One of our favourite places to go that is local but good for a few hours of getting the kids outdoors is the National Trust property. It really is one of those places that we know inside out, its like a local park. But we love it. It has little hidden gems and is a perfect way of spending an ordinary weekend afternoon or a place to go with a group of friends and a large picnic for a special time.
I have to confess that we have only ever once ventured into the house. A lovely lady said that we could have a little handy hip shelf thing to pop our youngest on instead of using the buggy (there isn’t room). Which i did use, probably incorrectly as it was really uncomfortable and then we spent about 30 minutes running after lively toddlers and telling them not to touch anything. So i can’t really vouch for the house. Im sure its lovely. 😉
But we know the grounds really really well. Recently they have added a Maze. They have planted smallish trees and so at the moment the maze is actually quite handy as the kids run off and yet we can still see them and not spend hours trying to work out which corner they have gone round.
By the time the trees are going to be big enough for us to actually loose our kids in the maze, the kids will be old enough to not be bothered by it. I think its a fabulous addition to the grounds and the kids love it. Especially the bit where they get to the last bridge.
Our other favourite bit of Speke Hall is the fact that it basically backs on to the airport and we have, since my son was young, walked round the perimeter and watched a few planes land and take off. Lately they have added another walk which means that you can walk along side the works access to the runways and then sit on a disused part of the runway.
The new walk means that we can get down to the estuary, which was fun until we pretty much got stuck in a load of mud and had to make a swift about turn and get back to the track!
I love the new walk though. It feels a little unkempt and wild, which doesn’t really fit the house and the grounds that we know…but i think it really adds a new dimension to the place.
We still love it there and no doubt we will be back soon!
I love your photos! This looks like so much fun and something that I have to put on our to do list. I have never been to a maze x
Carolin recently posted…Where witches and devils dance – Hexentanzplatz Thale
Oh I love it Sarah, it not only looks like a great day out, but the expressions on your girls faces are fantastic, even the dog is grinning xx
Nichola Fabfortymum recently posted…All Creatures Great and Small – Country Kids
Oh, that looks like fun! Love the shots of your youngest running about, and the grumpy arms folded picture of your next youngest is just brilliant 🙂
Sara (@mumturnedmom) recently posted…Autumn activities: how to make a scarecrow
I find it quite hard to read the post as my eyes keep being drawn back to your gorgeous photos and family. Am glad your children enjoy the maze and that it is tall enough for them whilst you will still be interested.
Now I am trying to look at photos and decide what it is I like about them, in order to improve my own. BUT I just look at yours and go wow! As you know I do have a fondness for your youngest and I LOVE the contrast of the blue and pink – it works really well. Can she get right down and do the splits? Is she at dance class? So maybe the action there impressed me too.
Pinkoddy recently posted…The Brook Kids Outdoors
I do love National Trust properties – our post this week is similar, but it’s an English Heritage one instead. The maze sounds fab – H just can not resist them.
Erica Price recently posted…Running Free And Climbing Trees
Oh no! You mean the attraction of mazes is something they grow out of. Atleast they are having fun now. Lovely photos, especially love the one of your dog.
Cheryl (@CherylInTheUK) recently posted…A Very Wet Walk
Wonderful photos of your day out. As my kids would say ‘awesome’ that you can watch the planes from a disused runway.
What lovely photos of your family, it looks like you all had a fab day with lots of smiles (except one sulky look which made me laugh). NT properties are fab for letting children explore and burn off some energy. Thanks for linking up and sharing your day of fun with Country Kids.
Coombe Mill – Fiona recently posted…Country Kids from Coombe Mill
i know wat you mean about the taking the kids inside the houses – we took our two into one when we visited MInehead earlier in the eyar and as much as the elderly guides were ok , Jon and I spent the entire time panicking about what they would touch/ try to climb on!
Sarah you take such glorious photos and they really show every emotion your family are feeling – like the grumpy one of your daughter with her amrs folded hee hee that made me giggle. adding a mae is a great addition to the NT grounds – i hope my local one does soon
thank you for linking up xx
jenny paulin recently posted…My Week That Was #43 (Project 365)
Fab pictures Sarah – I love a good maze!