We've just become members of the National Trust. Mainly because we're holidaying in England this year and there are lots of NT properties where we're going. But it was also a prompt for us to visit some beautiful locations in Northern Ireland (and get our money's worth says Mr SGS armed with his National Trust spreadsheet to ensure we maximise our investment!!)
First up, Rowallane Gardens in Saintfield, Co Down...where I wore Neon & Wellies...
These photos were taken in the walled garden where the kids had great fun running about and looking for tadpoles in the pond...
I layered this little jacket over the vest to tone down the neon a bit! I picked it up in a charity shop in Belfast a few months ago..
I'm as guilty as the next mammy in thinking there's nothing for kids to do in a lovely garden like this but I was reminded today that kids don't need face painters or bouncy castles to have fun. My three never stopped running about having a ball and they were surprisingly interested in the different flowers (they get that from their dad). Add in a few trees to climb and it was pretty much the perfect day out!
If you've a recommendation for a National Trust property near you, please add it to the comments below for everyone to see (and for me to potentially visit!). I'm particularly interested in ones in the Berkshire area and in Cornwall. Thanks girls!!
Have you tried Formby? It is one of the only places in the country that has red squirrels. There is a woodland walk where you can spot them and this leads to a fabulous beach with amazing sand dunes.
ReplyDeleteWe are biased because we live here but I have spent countless hours here over the years with my four children.
There are toilets too.
The NT Card will give you free parking but there is very little to spend any money on except for an ice cream.
Lovely photos Avril! Hope you are having a fabulous holiday in Cornwall:)
ReplyDelete~Anne xx
Love the neon vest, something I would probably walk past in the shops. You have a beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteawww fab pic glad you've had good weather for outdoor fun, still waiting here lol love the pink top which is unusual for me (not a pink person)
ReplyDeleteLove the wellies. Much needed I'm sure. It's great when you realise that children need very little to have fun. Especially at that age. They have much better experiences in the real world than in bouncy castle and face paint world . Go National trust ..
ReplyDeleteSt Michaels mount in Cornwall is a great day out. We go every year and my children never tire of it.
ReplyDeleteAw gorgeous pics... my kids love days out like that too - must visit Rowallane soon as we've not been for years. Mount Stewart is another good one & my two love the child-friendly cafe!
ReplyDeleteNic x
I live in Torbay so luckily quite near a few lovely National Trust Places. I love Compton Castle, Greenaway, Castle Drogo and Coleton Fishacre. A bit further afield I like Saltram and Killerton and in Cornwall I like Lanhydrock, Cotehele and Antony House. We are in our second year of membership and find the kids like it too xxx
ReplyDeleteI used to live in Cornwall and love Lanhydrock - it's brilliant during the summer as they have games on the lawn for the children plus they usually have events on for the children to do as well. We also love the Lizard Lighthouse - depends where you are staying and if you have a car. There is a great pasty shop in the town called Anns pasties which routinely gets great reviews. There is a playpark opposite for the smalls to run around in. We are going to be down there this summer and are hoping to make it to some of the others.
ReplyDeleteYou must take a wee trip up to Portstewart beach & get free entry with your card. And while you're up here, see the Ropebridge too, using it. Enjoy!
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