Approx time: 1 hours
Paths: cycle path/footpath
Points of interest: lake, wildlife
Amenities: none on route unless you follow my old route from Abbey Meadows
Grading: any type of pushchair
Weather: most weather except after very heavy rainfall
In 2010 we blogged about our walk to Radley Lakes from Abingdon, this was just as Earth Trust took over management of the lakes and developed it into not just a wildlife haven but also an area for people to visit.
We took a very damp and wet walk just before Easter to see how things have progressed since. A lot of work has been done over the years by the trust and also volunteers and things have changed for the better, with more planned in the future.
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| view across the lake |
This time we parked on the edge of Abingdon Science park (Barton Lane) right beside the cycle/foot path towards the lakes. There was limited parking beside the lakes, a few verges on the road in front of the entrance so to us the science park was a better choice.
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| quite wide open footpaths along some of the route |
There are plenty of signs to direct you around the circular route of the lake now where as before you could not get very close, just peered over a fence between trees. Until you start walking round you do not realise how large a lake it is. Quite vast in size but a real haven for wildlife. There were various tracks around the lake, mud, gravel, and a board walk. The swans came so close to us whilst we were on the bridge. There was a bird hide to sit and watch from, but it was such a murky day the ducks we could see all seemed the same.
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| Canada Geese |
There were plenty of places where you could get close to the waters edge for pond dipping, or testing new wellington boots water tightness as Charlotte demonstrated.
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| perfect for pond (child) dipping! |
We were surprised by how many people we met on our walk round, runners, families, walkers and bird watchers. It was lovely to see the place so busy and well used.
Sadly all my photos are pretty dreadful because of the weather and aside from some daffodils I didn't spot any other spring flowers but I'm sure with the fine weather we have just had it will be looking more colourful now.
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| route signs |
The
Friends of Radley Lakes keep a very updated website with lots of details of the site, wildlife and stunning photos.
Earth Trust also have information about the walk and a
downloadable map of the walk.
I had never heard of Buff headwear until a few years ago when my brother asked for a Buff scarf and I had to seriously question what he was on about. Few years on and I see so many people wearing them, for any outdoor people it's the headwear gear to be seen in for a good reason, you are kept warm!
It is a scarf, hat, ear warmer, pirate hat, what ever your imagination can stretch to, lovely layer of breathable, windproof, warmth.
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| keeping toasty warm necks in our buffs |
Readitdaddy is always on the look out for a scarf that doesn't irritate his skin. The lovely people at
Buff sent me some information all about the polygenine technology used in their products and said that they would send us an adult and junior merino wool buff for testing. I didn't even know they did junior ones and taking a look at their website there are even baby ones (amongst many other styles).
We loved the packaging both of our wool buffs came in, Charlotte thought this was excellent and was ultra excited by it and had it on looking something like this in seconds.
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| missing child alert! |
A Buff is essentially a tube of 100% polyester microfibre (or in our case 100% merino wool) that can be worn in about 12 different ways (check out their youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/BUFFWEAR). After a few weeks of use we all found our most comfortable way of wearing it. Charlotte will drape hers round her neck and then when it gets really cold pull it up to cover her ears and nose with a hat over the top. It blocks out all the cold wind, you stay toasty warm and it's breathable. When she is annoyed with us she will just pull it over her head and be silly!
I hate hats but can't stand getting cold ears. I have my Buff used as an ear warmer, really cold winds on my ears and I just double the layers over my ears. Weather turns really cold, down over forehead, doubled on my ears and a bit over my head to keep the heat in.
The merino wool is ssssoooo soft. It is lovely against the skin, hand washed easily and dried really quick. It's lovely to wear, just how you want the perfect scarf to be.
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| a great ear warmer to keep the wind out |
Readitdaddy was so jealous of our buffs I brought him a standard buff for Christmas. It does feel different to the wool, it's not as silky soft but it is up to the job of being breathable, warm and keeps the wind out. The standard Buff comes with the polygenine technology which has really helped readitdaddys skin, with no irritation. He had minor irritation from the merino wool (nothing compared to the irritation from a standard scarf though). More about the polygenene technology and the benefits are here
http://www.buffwear.co.uk/faqs#question-14 and those at Buff HQ filled me in on a few more facts as well
http://www.polygiene.com/faq-1.aspx#Is
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| this is how you keep the wind out on a cold walk |
Wearing width I found mine perfect for round my head but if I wear as a high scarf it can be a little lose as I'm petite, but they do make a woman's slim fit. Charlotte's junior buff is 4-12 years (she is just 7 and also petite) and she has the same problem, but will easily grow into hers. They are so stretchy that I've put Charlotte's on and not actually realised and Phil can wear mine and I'll wear it after and its gone straight back to its usual shape.
There are hundreds of different patterns and styles you can buy a Buff in, I'm glad our decision to select one wasn't ours. Plenty of plain to unusual patterns, including football team colours, something to suit every taste. It's easier to wear than a scarf, especially for children, and folds or rolls up really small into a pocket. I don't think any of us can go back to wearing a standard scarf now, I find a Buff so much more practical and warmer. Asking at our local bike shop and a high street chain outdoor shop and they both rate them highly and say how well they sell.
I love the look of the infinity buff for more casual wear and is on my to buy list for next winter but for the summer they even do a range of UV protective items for adults and children such as bandanas, hats and insect shields. Take a look at the
Buffwear website for more ideas.
These items were kindly sent to me by Buffwear in return
for this review. This has not influenced by views in any way.
We have had some really up and down weather so far this winter. We got our winter gear and then it went mild, but thankfully by the time the temperatures fell at Christmas we were ready for them.
When we received our Mountain Warehouse catalogue I think Charlotte said want, want, want to just about everything in it. Those very kind people sent us a really fluffy arctic softshell jacket, an owl hat that has made all her friends jealous and some winter walking boots. Every item got a big thumbs up from both of us.
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| fully kitted out |
The hat has a nice fleecy lining, the cute owl ears and long tassels that all girls want at the moment. It said one size fits all, she is 6 nearly 7 and it is very stretchy so it would go up and down of this age.
The arctic softshell jacket is so soft and fluffy inside, really seems to keep her toasty warm. It's got a really lovely print, not too much pink but still girlie enough for her. I brought a size 7-8 and fits her well and should last next winter as well. There is inside and outside pockets (extra leaf and twig storage), the zip goes up really high so not cold around the neck and has a fluffy chin guard. The fluffy layer goes behind the zip so no cold air blowing through there. Not been out in any good rain with it but the odd light shower and it was no problem. The cold winds at the weekend, she said she was plenty warm enough.
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| very fluffy warm coat |
We have put the kids chill winter waterproof boots to the full test (except no snow test). These are more winter walking boots than snow boots I would think. They have an isotherm layer so keep your feet toasty from 7 to -5c I think it was. They are seriously grippy with some great tread on the bottom, the velcro fittings are a godsend compared to having to tie laces on her old boots and they are great at fitting to her slim ankles. They come up quite high with plenty of support. She is a 12half fitting and went for the 13 with walking socks and plenty comfortable and warm. No complaints from her. She has covered them in mud from day one and even with her slight turned in foot walk not worn or scuffed the fabric on the outside yet.
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| first muddy trip out |
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I wouldn't say they are fully waterproof due to getting rather wet whilst unsuccessfully
building stone towers on the beach to avoid the waves (in 2c
temperatures). They were slightly damp at the end inside but she never
noticed. I'm sure if I waterproof sprayed them they will be back to normal and they had got damp before this with no problems.
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| stone towers on the beach |
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A lot of the clothes above are now available in the
Mountain Warehouse Sale if you are wanting a few warmer layers for this winter, or thinking ahead and buying for next, they get a big thumbs up from us.
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| Thank you |
This is a lovely village walk that can be made as long or as short as you like that also involves a little bit of physics fun.
Approx time: 1 hour
Paths: grass, mud and open roads
Points of interest: planets, standing stones, stream, pond, sundial
Amenities: off road parking in the village and local pub and tea rooms
Grading: all terrain or pushchair on a dry summer day as one slope
Weather: all seasons
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| route map (please click for larger image) |
We last did this walk on a wet spring day as part of arts week, we have now gone back on a cold wet winter day and enjoyed it just as much.
We often park across the road from the Loyd Lindsay rooms. From here we walk a bit further along High Street and turn left at the war memorial and seat.
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| memorial seat |
Carry along Well Street with the church on your left hand site. This is a lovely village church where we have stopped and looked at some of the very unusual graves. At the last house on your right there is a field with a footpath running through. Take this route (There is a sign saying that the field will be closed on the 25 December) across the field and see if you can find some ducks to feed at the pond on the way. We only managed to feed some very well fed fish instead!
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| well fed fish pond |
As the field ends and joins another there is a turn to your right crossing a stream (it was shallow enough to paddle with our wellies on) which leads to a row of old barns and if you look into one of them an old mill wheel.
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| mill and stream |
Pass through the row of houses and at school road turn left, cross over and a but further up is Ardington Woods.
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| Just so we don't forget where we are |
There is a circular walk around the woods, starting from the stone in the middle of the row of trees.
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| description of the millennium sundial and planetary model |
This stone will explain the standing stones (a sun dial) and also the solar system that you will find as you head up the hill.
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| sundial stone |
Children will love running from planet to planet and hiding behind the stones. Each plant has its name and also size along with a few other details. Behind one of the sundial stone's is also a chart to help you tell the time.
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| the sun with planets around |
Carry on to your right again another clearing the woods, carry on through, another right and right again and you will soon be back were the woods started.
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| sun setting over the Chilton's |
Take a left onto School Road and you will soon be back at the car. We often head beyond the car to the play park as an end of walk treat. There is a village shop and tea room along the way if you go during the week or on a Saturday.
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| Earth |
I would love to know the history of why this position was chosen for a sun dial and solar system, I am guessing its because of the local science parks but can not find any details.
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| Little Pluto |
I'm joining in with Country Kids
Wolvercote Lakes is a very small but beautiful area in a village on the edge of North Oxford a place to to sit and relax and to also explore wildlife. Pond dipping, bugs, birds and ducks.
Approx time: 30mins
Paths: grass and mud
Points of interest: wildlife, lakes, trains
Amenities: on road parking opposite, buses from Oxford, 2 pubs close by
Grading: any buggy but the drop by the gate is tricky
Weather: all seasons (but liable to flood)
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| map of Wolvercote Lakes location (click for larger map) |
We decided to walk the oxford canal starting in Jericho and ending in Wolvercote, a village to the north of Oxford. While in Wolvercote we fancied a nice restful sit down at the lakes before our return journey (the distance doesn't seem so long when you are driving into Oxford City center).
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| Map and history of the Wolvercote Lakes |
The lake area was smaller than we expected but quite lovely. There were a number of new notice boards (the site had only opened a few months before this review), one with a map and history of the site, and others on the animals that live in the area. It is right beside Oxford railway line so it's not a circular walk.
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| Great Western Railway Boundary marker |
The site was owned by the Kirk family and was at one time home to a number of traction engines. There was once a house on stilts on site which when the area flooded could only by accessed by punt. But sadly all this has now gone but what has been passed onto the Oxford Preservation Trust to manage is to be cherished.
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| Commemorative seat to the Viv Kirk |
There is a bird hide which is well used with those noting their sightings on the board. There are a few platforms to stand on against the waters edge.
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| bird hide |
It's is a great family walk for 5mins fresh air or 30mins if you are allowed to sit and watch the heron, birds, ducks and I bet some great bugs to find. The gate in isn't the easiest to manage with quite a drop down but most of the site is buggy friendly aside from the odd footpath.
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| platforms over the lake |
It looks like the volunteers who work on this site really must love and care for it and the villagers too, as we saw quite a number having a late afternoon stroll.
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| What will you spot? |
There is on street parking right opposite, another car park beyond 2 pubs also (there is also The Trout PH not far along the road (across a narrow bridge) which often appears in Inspector Morse and many guidebooks as it nestles beside the Thames. The opposite side of the road to the lake is port meadow. Originally a Bronze Age burial ground but now a haven for wildlife and ponies graze all year round. You can explore the common, the Thames to the west side or burgess field to the east. You could make a circular walk of it as we did from Jericho or the city center where the canal starts and return via the Thames or port meadow, our route was about 4 miles long starting at Walton Street in Jericho.
At school Charlotte had to do a bee study this summer as part of "The Big Bumblebee Discovery" and came home with a booklet she had to complete.
We had to carry out a few studies in different locations noting the weather, temperature and which bees we found. We had a picture guide of bees and they were quite specific over which bees they wanted us to study. The names of which I have sadly forgotten.
We get a few bees in our backgarden so went to check out which plants they visited and which bees we get. They love our lavender, sweet pea and chive flowers. We spent quite a bit of time watching them move from one flower to another and seeing how they move. Though we spotted about 6 bees in our 10 minutes only 1 of these was on our study sheet. Obviously we needed a better garden.
That weekend we visited Waddesdon Manor, and wondering through the rose garden spotted hundreds of bees on the lavender. We had forgotten our bee booklet but armed with cameras took as many pictures of bees as we could, this wasn't easy as bees are very camera shy. At home we then worked out which bees we saw and how many of each.
Charlotte was very pleased with her study, watching different bees, how they move about the garden and what their favorite plants were in the garden. The booklet was returned to school and in return she came home with a pencil and sticker for completing in the national study.
After reading
"The boy who lost his bumble" and thinking back to our bee study we wondered how we could help bees in our garden. In the spring we will look round our local garden centre for bee friendly plants, most garden centres now mark up the best bee friendly plants.
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| Bee Hotel |
Whilst walking round our local garden centre at the weekend we spotted a small bee hotel or we could make one ourselves as I found on the
Natural History Museum website.
The
Bumblebee Conservation Trust also have some kids pages with a simple guide on spotting different types of bumble bees and some simple plants to plant in the garden.
Also make sure you visit
ReadItDaddy to find out how great a book "The Boy Who Lost His Bumble" by Trudi Esberger (Child's Play) is and how it's inspired us to look at what plants we can add to our garden next spring.
So sometimes mums and dads need a little break from the walking and children and to relax. What better way to relieve tired muscles than a visit to a spa.
Whilst at Longleat Center Parcs I managed to persuade Phil to visit the Aqua Sana spa for 3 hours. At the end of the 3 hours he admitted that it was actually ok and he would go again. Roll on a few weeks and we found ourselves at the recently opened Woburn Center Parcs Aqua Sana spa for a day, on his suggestion.
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| Aqua Sana entrance. Cafe and outdoor terrace on 1st floor, 6 spa suites on 2nd & 3rd floor |
You don't have to be staying at Center Parcs to visit the spa, it was very easy to book packages online, and on arrival at 9am it appeared a popular thing to do. Very friendly staff on hand to greet you, handing out locker wrist bands and towels. The changing rooms are really large, good size lockers (some with a hanger), a number of hair dryers at vanity tables, numerous showers with complementary shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and swim costume spinners with wet bags. There is one private change room. Once changed and though the other side you head up the stairs were staff greet you and direct you to the cafe where you book a lunch slot and complementary breakfast of pastry or fruit salad and a drink is brought to you. On entry to the spa you are given the times of any treatments you have booked (more can be booked in advance or on arrival depending on availability) and a run down of the spa areas with a tour if you wish.
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| Herbal Sauna (c) Center Parcs |
I had read it can take three hours to go once round the spa, this is quite true. It took us over two hours to visit each room, some so hot (or cold) you don't stay long and others so perfect you stay longer.
Set over 2 floors with 25 experience rooms and divided into 6 zones with an outdoor infinity pool and zen garden you don't realise on first glance how big it is. There are a few wall maps around to help you get your bearings when needed. Each area has a sauna and steam room, along with spa showers. Other times you will find a mix of rain walks and relaxation rooms. There are some rooms especially designed for Center Parcs, such as the volcano room, which is very hot and if you get the right angle lie back and watch volcanos explode on tvs. There was some different uses of tvs in rooms, like the sensory experience sauna where you go through the four seasons projected on the ceiling with smell and touch. There were herbal and flower rooms, along with mineral and salt rooms. We entered a mineral steam bath looking ominously up at the showers wondering if they come on... to eventually laugh when we got drenched (in the nicest possible way). As well as relaxation rooms in the zones there was outside and inside loungers, double round beds to snuggle under a blanket on, and water beds that people fell asleep on. There were a few water points dotted around but sometimes we found the water hadn't been refilled or it was out of cups, the same applied to the single point for cool face cloths (which though placed in ice weren't moist).
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| Aqua Sana outdoor pool at night (c) Center Parcs |
The infinity pool was very nice, will be more secluded when the tress in-front grow taller with time as jealous onlookers walked by. The jets appear to come on quite randomly, the jacuzzi bed could have been larger at busy times, and some of the water jets were a little harsh. Leaving only the brave to go near. The pool was a lot nicer than the one at Longleat with space to sit, lounge, watch and chat (even in the rain, yes it did rain).
Lunch was a choice of salads, pasta dishes and paninis, enjoyed with juice, hot drink or even with a glass of Prosecco. The "sweet treats" looked very nice so we popped back in the afternoon for coffee and a cake. Service again was excellent and the food tasted as delicious as it looked.
After lunch we went along for our treatment, we both had a Elemis Revive and Refresh Booster Facial. I've been to a few spas and had treatments at Aqua Sana before so knew what to expect. Phil on the other hand was a spa newbie. We were greeted promptly by therapists and made very welcome. We both found the therapist explained what she was about to do and what she was using. Phil did get a bit of a shock with a quick foot massage to start with which was very unexpected, and being a foot hater didn't enjoy this. I on the other hand had no foot massage. We came out feeling relaxed and Phil had to say it wasn't quite as bad as he expected and his skin was a lot better for it.
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| Infinity pool |
After another once round our favorite rooms in the spa sadly our day had to come to an end. We were welcome to use other facilities at Woburn for the day so we had a walk around Woburn and enjoyed a lovely meal at Cafe Rogue before home.
As well as a various choice of spa days on offer you can also book luxury spa breaks and we wished we had booked this for the night, it felt like our day had ended too quickly and the rooms look amazing on the website. It would be an excellent choice for that special occasion.
We went on a Saturday during the summer holidays. So quite probably a popular day but at no point did it feel too busy. I read maximum capacity is 200 people, which sounds a lot and we think there could have been close to that by the afternoon (there was an obvious difference in numbers in the morning to afternoon) but spread over the different "zones", cafe and treatment rooms we never felt we couldn't get into a room or we couldn't find a lounger to lie-on.
One minus of the day was as the spa is spread over 2 floors we did feel we went up and down a bit to lockers to grab a book or kindle and for getting a dry towel or robe. We kept on sneaking to the other side of the changing room for a dry towel and robe, they do get very wet and heavy.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day, and really hope to go back. Our favorites being the foot baths, lava volcano room (how long can you stay in for), snow and ice room and mineral room.
We were having a two location holiday this summer, mid-week in Center Parcs and a week in wales, for this reason I wanted a nice secluded cottage in Wales for the contrast of busy and quiet.
I struggled to find exactly what I wanted at the right price but then I looked at the National Trust Holiday Cottage website. Most were way out of our budget (as I expected) but then one came up saying basic accommodation and was a price I would pay. I was really unsure about what basic would mean, but I tried to stay open minded no matter what horror stories my dad tried to come up with.
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| Rosemary Cottage (open right door) |
There is a row of 3 cottages, all for private rental at Stackpole, Pembrokeshire. Beside which is also the manor house which again is a private rental (all through the National Trust Cottage website). The rest of the site is Stackpole Outdoor Learning Centre. It opened about 30 years ago offering residential visits for school children (I remember going to the Gower coast many years ago and loving it), but also takes college/university group trips and offers residential training courses. Whilst we were there we had a few small adult groups staying, one school group and a national trust group on a residential. None of this caused us any problem, most of the time they weren't even on site.
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| location of cottages on Stackpole Estate (click for larger image) |
What we loved most was the fact that 8 arch bridge was less than 5 mins away from our accommodation, so we could sit and gaze over the lakes. Just to sit and watch in the peace was wonderful, seeing the fish below, the herons, swans, birds and pond skaters. I'm told there are otters... but despite our best efforts we never saw them.
Carry on across the bridge for a mile and we were at Stackpole Quay. A mile to the West and you have grassy bridge, Broadhaven beach and then beyond to the lilly ponds at Bosherton.
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| Rosemary Cottage (left) |
Looking through the accommodation comment book one person said said they didn't have to drive off site all week, we could see why as you could just walk the whole area. There are beaches for the children only a short walk, Barafundle is one of the top 50 in the world, cafes and pubs along with the coastal path. Need any ideas of where to go, best cafes etc, just pop into reception and all the staff are so helpful. You may also be able to join in any events they have running during your stay. In our week Charlotte easily completed 13 of her 50 things challenge, and could have done a lot more.
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| view from living room window to shared garden and fields beyond |
The cottage sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. Upstairs is a double room with an additional single bed in, the other side of the stairs is a twin room. Downstairs is a large bathroom (very large shower no bath), living area with kitchenette and a 3rd bedroom off the living area with a single bed and a travel cot. Off the 3rd bedroom is the back door to a shared garden. All bedrooms had ample storage for clothes and suitcases. The kitchen was really well stocked with equipment, but limited space for dry goods. Large fridge/freezer, cooker, microwave etc. Exactly 6 of plates, cups, glasses etc.
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| master bedroom (single bed to left of photo) |
We were surprised to find a new tv with a dvd player, this was useful for the odd rainy afternoon. The bathroom was really large (the door ways were too and this is because it used to be disabled accommodation), with an excellent shower, plenty of hot water and an electric towel rail that I dried the odd bit of clothing on.
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| twin bedrom |
The only thing I hadn't brought with me was a hair dryer... and they didn't have one. I can manage without one but it did stump me for a moment. The only minus we could find about the cottage was the double mattress. The single beds were hard but ok to sleep on but our double had seen better days. But despite this I slept well due to all that fresh air!!! Sorry I forgot to take photos of downstairs rooms but it looked exactly like the ones on the National Trust website.
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| dinner outside in the shared garden |
We loved our week in the cottage and hope to go back to the area at some point. I would really recommend looking at the basic national trust cottages. The lady on reception said in high summer their cottages are cheaper than a week in local static caravan sites. Personal choice but I know what I would opt for.
Please see my recent post of what there is
to see and do near Stackpole
I'm not sure how we decided on a holiday in Wales, or how we even ended up in Pembrokeshire. I wanted a cottage that fitted a certain date, not too long a drive from home, quite rural so as to get some peace with plenty of walks and nature so as to be out every day. Readitdaddy keeps saying lets go to Wales so I gave in to him (a rare occurrence!)
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| Barafundle Bay |
We turned up at the cottage with little knowledge of the area and what to do every day, I hadn't done much research on the area which is unlike me. We needn't have worried.
Stackpole has plenty of walks, from where we were staying we could walk for miles in each direction and see changing scenery. We were only a mile from 2 glorious beaches. Some of the paths had disabled access and were buggy friendly. We really did walk for miles every day.
So how to fill your time in the Pembroke/Tenby area.
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| Bosherton Lilly Ponds |
Exploring Stackpole with a child can be done over a few days with beach stops. The Bosherton lilly ponds walk was wonderful with a stop at Broadhaven South beach to have a picnic. It was beautifully peaceful walking round the pond, the water lillys were just coming into flower and some wonderful views from the top of the hill looking across. Broadhaven South had a lovely sandy beach, sand dunes above and clear water. We stopped for ice cream ate the tea room in Bosherton which is very popular.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stackpole/things-to-see-and-do/article-1356404655196/
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| Barafundle on a wet day |
We walked part of the coastal path between broadhaven and Stackpole Quay stopping at Barafundle for another play on the beach, voted one of the top 50 beaches in the world. The beach was stunning with lovely sand and clear water and is only accessible on foot. It was this wildlife walk but missing out step 7 round the lilly pond
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1356404481362/ We did a lot of this walk in the rain but thankfully it stopped when we were on the beach. We really did see all sorts of wildlife along the way.
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| Broadhaven South |
A rainy day was saved for a trip to Pembroke Castle. It means your views from the great towers won't be so stunning (oil refinery in one direction but the rest are great). But there are a number of indoor things explaining the history of the site with replica models, how the castle would have been used, the occupants of the castle over the years, the battle during the civil war and it being the birthplace of Henry VII. It is a huge castle, it's obvious were it has been expanded over time with the crumbling remains of some areas. Charlotte loves history and enjoyed exploring this site and has since taken a book out of the library about medieval castles. We went a little dizzy going up an down towers of varying height (some were high) with tiny little steps. We looked down into the dungeon, reading the sad history of John being kept down there. A good few hours well spent. There is a mill pond walk running behind the shopping area, which is highly recommended in guide books, but sadly the weather got worse so we missed this out.
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| Pembroke Castle on a very wet day |
We tried to visit Manorbier castle, but was closed for a wedding that day. They do say check online before visiting, but very little network coverage in Stackpoke for us to check. We did visit the beach which was a lot of fun for rock pooling. We found a great sea anemone but no crabs that day.
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| Manorbier Castle |
We visited Tenby for a day on the beach. We had a walk around the town, which is like stepping back in time to an old seaside resort with lots of little cafes and fish and chip shops. We took a walk to the lifeboat house and passed the old lifeboat house on the way, which I recognised from Grand Designs. We took a look at the boat rides, there was quite a few on offer, but decided just to enjoy the beach. Its a lovely big expanse of golden sand when the tide is out and not many stones to catch feet on. Its very popular beach, and you can hire kyacks and jet skis on the beach. I wanted a kyack but nobody would join me, maybe another time.
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| fun on the beach at Tenby |
On a windy and damp day we went along to look at Dobby's grave (Harry Potter) on Freshwater West. Its very breezy and popular with surfers, but the day we were there was just the odd paddle boarder. It was another excellent beach again for rock pooling and this time we did find a small crab, and broke Grandads net! From Freshwater West we carried onto Angle on the recommendation of a good place to eat. At the beach car park is the recently opened Wave Crest. Contemporary surroundings and wonderful food and cakes with lovely service. We were going to go for a walk along the coastal path at Angle but the weather took a turn for the worst.
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| Rock pooling at Freshwater West |
Colby Woodland Gardens was our last stop of the week. A national trust place almost hidden away. It was really beautiful and excellent for kids to explore and do lots of their 50 things (we ticked 13 off on holiday, could have been a lot more). The staff were really chatty and friendly. There is a walled garden with amazing gazebo, wildflower meadows, streams to paddle in and stepping stone across, or attempt to dam the stream like us. Walks in the woods and even one down to the beach. We cheated and drove down to the beach after. Colby is perfect for a picnic with the family and a nice relaxing day.
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| stepping stones across the stream at Colby |
Our last day was a short walk along to Barafundle and a stop in the highly recommended Stackpole Quay cafe for lunch. Excellent lunch and cake again. Just as it started to rain we came home. Left with the car saying 19c and arrived home to 29c, we wanted to turn right back round!
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| Stackpole |
We had a lovely week, and would love to go back to this area. We really enjoyed the mix of walks and trips to the beach. There is plenty to do in the area for those who are really love the outdoor adventure activities and those who just love to sit on the beach. As with Wales there was the odd wet day but mostly lovely warm days and the weather didn't stop us doing anything.
With our holiday to Wales we knew we were going to need an odd mix of clothes. Packing shorts, along with fleeces seemed so wrong. But it all got worn.
To add to our outdoor items Mountain Warehouse kindly sent us a few things to try out.
Outdoor Trousers
I went for the trek women's trousers in navy and Charlotte the shore girls trousers in purple. Sold as quick drying and lightweight these were perfect and performed really well, worn almost every day.
They were wonderful on cooler and warmer days, they got covered in sand, mud, a lot of rain and some sea water. When wet they weren't heavy like jeans and dried as you walked when it brighten up.
Our cottage had no washing or drying facilities. So when I really had to wash them in the basin they drip dried hung in the shower over night ready to wear the next day.
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| Looking good in our trousers |
Women's trousers in detail:
These were true to size, the word elasticated waistband usually sends me running but it was done in a flattering way and made the fit and stretch better. The "short" trousers were 29" not the usual UK 28" so I often turned the ends up. Two zip pockets for a mobile or change, the cargo pocket was even big enough for my compact binoculars and a few other pockets for beach finds.
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| Just a little wet and sandy in this shot |
Kids trousers in detail:
Charlotte loved the colour of her purple trousers, something different than the standard navy and beige with a puddle loving 6 year old doesn't work. The BIG bonus of these was the adjustable waist band when you have a skinny minnie. We went for age 5-6 and they are perfect. She still has them on the short leg option (love this too) so will fit for some time more. A couple of pockets for her to store her collection of finds and she was happy. She never complained once so they must be good.
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| turned up ankles |
Bermunda Aqua Shoes
We were all lucky enough to get a pair of these and they came in useful for all sorts of things.
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| Aqua Shoes |
Sadly nobody would go kayaking in the sea with me but on the beach and rock pooling they were great. Stopped all those ouches when walking down to the sea, or the fear of landing on something sharp when jumping waves. After a day on the beach and all de-sanded if the shoes were dry you could walk back to the car with sand free feet (always remember as a child having the sand scrubbed off my feet in the car park).
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| no sandy feet here |
When rock pooling they offered grip and protection. They drained quite easily and didn't have too much weight or resistance when trying to walk in the sea. They would dry in a few hours in the sunshine.
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| rock pooling and jumping waves |
As an idea on size - I sized up with Charlotte and hers were ok, never fell off but a little loose, Phil's were perfect fit 9 in everything he wears. I'm a 3-4, went for the 4 and should have got the 3.
0.5L Metallic Water Bottle with Spout
Like most people we go through so many bottles as they all seem to leak, but so far the contents of our bags have stayed dry with this one.
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| keeping hydrated |
I thought the karabiner looked great, but it wouldn't hold the bottle if the spout was on, only if using the stopper. Real shame that. As it was a bottle for us to share the spout was more practical. The cap kept the spout clean, but sadly you still need to pull the spout with your hand, so transferring germs. Being metal it could get a little warm in the sun. We filled with chilled water and usually stayed cool enough to drink if kept out of the sun. Has stood up to a few bumps and scrapes fine so far.
Australian Wide Brim Hat
Phil was so looking forward to this as is always in need of hats.
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| sunglasses not included |
But he has a big head and the one size fits all didn't work in this case. I have a small head and it fits me just about right, so may have to take ownership of it as naughty me I don't own a hat. He liked everything about the hat, the style he wanted, the UV protection, the khaki colour. If this was available in other sizes it would be perfect.
These items were kindly sent to me by Mountain Warehouse in return for this review. This has not influenced by views in any way.
Our life these past few weeks has been filled with children's birthday parties one after the other. So a good long walk or day out has been put aside.
A few of the parents laughed when we told them at one party that our wellingtons and coats were in the car ready for us to have walk after. Two hours of sugar and hyper kids it's great to have some fresh air and walk it off.
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| running ahead |
So where do we go to escape, nearly always our local BBOWT reserves. We have 2 very close and depending on how much it has rained we argue over which we enjoy the most. One walk has been named the fossil walk the other the board walk, or in real terms Dry Sandford Pit and Lashford Lane Fen.
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| space to explore and find new things |
We love the freedom to explore, we know the locations well and yet we will find something new and exciting every time. We sometimes find a field vole at one site and this last visit we found a new born tiny baby. It was amazing to see, took us all by surprise. But we crept away quietly as didn't want to scare the mum away. Who doesn't love to get covered in mud, paddle in the streams and then realise your wellies leak. This is the steam we saw a fresh water crayfish in last summer.
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| who doesn't love an unusual bug |
Hopping from stone to stone through the reed beds until you can't see mummy sitting on the bench waiting.
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| this bug loves a pink coat |
Charlotte knows the routes well so runs along in front zooming round the next bend shouting come on, hurry up to us. So much for that relaxing walk! All the grumbles we had at home are forgotten about and we are having fun.
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| the best way to learn, outside looking at what nature has created |
Without realising it we are also ticking off so many of our 50 things. Dam a stream (well we didn't do very well but had a go), skim a stone, run around in the rain (so many times), make a daisy chain, hunt for fossils and bones, climb a tree, hunt for bugs, track wild animals, discover what's in a pond... and a few more I have missed out.
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| now Charlotte goes to find the fossils |
Come rain, shine or birthday parties, we still find time to get out and have fun exploring even if it's only for an hour.
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| Did someone say rain, doesn't stop this little person |
I'm joining in with
Baby Routes Wildlife Wednesday linky.
I brought my small healthy back bag last year before going on holiday. It was one of my best buys for bags for sure and use it every weekend, so imagine my excitement at receiving the big bag healthy back bag. I brought my first healthy back bag for the versatile way of wearing it, across the body or on one shoulder, its safer than a rucksack due to the location of the zip and it hugs your body.
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| Textured nylon citron big bag |
The first visible difference between the two was the size. I thought "this is huge, not sure it will work it's just too big!" I really needn't have worried as once it was on it fitted fine and I'm petite, that's the magic of a healthy back bag, its tear drop shaping just fits to your body, and stays close. The next thing to impress me was how many pockets the bag has (8 internal, 5 external). There are so many, and I've managed to utilise most of them to be extra organised. It really is perfect for a day trip or a week of exploring. The shoulder strap has more padding in this bag which is very comfortable.
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| a size comparison between small and big bag |
I love the spring/summer 2014 new bright colours. Mine is citron in textured nylon and I love the colour contrast of really bright with black zips and stripes at the base.
The bag arrived bang on time for us having a week off work with lots of days out planned and also an over night trip to cornwall. So got put to full use.
I had pockets for plasters, pocket for my drink and one for Charlotte, the outside drinks pocket is insulated meaning a bottle of water did stay cool most of the day. Another pocket for a mobile, 2 key hooks, clear plastic pocket which was useful for bus/train tickets, a mesh pocket that was perfect for tablets, pen and lip gloss pocket. If you can think of it there is a pocket for it. Charlotte decided the detachable pouch was hers to keep her lipsalve and stone find in!
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| internal mesh pockets and silver lining |
The internal main pocket of the bag was HUGE. For a night away this was filled with jeans, chunky knit cardigan, top, wash bag, makeup and toiletries. I found the internal drink/umbrella pocket perfect for bottles you like keeping upright, and fitted 4 of those miniatures and a deodorant in.
This means the bag could easily be used as a swimming bag, or sports bag.
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| click for larger image |
In the above image the bag contains: jeans, cardigan, t-shirt, keys (on key hook) sunglasses (in mesh pocket), ipad (in an internal side pocket), binoculars and toiletries in detachable pouch. Still lots of space left.
I had the bag quite full most days, and only on one day did it make my shoulder ache slightly after walking for hours (London Zoo, London underground, those days when your whole body aches from not stopping) and probably not the best day to put a hard back book in. But we did manage A4 sticker/activity books, colouring pencils, snacks, camera, binoculars most days with no problem. We even got our portable potty in there one day, with room to spare and it wasn't uncomfortable. Most of the time I don't even realise I have the bag on.
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| bright colour contrasts worn across the body |
I had two minor quibbles with the bag, the first was with a big chunky knit cardigan every time I put it across my back one of the zips would pull the thread on my cardigan and get me tangled. Easily resolved with a pair of pliers to nip the zip's tag clasp together more tightly when we got home. The second was an external pocket that would bow outwards as there was no zip or velcro to keep it closed, this wouldn't happen if you wore it on the opposite shoulder but it left this pocket a bit unsafe. On the other hand I did find it handy for easy access to tissues or guide maps, could even reach it when the bag was across my back.
My mum said the 3 outside pockets would be fab as a little pouch that could upzip to be used separately. But I don't think my mum has seen the baglett yet!
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| worn on one shoulder |
I have used this bag so much recently and loved it, I think it has replaced my love of the small bag and will use this one more often. It's that pefect bag for when you don't need a pushchair any more but the children are still at that age when you need more stuff than will fit in your coat pocket. It leaves hands free when walking when worn across your back, but can also be used on one shoulder when in shops, paying for items in a cafe or hugged to your body when on the underground train or bus. Even worn it across body on my front so I could give Charlotte a piggy back! Its a lot more versatile than a rucksack, safer to use and looks a lot more stylish.
I paid for the small healthy back back myself but received the big bag for free direct from The Healthy Back Bag Company in return for this review. This has not influenced my views in any way.
We have mentioned Hill End before on this blog, it's an outdoor education centre in Oxfordshire and often used by schools and organised groups. They have started doing more family activity days during the holidays which we are always keen to attend if we can. We spotted the Easter play day on twitter, and thankfully they were running it on a day we had off from work. So out the sun came, we rounded up Charlotte, invited 2 of her friends and off we went exploring.
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| Hill End |
On arrival the girls were given a sheet of 10 things to do at Hill End and a map of the site. There are plenty more things to get up to, but 10 fitted in with the time it was open... the girls would have stayed all day if they could.
First up make music in the sound garden, think old rubbish that makes a good noise. Xylophone shopping trolley for example.
Get lost in the willow maze. Not quite sure how the girls managed to get lost, but with lots of squealing and I'm leading they made it in and out. We found a willow den next to this and told scary stories!
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| telling scary stories |
Get muddy on a stream walk. Oh they loved this, one girl came minus wellies, but with some swapping and phil carrying the 3rd so they were all in the stream at the same time they did not want to get out.
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| going on a muddy stream walk |
Find your favourite tree. To them involved running around hugging trees shouting this one, no this one until the all agreed on a silver birch.
Have an adventure in the explorers garden. Climbing over tree trunks and a brilliant water recycling activity that we had to tear the girls away from.
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| where will the water come out |
I read ahead to find the next activity was "muddy", so I told the girls to run up the hill and find the perfect spot for our picnic. We were right beside some daisies so once they scoffed food they ran off to make daisy chains whilst we got a few moments of rest.
The girls rolled down the damp hill to the next task.
Make a mud pie in the mud kitchen. A lot of oh no and gasps and ew mud from all 3 of them. But after a little bit of encouragement they were making a big apple crumble and adding extra crumble topping, I think they skipped the main course! They did get a little freaked over how muddy they were (and they were cleaner than most there) by the end but they loved it.
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| a mud apple crumble anyone |
Walk to the top of the hill. They are 6 of course they ran, then rolled down (the next task) and then repeated, again and again.
Walk through the silver birches. Junior school did teach me something, this is about the only tree I know and all the girls loved them and their lovely colour. Charlotte now shouts out silver birch when she spots one.
Tell the time on the human sun dial, not quite sure the girls got this one but they loved looking at it, the numbers and months and standing in the middle. It was correct too.
It was 2pm we completed everything and our time was over, the girls did not want to leave. They played in the sandpit until we were the only people left and we really did have to leave.
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| heave ho in the sandpit |
The girls loved the day and both mums reported back about how their daughter couldn't stop chatting about the fun they had. We have noticed charlottes confidence improve too with trying new things. We spotted another stream a few days later and she was in it before we could even check how deep it was, not quite over wellies thankfully.
Check out the
Hill End website for more family events coming up... hint, hint May half term.
Thank you Hill End for such a good day.
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| The "Hill" End |
linking up with #countrykids
Most of Oxfordshire is under water at the moment so finding a good weekend walk wasn't that easy. We have visited the garden centre at Waterperry before but have never been round the gardens as you have to pay. I spotted on twitter that the gardens are free during January so seemed a good time to visit.
We arrived in time for lunch, and headed straight for the tea rooms. There was a nice selection of hot and cold food, we opted for soup and roll and scones between us followed by some cake.
Next to the tea room was an amazing museum of rural life housing a varying arrangement of things. A wide selection of old farming equipment, gardening tools, kitchen implements, biscuit boxes. Charlotte loved the old school desk and chalk boards. It was like a little time warp and the man running it was happy to explain things.
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| Museum of Rural Life |
We then headed for the gardens, on the left as you enter is an amphitheatre, the footpath goes to the right along what they call virgin walk as the young ladies studying horticulture used to socialise along this shaded area. Waterperry is quite famous for their snowdrops which are just coming out. In a few weeks it will look fantastic.
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| Amphitheatre and Virgin Walk |
The grounds are quite extensive and divided up into areas, we couldn't do the woodland walk as the ground was too wet as it's close to the river Thame. There are wide areas children can run around in, a beautiful rose garden, rows upon rows of apple trees, we loved reading the names of some of the apples. There is a pond, statues to look out for, we found an old potato planter, and an alpine garden. There are plenty of seats around to just sit and reflect for a moment and enjoy the surroundings.
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| Rows of apples and the school veg patch |
There are "did you know" boxes dotted in various locations that Charlotte loved to find, inside were leaflets with interesting facts about the plants in the borders, things to look out for at certain times of the year, and some history about Waterperry. The house used to be a School of Horticulture for Ladies so some of the history and photos were interesting. Sadly though there was nothing on these sheets for children, it would have been good for them to have things to find or look out for. Waterperry is very popular with the older generation, they do have special family events but it just felt to us that these sheets were missing that something extra.
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| did you know sheets and lady of the light |
As well as a garden centre on site there is an arts and crafts gallery and a gift barn.
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| the house down to the river |
We really enjoyed our few hours here and the weather was wonderful, it's made us want to go back for one of the family events or in the summer to see the borders in full bloom.
We decided to have Christmas with a difference this year and to go away. How ever tempting some winter sun was we didn't much fancy flying over the Christmas period so decided on a staycation.
I'm always tempted by the lovely woodland lodges with hot tubs in the Hoseason brochure, but often miss out on them as they book up so early. I was so excited to see that the brand new Cheddar Woods Holiday Park had recently opened and had hot tubs available for Christmas week that we booked it.
The park was really easy to find, not far from the M4/M5 and just on the edge of Cheddar. The site looked lovely when we pulled up, really clean and tidy and welcoming. We were given a warm greeting on arrival, with the offer of mulled wine and a biscuit along with the key to our lodge.
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| Cheddar Woods Holiday Park |
The lodges are beyond a security barrier (only minus is the key pad is on the passenger side), and all lodges are numbered and easy to find. The wow factor when we opened the door was there, it was warm and cosy and really tastefully decorated. The kitchen is bigger than ours at home and had just about everything we needed along with some tea, coffee and washing-up supplies. There were large fluffy towels on all the beds along with bathrobes and extra towels for the hot tub on the double bed. There were white company toiletries in the bathrooms.
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|
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| our lodge |
The hot tub was wonderful, we used it every day. The instructions to turn it on were easy to follow and it was just the right temperature to use. It was really lovely to come back to after a day exploring the local area.
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| View from our deck and in our hot tub |
After unpacking we headed for the swimming pool, and were very pleased to have it to ourselves. The pool was a bit too deep for Charlotte to stand up in (it was the same depth 1.4m the whole length), but she loved the baby pool that was attached. Nice and shallow and also every 15mins had water jets and bubbles start up. We swam every day in the pool, sometimes watching the sun going down over the valley from the windows. The pool has different open swim sessions every day depending on what goactive water activities were on, and an adult only session early every morning. The changing room was clean and tidy, with single cubicles, 3 large family cubicles, showers, hair dryers and lockers (need £1 for these will be returned). Just off the changing rooms was an adult only relaxing/quiet time area along with a sauna, steam room and experience shower.
As well as reception and the swimming pool the club house also has a gym with trainer on hand for any help (sorry we didn't use as we forgot our trainers/were on holiday!) a very nice spa offering espa treatments. I did treat myself to a facial and massage, really lovely it was too. There is a farm shop offering milk, frozen foods, drinks, local items and any essentials you may have forgotten. Beyond this there is a great 2 lane bowling alley, 2 pool tables, golf simulator, kids soft play area, bar and restaurant. The bar leads onto a nice decking area with tables and chairs, astro turf area and a play area. I can imagine this area in the summer would be lovely in the evening.
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| facilities on site |
We did have dinner in the restaurant one night and it was a lovely meal with great service, we also had breakfast in the bar on saturday morning after a swim and before driving home. Fantastic double egg toastie.
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| breakfast, site view, our Christmas dinner |
The goactive activities are excellent and run by some keen members of staff who are great with the children. The activities are divided into age groups so there is something suitable for most children from 3 upwards. Charlotte did the wizard workshop and pirate paradise sessions and had a great time dressing up, colouring, singing and telling stories. When your 7+ there are way more exciting things like archery, snorkelling, fencing and many others. We were almost tempted ourselves with a few activities, maybe next visit we will take the grandparents to look after Charlotte while we test them out. We took a walk to the top of the site where there is a tennis and basketball court, beside a climbing tower. Behind this was where they do archery.
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| A pirate, swimming pool and climbing tower |
The staff really made the holiday, every single person was friendly and welcoming. Things like dressing up like Father Christmas on Christmas morning and coming round to visit all lodges with a present was a lovely touch. This really does make a difference to a holiday.
We loved our week and were so sad when it was over, we had such an excellent time and the facilities were wonderful. There were lots of places to explore close by, cheddar gorge was walking distance away and others just a short drive. Not all the lodges were full the week we visited, and there are still more hard standing areas for sale so we do wonder what the site will be like come the summer, as we obviously saw it at a quiet time.We can't wait to return and really would love to visit again as our week went too fast.
We love going to Waddesdon Manor as it's excellent for families, often has various activities on and isn't too far from home. Currently they have Winter Light at Waddesdon: Bruce Munro.
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| Waddesdon Manor |
We arrived late morning, and went to see if we could get some tickets for the house (I've not been round but readitdaddy and C have) but it's so popular the only time left was very late afternoon so we passed this time. We headed down to the stables to "hug a husky". There were about 8 lovely husky's to stroke, cuddle and have your photo taken with. You could even sit on a sledge and have your photo taken pretending the husky is pulling you along a snowy scene (for a small price).
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| hug a husky |
When we could finally drag ourselves away from the huskys we had lunch outside the stables as the cafe was really busy. The garden chairs had thick sheep skin throws on so no cold bottoms whilst enjoying yummy pumpkin soup, hot dogs or the NT must have scone and tea.
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| cosy and warming seats |
A did quick check to make sure that the reindeers and Santa's sleigh would be ready for christmas day.
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| fly reindeer fly |
Then we took a stroll down the hill to the plant centre for the christmas food market, plenty of local food and drinks to try and lots of gifts to buy, we didn't come away empty handed.
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| we found these dens to explore on the way to the plant centre |
We had a walk back up the hill and through the play area. It's a really fantastic woodland play area, the footpaths were lit up, the trees and also reindeer along the way. There is something for every age from swings to zip wires that keep the kids amused for ages.
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| one of the play areas |
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| can you spot the owl |
We then took a trip down Miss Alice's Drive, it's a wonderful woodland walk with something to explore at every turn. Lots of different bug hotels, board hotels to lift (sadly only found a worm), stepping stone logs and weave a fence.
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| checking under the board hotel |
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| stepping stone logs |
Once we got back to the top of the hill and the house again we took a look around the aviary, its a magnificent looking structure with some unusual birds housed there.
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| day turns to night |
By now the sun was just setting so with glow stick in hand we headed off to winter light at Waddesdon.
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| glow stick |
These are 6 works of art displaying light in different ways and to an amazing effect. It was lovely to see young and old exploring and enthralled by the installations. We had to walk round twice to see it again as it got darker.
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| Brass Monkeys |
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| Water-Towers |
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| Tepees |
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| Parliament of Owls |
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| Mynah Words |
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| River of Light |
I think River of Light was our favorite installation, I had to go to the bottom of the hill to get the view looking up
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| River of Light |
This is a fantastic farm park that a friend recommended we visit. We had never heard of or seen the place advertised before considering its not far from us.
It wasn't too hard to find, there were no brown signs until you are on-top of the farm but Bucklebury is well signposted. There is a large car park and nice walk to the entrance, passing a stream, chickens and sheep along the way. The indoor areas all looked new with benches for packed lunches, and a play area at the end. Next door was a lovely new cafe and new (but basic) toilets beside that.
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| slides and soft play |
Outdoor hand washing facilities were really good, and we liked the pictures of how to wash your hands properly on the indoor toilet, would like to see them outside too. Lots of antibacterial stops provided along the way too.
We picked up a couple of bags of animal feed, and headed straight to the petting area. We returned a few times to check up on crunchie and badger, charlottes favourite hamster and rabbit during the day as they were so lovely. There was a really helpful member of staff on hand to assist and answer any questions.
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| Crunchie |
Staff also warned us to look out for the escaping goat. We did a wonderful circular walk taking in most of the animals and giving them all a feed. Donkeys, deer, pigs, sheep, goats, alpacas, ponys, wild boar, guinea pig, rabbits and llamas. There were so many to see. We did find the escaped goat too - approach with caution!
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| goats and reindeer |
There was a woodland adventure area with dens and an agility course, an outdoor play area, inflatable pillow, trikes, go carts (readitdaddy and I didn't really race each other like 10 year olds!) and a zip wire.
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| outdoor play area |
There were 2 nature walks with markers pointing out interesting facts about the age of the trees, types of trees or the animals or birds who might feed in that area. There was an excellent look out (if slightly scary to climb) on one walk with a view across the valley and the deer.
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| nature walk |
The tractor ride was excellent, going out to feed the deer and the staff again were excellent and really knowledgable, happy to answer any questions. Charlotte got the chance to help collect eggs from the chicken shed, and again the staff were really great.
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| up close to Big Ron on the tractor ride |
We had lunch in the cafe, which was wonderfully warm on a cold wet day. The food was really nice some really yummy bread with my soup. But I did find woody/stalky type bits in my soup, I brought this up with the lady clearing the tables and she said I'll be back... but didn't return! The cakes were excellent though which compensated a bit.
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| feeding sunny the deer |
We had such an excellent day and were there for hours, we will definitely be going back. Even the cold wet November weather couldn't dampen what a great day we had.
We love completing things from the 50 things to do before you're 11 3/4 list. The scrapbook is often in my handbag and we've almost memorised the list so we are always on the look out for fun things to do. We will write up the scrap book and get our stickers and then come home and update the 50 things website. Without realising it Charlotte not only is having lots of fun outside exploring, she's also mastering her writing, typing, keyboard and mouse skills.
So what things has Charlotte managed to complete so far.
1. Climb a tree - finding that perfect tree can be tricky but once mastered she doesn't stop.
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| a great tree to climb at Harcourt Arboretum |
2. Roll down a really big hill - I love how when ever we find a slope big or small you will find a gaggle of kids rolling down again and again.
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| a perfect slope at Greys Court |
4. Build a den - we are yet to build the perfect den but we have started a few in different places, or cheated and added to others we have found along a walk
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| we spotted this den at Wittenham Clumps and "improved it" |
9. Eat an apple straight from a tree - couldn't wait to do this one
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| We found a large orchard at Upton House |
14. Dam a stream - we got caught in the rain and whilst sheltering under the trees spotted a perfect place to make a dam
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| our dam at BBOWT Lashford lane fen |
16. Make a daisy chain - a perfect reason to sit and relax for a moment in a lovely field and make daisy chain crowns.
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| a princess at Basildon Park |
19. Play pooh sticks - of course we had to go to "the" place to play this, Days Lock, Little Wittenham.
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| Days Lock |
22. Explore inside a tree - Harcourt Arboretum has some wonderful old trees for this.
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| I'm going to disappear |
23. Visit a farm - what better day to visit a farm than go to see the baby lambs.
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| Earth Trust lambing day |
24. Go on a barefoot walk - we don't have grass in our back garden so this was actually really exciting for Charlotte. Such a simple thing that we hadn't actually thought about.
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| no stopping her at Chedworth Roman Villa |
26. Hunt for fossils and bones - we didn't have to hunt for this we spotted it on a walk. Charlotte took it to school to show her friends.
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| found at BBOWT Lashford lane fen |
28. Climb a huge hill - we are often going to the top of wittenham clumps to look at the views across Oxfordshire. The hill at Cliveden was one heck of a climb too, all worth it for the views.
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| top of Wittenham Clumps |
41. Plant it, grow it, eat it - thanks to the fab lunch bag and seeds with Charlottes national trust lunch at Hughenden we got to grow some cress
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| growing cress |
42. Go swimming in the sea - we cheated and went abroad for this one, to the lovely warm waters of Tenerife and even had fish swimming round our feet
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| getting deeper |
There are a few things I've missed out but a great start and given us some fab ideas to make our walks and days out more interesting.
Since taking out National Trust membership earlier this year our weekends have been transformed. Friday night we can be found reading the NT bible and the app to check out whats on near us and find interesting places to explore. So where did we go this summer?
Greys Court - A wonderful 16th century mansion with so many different walled gardens and also a donkey wheel. We loved looking round the house, and the guides in each room were really great with Charlotte pointing out interesting things for her to look at. The house had such a homely feel to it, you could still imagine the boys playing there. We enjoyed climbing the great tower and looking across the grounds and then exploring all the different bits of the garden. I could have easily sat for hours reading a book by the pond, it was so peaceful and beautiful. The hidden play area was fantastic. A Greys fort, slide, archery, and games, all hidden amongst the trees.
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| Walled Gardens of Greys Court |
Basildon Park - Which I
reviewed earlier this year, and we have since been back to for a big walk. We got to explore the extensive grounds on our second visit which gave some wonderful views looking back across to the mansion. There were lovely seats on the walk in just the right spot for a sit down. There were log bridges and dens to explore along the way so Charlotte wouldn't get bored, we almost got chased by cows through the last field... which stopped any "my legs won't carry me any longer" grumbles. It really wasn't that long a walk!
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| View across Basildon Park |
Hughenden - we visited on a re-enactment day which made it a lot of fun. Punch and Judy shows, dressing up, Zulu Dawn re-enactment. The house was such a contrast with the stunning upstairs rooms and then the war room downstairs, the ice house bunker which use has only just been discovered was amazing. The formal garden was lovely to sit in and the walled garden was great for children to explore and find the hidden things. Charlotte also made us go on a walk to find the dog graves, we weren't the only parents to be dragged along to check these out thankfully.
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| Hughenden gardens |
Upton House and Gardens - From the start Charlotte was made to feel welcome, having a map to herself and being shown the special trail for children to follow to the house spotting the characters along the way. She was so excited. We loved exploring the house with the balcony that looked down over the games room. We sat for some time playing snakes and ladders, it was nice to have a room where you can sit down and touch things. The dressing up room was a big hit, and the oh so glamorous bathroom. The contrasting garden areas were lovely to walk round, if a little hard climbing back up. The kitchen garden on the hill side with the lake at the bottom which can't be seen from the house was a surprise. The sunken garden was our favourite for sure, but wish we could work out where the smell of toffee was coming from.
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| Upton gardens |
Cliveden - We have now visited twice as the grounds are so huge, and we still haven't seen it all. I
reviewed our first trip earlier on this year, and the second time we went back to explore the long garden, secret garden and war memorial garden, and of course the excellent slide on the south terrace.
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| plenty of statues at Cliveden |
Stowe - fantastic magical grounds with something round every corner to explore. The grounds are so vast it will take a couple of visits to see it all. Before you even get to the grounds your journey starts at the New Inn, with parlour rooms, games rooms and kitchen from the 1700's. The one thing we found stopping us enjoying it quite so much was the one set of toilets right at the start, not great with a young child. The map said there was a second but these were closed.
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| Stowe grounds |
Chedworth Roman Villa - I
blogged about this earlier in the year and keep saying we will go back again soon as it was such an excellent day. Its really educational for children and has a wonderful lawn to picnic on. There are plenty of things going on at weekends with traditional skills being shown off.
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| layout of the formal villa rooms |
Waddesdon Manor - Readitdaddy and Charlotte went for the day by themselves. We have visited a few times over the years but this was the first time they have been inside the house and were really wowed by it. The grounds are fantastic for walking round with children and the play park is great.
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| Big bird at Waddesdon |
Now where shall we visit next?
This is a lovely walk round the base of Wittenham Clumps where people don't often walk heading down towards Days Lock which is famous for Pooh Sticks and then back up to the top of the clumps.
Approx time: 1-2 hour
Paths: grass and mud
Points of interest: wildlife, river
Amenities: car park at Wittenham Clumps
Grading: possible with all terrain buggy but hard work going up the hill
Weather: all seasons (except after heavy rain)
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| map of the area, following the red line |
Starting at the Wittenham Clumps car park take the small gate to the left before heading up the hill, currently its all very over grown looking.
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| the footpath from the car park |
This footpath is quite flat and takes you around the base of the clumps, we spotted quite a lot of wildlife (or signs of) and also lots of blackberries ready to pick. After a short time the footpath will widen out.
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| clear open space |
You will eventually come to a gate and into a wooded area. This is where they hold the
Earth Trust birthday parties so we came across a lot of dens almost the trees and we had a great time building some more dens and improving others.
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| checking out the dens |
At the end of the wood you will get to another gate and come out the other side of the hill. Turn left after the gate heading down the hill towards the church. At the Church turn right and you will cross a couple of bridges and days lock. This is where they play the famous game of
pooh sticks every year, and we had a couple of goes ourselves.
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| days lock |
When you are all pooh sticked out retrace your steps back to the base of the clumps, and if you are up for the walk head up the hill for wonderful views across Oxfordshire.
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| looking back towards Wittenham Clumps |
There is a bench right at the top to rest any weary legs.
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| view down towards days lock |
Circle round the top of the hill and then back down the other side to the car park.
Wittenham Clumps and Pooh Sticks at Days Lock both feature on the
oxtrails app.
If you are ticking off your
50 things before 11 3/4 then den building, climbing a big hill, fly a kite, play pooh sicks, pick blackberries, eat an apple from a tree, make a trail with sticks, hunt for bugs, catch a falling leaf can all be done on this walk. I do not advise rolling down a big hill due to cows and sheep grazing!
We all loved our first family holiday abroad to Lanzarote last year, not too long a flight, good weather, contrasts of scenery and things for everyone to enjoy that we were almost tempted to book it again this year but instead decided to explore a different Canary Island and settled on Tenerife.
Whist in Lanzarote we had a day trip to Fuerteventura so this will make Tenerife our 3rd Canary Island.
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| view from our balcony |
The plane did a wonderful circle of the island before coming into land, going over the south of the island so we could look down on the beaches we would soon be sitting on with the volcanos in the background. And it really wasn't long before we were in our hotel room overlooking the beach. We were so close to the beach you could hear the waves breaking. We were staying in the Guayarmina Princess, Costa Adeje and it was a stunning looking hotel. Amazing entrance area, 2 pools on a sun terrace (and a toddler pool which was quite deep for toddlers) and a lift down to the beach. We picked this area of Tenerife as its outside of the popular Las Americas (think club 18-30's) but still had things to do and nice evening strolls along the promenade.
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| surfing and rock pooling |
We had a couple of days of sitting by the pool, on the beach and taking a stroll to Las Americas, you can walk all the way to the small port of Los Cristianos but little legs in the heat wouldn't make it that far. It was a lovely walk though passing a couple of beaches, kids play areas, bars and shops and an area that was great for rock pooling. Can't say we found Las Americas appealing in any way but its fine during the day, bit different at night time I'm sure. We grabbed a taxi back to the hotel, too hot for walking back.
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| Las Americas |
Our first trip was to Masca, the hidden village. Its nestled right in a valley of steep mountains and a very popular spot for walking. I would love to go back and do the walk from there down to the coast in a few years time when Charlotte's little legs are bigger. It looked stunning and was so secluded.
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| Masca |
Next up was Loro Parque, this was an hour on a coach to the other side of the island but was a fantastic day. The animal park has been running for 40 years and tries to create natural environments for the animals.
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| Gorilla at Loro Parque |
On the most part I think this was achieved with a large rainforest environment for the gorillas and keeping the penguins in semi-darkness for part of the year. There are lots of animals to see with a big killer whale show on the scale of what you would see at Sea World, Florida.
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| Killer Whale at Loro Parque |
We sat right at the front and got soaking wet, having been to sea world myself I knew how wet we would get.
@readitdaddy thought it great but Charlotte got a little upset and we had to move seats. The aquarium and dolphin shows were excellent, we only caught the end of the sea lion show and couldn't even get a seat at the parrot show it was so popular.
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| dolphin show at Loro Parque |
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There is a treetop walk way to climb up and lots of other animals you would see at an animal park. We didn't think much of the eating places and were very pleased we opted for a pack lunch provided by our hotel.
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| Mt Teide |
I think our best trip of the holiday was a jeep trip into Mount Teide National Park. So much more exciting bumping along in the back of a land rover with the hood down taking in the amazing views of the volcano and rock formations. We only went "off road" once but the cars could take better routes than the coaches can and we could stop off at the quieter locations for photo opportunities. The tour guide was excellent getting all the kids involved as well as the adults and teaching them about the volcano's and lava.
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| looking down a lava tunnel |
After the national park we had to get dressed up to go on a camel ride, not sure I've ever looked or felt quite so silly in my life, but everyone happily joined in. I am really not a fan of camel rides but Charlotte seemed to be loving it and happily sang song to our camel to make him happy.
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| camel ride |
Our last trip was a pirate boat trip to see dolphins and whales, and yes we really did see them. There are so many different boat trips to do in Tenerife, but I think with a child at 3 hours long this one seemed just right.
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| pirate boat trip |
There are a number of "fish farms" off the coats of Tenerife that the dolphins do obviously love, and yes we did see some dolphins there. But the boat did go further along the coast to see families that are to be regularly spotted in the waters. The boat was a 150 year old wooden sail boat, but now with a motor fitted. This made it a little choppy in the waters so not great if you get sea sick. After sailing around for 2 hours looking for the dolphins and whales they stop outside of the bay of Las Americas for lunch (provided) and a swim in the sea.
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| pirate boat trip |
Costa Adeje was a good pick of areas to stay, there were bars and restaurants and a lovely beach. It was very dark sand though but if you walked around the bay (away from Las Americas) you would get to a lovely cove and beyond that another beach which was a bit more golden sand. The whole area is very build up, once you are up into the mountains you find all the lovely Canarian houses but the scale and sprawl of the tourist areas was sad to see. Hotels built into the sides of volcano's to try and cram in a bit more space.
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| evening view from balcony |
The Guayarmina Princess Hotel was wonderful. We stayed half board and are also vegetarian and didn't struggle for food. Almost all food is labelled in English, Canarian potatoes are a must try. There were plenty of waiters to seat you and take your drinks order (you have to pay for drinks at dinner, we often skipped drink with dinner and brought it from the local shop to have on our balcony).
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| pool area |
We upgraded to a junior suite room with sea view. The room was excellent giving 2 double beds and a sofa/tv area, we don't often turn the tv on when on holiday but finding BBC, ITV & CH4 was a bonus. But sadly for a room sleeping 4 adults only 2 chairs on the balcony. There is evening music from the restaurants below but this stopped by 11pm.
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| hotel room |
There was the usual reserving of sunbeds even though you are told not too but there were usually enough to go around. We aren't fan of sitting round the pool so would often go there about 5pm when it was quieter. The kids club we found understaffed, and not up to UK standards at all (its run by the hotel not the tour company). No signing in our out or even asking of names. The day we went along one lady took 10 kids off to the little pool and we went to find a spare sunbed (being 2pm there were very few). 15mins in I went to check Charlotte was doing ok, peeped over a balcony and she was fine. Another 15mins went by and just as I'm about to check her again I hear crying. She had been wondering around trying to find us. She said she didn't enjoy it so asked to leave, the lady said she could go. She said to the lady do you know where my mummy and daddy are. The response was no and she still let my daughter go. There are 3 swimming pools and a few hundred sun beds and my daughter was left to find us at the age of 5. We never sent her to the kids club again.
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| South Tenerife |
That moment aside everything else about the holiday was lovely, but we did spend the whole week comparing it to Lanzarote and we felt that Lanzarote was the better of the islands. It seems to have a bit more culture and love the white wash buildings and less high rise buildings thanks to Cesar Manrique.
Healthy Back Bag
5 Aug 2013 10:00 AM (11 years ago)
I was in serious need of a new bag for our holiday, I often use my cross body bag from M&S, but its that bit too small. Fine for essentials: purse, keys, phone, plasters, tissues, wipes, pen, paper. But for a day trip with camera, snacks, bottle of water I wanted something bigger that wasn't a rucksack but neither a handbag. Taking a look round Boswells, Oxford I spotted the healthy back bag. It looked really different to other bags, came in lots of different size and colour combinations. Every time I passed the shop for a few weeks I would go in and take a look, but the cost was really putting me off. In the end @readitdaddy got a bit fed up of my going on about it he made me buy it (he made me you see so I can blame him if I didn't like it!).
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| my chosen healthy back bag (taken from healthy back bag website) |
Here is a run down of what makes it that little bit different. Its a teardrop shape so it fits to your back, with a zip the full length of the inside making it quite secure. This was a big selling point to me as I hate putting phone and purse etc into a rucksack pocket and worrying that someone might be trying to get into my bag when in busy areas.
It will go across the body (left or right) or over one shoulder. So you have a handbag or rucksack in one. I love this and its quite good going on a longer walk I'll put it across the body, when I need to be in and out the bag I put it on shoulder like a handbag.
The inside is silver... oh how I now wish all bags were like this. I can see what is in the bag and its great. No black umbrella/hairbrush/purse hidden at the bottom of a big dark bag.
It has lots of pockets, and I mean lots of. Love all the pockets. Its got 2 bottle/umbrella/sunglasses shaped pockets and on holiday we had water bottle for us adults in one pocket and a smaller bottle in the other pocket for Charlotte.
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| bag turned inside out (from healthy back bag website) |
The bags are unisex and I brought a aqua blue so
@readitdaddy doesn't look too embarrassed when I make him hold the bag for me!
We've proved that its splash proof. I've not used it in the rain but we sat at the front of the killer whale show at Loro Parque, Tenerife (think sea world show at Florida) we came off dripping wet but the contents of the bag were still dry.
It washes well, came home with some odd stains on the bag from being in boats, in various cars and coaches quick handwash, drip dry on the line and came up as good as new.
When the bag is on your back you can twist it round to the front and with a full length zip you can get to all the things you need without having to take if off your back.
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| bag worn on one shoulder |
I think the only minus to the bag is when across the body it will do the between the boob thing, which is what I was worried about... I keep moving it out the way but it slides back. But its not uncomfortable as its a wide strap so I don't mind too much. The cost as mentioned before is also a minus, I'm not a shoes and handbag girl so usually opt for the cheap options.
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| bag worn across the body |
Its called a healthy back bag, I have no back problems so can't comment on this but with the bag fully laden down it would pull on the shoulder a bit. They do say to put in as little as possible, and it is more comfortable to wear with less in but at the start of a trip we had it quite full. You can get bigger (and smaller) bags, we brought the small and this seems just the right size for carrying everything we needed.
UPDATE 09/05/14: I have since reviewed the
big bag healthy back bag
The new Mountain Warehouse Autumn/Winter 2014 catalogue landed on my doorstep along with a surprise present of a thermos flask. Readitdaddy straight away had visions of using it for coffee but a little voice beat him to that with "oh I can use that for my hot chocolate". We often finish a walk with a piece of cake and hot chocolate to warm up.
%20is%20and%20how%20it's%20inspired%20us%20to%20look%20at%20what%20plants%20we%20can%20add%20to%20our%20garden%20next%20spring.%3Cbr%20/%3E%0A%3Cbr%20/%3E%0A%3Cbr%20/%3E)
We love to get out for a walk what ever the weather and Charlotte also has a forest school session at school once a week so this time of year we are in need of something warm and dry to wear.
A trip to Hill End brought back many memories of school trips and guide camps for readitdaddy and I (obviously not guide camps for readitdaddy, unless there is something hes not telling me!).
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