With lockdown restrictions easing, we’re making the most of our much-loved National Trust places in Surrey. The charity has begun to open its countryside, gardens and parkland in line with government advice. As such, some places need to be booked in advance bit new tickets are released every Friday for the following week. If you’re a National Trust member, there are a wealth of places you can explore, with or without, pre-booking. Here’s a round-up of what’s in the area.
Continue Reading…
We’ve always enjoyed the National Trust’s 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾. If you’re an outdoorsy kind of family, it’s a great list to work from and there are plenty of opportunities to keep children engaged. Living in Surrey with so many National Trust places to explore, we’ve ticked quite a few off the list over the years. But did you know there are a whole host of fun activities that can be completed while on lockdown? Here are 20 of our favourites.
Continue Reading…
We’ve been so lucky with the weather while we’ve been on lockdown. So much so we’ve even put the tent up in the garden, enjoyed a couple of BBQ’s and dabbled in a spot of gardening. There have been plenty of activities on offer for kids. We’ve taken full advantage of the great experiences and homeschool resources on offer. But what else can the kids be doing indoors while the schools are closed? Here are a few more ideas to keep those inquisitive brains occupied.
Continue Reading…
What an extraordinary month March has been, unforgettable that’s for sure. From working from home every day to all the schools closing and not being able to visit our favourite places. We’re two weeks in now and already missing what’s local to us by car although we’re thankful for our garden and the nearby River Wey. We’ve at least been blessed with the joys of spring – the birds are singing, the blossom is coming and we’ve been blessed with beautiful sunny days. This month’s UK Explore is bittersweet in that 50,000 photographs have been shared on Instagram even though it’s likely to be our last #UKExplore. For a little while at least.
Continue Reading…
Spring is always a superb time of year for the senses what with the birds singing, lambs being born and the sound of children laughing. Being on lockdown has meant we’ve appreciated what’s around us just that little bit more. Here are 5 of the smells we’re loving this spring – all of which from the confines of our garden.
Continue Reading…
Don’t know about you but after a particularly wet February, we’re looking forward to seeing some sunshine. As a general rule, we love being outside whatever the weather but spring must be here soon surely. Our outdoor adventures have been somewhat limited over the past month as I’ve been poorly so we’re craving fresh air!
Continue Reading…
Pardon the pun but POD’s not had an easy ride when it comes to cycling. When she was younger she wasn’t particularly interested in balance bikes, opting to scoot instead. And actually, that worked well for far longer than we anticipated. She had her first bike when she was around four and although she’d asked for one, even picked the style and colour out in the shop, she flat refused to ride it once the stabilisers came off.
Continue Reading…
Much as we relish the Surrey countryside only being a short drive away, there’s something to be said for heading to the coast. We love the sandy beach at West Wittering, a firm favourite all year round, and we enjoy making ad hoc trips to other coastal destinations as well. Brighton is not somewhere we get to as regularly as we should although it’s only an hour or so away. Added to which, we have some rather interesting memories!
Continue Reading…
Don’t you love it when you discover amazing places on your doorstep? We came across the wonderful Whitmoor and Rickford Commons, managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, last year and were thrilled. With around 400 acres to explore, it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest and with paths that lead to heathland and wetlands. It was a bright sunny day when we visited for the first time in autumn and while it was misty this time around, the commons were just as beautiful.
Continue Reading…
Happy New Year everyone! We hope you all had an amazing Christmas and got to see in 2020 and the new decade whether you were with friends or snuggled up on the sofa! We were in Suffolk for a few days over the festive period celebrating POD’s 9th birthday, consuming vast quantities of delicious food and attempting to relax a little. Our outdoor adventures have mainly been in the countryside although we did make it down to Brighton when POD had an inset day.
Continue Reading…
