Adventures Archives - Page 22 of 36

The year in photos | September to December

It’s the last installment of our look back on 2014. Another photographic extravaganza featuring some of my favourite photographs of the year.

POD ventured out on her first bike ride in the forest and discovered it was actually a lot of fun. She’s not mastered steering or pedaling yet but hopefully we’ll get there over time!

We wrote about the wonderful Whipsnade Zoo and how much we loved it. We also spent a lot of our weekends outdoors enjoying the Autumn sunshine. Winkworth Arboretum is always a National Trust favourite (at least twice!) and it was impossible not to capture London’s blue skies on occasions during the working week.

We visit National Trust sites whenever we can – usually in Surrey and the surrounding areas. At times we venture further afield. Ickworth House is located near POD’s grandparents and we had much fun there in the latter part of the year. POD especially enjoyed hiding behind a post and pretending she’s invisible! We also went pumpkin picking for the first time which was brilliant. Secretts Farm laid on tractors which took us to the pumpkin field where we picked three of our own. As you’d expect, POD was donning her headband round her forehead! The walk from Farringdon to Waterloo saw a huge increase in the volume of London photos including some wonderful sights from the Southbank.

We love the tranquility of Painshill Park and even got to have a ride on the Great Cockcroft Miniature Railway which POD loved. The firework display at Stoke Park was a must as it has been the past two years.

As always there were lots of opportunities to photograph blooms, especially wet ones! We ventured over to Squires Garden Centre to see Father Christmas. POD asked him for a reindeer, a change from the usual unicorn. I suspect that wasn’t quite what he had in mind when he asked her what she wanted. We really were on top of the World when we went to Newlands Corner. The well-renowned beauty spot has the most incredible views and smells divine just after the rain. We also escaped for a weekend to see my dad in Budleigh Salterton, enjoying some long-overdue time by the sea.

The lead up to the festive period and Christmas itself is always a busy time. With POD’s birthday on Christmas Day itself, it’s always a special time for us. Hard to believe we now own a four-year-old. We even managed to venture out on New Year’s Eve for the first time in a while to a forties style party!

If you missed the previous posts, you will find January to April here and May to August here.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

The year in photos | May to August

Welcome to part two of the Doves year in photos covering May to August 2014. If you missed part one, you’ll find it here.

May kicked off with a visit to National Trust managed Winkworth Arboretum where there were not only oodles of bluebells but Azalea lined steps too. We had a special visit to Bocketts Farm when POD fed the animals for the first time. The look on her face was just priceless.

The #alphabetphoto project kicked off in May too and we paid Chilworth Gunpowder Mill a visit to get that A is for abandoned! So excited it’s back this week!!!

Another National Trust gem we visited for the first time was Headley Heath. A designated Site of Specific Interest with a mix of open heathland, shady woods and steep chalk grassland valleys.

Some may find it excessive but June saw three visits to RHS Wisley. One of which including stumbling upon the most magical poppy field and the other getting lost near the rose garden. Too much loveliness at this time of year!

We absolutely loved the SEA LIFE aquarium in Great Yarmouth. Some 50 displays including a 250,000 litre tropical ocean exhibit and tunnel where you can gaze at SEA LIFE’s largest inhabitants – sharks!

The lead up to BritMums was incredibly busy but the event itself as brilliant as it always is. Awesome speakers, great workshops and the opportunity to catch up with friends – both old and new. After I returned home we took to Frensham Little Pond in Surrey. Owned by the National Trust, it’s an idyllic location with a beach and a lake. Absolutely the perfect place to just hang out and unwind for a couple of hours. We even saw a snake!

We went to Butlin’s at Bognor Regis for the first time and were pleasantly surprised with what was on offer. POD had the best time meeting all her favourite characters and we discovered how awesome Butlin’s is.

With POD’s birthday on Christmas Day, this was the first year we had her party in the Summer. Donning her Christening dress, we had a BBQ, played games and enjoyed the sunshine. We couldn’t have asked for a better day.

July also saw a visit to Cassiobury Park, a blogger meet-up at Hitchin Lavender and more lavender loveliness at Mayfield.

August saw POD take on the role of a pirate! We took a few days off and escaped the rat race too by heading to Suffolk. We hit Thetford Forest, ate ice-cream

and had the most awesome time at Felixstowe beach. POD even got to go for her first dip in the sea!

August also saw POD visit Peppa Pig World for the very first time. Peppa and George are her favourite characters so you can imagine how excited she was!

So that’s it for the second slice of our year, keep your eyes peeled for the last installment!

The year in photos | January to April

Welcome to the Doves look back on 2014, kicking off with the first four months. While it may seem odd splitting the year into three parts, little did I know how many photos I’d taken! Or how many poignant moments there were. Or how much POD had grown!

The year kicked off with a visit to Alice Holt, managed by the Forestry Commission, where POD got to test out her scooter for the first time. The experience was short lived but she enjoyed keeping her helmet on while she walked!

We’ve explored many National Trust sites over the past 12 months, January saw us discover Witley and Milford Commons and Bookham Common for the first time.

Other National Trust sites we visited included Clandon Park and Abinger Roughs plus we had our first outing to the wonderful Bocketts Farm too.

Spring seemed to arrive early at Winkworth Arboretum and we saw wild horses at the Devils Punchbowl. There were also a lot of photographs taken of butterflies in the glasshouse at RHS Wisley. Firstly with POD and then with a group of photographers attending an early doors session.

The Sport Relief Team Honk Blogger Relay took place in March. A person to person relay from Lands End to John O’Groats, it was a route of nearly 3,000 miles involving nearly 200 bloggers, their family and friends. The Fleet leg involved @MummyBarrow, @bruceb_uk, @lady_briggs, @navininika, @andywebbdj and @missuswebb.

In Wokingham we were treated to delicious warm bacon rolls, lovingly prepared for us by Suzanne from @3childrenandit. She was part of the group cycling to Reading which also included @gourmetmum, @BelindaAlbasini and @Owen2306. The total money raised by Team Honk for Sport Relief peaked at £31,800 (the target was £20,000).

We also had fun with leaves at Claremont, were surrounded by alpines at RHS Wisley and daffodils at Polesden Lacey. We donned Summer clothes at Sheepleas and in the garden plus we got really lost at the Devil’s Punch Bowl after ignoring the map!

The Dove family headed over to Stratford in the latter part of the month for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games. We raised £200 for Sport Relief in addition to our Team Honk efforts.

Having explored Hatchlands Park in early April, we returned when ponies, bluebells and fairies were on the agenda. We also checked out another beautiful National Trust site – Hinton Ampner.

We did an Easter egg hunt round the garden for POD and enjoyed skimming stones over the Bank Holiday. RHS Wisley was high on the agenda too and we spent a glorious day there with @AnnieSpratt and her children.

What a bumper start we had to the year! You’ll find part two here and part three here. Happy New Year everyone!

A visit to the beach

We don’t get to stand on a beach and listen to the waves very often but recently we got to do exactly that. My dad lives in Devon and he’s walking distance away from the unspoiled Budleigh Salterton beach.

The views from the clifftop across the ocean and down towards the beach itself are wonderful. Even at this time of year when the beach huts have been removed for Winter.

While we strolled along enjoyed our surroundings and the uncharacteristically mild weather, POD was eager to reach the beach. The look on her face says it all really!

POD did find a new friend on the way though. From “what’s your name?” to “where do you live?” and “where is your sister?”, this seagull seemed mesmerised with what POD had to say.

Others kept their distance and watched her from afar.

There were no fisherman to be seen today but there were many great looking boats. These two almost resemble a postcard with the yellow tarpaulin and the sea in the background.

There never used to be ridges on the beach but these are a permanent fixture following the storms early this year. It makes the walk to the waters edge an interesting one especially for POD’s little legs. She was still keen to follow Daddy though!

Even if she did sit for a little while to hunt out treasure.

The beach itself provided the perfect place to explore although POD kept a close eye on the waves. Every now and again a bigger one would appear and catch her by surprise.

Seeing the sun reflecting on the water is not something you expect to see in December but I guess that what made it so special.

We almost had this beautiful beach all to ourselves too.

We didn’t make it to the far end where the rocks are to skim stones but we did have a nose at the nearby nature reserve before heading off.

Just before the temperature dropped and the sun disappeared behind the clouds.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

On top of the World at Newlands Corner

Newlands Corner is a popular beauty spot in the North Downs. It has some of the best views of Surrey Hills and was once a key location in Agatha Christie’s disappearance. Her car was found in a bush overhanging a chalk pit in 1926.

On arrival at Newlands Corner, we opted to share a platter of chips. In typical British style, just as we secured a table the heavens opened. Dog walkers, families and bikers all ran for cover using the downpour as an excuse to take an early lunch. We finished our chips and ate a little chocolate money while we waited for the rain to pass. Althoug heavy at times, it wasn’t long before we were off hunting for treasure.

We were able to take in the amazing views Newlands Corner is famous for once the cloud dispersed. The damp smell the rain left behind was wonderful and POD’s inquisitive nature meant only one thing – exploring.

It even brightened for a short time, the sun rays glowing on lush green fields.

POD’s not one for having her photograph taken. For the most part, the only way to capture her is to do it when she’s not looking with a 300mm lens. Every now and again, she makes you think she’ll co-operate.

Of course she’s just teasing and promptly mucks around!

As well as the wide open spaces, there are woods to be discovered at Newlands Corner. POD took the opportunity to find wands (sticks), try out her balancing skills and examine trees.

Doing things on the spur of the moment is just the best. At POD’s request, we even grabbed an ice-cream although we did retreat to the warm car fairly swiftly!

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast, #magicmoments at The Oliver’s Madhouse and #countrykids at Coombe Mill.

Santa’s Magical Grotto at Squires

The Milford Centre at Secretts is in the heart of Surrey and offers a wealth of amazing plants, flowers and fabulous gifts. The company was founded over seventy years ago and today has garden centres located in London and the South East.

From now until Christmas Eve, their Milford, Badshot Lea and Shepperton centres offer an interactive live magic show and the opportunity to meet Santa.

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While waiting for the big man to arrive in Milford, we took in wonderful blooms and beautiful berries. Not just red but purple, orange and yellow too.

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POD stood patiently waiting for Father Christmas to arrive while clutching Baby Annabell and watching the elves around her. The look on her face suggested she wasn’t quite sure what to expect but she was excited. And still rocking the headband round the forehead look!

There were cries of “oh look there’s Santa” by numerous children including POD when the car was spotted. Accompanied by elves, there was almost a deep intake of breath when he stepped outside his festively themed Morris Minor and waved.

And what a great car it was – adorned with fir cones, baubles, berries and ribbons.

A little smile spread across POD’s face when he came over. He spent a few minutes with some of the children asking what they wanted for Christmas.

If you ask POD what she wants, it’s always a pink unicorn so that’s what we were expecting. We were quite surprised when she asked for a reindeer!

Squires had rather cleverly created snow which was white foam that seemingly fell from the sky. POD doesn’t remember snow so she’s yet to experience building a snowman – a continual request thanks to the film Frozen! It wasn’t long before she got used to what was happening and was determined for Baby Annabell to catch snow on her head!

We then passed through the Garden Centre, where there were oodles of absolute gems to be discovered, before reaching Santa’s candy cane grotto. There we met Santa’s nephew, Santoe, who dazzled us with a spot of Christmas magic. He’d borrowed a bag from his uncle and used toilet paper, tea bags, extra hot chili sauce and washing powder to create sweets. After a little abracadabra of course!

The walk to see Santa took us through lit corridors adorned with giant sweets and a game of ‘what’s in the box’ which POD loved. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing Santa and got a present too. You can probably guess what she asked for…!

Thank you to Squires for the complementary tickets and a fun filled few hours. We’re now on the hunt for a reindeer or a pink unicorn!

Capturing Autumn at Winkworth

Winkworth in Surrey is a National Trust owned arboretum and a truly wonderful place to visit. Autumn is especially beautiful and usually warrants at least two visits – last year it might have even been three. We still need to catch a falling leaf from a tree but what a great selection littered the ground.

The colour is always quite something – hues of red, yellow and orange on many rare trees. You don’t even have to look very far to see really fabulous colours.

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When we were last at Winkworth it was a beautiful Autumnal day and the lake by the boathouse looked especially stunning. Just a few weeks later the change was incredible. What an awesome view this fisherman had.

There were plenty of opportunities for POD to collect different coloured leaves,

hunt for treasure

and make magic! All while wearing her headband round her forehead – exactly where she likes it to be.

There was even time to make bracken umbrellas, play hide and seek

and a catch a lift when POD’s little legs got tired.

Wouldn’t it be great if Autumn could last that little bit longer?

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast and #countrykids at Coombe Mill.

Fireworks at Stoke Park

The beginning of November was busy but we had to go to Stoke Park for their annual fireworks display. They always put on a really great show. From the amazing torchlight procession to a fairground and the main event – a fireworks extravaganza.

The fairground was abuzz when we arrived. POD opted for a brief spell on a trampoline before tucking into a sugary mouse. She took an interest in the Ghost Train until she realised even from the outside it was a little too spooky.

We had a natter to some friends before heading over to a higher part of the park for the firework display. We were too far back to hear the commentary and music this year but it didn’t matter, we were still in for an absolute treat! The atmosphere really was great, partly because of the torches but also the anticipation – fireworks are ace!

POD sat on Daddy’s shoulders so she had a superb view, opting to keep her hands under his hat rather than keep her gloves on. She was a little apprehensive at first but enjoyed seeing the sky light up with shades of white, red and green. The fireworks were great.

Organised firework displays like this are brilliant and always build up to a crescendo of noise and colour. And less than half an hour’s walk from home. POD slept all the way back and for once made the transition from buggy to bed without opening her eyes.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

Exploring Ickworth House

We love the National Trust and enjoy spending our spare time exploring the Surrey Hills and working our way through our #50things. Recently we got to discover the parkland that surrounds Ickworth House in Suffolk while visiting POD’s grandparents.

It’s a wonderful place to visit with 1,800 acres of parkland, 70 acres of gardens and a Rotunda that houses one of the largest ambassadorial silver collections in the National Trust. There’s also a stumpery that offers a world of dragons, fairies and wildlife.

Plenty of opportunities exist to build dens, climb and generally have lots of fun. Unsurprisingly POD spotted the natural play area as soon as we arrived.

There she discovered swings, a tunnel and a wigwam she could only just fit into. She’s growing so fast these days – hard to believe she’ll be four on Christmas Day.

POD got to practice her balancing skills and strength by walking across a wobbly chain

and hanging onto the monkey bars. As you can tell by the expression on her face, she did incredibly well with the bars managing to hang on for a good few minutes.

While enjoying a walk in the parkland with her grandparents, POD met another little girl almost the same age as her. They walked down this path hand in hand chatting away to themselves.

After chasing each other around we reached the Rotunda. Built in 1795, and taking 37 years to complete, it houses a collection of portraits, furniture, Doccia and silverware collected over the years by generations of Hervey’s.

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Inside POD discovered draughts taking great delight in piling the pieces on top of each other to make towers.

Other brilliant games we discovered included Ludo, Dominoes

and one which involved knocking soldiers over with a ball on a string.

Back outside we got to enjoy more of the beautiful parkland

before embarking on a game of hide and seek. POD was convinced if she closed her eyes we wouldn’t be able see her!

Of course we couldn’t leave without a spot of obligatory tree climbing, not to mention an impromptu lie down.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast and #CountryKids at Coombe Mill.

Pumpkin picking at Secretts Farm

Last weekend after blowing away a few cobwebs we went pumpkin picking at Secretts Farm. It’s is a family-run business established in 1908 and situated in Milford, Surrey. They grow vegetables and salad crops and have converted stables full of their own crops and local produce. There’s also a vintage tea room, gift shop and garden centre. Plus of course pick your own.

Waiting for one of the tractors to take us to the pumpkin field meant we could check out the wares of those returning. There were pumpkins a plenty in a range of sizes and some varieties we’d not even seen before. When our tractor arrived we got to sit on hay bales and enjoy the view around the farm. It was already far more exciting than going to the local supermarket!

POD was off as soon as we arrived at the field, jumping over the furrows and dodging the pumpkins while shouting “what about this one Mummy?”.

Having not been to a pumpkin farm before, we hadn’t anticipated how much choice there would be. It was also fun just to wander around and have a look. POD decided a large one was for us but despite her best efforts and a few strange noises she found she couldn’t lift it!

As you can tell by the look on her face here, she realised all was not lost as it made for a good seat. If you’re wondering why she’s wearing a hairband around her forehead – apparently this is how they should be worn!

These are just some of the pumpkins we came across, we spotted some white ones too. There’s so much scope for doing something really creative next year. On this occasion we went with a medium sized pumpkin and a small one for POD – for a grand total of £3!

There was just time to grab a snack, befriend a witch and have a run about before we took our tractor back. What a brilliant time we had, such a great set up and really good fun too.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast and #CountryKids at Coombe Mill.

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Adventures

The year in photos | September to December

The year in photos | May to August

The year in photos | January to April

A visit to the beach

On top of the World at Newlands Corner

Santa’s Magical Grotto at Squires

Capturing Autumn at Winkworth

Fireworks at Stoke Park

Exploring Ickworth House

Pumpkin picking at Secretts Farm

Adventures

Visiting Mayfield Lavender Field, Banstead

A wander at Frensham Little Pond, Surrey

7 reasons to love Barracudas camps

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