A stag do or hen party to remember

Mix up your Pre-Wedding Party: Get outside like the Stags and Hens do!

Are you hoping to function like a normal person on your wedding day, and not like a hungover corpse-bride? Your wedding photographer will be able to edit out your dark circles, but she won't be able to Photoshop your nausea away when you're cutting into your 350-pound wedding cake. If you're second-guessing the classic smoky-bar and excessive drinking bachelor(ette) party we highly recommend following that instinct and picking a daytime, outdoor adventure activity for you and your friends instead. Drink a green juice, head outside, and feel great on your Big Day!

In this post we'll give you three ideas for alternative, outdoorsy stag and hen parties you can enjoy in Leicestershire, UK that will keep you feeling good while you're getting hitched.

1. Go on a glamping retreat

Enjoy the outdoors and sip in the fresh air! Take a hike outside or rent bikes and ride through the forest. In the evening you can light up a bonfire, tell spooky stories, and play games in the dark. Glamping retreats allow you to camp while staying in a luxury (but still tent-like) accommodation so you can get close to nature while being comfortable at night.

Leicestershire is surprisingly full of gorgeous little glamp-sites for you and your friends to rent for a weekend away. This will certainly be more memorable than another bar night in the city!

2. Enjoy watersports in the sun

Kayaking is truly the ultimate stag or hen party vehicle. Let's Get Lost UK has a special stag & hen party experience that includes 4 hours on the water, pub stops, games, and access to waterproof cameras so you can document (and Instagram) the whole experience. Have a drink or two during the day and buzz along the river without getting plastered throughout the night. Enjoy the next day headache-free and sexy, now that you've worked out your lats and lower back on the river!

3. Head off for a festival weekend

Leicestershire has a festival practically every weekend, so you won't need to travel far or wait too long for an epic party.  Help your friends to become more cultured by bringing them to an international music festival, or embrace the animals you are by attending a car-b-que (BBQ and car show) festival (which is, by the way, a real thing). Whatever your interests, or the crowd you're trying to please, you'll likely be able to find a festival that everyone will enjoy in Leicestershire.

Heading to a festival is also an excellent party idea for the busy party organizers who don't have much time to plan. Festivals are generally a one-stop-shop for food, drinks (if you want them), and entertainment. Tell your friends where and when, then all they have to do is show up.

We love these options for rejuvenating bachelor and bachelorette parties in Leicester that would be great for both stags and hens alike. We suggest going on a glamping retreat, a kayaking expedition, or heading to a festival to listen to new music and eat some greasy festival food. Then, once the weekend is over, you can relish in the fact that you are not even a little bit hungover. Well done, you!

A day out with the family in Leicester

Fun in Leicestershire for the kids (and the parents!)  

Want to have a fun day out with the kids? It doesn't matter if it's on a rainy or sunny day, there are plenty of things to do in Leicester that will keep the kids entertained and make for an enjoyable family outing. This blog post is for parents who want to find ways to enjoy themselves while their children have fun too. We'll talk about indoor activities that allow the kids to stay active while mom enjoys coffee (or wine) and kid-friendly outdoor adventures like kayaking!

First, let's talk rainy days out in Leicestershire. Here are some ideas for what you can do: 

1. Visit Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

At the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, formerly known as the New Walk Museum, kids can learn about their massive, scaly, prehistoric cousins in the dinosaur exhibit, then blow their little minds learning about cosmic wonders in the Wild Space exhibit. Let the kiddos romp around and fiddle with the interactive exhibits while expanding their minds. All free of charge! 

2. Play Laser Tag at Laserforce

Are you ready to win Parent of the Year? Your kids are going to flip over this one.

Laserforce is a futuristic game that allows players to embody a space hero (or villain) in the flesh. Don your glittering battle suits and grab your (super safe, infrared-shooting) laser gun and prepare for WAR! Be quick to determine who are friends, foes, or aliens within the immersive, fast-paced arena.

Laserforce practically guarantees a great time for all participants, irrespective of age or experience. Even Moms are enthusiastically encouraged to join the battle!

3. Explore The National Space Center 

The National Space Centre is always an exciting place for kids with lots of hands-on activities and exhibits. Kids will love exploring Space Town and playing games in Earth Plaza. At the end of the tour-de-space, treat your little ones to some astronaut ice cream!

Now, for sunny days in the Midlands:

4. Feel the wind on your face kayaking with Let's Get Lost

The UK is home to beautiful rivers and lakes, so why not take the plunge!

Explore nature with your kids from your kayaks, paddling along the mellow River Soar. Or, if you’re keen for a break, relinquish your parenting duties to LGL staff (just for a little while, of course), hop on a kayak, and paddle to the pub while the kids are taken care of!

Let's Get Lost loves to help families bond on the water. Family time, time in nature and a good workout- a day on the water will surely tick all your boxes.

5. Enjoy a walk in the park or along the water

The Midlands are full of excellent options for you and your family to enjoy obstacle-free outdoor spaces that are safe for kids. Stroll through Fosse Meadows Country Park or maybe have a picnic at Thornton Reservoir. Bring the dog to Abbey Park and toss the frisbee around (and maybe let the kids join in too)!

6. Watch an outdoor movie screening under the stars on Jubilee Square!

Jubilee Square hosts tons of free film showings, many of which are excellent choices for kids and parents alike. Bring a picnic blanket, some popcorn, and snuggle up!

Whether you want an activity that will get your kids’ energy out or you just want to relax together as a family, there are lots of options in Leicestershire for whatever your goal maybe! If you need some help planning the perfect day with your loved ones, be sure to visit Let's Get Lost and let us plan your trip for you. We can't wait to help you make memories with your family!

Kayaking and Canoeing In Leicester

Canoeing and Kayaking In Leicester

Check out this useful information before going on your canoe or kayak adventure.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Do I need a license for Canoeing and Kayaking?

Simple answer, yes if going on your own, if you paddle with Let’s Get Lost you paddle under our waterways license.

Before you decide to go paddling by yourself, or even as part of a club, you’ll need the necessary license for kayaking and canoeing on inland waterways. Thankfully, membership of British Canoeing will give you the necessary permissions for most inland waterways in England and Wales If you want to take a friend in another boat, they’ll have to have a separate license.

Where can I go canoeing or kayaking near me?

Search through Let’s Get Lost experiences to find a kayaking experience near you. If you’re looking to go paddling in your own boat, make sure you check whether you need a license to paddle there. Canals and inland rivers can be great places to kayak and canoe as waters can be easier to navigate and manage than tidal waters. However, for many inland rivers in the UK, you’ll need to work out whether you are able to canoe or kayak there due to both private restrictions and licensing restrictions.

Restrictions also exist for where land is privately owned (e.g. beaches), where there are environmental protection schemes such as Nature reserves, where there are military bases or activity happening, or where there are restrictions due to safety such as avoiding shipping lanes, waste disposal, or dangerous wrecks.
There are some places where licenses aren’t required, like paddling in the sea, estuaries, or most tidal water (which can often travel quite far up many rivers). However, these are the areas that require skill and experience to go paddling. Nevertheless, this type of kayaking can offer some of the most rewarding experiences with sightings of seals and a wealth of other animals.

Safety Advice for Canoeing and Kayaking

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A license is just one small part of the puzzle when it comes to working out where and when to paddle. See our list below on things to consider before going canoeing or kayaking:

• Weather, flow, tides, and visibility: Attention should be paid to the flow of the river by checking the environment agency website and others. A significant flow on the river can be caused by excessive rain, often hundreds of miles away, that over a number of days, pour into the river can cause significant currents. Whilst it’s often hard to see ‘flow’ just by looking at the river the National River Flow Archive can provide specific information on the flow to enable you to decide if it’s worth the outing. Often, it’s much nicer to paddle in calmer waters, rather than battling a surging river and having greater risk around meanders, bridges, and other boat vessels, so this is something to consider. Likewise, wind, tide, weather, and visibility should be taken into consideration when planning your canoeing or kayaking trip. - Conditions within your level of capability Always err on the side of caution when going out in your canoe or kayak and make sure you’re comfortable with the conditions of the water

• Tell your friends: Let people know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Ideally, go with a group of people so if someone falls in, you’ll have others to help or raise the alarm - Get training: Book in a canoeing or kayaking instructor course or experience days

• Practice falling in drills: In calmer waters and with the instruction of an instructor, practice how to fall in and what to do when you do fall in, so you’re prepared on what to do

• Consider wearing safety equipment such as buoyancy aids, which can be life-savers in many scenarios even if you’re a strong swimmer, the water temperature, flow, or taking a knock to the head, can all present risks that will make your swimming skills useless and a buoyancy aid life-saving

• Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions of your paddle. Don’t risk getting soaking wet and cold in the rain if you’re going out for prolonged periods

• Be aware of waterway restrictions, from boating lanes, military operations, and more, to avoid any dangers - Make sure to get stacked up on nutrition and water to maintain energy levels if you’re going for over an hour's paddle.

• Take a communication device, mobile, or radio in case of emergency and call 999 if needed.

Canoeing and Kayaking for Families and Kids

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Canoeing and Kayaking are great family-friendly sports. Canoes are more of the stable and spacious choice that allows for gentle and calm paddling experiences. Kayaking also offers the option for two-seaters that are a great way to bond with a friend or family member. Recreational Kayaks are built for stability and so it's more difficult to fall in or get wet. When it comes to the types of water to look out for, calmer water makes for a more enjoyable experience with kids. Look out for local lakes or canals for safer and more tranquil paddling. The beauty of canoeing and kayaking is that they are 'sit down' sports. The level of fitness required for both is relatively low, so most people can get involved with the sport.

Content source: https://beyonk.com/uk/canoeing-kayaking/in-leicester

The UK’s Litter Problem

Litter may not always be at the forefront of people’s minds in our busy modern world, however statistics – and sometimes a quick glance at the area around you – show that we really do need to take action on this growing problem in the UK. Whilst it is suggested by Keep Britain Tidy that 57% of people in our country believe that litter is a problem in their area, it is people who cause the problem in the first place. And what a big problem it has become.

The Cost of Litter

Clearing up the litter dropped in the streets and green spaces in England alone is costing the UK taxpayer £1 billion a year. In addition to that, Scotland spend £75 million on keeping their land litter-free too. This is money that shouldn’t really need to be spent, and money which could be much better spent on public services such as the NHS.

The Dangers of Litter

There are not just direct costs involved with the dropping of litter, but indirect ones too, such as: damage made to vehicle tyres, harm to animals, drain blockages causing floods and an increase in rat populations. This is of course just a few random examples; the scope for danger caused by litter is large.

Keep Britain Tidy’s 2013 litter survey listed mental health and wellbeing, crime rates, damage by vermin and road traffic accidents as examples of important things that litter can have a negative effect on. There are far too many to list here.

The RSPCA receives around 7000 calls a year regarding animals that have been injured by litter; this includes pets as well as wildlife.

The Hidden Litter Problem

Our nation has turned in to a mass of litterbugs; 62% of people in England drop litter, although only 28% will admit to it. The problem is that, with so much money being pumped in to keeping our streets clean, some areas are indeed very clean, meaning nobody sees the problem. Out of sight, out of mind.

Other areas, however, end up neglected, and with a limit on local funds they simply fill with litter. Even with the amount of money currently being spent on cleaning up the UK, there is still litter on the streets. Something needs to change – we need to stop dropping litter.

“It’s bad for the spirit to walk through filth. Littering is important. It’s disgraceful. Why should everyone live in a teenagers’ bedroom? Peek into a hedge here and it’s like a trash can…” – David Sedaris, comedian and litter campaigner, talking about litter in the UK

Problems With The Solutions

Street Litter

Local authorities are able to hand out fines for those they see dropping litter, however this solution has caused controversy as it has become more frequent in our towns and cities.

David Baker of Stourbridge in the West Midlands voluntarily collects litter 7 days a week for most of the year in his local area, but was recently handed a fixed penalty fine for fly-tipping due to placing a pizza box and a couple of his personal items of junk mail in a public litter bin.

Meanwhile, a woman in Smethwick – Vanessa Kelly – was fined for feeding the ducks in her local park, as this was seen as littering by the council warden who ‘caught’ her in the act. The warden allowed her child to carry on feeding though, as he was deemed too young to prosecute!

In theory the fines are a good idea, and should work as a preventative measure that puts people off littering and makes them think twice before dropping rubbish. However, as the above examples show, the definitions of littering and fly-tipping need to be generalised across the country in order for the system to be taken seriously.

Fly-tipping

There were only 2,000 convictions out of 825,000 reported cases of fly-tipping in the UK – and that is only the reported cases. With such poor rates of punishment with regards to fly-tipping, it is no surprise that people are continuing to do it.

Conclusion

As it stands the UK is paying way too much for a problem that is entirely avoidable. We need to work on methods of prevention, and renew our pride in our communities and ourselves.

What Can You Do?

Let’s Get Lost Leicester are running monthly river clean ups on the last Thursday of every month - You get a free paddle and the river gets cleaner #win-win, register your interest by clicking here or find out more.

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Information curtesy of Forge Recycling

5 Top Tips for taking your dog paddling

We loved this article from Go Paddling so much we had to share it…

Thinking about taking your dog paddling? No!? You should! Paddling with your dog is a great way to include them on your adventures. After all, dogs are part of the family, so it’s only natural that you want to take them with you. To help you get started, we’ve got some handy tips…

5 top tips for taking your dog paddling

1. Protect your pooch – It may seem obvious but it’s important to take your dog swimming before you take them out. It gives you and them confidence. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a well fitted dog buoyancy aid with a lifting handle is a must. The fit and handle are super important if you need to lift your dog back into the boat. You also need to think about things like drinking water, a small first aid kit (including Vaseline), vet wrap and gauze.

2. Claw patrol – Ensure you have proper covers on your kit so your dog can’t damage it with their claws. It’s worth having airbag covers in your canoe, and drybags come in handy too, doubling up as a dog bed, especially on paddleboards!

3. Fur the love of nature – Sorry to lower the tone, but a good supply of poo bags is an essential part of any doggy adventure, plus a dedicated ‘storage’ box like an old tupperware clip box. Also be aware of the environment you are in and be careful of other wildlife. Dogs love to play duck chase, so use a lead if you think your dog might be feeling a bit cheeky!

4. Paws for thought – Shocking we know, but not everyone loves your dog as much as you. Ask people you are paddling with if they are comfortable having a dog there before you head out.

5. Fun unleashed – Above all, have fun but remember to be safe and respectful. Think ahead and pack a bag of treats including floating tennis balls, a frisbee and food. Scope out trips you can do where there are dog friendly pubs or picnic sites where your dog can run.

Now you’re ready to go paddling with your four-legged friend. Don’t forget to take lots of cute dog pics along the way!

Content curtesy of: Go Paddling