Have you ever heard of 50 things to do before you're 11 and 3/4?  

It's a list that has been put together by the National Trust to get kids (and we're all young at heart) outdoors and connecting with nature.  

So with the summer coming up, I thought I'd remind you about them, because they could be a great way to get the kids doing something in the summer holidays other than looking at a screen.  Some would be great to do if you're on holiday in a new environment where things might be different to how they are at home. 

No 23 - get up for the sunrise
When was the last time you've done this?  Listen to the dawn chorus at the same time!

There are 50 things, and a lot of them can be done without leaving your home, such as stargazing, keeping a nature diary (what can you see out of the window in the sky, or on a walk to the shops?)  and getting to know a tree.  

No 43 - help a wild animal
You could put out some water in a bowl for wildlife.
Please make sure you give wildlife a way out of the bowl, in case they are really tiny!

Many of the 50 things don't require any spending - such as get up for the sunrise, or go cloud watching - and they could be great for the kids to build up in a folder over the summer holidays so that that can look back and see what they've done with nature whilst they were off school.  

No 48 - keep a nature diary
You could do drawings, write poetry, do some fact finding about birds you've seen,
write about what you've seen, write your thoughts about nature and wildlife...
almost like a nature diary.  

The National Trust have put the list together - you can see it here - and they have also got safety information for you too.  

However old we all are, there are times when it's good to escape from adult life with its responsibilities, and just go back to things kids love to do.  The National Trust's 50 things to do before you're 11 and 3/4 is a good place to start, and create lots of connections to the natural world.

See the 50 things to do here.

The RHS has lots of different types of events, not just the world famous flower shows such as Chelsea and Hampton Court. 

For instance, there are courses and workshops.   There are all sorts of skills you can learn, not just gardening, but willow weaving, paper cuts, botanical painting, photography, floral arranging, Zarzo basketry, natural dyeing, rag rug making, needle felting, dry stone walling, creating stained glass flowers and calligraphy. Members can attend many of these (but not all) for free.

There are also a number of shows dedicated to a specific flower or plant, so here are some of them:

Alpine Garden Society Show

The Alpine Garden Society Show takes place on 29th June 2024 at RHS Wisley and this is a great opportunity to learn more about the varieties of alpines and get lots of advice from UK alpine plant growers!

RHS Botanical Art and Photography Show 

The RHS has partnered with the Saatchi Gallery in London for the RHS Botanical Art and Photography Show.which has some of the best botanical artwork and garden photography from global artists.  It's running from the 14th June to the 28th July 2024 - find out more here. 

RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival 

This Festival runs from 2nd to 7th July 2024, and what a day out it is!  I still remember treating my parents to tickets to the show;  we had an amazing day out (with plenty of stops for refreshment along the way) and left inspired and full of determination to work on our own gardens when we got home!    There's the Festival of Roses, you can build your own terrarium to take home, the Threatened Plant of the Year competition, a Master Grower who is passionate about Passiflora and lots of shopping to do!  Find out more here.

National Sweet Pea Show

Head to RHS Bridgewater for this show on the 9th and 10th July 2024. There’s nothing like the scent and sight of gorgeous sweet pea blooms!    Dig up more information. 

Take a look at the various events taking place with the RHS during 2024 here.  There’s lots going on!

Now, this isn't a gift membership - but if you're looking for a special treat for someone and they are in or headed to London, how about giving them a Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea for Two in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon?

Fortnum & Mason has an incredible history.   Originally an exceptional grocer in the heart of London, it's now one of the world's preeminent destination stores.   And the tradition of taking tea has been an integral part of that growth.  

So how about Afternoon Tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon?  It actually was originally an apartment for the Fortnum famly, and then in the 1920s and 1930s, became an interior decorating department.  Then it became an antiques department and a restaurant known as St. James’s.  However ,since 2012 it has been serving up Afternoon Tea! 

The Salon was opened by the late HM The Queen, in the presence of their Royal Highnesses the then Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.  So this really is a rather special place to tuck into sweet and savoury delights!  Imagine having Afternoon Tea in this Salon, opened by royalty!

To make Afternoon Tea all the sweeter, Virgin Experience Days have a couple of offers on Afternoon Tea for Two in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon!

Enjoy a host of sweet and savoury delights - finger sandwiches and exquisite cakes, together with freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and of course Fortnum's preserves.  An expert 'Tearista' will be on hand to advise you which tea is right for you - there's quite a range of signature blends, single-estate and infusion teas!

How about a Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea for Two in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon?
Enjoy this - it's on special offer, too, with Virgin Experience Days
for £140.00 instead of £160.00

And, if you feel like adding some bubbles...


You could indulge in a Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two
in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon -
this is also on offer with Virgin Experience Days for £160.00 instead of £191.00

Tuck in and enjoy!

If you're looking for a membership for a spa and health nut in London, how about a Rena Spa Three Month Full Club Membership?

 
Enjoy full use of the state-of-the-art facilities.
They include a 25 metre swimming pool, steam room, sauna room and Jacuzzi.



You’ll also have access to the fully equipped gym and dedicated function work out area.



Spa Rena is in Greater London

Member benefits including complimentary towels, infused water, hot drinks and fruits, and shampoo and shower gel in the showers.

Not only that, there's a 20% discount on spa treatments and 10% discount at Leo’s Bar and Restaurant.  And you receive two free guest passes included in your membership!

A great way to relax and unwind...all for £225.00!

Find out more from Virgin Experience Days.