Adventures Archives - Page 35 of 36

Fairies and bluebells

Having discovered the wonders of Box Hill, we’re off to explore another National Trust property – Hatchlands Park.

We don’t need to be told twice fairies are hidden in a bluebell wood. POD is a toddler, she adores the outdoors and she’s developed a great deal of affection for her dollies – Boadicea, Bob and Rice.

Hatchlands Park was built in the 1750s and, with over 400 acres of parkland, it’s one of the largest country estates surrounding Greater London.

Today we’re heading straight for Little Wix Woods in the hope the bluebells are in full bloom. POD is very keen to see the hidden fairies although she’d already declared “I don’t do magic” before we arrived. You’d never know she’s a fan of Ben & Holly.

We passed the rather impressive looking house and garden before making our way up a hill into the first section of woodland. Excited at the prospect of what we were about to see, I’m not even sure we even followed the correct route. We knew we were going the right way though as people heading towards us were smiling with glee – they’d already seen the bluebells. And the fairies.

A long path took us to a kissing gate *sniggers* into centenary woodland. To our left was the Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren, a children’s adventure play area with hand-crafted willow tunnels, domes, balance beams and a totem pole. Another kissing gate gave way to open parkland and Rookery Pond. A few minutes later we arrived at Little Wix Woods.

Two-year old POD could hardly contain herself “Where are the fairies?”.

But then she saw one in a tree “Look fairy” she shouted with much excitement. This was followed by a request to have the fairy. It was quickly declined.

“Look Mummy Daddy, another one” she cried a couple of minutes later, arm pointing towards another fairy.

It was at that point we saw the most incredible carpet of colour. Bluebells in full bloom surrounded us and everyone we passed was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Aided perhaps by the sheer energy of our toddler on her fairy hunt.

It was like being in a magical wonderland.

We said “wow” a lot and we found all the fairies. POD would have brought them home given the opportunity. The phrases “fairy got no shoes” and “where fairy wand?” increased as we walked. Fair point. The fairies in “bellyolly” have wands and shoes.

Our walk back included POD pointing a stick at a waymarker post in an attempt to turn it into a frog. What an incredible experience, a superb idea by Hatchlands Park. We’ll see you again soon.

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse. If you’d like to join in, click on the badges below.

Exploring Haughley Park

The bank holiday saw The Doves venture to Suffolk for a couple of days. There we got to explore the exceptional grounds of Haughley Park – parts of which are only open to the public for limited periods.

Built around 1620, the Jacobean manor house is a Grade 1 listed building and privately owned. The grounds of the estate span some 250 acres and its barn is a popular venue for weddings.

Events held include Haughley Park’s annual Weird & Wonderful Wood – a specialised art and craft event coupled with street performers and acoustic musicians.

Six acres of landscaped gardens surround the house and barn. Our walk started at the kitchen garden where a walled garden boasted herbs, rose arches, greenhouses, fruit and vegetables. The dell on the other hand was a shady woodland garden in a hollow.

Heading across the main lawn we saw mature shrubs, an enormous magnolia and an amazing oak tree that is over 1,000 years old.

Open space is heaven to a toddler and after a brief period of hand holding, POD enjoyed running the adults ragged. There’s nothing funnier to a toddler than running in zig zags, chased by an unfit adult. Our walk across
the parkland was just beautiful with flocks of sheep and their lambs visible as far as the eye could see.

A thirty acre landscaped woodland garden provides decorate trees and flowering shrubs. A rich seam of lime-free soil runs through the east woods allowing rhododendrons and azaleas to flourish. Naturally occurring bluebells covered acres of old woodland. Although not fully in bloom due to the weather we’ve had, they were an amazing sight.

We were lucky enough to see a deer dart through the woodland too which resulted in POD accidentally wandering into the blue carpet. Much to her amusement.

After the delight of the bluebells, she had tree trunks to climb, sticks to collect and a mushroom to admire. Then we returned to the delights of the parkland once more, where we even had a couple of lambs come over and say hello. What an idyllic setting for a great walk and some active play.

We’re linking this post up with Mark Warner’s Active Family Challenge over at The Oliver’s Madhouse. To find out more and join in, click on the badge below.

Discovering Box Hill

Box Hill is a summit of the North Downs in Surrey. It featured prominently on the route of the 2012 Summer Olympic cycling road race events.

Unsurprisingly the drive up Zig Zag Hill provided us with pelotons of cyclists and many a Lycra clad bottom.

We’d set our hearts on the Stepping Stone Walk which takes you down the River Mole where seventeen hexagonal stepping stones cross the river at the foot of Box Hill. It just sounded wonderful.

Before heading off, POD enjoyed a children’s box while we devoured pasties, cake and coffee. Not our typical food choice but necessary that day. Energy levels up, we grabbed a map and we were off.

At Salomons Memorial we were greeted with panoramic views across to the South. Just incredible. A path with downward steps then took us through a wood where we saw beautiful yew trees with gnarled trunks. It was then we discovered there were 275 steps to the river. Not ideal for a buggy and a toddler. We’d been so keen to see those stepping stones, we’d not reviewed the route first.

Unperturbed and with our sense of humour firmly intact, we enjoyed a leisurely Hilltop Stroll and visited the Box Hill Fort. We then opted for the Natural Play Trail which was a great alternative for a two-year-old desperate for some outdoor fun. We even got to hop across some stepping stones near the Natural Play Trail archway.

POD found a stick on Donkey Green which she introduced to many a shrub before having a rest on the knobbly roots of a beech tree.

There were bivouacs, wooden play areas and bridges for her to explore, tree trunks to clamber across and muddy puddles to jump into. And sit in – albeit unintentionally. We even saw a rather enchanting picnic table with toadstool chairs on the circular route.

Before we knew it we were back at Donkey Green where we took in those fabulous views once more. No doubt we’ll be back to explore the magic of Box Hill again very soon – especially now we have our shiny new National Trust membership.

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill. If you have some outdoor fun to share, click on the badge below.

The life of Riley

Newlands Corner has had a coating of snow or transformed into a bog the last few times we’ve visited – much to the delight of our toddler.

Not today, the sun is shining, the sky is *mostly* blue and the car park is full to the rafters. There are families everywhere, some even enjoying a picnic, and a group of bikers presumably discussing engine sizes. Described as an area of outstanding natural beauty, Newlands Corner boasts the most amazing views. It’s a fabulous place and just a stones throw away from the mysterious yet beautiful Silent Pool I recently wrote about.

We had the usual toddler paraphernalia to take on our walk and the buggy for when the inevitable tiredness kicks in. POD also deemed it necessary to bring Rice, one of the three favoured dollies, as well as her basket – complete with fruit and veg. All became redundant within minutes, adding to the buggy’s ever increasing load. Wind in her hair she was off, running along the bridal path, before sitting down and closing her eyes to have a pretend nap. As you do.

Having realised it was a challenge to remain upright and run down a hill, it wasn’t long before the fruit and veg basket made a second appearance. Replaced shortly afterwards with snacks and a bottle of water. Just in time to see a huge bird appear in the sky.

In the woods, POD was able to climb trees, run about and explore. We found a trunk with what looked like the head of an elephant, beautiful trees with twisted trunks and an upside down beetle. We’re so glad we moved to Surrey, POD really does lead an easy life. Then again she is only two.

Our walk was followed by a rewarding treat at The Barn on the opposite side of the road to the Newlands Corner car park. There we had a well deserved coffee and the most divine piece of carrot cake. POD had a sample before showing nearby diners her collection of fruit and vegetables.

We’re linking this outdoor fun post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill. If you’d like to join in just click on the badge below

Forest adventures

The Doves were craving some fresh air after a week cooped up indoors. Luckily for us we were greeted with a beautifully sunny day.

Given I’d had surgery a few days earlier, we decided on an amble in a nearby forest. Clearly I’d forgotten this required clothes, the majority of which I couldn’t fit into with a plaster cast on my arm. I ended up opting for one of The POD Father’s fleeces with my tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

POD was uncharacteristically quiet in the car, typically falling asleep just before we reached the Alice Holt forest. Initially unimpressed at being woken up and strapped in her trike, POD quickly became accustomed to her new surroundings.

After just a few minutes, we came across some wigwams made from trees, perfectly positioned in the middle of the forest. They offered incredible views of the forest and all its splendor. Located just off a main path, it was a peaceful setting. The sun beamed through the gaps in the trees.

It was all too exciting for POD and in no time she was off her trike in a bid to explore the woodland. Thanks to her love of Peppa Pig, muddy puddles were first on the agenda. Whilst shouting “muddy puddle”, she stepped into each one, then jumped up and down in it chuckling to herself. She was having a whale of a time.

When there were no more puddles, POD followed the edge of the path to see what she could find. It wasn’t long before we heard her shriek “Whatsatt?”. It was a tiny, yet perfectly formed, fir cone. Her face lit up with a huge smile when she realised it wasn’t going to eat her.

Finding a stick on the path was a monumental discovery. After cries of “stick”, she proceeded to wave it around while she walked telling everyone she passed what it was, much to their amusement. A stone and a clump of moss were also retrieved from the pathway. These were held in one hand with the fir cone and the stick was waved with vigor in the other.

POD soon realised the seat of her trike made an excellent place to store her findings. Before long sticks, stones and leaves were added to an ever increasing pile. Her collecting came to an abrupt halt when she spotted a stream. Shallow enough to walk in, POD saw it as a giant muddy puddle. She trotted through the stream with her sunglasses on upside down. She likes to wear them like that.

After a short ice-cream break, most of it ended up on the grass, we ventured into another part of the forest. We were surrounded by so many leaves, it felt like autumn. It was great to see POD kicking them as she walked. She’s not had the opportunity to do this before and she loved it.

It didn’t take long for her to escape the path for the woodland. She ran as fast as her little legs would carry her, kicking leaves as she went. Running in a little ditch full of leaves she tripped and fell. Instead of complaining, she let out the most enormous giggle. The leaves had cushioned her fall and she’d bounced as she tumbled onto her back. It truly was a magical moment, she found playing in the leaves hilarious.

There was no stopping her after that. POD dug up mud using sticks. She wiped it on both her wellies like paste. And across her legs although she didn’t think we’d seen her do that. It was great to see her get really grubby especially as she’ll pick up the tiniest speck of dirt on the floor at home.

After playing with mud, the unthinkable happened, POD asked to go to bed. Although she changed her mind when home, I think this was a sign she’d had a really great time.

This post is for Country Kids from Coombe Mill which is about enjoying outdoor time with your kids. If you have an outdoor post you’d like to share, click on the badge below.

We’re also linking up with Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse. POD’s first experience of leaves was the perfect magic moment although we had many more in the forest. Check out the badge below to get involved.

Godstone Farm

POD’s doing well with words of three syllables. She can say “cat-a-pillar”, “ell-ee-phant” and “butt-er-fly” although the latter often becomes “butt-fly”. At the suggestion of visiting a farm, the word ‘animals’ was proving a challenge. After several attempts we were still off to see the “an-am-an-als”.

Once in the car, POD said hello to trees, cars and “wowwies”. Then fell asleep. I contemplated pulling over to buy a coffee when I realised the farm we were going to was 25 miles away. We’ve visited nearby Bocketts Farm on several occasions and we absolutely love it there. POD’s not been brave enough to feed the animals yet but it’s fantastic you can get so close to them.

By comparison Godstone Farm is much larger. There are barriers and a turn style system in operation which made me wonder how busy it is in the summer months.

Nevertheless we were greeted by three scarecrows, goats and geese. And some giant turkeys. We saw a llama in a field who took great interest in us before galloping away. Other llamas hid in a man-made hut. Very sensible, it was freezing! POD was delighted to see ducks, including an unidentified one sitting on a fence, and budgies.

POD is a fan of watching animals run excitedly around their cages but she’s not seen an albino ferret before. Shrieks of “I don’t like it, go away” rippled across the farm as POD saw its white furry body blood red eyes. All was forgotten however when she spotted an owl. An excitable cry of “Owl. Wit woo” was accompanied with much pointing. She loves owls.

Passing through a courtyard we paid a quick visit to a mice maze before reaching an animal handling barn. POD was out of the buggy at this point so we parked up to have a look around. There were two or three cockerels, in a painted trough, two rabbits and a whole host of recently hatched chicks. Although I did get a photo of POD looking in wonderment at all the animals, it is nothing compared to what we witnessed a few
minutes later.

Once POD got her confidence up and saw other children stroking the rabbits, she decided she might have a go too. And she did. POD stroked a rabbit. This may not seem a big deal but it really is. She’s not touched an animal before. She loves them but she’s always incredibly cautious when she gets close. In a similar vein to people, she likes to check them out first.

The rabbit was huge but clearly very comfortable with being stroked by toddlers. After telling the entire room she stroked a “babbit”, POD went round saying hello to the cockerels, the chickens and the other rabbit.

After leaving animal handling, we headed to the large animal barn where POD spotted some piglets. One of which being brave enough to come over to us. We also saw sheep and some gorgeous lambs including a tiny black one. The barriers prevented us from getting really close but we could could still see everything.

A top shelter provided us with views of goats, including a little kid, and the sheep. We could also watch the lambs jump up and down. Although we’d seen a real cow, POD was quite taken with a fake one used to show how udders work.

She would have loved the giant soft play area but we bypassed it on this occasion. After visiting some more rabbits and guinea pigs, we headed down to the pig pens and chicken coups. POD decided to break free from Mummy at that point, until a large group of school children came bounding towards her. We said a quick hello to a horse, a couple of ponies and another cow before making our way to an adventure playground.

We passed the largest sandpit I have ever seen before having few goes on a slide and doing a spot of tractor riding. Having worked up a good appetite, we headed over to the tea rooms to grab some lunch. It wasn’t to be. Three sandwiches left, all of which were egg – POD’s allergic to egg. Unperturbed, we cut our losses to eat elsewhere.

There was nowhere to go nearby so we snacked on Biscotti until we reached a service station. There we picked up M&S sandwiches, cheese and dinner. POD amused the lady behind us in the queue by pointing at Percy Pigs and shouting “pigs”. The poor woman must have been mortified when she found herself letting out her loudest pig impression. Nothing like a good snort in public.

Godstone Farm is located at Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, Surrey RH9 8LX. This post is for Country Kids which is about enjoying outdoor time with your kids. If you have a post you’d like to share, click on the badge below or visit the Coombe Mill website.

The ruins of Waverley

POD doesn’t nap much. Not since the bars of her cot came down. Toys have become a far more interesting alternative. As has her most recent hobby. Getting naked. You’ve got to love the life of a toddler.

Sometimes getting out of the house is the only way to encourage sleep. Aside from which I crave the fresh air the Surrey countryside brings. A stark contrast to the smog of South London.

POD and I were off to visit the 900 year old ruins of Waverley Abbey. Situated in a peaceful bend of the River Wey, they’re located two miles South East of Farnham.

I visited once before when POD was a few months old. It was a hot summer’s day and we had an enjoyable walk whilst basking in glorious sunshine. Today was no different in the area being still and quiet. POD was not amused when she was removed from the comfort of her nice warm car seat to a freezing cold buggy.

Our walk along the River Wey was pleasant though and we were lucky enough to see some ducks. We passed a woman with a really old Labrador on the way. But that was it. Just us.

The Waverley monastry was the first Cistercian house to be established in Britain. It was founded by William Gifford, the Bishop of Winchester, in 1128. There were 70 monks and 120 lay brothers in residence by 1178. Floods became commonplace in later years however and the abbey was rebuilt as a result during the 13th Century.

As we approached the ruins, the blue skies turned grey. Then it snowed. Horizontally. POD said “I don’t like it, I go car” but just as we about to turn back, the snow disappeared. So we briskly made our way over giant mole hills to the ruins.

Today only parts of the buildings remain standing although some of these are substantial. The most impressive is the lay brothers’ quarters. The long cellar has graceful columns supporting the vaulting above. Parts of the upper floor and the south wall are visible.

An end wall and parts of the side walls of the monks’ dormitory are visible up to the full height of the gable. Substantial remains of the chapter house and the south transept of the church, as well as traces of the north transept, are also visible. An isolated stretch of wall to the east of the church is part of the abbey’s infirmary chapel.

Having had a look around we followed the River Wey back to the car. Ironically the sun was now shining showing how glorious the ruins can look on a fine day. We even witnessed a heron fly past us. After a fabulous drive witnessing some stunning views, POD and I took to the shops where she took great pleasure in shouting “hello man” at everyone she passed.

The Waverley Abbey ruins are managed by English Heritage. They’re open from 13th March 2013 to 31st March 2014. Waverley Abbey, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8EP.

Country Kids is about enjoying outdoor time with the kids, from play time, family adventures to fun in the local park. If you have a post you’d like to share, click on the link below or visit the Coombe Mill website.

The Secret Pool

In the car we established dogs have tails and hair. As do monkeys. POD extended her counting skills to include eleven although she thinks she has “three or four” legs. Having said “hello” and “goodbye” to almost every car that passed us, all blue allegedly, we witnessed two horses galloping across a nearby field. Weirdly reminiscent of ‘Champion the Wonder Horse’ I thought.

Our destination was a spring-fed lake in the North Downs, located a few miles from Guildford in Surrey. A more adventurous trip had been planned the day prior but I’d failed to check opening times. A sign with the words ‘Come back in May’ had greeted us when we arrived.

The Secret Pool, known as Silent Pool, is managed, together with the nearby Newlands Corner, by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. It’s located within the privately owned Albury Estate and runs into Sherbourne Pond, an adjacent lake created in the mid-seventeenth century.

I’d seen a photograph of the pool and there was something intriguing about it. Not least because it’s considered to be a sacred site and steeped in history. It’s linked to a folklore tale that states King John, on his horse, abducted a woodcutter’s daughter who was forced into the deep water and drowned. According to the legend, the maiden can be seen at midnight.

Not only that, it was initially feared that Agatha Christie drowned in the pool in 1926 after her car was discovered at nearby Newlands Corner. She never revealed the truth about her 11 day disappearance.

The Silent Pool car park was on the A25 so we almost missed it. Expectations were high but with a lack of recent rainfall, I really had no idea what we would see. Or whether it was suitable terrain for a toddler in a buggy and a Mummy with a particularly dodgy arm. It could just be a few trees and a muddy bog.

But it wasn’t. Having walked through a wooded area and passed a vineyard, closed sadly, we spotted a lake. It wasn’t particularly stunning but you could see up ahead there was an open area and a second lake that even from a distance looked mysterious yet inviting. Gut instinct is a funny thing.

The Silent Pool was utterly breathtaking. A little eerie yes but spectacular all the same. Crystal clear water was surrounded by woodland and footpaths entangled with ivy. There was a viewing platform and a walkway encircled the pool. Reminiscent of an unspoiled secret garden, it was silent and beautiful. The only noise coming from a nearby waterfall to our right.

The purpose of visiting the Silent Pool was to tire POD out so she had a nap in advance of a swimming class. We’d enjoyed two hugely successful terms and had a few month’s break (literally – I broke my wrist). Having recently returned, POD finds swimming pools utterly terrifying. I failed in giving her the run around she needed at the Silent Pool in preference for her safety. Too much water for an overly enthusiastic toddler.

The path around the Silent Pool seemed wide enough for our 4×4 buggy so we set off with gusto to have a look. Marveling at a solitary duck, it quickly became apparent our wander would be short lived.

The path decreased in size and before us was an old wooden footbridge bridge that although sturdy and fabulous to look at, really wasn’t buggy terrain. Least of all my one armed buggy ambling. I didn’t fancy losing POD, or the sacred Mulberry I’d unintentionally brought with me.

Back at the main clearing, POD was let loose and able to explore the lake and admire some amazing tree roots. She was absolutely fascinated with a small waterfall and some nearby steps. We then enjoyed a walk together back to the car, meeting a couple of excitable dogs along the way.

There is something truly captivating about the Silent Pool. Perhaps it’s the secrecy that surrounds it. Or it’s tranquilly. The feeling of utter peace was broken by the journey home which consisted of cow spotting and shouting “hip hip hooray” over and over again. The Silent Pool can be found in Shere Road, Albury, Guildford GU5 9BW.

Country Kids is about enjoying outdoor time with the children whether family adventures or fun in the local park. Anything that involves fresh air and rosy cheeks! If you’d like to join in, click on the Coombe Mill badge below:

Parrots, caiman and Godfrey

“Hello my name is Poppy” is not how you expect your toddler to introduce herself to a parrot. She was fascinated with it too. Until it squawked. Then she was off pointing and shouting “whatsatt?” excitedly at flamingos as their heads disappeared from view.

Before we ventured to Birdworld, in the Alice Holt Forest, we visited the adjacent Underwater World in search of ‘Godfrey’.

Underwater World is described as a magical journey from a tropical mountain stream, through jungle swamps to the colourful world of marine reefs in warm seas. It didn’t disappoint, we saw an array of beautiful fish. POD was able to stand on a portable step so she could see all the displays and ask “whatsiss?” at every available opportunity.

Although she found the catfish and piranhas a little intimidating, she requested fish get out of their tanks on more than one occasion. I’m not sure how the fish felt having a two-year-old peer at them through the glass.

Godfrey, a soft shelled turtle, is an intriguing creature that uses its nose as a snorkel. I wish I’d been able to get a better photograph of him before he turned his back.

POD’s enthusiasm increased dramatically when we reached The Crocodile Swamp where young caiman and turtles were clearly visible. She would have been in there with them given half the chance. We had much “crocodile” and “snap snap” chatter. And “feesh”, not that you’d ever find fish in a crocodile swamp.

POD loves spotting “peegins”, “seagulls” and “backbirds” so Birdworld was a good call. She greeted nearly all the parrots. They weren’t graced with the full “hello my name is Poppy” welcome but they were spoken to or waved at. Understandably, those that answered back caused a bit of confusion.

Birdworld has over 160 species of bird from around the world with many part of an international breeding programme to ensure the survival of their species. We saw ostriches, owls, ducks, geese, swans, pelicans and softbills plus an unnamed bird whose head resembled that of a dinosaur.

At penguin feeding time we were lucky enough to witness a visit from a heron after a spot of lunch.

Also located in the 26 acres of Birdworld is the Jenny Wren Farm where, after a brief visit to a toddler’s play area, we saw reindeer, pigs, chickens, rabbits, lambs, cows, goats and ponies. A fabulous looking peacock strutted up to us and spread his feathers providing the perfect opportunity for some pretty impressive photos.

POD continued her ongoing questioning at the farm with much “I see the this”, “I go there” and “whatsatt?”. She struggled to say goodbye to the reindeer. Mind you her only real memory of them is in Stick Man and the ‘goat’ ornament she rode round on at Christmas.

All in all it was a successful morning out, especially after chicken pox and the subsequent Sudocrem incident. Perhaps next time we visit Birdworld we’ll be able to check out the flying shows, encounter some more animals and Safari Road Train ride.

Further information about Birdworld, Underwater World and The Jenny Wren Farm is available on the Birdworld website.

Birdworld

Holt Pound

Farnham

Surrey

GU10 4LD

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom Live

One minute you’re in a shop buying a sledge. The next you’re choosing seats for Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Live. I don’t know how that happened either. Spur of the moment is a wonderful thing.

POD loves her “bellyolly” book and DVD, but a live show? Really? The potential for disaster was monumental. She’d not been to a live show before. It could go one of two ways. Either she’d sit still and enjoy it or she’d wriggle like an electric eel in a bid for freedom. Visions of the time we unwittingly gave POD sugar on a flight back from Turkey came flooding back.

We needn’t have worried. POD was given chicken pox from a nursery chum. A superb gift. Thank you.

We were resigned to the fact we’d have to relinquish our tickets but with a no refund policy, we decided to suck it and see. Thankfully, POD’s spots reached their scabby phase the day of the show. We were super excited. POD was totally oblivious to where we were going but grateful for a trip out having been cooped up in the house all week.

Even the venue was exciting to POD. We could have just wandered round looking at the promotional merchandise and she would have been happy. A look of total excitement and utter astonishment gripped her little face when we arrived in the theatre. Having secured our own area, we settled into our seats. We needn’t have worried about POD. She instantly recognised the music and the familiar sound of “Somewhere, hidden amongst the thorny brambles is a little kingdom where everyone is very very small…”.

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom was a enchanting production. From the makers of Peppa Pig, it tells the story of a young Fairy Princess who’s learning how to fly and hasn’t quite got to grips with her magic. Her best friend, Ben Elf, doesn’t have wings or do magic but does run very fast. He also flies on the back of a woofing ladybird called Gaston. They all live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them and every single day is an adventure.

The stage show sees Ben and Holly have fun playing games and helping Gaston clean up his messy cave. The gang also goes on a trip to The Big World with the tooth-fairy Nanny Plum and plan a surprise birthday for King Elf.

What made Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Live an incredible experience was POD. Seeing your two-year-old look completely mesmerized and her face light up with such joy was just fabulous. That and the POD Father (not a fan of the pantomime type joining in) singing and doing all the actions to the songs with her. At the end of the performance we even enjoyed some aisle dancing because we could.

Despite saying goodbye to all the characters a meltdown of some kind was inevitable when the show ended. Thankfully it was short lived and we made it out relatively unscathed.

Then we were off. Chasing pigeons down Guildford high street.

Tickets to Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Live are available on Ticketmaster at various locations across the UK. You can also sign up to the Ben and Holly mailing list here.

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