05/05/201329/01/2014 by jo

My Naughty Little Sister Audiobooks from AudioGO

We’ve reviewed a Magic Roundabout audiobook from AudioGO a few months ago, one which Shaun and I loved, but H fell asleep. Since then we haven’t done any long journeys in the car until yesterday when we introduced the ‘My Naughty Little Sister’ books into her world. I’d completely forgotten about these books – and it was only from chatting to the manager of the band Stornoway (who reads them to his four-year old) I realised these audiobooks existed – and even better AudioGO have them!

They’re of an era, these books – and utterly brilliant! These days the word ‘naughty’ is starting to get edited out of H’s life, with words like ‘pickle’ and so on being used (mainly due to nursery and their rules), so introducing ‘Naughty’ this way felt quite nice. Let’s face it, had these books been written recently, My Naughty Little Sister’s misdemeanours wouldn’t have the kind of innocence they do, I’m sure.

Each book is around ten minutes long, read by Jan Francis who does some great voices. H was asking for more – it was the first time in the car she demanded another story, and from my passenger seat I could see her giggling away at My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry’s adventures. While I know these won’t replace physical books, she’s enjoying new, longer stories coming into her life (and I’m enjoying someone else reading them so I can drift off in the car).

At £1.99 for the audiobooks you get a lot of stories; we switched to the Camberwick Green album (the story about the postman having an adventure) and H fell asleep (whereas I sung along to the songs, memories flooding back, words returning to me possibly helped by Half Man Half Biscuit). Now I have a cunning plan – when we want her to stay awake Dorothy Edwards’ wonderful stories will be played, and when we think she needs a nap Brian Cant will soothe her! Next stop, Pingu!

We were provided with free downloads for the purpose of review, all opinions are our own.

04/05/201329/01/2014 by jo

Forest Holidays – a Blackwood Forest Event

Earlier today Blackwood Forest, a new Forest Holidays site based near Winchester, had a blogger event. We were invited and I was pretty excited. We first heard of Forest Holidays after seeing an ad on tv recently – I googled and saw this one was opening soon and funnily enough H had been telling me how much she’d like to go on holiday in a treehouse… what appeals to me the most is the eco side of this place. The Forestry Commission are partners in the company, and the sites are built very much with the environment in mind.

Blackwood Forest has taken six years to complete – from the planning permission stages to where they are now. At the moment the treehouse cabins aren’t built (sob!), so we didn’t get to see them, but we did get to have a wander around the site – considering we were told it was a bit like a building site last week, it looks pretty good now! They’re two weeks from opening and there is one VERY important thing you need to know.

Don’t write the directions there while trying to entertain your child. You may miss the crucial sentence ‘leave the M3 at Junction 8’. Had I done this correctly we’d have turned up on time – and on turning around and looking for Junction 8, it doesn’t exist!! Northbound has a Junction 9 though (which I don’t think southbound does).

We found the site easily enough once we got on the A303 – if you view Larkwhistle Farm Road in Google Maps then the site is just off there.

We headed to the Forest Retreat (large restaurant and shop area) to settle in and get ready to go to one of the cabins for a nosey around. We had a look in a three bedroom Silver Birch cabin, and were impressed by how warm they are – they have under-floor heating. The hot tub wasn’t installed but is in a good place and it felt private – most of the cabins back onto woodland. Next to the hot tub in the entrance from the kitchen is an outdoor dining area which seats up to 8 people, so plenty of space.

The kitchen was a good size, the lounge and tv area again spacious, and there’s good storage too. Our cabin also had two bathrooms – handy if there’s six of you staying there (one double room, two twin rooms).

Outside the ground was still quite new, and hadn’t turned back into the natural undergrowth you’d expect in a forest, though the trees were very green and leafy – it’s a beech forest (with one pine tree which we didn’t find!) – though they expect this to change by the time the site opens.

In each cabin you can preorder food for when you arrive, as well as booking treatments while you’re there (like a massage!), or even just someone to come and cook your evening meal. They’re also keen for you to get away from the site and discover local places – Winchester isn’t far away, and even Peppa Pig World isn’t that far if you were thinking of going there.

Bike hire is available and there are loads of tracks and trails you can take – there’s a park ranger or two who can take you on guided tours as well. After a quick lunch of some fabulous home-made pizza we headed out with the other preschoolers for a bug hunt. They’ve built a bug hotel so the kids were encouraged to pick up things they could add to it. On the tour they got to see some baby mice in a nest, as well as various bugs. Our ranger had a couple of bug inspector tubs where H got to have a look at a millipede (we bought one in the shop afterwards and she’s already been hard at work since we got home) – before putting it onto the hotel.

Then there’s the play area – just the right size for smaller kids, it has a slide, two swings (not baby ones), and a climbing frame area, plus sliding pole. H loved this the most, although loved so many different things that when quizzed she had at least fifteen favourite things she’s done today! The play area is well fenced in, with a secure gate. There’s going to be an older kids play area built soon, and they have a deal in place with a local GoApe site as well as a few other places. There were older kids climbing trees with ropes and sliding down which looked like LOADS of fun – we didn’t get to try it obviously!

“How buggy-friendly is it?” I bet you’re wondering – we spotted a few buggies but most mums carried their babies – the roads are stones and might not be suitable for some buggies, though overall I can’t see it being a problem if you needed to use one.

Any bad points? Nothing I could see or think of, other than it’s quite pricey – but even then there are deals and I’m patient enough to save up and wait for a good deal, plus the cabins will be really warm in winter – obviously we didn’t stay over (now that would be nice!) but it felt like a lovely quiet area – and it really creeps up on you – as we drove up the road we wondered where on earth the forest was, until it kind of sprung up.

Our total journey time back was just under an hour and a half, and that’s to the Croydon/Sutton area. It’s the kind of place I could see us going to for a weekend family break to get away from London and have a bit of a rest.

Eventually it was time to leave – a fun day with loads of activities, the staff were really nice and friendly – you could tell the people who worked there were really enjoying what they do and where they were. Everyone on site was really friendly and eventually I couldn’t work out if they were staff or just regular customers like us! They went out of their way to help – it really is the kind of place you’d go back to because of how nice people are.

So yes – we’ll definitely be back – it’s great we have something like this which is so easy to get to, now to start saving!

We were invited to a blogger event, we paid all costs ourselves, all opinions are our own.

03/05/201326/03/2018 by Karen

My 1st Years – 100% Suede Sheepskin Booties

Review
Boots, clothing, Footwear, gifts, My 1st Years, Sheepskin, shoes
1 Comment

My 1st years is a company that, having seen a gap in the market, specialises in personalised baby gifts. They offer high quality items that would make the perfect gift or keepsake.

My 1st years

I was very excited at the prospect of reviewing this item. I had never thought about getting anything personalised for Jacob previously, making these booties very special. When I’d realised I had received a recorded delivery, I raced to open the packaging and was not disappointed. Inside was a beautiful blue box, which I thought was a really nice touch. All items ordered from this company will be packaged in such a way. It might be a bit sad to say but I fully intend to keep this box for Jacobs special things.

The boots themselves are gorgeous. The materials that My 1st Years uses are top notch, the insides soft and incredibly comfortable. It is lovely to have something that is just for Jacob.

My 1st years 2 My 1st years 3

The fit you ask? Well unfortunately that was the problem. The boots come in 2 sizes, 3-12 months and 12-24 months… and that’s it. At 18 months Jacob is a size 5 which, from what I gather from nosing at other children’s shoe sizes, is a little above average. When it came to putting the boot onto to Jacobs foot the boot came up small, not much but obviously I wasn’t willing to force it on. I would guess the boot is a size 4. It’s annoying as it’s such a nice product and I was very excited about Jacob wearing them. I refuse to give them away as they are so beautiful so I’ve decided to keep them in case we have another child (though I won’t be taking my husbands suggestion of also calling our next one Jacob!).

In essence this is a lovely company, with well thought out products and is well worth a look, especially as the range is so good. My only advice, to avoid disappointment, is to call to check sizes, if in any doubt.

Orders over £30 qualify for free standard delivery in the UK, for those under £30 delivery is £3 for 1st class and £5 for recorded. The boots tested cost £30, though other colours come in at £25. Personalisation on all products is free.

I was sent this item for the purpose of review, all opinions are my own

02/05/201326/03/2018 by jo

50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 and Three Quarters

Today the National Trust are relaunching their ’50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 and Three Quarters’ campaign that we were first aware of last year. I think we got the booklet in The Guardian, and saw loads around properties we visited – in essence, and based on the Natural Childhood campaign, children aren’t getting outside as much as they used to – and while sometimes it’s unavoidable, there’s plenty out there to discover, and why not try some fun activities while you’re at it?

The National Trust ’50 Things’ website is here where you can sign up and log what you do – there’s a children’s and parents area. As H can’t read yet we’ll be working on this together but there’s plenty of fun things to do in there – and plenty of local suggestions of places based on your postcode (that’s the most personal information they take).

I’m going to make sure I stand back a bit more and LET H be a child. I guess having the fears about her front tooth and her being accident prone mean I do feel quite protective, so this is as much about me letting go!

I’ve already set us a challenge to visit new National Trust places (as we have so many), or places we’ve not been to in a long time and we now have an ‘Adventure Scrapbook’ for us to log the things H will do as well as giving us good suggestions.

If you’re based around the south east then there’s quite a lot you can do in local National Trust properties – the Surrey Hills being one place which covers a lot (and it’s good to see the Polesden Lacey geocache getting a star as being the best thing to do there – we had tons of fun last summer doing it).

So, you might now be wondering what they suggest? It’s obvious stuff, the things we probably did as kids. It’s time to unwrap the cotton wool…. The tasks aren’t difficult, in fact they’re probably things you’ve already done. The pressure is off, you can do it. I can do it too. Fifty things, and all the time in the world to do them – but ultimately, it’s about getting outside. If you’re really good and do all 50 then you can apply to the National Trust for a special badge.

We were also sent a delicious recipe. Mud pie; and no, we’re not talking the mississippi kind I’m afraid. Yes, you are going to get dirty. You know what though – a decent scrubbing brush only costs a pound.

Here’s what you do…

You need –

mud, soil or compost
water
leaves, flowers, sticks, shells and rocks for decoration

You will also need –

A mixing bowl
stick for mixing

Grab some handfuls of soil, mud or compost and put them into the bowl. Add water and give it a stir with the mixing stick. If the mixture is dry and crumbly add more water and stir again. Keep adding water until it’s a bit sticky. If it’s too sloppy, add more mixture to it.

Turn the bowl over onto the floor (obviously do this outside or in a tuff spot!) and pat the bottom until the mud pie falls out. Shape with your hands and decorate with the materials of choice.

Voila!

We’ve not made ours yet. I’m still in the process of convincing Shaun we need a tuff spot for play like this… but when we do I shall embrace the mud and the muck and get on with it. That’s how it should be, right?

The National Trust have made a video :

The best thing – this isn’t limited to just National Trust places. They want you to get outdoors – so enjoy your local parks, woods and so on. You don’t have to pay to go outside to an interesting park – check out Poppy Cat’s recent partnership with The Woodland Trust which has links for loads of local places for free. Banstead Woods near us has some great huts people have made which have always been fun to hide in (and pretend you’re a gruffalo).

Banstead Woods

Because I like lists, here’s the ones we’ve done so far of the 50…

roll down a really big hill
skim a stone
run around in the rain (needs a bit more work though)
play conkers
play in the snow
jump over waves
visit a farm
climb a huge hill
plant it, grow it, eat it
find a geocache

so that’s a start. Are you in? I’m roping in friends who are members as well as the Caterpillar Tales family who love this too!

We have been sent an Adventure Scrapbook and some stickers, plus a membership card for this project (we are already members so have passed this on to friends to join in with it) – all opinions are our own.

29/04/201329/01/2014 by jo

Disney Movie Rewards!

Disney Movie Rewards

I’m really late to the party on this one – if you buy a Disney DVD you’ll find a leaflet inside which tells you about the Disney Movie Rewards site. Being as busy as we are I didn’t actually read the leaflets, just kept them in a pile to deal with at some point in the future. Anyway… it ends up you can redeem points for DVDs, BluRays and more!

The points vary too – our Now That’s What I Call Disney CD gave us 80 points, whereas Toy Story 2 gave us 250 – we had twelve vouchers so already I’ve redeemed two lots of points (and got Monsters Inc and Aladdin for 500 points each!) – and I’ve still 400 left.

One top tip, if you do this, put the points in as soon as you open the DVD, as more often than not you’ll need to add the barcode – I messed up and didn’t know what went with what so guessed, and was mostly fine until we got to Toy Story 3 which had a code which was unique to that title. Fortunately an email to their customer services and my account was credited today.

I had no idea you could get free DVDs – and free shipping with it too – so if you’re finding yourself with a bit of a Disney stash, get your points registered today! You can get some nice freebies on the site too. You can earn extra points doing surveys too (though I’ve only had the one). Some things are specific to a title but the site tells you more about that.

For more information head to http://www.disneymovierewards.co.uk/

Thanks to Alex for the heads-up on this!

29/04/201327/05/2018 by jo

The Microwave Went Pop

It’s been one of those days. At work the things I needed to work weren’t doing what they were meant to, my train home was cancelled and to really finish the day off I went to warm up my soup in the microwave when there was an almighty pop and the lights downstairs went out. The fuse had blown. Grrr.

I hate it when that happens. RIP old microwave.

Fortunately we’ve a John Lewis at Home near us on the Purley Way in Croydon which offers a Click and Collect Service – so I can have a browse online at the choice of microwaves on offer. We definitely need a combi one with a grill included to make good baked potatoes (let’s face it – ones just in the microwave are pretty awful, they need a crisp outer) – then just order it to collect in-store.

Given I work four days a week, this kind of arrangement suits me nicely – you can also do pickups from a local Waitrose store which again is handy, and will stay open later (so once H is settled for the night I can nip out and get it) – plus it comes with John Lewis 1 year guarantee, and an option to buy a further three.

I’m particularly liking that if I need to return it I can just take it back to a store – so just up the road and very convenient – it suits my busy life perfectly.

In the end I’ve opted for the Sharp R662WM Microwave Oven and Grill in white – now to get that order placed…

This post contains a sponsored link

28/04/201326/03/2018 by jo

Meningitis: Keep Watching

While this information is pretty much a cut and paste from the information I’ve been sent it’s important. Back in the 90s my second cousin collapsed and died from meningitis, nobody suspected a thing as he’d felt a little unwell in the days leading up to it. World Meningitis Day was last Wednesday and even though it has passed I’m sharing. Please read – it’s important; it’s all about awareness.

World Meningitis Day 2013

What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is caused when germs infect the fluid which circulates around the brain and spinal cord. Septicaemia is the blood poisoning form of the disease, which can cause shock, multiple organ failure and tissue destruction.

Meningitis and septicaemia can affect anyone. However, the majority of cases occur in children under five years with those under one year most at risk.

What is World Meningitis Day?
Wednesday 24 April 2013 will mark the fifth anniversary of World Meningitis Day (WMD), a day dedicated to raising awareness of meningitis and supporting those who have been touched by the disease.

Why get involved?
– Bacterial meningitis and septicaemia kill more children under five than any other infectious disease in the UK , with babies most at risk .
– The leading cause of bacterial meningitis is meningococcal disease .
– Children aren’t protected against all forms of meningitis and parents should therefore remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
– “One of the biggest myths is that children are protected against all types of meningitis through vaccination and this is, in reality, not the case”, says Dr Nelly Ninis, Consultant Paediatrician at St Mary’s Hospital London and supporter of the Meningitis: Keep Watching campaign. “Children are only protected against some types of meningitis so parents must be aware of the signs and seek urgent medical help as this disease can maim or kill within hours.”
– Anyone can catch bacterial meningitis at any time. As many as one in ten of those infected will die and up to one in five survivors will be left with after-effects including brain damage, amputations and hearing loss which may require ongoing care .

For these reasons alone it is vital that information about the very real threat of meningitis is spread to other parents.

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia
Sudden and aggressive, meningitis and septicaemia can kill within 24 hours of symptom onset. Symptoms can often resemble the flu, making it easily misdiagnosed in its early stages, even for experienced healthcare professionals .

Symptoms may appear in any order and some may not appear at all. They may include some or all of the following :

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Severe headache
• Painfully stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Very sleepy
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Non blanching rash (doesn’t disappear under pressure)

Key facts
Bacterial meningitis and septicaemia
• can kill in less than 24 hours, even with treatment
• kills up to one in ten of those infected
• leaves up to one in five of survivors with after effects including long-term disabilities, such as brain damage, amputations and hearing loss
• is the leading cause of death from infectious disease in children under five in the UK, with babies most at risk

Children are currently not protected against all types of meningitis, so it’s important that parents Keep Watching for the signs and symptoms.

Downloadable resources
Meningitis Research Foundation, Meningitis Trust and Meningitis UK have a number of resources available for parents to download, including handy symptom checkers. These can be found here:
http://www.meningitis.org/news-media/download-resources
http://www.meningitis-trust.org/meningitis-info/signs-and-symptoms/babies-and-toddlers/
http://www.meningitisuk.org/meningitis/advice/awareness-resources

More information

For further information on meningitis as well as a number of educational resources, please visit the charities’ websites:
http://www.meningitis.org/
http://www.meningitisnow.org/
http://www.meningitis-trust.org/

There is a Facebook page with a ‘Test Your Knowledge’ quiz
http://www.facebook.com/meningitiskeepwatching

28/04/201326/03/2018 by jo

Some London and Surrey National Trust Places to Get To Before I’m 43 and 3/4

Last year the National Trust had their 50 Things To Do When You’re 11 and three-quarters campaign which encouraged children to enjoy being outdoors – based on the Natural Childhood Report which found that these days we don’t get out as much as children used to – we’re in the age of digital, so there’s tv, iPad games and so on – and we’re guilty as much as the next person – although do get out when the weather isn’t too bad (maybe that’s the problem too – maybe we need to get ourselves kitted out in the kind of clothing so it doesn’t matter?).

I remember growing up in the seventies how we’d get into the car and drive for trips all over Yorkshire and Lancashire (I still have nightmares about the drains in the Ladybower Reservoir), trips to caves and more. It was great and a big part of who I am and what I want H to experience now she’s got her memories and remembers things so much more than when she was smaller.

Now H is a good age (she’ll be 4 in August) I know I can let her take risks – bearing in mind she wears glasses and is set to have a tooth extracted due to bumping it I probably do try to protect her more than I should – and slowly we are letting go, and letting her have more freedom – and add to that we do tend to hibernate in winter too (unless there’s some unnaturally good weather!).

We do get out and about to local National Trust places – we’re lucky that Morden Hall Park is a short bus ride away, and to drive we’ve Ham House & Gardens, Clandon Park, Claremont Landscape Gardens, Hatchlands Park, Polesden Lacey and a few more places well within half an hour to 45 minutes – but Shaun keeps telling me off. We love Polesden Lacey, though it has become our place we’ll go (as if you couldn’t guess) – so I’ve set myself a little challenge – as well as giving H more freedom, I’m going to make sure we go to other National Trust places, and I’ve got until next January to do it.

Granted, it’s easy really – locally there’s a lot of choice – but I want to head out a bit further too, get to places we haven’t (like Bodiam Castle) and maybe revisit some we’ve not been to for a couple of years (hello Scotney Castle) as well as places we’ve never got to and should have (hi Winkworth Arboretum). So this is the challenge – while we’ll go back to our ‘usual’ places, we’re going to go further. Not every month, but as often as we can.

So where would you recommend that’s near London?

In addition to this, the new Gardeners World magazine has a pass which offers 2 for 1 on gardens around the country, which includes Painshill Park (hurrah!!) so we’ll visit more of these too. Where is good? Tell us in the comments!

25/04/201329/01/2014 by jo

Polesden Lacey and the Royal Family

In 1923 the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and the Queen Mother, spent part of their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey. Celebrate their 90th anniversary by following in their footsteps around the grounds – from Friday 26 April to Monday 6 May, you might stumble across delightful life-size photos of the royal couple relaxing in the gardens! There will also be special exhibits in the house, including copies of some never before seen photos of the royal couple from the Queen’s private collections.

On Saturday 4 May, you can also enjoy a special outdoor screening of the award winning film The King’s Speech. Tickets are £12 each (over 15s only). Please book in advance on 01372 414944 or via WeGotTickets.

For more information about Polesden including opening times and upcoming events please call 01372 452048 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey

24/04/2013 by jo

Bluebells!

It’s that time of year when they start to spring up, all around various woods and places. I know little about bluebells but what I do know is they’re pretty, especially in a good wood. As luck would have it, I have a handy guide to some good bluebell woods from the National Trust – though no mention of the fabulous Hatchlands Park which is famous for their wood (and where we almost always end up – if you’re nearby then definitely go!) – the bluebells go on for ever, and it’s a good long walk there and back too (which can take even longer if your child goes on strike and refuses to walk like H did last year). But still, bluebells! Pretty! They say the best time to catch them is around now, and particularly in May, so why not try one of the following?

“Make no mistake, spring is going to happen and it may be all the better for the wait” Matthew Oates, naturalist for the National Trust

Following the coldest March for 50 years, spring may still be someway off, with bluebell flowering predicted to be 3-4 weeks away and peak flowering possibly delayed until mid May or later.

However, when the warmer months do arrive, brighten up your day by dropping in to see the bluebells across many National Trust places.

Get the family together and discover the delights of these delicate flowers that transform Britain’s wonderful woodlands.
Here’s a selection of the top National Trust places and events that are perfect to enjoy bluebells in all their glory:

Ashridge Estate, Buckinghamshire
“I once watched the sun set through the bluebells at Ashridge; it was unforgettable and remains forever in my memory” –Lawrence Trowbridge, lead ranger

Enjoy carpets of bluebells this spring in this vast wooded landscape, filled with breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife and a fascinating history.

Bluebell walk, 8 May, 7pm-9pm

Join a ranger-led walk at dusk and enjoy the best of Ashridge’s bluebells this year with all of the family.

Ticket charge £7 per adult and £5 per child.

Please park at the visitor centre.
Booking is essential, please call 01442 851227.

Blickling Estate, Norfolk
“Bluebells are so special to me and those who visit Blickling as they give a great understanding of the history of the woodland and a sense of spiritual connection to the whole estate”-Dave Brady, head ranger

Visit Blickling in April through to May and discover one of the best places to see bluebells in the country. Follow the winding paths through the great wood, and pass through swathes of dainty English bluebells.

Make a weekend of it: There are seven holiday cottages on the estate, including the magnificent ‘Tower’ converted from the second Earl of Buckinghamshire’s race stand. The ‘Tower’ sleeps four.

Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Immerse yourself in a medieval world at this impressive castle, then escape to the gardens and woodland and find Berkshire pigs, ancient trees and wonderful bluebell woods during the spring months.

Spring flowers garden walk, 15 May, 7pm-8pm
Join head gardener David Lock for a gentle stroll around the castle’s award-winning garden. Discover the amazing variety of spring-flowering trees, shrubs and plants, and how they grow and care for them.
All tickets £7.
Booking is essential, please call 01691 777701

Make a weekend of it: Take your pick from two cottages situated within the castle grounds. There’s the House by the Dyke, a 1930’s villa, sleeping five located at the top of Offa’s Dyke, or, Chirk Home Farm Cottage, a traditional stone cottage that sleeps four and is a few hundred metres from the castle.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
“For me the word ‘bluebell’ signals that spring is underway with a shimmering blue carpet overhung with fresh green foliage. At Clumber, they usually look perfect for St. George’s Day”-Christopher Margrave, head gardener

With 1,537 hectares of parkland, gardens, peaceful woodlands and a magnificent lake, there is plenty of space to explore and relax at Clumber, including the bluebell woodlands throughout the spring months.

Blue is the colour, 9 May, 1.30pm-3.30pm

Join Clumber for a gentle walk to discover a few of the bluebell woodlands that are around the estate.

All tickets £4.20.

Booking is advisable, please call 01909 476592.

Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, County Londonderry
The striking 18^th century mansion at Downhill now lies in ruin, but the offering of beautiful gardens and stunning cliff top walks makes this is a fantastic place for all the family to visit – especially during bluebell season.

Bluebell walk, 4-6 May, 2pm-4pm

Go along for an afternoon stroll around the Bishop’s Gate gardens and see the bluebells in full bloom at Downhill. The estate warden will highlight the hidden gems.

Normal admission charges apply.

Booking is not required. For more information, please call 02870 848728.

Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire
“Bluebells are the undisputed spring highlight at Hardcastle. At their peak, they form an almost unearthly blue haze through the woodlands and fill air with their sweet perfume. It’s my favourite time of the year, bursting with life”- Nabil Abbas, countryside manager

This wooded landscape is often known as ‘Little Switzerland’ because of the valley sides, pathways and river flowing through. In spring, the woodland is awash with carpets of bluebells.

Wildflower folklore walk, 12 May, 10am-1pm

Learn about the ecology and folklore of the eye-catching local flora. Find out how forebears used bluebells, learn to tell your ramsons from your woodruff and discover how to protect yourself from evil sprits on this slow-paced walk of 2-3 miles.

No additional charges.

Booking is not required. For more information, please call 01422 844518.

Make a weekend of it: Stay at the converted barn which overlooks the wooded valley that comes complete with original cow stalls or the Victorian Lodge at the pillared entrance. Both cottages sleep four.

Lanhydrock, Cornwall
This fascinating country estate has gorgeous gardens, including a brilliant collection of spring-flowering magnolias and woodland areas blooming with waves of daffodils and bluebells.

Bluebells at their best, 4 May, 10am-12pm

Join the head ranger for a stroll through the bluebell woods, followed by lunch in the restaurant.

All tickets £15 (50p booking fee for cards).

Booking is essential, please call 01208 265950.

Make a weekend of it: Stay in the only cottage on the estate, a 1920s villa-style cottage with stunning views over Lanhydrock’s historic parkland. Sleeps six.

Nymans, West Sussex
Inspired by the setting and the soil, the Messel family created one of the country’s great gardens in the late 19^th-century. The garden and nearby woods are perfect for walking, picnicking and spotting bluebells.

Woodland walks: bluebells & wild flowers, 27 April-3 May, 11am-12:30pm

Join the woods team for a walk through Nymans woodlands, taking in the splendid displays of bluebells and other spring wild flowers.

Normal admission charges apply.

Booking is essential, please call 01444 405250.

Make a weekend of it: Stay at Woodlands Cottage, previously home to the estate game keeper, with walks and lakes on your doorstep. Sleeps four.

Sissinghurst Castle, Kent
A ruin of an Elizabethan manor house, Sissinghurst Castle and estate is a great place to see bluebells and wildflowers of the season.

Bluebell and wildflower walk, 26-28 April and 3-5 May, 2pm-4pm

Join Sissinghurst for a four mile walk with a ranger, discovering the wildflowers and bluebells on the estate. After, enjoy a cream tea in the restaurant.

£12.50 per person (including cream tea).

Booking is essential, please call 01580 710700.

Make a weekend of it: Sleeping six Priest’s House is a beautiful detached brick building which is believed to be the former Elizabethan garden banqueting house and is an absolute must-stay for garden lovers.

Speke Hall, Garden and Estate, Liverpool
“One of my favourite experiences in spring is walking through a carpet of bluebells. From the amazing blue flowers dancing in the breeze filling the air with heady scent, to the buzz of bees feeding on the nectar inside, it’s a magical scene at Speke Hall and one that always remains forever in my memory” –Ian Ford, estate warden

A perfect oasis of peace and quiet within easy reach of Liverpool, Speke Hall provides stunning views of the surrounding area and wonderful woodland walks through carpets of bluebells.

Stourhead, Wiltshire
‘A living work of art’ is how a magazine described Stourhead when it first opened in the 1740s. The garden and house are at the heart of a 1,072-hectare estate, where ancient woods are a perfect place to spot the glorious bluebells flowering in spring.

Bluebell walk, 12 May 10.30am–12.30pm

Join the head ranger at Stourhead to experience wonderful bluebell displays on a woodland walk and discover how the estate looks after the woods and wildlife.

Ticket charge £10 per adult and £5 per child.

Booking is essential, please call 0844 249 1895.

Make a weekend of it: Set at the entrance to Stourhead 89 Church Lawn is the perfect country cottage, especially as guests can enjoy bracing walks around the ornamental lake before the crowds. Sleeps seven.

To find out more about National Trust holiday cottages visit www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk or call 0844 8002070 and get planning a truly memorable holiday.

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