Our Merlin Adventures begin... Warwick in Winter

Being extremely eager to start our Merlin adventures we decided that the first place we would visit would be Warwick Castle.  I had seen it advertise on TV the previous year and was quite excited to final have the opportunity to visit.  So we packed up a lunch and drove down to Warwickshire.  

As soon as we arrived we realised how cold  and windy it was going to be, but decided as always just make the most of the day out.  From the start I was mesmerised by the castle.  It is so beautiful even on a winters day.  

As we had Premium Passes we were also entitled to go into the Dungeons for free.  I was a little apprehensive as I had read that the actors like to get you involved and being a tad shy this did worry me.  However, there was nothing to worry about. The actors were brilliant. the were engaging and not too pushy. Titch loves gory and horror so this was right up his street; however, I can understand why some children would be scared inside there.  

Inside the castle itself there is plenty to see and learn about. Titch loves learning about the Tudors so was happy to see and read about Henry VIII and his wife.  We also spent time in the towers learning about the History of the castle and the grounds.  Considering it was a cold day, the castle was bust with visitors, but this did not spoil the experience as it is so vast that it never feels too busy.  

As it was Winter some activities were not on but the shows for the Birds of prey and the Bowman luckily were.  

The Birds of Prey show was fab.  The falconer was informative and engaging.  He explained as much as he could about each bird that he brought out and they were all truly spectacular.  

There is also a Horrible Histories Maze to complete and you can join the Knight school to learn how to use a sword. 

It was cold and windy, but a fab day we did have... we can't wait to come back though when it is a bit warmer. 

Gong Hey Fat Choy

February Half term is here and once again we were tasked with finding suitable activities to do this week that we can all enjoy and that keep Titch entertained.  we have found it extremely useful having our National Trust membership as there is alway somewhere to go. This time we headed somewhere a bit closer to home - Biddulph Grange.  We have been told that it is beautiful in the Summer when all the flowers have bloomed but even on a cloudy February day it was just as good.

We spent about 2 hours exploring the grounds and was it was near to Chinese New Year there was a Chinese Trail to complete with a prize at the end - a Fortune cookie - which Titch loved :) .

The grounds of Biddulph grange are beautifully kept and well presented. there are lots of things to see and places to explore within the garden. We particular liked the Chinese garden.

Titch not only enjoyed the trail but also enjoyed the grounds, looking at different plants and statues.

And after a cold visit ....

A hot chocolate was defiantly needed.

Christmas Eve Chaos - not

Christmas Eve... every family that I know have their own Christmas Eve traditions.  Ours normally consist of a meal in the evening at a local pub and then home to open new PJ's, a Christmas film, a Christmas story and a Hot Chocolate before bed.  This year was no different. these still happened, but we also wanted a Christmas Eve day time activity that would keep Titch busy and get us out of the house.

Being National Trust Members we decide to see if any where had any activities and luckily we found a place that had a Christmas trail on. The weather was chilly but dry so we thought why not.

So we wrapped up warm and set off to Quarry Bank to hunt for the Bells.  

We were surprised by how beautiful the place was.  The Mill was not open but we got chance to look in the house and then explore the gardens hunting for bells.  Apparently no one had found them all yet today, so this was a challenge that Titch accepted , but unfortunately did not achieve- we found 8/9.  

As it was Christmas Eve we also treated ourselves to a sausage roll, a hot drink and a cake each.  Well we did need warming up after our bell hunt.  

This was definitely a great way to spend Christmas Eve. Titch got to be outside - which he loves - and we had a stress free day.