Our Day at Morwellham Quay

Our Day at Morwellham Quay

We’re long overdue a trip to Morwellham Quay. The last time we went we had to stop half way there as Ryan felt car sick and he used his Nintendo DS as a sick bucket. It’s fair to say that the DS died a gruesome death that day. However, all was not lost as we had a fantastic day.

What is there to do?

Ride the Copper Mine Train – Take a ride on the train and admire the view before entering the George and Charlotte copper mine.

Traditional Crafts – Watch local Craftsmen working in the forge or pottery and rope making in the village.

Chocolate Making – Discover where chocolate came from and how it is made. Take part and make your own chocolate treat.

Victorian School – Experience school life in Victorian times including the strict regime and punishments.

Morwellham Quay

The Brewery – Sample Beer and Cider from the brewery and learn how it’s produced.

Victorian bakery – Learn the traditional techniques, knead some dough and make your own bread roll.

Mining Copper – Smash a rock and see what riches you can find.

Panning for Gold – Kids love this traditional way of searching for precious metals.

The Garlandstone – Step on board one of the last cargo vessels built in England.

Play areas – Let off some steam in the kids play area.

Dress like a Victorian – There are loads of costumes for both adults and kids to try on which is a lot of fun.

Opening Times

10.00am – 5.00pm

Dogs are welcome and there is wheelchair access, but there are lots of cobbles.

Ticket Prices

  • Adults: £10.95
  • Children under 3 years old: FREE
  • Children 3 – 16 years: £8.95
  • Concessions: £9.95
  • Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £34.95

If you book your tickets online there is a 10% discount.

How to find it:

Enjoy.

Lisa x

Don’t forget to have a look at all our other suggestions for places to take the kids in Devon Whether you live here or are visiting.

Happy Days – chippy chips and Rain

Happy Days Linky

Happy Days – Monday started off with a grey sad-looking sky so I suggested a trip to the museum or the library. Isabelle fancied the museum with a Trip to the park on the way. We got ready in such a leisurely manner that it was almost lunchtime before we left the house. I was going to make a little picnic but there’s a great chip shop near the park so I thought we would be naughty and get some chips and eat them in the park. This part went so well. We got the chips and found a picnic table at the park. Isabelle ran off to the play equipment whilst I went to the bin where I was mugged by a seagull who was determined to get the chip wrappers. The seagull won!

happy_days

We had a play on the equipment for less than 10 minutes before the heavens opened and it poured down with rain. Parents and kids all ran off in different directions looking for shelter. We started off under the slide but big blobs of water started to drop through the gaps so we had to run to a big tree to camp under until it stopped. Isabelle thought it was hilarious! When it finally got to drizzling we decided to make a dash to the museum – which of course doesn’t open on a Monday. We ended up at home wet but happy!

Tuesday was a workday for me and Isabelle was at Nanny and Papas. I did the final bag check for Ryan. It’s the last time I’m going to see him before he sets off on a plane to Spain tomorrow. I’m going to miss him but on the plus side, there will be snacks in the cupboard for the rest of us!

Thursday I was a bag of nerves as it was my last day in my current job. I’m going to miss my job! I’m going to miss my colleagues and I’m going to miss my desk. They made my last day lovely and I walked out with a smile on my face.

happy_days

Friday Isabelle and I spent the day together. We took Charlie out for a walk and played games. It was my leaving do in the evening so I ate, drank and laughed the night away.

happy_days

happy_days

Saturday Isabelle went to the cinema kids club to watch Sing and later on we went to a reptile birthday party where we met all kinds of animals including a baby skunk, a tenrec and a tagu. The tagu was enormous but it was so so beautiful. We even touched a snake!

Hope you have a great week.

Lisa x

The #HappyDaysLinky is hosted by  @WhatKatysaidUK and @QFSheSaid. 

*This post may contain affiliate links which means that I receive a small payment should you click the link and make a purchase at no extra cost to yourself.

The Miniature Pony Centre

The Miniature Pony Centre

We’ve been to the Miniature Pony Centre quite a few times over the years, but we never get bored of it. There’s plenty to do and lots of open spaces for kids to have fun.

Miniature Pony Centre

What is there to do?

Animals – Despite the name, there are lots of other animals as well as the ponies. Pop into the paddock where there are loads of ponies roaming around that you can stroke. See how many different colours and size ponies you can spot. If your kids take a real shine to the ponies they can take part in a Pony Care Day where they learn to look after a pony.

Birds and Poultry – You are most likely to be greeted by a peacock when you arrive at the Pony Centre as they wander around freely. There are also aviaries dotted around which are home to cockatiels and various breeds of chicken.

Miniature Donkeys – It’s not just miniature ponies at the centre. They also have miniature Mediterranean donkeys who love to be stroked and cuddled. If it rains, you will find the donkeys in the barn.

Baby Animals – Lots of babies have been born this year including foals, piglets, lambs, and chicks.

Pets Paddock – Here you will find some of the smaller animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, and creepy crawlies.

Heavy Horses – The Miniature Pony Centre is home to Buster the Shire Horse and Harris the Suffolk Punch. These are enormous beautiful animals who are usually in the barn, but if you’re lucky they might be in the arena.

Lionhead Rabbits – These are lovely rabbits with a furry mane. We had one and he was so soft and fluffy.

Giant African Land Snails – Eeek!

Giant Millipedes – kids love these. Isabelle has held quite a few of these.

Stick insects – See if you can spot them in amongst the branches.

Skinny Pigs – I only found out about these a few months ago. They are totally cute and totally bald!

As well as the animals there are indoor and outdoor play areas. Plenty of picnic areas and open spaces to sit on the grass.

Pony Rides – This is lovely to do if you get the chance and suitable from ages 3 – 10 years. The riders are suitably matched with a pony and are guided by the experienced staff. There is an additional £2.00 charge for this.

Facilities

There is a lovely cafe where you can buy hot and cold food as well as drinks, snacks and ice creams.

Dogs are not allowed in the Pony Centre but they do provide free kennels.

Opening Times

7 days a week between 22nd March – 29th October

10.30 – 4.30 (10.00 – 5.00pm in August)

Ticket Prices

  • Adults: £8.50
  • Children 3 – 16 years: £7.50
  • Senior Citizens: £7.00
  • Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £30.00

How to find it:

Let us know what you think if you take a trip.

Lisa x

Don’t forget to have a look at all our other suggestions for places to take the kids in the South West whether you live here or are visiting.

A Day at Pennywell Farm

Pennywell Farm

All kids big and small love a farm and there’s plenty to do at Pennywell Farm!

What is there to do?

Kids and adults can take part in lots of farm-based fun including egg collecting at Funky Fowl, goat milking the old-fashioned way, and bottle feeding the lambs and goats.

Have a go at pond dipping and Ferret and Pig racing – Miniature Pigs!!!!

Pets Teatime – Have a snuggle with your favourite pet and give them a treat.

Planting – Plant a seed and take it home as a reminder of Pennywell Farm.

Pennywell Farm

Meet the Animals

Heavy Horses – Meet Fusilier the Shire Horse – See how far you have to look up before you see his head.

Miniature Pigs – These adorable little piggies are definitely worth a visit. Keep an eye out for the piggy racing times and feeding times which are a treat.

Pets – Have cuddles with friendly rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, chicks, and ducklings.

Funky Fowl – Meet the many birds in the international poultry collection.

Goats and Kid Goats – Join the cheeky kid goats in their purpose-built goatarama.

Ponies and Donkeys – Stroke and brush the many ponies and donkeys.

Ewes and Lambs – If you’re lucky you will get the chance to bottle feed a lamb.

Tortoises – Pennywell farm has its very own Tortoise Retirement Village for tortoises whose owners can no longer look after them.

Alpaca – Meet Tommy and Toffee the Alpaca. Who can resist their beautiful eyes.

Pennywell Farm

Rides

If the animals aren’t enough for you, there are rides available.

Red Rocket – Launch around the battlefield. Suitable from age 4.

Tractor and Trailer Ride – All the family can take part in this for a ride across the grounds across to Dartmoor National Park.

Rainbow Railway – Take a ride on this miniature train.

Run Rabbit Go-Karts – Race mum and dad on these fun go-karts. Suitable from age 8.

Facilities

If the weathers great take a picnic. If the weather isn’t great you can still take a picnic as there are both undercover and outdoor picnic tables available.

Or if you fancy treating yourself to lunch there, then choose from a selection of locally sourced food and drinks from Henny Penny’s Cafe.

Microwaves are also available for heating up baby food.

How much does it cost?

  • Child Under 3 years old – FREE
  • Child 3 – 16 years – £10.95
  • Adults – £14.95
  • Senior – £13.95

There are also lots of upcoming events which include Elfic the Jester, Animal Yoga, and Poco Drom – all of the details can be found on their Events Page.

Have a great day.

Lisa

Pssst – Don’t forget to have a look at the many other suggestions for the School Holidays. Check out our #SchoolHols2017 page for many great days out in the South West.

*images taken from www.pennywellfarm.co.uk 

Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle

We’re lucky being in Exeter that we’re close to many great places to take the kids. Powderham Castle is a stone’s throw away from us and has lots on offer for the kids to do.

Powderham Castle

Opening Times

11 am – 4.30 pm Sunday – Friday (Not open on Saturdays).

Dogs are allowed on a lead in parts of the grounds. Not in the Deer Park or Walled Garden.

What’s On?

Between 30th July – 4th August the Pocketwatch Theatre Company are going to be there telling magical tales of Knights, Dragon’s, Witches and Wizards. The sessions run for approximately 45 – 60 minutes and are aimed at 5 – 11-year-olds. Tickets are available on the day.

A Guided Tour of the Castle – Take a guided tour inside the castle where you will explore the many beautiful rooms and listen to stories of the Courtenay family and the history of the castle.

The Walled Garden Play Area & Pets Corner – Housed in what was originally a Victorian Walled Garden is now home to many animals and a play area for kids.  Here you will find a donkey, pot-bellied pigs, goats, chickens, sheep, guinea pigs, and apparently stick insects. There’s a large picnic area with seating and the Courtenay Fort.

Powderham Castel

Themed Days – As mentioned above they have a Knights and Dragons event, but listed on the Powderham Castle Website are many more:

  • Knights & Dragons – Sunday 30 July – Friday 4 August
  • Faerie Folk – Sunday 6 – Friday 11 August
  • Robin Hood – Sunday 13 -Friday 18 August
  • Pirates & Mermaids – Sunday 20 – Saturday 26 August
  • Wonderland – Sunday 27 August – Friday 1 September

These are all provided by the Pocket Watch Theatre Company and Clive PiG so it’s likely that whenever you visit there will be something a bit special happening.

Birds of Prey – Running from 23rd July – 1st September Devon Bird of Prey will be holding demonstrations twice daily (1pm & 3.30pm) and you may even get a chance to hold one of the birds.

The Potting Shed – I’m not sure if this is a new addition as I haven’t noticed this before, but your kids can have a go at planting something which they can take home with them.

Deer Park Safari – Hands up who has a competition to see who can spot the deer first? My in-laws live in Starcross so we always look out for them when we’re on the train (a better view). If they’re sitting out on the grass it’s a sign of a nice day. Not sure how true it is but they always sit out on the nicer days. Take the Safari Tractor Train ride which takes approximately 35 minutes around the grounds to meet many deer (approximately 600) and other wildlife. There is an additional charge for this of £2.50.

Nature Trails – There are two nature trails which you can follow and daily nature craft activities are on offer in the Nature Nook.

How Much Does it Cost?

  • Adult tickets start from £8.50
  • Children (4 – 16) start from £6.50
  • Family ticket from £23.50

The full-priced ticket price does also allows you to return for free within 7 days if you get it validated on the day.

How to get there

Oh and don’t forget to try some of the many yummy cakes that they always seem to have.

Have you been to Powderham Castle? Share your thoughts below in the comments.

For more inspiration of places to visit in Devon, please take a look at our Devon Days Out page. 

 

 

Summer Time – Garden Play

Summer Time Garden Play

Summer Time Garden Play – Here are some ideas of things you can do with your children during the summer holidays. For days when you are at home make use of your garden as much as possible for hours of enjoyment.

Balls

  • Footballs, sponge balls, tennis balls, beach balls, bouncy balls, cricket balls, golf balls, basketballs, and more. Balls provide hours of fun and can be played with by all ages.
  • For babies, this could be rolling or chasing to encourage crawling, and for older children can be anything from a mini-game of football to garden tennis.
  • Ball pools – you can buy a pop-up type ball pit or use a small paddling pool and fill it with plastic balls.
  • Count how many bounces or bats they can do, or keepy-uppies (not sure of the spelling of that one).


Skipping Ropes

    • Can be played individually or with friends.
    • Again along the same lines as with balls, you could count how many skips and each person try and beat their own score.
    • Skipping games. I was an avid skipper as a child, but not a single rhyme comes to mind but I’m sure that your children will be able to get you up to speed on the latest playground songs.

Sandpits 

Sandpits for small children are great fun. As well as buckets and spades give them bottles, cups, teapots, and other things that they can put the sand into and pour out.

Paddling Pools

Again make bottles, cups, and other fillable items available. Great for hot days, but don’t forget that the hottest part of the day 11 am – 3 pm would be best in the shade.

Garden Toys

This includes everything from slides, swings and ride-on toys. Whilst a lot of garden toys are a costly outlay, you really will get your money’s worth. Most garden toys are extremely durable and will last for as long as your children will play with them. Head on down to your local Car Boot Sale as people tend to sell this type of thing at this time of year and you can pick up a few items for a fraction of the price.

Play tent for children with tunnel and ball pit

Make a Den

Provide your children with blankets and cushions and leave them to their own imagination.

Gardening

This has become very popular of late with everybody having a pop at growing their own vegetables whether in an allotment or on their kitchen windowsill. You can buy child-specific gardening kits which includes everything to get you started or you could start with some plant pots, soil, and seeds. I recommend sunflowers to get you started and don’t forget to keep a record of the highest one.

Childrens wooden art easel

Painting and drawing

During the summer months, you can transfer any painting activities out into the garden. We also had enormous chalk sticks for drawing on the patio which can be easily washed away.

Picnics

Turn your usual lunch into a picnic by letting the children sit on a blanket in the garden.

Trampolines

A trampoline is probably the best thing we’ve bought to date for the kids. It gets so much use.

These are just a few summertime garden play ideas you can do with your children this summer. Our little girl who is 10 months old has just been introduced to the paddling pool and already it’s a huge hit. Don’t forget to get stuck in and re-introduce yourself to the hula hoop and skipping rope. Go on, you know you want to!

*This post may contain affiliate links which means that I receive a small payment should you click the link and make a purchase at no extra cost to yourself.

Exeter Central Library

Exeter Central Library

As we live in Exeter this post is based on what’s on offer in Exeter Central Library but I’m sure that your local library is running something similar so do pop in or head on over to their website to see what they’re up to.  Click here to find your local library.

The main library in Exeter City Centre is pretty awesome. It has a huge children’s section with cool squishy seating areas and a rocking horse. They of course have oodles and oodles of books that you can borrow as well as audio books (great for travelling) and a massive selection of DVD’s that you can borrow as well.

Our library also has computers which can be used with parental supervision.

Exeter Central Library

What is there to do?

Summer Reading Challenge – This FREE event is taking place all the way through the summer holidays. Pop into the library where you can sign up for the challenge pack and investigation kit. This is great for getting the kids reading and rewards are given along the way. The suggested age for this is 4 – 11 years.

Animal Agents Craft Session – Monday 7th August + Monday 21st August – 10.00am – 3.00pm – Animal themed craft sessions on a drop-in basis and FREE.

Willow Puppet Workshop – 3rd August 10.00am – The PaddleBoat Theatre Company have packed a very big suitcase full of exciting theatre shows and creative workshops for all the family to enjoy this summer. Come and weave willow into beautiful mini puppets that you can take home! Learn this ancient craft and get to see how some of the props have been made in PaddleBoat Theatre Company’s brand new show Rustle. This is suitable for ages 6 years + and needs to be booked in advance via The Phoenix.

Above Bounds Theatre Collective Staging Adaptions Workshop –  Friday 4th August – The PaddleBoat Theatre Company have packed a very big suitcase full of exciting theatre shows and creative workshops for all the family to enjoy this summer. This storytelling workshop is inspired by Hans Christian Anderson fairytales. Suitable from 4 – 7 years and is £4.00 for the session which can be booked via The Phoenix.

Sharp Teeth Theatre Storytelling Workshop – Friday 4th August 2.00pm – PaddleBoat Theatre Company have packed a very big suitcase full of exciting theatre shows and creative workshops for all the family to enjoy this summer. This session is an adventure with terrifying magic and beautiful music. Suitable from 7 – 12 years which can be booked via The Pheonix.

Free Shadow Puppetry Workshops – The Ugly Duckling & Other Tales – Monday 14th August – 11.00am + 2.00pm – Above Bounds will be waiting for you to join them in creating your very own shadow puppet inspired by the traditional art of Wayang Kulit. This workshop will delight the senses whilst introducing you to the rich world of fairy-tales. Suitable for all ages and FREE. Tickets available from the library.

Storytime with Loreley Amiti – The Moon Lantern – Friday 18th August – 2.00pm – 2.30pm – Pop along to meet Loreley Amiti where she will be reading The Moon Lantern. Under 5’s only FREE drop-in session.

Boo to a Goose Theatre Presents: The Magic Garden – Tuesday 29th August – 2.30pm – Join Auntie Mimi and Mr Forget-me-not for a picnic in their Magic Garden. This enchanting, multi-sensory show with puppets and music, is sure to delight the whole family. Bring your teddy along for this session. Suitable for under 5’s. £4.00 per child. Tickets available from the library.

These are just a few of the events and sessions that are available at Exeter Central Library this summer. Do have a look at the library website for further details.

As well as the library, there is also a lovely cafe area where you can have a nice cuppa and a piece of cake. AND if it ever stops raining there’s a lovely space to sit outside.

Have fun!

Lisa x

Don’t forget to check out our other suggestions all listed on the #SchoolHols2017 page.

 

Simple Mackerel Pate

Simple Mackerel Pate Recipe

Simple Mackerel Pate Recipe – As a mum, I love to keep things simple, and as a family, we’re quite good at making meals that double up into a couple of meals or more.

Simple Mackerel Pate Recipe

Cooking a chicken as a roast, making a pasta dish the next day and a stirfry for the following day is quite a usual occurrence and is great for us as working parents.

I have to confess that Daddy is the main meal maker in our family and has a far better eye for making a meal from anything and everything, including whipping up a meal on the day before shopping day from the randoms left in the fridge/cupboard.

I will share some of these recipes with you as well as our firm family favourites.

One of my fave meals at the moment is mackerel salad. It’s really easy and quick to make. We usually buy the peppered mackerel fillets and grill them to make them extra crispy. We make a salad with lettuce leaves, rocket, red peppers, cucumber, tomatoes and beetroot and top it off with a side helping of potato salad (will share the recipe at some point).

Anyway, I always save some of the mackerel fillets to make Mackerel Pate for me and Belle the following day.

How to make

So to make the pate, you have to add mackerel fillets (we normally save 2 – 3) and put in the whizzer (aka blender), whiz it through for about 30 seconds, add a good squeeze of lemon, and then about 3 good tablespoons of mayonnaise.

If you don’t have a whizzer you can mash up the fillets with a fork which makes it slightly chunkier, but Isabelle prefers the smoother version.

Put into a bowl and then make a pile of toast.

Voila! Simple Mackerel Pate.

Easy lunch for you and your little!

Lisa x

*This post may contain affiliate links which means that I receive a small payment should you click the link and make a purchase at no extra cost to yourself.

The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary

Have you been to the Donkey Sanctuary? We were there on Sunday for the Family Farm Day but unfortunately, it poured down with rain. We did, however, make a trip round to see the many donkeys and grab an ice cream.

The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969, by Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen where she dedicated her life to rescuing abandoned and mistreated donkeys. You can read more about her amazing story and life’s work on the Donkey Sanctuary Website as well as info on how you can help.

A Donkey from the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth

What’s on?

During the School Holidays from 21st July – 3rd September 2017 they are running an Around the World Trail. You can pick up a trail sheet for £3.00 and can collect your ice cream prize at the end.

Entry into the Donkey Sanctuary is FREE as is the car park.

There are loads of donkeys to see along many trails including the giant Poitou Donkeys.

Discover the path to the beach through the Field of Dreams or follow the guided walks.

Take part in the twice-daily donkey grooming and lose yourself in the maze.

They also have a newly built restaurant called The Kitchen serving locally-sourced hot and cold food to suit both adults and children.

All proceeds taken at the Donkey Sanctuary go towards the work that takes place on-site and worldwide.

A couple of people stroking a donkey at the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth

As well as being family-friendly, the Donkey Sanctuary is pram and wheelchair-friendly. You can also take your four-legged friends with you as long as they are on a lead.

The Donkey Sanctuary makes for a great chilled-out day. Ruffle the heads of a donkey or two and make sure that you stay for feeding time where you will see all the donkeys running and honking towards the food!

They also run events throughout the year so keep an eye on their Facebook Page for upcoming details.

For more great places to visit in Devon, take a look at our Devon Days Out Page for more suggestions.

•Images from www.donkeysanctuary.org.uk 

#SchoolHols2017 – Exeter Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Exeter Royal Albert Memorial Museum

So far I’ve only posted about out-doorsy type days out but after we got drenched and had to camp out under a tree whilst it poured down I thought it would be a good idea to choose an indoor activity. We make regular trips to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum as they run lots of themed events throughout the year as well as all the great treasures to discover in the Museum.

A display of butterflies at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum

What is there to do?

Loads.

If you’re visiting with little ones don’t forget to pick up a Bee-Bag which is full of stuff to make the most of your visit to the museum.

For older children (7 – 14 years) you can pick up an explorer bag from the Garden Reception.

There are lots of interactive areas dotted throughout the Museum.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Here are a few of the activities on offer over the Summer Holidays:

  • 2nd – 3rd August – Create a Neon Seascape – Draw an underwater world in neon crayons and fill it with fluorescent fish, sparkling starfish, or luminous lobsters. Suitable from 3 years. This is a drop-in session.
  • Various dates in August – Little Explorers – A chance for under-fives to take a journey of discovery and take part in art and craft activities inspired by the museum’s collections. Pre-booking for these sessions is advised.
  • 16th – 17th August – Make a Lego Aquarium – Who doesn’t love to play and create with Lego? Add to the display with your own underwater addition. Suitable from 3 years.
  • 23rd – 24th August – Marine Masks and High Tide Hats – Make a hat and decorate it with seaweed and fish or a mask and turn yourself into a seahorse or an anemone. This is a drop-in activity and is suitable from 3 years.
  • Various dates in August – Lots of underwater activities – Made an under the sea scene on a lightbox, make a badge, use a microscope or magnifying glass. These are drop-in sessions so do pop over to the site for more details.
  • 9th – 10th August – Suspended Sea Creatures and Meet the Curator – Make a realistic or imaginary underwater friend to dangle in a display from our cafe balcony. Take along your own beach finds and chat to Holly the Curator. Suitable from 5 years.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Don’t forget to pop into the cafe for some lovely cake.

Opening Times

Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm.

Note (mostly to myself) that the Museum is not open on a Monday. Hand’s up how many times you’ve turned up on a Monday!

How much does it cost?

The Museum is FREE but some activities have a suggested donation, and others are bookable paid for activities.

What we think

We love the museum. You can go there for a quick drop-in or take your time and spend the whole afternoon there. As it’s based in the centre of Exeter it can be a pit-stop for the kids after you’ve dragged them around the shops.

If you’re visiting Devon and looking for something to do then please have a look at out other Devon Days Out for some more inspiration.