Tropiquaria Family Fun Day Out in Somerset

We needed to head up to North Somerset. So we thought let’s turn it into a family day out. Tricky in winter though as many attractions shut. But wildlife venues are always a good year round bet. So we headed to Tropiquaria near Watchet.

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Simple Walk at Knowles Wood

Bluebells at Knowles Wood

This loop creates a simple walk at Knowles Wood in the Blackdown Hills in Mid Devon. It is under 3 kilometres so a good lenght for little legs. I’m not actually sure what the wood is called. On the Ordnance Survey map it is called Knowles Wood (OS Explorer Map 128 Taunton and Blackdown Hills). But in the wood there is a Woodland Trust sign for Rhododendron Wood. Whatever it is called, there are certainly rhododendrons. And bluebells in the spring.

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Walk to Stunning Weston Mouth Beach

Walk to Weston Mouth Beach: National Trust sign

Weston Mouth beach is in East Devon, between Sidmouth and Seaton. The walk to Weston Mouth shingle beach is picturesque. But is the walk possible with a 4 year old and a baby? I didn’t find a detailed description of the walk from the car park. So we headed off to try it out…

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Best Beaches in East Devon

Best beaches in East Devon

As the lockdown period eased, we took advantage of the time to visit our local best beaches in East Devon. We are a family of four, with one four year old and one baby. Each beach has something to appeal to each of us. In general, quiet sandy beaches appeal most to the adults. The baby appears to have a preference for pebbly beaches. Or at least he enjoys trying to eat the pebbles. The four year old seems to like all beaches. She loves running in and out of the sea at sandy beaches. But equally loves searching for interesting pebbles or throwing them in the sea. Although her aim isn’t perfect yet; the odd one goes awry, so watch out if you see us there!

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5 Family-Friendly Beaches in Corfu

Family-Friendly Beaches in Corfu

Corfu (Kerkyra) is a beautiful island in the Ionian island group. It is a lush, green island with many wonderful beaches. It has long been a popular holiday destination with many well-known bustling resorts. However, as a family you may be looking for somewhere quieter. I know I am always searching for that elusive sandy cove surrounded by green trees and mountains. Yet not too remote to access with little ones. And ideally with an excellent taverna on hand. These are my five favourite family-friendly beaches in Corfu.

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Circular Family Walk at Dunkeswell Airfield

Circular Family Walk at Dunkeswell Airfield

This circular family walk at Dunkeswell Airfield takes in pretty woods and fields. Although there is a stretch on road to begin with. You can park at the airfield and visit The Aviator for pre or post walk refreshments. The undulating walk is approximately 4 kilometres. Due to a couple of kissing gates, I would recommend a baby carrier rather than buggy. When our babies were little, we loved the Tula Free-to-Grow carrier. Once older, they preferred the view from our LittleLife backpack carrier. It’s a lovely walk on a sunny day as it has shady stretches and a stream for a paddle.

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Family Walk at Wellington Monument

Family Walk at Wellington Monument

Restoring the Wellington Monument in the Blackdown Hills, Somerset is an ongoing project. Unfortunately scaffolding currently covers the monument itself. However, its surroundings still make for a pleasant family walk. The National Trust manage the site, so take a look on their website to see what the monument looks like. I am excited that the restoration includes a plan for a viewing platform. Hopefully there will be some great views from there. 

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Family Walk at Dumpdon Hill

Family Walk at Dumpdon Hill

Family Walk at Dumpdon Hill – History

Dumpdon Hill is in the Blackdown Hills in East Devon. Dumpdon Hill was the site of an Iron Age hill fort. It is thought to date from 750BC to AD43. The top is more than 250 metres high and is one of the highest points in the Otter Valley. The site covers a sizeable 62 acres. The earth ramparts at the top of the hill are up to 2 metres high. However, archaeologists believe that the hill fort was never finished or lived in. The hill fort would have made a striking sight and invaders would have found it imposing.

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2019 Travel with my Pre-schooler

2019 Travel With a Pre-Schooler

It didn’t feel like I did much travel with my pre-schooler in 2019. Certainly not much that I felt warranted a blog post. This is my personal reflection on the travel we did, along with days out in the UK. It actually adds up to quite a lot when I look back on it. Just not much that was worth writing about. Either because I had written about it before. Or because there are already so many blogs on the venue that I didn’t feel the need to add another. Continue reading “2019 Travel with my Pre-schooler”