Cycling

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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The Monsal Trail cycling for families

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The Monsal Trail Cycling For Families

The Monsal Trail is located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England. This scenic trail runs along the former Midland Railway line and offers a unique experience for families to enjoy the beauty of the English countryside.

We parked at the old Hessop train station (Hassop Station, Hassop Rd, Bakewell DE45 1NW), which has been converted into a fantastic cycling dream, along with a lovely cafe, play area and ice cream truck. 

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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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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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Wentworth Woodhouse For Families Review

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Wentworth Woodhouse is a magnificent historic mansion located in the village of Wentworth, South Yorkshire, England. The house, which is the largest privately owned residence in the United Kingdom, was built in the 18th century and has a rich history. It was once the seat of the Earls Fitzwilliam, a powerful and influential family in the region. Today, Wentworth Woodhouse is open to the public, and it is a great place to visit for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, Wentworth Woodhouse is a stunning architectural masterpiece. The house was designed in the Palladian style, which is characterised by symmetry, balance, and proportion. The mansion is set on a sprawling estate that includes over 60 acres of gardens and parkland, making it a beautiful and serene place to visit. The house itself is over 500 feet long, making it one of the longest country houses in Europe. It has over 300 rooms, including a grand entrance hall, a library, a dining room, and a ballroom. The house is adorned with ornate plasterwork, marble fireplaces, and intricate wood carvings, making it a true feast for the eyes.

In addition to its architectural beauty, Wentworth Woodhouse also has a rich history that adds to its appeal. The house was built in the 1730s for Thomas Watson-Wentworth, the 1st Marquess of Rockingham. The house passed through several generations of the Watson-Wentworth family, who were prominent figures in the region. In the 19th century, the house was inherited by the 5th Earl Fitzwilliam, who made significant renovations to the house and grounds. The house was used as a military hospital during both World War I and World War II, and it was later sold to the National Coal Board. In the 1990s, the house was sold to a private company, which has since restored it to its former glory.

We visited Wentworth Woodhouse over the Christmas/New Year period on a beautiful crisp day. There is plenty to explore and do for children of all ages and we really enjoyed our time within the house.

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