Ryan

Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There's no better way to travel than via bike and it's an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Beningbrough Hall National Trust Review

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Beningbrough Hall National Trust Review

Beningbrough Hall is like a hidden treasure tucked away in the beautiful countryside of North Yorkshire, England. It’s the perfect spot to escape from the crazy hustle and bustle of everyday life, and guess what? It’s just a stone’s throw away from the lively city of York! This place has such an amazing history, loads of cool stuff to do, and facilities that are totally family-friendly. When you visit Beningbrough Hall, get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with cherished memories alongside your loved ones!”

As you approach the Baroque mansion, you’ll be greeted by picturesque gardens and parkland, offering a peaceful and refreshing escape from bustling city life. Whether you’re interested in learning about the past, having some fun, or just enjoying some quality time with your family, this place has got you covered. So, let’s explore all the exciting things this historic site has to offer!

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Ormesby Hall National Trust Review

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Ormesby Hall is located in the picturesque village of Ormesby just outside the bustling city of Middlesbrough in northeast England, is a charming destination our family always enjoys visiting. The perfect balance of history and nature, Ormesby Hall offers us a unique escape, and it has become a favourite for creating cherished family memories.

As you enter the estate, you’ll be greeted by the stunning Georgian mansion, which was built in the 18th century and has been beautifully preserved. The architecture alone is enough to take your breath away, but that’s just the beginning of what Ormesby Hall has to offer. The estate has a remarkable collection of art and antiques that are displayed throughout the mansion, adding to its charm and appeal.

As someone with a keen interest in history and nature, I find Ormesby Hall a constant attraction for me and my family. It is a place where rich history, fascinating stories, and diverse activities coexist, making every visit meaningful. Barney and Matilda’s eyes light up with excitement every time we arrive and step into the lush green surroundings, knowing that delightful experiences await them.

Join me as I guide you through this delightful estate, where an adventure is always just around the corner for you and your family.

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RHS Garden Harlow Carr For Families Review

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RHS Garden Harlow Carr For Families

In early 2023, we extended our outdoor membership options beyond the National Trust by introducing the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) membership. This provides access to multiple sites across the UK and discounts on similar spaces and gardens.

A beautiful and relaxing garden space always brings joy to our hearts. Our kids love the great outdoors, and what better way to experience this than via beautifully well-put-together gardens? It’s also a test of restraint in preventing a 2-year-old from grabbing every flower they come across!

We visited in winter, so we may not have gotten the space in its full glory. However, RHS Harlow Carr is an exhibition of horticultural beauty all year round. A 68-acre garden is enough to wander around or relax with your family and enjoy the majestic view of mother nature.

You can visit the Alpine house, enjoy the beautiful exotic flowers and plants, and connect with nature in the Arboretum. Take a long, relaxing walk along the streamline and explore the hidden paths through Woodland. 

It is the best place for the kids to explore and play around with its very own tree house. They can participate in plenty of different activities and learn something new in the Kitchen garden.

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RHS Bridgewater Gardens for Families Review

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If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly day out in Greater Manchester, then RHS Bridgewater Gardens is the place to be. Last year, we received a Buyagift voucher and decided to use it to purchase a family membership for the RHS Gardens.

We’ve already visited Harlow Carr (see our write-up), and a day after celebrating our daughter Matilda’s 7th birthday, we headed to the Salford site called RHS Garden Bridgewater. It is a new addition to the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens, which aims to create a space that can inspire visitors to engage with gardening and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us. 


Moreover, it’s one of the most significant gardening projects undertaken in Europe in recent years, boasting a 154-acre green space that’s still undergoing a massive transformation. This means that every visit offers something new to see and explore. This fantastic place blew us away, and we can’t wait to share our experience with you. 

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Lyme Park National Trust Review

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Lyme Park National Trust

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Peak District in Cheshire, England, the Lyme Park National Trust is an ideal destination for families seeking a wholesome day out. This historic estate, with its sprawling gardens, enchanting woodlands, and majestic manor house, offers visitors a multitude of activities and experiences. This blog post explores the various aspects of Lyme Park, including its location, activities,  facilities, and why we recommend a visit.

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Sutton Bank Cycling for families

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Sutton Bank Cycling For Families

Introduction:

Sutton Bank, located in the beautiful North York Moors National Park, offers a variety of cycling routes suitable for families of all ages and abilities. With stunning views, well-maintained trails, and easy access, it’s no wonder that Sutton Bank has become a popular destination for family cycling adventures. In this blog post, we’ll explore several family-friendly cycle routes at Sutton Bank, detailing their age suitability, difficulty levels, and access points to help you plan the perfect day out.

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Family-Friendly Cycle Routes Across the UK

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Forest Of Dean Family Cycling Trail

Introduction:

Cycling is a fantastic way for families to spend quality time together while staying active and healthy. The UK has a plethora of cycle routes suitable for all ages, from gentle rides in scenic locations to more challenging trails. In this blog post, we’ll highlight some of the best family-friendly cycle routes across the UK, detailing their age suitability, difficulty level, location, and access points.

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Langsett Reservoir walking for families

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Langsett Reservoir is a stunningly beautiful body of water located in the Peak District National Park in South Yorkshire, England. The reservoir, which was constructed in the late 19th century to supply water to the city of Sheffield, has become a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers from all over the country. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the history of Langsett Reservoir, the various walking routes surrounding it, where to park, cafes available nearby, and why it is a great place to visit as a family.

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Wharfemeadows Park For Families Review

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Wharfemeadows Park Otley

Wharfemeadows Park in Otley is a beautiful green space that is perfect for families looking to spend some quality time together in the great outdoors. Located in the heart of the town, this park offers plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy a range of activities and experience the beauty of nature.

We recently took a trip to Wharfemeadows Park as we continue our venture around fantastic outdoor spaces within our area. If you have a free couple of hours Wharfemeadows Park is a brilliant place to visit. With lush green grass, mature trees and wildlife, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy a picnic.

Furthermore, Wharemeadows boasts tennis courts, an outdoor gym area, a skate park and of course a play area suitable for children of all ages. There’s plenty of variety meaning it can be enjoyed by all age groups and age ranges. Both our 7-year-old and 2-year-old loved all aspects of Wharfemeadows Park. It’s a visually stunning park on the banks of the River Wharfe in the market town of Otley.

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Teaching a child how to ride a balance bike

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A balance bike is a great way to teach your child how to ride a bike. Unlike traditional bikes with training wheels, balance bikes teach children to balance and steer using their own body weight.

Balance bikes are designed for children to learn how to balance on two wheels before adding the complexity of pedals. This blog post will go through the key steps, what to expect, and potential challenges you may encounter when getting your child started on a balance bike.

Here are some key steps to take to get your child started on a balance bike.

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