New Forest Part 3

Wednesday Bit of a lie in for everyone this morning, exhausation was definitely catching up with us all. Charlie had got into my bed in the middle of the night but as soon as he woke up he had to go back in to Fran of course, some devastatingly important mutual DS playing was urgently needed.

Breakfast done and dusted we hit the road, heading for the glorious Sandbanks so we could get the ferry to the even more glorious Brownsea Island. We parked in the beach car park, had a quick nosy at the gorgeous beach and asked a random lifeguard how to get to the ferry. It was really hot at this point and the walk up to the ferry was not much fun in the heat, but after 20 minutes we survived and passed lots of the millionaires mansions. I loved the glass and colours on this one



We watched the chain ferry for a few minutes whilst waiting for our ferry and chewed over the fact that had I known it the day before we could have used the chain ferry to get to Corfe Castle and saved about 40 minutes of driving - arrgh.

On the Brownsea Island ferry


Straight to the NT cafe for lunch (seeing a bit of a pattern here) and this rather friendly but tomato hating little chap joined us under our table much to the children's amusement


After that we wandered up to the start of the trails and debated on whether to explore the island or go to the Wetlands Nature Reserve, one vote for each option meant I had to make the decision so it was exploring the island. At the visitors centre there was a display on the history of the island, a short video and some colouring sheets which both children did. Then we were off on the childrens treasure trail.

We were treated to some fantastic views of Sandbanks, Poole harbour mouth and Shell Bay





The views on this side of the island were my favourite I think - it was very beautiful.

Discussion about which was the right way


The other side of the Island


Amazingly tame duckings that allowed both children to stroke them and ate out of their hands


Almost at the end of the trail


The "illegal" way back to the exit


It took about 3 hours to get around the trail rather than the 1.5 hours reported but it was just so lovely and although plenty of people there we were alone for most of the time which was very tranquil. Fantastic place for kids to run about and explore. Quick mooch around the shop and an ice cream whilst waiting for the ferry back to the mainland. I would love to go back to again and do the nature reserve as well next time - its a fantastic place.

Back on the ferry and a walk back down to the car and off into Bournemouth for the surprise visit to the Oceanarium We came here almost two years and I was glad to see it was as good as I remembered. My favourite part was definitely the turtles.







Into the shop afterwards and Charlie got a cuddly turtle, named Zoom by Fran and a book of some description about something ocean-ish and Fran chose a rather lovely necklace. As we came the children spotted a merry go round and we very enthuasiastic when I asked if they'd like to go on it! It was a first for Charlie and they both loved it.

New Forest Part 2

Tuesday - after breakfast we set off for Corfe Castle Took over an hour to get there due to distance and traffic. They had rather a fantastic visitors centre in the car park with some really good artefacts and activities. The walk from the car park through a wooded valley with stream and some ruins and up a mountain to the castle was really lovely, although crossing the road in between two blind bends was a bit scary!

Crossing the bridge to the gatehouse


Wonky remains


On the way down again


Waiting for lunch in the NT tea room


Lunch was rather pleasant and then we had a mooch around the NT gift shop. Fran and Charlie both bought a bow and arrow and Fran also bought a cuddly dog whose name varied from Disney to Rowan to Ella to other things throughout the week and two little birthstones. Charlie also bought some birthstones and then wanted to donate some money to the castle so the member of staff helped him by explaining that if he handed cash over it went to the NT but if he bought a cuddly dragon keyring that money went straight to the Castle so he went for that option and handed over £3.

Back down through the gorgeous valley - much better on the way down and some playing in the stream.



We found these amazing little mushrooms growing in some ruins of the mill by the stream


Back to the car where we were treated to the stream train going past.

On the way home I saw signs for a Toy Museum so decided to take one of my fantastic surprise detours.





We got back to the lodge and they both went out to play with their bows arrows.


View from lodge


Bows and arrows


We had dinner that night at the second restaurant at the complex and it was lasagne all round and very nice too but not quite up to The Bistro's standard according to the little ones! Back to the lodge for more bow and arrow play and baths and then DS and reading before bed.

New Forest - Part 1

Monday saw the children up and raring to go a little too early for my liking. A few last minute work/website emergencies dealt with and we set off around 11.30am.

Just under an hour later when I was already fit to do unspeakable things to the A34 (how I despise that road) we'd stopped at the services for lunch. Highlight of lunch was the absolute look of disgust on Fran's face when Charlie came into the ladies with us. Did try to explain that big bustling service station mens toilets aren't the safest places for little boys to go alone but she was still appalled - made me smile and chuckle anyway.

Having purchased Mika's cd in the shop we all sang our way down the remainder of the A34 (have I mentioned I hate that road) M3, M27 and then on into the New Forest itself. Fran and Charlie were both beyond themselves with excitement at immediately seeing lots of New Forest ponies and proceeded to count them. 49 seen by the time we arrived at Sandy Balls at 2.30pm.

We drove round to our lodge and parked the car and then had a little look around the complex before collecting our keys at 3.00. Back to the lodge where I cruelly made everyone unpack and put away all their belongings before we went anywhere, it's the law you know.

We decided to do one of the nature trails/walks in the complex and then decided to do the one to the river. We never actually made it that far but had a lovely hour or so romping through valleys, forests and climbing mountains.

Setting off on our walk



View from the top



Nature spotting



Resting half way back up the mountain




After we made it back up to the top it was time for dinner so we continued round the complex and settled on The Bistro for eating at.

Fran was very sweet and looked incredulous when she asked if she could have three courses and I said of course - bless!



They both had the same, garlic bread to start, fresh cod, sautee pots and green beans for main and then profiteroles with hot choc sauce for pudding.

Back to the lodge and they played outside for a bit before coming in for reading and DS playing before bed.