After following The Scarecrow Trail at Wisley, this time we’re visiting Sittinghurst in Kent. The setting is a beautiful cottage and the glorious weather meant POD could really make the most of the outdoors. Just as well given we’re potty training!
First she discovered a little house to play in, complete with kitchen, spades and buckets. POD adores the playhouse she has at home so she was straight through the door washing her hands and preparing some invisible food.
Not long after she spotted a slide with a little tower at the top of it. After scaling the rungs like a spider, with a spade, she spent a good few minutes taking in her surroundings before venturing down the slide. Once an ant had been removed from her path.
Attached to the slide and tower were two types of swing and a single monkey bar. After testing both swings, POD insisted on being pushed whilst she held onto the monkey bar. Her love for climbing has led to her being incredibly strong so she did brilliantly.
After her first alfresco pee break, POD wanted to test out an old wooden seesaw. She wasn’t very sure about it at first but enjoyed being ‘up in the sky’. Whilst there she spotted a trampoline on the other side of the garden. Within seconds she was off the seesaw running across the lawn towards it. Realising she couldn’t get on it herself, there was much jumping and excited requests for Mummy to pick ‘my’ up.
Words cannot describe how excited POD was to be on a trampoline. She found it the most hilarious experience. Even more so if she ran round in circles or squashed her face up against the safety net. Amusing to watch her jumping too given she hasn’t mastered keeping her feet together!
The zip on the net was almost as exciting as the trampoline itself, as was lying down. A stark reminder of how tall our nappy-less toddler has become recently.
Once that was over POD played in a plastic car, using blades of grass as her petrol, before trying on Daddy’s flip flops and pretending to fly. It was inevitable the stick and a leaf she found would be used to turn me into a blue frog.
We’re linking this visit to Country Kids over at Coombe Mill, you can join in by clicking on the badge below.
The flagship garden of the RHS is located in Wisley, Surrey. Even with a toddler in tow, it oozes peace and tranquility. Set in 240 acres, you can expect to lose hours while you take in its immense gardens, loggia and canal of waterlilies.
When I was on maternity leave, I visited nearby Stoke Park. It was a gorgeous day so we’d had a picnic while our babies shuffled about on blankets. POD had mastered the art of being on all fours and sticking her bottom high in the air. An unusual talent which led to a nearby mother commenting “Oh my goodness, look what that baby’s doing”. I can only presume she was impressed with POD’s new found skills.
With Daddy out for the day, POD and I headed to Stoke Park on foot. When I say on foot, she enjoyed a nice relaxing doze in her buggy while I attempted to push it over uneven pavement with 
wooden bridge across it. Incredibly peaceful and home to a variety of ducks. They hardly moved when you past them they were so comfortable with their surroundings. Stepping stones led to a pathway below where a large paddling pool was full of excitable children.
POD was so excited about being outside having had a few days indoors. She ran around giggling and pointing before attempting to make a bid for freedom over a wall. She smelt flowers, looked at birds and came across a bee on a Clover. Unsurprisingly she’s wasn’t a fan.
Bank Holiday Monday saw the Doves venture to the Surrey County Show. Held annually at Stoke Park, it attracts around 40,00 visitors and offers 40 acres of shopping and crafts. It’s a fantastic family event and the largest one-day agricultural show in the country.
tickets in advance next time.
On the roundabout her curious face was replaced with smiles of pure joy when the ride started. Much to everyone’s amusement, she shouted “hello” and grinned every time she went round.
In the food hall we were tempted by an array of delights including cheese, meat and cakes. Master chefs shared their expertise in the food theatre and a farmer’s market showcased ingredients for home cooking. We *might have* sampled some toffee vodka before we left. Necessary fuel for our walk home I think you’ll agree.
As new members of the National Trust, we’ve recently explored the Natural Play Trail at 
for another day. Not to say we couldn’t enjoy a nice relaxing meal in the restaurant before setting off to exploring the wider parkland.
An outdoor exhibition of giant photographs was on show in the gardens. It focused on the beautiful landscape and wildlife of New Zealand. POD was delighted to see a photograph of a goat – otherwise known as a moose. She learnt fir cones don’t taste very nice.
overgrown, covered in thick undergrowth and had a yew hedge of over 30ft high. That was until a National Trust employee came across it in 1971. Today, the garden is centred around a small statue in a circular pool, with clipped hedges and topiary.
