Saturday 30 May 2015

Little holiday

So last weekend  we went on our first family camping trip, just the four of us. The baby, the dog, me and the Protector of our Realm. Rob and I used to go a lot before Reegan was born and our dog Inca would usually sleep in with us and steal all out blankets, but she had to sleep in the car this time because she is in season and we were worried about her squishing the baby in the night. It was also the first time we used our new tent, a four man standing height that has inflatable tubing rather than poles. IT WAS AWESOME. We got it as an investment, so that we could have affordable family holidays for years in it and the fact that it's inflatable meant that Rob could assemble it in about five minutes just on his own whilst I entertained the dog and the baby.

We went to a place in Devon called Park Farm, and it was a really nice family campsite with lots of animals and lots of random trampolines everywhere. Really great for kids and the grounds were clean and well kept and the facilities were lovely too.

Reegan playing in the tent


Family selfie at Powderham Castle with Rob doing the babywearing.


My yummy cream tea at the Castle 


On the second day (after I spent the first day collecting leaflets, because I have a notorious obsession with them) we decided to visit Powderham Castle, because it was only half an hour away from where we were staying. It wasn't huge, but it was very beautiful. I managaed to take pictures outside, as you can see from the lunch we enjoyed in the Castle courtyard, but due to their insurance policy you are not allowed to take pictures  inside and you can only take the guided tour, no tour guide:no entry. The castle belongs to the Earl of Devon and I think it was his son or grandson that was just moving back in with his family that day. I have never visited anything quite like it, our guide was very friendly and relaxed, and had lots of audience participation with sending children to find the secret doors and such. Every room had a story and there was so much family history surrounding it all, you really do feel as if you are a guest of the Earl himself, with his family photos, portraits and heirlooms in every room. We were even treated to a little personal story from his son about a pair of haunted  sea shells he had recently placed on a shelf. I ended up taking the tour by myself whilst Rob spent time with our girls in the sunshine and I enjoyed it all the more because  of this. So sorry I can't show you any pictures  but if you're ever visiting the South West of England, south south I mean, then Powderham castle is well worth a visit I can assure you. It is also where the staircase scene from the film Remains of the Day, so if you have seen it you can imagine how incredible the rest of the house is.

In conclusion we had a short trip, but successful and wonderful and only the beginning of the many memories we will make together as a family.

21 comments:

  1. You are so lucky to be able to go visit these castles. I am so envious. Sounds like a really fun camping trip.

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    1. Yeah,although we fantasise about emigrating alot (Rob wants to move to Canada even though we've never been!) England is just so rich in history and it's wonderful.

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  2. Sounds like a fun family trip . Gorgeous family pics

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  3. Sounds like a fun family trip . Gorgeous family pics

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  4. The castle sounds great and I am glad you got a little time on your own as well!

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    1. The time alone was really unexpected and kind of opened my eyes to the prospect of museum-visiting on my own in future because it was nice to fully immerse myself and not worry if anybody else was enjoying it!

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    2. The time alone was really unexpected and kind of opened my eyes to the prospect of museum-visiting on my own in future because it was nice to fully immerse myself and not worry if anybody else was enjoying it!

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  5. The castle looks lovely!

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    1. It was! One of the best Castle visits I have done, probably because it is still very much lived in! The owners dogs were casually wandering around... lol

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    2. It was! One of the best Castle visits I have done, probably because it is still very much lived in! The owners dogs were casually wandering around... lol

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  6. It was like there was so much fun there!;) Just found ur blog and it's inspiring baby, so would u mind to follow each other?
    Ive followed u, would u please follow me back?<3
    Thank u xoxo

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  7. seems like a nice trip. and I too am jealous of your castles!

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    1. It was. I think British people definitely take them for granted sometimes!

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  8. What a lovely family day :D I love castles, when I see one I have to visit it!!

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    1. Me too! We drove past one in south Wales earlier this year that we couldn't visit at the time and I am itchint to get back there!

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    2. Me too! We drove past one in south Wales earlier this year that we couldn't visit at the time and I am itchint to get back there!

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  9. Looks like a lovely family getaway!

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