We have recently been doing a lot of little road trips and travelling. Here’s just a few of the places we’ve been in the last few weeks – we definitely recommend visits!
Sand Bay, near Weston Super Mare
This is one of our go to haunts. It’s got a bit of woodland, a bit of rocks, and a whole lot of beach. There are mini sand dunes to explore, a nice firm sandy beach, and rarely other people. There’s even a little pub opposite the beach.
We have actually been here twice in the last week or so. We stayed well past sunset to see the elusive tide come in, and every second was worth it.
Stourhead National Trust property
This place is overflowing with magic. Yes, actual magic. The trees are what really do it for me – so many different kinds, all growing a little bit crooked, all old abs magnificent. You can climb them, slide down them, do bark rubbings, or just take endless pictures.
It’s also got little pagan temples scattered around, watery grottos, amazing flowers, a big lake, and an excellent pub courtyard to get ice cream at.
Caerphilly Castle, Wales
A truly fab castle to visit. It’s got a giant dragon statue (complete with smoking nostrils!) emerging from the ground, an oddly challenging children’s trail to follow, an unexpected statue man holding up a turret, and a film you should not let younger children – or sensitive ones – get within a mile of. There are also tonnes of Canadian geese outside in the large and free park.
Of course all castles in Wales are free for home educators – I’ll have to write a post explaining how to access that!
St. Fagan’s, Wales
This is officially called the National Welsh Living History museum. Or something like that.
It’s a bunch of very old buildings – thatch roofed cottages, a gazillion year old church, stables, etc set in a gorgeous, huge outdoors space. (Free to enter for all, barring carpark charges.) You can easily spend all day wandering and playing – and still not see everything.
We particularly like the village green, bordered by ye olde shoppes and businesses.
Kenilworth Castle
Near Birmingham and Coventry. And other places.
Flipping fantastic!!! We had a mini trip to Birmingham for a few days, and hit up this castle on the way home. Largely ruins, but with an excellent, kid friendly visitor centre museum place. Lots to see and explore – our kids were absolutely wowed by a massive hill at the rear of the castle. This is the steepest, highest hill. Pictures cannot do it justice.
They climbed and rolled and played for literal hours on the thing while Suzy and I sat at the top and watched as the sun set. Pretty near bliss, I’ll tell you.
We have been a few others places and done a lot of other stuff, but that’s all best left for future posts, perhaps.
Hopefully this post has given you some ideas of places that are great days out….and please, if you guys ever go anywhere fabulous, leave a comment! I’m in the mood for new places.
Curious Adventures 