As new members of the National Trust, we’ve recently explored the Natural Play Trail at Box Hill and discovered fairies in Haughley Park’s bluebell wood.
Just a short drive away from Hatchlands is Clandon Park – a Palladian mansion created to entertain and impress by the politically powerful Onslow family. It contains a superb collection of 18th-century furniture, porcelain and textiles, much of which was acquired by the connoisseur Mrs Gubbay. The Surrey Infantry Museum provides a rich account of the county’s military history.
Given it was a clear day and we had a tired toddler in tow, we opted to save surveying the inside the mansion 
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.
The seven acres of gardens are home to a small parterre, a walled Dutch Garden and Hinemihi, a Maori meeting house brought back from New Zealand in 1892.
Hinemihi is the only historic Maori meeting house in the UK and one of a handful outside New Zealand. It bears the name of a female tribal ancestor referred to as ‘she’. She was carved in the shadow of volcanic Mt Tarawera in North Island close to Rotorua.
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.
Huia’s Dell, the children’s area, was a great place for POD to play closely followed by the running away from her parents game. Clandon Park also offered a flint grotto and we walked through an avenue of trees to a beautiful church. The nearby meadow was just a sea of daffodils.
The fabulous Dutch Garden was originally modelled on the Sunken Garden at Hampton Court. It was 
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.
What an incredible find that must have been, discovering a secret garden hidden behind an enormous hedge.
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Having discovered the wonders of 
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.
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.
“Look Mummy Daddy, another one” she cried a couple of minutes later, arm pointing towards another fairy.
“bellyolly” have wands and shoes.
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.
food choice but necessary that day. Energy levels up, we grabbed a map and we were off.
. We even got to hop across some stepping stones near the Natural Play Trail archway.
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.
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.
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.
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.
POD loves having the freedom to run around so it’s great when the weather allows outdoor play. Normally we’d venture further afield than the garden but having just had 
She said “I don’t want that either” the other day. Amazing to think this time last year she couldn’t talk at all.
Sitting on her chair, she grinned the widest grin as she poured water on her naked legs. A mix of utter joy and shock as the coldness of water from the outside tap hit her skin. It was amusing enough to try again. First she used a sieve, closely followed by a boat and rather bravely a bucket.
The Doves were craving some fresh air after a week cooped up indoors. Luckily for us we were greeted with a beautifully sunny day.
accustomed to her new surroundings.
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.
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.
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.
mind when home, I think this was a sign she’d had a really great time.
