The summer months are here and with it the holidays, so what better time to venture outside of the M25 to find some good activities.
We all know London has plenty to offer in terms of things to do but there are a whole host of different places to visit outside of the capital, usually only a short train ride or drive away.
With the summer holidays approaching Vibe has come up with a few ideas of places which should appeal to all the family.
Penshurst Place and Gardens
First up is Penshurst Place and Gardens. The historic family home was built in the 14th century and has more than 40 acres of land. The gardens form 11 acres.
Over the summer they are putting on a series of different events which will suit those of all ages.
From July 28 to August 26 there will be a medieval theme on Sundays. There will be free craft activities on offer for children as well as a Knight’s School to learn how to become a knight of the realm.
There is also an August Bank Holiday Fun Day on August 25 and 26, which includes history talks, crossbow training, tug of war and falconry.
The venue’s maze will also be open from July 20.
Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG, 10.30am to 6pm, £6.00-£28, visit penshurstplace.com or call 01892 870307.
Lingfield Racecourse
If you are someone who fancies a flutter then perhaps a day or evening at the races might be your cup of tea.
Lingfield Racecourse, based in the peaceful Surrey countryside, have a number of events taking place over the summer.
The course is easily accessible by trains from London which take around 40 minutes from the capital.
Their next big highlight is Ladies’ Evening which is an evening of racing followed by live entertainment on the outdoor stage.
It will be the Battle of the Divas with a number of tribute acts taking to the stage including songs from Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce and Amy Winehouse.
Andrew Perkins, Executive Director of Lingfield Park Resort, which features the racecourse, a four star Marriott Hotel & Country Club, an 18-hole championship golf course and the Breathe Health Club and Spa, says: "A day out at Lingfield Park really is something not to be missed.
"We are one of the busiest racecourses in Europe and hold a host of feature days throughout the year to suit everyone’s tastes.
"This time of the year is particularly busy for us with all of our Hooves & Grooves racing and music nights and it is a great opportunity for anyone who has never been racing before to sample a brilliant day out."
Ladies Evening, Lingfield Racecourse, Lingfield, RH7 6PQ, July 20, 3.45pm, £18-£99, visit lingfieldpark.co.uk or call 01342 834800.
Brighton pier. Pic Credit: Simon Dack
No summer is complete without a trip to the seaside and what better destination than Brighton.
The seaside city is only an hour away by train from London and there is a whole variety of activities suitable for all the family.
Whether it is a spot of beach cricket and a picnic lunch or some retail therapy, Vibe reckons this could turn into a great day out for a decent price.
There are a range of festivals taking place throughout July and August, including the Kite Festival and Sondwaves music Festival this weekend.
To find out more about what is going on in Brighton, go to visitbrighton.com.
Stealth ride at Thorpe Park
For those thrill seekers out there, here are two options which Vibe thinks are suited perfectly for you.
Without doubt one of the most popular theme parks in the country, Thorpe Park has some of the top rides for those who looking for an adrenaline hit.
Rides such as Swarm, Stealth, Saw and Colossus certainly attract the crowds but there are other events going on too.
On July 13, the Ministry of Sound are taking over the park for a special club night which includes night rides on the big attractions. Top DJs will be playing all the big anthems until 3am.
Prices start from £18.
Thorpe Park, Staines Road, Chertsey, KT16 8PN, go to thorpepark.com for more information.
Zorbing
The other option is Pod London, which is the largest Zorbing park in the country.
Zorbing involves getting into a ball and rolling down a hill. The park is ten minutes walk away from Whyteleafe South Station, which in turn is 35 minutes away from London Bridge and London Victoria train stations.
Prices start from £48 but there are plenty of group deals available.
Pod London, Salmons Lane, Whyteleafe, CR3 0HB, call 0845 430 3322 or visit zorbing.co.uk.
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