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.