Gravity Entertainment Northampton Review

Gravity Entertainment in Sol Central is the newest trampoline park to the scene and today we went to see what it is all about.

Located right by Vue Cinema the striking orange & purple colours mean you cannot miss it.  Smaller than I thought it has a brilliant mixture of equipment & quite a few items that it's rival Boost doesn't have.

Upon entry you can complete your waiver at one of the screens and validate your car parking ticket.  Socks must be worn & are £2.50 per pair.  Each child is given a coloured band to correspond with their time slot.  A health & safety video must be watched which included a warm up routine which I thought was good although the teen wasn't so sure.  It is £11.95 per child but online prices are discounted by 15% so £10.16 which is therefore comparable to Boost which is £10. They also operate parent & toddler off peak sessions which is £6.  Family tickets are also available for £39.99 or (£33.99 online!) this is for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.

My kids loved the climbing wall & ball bit (this was their favourite section).  The wipe out machine was a big hit and my son liked the mini football zone and befriended a younger child and they happily charged about.

The café has all the usual hot drinks and amazingly has waffles! I love waffles and they are rarely on offer. As we went at 11am I didn't try one but they looked immense.

The kids rated Gravity Entertainment 9/10 and both want to go back. I know there was some early feedback and some improvements have been made.  The slush machines were moved and hand dryers fitted.  The toilets still smelt of fresh paint! I think Gravity Entertainment is a huge positive for Sol Central and it is great to see the building filling up with businesses again.

More picture over on Instagram Instagram - Life in the Mum's Lane

**We were gifted 2 tickets in exchange for this review.  We paid for our own socks & drinks.  All opinions are my own.**

Boost Trampoline Park - Northampton - Review

**Updated February 2020.  Boost Northampton is having a refurbishment and 3 new action stations are being installed.  The new slide is complete and open.  The other zones are under construction and due to be finished soon.  The price is still £10 per hour and the after school club is still £11 for 4-6pm and a childrens meal which is amazing value. The main trampolines, dodgeball, high jump etc is still open as normal. Will be interesting to visit once it is all finished**

Boost Northampton is an indoor trampoline park. There’s over 50 interconnected trampolines, 2 Extreme Dodgeball Courts, Wipe-Out Zone, Battle Beam, Foam Pits and Basketball Hoops.
My kids did the Free Jump which is £10 per person + £2 for the Boost anti slip socks. There is also Boost mini sessions for under 5's and is £5 per session + the socks.

Boost Trampoline Park

Boost Trampoline Park

Boost Trampoline Park

I was a little worried my 5 (nearly 6 year old) may get bored but he loved it apart from a slight bump to the nose on the Wipe-Out Zone and wanted to stay when the session was over.  My 9 year old LOVES trampolines so I knew she would enjoy the session. She happily has awarded the new park 9.5 out of 10 so high praise.

The trampoline park is big, clean and has a café area for the parents where you can watch the kids and enjoy a snack/drink. There are lockers plus cubby holes to put shoes or jackets away.  Jumpers are given coloured bands so when each session ends it is clear who needs to leave the area.  It was quite busy but well organised and I would definitely go again.

Boost Trampoline Park

My children where both red faced and happy when we left. I would recommend light clothing and for long hair a plait/ponytail. My son is still wearing his Boost socks and for once seems tired out on the sofa!!!

If you live in the Northampton area and want to tire the kids out I would recommend a visit.  Check out the website for more information and to book.

Boost Trampoline Park

Emma xxx

P.s - Since this visit we've been about 8 times. The kids love it.  They sometimes have vouchers on Groupon but I think there are time restrictions but might be worth a look. Boost now also offers sensory sessions with low lighting and a calm atmosphere £6.95 per person and carer free.   4pm – 7pm the first Wednesday of every month.  They also do Boost Fitness £7.50 per hour and children's parties from £16.99 per child. 

Disclaimer: I was given 2 £10 tickets in exchange for a review.  All opinions are my own & 100% honest 2nd August 2016.

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Northampton Active - White Water Rafting

Recently Northampton Active got in touch about visiting to try White Water Rafting.  It's something I've never tried before and a place I've drove pass many times and wondered what about so decided it was a big fat yes!

Myself and daughter (12) turned up at Northampton Active on a very grey rainy Saturday morning not quite sure what to expect.

After quickly signing in you go upstairs to watch a short information video.  It is up here any family or friends not taking part can stay dry and grab a cuppa.

The video was informative & fun and then it was time to get suited up for your 2 hour session.

To help keep you warm a wetsuit is worn over your own swimming costume/shorts and then a jacket is worn over the top, life jacket and helmet.  Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet, some old trainers will do the job perfectly. Once suited up it is swiftly down to the course & into your raft.  The rafts were bigger than I expected, 100% safe and easy to get in & out of.  My daughter was a little nervous of falling out but the instructor noticed this immediately and reassured her.

Image from Northampton Active

Our first lap of the course was fairly dry but don't be fooled you do get wet! The wetsuits really help but by the end we were all a little cold but it really was FUN!

You complete a few laps of the course, jump in, lie down for part of the course and plunge down a rapid! My daughter wasn't so keen on the jumping activities but happily watched the rest of us & there was no pressure from the instructors.

I would 100% recommend and happily go back.  Myself & my daughter want to try paddle boarding in the spring and she'd like to have a go at kayaking (she's done it before & enjoyed it).

Obviously at this time of year it's going to be cold but it was bearable and you warm up quickly afterwards.

I would advise to go, have fun, get wet and take some warm snuggly clothes for afterwards.  If you have active teens or looking for ideas to get them off the PlayStation give it a try.  The white water rafting is for 12+ and the tubing is for 7+.

They offer white water rafting, white water tubing and holidays clubs (£30 per day for ages 7 to 17) at this time of the year.  For full details check out their website https://www.northamptonactive.com/  

**Disclaimer I received a free 2 hour session for 2 people in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own & honest**

Brunch at La Terraza Upton, Northampton

This morning we went to La Terraza in Upton for brunch.  I didn't know they had a breakfast/brunch menu so was very pleasantly surprised to be invited. Their breakfast menu is served 9am till 11.30am (except Monday's) and has all the usual suspects but with a little twist. Potatas bravas is served with the breakfast completo, eggs benedict and eggs Florentine. Sandwiches and toast are ciabatta which I love.  There is a good mixture of vegetarian meals and kids are catered for.

The Upton La Terraza branch feels warm and cosy.  Today was pouring with rain and the lighting made it feel welcoming. We ordered breakfast completo, eggs benedict for the adults and a sausage sandwich and jam on toast for the children.  We enjoyed everything. It was presented well and good quality ingredients. I'd happily recommend and return.

La Terraza would be the perfect place to pop for a coffee and chat after the school run or treat breakfast.  I noticed on Twitter they also do a match day/park run special.  If you have a full breakfast or breakfast sandwich show your matchday ticket or park run barcode and you'll receive a free takeout coffee. Parkrun is every Saturday 9am at Upton Country Park. Next time you are nearby pop in.  The staff are friendly and children are welcome.

More pictures over on instagram Life in the Mum's Lane Instagram

**disclaimer I received this meal for free in exchange for a review.  All opinions are my own and honest**

Bill's Restuarant Rushden Lakes Review

I was lucky enough to be invited to Bill's at Rushden Lakes for a meal this week and enjoyed the rare chance to have an evening without children and a relaxed couple of hours.

Bill's is located on The Boardwalk and is spacious inside & out. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and have cosy booths, large tables, outside seating and stools at the bar. I loved the décor and mixture of lighting.  It felt warm and welcoming with soft background music.

For a Thursday it was quite busy with only a handful of empty tables.  We were serviced efficiently and with enthusiasm and met the very charming manager Nigel who was engaging and obviously ran a well oiled ship.

Our food was lovely.  We had calamari, chicken and sesame dumplings to start (Bill's spicy chutney was delicious and had a kick).  I had the very tasty pan fried chicken with wild mushrooms for main.  It is a long running family joke that I always order chicken despite the restaurant or menu but this chicken was honestly amazing! The mushroom sauce was full of flavour and I wish I could recreate it at home but sadly I am no Masterchef contestant. My partner had chargrilled rib eye steak with perfect crispy chips.  We ummed and ahhed about pudding but decided to treat ourselves as we so rarely get out on a school night and they were both gorgeous. I opted for lemon méringue pie which was zingy and rich but my eyes were definitely too big for my belly and I left some.  My partner had the spiced pear and raspberry eton mess.  He said the spiced pears were delicious and still had bite which was perfect. 

Due to driving mocktails were consumed and we opted for the pear and ginger cooler which was nice but lacked a little flavour and the blackberry and lavender cooler which was amazing! It had a real sweetness and zesty flavour and was a perfect mocktail.

Overall we had a wonderful evening.  Great service. Colourful yet relaxing décor. Good food.  Lovely manager. Free parking (always a winner) and an exciting looking cocktail menu; next time I'll have to try one.  The hedgerow fizz sounds right up my street.

We've already planned to come back for brunch with the kids.

Have you been to Bill's at Rushden Lakes yet? What was your menu pick? I love knowing what other people eat! If you fancy a browse at their menu a link is below.

Bill's Rushden Lakes

**Disclaimer I received this meal for free in exchange for a review.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own**

Paradise Island Adventure Golf Rushden Lakes

Paradise Island Adventure Golf has landed at Rushden Lakes.  In the wreckage of an abandoned air craft, are two 18 hole adventure courses, spanning 14,000 sq/ft.  On the 19th hole you get the chance to win a free game! 

I was invited along to try out the new Paradise Island Adventure Golf and can say it was a hit!  A few of the deceivingly simple holes caught us out and we all found the 2nd course slightly easier.  We were advised by a lovely member of staff that the 2nd course is also wheelchair friendly with wider access.  There was a wide variety of clubs to suit all heights and a good layout.  You can purchase snacks, drinks and there is a mini arcade, toilets and lockers.  

Paradise Island Adventure Golf is located at the far end of Rushden Lakes in the same building as 360 Play and Rock Up.  With 5 hours free parking we had lunch after and a brief stroll along the boardwalk.

Paradise Island Adventure Golf is a perfect family activity and great way to get the kids out when you really cannot face another trip to the park. We spent just under 2 hours there which was for both courses.

They also offer a loyalty card.  Each time you visit you receive a stamp and after three visits you can claim 50% off entry, and after seven you receive a free game.

The only thing missing according to the kids was a water feature hole! We will definitely be back.

Prices are for 1 course - 
Under 5's £4
5-16 £6.50
Student/Concession £7
Adult £8.50
Family of 4 £26

For 2 courses - 
Under 5's £6
5-16 £9.75
Student/Concession £10.50
Adult £12.75
Family of 4 £39

Discounts for groups of 8 and over.

Opening hours - 
Monday to Thursday 12pm to 10pm
Friday 12pm to 11pm
Saturday 10am to 11pm
Sunday 10am to 10pm

** Disclaimer I received a family of 4 2 courses entry in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own**

Riverside Hub Review

Riverside Hub has a huge playframe, go-karts, climbing tree, laser invasion, carousel and sensory room.  Room, explore and play!

I was asked to visit with my children to see how good Riverside Hub is.  My children LOVED laser invasion and the climbing tree.  They both enjoyed being able to just freely go on things with no additional payments and as many times as they wanted.

As a parent I loved that you can see the main play zone easily and it was reassuring to be able to spot your children.  The whole of Riverside Hub was clean and bright. The equipment all looked well maintained and the new under 5's water play area was just lovely & I felt a little sad my children are too old to use it!

We were there for 2 hours and the kids didn't want to leave.  I hadn't been to Riverside Hub for quite a while as my 12 year thought her indoor play centre days were over but there is so much to do she really enjoyed herself.  My 8 year old son LOVED laser invasion and spent at least 45 minutes playing!

Whilst there I discovered an amazing deal visit the Hub after 3pm Monday-Thursday during school term times, and each child will receive a kids meal and a cup of squash or milk.  Valid for children aged 1 - 12 when paying full admission price.

They are also currently running the Spring Funfair every Saturday in April.  Easter specials include: 🐰Easter Trail 🐰Whack-a-bunny game 🐰Free Pottery Painting Tickets are £10.50 per child and £4 per adult. 

Riverside Hub also offers SEN days on the 1st Thursday of every month (this maybe changing to the 3rd so please check)  the music and lights are lower and between 6pm and 8pm the whole area is much quieter. Admission is £7.95 and carers are free.

We didn't eat at the Hub but I liked the fact jacket potatoes were in the menu and it states All the food is oven baked and not fried.

The party room floor looked amazing & I especially loved the dinosaur themed area!

Opening times

Sunday to Thursday 9.30am – 6pm

Friday 9.30am – 7pm

Saturday 9.30am – 8pm

Admission prices are for a 2.5 hour play session. 
Standard prices School holidays/Weekends/Bank holidays
Under 1’s £2.50
Children 1 – 3 years £8.50
Children 4 – 12 years £10.50
Young People 13 - 17 years £10.50
Adults £4
Grandparents £2 

School days Monday to Friday

Under 1’s £2.50
Children 1 – 3 years £7.95
Children 4 – 12 years £8.50
Young People 13 - 17 years £8.50
Adults £3.50
Grandparents £1.75

**This review was in exchange for 4 children & 2 adult admissions.  All opinions are my own**

Wyevale Garden Centre Santa Grotto Review

Wyevale Garden Centres have wonderful Santa's grotto this year at certain branches. We visited the Wootton, Northampton branch today and I can review in very favourably.

It is £10 per child (plus 50p booking fee) and the children meet Santa and his helpers, take home a real mini Christmas tree and receive a present.

Upon arrival we were greeted by the elves and put a magical seed in a pot.  We were then taken through to Santa who was just lovely.  My son knows he's not the real Santa as he's too busy but one of Santa's trusted helpers.  He did a fantastic job so can maybe have a Christmas bonus! He had a cracking joke which I won't spoil and with a little bit of Christmas magic the seed became a mini Christmas tree.

You are then lead through to another room where you can decorate your tree and have a look at the photo taken in the grotto.  The images were really good and we had 3 to choose from.  We paid £11 for 2 images in mounts. This is entirely optional and was not at all pushy.

I came away feeling thoroughly festive and with 2 happy children.  My daughter is 11 and sadly is in the non-believer camp (sob!) but was still happy with her gift and mini tree.  The grotto had a nice relaxed Christmas vibe with cheerful elves and a well planned and decorated layout.  We really enjoyed our experience and I would whole-heartedly recommend.

The Wootton branch was also offering free Christmas story telling but we missed the time slots which on Sunday were 11.30, 12.30, 1.30 and 2.30.  They are offering free activities on Saturday's and Sunday's throughout the festive period.

For more information or to book click on the link below.

Santa Grotto Link

Disclaimed: I was given 2 children's ticket in exchange for this review.  I paid for the photos myself  All opinions are 100% honest.