People say that travel broadens the mind, but it seems the only interesting aspect of any trip for children is finding the answer to the age-old question of "Are we nearly there yet?"
It's a question that every parent dreads, particularly as it is usually accompanied by a small but ever so strong and pointy toe in the back of the driving seat.
This summer, leaving the car at home and taking a road trip of a different kind could become a solution to a stress free, eco-friendly and fun day out, along one of the UK's best heritage attractions.
Families can take a tour of Hadrian's Wall Country on the AD122 bus service that runs along the 2,000-year-old monument throughout the summer season, until the end of October half-term. The beauty of the Hadrian's Wall Bus is not only does it provide a novel and environmentally friendly way to travel, but children will not fail to be entertained with a special Roman treasure hunt to complete along the way.
The treasure hunt is a ten-question quiz for children aged five-13, as well as a colouring competition for younger passengers. Clues to the questions can be found at forts and attractions along the bus route and visitors are encouraged to send their completed quiz to Hadrian's Wall Heritage to be entered into a special prize draw. Prizes include a family trip to luxury hotel, De Vere Slaley Hall.
The award-winning Hadrian's Wall bus is a reliable commuter service for the local community, but it is also a key tourism asset for Hadrian's Wall. It provides a picturesque, relaxing and cost effective way to tour the famous Roman monument, which spans the north of England through Cumbria and the North-East, and stops at all the major attractions, towns and cities on a daily route.
Open Book Visitor Guides are on board during selective services throughout the day. The guides provide advice and information about specific sites and services within the area and give a fascinating insight into 2,000 years of Roman history that promises to keep passengers of all ages entertained. The treasure hunt is free and acts as a simple way of keeping the children entertained and engaged throughout their trip, allowing families to get the very best out of a visit to Hadrian's Wall Country.
Family travel on the bus is very economical. Day Rover bus tickets cost £7 for adults and £4.50 for children. They entitle passengers to travel on the bus between Newcastle and Carlisle, hopping on and off the service as many times as they like. Individual fares are also available and special offers. There are also services linking the bus to Bowness-on-Solway in the west and South Shields in the east.
The Hadrian's Wall Bus is also a key service for people walking the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail. A seven day walking ticket entitles them to walk sections of the trail and hop on and off the bus to use it to get back to their starting point or as a transfer service to return to their accommodation.
The Hadrian's Wall AD122 Bus and Rail Transport Guide is free from Tourist Information Centres, travel shops, Roman forts and attractions in Hadrian's Wall Country. The Roman treasure hunt can also be downloaded from www.hadrians-wall.org
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