Newark Park

As usual, we chose a National Trust property as a rest stop on our holiday travels. Our first stop was the gorgeous Newark Park. What spectacular views awaited us!

Mr Bee's half term homework couldn't be any more perfect, he has to complete as many of the NT 50 things to do before you are 11 3/4 as he can. Though he has done just about all of them, we decided to start again, documenting them for his homework. So far we have made a daisy chain, rolled down a big hill and discovered what lives in a pond (though we only found pond skaters and a couple of mallards!).

Bad planning on my part though I will admit, we booked in to the most beautiful spa hotel on our way down to Devon, but picked a 'rest stop' only 25 minutes away! Saying that, I'm not sure it was such bad planning, as we managed to spend much more time relaxing, swimming and having a jolly good time. So good, that we didn't actually make it into the city as we had planned!

Half Term Day Trip

February Half Term.
As usual, the only day I get to spend with my little Bee is Wednesday so despite the horrible weather, we donned our waterproofs and went out for some fresh air.

Struggling for ideas of where to visit, Pappy suggested going North so we could visit him afterwards so we decided to visit Hardwick Hall so that we could have a wander around the big (and warm!!) house!

Our first stop was of course, the restaurant. We are always driven by our tummies! Then we made a bee-line for the Old Hall. Even though it was so completely soggy, we had fun climbing to the top of the hall so that we could see the view. It was beautiful even through the rain and fog.

We spent a good while in the house as it was lovely and warm. In the kitchen, Mr Bee made a stick man which joined our party for the rest of the day.

After our visit to the house we made our way around the very squelchy gardens before the rain got so heavy that we ran to the shelter of the cafe again. I taught Louie how to play draughts to kill some time before Pappy finished work and then we went to meet him at Ikea for a cheeky tea and wander!

Clumber in the Autumn

Last time we visited Clumber, it was our very first National Trust outing. It was a surprise picnic for Pappy, with our good friend Aidy. This time, we camped on site and spent a few hours in the walled garden before we had a yummy lunch in the cafe. Tired and chilly, we packed up and headed home following the terrible night we had. We did plan to hire some bikes so that we could explore properly but I think we will be saving that one for next summer!

Autumn Camping

Another autumn camping adventure. This time, somewhere new, a National Trust campsite in Clumber Park, deep in the heart of Sherwood Forest.
A sweet little site, quite basic, but just fine however we were one of only two tents camping. When I booked our little trip, the lady said that we must be mad, and that we were.
I packed a hearty bean stew for our dinner, warm, tasty and devoured by all. We were all snuggled up in the tent by 7pm making it a long night. My goodness it was too cold. Dan ended up retreating to sleep in the car (which is no mean feat considering he is 6ft 4....) whilst Mr Bee and I huddled together all night. He snored for most of the night and I barely slept a wink.
By the time the sun arose, we were bored and starving, ready for the delicious sausages we bought from Hardwick Hall the day previously.
It took a long while for us to warm up, so we made the decision to pack up our soaking wet tent and head home later in the afternoon in favour of a warm bed and cosy central heating at home.
It was the best decision even though we did have a fun getaway!