Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Berkshire

The National Trust have a free open weekend most years I think. This year we took up the offer and went to Basildon Park. We have passed it so many times on our way to Beale Park (almost right across the road) that curiosity finally got the better of us to go take a peek over the wall.

What an excellent day it was, and how well timed with the gorgeous sunshine. We took a lovely stroll around the gardens, we sat and made daisy chains whilst looking across the valley with the river below.

We ducked in out of little mazes and willow hides watching people playing games in the grounds. Wandered round the rose garden and pretended to be statues. We then came across the 1950's laundry. What fun, looking at mangles, old irons, twin tubs and smelling carbolic soap, phew stinky.

Before going round the house we headed for the tea room. As is National Trust style (akin to WI standards I'm sure) the service and food were excellent with some wonderful cake.

We then stood on the grand balcony pretending to do royal waves to our minions (sorry fellow NT visitors) below and then ducked into a tour of the house.

Big apologies here, I didn't take any photos in the house as I completely forgot, more reason to go visit yourself!

Its not a guided tour, you are free to wonder between the rooms, there is a guide in each room who can explain things in detail and they were very friendly, open and knowledgeable.  They were happy to explain things to children and adults and give the children a little challenge to spot something or guess what an item was used for. There are also factual sheets in each room where were very well laid out, larger boxes if you have the time to read everything and smaller boxes with snippets and photos with quick detail explaining key points in the room.

Very little in the rooms are "of limits", you can touch things, play on the piano, with just the odd rope to guide your way. Lady Iliffe wanted it left as a family home and this is how it feels. Family photos on the side, old magazines scattered about. I think everyone's favourite room is the shell room. just WOW. Shells everywhere and even more in the tucked away drawers. Some are laid out for you to touch and listen to the sea in. Some set on a low table so the children can listen. The second excellent room was the 1950's kitchen, with a tray of old utensils that I remember playing with at grandparents houses. I think we had just sadly missed the drop scones being baked... a few crumbs were left.

18th century kitchen being restored

The house has been used in a few films us as Pride and Prejudice (2005) and The Wedding Video (2012), we pretended to swirl around the Garden Room like we were in a film surrounded by the most amazing Zuber wallpaper.
To keep children entertained when going round the house, there are changing eye-spy items around, when we went it was playing cards and vol au vents, and people playing bridge.

We then went back outside to enjoy the sunshine and have an ice cream. There are some lovely walks in the grounds to enjoy, but we were enjoying the sun shine a little too much to up and move for a walk. We will be back to do that soon.

After a visit to the gift shop we decided that we had such a great day we joined the National Trust. We really want to return again (marble run this summer sounds excellent fun), and also want to go off and visit a few other places. When considering the idea of joining for a year we then compared it to a trip to Legoland. One day at Legoland is around the same price as a years membership to the NT.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park/

A Family Weekend at Center Parcs

Oh how we love to go to Center Parcs. Between visits Charlotte is always asking to go again and seems to remember every detail about the trip. I'm not going to review Longleat again but just going to say what a great weekend we had.

It was my mums 70th Birthday (hope she doesn't mind me saying that), and as we are in Oxfordshire and my brother and his girlfriend are in Cornwall we were thinking of somewhere we could all meet for a weekend and find something for us all to do. We looked at quite a few cottages and holiday parks but eventually we thought it was nice to go somewhere where we don't have to drive for meals and day trips and something that suited every type of weather. Center Parcs, it was then.

Mum was a bit worried she might be the oldest person there, but that really wasn't the case. We did cheat and got the land train a few times to save going up and down the hill, and planned right it saved us some time (more time relaxing in the spa).
Most of the time was spent in the swimming pools, it was quite fun going down the rapids as grown-ups with my brother shrieking with laughter like we were 14 again. We had a family game of table tennis, which was highly amusing and we left Charlotte with her grandparents to make a bird box while we had a walk round the site.

For mums birthday, us girls went off to the spa while the boys (and Charlotte) were left to their own devices (they played crazy golf).

What a relaxing morning, 3 hours of lying around doing very little, dipping in and out of the different saunas and steam rooms and then finishing off with a massage that was over too quickly. Mum happened to mention to the staff it was her birthday and we were presented with champagne and chocolate. We didn't want to move from our seats watching the lovely view out of the relaxation room.

We had a mix of eating out and catering for ourselves, as its a holiday of course. Was amazing to watch the deer out of our living room window whilst having breakfast each morning. I've never seen deer so close at Center Parcs before.

We tried to drag the weekend out as long as possible with bowling and playing on the beach on our last day but eventually home time had to come. Now we are all taking about when we can go back.

OxTrails big launch in May

If you live in Oxfordshire and not heard of OxTrails yet why not as it sounds like such a great idea.

Imagine the scene where you wake up one morning, the sun is shining (I know this is England but its improving) and you think what can we do today. You don't want that same walk to the same pub you want something local but different. You go consult google and come up with x pages telling you what to do that day and feel like hiding under the duvet again. Then you click on your OxTrails app. Great there is a lovely walk 20mins drive away (or even bus or bike ride) you've not done before, there is a museum there and looks like a couple of tea rooms and local shops. We could make an afternoon of it or maybe a day.

Days Lock from Wittenham Clumps

Aside from the sun shine all the above is now possible thanks to OxTrails. The app is launching in May but you can already go check out their google map, pintrest, twitter or website for fab ideas that are on your doorstep.

Feeding sheep at Farmer Gows

You can even check out a theme for a real adventure, there is something to suit everyone with OxFood, OxLiterature, OxFilm, OxHistory and OxOutdoors.

My mother-in-law loves quaint little tea shops so she will of course love to check out OxFood. Those lovely little delli's that you have heard of but never quite found or unique shops like Added Ingredients in Abingdon. How about a nice pub lunch, maybe by the river.

Hubby loves his books so will be checking out OxLiterature for famous Oxfordshire author places like playing pooh sticks at Days Lock or Wind in the Willows at the River and Rowing Museum. Or bury yourself in some of the fantastic independent bookshops we have in the county.

Brother-in-law loves films and tv so I'm sure he will be going to check out OxFilm to follow in the footsteps of the famous Harry Potter or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Ibstone. We all know of Morse, Lewis and Downton Abbey, now you can go follow in their footsteps.

Mum loves a bit of history and Oxfordshire is awash with historical places like Blenheim Palace, Wallingford Castle and Wayland Smithy and the White Horse. Along with museums such as Vale and Downland at Wantage or the wonderful Pendon Museum.

As a family we love a good walk so OxOutdoors is our favourite, we are often visiting Harcourt Arboretum and Wittenham Clumps. We've also been to Farmer Gows and a number of the BBOWT reserves. But up next is Jarn Mound or maybe a cruise or punt on the Thames.

Its amazing how many places I didn't realise were right on our doorstep.

Go take a look at the website http://www.oxtrails.co.uk/ sign up to the twitter feed for the theme that interests you the most (or all of them), go check them out on pinterest or youtube take a look at the google map and look out for the going ons near you in May for the launch.

River and Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames

We really love going round child friendly museums, and museums are getting so much better at involving the children in different ways now. For a while we had been a bit unsure about visiting the River and Rowing museum though, under the mistaken belief that it was all about rowing and "that" boat race and that Charlotte would be really bored. How wrong we were.

The building on approach is wonderful. Wooden clad almost boathouse like with big glass windows that look out onto the river. Even the car park is interesting with lock gates, boats and a lock keepers shed, also life size models of  Sir Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steve Redgrave.

Once we were inside Charlotte rushed towards the Wind in the Willows gallery at lightning speed. She loved watching the story evolve in each of the scenes as they are brought to life. She loved going into Mr Toads caravan and we had to read that bit of the book before bedtime. She enjoyed it so much we then had to go round a second time (and a third before we left).

We then headed up the stairs to the larger galleries.

The rowing gallery was really interesting with various boats hung from the ceiling, a rowing machine to try out. Trying to row in time on one display was quite amusing. Seeing the size of some of the oars and also what they are made out of was good.

The next gallery we headed for was the history of Henley. Charlotte's favourite bit was obviously dressing up as if she was to attend the Royal Henley Regatta. But she loved to open up the drawers and look at local finds like the iron age coins.

The river gallery was our favourite, we knew about swan upping as Abingdon is the last stop on the river so liked reading about that. Its also about each stop along the Thames  how the river used to be used, various lock gates. The 'About water' display was really popular showing how much water you use flushing the toilet, having a shower or bath and using the dishwasher and how we get water to our house by connecting pipes.

The end of the gallery over looks Ratty's wildlife garden which Charlotte loved to look down on and then the activities at this end of the gallery were all about the wildlife that live on the river. Charlotte really enjoyed matching different things.

There are changing exhibitions on the ground floor and the current one until July 2013 is about paralympic rowing. This was fascinating, not just seeing kit from London 2012 but also what food, drink and utensils ocean rowers would take with them.

We had a lovely lunch in the cafe and then a short walk up to the weir and lock before leaving.

Unlike most museums this one is independent so there is an admission fee, but that will give you a years  entry (parking is free if you show your ticket on exit). But the museum is well worth the cost as there is a lot to see and do for children (and adults) of all ages. Its also a really popular museum and there are lots of what's on things going on so we are sure to return for some of them. We really regret not having visited sooner. http://rrm.co.uk/

Green Birthday Parties at Earth Trust, Oxfordshire

We decided to do a birthday party with a difference, we avoided having to organise party games in a hall, tantrums over not winning games and this new thing of sweets in every layer of pass the parcel. We decided on an extra cold February day to get the kids outside exploring. We still passed on the organising bit and left this to the excellent Corinne at Earth Trust.

 So with a dusting of snow fall on the ground we all met up at the earth trust offices, all of us decked out in at least 4 layers and thermals and the kids buzzing with anticipation of what was going to happen. I think the parents were interested with a bit of dread that it was "so cold / I could do with a good cup of coffee in the nearest cosy cafe". But soon enough with kids running ahead we were at the base of Wittenham Clumps. The kids were armed with a little plastic pot each to fill with things they could find. Corinne gave them instructions to find different colours and textures, and even on a freezing cold February day once you looked closely you did spot different things. Then they added a touch of snow for fairy dust.
Some magic water was added to their pots then they made a wish and turned them out, so the wish would come true.

Soon enough we were into the woods and finding twigs and leaves, and making magic wands with a face on the end and giving the wands magic powers.

The children went looking for fairy signs and put string on branches as signs for the fairies. We then looked for fairy houses in the trees and then collecting sticks and leaves to make fairy houses.

A couple of games of hide and seek in the woods to keep the kids moving and warm and we headed back to the party room. Muddy boots left outside and lunch boxes of food were waiting inside for the children (and cups of much needed warm coffee and tea for the adults).


All the children went home having had a great time, it was the talk of the playground for most of the week. I've been informed by most parents that the magic wand has pride of place in the garden and there are fairies hiding at the end of the garden. This was a fairy party, but boys and girls were invited and the boys loved it just as much as the girls. It really was inclusive. As said by one little boy on his way home "I didn't think I would enjoy a fairy party but it was great fun". There are other themes of parties and they vary depending on the age group and time of year.

The food, coffee and tea supplies, cake, balloons and party bags were provided by us, but surprisingly took minimal effort, no prizes had to be thought of or 50 layers of wrapping for pass the parcel.

What are we going to do next birthday, probably another Earth Trust party as I really don't think it could be topped as an excellent idea that gets kids exploring. Please also read my recent post about why its so important to get children outside.

Reasons to... explore the great outdoors

Followers on twitter will know that we just had an excellent birthday party where the kids went out exploring. No running round a Church hall for us and playing party games, good fresh air and getting grubby, girls and boys. I've written a review about the party but something at the party made me think.

The group consisted mostly of school friends, and 2 old friends from nursery who have gone onto different schools. At Princess C's school one day a week, no matter what the weather, they go out to the wooded area of the school field and explore. I'm not sure what they get up to but it involves a lot of mud judging by the state they come home in. The kids love this day, they play hide and seek, listen to bird songs and make bird feeders, learn about fungi and moss. I'm sure the teacher can go into more details but 4/5 year old's are very short on feedback at the end of the school day.

So when all the kids went out exploring at the party they really got into it, they almost seemed upset when it was time to go in and the cold didn't seem to bother them. Except for the 2 girls from different schools. Both complained about the cold, neither got into exploring or wanted to take home what they made that day. I don't think it was down to them not knowing anyone in the group as they were made to feel welcome and mixed well. But I do know neither child goes to a school with a wild outdoor area that they can explore every week.

Sadly in school their outdoor exploring day doesn't extend beyond reception, from year 1 I think it focuses more on sports. But I'm so please she has had this time to develop a love of getting out there, getting grubby and learning things.

Schools are being forced to expand to make way for extra classes, this means valuable outdoor areas are being concreted over. Some parents didn't even know the place we visited existed, yet it's right on their doorstep and can be seen for some miles. If parents don't take their children out, and schools get concreted over what chance do children have to know what is out there... watching Bear Grylls on tv.

In April it will be a year from when the National Trust launched their 50 things to do before you're 11 and 3/4. I do hope this has made an impact, we did a blog post on how to complete some of your 50 things within Oxfordshire.

Natural History Museum, Tring, Hertfordshire

 Everyone knows of, and quite possibly visited, the Natural History Museum in London. In Tring is their sister museum which was started by Walter Rothschild over 100 years ago.
The history of the museum and Walter is amazing. The NHM website has excellent video which is fascinating viewing and puts it all a lot better than I can write it.

The museum is quite unique in that the cases and animals are still displayed as Wrothchild left them. The cases are quite close together. Not like the wide open spaced museums we often find now. Animals are also grouped as they were 100 years ago, by type lion, monkey, fish etc these days we have a variation on this theme. Some cases are also very cluttered, the animals are posed and displayed in a way you wouldn't find now. These aren't negative points at all... its just a very different museum to what we see a lot of now. It reminds me slightly of the pitt-rivers in Oxford. A low light museum with so much to see at every turn, and you see something different every time. It all adds to the atmosphere.

There is such a variety of animals, and such an amazing vast selection, yet this is only some of it. Some were sold and some used for study. Walter used to keep animals on his land in Tring, popular animals being tortoises and zebras. The zebras he harnsed up to a cart and he was pulled past Buckingham Palace. These zebras can now be seen on display.

There is a really big display of dogs, not something you would expect to see in a museum. Some of the breeds were unusual yet some we recognised the names but as cross breeding has continued the animals looked different to the ones you will see today.

There was a video on taxidermy .. we skipped this. Sorry. Just could not watch. You can read the display next to it which we did and look at the types of eyes used.

We brought a worksheet from the shop before we went in, and it was fun to find all the letters and spot the different animals in the display cases. We also grabbed a bite to eat from the cafe, its very compact and the food was ok, if the weather was nice it would have been good to take a picnic and eat it outside.

NHM Tring was an excellent few hours of exploring, its free to enter and has free parking. It was really busy when we went, with kids of all ages having an excellent time. Some areas were a little cramped with large pushchairs but every area is accessible with lifts.
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/tring/index.html