Watchtree- Summer

Watchtree is our local nature reserve this I've previously spoke about here, so I'll not go into how amazing the place is again but just show you some lovely photographs from out latest walk here from a week ago.

I love foxgloves, the hues of colour always in-trance me, more sun when a rare blast of sunlight shines through them.

They were shooting up everywhere in the woodland area, a shot of colour amongst so much green. Although the Summer has been a let down for us it looks like the trees and shrubbery(love that word).
It was sad to see walking round at the nest notes (little messages left by staff about nearby nests) that a lot were washed out by the rains. 

For a frugal day out with family this is amazing, it costs nothing to go in the reserve but donations are welcome and well deserved. You an take a picnic but there is a cafe onsite at various time. They do various talks, special walks and nature investigation sessions, check out their website for further details.

Even though this Summer day was overcast and we had 2 very noisy smalls with us I managed to spot a Hare, Dragonfly, various lovely birds and a group of dear running off into the woods.
I love the meadow setting left free to go wild under the whoosh,whoosh of the wind turbines; showing that even if people don't want to live near them nature isn't so fussy.

You'd not know it was Summer around here but we're not letting that stop us, Lucas loves this place as we can run round like a mad thing, although that doesn't help when looking for wildlife. 

When out on day trips lately we seem to pack for every weather prospect, I think our car boot contains coats, wellies, hats, macs, shorts,t-shirts and suncream.

It's always best to be prepared.

I hope you're finding lots of lovely activities to do during the holidays. Feel free to link your posts about them in the comments section below.

Love Amanda.x.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland.

The second largest inhabited castle in England, it's been the home to the Percys, the Duke of Northumberland's family for 700 years. 

The castle featured as Hogwart's in the first 2 Harry Potter films. 

It now runs Harry Potter themed weekends for children, although lots of adults seemed to be enjoying them.  They have lots of different events all year round.

Maisie, Lucas and Daddy and Ben got to do some broomstick training with the castles resident wizards.

 Maisie was a natural, getting to fly and making her broom float no problem

There's a part of the castle called Dragons Quest which if you have nervous or young children you may want to check it our first before taking them through, it's very old style haunted house. 

There was so much to do in the grounds that we never got the chance to go round the main house inside.

 There was a magic show performed by Hagrid and Harry, but my 2 were too busy with the games arena. There was a chance to dress up, make ceramic tiles, make a wizards wand, fight a knight game and drawing your own shield. All the castle helpers were dressed in period dress and really seemed to enjoy their jobs. 

 We didn't get to visit Alnwick Gardens this time as we were shattered, but will definitely make a point of going next time. 

As a family of four it cost £36 pounds so it's not the cheapest entry fee, but that price does include an unlocked ticket which allows you unlimited return visits for a year. More information on prices for The Castle and Alnwick Gardens can be found here.

 This is one venue which will defiantly be a family favourite for years to come.

Amanda.x.

Lions and Tigers and Groundhogs, Oh my.

By far the part of the holiday I(everyone else as well) was looking forward to was visiting Longleat although I was disappointed to find that Ben Fogle in not kept there as a permanent attraction.
We booked our tickets ahead using our Tesco Clubcard vouchers which was really worth it, & you get a passport ticket allowing you to visit most of the attractions once while you're there. Our plan was to do everything in one day, but on the the first day there after the safari we realised there was still a whole day of stuff to do.

When we first got there we headed for the safari tour, you're given a CD to listen to as you go round, you go through the Giraffe,Zebra and Gazelle enclosure first, then an aviary section, then the Tigers, Lions and Wolves.
The Lions were my favourite, they were all sunbathing and all the animals looked cared for and seemed to enjoy their environments. There was safety notices everywhere which the staff should maybe take a better look at, you may notice the chap above fast asleep with his window open. We were a little worried as our clutch made an awful smell going round as you keep starting & stopping when you see an animal.

After the safari and a picnic stop we went off to go on the boat tour, we watched the Merecats while waiting.  This is Lucas having a little cuddle with Grandma Sue, while a Merecat stands watch in the background.

The boat tour was really good, we rode on the Lady Lenka boat. Maisie was a little disappointed by the sleepy Hippos which just looked like big rocks, but then the guide started to feed the Sealions & 2 jumped out right next to us.

We also past Gorilla Island, the half-acre home of Nico the Lowland Gorilla.
Nico likes nothing more than to watch the passengers on the boats as they journey past his island. He also enjoys a variety of creature comforts including his own centrally-heated miniature stately home with satellite television. 

Although he looks grumpy that is actually a happy Gorilla.

We had a stomp through the lovely gardens.

Longleat House looked beautiful but with 4 children we didn't risk going round, especially with Capt.Chaos that is Lucas, who spend most his time climbing stuff he shouldn't.

All the children really enjoyed the Postman Pat village which was great except when you leave you have to go via a giftshop, an evil thing for all parents.

We ended the day with an ice-cream & then headed back to the cottage for a swim.

And after all that I think I was more tired than the children.

Amanda.x.