Category: UK

January 16, 2026 UK, Uncategorized Post a Comment

Climbing Snowdon with Kids….

Climbing Snowdon with kids

If you are planning on climbing Mount Snowdon with kids then here’s my guide on how to tackle this exciting adventure. It was an extremely challenging experience which we planned and prepared for over 6 months. So if you are considering climbing Snowdon there are lots of factors to consider. One is the fitness levels of you and your family. My advice would be to do plenty of research before hand and lots of practise hikes. All the paths up Snowdon are challenging, so do plenty of research to choose the right route for you and your family.

If like us you have never hiked such a distance and steep ascent with your kids before you might be feeling a little apprehensive about what to expect. Read on for how we prepared for our big adventure and more…

 

How to prepare for a Snowdon hike with kids:

Emily was eight years old when we took on the Snowdon challenge and we had never done anything like this before. She would often moan on the one mile walk home from school so this was a daunting but exciting adventure for all of us! We chose to raise money for a charity close to Emily’s heart, a school in Nepal which her Primary school raises money for. This helped to give Emily the extra motivation she needed. In total she raised over £300!

We started doing longer walks at home around four months before our planned climb. Choosing a variety of terrains was hard on the south coast of the UK as we don’t have a lot of hills! So this wasn’t always a given on our walks. We did choose some great cliff top hikes with steep inclines and also a four mile walk on a shingle spit for that added extra effort. Four miles was in fact the most we built up to walking with Emily. The hike up Snowdon and back we knew was roughly 9.5 miles so for Emily we felt this was a good build up to the real thing. In all honesty we ran out of time to do any more walks so rightly or wrongly made the decision that with a positive mindset we’d make it through the rest!

There’s a lot to consider for climbing Snowdon with kids. From which route to take and time of year to visit, to training and building up fitness before hand. We started our ‘training walks’ in January and climbed Snowdon in the same year in April. We wore the hiking boots we planned to wear on our walk up Snowdon so Emily’s feet could get used to them. Teamed with a pair of breathable socks and the sports leggings she was going to wear on the trek.

 

When to climb Snowdon with kids:

We chose April to climb up Snowdon. During half-term worked best for us when the kids were off school. After doing my own research this time of year seemed good. We chose a weekday and although busy it didn’t feel as overcrowded as I expected. We started at 7am and didn’t see anyone else until a couple of hours into our hike.

Set off early to avoid crowds, this also allows plenty of time to reach the summit and get back before dark. We set off at 7am and got back to our car just before 3pm.

From my own research the summer months sound like a good option with sunnier, dryer and longer days. Although it’s probably busier at that time of year, there’s more guarantee of better visibility. Although heat exhaustion is something to think about in the summer. May and September from research sound good months, being less crowded and cooler temperatures. The cafe at the summit is open from May to October, weather permitting. So that’s something to consider too. It wasn’t open in April but we already knew this and made sure we took enough food and water with us to cover the whole trip.

I’d recommend keeping an eye on the weather before hand and if possible switch the day you go on if the weather changes for the worse. We planned it around a weeks holiday in Wales and stayed in this gorgeous barn conversion with incredible mountain views and a hot tub. It was 15 miles from Snowdon. By leaving our plans loose for the week it meant we could keep a close watch on the weather and chose the best day weather wise to embark on our adventure! Flexibility is definitely key when climbing Snowdon with kids. There are so many factors to consider and safety is top of the priority list.

 

Planning your route up Snowdon: The Miner’s Track

There are 6 different routes to take: Llanberis, Rhyd Ddu, Snowdon Ranger Path, Minens’, Pyg and Watkin Path. Each route is challenging.

We chose the Miners’ Track and what an adventure it was! Miner’s is shorter in distance than the others but is by no means any easier! It was steep and rocky most of the way to the summit, making it a challenge. Be prepared for steep scrambles, loose rock underfoot and lots of uneven cobbles. The steep ascent and scramble up the rocks didn’t deter Emily though, she couldn’t get enough of this adventure!

We did the route in 7 hours 44 minutes. We took our time, with plenty of stops to catch our breath. This wasn’t a race and we let Emily choose when we stopped. It was a good excuse to take in the incredible scenery too and listen to the silence when there was no one else around. Miners’ starts as a gravel track, which turns into a rocky, uneven ascent and then a steep scramble for the last mile to the summit.

It was a 9.59 mile round trip. The climb both ways was tougher than I expected but also the most incredible experience. The sense of achievement is something I will remember forever. Especially as we took on the adventure as a family with Emily’s Dad and Emily’s Uncle, my brother Chris. Chris had walked the Miners’ track before so it was great to have his expertise on the hike and being an ex-marine he has a great sense of adventure!

The lakes we passed on the route were beautiful. We stopped at Lake Glaslyn on the way back down for a paddle, the glacial water was chilly! But a refreshing reward for tired feet after the steepest part of the descent. My brother was super brave and went in for a well earned dip. It was so cold that it actually felt painful on my feet so I was content with just a paddle! Be sure to pack a change of socks, this was good to do after the paddle and perfect for the final 2 hour walk back to the car park from the lake.

The Eryri National park website has a useful guide: Yr Wyddfa: Choosing the right path. It has everything you need to know about each of the Snowdon tracks.

Remember to keep an eye on the right path. Miners’ and Pyg track do connect and are only marked by a plain stone, so be sure to watch out for this as you don’t want to end up taking the wrong route. We also stopped every so often to take in where we were headed as the path wasn’t always very clear, especially the rockier, steeper sections near Lake Glaslyn.

 

Where to Park for Miners’ Track:

We parked at Pen y Pass car park where the Miners’ track begins, it has toilets, which is always good to know! You need to book in advance on JustPark. We set off just after 7am and arrived back at Pen y Pass just before 3pm. Make sure you give yourself more than enough time on your parking. There was a water fountain there but this was out of order on our visit so go prepared with plenty of your own and leave extra in the car. We actually ran out on the last couple of hours of the walk, so if you can carry it, take more than you think you’ll need!

 

What to wear and take on your Snowdon hike:

  • Wear layers and be prepared for changeable weather.
  • Comfy, supportive shoes – Emily wore a pair of kids hiking boots and some thick breathable socks.
  • Snacks, snacks and more snacks! We also took a packed lunch.
  • Sweets really kept Emily occupied on the walk and also gave a little energy boost when needed!
  • Emily had a bumbag to keep small snacks, sweets, tissues and lip balm in.
  • Plenty of water – we ran out on the way back and I really thought we had more than enough. There was also very disappointingly none at the car park when we got back as the tap was out of order. Not great when you’ve just done a massive hike.
  • Phone charger
  • Change of socks
  • Sun cream
  • Cap
  • Bobble hat & gloves
  • Water proof jacket
  • Small first aid kit
  • Torch
  • Swimwear and microfibre towel if you plan to have a dip at Lake Glaslyn

Be prepared for changeable weather. In April we had clear skies and sunshine all the way to the summit but it can still vary greatly at that time of year. So pack waterproof jackets and hats as well as sun cream and caps like we did! Its also a good idea to wear layers, we got hot with the sunny weather and the strenuous climb so it was good to be able to ‘strip’ off when needed. Higher up the air became cool and crisp, so while still sunny I then felt I needed a layer back on.

 

Climbing Snowdon with kids the results:

Snowdon Miners’ Track

  • 9.59 miles
  • 7h 44 mins 52secs
  • 23,000 steps
  • 7.10am – 3pm

It was the first time we had done anything like this. Nothing could prepare us for how steep the hike was in places. Especially the last mile which took a good couple of hours and lots of rest stops were required! But Emily loved every minute, especially the harder more strenuous parts. Pulling her whole body up and over some of the rockier parts of the track we could hear her excitedly shouting “I’m loving this!!”

Climbing Snowdon with kids is an awesome adventure. I really had some doubts at times as to if Emily would be ok with such a strenuous hike. But I was absolutely amazed by her strength, resilience and pure excitement. It made the experience and adventure even more amazing than I could have ever imagined. It was an unforgettable experience and I’d definitely do it again!

April 15, 2025 UK, Uncategorized 1 Comment

Pubs with play parks in The New Forest…

Pubs with play parks in the New Forest

It can be hard sometimes to keep the kids entertained when you fancy a nice pub stop. There’s only so much a colouring book will do and you don’t always want them just stuck on their iPads. So finding a pub in the New Forest with a play park for the kids is a winner for all the family.

Matt and I love nothing more than a relaxing drink in the pub. It’s safe to say and understandable that Emily and Jack don’t always share the love of a peaceful drink! So we embarked on hunting down pubs in The New Forest that have play areas to keep them entertained and us happy.

So here are my favourite pubs in The New Forest with Children’s play areas. They tick all the boxes when it comes to keeping kids and grown-ups entertained…

 

The Plough Inn, Tiptoe, SO41 6FQ (01425 610185)

On the edge of The New Forest, The Plough has a proper old traditional feel to it with low beams and an open fire. The garden is huge and has a nice kids play park which can be viewed from pretty much any seat outside. Food is served 12pm – 8pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm – 9pm Friday and Saturday and 12pm – 7pm on Sundays. Family events are run throughout the year with barbecues and a bouncy castle in the garden during the summer months.

 

The Rising Sun, Bashley, BH25 5SF (01425 610360)

One of my favourite pubs in the forest, The Rising Sun has a sunny beer garden with a huge outdoor play area. The garden has sunny and shady spots, a large decked area and covered areas too. The forest is right on the doorstep, perfect for a pint after a stroll. There is a small shady area in the car park for horse riders to tether up their equestrian friends and enjoy a drink too. Open from 11am and midday on Sundays. Food is served from 12pm to 9pm and until 7pm on Sundays. There’s no need to book a table in the garden, just turn up and wait for the next available table. Call or book online to reserve a table.

 

The Smugglers Inn, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE (01590 644414)

Located in my home village of Milford on Sea, The Smugglers is a very friendly pub. It has a lovey garden complete with outdoor play area by the Danestream River. The play areas are fenced off so kids are safe from the water. Food is served from 12pm – 9.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 12pm-9pm on Sundays. This is a lovely pub in the heart of Milford on Sea village and a good spot to stop all year round. Book a table online or call.

 

The New Forest, Ashurst, SO41 7AA (02380 292721)

On the edge of The New Forest in Ashurst this pub has a huge garden overlooking the forest and a great play park for kids to burn off some steam. The pub itself is a cosy spot for a Sunday roast or cider in the summer sun. You can watch ponies grazing in the distance too. The pub has a selection of board games indoors to keep everyone amused on rainy days. There are covered areas in the garden and open spots too, book a table online or call the pub. Food is served Monday – Thursday  12pm – 8pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm – 9pm and 12pm – 6pm on Sundays.

 

The Drift, Beaulieu Road, Near Lyndhurst, SO42 7YQ (023 8029 2342)

In the heart of the New Forest, The Drift is located right by Beaulieu Road train station and is full of rustic, laid back vibes. There are two play parks in one here, one for bigger kids and a smaller one for toddlers. Colouring packs, highchairs and changing facilities are all here too. Dogs are welcome, towels are provided for muddy paws and there’s dog treats available. The menu is locally sourced and has a nice selection for kids. The pub has plenty of tables in the garden, perfect for a summers day.

 

 

I hope my guide to child friendly pubs in the New Forest has helped you find a little sanctuary for a drink and 5 minutes peace while the kids are running around! I’ll add more to this as and when I visit more! If you’ve got any recommendations I’d love to hear them, please pop them down in the comments below. Cheers!

October 21, 2024 UK, Uncategorized 1 Comment

Celebrating the arrival of Jet2 at Bournemouth Airport…

Glass of gin and tonic with copper gin still in background

Making gin with Jet2

I was recently invited to attend a gin making event and cocktail masterclass at Wyrd Spirits in the New Forest. The event was hosted by Jet2 to celebrate the upcoming arrival of their new base at Bournemouth Airport.

The day kicked off with some interesting information on the history of gin distilling. Mark the creator of Wyrd Gin (pronounced weird) is an expert at blending flavours. He explained how he crafts his gin to create a perfect product. It was then time to have a go at distilling our own. Working together with a fellow Bournemouth blogger was a great opportunity to come up with something we’d like to drink on holiday whilst watching the sunset over the ocean. We kept it simple, after the juniper we added orange peel, coriander, cassia and cubeb for a light, zesty taste. Exactly my style of holiday drink and perfect for feeling all the holiday vibes.

After watching our own blend magically flow from the copper still and into the bottle it was time for the most delicious lunch, washed down with a Negroni. The afternoon continued with a cocktail making masterclass. This one was really fun and included a cocktail shaker! I got to make a Tom Collins cocktail using my own gin and the ‘Gin Jetsetter’, created especially by Wyrd Spirits for the day.

Jet2 at Bournemouth Airport

Whilst blending flavours it was the perfect opportunity to find out more about the arrival of Jet2 at Bournemouth Airport. Taking-off from February 2025, Jet2 will be flying to: Mainland Spain, Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Portugal, Turkey, Greece, Prague, Austria and Iceland.

My favourites from this list have to be Iceland, there’s nowhere else like it for winter adventures. From spotting the Northern Lights to taking a dip in a natural hot spring pool and so many more. For the sun, my favourite destination Jet2 will be flying to from Bournemouth are the Balearic Islands. You can’t beat the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean and balmy evening sunsets.

Jet2 Holidays pride themselves in offering low deposits and return transfers to and from your holiday accommodation. They are ATOL and ABTA-protected and there’s 22kg of luggage included in bookings. I have flown with Jet2 from Stanstead and had a great experience. I’m looking forward to having a short 30-minute drive to jump on a Jet2 flight again very soon!

*AD | PR invite. Thanks to Jet2 for inviting me to this event.*

February 11, 2022 Camping and Glamping, UK Post a Comment

Glamping in Somerset…

Cuppa with a view. Glamping in Somerset

The best glamping spot in Somerset: A shepherd’s hut with a hot tub

For our first child free adventure I booked a little surprise staycation for Matt’s birthday. I love a spot of glamping, so this was at the top of my list when researching our UK staycation. It had to be quirky and it needed to have a hot tub. Glamping in Somerset did not disappoint! Lady’s Well Shepherd’s Hut ticked all the boxes. Nestled amongst farmland in the tiny village of Hutton, just 2 miles from the Somerset coast, it had everything we wanted. The only neighbours were cows and sheep and the uninterrupted views of the meadow and woodland behind were gorgeous. We had such a peaceful stay. If glamping with all the mod-cons is something you fancy giving a go than this shepherd’s hut is for you!

 

The Shepherd’s Hut:

I’ve got to say this lovely little dwelling did not disappoint. If you are a regular reader, you’ll know I love glamping and have stayed in a few shepherd’s huts, but this one was my favourite. Let’s start with the interior, a cosy double bed, a small but fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a great shower, a log burner and underfloor heating. I loved the underfloor heating; it took the chill off first thing in the morning. The bathroom was a real bonus. I’ve stayed in shepherd’s huts which have a separate bathroom and an eco-toilet, which is fine, but it’s not always that fun to have to get up out of bed in the middle of the night and go outside to use the toilet. So, it was quite a luxury to have a proper flushing toilet. Glamping at its finest! Outside the shepherd’s hut you’ll find a private pond complete with ducks and koi carp, sun loungers, a table and chairs, BBQ, fire pit and to top it all off a hot tub. When I was searching for somewhere a little bit different to stay this little beauty ticked all the boxes.

 

Things I loved about Lady’s Well Shepherd’s Hut:

I’ve already mentioned many things I loved about this cosy shepherd’s hut, there were so many lovely little touches. The trolley to pull our luggage from the car across the fields was a life saver as I’d definitely over packed for our two-night break! The blackboard inside full of the best local beauty spots, pubs, fish and chips, coffee stops and walks was a nice touch and an easy go to for finding the best stops in the local area.

The resident rhea and our furry neighbours, horses, sheep and cows, the gorgeous setting, acres of green fields, old woodland and silence.  Just the rustle of the trees and a peacock singing every now and then made this break a peaceful one. I know I’ve mentioned it already, but the underfloor heating was a lovely little luxury along with the log burner and obviously the hot tub.

An early evening stroll across the fields and up to the loveliest viewpoint is also something we loved. Having lovely walks right near the shepherd’s hut was a bonus. Glamping in Somerset was everything I wanted it to be and more!

 

Things to do on your glamping trip in North Somerset:

The shepherd’s hut is well placed to discover some of Somerset’s best beauty spots. The beaches are beautiful. Nearby, Weston- super-Mare is a traditional British seaside town complete with a pier and aquarium. Further along the coast there are plenty of natural beauty spots to explore. Brean is one of them. Miles of golden sand and if you like a good walk Brean Down is a must. Owned by the National Trust this natural pier juts 1.5 miles out over the coastline into the Bristol Channel. Climb the steep steps to the top and take in the panoramic views. It’s a gorgeous walk and right down at the point is Brean Fort. I loved wondering around the old buildings and reading short snippets of history about the fort. We then followed the lower path back round to where we started. I’d recommend a couple of hours to do the walk, there is parking and a cafe at the bottom of the pier.

Cheddar Gorge is about a 30-minute drive from Hutton and is another fantastic place for walks. The gorge itself is 3 miles long and 400 feet deep. Just driving through it is fantastic for taking in the scenery. There’s a great hike up the gorge, it’s worth noting it can be quite muddy during the winter. It’s also very rocky in places so good footwear is a must. Bridgewater Way, Glastonbury Tor, Cheddar and the Somerset Levels can all be seen from the top. Cheddar itself is a gorgeously quaint little place full of tea rooms, chocolate pot houses and souvenir shops. The caves at Cheddar Gorge are a must visit, explore the underground caverns at leisurely pace or go adventure caving for a more exhilarating experience!

 

A staycation with a difference:

Glamping allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life but is still full of little luxuries. If you are planning a staycation in the UK, then glamping at Lady Well’s Shepherd’s Hut is it. Somerset is a beautiful part of the UK for a spot of glamping, with so much to explore.

If you are new to glamping I have a checklist of things to pack: What to pack for a glamping trip in the UK.

I’d love to hear your recommendations on glamping spots in the UK. Let me know your favourites in the comments below.

On top of the world at Brean Down, Somerset.

 

March 31, 2021 Camping and Glamping, UK 3 Comments

Campsites in the New Forest that allow campfires…

Campfire, Hurst View Campsite, Lymington

Camping in the New Forest: Updated March 2025

Campsites in the New Forest that allow campfires are always at the top of my list for a mini adventure away. Having a fire pit in the evening and stargazing really adds something to life under canvas.

I am lucky to live in the beautiful New Forest and love a bit of camping. Camping in the New Forest is a wonderful experience, ponies and cattle roam free and there are an abundance of picturesque spots for outdoor adventures. From pitching a tent amongst ancient woodland to enjoying a campfire near the ocean, there are some fantastic campsites to choose from.

One of the things I look for when planning a camping trip is a campsite that allows campfires. For me a campfire is an absolute necessity. There’s nothing quite like huddling around a fire pit as the sun goes down and the stars come out, toasting marshmallows and planning adventures for the next day. Most campsites will let you take your own fire pit and many have them to hire for a small fee. Not all campsites allow campfires in the New Forest so it’s good to know the ones that do. I’ve hand-picked some that I’ve already stayed at and some that I’m planning to book in the future…

Campsites in the New Forest that allow campfires:

Harry’s Field – Frogham, SP6 2JA

Located in Frogham near Fordingbridge in the New Forest, there’s a pub next door and donkeys mingle outside the campsite. Harry’s Field is flat with spacious pitches, the toilet and shower blocks are clean and tidy and the washing up area has freezers and a small seating area nearby. Created by campers for campers it’s a lovely spot on the edge of the forest. Take your own fire pit or hire one, you can also purchase wood. I love this campsite; it is small and friendly with lovely owners. Pitches are very well spaced to allow for social distancing. Open form the beginning of July to the beginning of September this site is a popular one so be sure to book well in advance of your stay. The site allows campervans, motor homes and tents, there are also bell tents to hire.

 

Lepe Beach Campsite – SO41 1AD

This campsite is in a gorgeous location right by the beach at Lepe, it has views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Stargaze whilst listening to the crackle of the campfire and the waves rolling in on the shore. Hire fire pits or take your own. It’s worth noting that there is a charge for taking your own fire pit. If you don’t like the idea of putting a tent up, then book a pre-pitched tent that comes with plenty of amenities. I think it’s such a great idea if you want to try out camping without all the effort of putting up a tent and taking it down again! Be prepared to pack wellies if it’s raining as the site was fairly muddy near the toilet and shower block when we stayed. It is a tent only site and you can choose your own pitch.

 

Hurst View – Lymington, SO41 8AL

Hurst View Campsite has four large fields to pitch up in, choose your own spot and listen to the waves of the Solent in the distance. There is a play park onsite and a small cafe. Nestled behind the sea wall in between Lymington and Keyhaven there are some great walks nearby. Tents and camper vans are allowed and electric hook up is available. Campfires are of course allowed; marshmallows and logs can be purchased from reception.

 

New Forest Water Park – Fordingbridge, SP6 2EY

New Forest Water Park is a really cool camping spot if you enjoy watersports. Nestled in woodland by a lake in Fordingbridge, wakeboarding, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are all available. Shared campfires in a woodland spot allow for a very chilled out stay. Tents and campervans are allowed and firewood can be bought on site. The facilities are rustic, but well worth it if you enjoy getting on the water.

 

Embers at Pylewell Park – Lymington, SO41 5SH

Embers can be found on the beautiful coastline of the Pylewell Estate, just outside of Lymington. There are sea views from the campsite and pebbly beaches within walking distance. This is a tent only campsite, plus bells tents to hire. Fire baskets are provided for each pitch and logs can be purchased onsite. There’s a snack bar onsite serving toasties and pizzas, as well as draft beer, wine and spirits.

 

Harry’s Meadow – Fordingbridge SP6 2RE

A meadow surround by ancient oak trees in the heart of the forest, wild camping at its finest. There are no allocated pitches, just 40 acres of grass to choose from. This perfectly flat meadow has picturesque sunsets, freshly baked croissants and barista coffee served in the mornings! With two new shower blocks and eco toilets there’s everything you could need for camping in the forest. Harry’s Meadow is at the top of my list for camping this summer!

What to pack for a camping trip:

  • Warm clothes: even in the middle of the summer it can get chilly around the campfire in the evenings.
  • A hammock: If you are looking to relax amongst the trees whilst on your camping trip then a hammock is the perfect piece of equipment. Read my review on a travel hammock. I tested it out in the New Forest and loved reading a book while listening to the gentle rustle of the leaves.
  • A portable phone charger. Most campsites have somewhere to charge phones, but it’s good to have your own.
  • Fairy lights/torch: Fairy lights aren’t necessary but a nice extra to make your tent look pretty. A torch is useful for finding your way to the toilet block a night.
  • Wellies…the typical British weather can be very changeable even in the height of the summer. So, I’d really recommend packing wellies. A camping field can very quickly turn muddy if the rain pours down!
  • Resealable bags: I always recommend food bags. They are an easy way to store perishable food and handy for keeping the all-important tea bags dry!
  • Anti-bac hand gel and wipes: Useful for a quick clean-up of utensils etc.
  • A foldable washing up bowl: Important for washing up and a folding one is handy to save on space.

More on campsites in the New Forest: 

There are some lovely campsites in the New Forest, some with basic facilites others with bell tents to hire to make it more of a glamping experience. Camping in the Forest is a good place to start looking for your ideal pitch. They have 10 campsites spread out across the forest with varying facilities. All are perfect for getting back to nature and exploring this gorgeous area. Going slightly against my post these campsites don’t allow the use of campfires but, some are in the heart of the New Forest so are well worth heading to for a weekend escape. Pitchup is a great site for researching and booking campsites. They have an option for searching for sites that allow campfires, which is very useful.

What are your favourite campsites in the New Forest? I’m always on the lookout for recommendations for campsites in the New Forest that allow campfires, let me know in the comments below.

 

December 31, 2020 Camping and Glamping, UK 1 Comment

My 2020 highlights: I had a baby & bought a big tent!

Paddleboarding at Mudeford

My 2020 roundup

At the end of each year, I always write up a round up of my year and where in the world I’ve been. It’s safe to say that year has been a very different one for all of us! I had a baby at the beginning of a world pandemic and took voluntary redundancy from a job I love. With the world shut down, this year has been more about staycationing when we’ve been able to instead of gallivanting around the world, concentrating on family and putting some finishing touched to our house. It’s certainly had its highs and lows and like everyone else I’m looking forward to starting afresh in 2021 and desperate to get back on a plane sometime soon! So, here’s a short round up of what this crazy year looked like for me…

January and February

With baby number two due in early April we booked a break to Fuerteventura for some winter sun and our last holiday as a three. Our week in the sun was just what we wanted, apart from having a few rainy days we got to spend some time on the beach which was so nice considering it was so cold back at home. On the rainy days we hired a car and explored the island. Adventuring away from Corralejo up into the mountains and past towering dormant volcanoes. Running around the sand dunes of Corralejo Natural Park was a favourite activity of my daughter Emily, who loved rolling down the huge dunes.

 

March

My lovely friend Sam organised a baby shower for me, we had lunch at the Southampton Harbour Hotel. Little did I know it would be the last time in a long while I would get to spend time with my friends. After that weekend the first lockdown was implemented on 23rd March and the magnitude of COVID-19 became a very real thing. Everyone was told to stay at home and only essential shops were to remain open. There was a limit on leaving your home, only once a day for exercise and a maximum distance set. Emily’s nursery closed along with all educational establishments in the UK so like the rest of the nation with kids we had to find daily activities to keep Emily entertained. I put together a post all about things to do with kids during lockdown. Being the summer was a bonus as we could spend time out in the garden. We also tried to get out daily for a walk.  Some days were good, and some days were really tough. Having a four year old to keep busy everyday was pretty exhausting. Although it was tough at times, we also had a lot of fun and I enjoyed coming up with ideas to entertain Emily. I’m not gonna lie by about week 3 the novelty of it all was wearing thin.

 

April

On 14th April I woke up with a few cramps and being a week overdue had an appointment at lunchtime with the midwife for a sweep. Needless to say, that wasn’t necessary! At the appointment the midwife checked me over and let me know I was 4cm dilated. She suggested I could go home if I felt ok to but on leaving and getting back in the car my contractions had gone from manageable to something much more. Matt and I made the decision to head straight to the hospital in Southampton as it was a 40-minute drive from where we were in Lymington. I’m glad we made this decision as it got so bad, we thought we might not make it in time! Within 20 minutes of getting to the Princess Anne hospital Jack Evan Dunkinson arrived into the world at 3.05pm, weighing 7Ib 5oz.  We went home that night, it felt very surreal as with Emily there were a few complications, so I stayed in hospital for 4 days. It was so sad to not be able to have family meet and hold Jack when he was so tiny, but a blessing that we had so much time together to adjust as a family of four.

May

As restrictions lifted slightly, we were able to go to the beach, something that had been so normal for us now seemed like a novelty. Matt’s work dried up due to the virus, which all got a bit stressful, but after help from the government we could relax a little. Taking a positive from it was so good to be able to spend so much time together especially with a newborn. We explored more of our local area; a sunny afternoon spent by the lakes at Longham was one of my favourites. Driving past Bournemouth airport that day, it was strange to see all the grounded British Airways aircraft. Seeing the Airbuses, 777s and 747s all lined up along the runway made me feel really emotional. Little did I know what was to come with my job as cabin crew at this point too.

 

June

The highlight in June was getting back on my paddleboard, the last time was in Bermuda in November. I wrote a post all about it: A babymoon in Bermuda. We went to Mudeford in Dorset as we knew it would be fairly easy to find a spot away from others and there’s a great bit of water just behind the quay. We needed somewhere easily accessible, as we were still getting used to having a new baby plus a four year old to get out of the house. The grassy bit by the main carpark was the perfect spot to put up our beach tent and from there I could carry my board straight down to the water’s edge. The tide was low so Emily and I could walk for miles in the shallow water. It was so nice to be back out on the ocean and Emily loved it too.

 

July

I visited Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset on a press trip in July. I was allowed to take a plus one, so chose my Dad. It was so nice to be able to spend some time with him.

As the world was closed for travel, we bought a tent! Our first camping trip was an interesting one with Jack being only 3 months old. But we muddled through and had the best time in the end. Staying local I found Harry’s Field in Fordingbridge. It was in a lovely little spot in the middle of the forest with donkeys outside the camping field and a pub next door. It had all the rural, rustic feels and wasn’t too big.

 

August

The next camping trip was to Lepe Beach, camping in a field overlooking the Solent and Isle of Wight was lovely. We got to paddle in the sea and stargaze by the campfire.

Later on in August we went a little further afield to camp in one of our favourite counties, Dorset. We also upgraded to a larger tent, a bargain that we found on Facebook Marketplace. Benville Manor campsite was unlike any other campsite we’d stayed at before. It was wild camping at its finest and surrounded by woodland. Emily made friends with some other children and was off exploring for hours. Compost toilets and outdoor showers added to the rustic feel of this site and locally grown veg and produce could be purchased from the camp hosts. We loved it here.

I officially ended my career with British Airways on 31st August while we were camping. It was nice to be away to take my mind off of it. I chose to take voluntary redundancy after nearly 15 years working as cabin crew in a job I loved. Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I still have days where I feel down about it and I miss it dearly. I was on maternity leave when it all happened so it’s strange to think I’ll never go back and sad that I didn’t like so many others get to say goodbye to all of my lovely friends and colleagues.

 

September

Squeezing in one more camping trip at the end of the summer was a nice way to spend time together before Emily started school. We kept it very local and drove 10 minutes down the road to Lymington. We camped with friends and being outdoors the whole time made it very easy to social distance. Everywhere was fully booked apart from Hurst View Campsite, it was perfect. A short stroll from the seawall and plenty of open space for Emily to run around.

 

October

October was a really fun month. I went down to Newquay on a surf trip but unfortunately due to storm Alex I didn’t get to surf! It was still a great weekend though with lots of yoga, a surf theory session, a workout session on the beach and a bit of bodyboarding.

We had a trip to Center Parcs in Longleat booked from June but moved it due to lockdown. It was so nice to get away, we spent the week exploring the forest, swimming, walking around the lake, relaxing. Emily got to do loads of fun activities including driving a mini Land Rover, having her hair braided and make a teddy bear.

I attended Waypoint, my first online conference. I watched live talks and chatted to representatives from travel brands. It was nice to immerse myself back in the travel world, even if it was through my laptop.

 

November

I’d been wanting to update my website for a while and in November Joe from JHIT re-designed it. I’m so pleased with how it looks; he’s done a fantastic job. If you need a website built or a re-design, he’s your man.

I collaborated with skateboard brand Elos. I’d never been on a skateboard before so when Elos contacted me I thought it would be a great opportunity to give it a go. I was a little apprehensive that I’d come straight off, but I actually ended up surprising myself and found it really fun!

 

December

Christmas has been a wonderful distraction this year from all the craziness going on in the world. Our plans changed quite a bit just like everyone else due to government imposed restrictions which were certainly necessary, but I know hard on a lot of people. We had a lovely day; it was particularly special this year as it was Jack’s first Christmas.

A trip to the Isle of Wight for a few nights was on the cards over the new year but due to government guidelines changing and Hampshire entering a higher tier we have been unable to go. Finger crossed we get to go in February, we’ll see!

 

Goodbye 2020

This year has been less about travel, much less about travel than usual. Although I’ve lost my job and it’s been pretty hard at times, the year has taught me to be thankful for everything that I have, family, friends, health, a home and to never take the little everyday things for granted.

I hope you are all surviving and as the year comes to a close, fingers crossed we can all start to pick up where we left off in 2021. Here’s hoping for lots of new adventures and to be able to get back up in the skies and explore new places once again. I know when I get back on a plane, I’ll see it in a whole new light and appreciate every single moment.

July 10, 2020 UK Post a Comment

A day out in Dorset: Sculpture by the Lakes…

Ad: Press visit

A Day out in Dorset: Sculpture by the Lakes

Hidden in the Dorset countryside this is an outdoor art venue with a difference. Sculptures and art installations are dotted amongst the lakes and woodland with nothing but birdsong and the relaxing sounds of the River Frome for company. Set in 26 acres Sculpture by the Lakes is such a peaceful place to escape to for a couple of hours. 

With current lockdown rules now lifting everything is well thought out for easy social distancing. It's the perfect escape from the great indoors! Tickets must be purchased online before arriving and there are anti-bacterial gels by the ticket office. The cafe offers a takeaway service and currently card only to maintain guidelines.

What to expect:

Owned by contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon, many of his beautiful pieces can be discovered along with other artists' work. On arrival give your surname to the staff at the ticket office and collect a guide map. This lists the sculptures and outlines a route around the four lakes. Feel free to wander and follow your own path, it's a lovely place to get lost! Allow plenty of time to take it all in, I loved stumbling across the secluded seating areas placed in picturesque spots throughout the walk. Choose to take a pew either facing the river or by one of the lakes. Pack your own picnic and find a secret spot, it was so nice to sit and take it all in.

As well as the lakes there is a kitchen garden with resident chickens and landscaped gardens all found via a tree tunnel walkway.

An image of the sculpture Oberon under trees

Planning for your day out:

Sculpture by the Lakes is currently open Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm, book tickets online before you go. No children under 14 or dogs are allowed due to the deep water of the lakes.

This is a lovely walk with a difference and there is plenty of space to socially distance from others. The sculptures are beautiful and thought provoking. Discovering them in tranquil, natural surroundings rather than in a gallery gives a completely different interpretation of the artwork. Plan to spend at least an hour and a half there. We walked 2.5 miles on our visit and spent around 4 hours admiring the sculptures and lakes. 

Before leaving stop at The Gallery Cafe for a well-earned drink. The cafe is currently operating a takeaway service to allow for social distancing and contactless only payment. There is an outdoor seating area overlooking the lakes, a perfect spot to relax before going home. The cafe is fully licensed, I enjoyed a local cider while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Produce from the garden kitchen are used in the menu and the bread and cakes are all handmade.

Cider, Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorset
by the Lakes, Dorset. Nicola Dunkinson

Where to stay:

If you want to make more of a trip of it now that lockdown guidelines have lifted, book a stay at one the shepherd's huts at Warmwell House. Not too far from Sculpture by the Lakes they can be found in a lovely, tranquil setting. Read all about my stay here: Glamping in Dorset. This might be useful when planning your stay: What to pack for a glamping trip in the UK

Thank you to Bournemouth Bloggers and Darren Northeast PR for inviting me, I had a great day out!

An image of the River Frome
August 26, 2019 Camping and Glamping, UK 2 Comments

What to pack for a glamping trip in the UK…

Us Brits are well known for talking a lot about the weather. This is because it can be so unpredictable, March can be good for sunbathing while August might bring torrential rain. We often experience all the seasons in one day too. So when it comes to packing for a glamping trip in the UK it can be tricky to know exactly what type of weather to pack for. Plus this type of adventure means you may need to pack lightly as your chosen accommodation could be tight on space. I’ve put together a handy list to help you get to grips with what to pack for a glamping trip in the UK.
Glamping:
Glamping is a more luxurious style of camping. I’ve stayed in some really cool glamping spots, a bus, a Shepherd’s hut, a safari tent and campervans. Some have been more luxurious than others but they’ve all had the same theme: a unique place to stay whilst embracing the beautiful outdoors. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you aren’t used to having to get up in the middle of the night and venture out to the bathroom like the Shepherd’s hut I stayed in. But there are so many styles of glamping now from budget to extravagant there’s something to suit everyone.
What clothes to pack:
  • Layers: for the ever-changeable weather you’ll need t-shirts, long sleeved tops and jumpers for chilly evenings.
  • Leggings: I always pack leggings for relaxing in after a long day out exploring the local area.
  • Footwear: If it’s the summer I pack flip flops and converse for the day and Ugg boots/warm shoes for sitting outside at night. If your accommodation is in a field and its been raining you might want to think about packing wellies.
  • Warm jacket: If you have a fire pit then you’ll definitely want to be sitting outside under the stars – even in the middle of the summer the evenings can get chilly in the UK so pack a jacket.
  • Big socks: I love being cosy!
  • You might want to pack spare towels for the beach.
Other essentials:
  • Dry shampoo: If there’s no electricity your hair dryer and straighteners will need to stay at home. If it’s just a few days then I find that dry shampoo is my saviour.
  • Portable charger: Again if there’s no electricity take one of these for charging phones and laptops. This nifty power bank has enough juice for phone 4-6 charges.
  • A small mirror: You may have a bathroom with mirror in your accommodation but if not I always find packing my own mirror is essential for doing hair and make up.
  • Board games: If you can fit it in a game of scrabble is perfect for rainy evenings.
  • Fairy lights: Add a bit of cosy lighting to your setting.
  • Logs: If you have a log burner or fire pit you may need to buy logs. Check with your accommodation as wood may be supplied.
  • Torch: If lighting is limited it’s always handy to have your own.
  • Batteries: For the fairy lights and torch.
  • Matches: They may already be provided so double check this.
Food:
Check what kitchen facilities are available before you go and if there is a welcome pack. Depending on your budget most kitchen essentials will be provided which means you can keep your packing list down.
  • Make a chilli before you go – perfect glamping food, easy to re-heat.
  • Buy essentials: Milk, bread, teabags etc.
  • I always take zip lock bags with me, as they are perfect for keeping open food airtight.
  • Marshmallows for the for the fire pit.
I hope this has given a bit of an insight into packing for a glamping trip in the UK. I’d love to hear what glamping adventures you have planned. Let me know in the comments below.
Happy Glamping!

 

My favourite UK Glamping spots:
Warmwell House Huts
Big Green Bus
Shaldon Beach Hut No. 1
For more on my Glamping adventures in the UK head here:
Glamping in Dorset
All Aboard the Big Green Bus
Beach Hut Living
Unique Places to stay in the UK
For Glamping further afield: The Ultimate Glamping Retreat in Bali

 

 

 

August 5, 2019 Camping and Glamping, Product Reviews, UK 1 Comment

Travel Hammock Review…

Relaxing with a book in my travel hammock
Updated in January 2025
When Cool Hammocks asked me to review their *travel hammock I racked my brains for a good spot to do this. Then I realised that as I live in the New Forest the answer was literally on my doorstep. So with a book and my hammock packed in my rucksack I went in search of a good spot to relax in. I chose Wilverley Inclosure as it’s always a nice place for a walk and a peaceful place for chilling in a hammock….

 

About the hammock:
The travel hammock comes in a variety of colours, blue, camouflage, lime and pink. I chose the blue. It rolls up to a really small size, great if you are packing light for a camping trip and to save on space when travelling. If it gets dirty it can be hand washed and is super lightweight.

 

How it works:
Having not put up a hammock before I was a little concerned as to how I would get on with it. But once I found some trees to attach it to it was really simple. Unroll it and then fasten it with the integrated ropes and hooks. The ropes are fully adjustable so wind them around a tree a few times and then fix with the hooks. That is literally it, fast and simple to use.

 

What I thought:
Having not owned my own hammock before I was really impressed. It was easy to put up and comfortable for relaxing in. I love how small it folds down and will definitely take it on my next camping trip.  It’s the perfect accessory for adventurers, even if you don’t plan to go any further than your back garden!

 

How to find my perfect hammock spot:
If you are planning a weekend in the New Forest and want to re-create your own chilled hammock vibes then stop at Wilverley Inclosure to find your spot. It’s a ten-minute drive from Brockenhurst and Burley. The Inclosure itself has a nice 2-mile round walk through ancient woodland. When you want to stop, find some trees and hang the hammock at a distance of roughly two thirds the length of the hammock. A hanging height of 6-8ft should do nicely. Finally, pick up your book and don’t forget the beer! Hammocks are permitted for use in the forest as long as they don’t damage the trees or endanger livestock.
To spend more time and explore this beautiful area why not stay over night at a campsite. There are ten in total in the New Forest, the nearest one to Wilverley is Setthorns. In the heart of the forest it’s in a gorgeous, secluded location just right for pitching up a tent and daydreaming in a hammock. Head to Camping in the Forest for more information.

 

*I was gifted my travel hammock in exchange for this review. As ever all opinions are my own.*

 

 

 

May 21, 2019 UK Post a Comment

Walking with alpacas in the Hamsphire countryside…

Who knew you could do such a thing as walk with alpacas in England? When I opened up a gold shiny envelope from my brother and his girlfriend on Christmas Day I didn't know such a thing existed! So on a typically overcast for Britain type of day in April, Matt and I set off in search of Hensting Alpacas in Otterbourne. Found in a gorgeous spot in Hampshire by the chalk streams of the River Itchen the alpacas have 12 acres to roam freely on. We had tickets for a two hour morning walk and couldn't wait to try out this very different adventure!

Hensting are a family run business with 40 alpacas, one llama, a New Forest Pony and some sheep. The morning began with an interesting talk all about the alpacas. I loved hearing about their quirky habits and learnt some facts that I didn't know. We were also given instructions on how to safely walk with the alpacas.

Next it was time to meet them, there must have been about 15 alpacas all together on our walk. The first alpaca Matt and I got to walk was Walter, white and fluffy he was a picture perfect alpaca. Strolling along the riverbank with him was a very relaxing experience. He was best buddies with the alpaca in front of him so spent a lot of time keeping close to his back legs! There is apparently always one or two alpacas who are happy to go in front of the others and lead the way while the rest feel more comfortable following on behind. Half way through we all switched up and had the opportunity to walk with another alpaca. Our next noble steed was Whiskey Joe. He wasn't particularly photogenic, bless him, but he was a very friendly chap. Further into the stroll we discovered if one poos then they all tend to poo, which turned into an amusingly lengthy poo stop! Alpacas do this in the wild so their eating and toilet areas are kept separate and explains why they all go at the same time.

If you like being outdoors and are looking for something completely different or a unique gift for someone then this is it. Morning walks start at 10am, plan to be there at 9.30am to park, you don't want to be late as the walk takes places a long way across the meadow from the parking area. I'd recommend walking boots or wellies if the weather isn't so great. Anyone from the age of 8 and above can participate making it the perfect thing to do for a family day out. If like Matt and I you want an escape from the kids it's good for that too! It was the perfect opportunity to take a quiet few minutes away from our hectic lifestyle!

I wonder if I can plan a walk with an alpaca on my next trip to Peru?!