. Running over 60 classes a week with around 600 students attending, they also provide teachers to take classes at Chandlings Prep School, Willow Brook Leisure Centre in Didcot, Sprouts Play Barn at Millets Farm Centre and Stockham School. Past students have gone on to further their career at an impressive number of dance colleges and been involved in professional productions.

Parties

Little Cotton Tents Sleepover Parties – Little Cotton Tents will turn your child’s sleepover party from ordinary to extraordinary! Whether it be for a birthday party, a school holiday treat or any other occasion for that matter, their sleepover parties will provide a magical experience for your child and their friends. And the best news is, they can supply everything you need to host your sleepover with added sparkle – including set-up and take down at a time convenient to you.

Tutors

The Little Maths Room – The Little Maths Room believe every learner has the potential to make progress, become more confident and enjoy maths given the right support and encouragement. They provide informal diagnostic maths assessments and maths tuition for learners with Dyscalculia, maths difficulties, additional needs (e.g. those with dyslexia, dyspraxia or on the autistic spectrum), and those who just need a little extra support in a 1:1 environment to boost their confidence and achieve their potential.

For Mum

This was an added little extra as Mums often come last on the priority list when all the focus is on kids. It was a very wide category which included nominations for postnatal exercise classes to spa retreats.

Bicester Hotel Golf & Spa – Set in 134 acres of stunning Oxfordshire countryside just five miles from Bicester Village Outlet Shopping Centre and 15 miles from Oxford, Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa provides a memorable setting a leisure break. Mums can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, immerse themselves in a world of luxury and indulgence. Experience the ultimate in expert pampering which will stimulate your senses and restore your vitality.

Voting was incredibly close in the different categories, if you got a moment, scroll on down and check out the finalists. If they’ve been reviewed by a Mum for Red Kite Days, the link will take you to the review, otherwise straight to their website. Hopefully you’ll get a few new ideas on places to go, classes to try, party entertainers to try or tutors to support your child’s learning.