Things To Do In The Lake District When It's Raining

Things To Do In The Lake District When It's Raining

No comments

We have been visiting the Lake District as a family for over 20 years and although we have had a shower or two we have never really experienced a rainy day until this year. The whole weekend it rained non stop and therefore our plans had to change. If you are familiar with the Lakes you will know that most of the best things to do are not ideal for a wet day or wet weather in general. We have a few favourite things to do in the lakes however we instantly had to do a few google checks for things to do in The Lake District when it's raining. Luckily we were close to a few of the indoor attractions however if we were better prepared for the bad weather we could have enjoyed a few more as we were surprised that there are actually lots of things to do in the Lake District when its raining.

Enjoy A Boat Cruise

You may associate boat cruises with sunny days, sitting on the deck watching the world go by however the boat cruises are just as nice on rainy days. Choose from Windermere, Coniston Water, Derwentwater and Ullswater as they all offer undercover boats. They are a great way to see the Lake District National Park and perfect for the whole family. We have done the trip from Bowness on Windermere to Ambleside many times and the boats offer refreshments and toilets on board. 

Coniston Cruises boat trip is a smaller boat than those on Windermere however they are just as nice. They offer you the chance to disembark at a range of stops along the Lake with some amazing sights to see including the home of artist and writer, John Ruskin. 

You can find out more information about the cruises by visiting Windermere Lake Cruises or Coniston Cruises by visiting Coniston Launch

Take a Steam Train Ride

A perfect way to see the beauty of the Lake District is taking a short trip on a steam train and travel three and half miles from Haverthwaite Station to Lakeside pier at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. Once you disembark the train at Lakeside it's just a short walk to the Aquarium of the Lakes. Also for easier access to Bowness or Ambleside you can jump on board a boat cruise with Windermere Lake Cruises.

Open every day from 1st April - 29th October

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co. Ltd, Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8AL

For more information, timetables and admission prices visit Lakeside and Haverthwaite 

Lakes Aquarium

A perfect indoor activity for a rainy day.  Situated on Windermere the Lakes Aquarium is an  award-winning attraction and has the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish. As mentioned earlier you can arrive at the aquarium via boat or train. 

If booking in advance you can combine your boat or steam train ticket with an aquarium ticket to receive a discount. Children under 3 go free and there is a variety of tickets available including family tickets. 

The Lakes Aquarium is open daily from 10.00am.

Last admission 4.30pm, close at 5.30pm

Open 7 days a week, including bank holidays, only closed Christmas Day.

Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AS

For more information and admission prices visit The Lakes Aquarium 

Brantwood, John Ruskin's Home

Brantwood is a historic house located on the shore of Coniston Water in the Lake District. It was the former home of John Ruskin, a famous Victorian writer, artist, and social reformer, and is now open to the public as a museum, showcasing Ruskin’s life and work. The property also includes guest accommodations, a cafe, and extensive gardens and woodland trails.

Visitors to the house are introduced to Ruskin’s world by a brief introductory video and are then free to explore the seven historical rooms which he occupied during his lifetime, all of which are filled with his furniture, art and objects.

Brantwood is open daily 10:30-5pm throughout the Summer  and Wednesday to Sunday during winter, also closing on Christmas & Boxing Day.

The Brantwood Trust, East of Lake, Coniston, LA21 8AD

For more information and admission prices visit Brantwood

The World Of Beatrix Potter

The World Of Beatrix Potter attraction gives you the opportunity to celebrate Beatrix Potter's 23 enchanting stories. Each one brought to life right before your eyes, you will feel like you are walking amongst the pages of her books. 

Peter Rabbits garden is available for you to wander through admiring all the fruit and vegetables growing. You can even try some in the cafe.

The World of Beatrix Potter is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day and a short period of closure in Jan/Feb for maintenance.

Summer opening hours (April – October) 10am – 5.30pm

Winter opening hours (November – March) 10am – 4.30pm

The World Of Beatrix Potter, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, UK, LA23 3BX

For more information and admission prices visit The World of Beatrix Potter

Hill Top

A visit to The Lake District wouldn't be the same without a visit to Hill Top. Visiting Hill Top allows you to enjoy the tales of Beatrix Potter. The Farmhouse Retreat is full of her favourite things and the cottage inspired her stories and her love for the Lake District. 

The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Make your way up the garden path to the front door and see for yourself why Beatrix loved this place. Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books.

Hill Top is open daily with a usual opening hours of 0am-5pm however please do check before you visit. 

Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF

For more information and admission prices visit Hill Top

READ THESE NEXT

OUR TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING THE LAKE DISTRICT

FAMILY WALK FROM GRIZEDALE VISITOR CENTRE

OUR STAY AT SIMGILL FARM COTTAGES

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

Read More

Top 9 Things To Do At Coral Island, Blackpool

Top 9 Things To Do At Coral Island, Blackpool

No comments

This post was last updated July 2023 by Michelle 

Visiting Blackpool is something we have been doing as a family for years. It's one of our favourite places to visit when we head to Blackpool. Parking is close by so our day usually starts and ends at Coral Island as there is so much to see and do and it's the perfect place to visit on a family day out in Blackpool. Unfortunately we don't always get the weather we would like in England so it's nice to know that no matter what the weather we can be entertained and keep the kids busy too.

Coral Island, Central Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5DW

Coral Island is the largest free admission attraction in Blackpool featuring games, rides, restaurants, camel derby, Over 18 casino games and family prize bingo. They also offer Kids Eat Free - All Day Every Day in all of their restaurants. It's east to reach we usually just head towards the Blackpool Tower and you can't miss it. If you are planning a visit to Blackpool then here's are top things to do at Coral Island

2p Machines

There is a large range of machines at Coral Island but little J's favourites were the 2p machines. We gave him a tub full of 2p's and he really enjoyed watching his two pence make its way down the machine. He got so excited when his 2p knocked a load off the edge

Try To Win Tickets

Most of the machines at Coral Island offer you the chance to win tickets. If you are lucky enough to win tickets you can feed them all in to the ticket eater and collect your voucher for the amount of tickets you have won. Pop to the prize shop and swap your ticket voucher for some goodies.

Camel Derby

This game is called so many different names, Arabian Derby, Donkey Derby or Camel Derby as it is called in Coral Island. The game is simple you get 3 balls and you have to roll the balls into the holes to get points. Each hole is worth either 1, 2 or 3 points. Your camel will move the amount spaces depending on which hole your ball rolls in too. If you are the first to finish you win a prize. When we played all 19 spaces were full. We had 15 games between us but didn't manage a win. The staff member on the game let little J choose a prize for trying which was really lovely of him.

Prize Bingo

This is my favourite game. Pop in £1 and you will get 100 credits. Each board costs 10 credits and the screen has 6 boards to play. if you want to play all boards this will cost you 60p. It is really easy to play as the numbers will mark off automatically for you so perfect for all the family. The number of players taking part determine the size of the prize available. For the games we played the winner got 150 points. We won a few times and where able to redeem our points for a Toy Story Forky Teddy. Little J was thrilled.

Play On The Arcade Machines

There are so many arcade games to choose from at Coral Island. Both John and little J love playing on the games and this VR game caught their eye. 

Take A Ride

There are two rides to enjoy at Coral Island, the Ghost Train and The Pirate Flyer. Little J did not want to ride the Ghost train however he loved The Pirate Flyer. The ride takes you high in the air above Coral Island giving you great views of everything there is to do. If you sit in the front of the pirate flyer you get a pretend gun so you can shoot those down below. 

Let Zoltar Read Your Fortune

I was so excited when I saw the Zoltar machine and for those that have seen the Tom Hanks movie BIG you will know why. The Zoltar machine speaks your fortune and then will pop out a card so you can read it yourself. Our fortune told us to choose our friends carefully and happiness is in our future.

Enjoy A Choice Of Food and Kids Eat Free

There are a few dining options at Coral Island and all offer Kids Eat Free. We dined at The Buccaneer and the food was delicious. There was a large range of starters, mains and desserts with the children having their own menu.

Starters included garlic bread, nachos and garlic mushrooms. Mains included burgers, curry and chicken, and desserts included a choice of ice cream type desserts and cakes.

There is an option to dine inside or outside on decking overlooking the amusements. Inside there are large TV screens and a bar area.

Kids Eat Free All Day Every Day at Coral Island. There is no vouchers required all you need to do is order and adults meal and a child's meal will be given free of charge.

Have Fun

Make sure you plan lots of time to spend here as you will need it with the amount of things to see and do. I can promise you that you will have lots of fun at Coral Island.

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit 

Visit our Out and About section for more days out ideas

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

Read More

The Benefits of Letting Your Kids Play Golf

The Benefits of Letting Your Kids Play Golf

No comments

Golf has long been perceived as an elite activity, more suitable for business executives and retirees than children. Yet this misconception couldn't be further from reality. Allowing your children to pick up golf can bring enormous benefits, not only developing physical abilities but also instilling important life habits and values into them. 

Golf's Physical Benefits: More than Just a Stroll in the Park

Contrary to popular belief, golf involves much more than simply walking from one hole to the next with your caddie. Rather it requires extensive physical exertion. Walking the course often several kilometres long can improve cardiovascular fitness while swinging a club strengthens core muscles and enhances flexibility. All this time spent outdoors offers ample opportunity for vitamin D production, something every parent appreciates.

Mental Mastery: Strategizing on the Green

Golf is more than just physical. Each hole presents its own set of challenges that demand careful consideration from evaluating terrain to choosing an appropriate club and anticipating how the ball will roll. Just keeping up with the golf scoring can sharpen mathematical abilities, as well as decision-making abilities and strategic planning skills that transfer across all aspects of life. So spending an afternoon out on the golf course with your child could provide just as much mental stimulation than solving puzzles or playing complex video games, plus it gets them moving.

Social Savvy: Networking at an Early Age

Golf provides an ideal setting for children to develop social interaction from an early age. From teaming up with peers during a round to engaging in friendly banter with other golfers, your child will gain invaluable experience learning the nuances of social etiquette on the course. Patience, respect and effective communication among others are just a few to be picked up while on the greens. Not forgetting confidence-boosting experiences such as holding conversations with players of various ages.

Learning Patience and Perseverance

Playing golf will teach your child patience. The sport demands much waiting, either for that perfect shot, or your turn. While mastering golf skills takes time, practice, and perseverance, qualities which will benefit him both on the course and beyond. Tackling difficult school subjects more efficiently while waiting out long-term investments or dealing with relationship conflicts will all benefit from these attributes that golf cultivates.

Gain the Competitive Edge

Involve your child in golf and you will open them up to opportunities for friendly competition. Engaging them in junior tournaments or club events gives them experience of the thrill of competition while teaching them about striving to do their best. Unlike many sports, golf focuses more on self-improvement rather than outright beating an opponent. This focus on self-development encourages your child to set personal goals that they strive towards and develop an appreciation for personal improvement.

Conclusion

Golf can provide your child with an engaging break from fast-paced, screen-heavy activities. Its benefits span physical health, mental acuity, social skills development and emotional resilience as well as family bonding. So make time in your shopping spree for junior golf clubs. We promise it'll benefit their growth and development; maybe you might find yourself enjoying playing alongside them.

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

Read More

The Winnie The Pooh Show

The Winnie The Pooh Show

No comments

Disclosure - We have been gifted tickets to see The Winnie The Pooh Show in return for this post. 

Take a Grand new adventure with Disney’s Winnie the Pooh this year as Disney’s magical new stage musical Winnie the Pooh will bounce into theatres this summer featuring incredible life-size puppetry of all your favourite friends from Hundred Acre Wood. It’s a sensational sweet treat for all the family.

Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood, an exciting new adventure is about to happen…A.A. Milne’s beloved characters Winnie the Pooh, Piglet and all their friends will feature in this enchanting new stage adaptation told through the eyes of the unforgettable characters that have played iconic roles in the lives of children for generations.

The Winnie The Pooh show brings exciting new stories for Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl and Tigger too though stunning life-size puppetry!

Presented by Jonathan’s Rockefeller Productions in partnership with ROYO and Disney Theatrical Productions, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh also includes such familiar songs as Winnie the Pooh, A Rather Blustery Day and The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers, which were written by multiple Grammy Awards winners Robert and Richard Sherman for various animated featurettes and anthologies. It also has some songs by author A.A. Milne and an original score by Nate Edmondson, a longtime collaborator of Rockefeller.

In a brand new story inspired by the beloved books by A. A. Milne and the classic Disney featurettes, Pooh meets his best friend Christopher Robin every day for honey after breakfast. But then one day, Christopher isn’t there and Pooh has to fend for himself and find some honey. Along the way, he encounters Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, Roo and Tigger too.

15 Jul - 16 Jul, Aberdeen -His Majesty's Theatre

18 Jul - 19 Jul, Edinburgh - Edinburgh Festival Theatre

20 Jul - 22 Jul, Glasgow - King's Theatre

24 Jul - 26 Jul, Manchester - Opera House

28 Jul - 30 Jul, Dublin - Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

1 Aug - 2 Aug, York - Grand Opera House

3 Aug - 5 Aug, Cardiff - Wales Millennium Centre

7 Aug - 9 Aug, Newcastle - Theatre Royal

11 Aug - 13 Aug, Guildford - Yvonne Arnaud

14 Aug - 16 Aug, Blackpool - Grand Theatre

18 Aug - 20 Aug, Canterbury - Marlowe Theatre

22 Aug - 23 Aug, Exeter - Northcott Theatre

25 Aug - 27 Aug, Southend - Cliffs Pavilion

29 Aug - 30 Aug, High Wycombe - Swan Theatre

31 Aug - 2 Sep, Cheltenham - Everyman Theatre

You can find out more about by visiting The Winnie The Pooh Show

If you would like to win a pair of tickets to the 24th July 2023 at the Manchester Opera House at 5pm enter the giveaway below and pop back daily for bonus chances to win. 

Win A Pair Of Tickets To The Winnie The Pooh Show

T&Cs below:

If winners have any access needs please let us know before the show (can we just say to contact whoever reaches out to them from your side and then they can flag to me?)  

The prize is as stated and is non-transferable. All tickets are subject to availability.

Age guidance Recommended 3+. Children over 18 months must be allocated to their own seat

Regretfully in the event that the event/concert is cancelled by the artist/promoter, tickets for alternative event/concerts will not be provided to winners

Michelle

Read More

5 Best Women’s Watches for Hiking

5 Best Women’s Watches for Hiking

No comments

Disclosure - This is a collaboration 

Hiking is an exciting outdoor pursuit that necessitates dependable equipment such as durable boots, a sturdy backpack, and, naturally, a reliable timepiece. An ideal hiking watch for women should possess ruggedness, waterproof capabilities, and essential features to elevate the hiking experience. Let’s examine five top-notch women's watches designed for hiking. Each watch possesses distinctive features and capabilities to cater to a myriad of preferences and budgets.

Casio G-Shock GBA-800

Casio G-Shock GBA-800 is a popular choice for hikers due to its sturdy design and advanced features. This digital gear is specifically engineered to endure challenging conditions, with its shock-resistant structure and 200-meter water resistance. Its rugged exterior is complemented by a comfortable resin strap, ensuring a secure fit during outdoor adventures.

With a built-in accelerometer, this Casio model tracks steps, calories burned, and distance, making it an excellent fitness companion on the trails. Priced at approximately £100, the G-Shock GBA-800 offers exceptional value considering its durability and functionality.

Breitling Aerospace Evo

Breitling Aerospace Evo is an excellent choice for hiking enthusiasts who value luxury and precision. This Swiss-made timepiece is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, combining elegance and exceptional performance. Apart from the piece, there is a Horus Strap for Breitling watches made of rubber that boasts weather- and sweat-resistant features. Its lightweight titanium case ensures durability and resistance to impacts.

With solid features like a chronograph, countdown timer, and second-time zone display, the Aerospace model offers versatility. The illuminated hands and numerals ensure easy readability in low-light conditions. Priced at around £3,000, the Breitling Aerospace Evo is a worthwhile investment for those seeking unmatched quality and style.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

Samsung Galaxy Watch is a versatile smartwatch suitable for both urban and outdoor adventures. It seamlessly transitions from the hiking trails to everyday life with its sleek design and intuitive interface.

The Active2 watch comes equipped with a heart rate monitor, GPS, and various fitness tracking features to help hikers monitor their progress and enhance their performance. Its 5ATM water resistance ensures durability in wet conditions. The Galaxy Watch Active2 model enables seamless connectivity with smartphones, allowing users to receive notifications and control music on the move. Priced at approximately £250, this hiking smartwatch offers a perfect balance between functionality and affordability.

Garmin Fenix 6S Pro

Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is a high-performance multi-sport watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly avid hikers. Its sturdy construction incorporates a stainless steel bezel and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, ensuring durability in harsh environments.

This Fenix watch offers advanced navigation features, such as topographic mapping and turn-by-turn directions, which prove invaluable for exploring unfamiliar trails. The Garmin piece provides comprehensive activity tracking, including heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and advanced training metrics. With a price range of approximately £500, the Fenix 6S Pro caters to serious hikers in search of a dependable companion for their outdoor adventures.

Suunto 9 Baro

Suunto 9 Baro is a highly durable and reliable GPS watch designed specifically for outdoor adventures. With its robust construction, which includes a sapphire crystal and a stainless steel bezel, it ensures resistance against extreme conditions. The Suunto watch offers an impressive battery life of up to 120 hours in GPS mode, making it perfect for long hiking trips. The Baro model provides advanced navigation features, altitude tracking, and a weather trend indicator to assist hikers in decision-making.

Suunto 9 Baro monitors more than 80 sports activities and provides personalised training insights. Priced at approximately £400, this hiking watch is an invaluable companion for female hikers serious about their adventures.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting a hiking watch for women, there are several important factors to consider: durability, functionality, and style. The watch models mentioned above are all excellent options with unique features that cater to various preferences and budgets. Whether you prioritise ruggedness, luxury, smart features, advanced navigation, or long battery life, you can find a suitable timepiece for your needs.

Michelle

Read More

Modern Wellness Trends Exploring Alternative Stress Relief Methods

Modern Wellness Trends Exploring Alternative Stress Relief Methods

No comments

Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

Feeling overwhelmed by life? Have you ever found yourself trying to balance a million things at once? Stress is a major issue these days, which makes sense. Feeling exhausted and disengaged is a common reaction to deadlines, bills, and an endless to-do list.

On the plus side, though! You can find your quiet and reduce stress with many interesting methods these days, so forget about the old-fashioned "go for a walk" approach. These novel strategies provide engaging and enjoyable ways to decompress and feel your best. They have whole new techniques for handling pressure.

Ready to explore some of the latest trends in stress relief? Exercises that combat stress hormones and the unexpected benefits of spending time in nature will be covered in detail. Create your own customised stress-relieving kit that smoothly fits into your hectic life by looking through these suggestions to see what works for you.

Top 10 Modern Wellness Trends to Tame Your Tension:

There is a stress-relieving method out there just waiting for you to try it, from peaceful outdoor walks to artistic endeavours like art therapy. So let go of the strain, open up to the new, and create your own customised toolkit for a more at ease and happy version of yourself!

Cortisol-Conscious Workouts

A well-known method of reducing stress is exercise. But did you know some exercises might reduce stress chemicals like cortisol more effectively than others? Enter exercises that are cortisol-aware. This method focuses on steady-state, low-intensity activity that raises your heart rate while maintaining a comfortable elevation level. 

Consider yoga, tai chi, swimming, or brisk walking. These exercises improve physical health and cause the body to create endorphins, which are organic stress-relieving chemicals.

Virtual Reality Meditation

Technology is getting a wellness makeover! With virtual reality (VR) meditation, you can disconnect from the outside world and lose yourself in peaceful virtual worlds. Imagine walking in a peaceful forest surrounded by birdsong or meditating on a remote beach while the waves softly lap the shore. Studies indicate that VR meditation might be beneficial in reducing anxiety and fostering relaxation.

Digital Detoxing

An excessive amount of digital information and ongoing screen use can considerably raise stress levels. Let's start the digital detox. This exercise may help you disconnect from technology and re-establish relationships with the outside world and yourself. 

You may designate a "device-free" area in your house, take a weekend trip without using your phone, or just turn off alerts for a certain amount of time daily. Through a period of digital detoxification, your brain may relax and become more focused by taking a break from the constant bombardment of the digital world.

Mindfulness Colouring

Recall your childhood colouring days. As it happens, it relieves stress and is enjoyable! The trend of adult mindfulness colouring, which lets you explore your creative side while being aware, is becoming increasingly popular. The attention required to stay inside the lines, and select colours can help you de-stress and ease your mind from everyday concerns.

Sound Therapy

Sound significantly impacts our emotional state. Different soundscapes, such as binaural beats (partially tuned sound frequencies) and natural noises, can reduce stress and relax. There are many internet tools and apps for sound therapy.

Group Fitness Classes

Moving your body in tandem with other people has a powerful quality. In addition to being a stress-relieving activity, group fitness programmes are entertaining and sociable. Some alternatives include Zumba, dancing courses, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Social contact and camaraderie facilitate focusing on the present moment and forgetting your troubles.

Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)

Feeling overwhelmed by the urban jungle? Walk around in one that's genuine! Immersing oneself in nature's sights, sounds, and scents is known as "forest bathing," or Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese tradition. 

Investing time in trees has been found to enhance mood, strengthen the immune system, and significantly lower stress hormones. So pick the park closest to you, breathe the clean, natural air, and let nature's peaceful spirit do it.

Laughter Yoga

There's no better treatment than laughter! Laughter yoga involves deep breathing exercises and laughter. The infectious laughter and attention to breathing may greatly lower tension and boost mood, even if it initially sounds silly. Laughter yoga is flexible as a stress-reduction technique and may be done solo or in groups.

Switching to Safer Alternatives

If you currently smoke cigarettes for stress relief, consider shifting to a healthier alternative, such as vaping. Vaping is considered as 95% safer than traditional smoking. Using vape juice UK like Bar Juice 5000 will allow users to enjoy flavourful vaping. You can control your nicotine consumption by vaping. It also helps you quit nicotine usage. 

Gratitude Journaling

Turning your attention to the things you are thankful for may significantly improve your mental health. Writing down everything you must be grateful for, no matter how tiny, takes up little space in a gratitude diary. This exercise reduces tension and encourages a calmer state of mind, cultivating a sense of optimism and contentment.

Explore and experiment to find what suits you best. Selecting activities you love and can easily incorporate into your schedule is essential for stress reduction since consistency is the key. Examine a comprehensive strategy. Mix and match different strategies for a more all-encompassing approach to stress management. Listen to your body. If one approach doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to try another.

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

Read More

How To Make Twitch Viewing Pleasant Again

How To Make Twitch Viewing Pleasant Again

No comments

Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

With all the inter-streamer dramas between influencers being made more than they should, communities at loggerheads, and large names being absorbed by new, well-paying platforms like Kick, it’s not hard to see why many people have become relatively disillusioned by Twitch.

While it’s true that taking measures to block Twitch ads that have become increasingly intrusive can help improve your viewing experience, it’s harder to get over the cultural changes or tiresome UI faults that can make your experience less enjoyable.

So, let’s discuss how to make Twitch viewing pleasant again, even if you’re a relatively light consumer of the platform. Or, perhaps you could decide to add your own voice to the pile, producing your own content by downloading Open Broadcast Software (OBS), hooking up your game capture plugin, and showing us your excellent plays.

Regardless, enjoying the platform again is the first step to contributing to it. In this post, then, we’ll help you achieve exactly that

Use Third-Party, Feature Enriched Tools

You’d be surprised how better user features can make the viewing experience much better to deal with. With a browser extension like BetterTTV, you can view more emotes, set your own custom emotes for your channel, switch around the dimensions of the layout (such as flipping chat from right to left on your second monitor), and also add many smaller conveniences, like timestamping chats etc. In some cases, tools can better help you block ads or even set time limits for how much you watch. If you have a particular need, apps like this can help you.

Follow Per Game, Not Per Streamer

It’s very easy to get tired of the viewing experience, especially if you’re watching the same content repeatedly. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with following distinct personalities you like, but you may be able to find a few gems if you follow the games or content you like, such as seeing small-time musicians, smaller streamers putting real effort into their content, and more. 

Following per game can also help you identify if a certain title is something you’d like to buy or not, giving yourself the space to detach from streamers and explore on your own. That’s always healthy, after all. Moreover, it could inspire you to begin streaming your own content, using what you’ve learned to present the games you really love and do so for the love of it, not for building an audience.

Remove The Obligation By Following Events

It’s very easy to feel “obligated” to certain streamers, particularly your friends if they’re going live and trying to push content out. This can remove the love of the platform for you, making it feel like a second job. Just turn up when you want to, and never feel obligated to donate to people or join online communities outside of Twitch. There’s something to be said for being a passive observer, and of course, other streaming services and platforms exist if you’d like some differentiation.

With this advice, you’re sure to make Twitch viewing pleasant again, in the best possible way.

Michelle

Read More