National Trust

The secret Isle of Wight campsite you’ll want to visit

Book review: Amazing Family Adventures by Jen and Sim Benson

50 thing to do before you’re 11 3/4

Buggy walks in Toy’s Hill, Kent

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Top National Trust properties that have the best activities for children.

Activity Beach Camping Climbing Cycling National Trust Primary Spring Sun Teeny Travel UK

What a weekend. I feel like I’ve just come back from a week abroad. We took a spontaneous trip over to the Isle of Wight on Bank Holiday Saturday as the weather was so perfect. We found the perfect Isle of Wight campsite, went orienteering (aka ‘mountain climbing’ according to my son), splashed at the beach, ate ice cream, and went for a bike ride in the New Forest on the way home. I am now completely in love with the Isle of Wight. Why haven’t I been before?

May 14, 2018 5 comments

Adventure National Trust UK

Our book review of Amazing Family Adventures by Jen and Sim Benson.

March 12, 2018 1 comment

Adventure National Trust Woodland

The National Trust know what they’re doing. Their properties are now so appealing to kids as well as adults and their marketing to families is A game. One campaign they have at the moment is #50things.

This genius idea encourages kids to get outside and explore nature. The National Trust have listed 50 fun outdoor activities that children can tick off in a free booklet (and some National Trusts give out stickers once a task has been completed. Everyone loves a sticker).

The activities are:-

Climb a tree

Roll down a really big hill

Camp out in the wild

Build a den

Go on a really long bike ride

Make a trail with sticks

Make a mud pie

Dam a stream

Pick blackberries growing in the wild

Explore inside a tree

Visit a farm

Go on a walk barefoot

Hunt for bugs

Find some frog spawn

Catch a falling leaf

Track wild animals

Skim a stone

Run around in the rain

Fly a kite

Catch a fish with a net

Eat an apple straight from a tree

Play conkers

Play in the snow

Make a daisy chain

Set up a snail race

Create some wild art

Play pooh sticks

Jump over waves

Make a grass trumpet

Hunt for fossils and bones

Go stargazing

Climb a huge hill

Explore a cave

Hold a scary beast

Discover what’s in a pond

Make a home for a wild animal

Check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool

Bring up a butterfly

Catch a crab

Go on a nature walk at night

Try rock climbing

Cook on a campfire

Learn to ride a horse

Find a geocache

Canoe down a river

Plant it, grow it, eat it

Go swimming in the sea

Build a raft

Go bird watching

Nothing like starting them young so I’m going to try and get these ticked off. Plus I love a good bucket list.

February 5, 2018 2 comments

Adventure Explore National Trust Walking Woodland

6 N/A: Women's Adventure Expo October 6, 2018 N/A Women's Adventure Expo More

14 N/A: World Conker Champs October 14, 2018 N/A World Conker Champs More

31 N/A: Halloween October 31, 2018 N/A

Set in 200 acres of peaceful ancient woodland, Toy’s Hill is a idyllic place to come for a short walk. The area forms part of the Lower Greensand Ridge and is the highest point of the Kent Downs, meaning glorious, rewarding views can be found across the Weald of Kent.

There are a few different options walk wise ranging from a half a mile pushchair-friendly option to 6 miles of tramping through Chartwell country. The pushchair route is a nice half hour amble. There is a good viewpoint at the site of the old Weardale Manor plus a couple of dens for the kids to explore.

The 145 room Weadale Manor site is fascinating. All that is left now is the line of one wall but you can imagine how stately it would have been in its time. It was built in 1906 by Lord Weardale, a former MP and opposer of war and suffrage. After his death in 1923 his wife rarely visited, preferring to stay up in London. After her death in 1934 it fell into a state of disrepair and was demolished in 1939. Just 33 years of use.

The natural landscape has also been influenced by history. The old economy at Toy’s Hill was based upon charcoal burning, churtstone quarrying and livestock, and its mark can still be seen on walks here. Charcoal pits and quarries can be found and many of the ancient trees have been pollarded, which was done for grazing purposes.

Toy’s Hill contains plenty of nature for little ones to spot including bats, dormice, grass snakes, woodpeckers, bluebells, stag beetles and marigolds.

February 5, 2018 0 comment