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.