Hi! I’m Kip Hakes, I’m a 42-year-old Blogger, Vlogger and Designer. I’m married to Vicki and I’ve got two children, and a Cavachon called Duggee. We live in the Essex countryside just outside of Colchester.
I’ve blogged since 2008, and my blogging subjects include – Parenting, Technology, Reviews, Photography, Rants and Raves and more. I’m Designer of stuff by day, and a total nerd at night.
Kip Hakes
Blog
Why was Hex at Alton Towers closed for 19 months? There’s a dramatic twist in this tale..
On the 30th of March 2023, I went to Alton Towers Resort for the first [...]
Read MoreThorpe Park Fright Nights 2024 – Everything you need to know!
In just a few days, Thorpe Park Resort will be welcoming guests for Thorpe Park [...]
Read MoreThis is BIG news!
You might have seen, if you’re subscribed to my YouTube Channel, or follow me on [...]
Read MoreDo I STILL need surgery on my back? How the NHS has failed me
Something very interesting happened before Christmas.. I got a text from the NHS telling me [...]
Read MoreWhen will Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers Open?
Today, Alton Towers Resort have announced that their classic Bolliger & Mabillard roller coaster formally [...]
Read MoreFestival Fever – Revisiting the 1999 Vibe and Considering a Comeback in 2024
Alright, my fellow festival aficionados! Grab a cuppa and settle in as we delve into [...]
Read MoreHow we had our Nectar Points stolen, and this is how yours will be too..
I woke up on the 9th June 2023 to find Vicki quite upset.. She’d been [...]
Read MoreThorpe Park 2023 – A trip with My Mate Vince – Trip Report 4/7/23
Once again, instead of making a vlog, I’ve written a little trip report of a [...]
Read MoreChessington World of Adventures Resort 2023 – Trip Report – 26/06/23
I thought when I haven’t vlogged a day out, I’d do a little trip report [...]
Read MoreAlton Towers reveal new Nemesis track ! What will be the new name for Nemesis ?
So, you may or may not be aware, that the iconic, world renowned rollercoaster, Nemesis [...]
Read MoreThe NickWatch – a smart watch designed for kids
When you’re a technology blogger / vlogger with children, I quite often get press releases [...]
Read MoreYouTubeVisit my Channel
Recipes
Mushroom Pie
This Mushroom Pie is AMAZING! It’s fantastic for veggies and packed full of flavour, carnivores [...]
Read MoreVegetarian Chicken Tikka Masala with Coriander and Lime Rice
This is a favourite of mine, it’s got a bit of a kick to it, [...]
Read MoreSuper Simple Katsu Curry
This super simple Katsu Curry is a regular on the Hakes family meal roster. With [...]
Read MorePaneer, Tomato and Spinach Curry
This is a great curry. I really do love Paneer, and I’ve tried a few [...]
Read MoreAlleppy Quorn Curry – Vegan Friendly
This started life as an Alleppy Prawn Curry, and it looked amazing. I pondered how [...]
Read MoreCreamy Cheese and Pea Pasta with Vivera Veggie Bacon Pieces
As a vegetarian, something I get asked a lot is.. “Do you miss bacon?”. The [...]
Read MoreReviews
Review – Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress
You might remember, early last year I wrote this review of my Simba Hybrid Luxe [...]
Read MoreReview – Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress
You might remember, we’ve been happy Simba Hybrid mattress customers for while now. However, when [...]
Read MoreTesting out SmartBuyGlasses.co.uk
Smartbuyglasses.co.uk Ease of Use Product Selection 5 Summary I got the sunglasses I wanted, at [...]
Read MoreReview – Glamp at The Priory
As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]
Read MoreReview – Tulleys Christmas Experience 2019
Tulleys Christmas Experience Overall 5 Summary I cannot recommend Tulleys Christmas Experience enough. We had [...]
Read MoreReview – Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019
Chessington Howl'o'ween 2019 Atmosphere Mazes 5 Summary I was utterly charmed by Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019. [...]
Read MoreTravel
8 Best New York Bars to Visit this Summer
No matter your reason for visiting New York City this summer, you are sure to [...]
Read MoreThe Best Family-Friendly Heritage Sites in York-shire
Planning a family staycation? Many families have discovered the many benefits of a staycation and [...]
Read MoreTop Unique Holiday Ideas Travelers Will Love
Everyone wants to go on holiday every once in a while. When they do, they [...]
Read More5 Beginners Tips For Adventure Travel
If you’re the type of person who gazes in awe and wonder at Instagram pictures [...]
Read MoreHow to Run an Eco-friendly Caravan Park
From reducing carbon footprints to actively supporting local ecosystems, it’s fantastic that caravan park owners [...]
Read MoreReview – Glamp at The Priory
As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]
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