Know Before You Go

Important Information About Your Holiday

We have been running our StayPlayExplore/Perfect Break short breaks for seventeen years, have welcomed thousands of visitors to our destinations and helped many of you when you've needed extra assistance.

You can rest assured that you can book your break with us in absolute confidence and that we are making every effort to help you enjoy a great holiday.

If you do need any additional information, reassurance or want to check your booking then please get in touch with us by email help@stayplayexplore.co.uk and we will do our very best to help. We are unable to handle enquires by phone and please respect that things may take a little longer outside usual office hours.

Over the last few years our attractions and hotels have made changes to maximise your experience and keep everyone safe.

Many of our attractions are continuing to require advanced bookings and visits should usually be pre-booked. Details on how to do this are listed below for each attraction/experience. However these guidelines may change at short notice and we would advise you to double check directly with your preferred venues in advance before you book. Each ticket can only be used ONCE at each attraction/experience. Once you use your ticket to book a visit, your ticket will be redeemed and cannot be cancelled and reused elsewhere.

Our Hotels

Our hotels have also made some changes including timed/time limited swim sessions, prebooking for dinner and occasional changes in breakfast service. Whilst cleaning regimes have all been significantly increased, your room may not be serviced during the course of a stay of more than 1 night, this is to reduce unnecessary contact. Please check the individual hotel websites for more details and give them a call with any specific questions.

Please be aware that changes may be made at short notice due to circumstances out of our control.

Many properties are finding on-going operational challenges, but everyone is doing their best to ensure customers have a great stay.

We are all trying our very best to ensure you can enjoy your break and we thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you do have any concerns or problems, you must address these with the hotel as soon as they arise and give them the chance to rectify. The small team at StayPlayExplore/The Perfect Break are not based in the hotels and therefore not able to resolve operational problems, especially outside of office hours. Please be reasonable and treat staff with courtesy and respect.

Our attractions

Please check opening times before travelling to your chosen attractions/experiences, particularly during winter months and at Christmas and New Year. Some venues can stay closed or with restricted hours at late notice due to weather conditions. Always check before travelling.

StayPlayExplore Coventry & Warwickshire

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAKE PRINTED COPIES OF YOUR TICKETS TO ALL ATTRACTIONS

Avon Boating

Offer: Family ticket for admission to boat ride.

30 min trips running regularly throughout the day. Departures are from the Bancroft gardens next to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Visit the mooring for Avon Boats on Bancroft Gardens, Waterside to book a slot for later in the day (or next boat if not too busy). Open April until October half term.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Ballroom Climbing Wall

Offer: Admission for 2 children between the ages of 5 and 16 years.

There must be a ratio of 1 adult to 2 children during your visit to Ballroom Climbing Wall. A £3 registration fee per child is payable upon arrival and a registration form must be completed for each child. Adults can take part in activities but must be booked in and paid for prior to arrival.

Closed Christmas and New Year.

To book your visit call 0790 4317487 giving as much notice as possible.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

British Motor Museum

Offer: Family admission ticket to the British Motor Museum.

No need to pre-book.

Tickets cannot be used during special events taking place.

- Sunday 24 March 2024
- Sunday 28 April 2024
- Saturday 26 October 2024
- Sunday 27 October 2024

Closed during Christmas and New Year.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Compton Verney

Offer: Family admission to park.

Temporary closure between Tuesday 5th – Wednesday 20th March 2024.

After this open every day EXCEPT Mondays (other than Bank Holiday Mondays) and special event days. Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Tickets NOT VALID on special event days.

  • 1 June 2024
  • 9 June 2024
  • 21-23 June 2024
  • 8 September 2024

Pre-booking is not essential, however if you would like to book in advance, call on 01926 645500.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Coventry Transport Museum

Offer: Family admission to museum.

Open every day of the year except 24 – 26 December and 1 January. Monday – Sunday (including bank holidays) are 10.00am – 5.00pm (last admission 3pm). No need to pre-book.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Fairytale Farm

Offer: Family admission to Fairytale Farm.

Open every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day – 10am to 5pm.

Book an arrival time slot online by clicking the row marked 'StayPlayExplore Ticket Holders Only' £0. You'll be sent your booking confirmation via email.

Please remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Footgolf

Offer: Family foot golf session.

No need to pre-book but you are advised to call ahead to check the course isn't booked out or that the site isn't waterlogged – 0247 697 7770. Reduced opening over the Christmas period, check with venue for details.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

MAD Museum

Offer: Family admission to the MAD Museum.

Open every day, all year (except around the Christmas period).

Weekdays 10:30am – 4:30pm
Weekends & holidays 10:00am – 5:30pm

Pre-booking is NOT necessary for weekday visits outside of school holiday periods. If your dates require pre-booking send an email to tickets@themadmuseum.co.uk with your StayPlayExplore ticket number and they will send you a code to use to book online. Alternatively call reception to book over the phone: 01789 269356.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Midland Air Museum

Offer: Family admission to museum.

Open all year except 24th - 26th December. No need to pre-book.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall

Offer: Family admission at Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall.

Open daily 11am to 5pm with last entry at 4.15pm.

Present your StayPlayExplore ticket to the counter upon arrival. Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day.

Remember you must take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

St Mary's Guildhall

Offer: Family admission to the Guildhall.

Open daily, 10.00am – 4.00pm (last entry 3.00pm). Closed at Christmas and New Year, check our website for details.

No need to pre-book but you must take your StayPlayExplore ticket to gain entry.

Stratford upon Avon Butterfly Farm

Offer: Family admission to the Butterfly Farm.

Open daily Monday-Sunday. Summertime 10am-6pm last entry 5.30pm. Winter Time 10am- Dusk, please check website for last entry times as they vary during autumn and winter. Closed Christmas Day. StayPlayExplore visitors must either prebook online using the ticket option for StayPlayExplore or call the farm on 01789 299288.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

The Wave

Offer: Admission for a 2 hour session for a family of four.

StayPlayExplore customers can use their voucher for the last available session on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays (between 4pm and 6pm) during school term-time and last available session of the day, on any day during school holidays. Must be pre-booked via email to wavereception@cvlife.co.uk. Reduced opening times over the Christmas period, check directly with the venue for details.

Tickets are subject to availability, pre-book your tickets as early as possible to avoid any disappointment. We recommend emailing The Wave 7 days prior to your visit.

Your StayPlayExplore ticket number will secure your visit which cannot be changed and your ticket will be redeemed at the point of email booking. Take your paper ticket with you to gain entry.

StayPlayExplore Leicestershire

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre

Family entry to Heritage Centre.

Choose whether to book a time slot online, or call the Heritage Centre with your ticket number to book your time slot, 01455 290429. Alternatively, just turn up and present your ticket at the Heritage Centre.

Closed 24th - 27th December & 31st December.

StayPlayExplore tickets not valid during the Medieval Festival that takes place on 17th / 18th August 2024.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Caddyshackers

Family game of crazy golf.

Restrictions on tickets: Valid 7 days a week throughout the year, children must be over the age of 5 years, family game must be completed by 7pm.

Customers will need to email stating the name that the short break is booked under and the ticket number; preferred date and time are required and the numbers of the group i.e. 2 adults, 2 children.

A minimum of 48 hours is needed to book and the email address is hello@caddyshackers.co.uk

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Conkers/Hi-Lo Ropes at Conkers

Family admission ticket for Conkers. In return for an additional StayPlayExplore family ticket 2 children can experience the Hi-Lo Ropes at Conkers (see T&Cs for age and height restrictions).

Visit the Conkers website to request tickets at least 48 hours before you wish to visit stating that you are a StayPlayExplore customer, your ticket number (or 2 if you wish to include hi/lo ropes) and the date when you wish to visit. A member of the customer services team will confirm your booking.

Opening days and times vary throughout the year. Open throughout the week during the summer and school holidays, open Wednesday to Sunday during spring and autumn and weekends only during winter months. Check the Conkers website for full details. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

StayPlayExplore tickets are not valid during the Winter Wonderland festival.

Hi-Lo Ropes closes for the winter. Re-opens February half term.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

East Street Lanes

Family game of bowling.

Restrictions on tickets: Valid 7 days a week throughout the year, family game must be completed by 7pm.

Customers will need to email stating name that the short break is booked under and the ticket number, a preferred date and time and the numbers of the group i.e. 2 adults, 2 children.

A minimum of 48 hours is needed to book and the email address is hello@eaststreetlanes.co.uk

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Great Central Railway

Offer: Exchange a StayPlayExplore ticket for a family day runabout ticket. The runabout ticket is valid on all advertised standard class services, except reservation only services.

Tickets are valid on any operating day, except special event dates. Please check the Great Central Railway website for details of when trains are running.

Also NOT valid on any pre-bookable Christmas services.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Offer: Family admission ticket.

The Visitor Centre is open every day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Plus closed for maintenance days during January each year (closed until 20th January 2024). Check website before travelling. Book your visit in advance by calling 0116 454 4315 during office hours.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

A group activity, which may be with other members of the public, chosen from our Adventure Club programme. Adventure Club runs a range of activities on weekdays, evenings and weekends, with up to 12 spaces available on each one. Please be aware that not all activities are available all the time and time slots are limited. See website for up to date list of activities. See our website for details: https://lopc.co.uk/individuals-families-clubs/

Advanced booking is essential – call 0116 2681426. Opening times restricted over the Christmas season.

All participants must have a consent form, signed by themselves or their legal parent/guardian if under 18. There are age restrictions and some child/adult ratios which need to be adhered to, as stated on the webpage link above.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Stonehurst Farm

Family entry into Stonehurst Farm and Museum.

Open Tuesdays to Sundays 9.30am - 5pm. No need to pre-book but you can send an email to oink@stonehurstfarm.co.uk and provide a date and time when you are arriving. Closed Christmas Day until 2nd January 2024.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Swadlincote Ski Centre

Family admission for ½ hour sno-tubing and 2 toboggan rides per person.

For the toboggan, children between 4-7 years must be accompanied by an adult (aged 16+) and children aged 8 and over must ride on their own. No under 4s allowed.

Visitors should pre-book by calling advance, please give as much notice as possible 01283 890089. Opening times vary throughout the year so please see the website for details.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Twinlakes Park

Family admission ticket. Children who are under the age of 3 but over 95 cm will be charged at the attraction.

Opening times vary throughout the year. During the winter months opening days are reduced. Site re-opens on 9th February 2024. Check Twinlakes website for full details and to book online using the button for 'Complimentary or Stay Play Explore reservation'. Bad weather may also cause the site to be closed.

You will not be admitted to the Park unless you bring both this reservation AND your printed prepaid StayPlayExplore ticket. YOU MUST HAND IN A PRINTED COPY OF YOUR TICKET.

Your family voucher cannot be used on UK Escape Games, special dining packages including but not limited to Breakfast with Santa and Party in the Park with Santa, and some other special event days.

Twycross Zoo

Family admission ticket.

The zoo is closed on Christmas Day. This ticket cannot be used towards upgrade to annual membership scheme or in conjunction with any other promotion or special offer.

Pre-booking not required. Take your StayPlayExplore ticket to Guest Services on arrival to gain entry.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Wheelgate Park

Offer: Family admission ticket. Children who are under the age of 3 but over 95 cm will be charged at the attraction.

Available throughout the year during opening times but excludes special event days.

Opening times vary throughout the year. During the winter months opening days are reduced. Closed Tuesdays during January 2024. Check Wheelgate Park website for full details and to book online using the button for 'Complimentary or Stay Play Explore reservation'. Bad weather may also cause the site to be closed.

Book in advance by visiting their website www.wheelgatepark.com and click 'buy tickets online'. On the day tickets page, choose the 'Stay Play Explore Reservation' button to book your slot.

You will not be admitted to the Park unless you bring both this reservation AND your printed prepaid StayPlayExplore ticket. YOU MUST HAND IN A PRINTED COPY OF YOUR TICKET.

Your family voucher cannot be used on UK Escape Games, special dining packages including but not limited to Breakfast with Santa and Party in the Park with Santa, and some other special event days.

Windmill Farm Park

Offer: Family admission ticket. Pre-booking essential. Call 0116 319 1360 and give your StayPlayExplore ticket number over the phone. StayPlayExplore tickets are not valid on special event days unless you wish to make an additional payment to the venue at the time of booking (subject to availability). Check venue's website for dates and details of special events before booking.

Closed during Christmas and New Year.

Remember to take your StayPlayExplore ticket with you.

Perfect Breaks for Couples

Perfect Breaks in Coventry & Warwickshire

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAKE PRINTED COPIES OF YOUR TICKETS TO ALL ATTRACTIONS

Check below which of our attractions/experiences need pre-booking.

Avon Boating

Tickets for 2 adults for boat ride.

30 min trips running regularly throughout the day. Departures are from the Bancroft gardens next to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Visit the mooring for Avon Boats on Bancroft Gardens, Waterside to book a slot for later in the day (or next boat if not too busy). Open April until October half term.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Baxters Baristas

Afternoon tea for 2 people.

Open throughout the year. Opening times:

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm

Pre-booking essential, see website for details.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

British Motor Museum

Admission for 2 adults to the British Motor Museum.

No need to pre-book.

Tickets cannot be used during special events.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Compton Verney

Entry to venue for 2 adults.

Pre-booking is not essential, however if you would like to book in advance, call on 01926 645500.

Temporary closure between Tuesday 5th – Wednesday 20th March 2024.

After this open every day EXCEPT Mondays (other than Bank Holiday Mondays).

Tickets NOT VALID on special event days.

  • 1 June 2024
  • 9 June 2024
  • 21-23 June 2024
  • 8 September 2024

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Coventry Transport Museum

Admission for 2 adults to museum.

Open every day of the year except 24 – 26 December and 1 January. Monday – Sunday (including bank holidays) are 10.00am – 5.00pm (last admission 3pm). No need to pre-book.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Dhillon's Brewery

Brewery tour including brewing process for 2 adults - sample the Dhillon's core range.

Available only on Fridays at 4pm. Pre-booking essential.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Dhillon's Spire Bar

A cocktail and loaded fries for each adult.

Available Tuesday - Sunday between 5pm - 8pm

Pre-booking essential. Reserve your booth here dhillonsspirebar.com

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Esmies Caribbean Restaurant

Cocktails and a food sharing platter per couple.

Pre-booking essential.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Shakespeare Distillery

Tour and tasting session for 2 adults. Call to make an appointment for your tour 01789 336559 giving as much notice as possible.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall

Admission for 2 adults at Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall.

Open daily 11am to 5pm with last entry at 4.15pm.

Present your Perfect Break ticket to the counter upon arrival.

Remember you must take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Stratford upon Avon Butterfly Farm

Admission for 2 adults to the Butterfly Farm.

Open daily Monday-Sunday. Summertime 10am-6pm last entry 5.30pm. Winter Time 10am- Dusk, please check website for last entry times as they vary during autumn and winter. Closed Christmas Day. Perfect Brerak visitors must either prebook online using the ticket option for StayPlayExplore or call the farm on 01789 299288.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

St Mary's Guildhall

Admission for 2 adults.

Open daily, 10.00am – 4.00pm (last entry 3.00pm). Closed at Christmas and New Year, check our website for details.

No need to pre-book but you must take your Perfect Break ticket to gain entry.

Twisted Barrel Ale & Tap House

Choose a selection of 6 tasters each, from a choice of at least 16 beers, all brewed on site at the home of independent creative retail, FarGo Village.

Closed Monday and Tuesday, open daily Wednesday - Sunday. Please check opening times on www.twistedbarrelale.co.uk/tap-house.

Pre-booking essential.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Perfect Breaks in Leicestershire

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre

Entry for 2 adults into Heritage Centre.

Choose whether to book a time slot online, or call the Heritage Centre with your ticket number to book your time slot, 01455 290429. Alternatively, just turn up and present your ticket at the Heritage Centre.

Perfect Break tickets are not valid during the Medieval Festival that takes place on 17th / 18th August 2024.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Chutney Ivy

2 course set meal for 2 adults. Pre-booking is essential. Customer must present their ticket on arrival. Drinks not included. See website for opening times. Not available during festive period.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Admission for 2 adults

The Visitor Centre is open every day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Book your visit in advance by calling 0116 454 4315 during office hours.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Melton Cheeseboard

Voucher per couple for £16.50 to spend in the shop.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Mrs Bridges Tearooms

Afternoon tea for 2.

Pre-booking is essential. Available at any time except between 12.30pm and 2.30pm Monday to Saturday. Offer applies to classic afternoon tea for two and is not redeemable against any other items on the menu or promotions currently being ran.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

Sysonby Knoll Hotel

Afternoon tea for 2 adults. Pre-booking essential.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.

The Crown Inn - Old Dalby

Enjoy a two course set lunch for two people in the beautiful surroundings of Melton Mowbray.

Available Monday to Saturday served between 12 noon and 2.30pm. Pre-booking required.

Remember to take your Prefect Break ticket with you.

Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe

Voucher per couple for £16.50 to spend in the shop.

Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe is undergoing major refurbishment during the first three months of 2024. A pop-up shop is available in the Bell Centre where vouchers can be redeemed for a limited range of goods on sale.

Remember to take your Perfect Break ticket with you.