The Smaller Explorer
  • Adventure
    • Activity
      • Camping
      • Climbing
      • Cycling
      • Expedition
      • Festivals
      • Running
      • Walking
    • Environment
      • Beach
      • Mountains
      • Nature
      • Snow
      • Water
      • Woodland
  • Explore
    • Farms
    • Garden centres
    • Galleries
    • Museums
    • National Trust
    • Parks
  • Travel
    • Overseas
    • UK
  • Seasons
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
    • Winter
  • Age ranges
    • Teeny
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Going solo
  • What’s on
  • Reviews
  • About

The Smaller Explorer

family travel and adventure

  • Adventure
    • Activity
      • Camping
      • Climbing
      • Cycling
      • Expedition
      • Festivals
      • Running
      • Walking
    • Environment
      • Beach
      • Mountains
      • Nature
      • Snow
      • Water
      • Woodland
  • Explore
    • Farms
    • Garden centres
    • Galleries
    • Museums
    • National Trust
    • Parks
  • Travel
    • Overseas
    • UK
  • Seasons
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
    • Winter
  • Age ranges
    • Teeny
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Going solo
  • What’s on
  • Reviews
  • About
Category:

National Trust

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

Fun things to do in Northumberland with kids
ActivityAdventureBeachEnvironmentExploreMountainsNational TrustNorthumberlandUKWalkingWoodland

Fun things to do in Northumberland with kids

We spent the week of October half term in Northumberland. I’ve always wanted to visit this stunning part of the country. I had visions of windswept moors, deserted beaches and castles at every turn, and it didn’t disappoint. We visited as a family of three generations so it was important we did things that catered for all ages. Here’s a round-up of fun things to do in Northumberland with kids.

Continue Reading

November 26, 2018 1 comment
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
The secret Isle of Wight campsite you’ll want to visit
ActivityBeachCampingClimbingCyclingNational TrustPrimarySpringSunTeenyTravelUK

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

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?

Continue Reading
May 14, 2018 7 comments
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Book review: Amazing Family Adventures by Jen and Sim Benson
AdventureNational TrustUK

Book review: Amazing Family Adventures by Jen and Sim Benson

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

Continue Reading
March 12, 2018 1 comment
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
50 thing to do before you’re 11 3/4
AdventureNational TrustWoodland

50 thing to do before you’re 11 3/4

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
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Buggy walks in Toy’s Hill, Kent
AdventureExploreNational TrustWalkingWoodland

Buggy walks in Toy’s Hill, Kent

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
0 Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest

About

About

for families who like to explore

The Smaller Explorer is a blog for adventurous families. I search out the best of what's out there that's fun for kids AND adults (and maybe a bit of a break from the norm), plus provide lots of achievable ideas for exploring and having adventures in the UK and overseas.

What’s on

February 2019
MMonday TTuesday WWednesday TThursday FFriday SSaturday SSunday
28January 28, 2019 29January 29, 2019 30January 30, 2019 31January 31, 2019 1February 1, 2019 2February 2, 2019 3February 3, 2019
4February 4, 2019 5February 5, 2019 6February 6, 2019 7February 7, 2019 8February 8, 2019 9February 9, 2019 10February 10, 2019
11February 11, 2019 12February 12, 2019 13February 13, 2019 14February 14, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

15February 15, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

16February 16, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

17February 17, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

18February 18, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

19February 19, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

20February 20, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

21February 21, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

22February 22, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

23February 23, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

24February 24, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

25February 25, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

26February 26, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

27February 27, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

28February 28, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

1March 1, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

2March 2, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

3March 3, 2019

Category: GeneralN/A: National Nest Box Week

N/A: National Nest Box Week

February 14, 2019 – April 21, 2019N/A

Category: GeneralN/A: World Wildlife Day

N/A: World Wildlife Day

March 3, 2019N/A

Recent Posts

  • The best walks in London
  • My favourite female adventurers
  • Wild and remote places in the UK to explore with and without your family
  • Get outside: How I ran a marathon after having a baby
  • The best school holiday destinations

Instagram

  • I dont post photos of myself very much but Ihellip
  • I think all kids collect stuff dont they? This littlehellip
  • This week has run away from me Been super sociablehellip
  • Sycamore Gap the most photographed tree in Britian
  • Oof feeling a bit low today B is not sleepinghellip
  • happyhumpday We are half way through the week and myhellip
  • Ive just uttered the words dont throw that coconut inhellip
  • Can we go back to Northumberland please? I forgot howhellip
  • This is as good as it gets for the Lewishellip

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram Email

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss a blog post

Lonely Planet Pathfinders badge image
Trips100 - Travel Blogs
Trips100
BritMums

About us

the smaller explorer is an online magazine for adventurous parents. We search out the best of what's out there that's fun for kids AND adults, plus provide lots of achievable ideas for exploring and having adventures in the UK and overseas.

Popular Posts

  • 1

    Amazing family-friendly hiking routes around the world

    May 22, 2018
  • 2

    Feast your eyes on this neon wonderland – God’s Own Junkyard, Walthamstow

    February 5, 2018
  • 3

    34 amazing ideas for family adventures

    September 25, 2018

Archives

  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube
  • Email
  • Bloglovin

@2017 - PenciDesign. All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign


Back To Top