In half term we travelled up to Yorkshire to stay near Bradford, We had a lovely time travelling around and exploring the area. We had one day where we just didn't fancy a long journey so we stayed close by and headed to the nearest National Trust site for a bit of culture and outdoor space. East Riddlesden Hall was the closest, situated in Keighley, West Yorkshire. We weren't sure what to expect as this isn't the biggest site, but actually, it was really nice. The staff were friendly, interested and knowledgeable and there was plenty to do.
As soon as we arrived the kids spotted the birds feed for 50p a bag, so we all headed out to the lake and all my family enjoyed feeding the ducks. This simple act always seems to calm down my crazy girls and focus them on something nurturing. Even JJ loves to feed them, although he is always a little more vigorous in his feeding style! lol, I was happy to find some hale bales to sit on and just enjoy the dry weather and watch my family.
Earlier this week we visited the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, and we had an amazing day out. It's probably my favourite walk-through animal park that we have visited, as it is relatively flat, super easy to get to, the large animals all appeared to have fabulous large enclosures and they have worked very hard to ensure that you are able to see the animals, without encroaching on their space.
We planned a break in Yorkshire so we could visit the park as Miss E has been polar bear crazy for some years now and this is one of only two places in the UK where you can view them. The weather was fine, but overcast on the bank holiday Monday that we visited and this seemed to be conducive to the animals being happy to have a walk around and be visible for all the visitors.
A couple of years ago we visited Arlington bluebell walk as it a family. It was mid-May and the bluebell season was coming to an end but we loved our visit and I've been meaning to go back ever since. This year I was ahead of the game and we visited on 20th April just as the bluebells were really coming into their own, but there was still evidence of the beautiful white wood anemones. So it made for some interesting pictures with both the white and blue flowers.
This year the bluebell walk and farm trail is open from 11th April to 19th May (10am - 5pm each day). I'd definitely recommend a visit, and it is so much more than just pretty woods with lots of bluebells. You can choose from five walks of differing lengths, and each has a unique view and some pass through local working farms so you may see horses, cows, sheep and chickens. The walks are really varied with lake views, fields, rivers, woodland and farms.
For the last two August's we've headed over to North Norfolk for a break for a few days. It wasn't an area we'd explored before but straight from the off, we were hooked. The gorgeous coastline spans miles and there are so many quaint traditional seaside towns to explore. Of course, if you're looking for the bright lights and glamour of a big city then this area isn't going to be for you, but if you like the countryside right by the coast then it could be perfect.
During our stays, we had some great days out and they don't have to break the bank, so they're a winner on all fronts. Let me share -
1. Visit the Seals at Blakeney Point by Boat
We travelled with Beans Boat Trips but there are a few companies who do the trips and from what I saw they were all much of a likeness. You park at Morston Quay National Trust site to catch your boat and the trip takes between 60 - 90 minutes, depending on the time of year. Either before or after your boat trip you can walk the nature reserve at Morston Quay, which is maintained by the National Trust too.
The cost of the boat trip is £12 per adult and £6 per child, and you'll also need to pay £4.50 for a days parking at Morston Quay. You could easily spend a half-day in the area if you like to walk, explore, fly a kite, bird spot or pond dip.
At the end of the summer, we had a lovely stay in
Fakenham, North Norfolk. We stayed at the White House cottage, which is an Air
BnB property and we love it there. This is our second year staying and I’m sure
we’ll go back as it suits all the family, with animals to keep the girls
entertained, good Wi-fi for JJ and a lovely lounge and garden for my husband
and I to fully relax in.
We went there specifically to go out on a boat
trip to see the seals which head there to relax and carry their babies. There
are several companies offering boat trips out to see the seals, the two
most popular ones seem to be Beans and Temples and from I understand from
friends who have used both, they are are both reliable, quality and pretty much
of a likeness.
For no particular reason, we used Beans boat
trips and all the information about sailing times and prices is on their
website. You do need to call to make your booking but there is no payment in
advance, you pay on the day when you arrive. For this reason, there did appear
to be some non-arrivals and there were plenty of people who’d arrived without
reservations and were waiting in reserve.
When we first moved to East Sussex over five years ago I used to share lots of pictures taken around the grounds of our home but I realise I haven't for quite some time now, So I need to rectify this.
You may know that I'm lucky enough to live within the 220 acre grounds of the Christian Conference Centre that my husband works at. This means we have access to large lawned areas, three lakes, loads of forest, a stream, lake swimming, a low ropes course and so much more. And all of this 365 days a year.
The other weekend Miss E and I took a Sunday afternoon walk together as she wanted to find some conkers. It turned out we were a bit late in the season as there weren't that many about but we did well for sweet chestnuts.
It was a lovely 90 minutes spent with Miss E, isn't it fab to spend one on one time with your kids?
Recently my girls were lucky enough to have a
Monday inset day and we used this as the perfect opportunity to visit Knockhatch without it being too busy. I would say that Knockhatch Adventure Park is a perfect (and really reasonably priced) day out if your child is aged
between about 2 - 12 years. My twins are just about to turn 11 and they’re on
the cusp of being a bit big for some of the attractions.
As we were visiting with many friends with kids
of varying ages it worked well as they were able to help the little ones in the
Pirates Cove splash area and on things like the soft play and Quadapillar ride
without feeling too big. I have to admit to being really pleasantly surprised
by the whole park. We had briefly visited about five years ago and not been
that impressed but this visit was enough to make us want to go back a good few
times before the girls really outgrow it.
High Season, Term Time
We visited on an Orange day, which is high
season but within term time, so everything was open but we had timed sessions
for them all and there was at least three or four sessions (spread throughout
the day) for each activity/attraction in the day so you could do most
everything. I have to be honest though, we found it hard to fit everything in
during the five hours we were there. We were given a leaflet with the times as
we arrived so it was easy to be able to plan.
Happy Thursday friends, I hope you're well and the Summer holidays are going swimmingly for you (if they make any difference, that is!).
I've had a fab week, we have a big Christian festival going on in the grounds of our home this week and we all get involved and enjoy some worships, craft, time with friends and good biblical teaching. My girls particularly have had an absolute ball as it is their first time going to youth and they have made friends and been allowed to stay out a bit later in the evening.
Last Saturday was the annual village fete and I do love going to it. After growing up in a town and then living in various towns all my life it was a complete novelty to move here five years ago and find out what real community and village life is like.
We've had a lovely couple of weeks with the kids off school but I have to be honest, I am now ready for them to go back to school. I haven't really done any work and my house is feeling neglected BUT if you asked my girls I bet they'd say they've had a wonderful time and whilst JJ hasn't done half as much with me as they have I bet he'd say he was happy too, as I let him indulge his online gaming passion with his mates these last couple of days!
Easter was spent at home relaxing and we had a great early morning service up by the cross on Easter Sunday morning. Then Monday we headed to Bridgwater and stayed over there before a stop at the beautiful Dunster Castle.
Isn't it good to break out from the norm sometimes? During half-term we grabbed my husband out of work early on the Friday afternoon and dropped JJ off so he could go away for an adventure weekend with our church. Then the rest of us headed down to my favourite local seaside town, Bexhill-on-Sea for some fresh air and exercise.
Happy Thursday #R2BC friends, sorry I haven't been around for a couple of weeks. I really need to get myself a bit more organised when it isn't my turn to host as I find that I forget to schedule in the time for my Reasons to be Cheerful post and then get lost in paid work and other commitments. I really am trying not to spend too much time blogging but still make enough money to cover some niceties like weekends away and days out.
It's been a good week for me generally. I wouldn't say I've been the most productive work wise but so what, that's not everything, right?
A New Gym
I've joined a new gym and had my induction. It's a great little place and I'm going there twice a week whilst the girls are at trampolining club and Guides. I love the idea that it fits in with lifts I need to do anyway, it feeds into my need for efficiency! lol
These amazing rocks were painted by the super talented Helen at The Crafty Norman, our local craft shop
In the middle of last year, I read a post over on The Holy Mess about Kindness Rocks. I loved the idea and saved the link, thinking that at some point I'd write a post about it and maybe do something similar where we live and then I forgot all about it, until last week when I saw a friend post on her FB timeline that her daughter had been rock hunting in our home town, here in East Sussex.
It turns out that Kindness Rocks and rock hunting, in general, have become big news over the last year. It looks like the initiative started in the USA but I could also find early evidence in Australia too. But no matter where it started, it is wonderful fun and a really positive initiative that I wanted to be involved with.
Basically, it is a pay it forward project where you paint a rock with a positive picture or phrase, such as breath, be kind, you matter, be brave, laugh often etc and then you hide it in your local area for others to find. When they find the rock there's a message on the back asking them to share a picture on the local FB page so others can see what has been found and so the creator can enjoy the joy of it being found.
These are all rocks we have found in our local town Battle
They can then either re-hide the rock for someone else to enjoy or take it home and ideally put one into the project themselves, paying the kindness forward.
"One message at just the right time can change your entire day... outlook... life!" Megan Murphy, founder of The Kindness Rocks Project
If you put #Kindnessrocks or #TheKindnessRocksProject into Instagram or a search engine you'll find loads of information and so many amazing pictures and tutorials for painting stones. But it is super simple to be honest.
Making your own Kindness Rock
1. Find a good rock to use. If you don't have any in your local area then please buy some from a home store or on Amazon. Don't take from another persons garden or such.
2. Ensure your rock is clean and dry.
3. Paint on it or draw with something like sharpies. There needs to be a good strong colour, so it will last.
4. Put a message on the back so that the finder knows what to do with the rock. You can write on the rock but as I don't have great handwriting, I have printed out small labels to stick on the back. (They say - This is a #Battlerock, please take a photo and share it in the Battle Rocks FB group, then re-hid this stone, thanks.)
5. Varnish the rock on both sides so it is weatherproof. I use DecoArt DuraClear varnish and a small tub goes a very long way.
Search on FB for the name of your town and then Rocks, so my group is Battle Rocks and if there is one there, great you can join and get straight on and hide your rock. If not you might have to be the pioneer and start the group and drop a few rocks and see if it will catch on in your area and people will join in.
You need to be respectful as to where you put your rock as they should not be a nuisance.
Don't put in the grass as they will damage lawnmowers
Don't put one too far into a large flower bed as you don't want people to have to tread on the bed to get it
Make sure it is not a trip hazard wherever you leave it
Make sure they are just in public areas, you don't want to encourage people onto private property
Now go rock hunting! We hope you enjoy it. Our best day has seen 14 rocks found so far and we took one home as my daughter loved it and we re-hid all the others for more people to enjoy. We are currently making some new rocks to put out so we can pass on the kindness too.
During October school half-term we headed off to Kent to visit a new National Trust site. I've heard of Ightham Mote before but in the NT handbook, it didn't look as if it would be very big so I had avoided it in favour or larger properties. It was only when I saw some pictures on a friends Instagram that my interest was peaked again and she confirmed that it is a joy to visit.
The Moated House
Ightham Mote is one of those properties that is great for families and also for just adults. It is a truly stunning 14th-century moated manor house and over the last 700 years, it has changed a lot and been lived in by Medieval knights, courtiers to Henry VIII and high society Victorians. The house has many rooms open for display and you can see lots of interesting sights, such as the Grade 1 listed dog kennel, the crypt, the Great Hall and private residences of Charles Henry Robinson, who gave the house to the National trust in 1985. My favourite area was definitely the private church inside and I enjoyed seeing how the delicate wood ceiling had been conserved and restored.
The next school holiday is fast approaching and
if you’re anything Iike me you'll be searching for ways to keep the kids
entertained without it costing you a fortune. Well here is a cost-free and
simple idea to add to your repertoire and it is sure to be fun.
A couple of weeks ago we headed to Bexhill-on-sea
as a family and the kids spent the afternoon taking photos of their choice
around a prompt (or theme) I had chosen for them. I told them in advance that
one child would be the winner and would receive a prize, but didn't reveal what
the prize was. This was because I didn't want them to put in effort according
to how good they each felt the prize was. I just said it would be something
they liked and different for each of them.
If you fancy creating your own photo walk or
competition here are the things to think through -
1. Choose your date and check the weather. Some
children won't mind if it is pouring down outside but of course, others will
hate that and it does make taking good photos much harder, so try to pick a
fine day. It doesn't matter if it is cold or frosty, you can just wrap up and
of course, you can get some fab photos in the frost or snow.
Back in May 2016 we took a few days as a family to head over to the Kent coast to explore Thanet. In general we had a lovely time despite some horrendous weather and our drive shaft snapping too!
Whilst we were there we visited Dover Castle, which is a truly amazing place to visit and somewhere I'd highly recommend. I wrote about our visit at the time - click HERE to read the full review. It really is a full day out for all the family and there is something for everyone.
To make the most of our family annual English Heritage membership (which we paid £69.37 for - it's always good to search online for a discount) we decided to also visit some other castles in the local area.
Deal Castle
Deal is an a great example of a Tudor artillery castle, part of a chain of them along this coastline. The external walls are still in-tact and you can see the really unusual shape of the castle. Our visit here was probably only about an hour as it is a fairly small site but as you can visit all of it the kids enjoyed being transported back and learning a bit more about this caste that King Henry VIII commissioned.
A couple of weeks back it was my birthday and of
course, that means I got to choose where we were going whilst on holiday in
Norfolk. As soon as I knew where we would be staying I checked out the National
Trust website to see what was close and came across Blickling, a massive estate
nestled in the Norfolk countryside.
I have to laugh as every time I mention visiting
a National Trust site to my three kids (aged 10, 10 and 13) they all groan and
say ‘oh no, not National Trust’ and it's as if it has become a tradition.
No-one will admit they want to go and then they all have a great time.
The Blickling Estate is massive with nearly 950
acres of historic park and woodland, there are many trails that you can take
around the grounds to take in many of the prominent features. The new multi-use
path is suitable for pushchairs, adapted wheelchairs, cycles and of course
walkers too. Dogs are welcome in this part of the grounds, although be aware of
the free grazing livestock.
My twin girls have been trying out some Start-rite shoes ready for back to school in September. They have already worn them for the month of July at school and now the shoes are put away for the next couple of weeks until they start back to school. Both of their senior style brogues and loathers have done an ace job so far and I feel fully confident they are going to last them well into year next too.
As part of Start-rites back-to-school campaign they wanted us to really put the girls shoes through their paces, so they have been to school in them, walked through the woods, scooting on their new Micro Scooters in them and playing at the park too.
A few weeks back we had a spare Sunday with
nothing planned and the kids suggested a trip to the beach. Since moving to
East Sussex we've been to Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings so many times and
they are all great but I thought it would be nice to visit somewhere new. So we
got ourselves together and headed over to Seaford, I had no idea what to expect
as it is more of a local residential town rather than a tourist one.
As we visited on a Sunday there was plenty of free
parking around the town and that's always a bonus. We didn't really walk around
the town, preferring to head straight for the seafront as it was a lovely day.
It wasn't massively busy on the seafront and the kids could easily have bought
their skates, scooters or bikes with them as it is a lovely long, smooth
promenade.
It was my twins 10th birthday last week and they enjoyed an evening out with my husband and I but due to school and all sorts of end of term commitments there wasn't a big fun birthday adventure. So to rectify this gaping hole Go Ape stepped forward with a Tree Top Junior adventure for the girls and their brother to enjoy whilst we were on holiday in Dorset.
We tried out Go Ape at Bedgebury in Kent back in April and all three of them loved it, so they were super keen to go back and had we been home rather than on holiday I'd have happily booked a Go Ape party for the girls and some of their friends.
Last Saturday whilst the girls and I were staying with my parents in Surrey we headed to The Savill Garden, which is part of Windsor Great Park. I wasn't too sure what to expect, nor if it would be a suitable place for my near 10 year old twins to visit but I have to say I was really pleasantly surprised.
Created in the 1930's this 35 acre park is just beautiful with eight distinct interconnected gardens - the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, the New Zealand Garden, Summer Wood, The Glades, Autumn Wood and the Winter Beds. Take a look at this short video to get a glimpse of what you might enjoy when you come to visit in the summer months.
Every season has its own gems and the real highlights from our visit were the Queen Elizabeth temperate house, the rose garden and the Royal Jubilee Garden. These were the places were we saw the best floral colour.
Now, I'll be honest with you I don't know a lot about gardening but I do know what I like, so this garden is good for amateurs with an eye for beauty like me and also those with a more focused interest on flora and fauna as there is a lot of information available if you are interested.
The girls really enjoyed the space and having lots of nooks and crannies to be able to run in and out of. There is a particularly fab tree by the rose garden that you can hide under the branches and the Hidden Gardens are great for a game of hide and seek or tag. Of course you have to remain respectful to the landscape but there are lots of corners to hide around.
