School hols fun part 2

It's took a while to finally get round to writing this one!

Whilst the kids were still on Easter hols we took them to see something new and something that we use quite a lot when the weather's reasonable.  Hopefully my insight into some of the attractions here in the New Forest will encourage and assist you in making a visit here for yourself.

Liberty's Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre nr Ringwood                             

We had never been here before so it was nice to see something new and be able to tick another attraction off the list.  It was really easy to find as it's clearly sign posted from the A31 as soon as you approach Ringwood.  When we arrived it was almost time for the Owl display in the main barn but we had a quick walk round the first few enclosures which house quite a few different types of owls but also Kites and other birds of prey that I believe are all rescued birds.






The Owl display was about 30 mins and it was great to see these birds up close.  They were trained to fly to the handler who was constantly moving around the barn by using food as a reward.  They flew so low that they feel like they brush the top of your head and you feel the wind as they silently go past.  They really are amazing birds!  At the end we got see a baby Owl and I have to say it was ugly, poor little thing.  The kids were allowed to touch it and it's fluffy feathers were so soft, they just really are ugly.  
 After that it was back outside and we continued around the enclosures of rescue birds.  We got to see Liberty herself up close, the centre is named after an American Bald Eagle called Liberty, and she is very impressive.  
Time for a quick cuppa in the cafe and then next on the agenda was the reptile display.  A very well presented talk about the snakes, tarantulas & lizards.  
Each time she spoke about a different reptile/spider she walked around the crowd showing everyone up close what she was talking about.  They insist that you don't touch though, just look! The python at the end was laid out on the floor at the front and everyone was asked to come close to see her, i'm not sure what her length was but she almost stretched from one side to the other - massive!  Although these are not my most favourite things it really was interesting and great for the kids to experience these animals in a controlled environment where it was not frightening for them.  

Another wander around outside and then it was time for the outside flight display in the arena.  It was a little bit windy out there but the birds still did very well.  Again we saw some Owls, a Caracara - a very intellegent and funny bird from the Falkland Island that just runs around on the floor & virtually tripping the handler up to get his food. 

The main event though was Liberty flying and very impressive it was.   

After this we decided to come home as it was a bit chilly but you could easily stay longer - a full day out and great for kids and adults alike, well worth a visit.

Moors Valley Country Park

This is one of our regular haunts as again it's enjoyable for both kids and adults.  You can just walk, cycle, play golf at the 18 hole course, ride the narrow gauge railway, play in the tree tops with Go-Ape, do the play trail in the forest, play in the massive sand pit play area or the older timber play area or just sit and have a picnic.  This place does cater for everything but in a lovely simplistic kind of way.  You only have to pay for parking which does vary depending on the time of year but it still isn't expensive for a family day out, I believe the max charge is about £8-£9 for the day.  It's easily found as again it's clearly sign posted from the A31 just after Ringwood.  
One thing you need to know is that there are no bins in the park as they just encourage mess and wasps, so you do need to take all your rubbish home with you.

We always take a little picnic with us aswell as our own bikes, but if you can't there is bike hire there and also a very nice cafe.  If you are interested in doing the tree top adventure with Go-Ape it is strongly recommended that you book this in advance as it is always very popular.  You can watch most of the circuit from the ground below and it is fun to watch.  There are usually lots of screams and giggles going on up there!  It's great fun if you don't mind heights, we did it a couple of years ago.

It's always a good idea to take some old bread with you aswell as there is a large lake with ducks and swans that always enjoy a feed.  You can walk or cycle for a several miles around the edge of the park and lake and it's more peaceful out there if you want to get away from the crowd.  

The main play areas can get busy but on the play trail you can at least keep moving.  All the play structures on the trail are made from logs and ropes and they look great.  It's been very well designed and laid out and even big enough & sturdy enough for adults to have a go aswell. They are always updating and modifying the trail so quite often you come across a new structure, this year there are quite a few, some are still under construction so we are eagerly waiting to see what they will be.  


On the other side where the lake and playgrounds are, there's also a lovely big grass field which has picnic benches and plenty of space to play football, rounders, cricket etc if you are organised enough to take all that stuff and you can even bbq on there too.  It's all very relaxed and friendly.  The 2 main playgrounds are fantastic - the sand pit area is great for the younger children in particular but the big ones still enjoy it too.  Then there is the older side which has more climbing structures and a zip wire which is great fun.  Also on this side there is the narrow gauge railway which runs around the playgrounds and lake.  It's a great minature train ride which the kids love but there is an additional fee for this.  

I really, really like it here and on a warm summers day in particular you can stay until sunset, if you can last that long!! It's a fantastic fun filled, full day out just enjoying the great outdoors and for not that much money.  Kids don't need electronic games, just give them some logs to climb on and some trees to hide in and they love it!!! 

Mel

School holiday fun

When the kids are off school I always feel like I should take them out somewhere and entertain them for at least a few of the days, so I thought I'd tell you about where we have been.

Paultons Park inc Peppa Pig World
For the last 9 months this has been a favourite of ours as we became season ticket holders last summer and have tried to make sure that we use it. Our Children are 8 and 3 and this family theme park definitely caters for both of them.  The weather was a bit cold so we only stayed for 3 hours but we still had a lot of fun.  We even got to try the new 4D cinema.  We had already experienced 4D at Legoland so knew what to expect, but to be honest I came out of it with mixed feelings really.  The amount of waiting time seemed excessive especially after being told by the attendant that it was only 5 mins until the next showing, there was hardly any people queueing, and then when we finally did get inside nearly 30 mins later, they were only half filling the auditorium - so we probably could have got in to the show before as it's only a 15 mins movie! Anyway the only movie was in my opinion a bit too scary for the kids as several had to be taken out crying half way through, including Sophie and the clarity/focus of the film was not very good either.  
The one really good thing about it was the effects, the chairs move and vibrate, the water & wind spurts out from the back of every chair and bubbles float out of the ceiling.  This was a definite improvement from the Legoland one as their effects all only came out from the front stage or above in the middle of the ceiling, so not everyone got the full experience.  I am glad we tried it but I certainly won't be queueing for it again.  
The rest of the afternoon was very good, the children love the indoor soft play area of Peppa Pig World and we also managed to fit in some of the rides too.  All in all I do recommend this as a great day out but if you are paying the day ticket price make sure you stay all day and get the most for your money.

Longdown Activity Farm
We had'nt been here for quite a while so it has changed a little.  As soon as we arrived it was time for the baby goat feeding, which the children love.  You feed them with bottled milk and the goats are so funny, they climb on top of each other to try to get a bottle and then gulp it so quickly they nearly pull it out of your hand.  

Next door is the trampolines which are always a favourite and always very busy, so while the kids got the chance they had a play in there. After this we walked around the chick shed and guinea pig shed where some had just had babies & they were so cute.  Next was the petting corner, for this we had to queue for a while but the children were kept busy looking for eggs in the hens nesting boxes.  

The kids got to hold tiny little chicks, stroke the baby bunnies which were so, so soft and adorable and then brush the baby goats which I have to say were so placid and well behaved - nothing like the ones we fed! 
Another play - this time in the soft play area and then outside on the pedal tractors & go-carts.  
A new addition this time was pony rides, you do have to pay an extra fee for this but it was very popular.  Sadly the big tractor ride was cancelled due to the soggy field, but normally we do really enjoy this bumpy ride.  
The kids however were quite happy playing at the outside play ground and picnic area which then leads quite nicely to the pig feeding.  The pigs pen has lots of plastic tubes which you pour feed pellets down for the pigs and the kids just seem fascinated by.  They kept on going back round in the queue for more.  The straw play barn is another great play area with a couple of slides and masses of straw bales and the kids had loads of fun running around in a very safe environment.  Finally on our way out we had a look round the very lovely farm shop and bought some yummy strawberries to eat in the car on our way home.

New Forest Reptile Centre's Wild Wednesday

We have been to the Reptile Centre before, but not for "Wild Wednesday".  Last year we had one of the RSPB volunteers that was working at the centre stay with us, and she had recommended it back then, so I thought we should take her advice and check it out.  Admission is free but you pay a small fee for parking.
There are about 6 pods which house the reptiles that are native to the New Forest, but obviously they only become active when the weather is warm.  We did manage to see a couple of common lizards and a toad, but sadly no snakes - although we have been lucky enough to come across Adders & Sloworms out in the Forest.  

There were a few stalls set up with activities for the kids like colouring in & making things and although we didn't do it, I believe there was a nature trail too. 
There was a lovely gentleman there with two telescopic bird viewers set up watching a nut feeder, allowing everyone to see the birds feeding right up close, it was great.  There had been a Woodpecker and lots of Siskins and Tits and apparently he had seen a Nuthatch but it was in hiding.  He was really helpful and very interesting to chat too.  

In the main hut they have some TV screens that are linked up to live webcams that are watching the birds close by and one in particular is the live feed from a secret but local Goshawk nest. 

If it is a nice warm day there are picnic benches around and also some walking trails, so you could make a day of it and it's just a really nice, peaceful place which is fun & educational without the kids realising. 
Mel 

Something completely different

My neice is currently in New York and somehow inspired me to come up with these fun versions of 2 famous New York songs, changing them to be relevant to the New Forest.  I enjoyed myself and just wanted to share them:

New York New York by Frank Sinatra

Start booking a room 
I'm on my way 
I'm going to stay 
New Forest, New Forest

These walking shoes
Are leading the way 
Right through the heart of the 
New Forest, New Forest

I woke up in the country
Had an amazing sleep
Now I've climbed that hill 
To the top of the ridge 


My stressfull town blues 
Have been blown away 
I'm loving the R&R you get
In the New Forest 

Now I found my way here 
I needn't go anywhere else
Can't wait to be back 
New Forest, New Forest 
New Forest, New Forest 

I woke up in the country
I had an amazing sleep
And I've climbed that hill 
To the top of the ridge 
Looking down at the view
Oh what a sight!


My stressfull town blues 
Definitely blown away 
The R&R is really great 
Right here In the New Forest And don't forget
Now I found my way here 
There's nowhere better than here
Why don't you come along 
New Forest, New Forest

Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys 

As this one is possibly a little harder to remember the real lyrics I have left Alicia's in black & my version is in blue. 

Grew up in a town that is famous as the place of movie scenes 
Visiting a town that is famous as a tourist scene
Noise was always loud, there are sirens all around and the streets are mean 
There is no noise and the streets are kept really clean
If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere, that's what they say 
I have found my way here, I needn't go anywhere else that's what I say 
Seeing my face in lights or my name on marquees found down on Broadway 
People are so nice, they will help you and even go out of their way 
Even if it ain’t all it seems, I got a pocketful of dreams 
Even if it rains, I've got my waterproof's 
Baby, I'm from New York 
Baby I'm in the New Forest
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of 
Woodland jungle where adventures are made of 
There's nothing you can't do 
There's lots here you can do
Now you're in New York 
Now you're in the New Forest!
These streets will make you feel brand new 
These open spaces will make you feel recharged 
Big lights will inspire you 
Great sights will impress you
Hear it for New York, New York, New York! 
Let's hear it for New Forest, New Forest, New Forest!

On the avenue, there ain't never a curfew, ladies work so hard 
On the cycle trail, you can walk aswell and it's not that hard
Such a melting pot, on the corner selling rock, preachers pray to God 
Such diversity, plants & animals for all to see 
Hail a gypsy-cab, takes me down from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge 
Hail a Twizzy car, takes you on an eco trip from Brockenhurst all around the Park
Some will sleep tonight with a hunger far more than an empty fridge 
You can stay the night then have a breakfast that's got the NF markI'm gonna make it by any means, I got a pocketful of dreams 
You will have a great time, maybe pack your waterproof's
Baby, I'm from New York 
Baby I'm in the New Forest
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of 
Woodland jungle where adventures are made of 
There's nothing you can't do 
There's lots here You can do
Now you're in New York 
Now you're in the New Forest!
These street will make you feel brand new 
These open spaces will make you feel recharged 
Big lights will inspire you 
Great sights will impress you
Hear it for New York, New York, New York! 
Let's hear it for New Forest, New Forest, New Forest!

One hand in the air for the big city, 
A review on TripAdvisor for all to see
Street lights, big dreams all looking pretty 
Pretty sights, coastal, heath & lots of trees
No place in the world that can compare 
Creating memories for you to share 
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah 
A place of outstanding beauty - yeah yeah, oh yeah yeah
In New York 
In the New Forest
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of 
Woodland jungle where adventures are made of
There's nothing you can't do 
There's lots here you can do
Now you're in New York  
Now you're in the New Forest!
These street will make you feel brand new 
These open spaces will make you feel recharged 
Big lights will inspire you 
Big sights will impress you
Hear it for New York! 
Let's hear it for New Forest

I have tried singing them much to Fred's annoyance, and I think they do work.
Mel  :)

A fun way to get around the New Forest

The Green route - New Forest Tour Bus

Every year we try to make use of the New Forest Tour bus at least once as it is a great way to travel around the forest without taking your car and you learn some local history and quite interesting information along the way.  The fun thing about it is you can hop on & off where and when you like as long as you catch the last bus back!

One Saturday last summer my mum & I took the kids on the green route heading for Lymington.  It was a nice day so we decided to sit up the top where it's open and you get the best views, although be aware it's very fresh up there! The route took us from Lyndhurst car park via Brockenhurst and then on to Lymington - a pretty bustling Georgian market town with a wonderful old stone cobbled lane that leads down to the scenic Town Quay, which is still used today by fishing boats and several little tour boats, one in particular Puffin Cruises, where you can just do a tour of the Solent or use it as a ferry to the Isle of Wight - a much nicer way than the commercial ferry in my opinion.

We had something in particular in mind for this afternoon, so we got off the bus at the top of the high street and  because I always like a little browse, we wondered through the busy market.  This is always a lovely place to get your fruit, veggies and even meat amongst a lot of other things -  I always like to come and get my plants for the garden from here too.  There is also a lovely range of shops which are all well worth a look.  

We carried on down the picturesque cobbled street and past the Town Quay, carried on walking down Quay Street & Town Slipway, past the children's playground & bandstand and on to the Seawater Lido.  This open air seawater baths date back to the 1833 and  are weather permitting  is open daily to swimmers from May to September from 10am to 6pm.  

This was our first visit to the Lido and I have to say it is a great place to spend the day.  There is a very large pool, but it isn't very deep, then there is a shallow pool for small children and a sand pit.  For refreshments there is a small kiosk which does chips, snacks, ice creams and drinks.  There are showers and changing rooms and plenty of tables and seats.  At the far end of the large pool you can also take canoeing lessons.  
Even though the afternoon wasn't as warm as we had hoped we still really enjoyed it.  The water is very cold though as it's brought straight in from the sea, and you definitely need sun cream too as there isn't any shade and you are in salt water. 

After braving the cold water for a couple of hours we then decided to go back into the high street for a late lunch in one of the quaint independant cafe's.  We had a lovely lunch outside in the small courtyard area of a lovely cafe which I can't seem to remember the name, but it was about half way up on the left hand side as you walk up the hill.  By this time the kids were getting a little tired and it was time to make our way back to catch the return bus.  We decided that this time, as it was late in the afternoon and the sun had gone, we would be best sitting inside - in the warm.  The route took us via Elmers court a very nice looking place to have an afternoon tea or lunch, then onto Beaulieu Village, Exbury Gardens, back to Beaulieu and Beaulieu Motor Museum and then back to Lyndhurst.

It was a lovely day out and so easy as it didn't involve driving, parking or rushing.  It just involved sightseeing, fun, comfort, relaxation and car free tourism! 

Mel :)

One of my favourite walks

Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard approx 2 miles each way.

This is a beautiful and tranquil walk which meanders along the river and ends at the timeless historical 18th century village of Bucklers Hard.



It probably is a walk that is appreciated far more on a good weather day, as you are able to take your time and just enjoy the natural beauty of the walk in the sunshine, however it is still a lovely walk even in the middle of winter. 

Starting from Acorns of Lyndhurst B&B you can choose to either drive, cycle or take The New Forest Tour bus to get to Beaulieu.  You can pick up the river walk just at the back of the The Montague Arms which has a prominent position on the main road in Beaulieu.  
To start with the path takes you through some fields where you get just the odd glimpse of the beautiful Beaulieu River, and if you are really lucky you may catch sight of a deer.  On one warm, sunny Sunday afternoon we did, a baby fallow deer had been left by it's mother snuggled up in the long grass at the base of the hedgerow and even though we were only a couple of feet away it didn't move, it was an adorable sight - just like Bambi.
As you go past the yard of New Forest Activities the path splits and the left one goes to the riverside and the right one goes through the trees in a slightly more direct route.  We normally take the riverside path which does more or less follow the edge of the river bank as it meanders slowly down towards Bucklers Hard.  Although some of it can get muddy and it's a bit lumpy with tree routes it is a reasonable track that should be ok for all ages. The other route I would say is more suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs as it's flat.  The views of the river and properties that reside on the banks are breathtaking and the only noises you hear are the birds and the odd boat that slowly goes by either on it's way out to sea or returning to it's mooring.  

You can stand and watch and dream of living the life for hours, it's quite mesmerizing.  


Eventually though, you wind your way to the historic shipbuilding village of  Bucklers Hard where you can just sit with an ice cream, a picnic or a glass of wine on the grassy bank and just watch the world go by in a stunning setting.  Alternatively you can visit the impressive Maritime Museum, Shipwright's cottage & chapel which  gives an insight into the history of this 18th century shipbuilding village, focusing on its vessels including those built for Nelson's Navy.  You can also continue your walk a little further and take in the woodland walk on the other side of the hard, or you can take to the water.
The 30 mins River Cruise is a great way to follow the privately owned river down to where it meets the Solent and take in the stunning views along the way with accompanying commentary telling you the story of the river.  Or if you fancy getting a little more hands on, you can kayak with New Forest Activities - this is great fun and in my opinion, a wonderful way to get the most out of your visit. 

All in all the tranquility and slow pace of the Beaulieu River make this walk and the idyllic village of Bucklers Hard one of the nicest, simplistic and picturesque places I can think of to spend a warm summers afternoon, in the New Forest National Park

Mel :)

A funny little story

People quite often ask me, do you have any funny stories about running a B&B, and one that always springs to mind is....

One morning at the old Acorns of Lyndhurst  I was doing breakfast by myself and Izzy was still young enough to need a stair gate across our kitchen door to stop her getting through to the guests or up the stairs.  We only had one very nice couple in, so everything was relaxed and going well.  Izzy was playing nicely in the TV room and I had plated the 2 full english's up, then with a plate in each hand I headed to the stair gate. This particular gate was one where the middle part opens by lifting it up and out in one motion and when doing breakfast I always kept it unlocked but in the closed position so that I could pass through without too much trouble but it still deterred Izzy.  As I had done this route many times I had mastered a way to stand on one leg then using my other knee to squeeze in between the bars, lift the gate and open it all whilst holding a plate full of food in each hand - great when it works!

So going back to the plate in each hand, this particular morning I walked confidently up to the gate and just as I shifted my weight onto the one leg and started to lift the other I suddenly slipped.  
Time suddenly seemed to move in slow motion then (just like in the movies) and now with both legs in mid air I threw the 2 plates up in the air.  Eventually I obviously landed with a bump on the floor and had food falling all around me but my instant reaction was to catch the plates.  Sitting on the kitchen floor for a minute or two I was feeling a bit shaken and more than a bit stupid, but even more thankful that no one had actually seen any of it.  Realising that I was going to have to go in to the guests to appologise and explain what had happened, I got up, brushed the food off me, wiped my self down and composed myself the best I could.  They were so nice and understanding about it and  actually concerned about wether I had hurt myself, laughing with them I explained that I was fine, just feeling a bit foolish.  With that I went and cooked 2 more breakfasts, carefully walked them through (taking no chances this time) and successfully served them.  At that point the lady said quietly "Mel I just have to tell you that you've got some egg & baked beans in your hair"  Well, I went bright red - but we did have a really good laugh, and it still makes me chuckle now :)

Mel

One of the New Forest's hidden treasures

This is a fantastic place that we really enjoy and want to share with you all.

Last summer our friends Wendy & Stef from Little Hayes Guesthouse heard about a great little tea room tucked away in the middle of the forest that non of us had ever heard of, by some of their guests.  So on their recommendation we all decided to go off for a walk one weekend to explore and see if we could find it.

We drove up to Bolderwood car park and then from there walked past the deer viewing platform and sanctuary heading towards Burley.  It was approx a 3 mile walk on a clean gravel track which gently meandered through the trees.
As you may recall last summer was not the best and this particular day was rubbish, really.  When we set off the sun was shining but the forecast had warned of showers, so we had all got coats with us but not much else.  We had walked 1.5 miles when the sun disappeared and the rain came and it wasn't just a shower! Knowing that even if we turned back now it would still be about the same distance, so we all decided to soldier on (like you do) and find this hidden tea room, which by now we were beginning to doubt existed.  Absolutely soaked and starting to feel miserable we suddenly saw evidence of a building with smoke coming out the chimney, and our spirits were lifted.
At post 109 we saw the sign saying tea room - we had made it!  We were not the only crazy people either, there was another couple who had found it whilst out cycling.  The only seating area is outside as Tracy, the owner, runs this little business from her kitchen.  As the summer had been so wet they had erected some gazebo's in the garden to keep customers dry and in the middle they had lit a lovely big chiminea, it was great.
The setting of this place, I tell you - is idyllic, I was blown away with how beautiful and tranquil it is.  They are the only building around for miles and their garden appears to be endless, as on all sides it just seamlessly blends into the forest beyond.  The ponies and deer just wonder around, the birds sing and there is no other noise at all.
On our arrival Tracy came to take our order and she could clearly see how soaked we were.  Mine and Isabelle's coats were not waterproof and Tracy very kindly offered to put them in her tumble dryer for us while we had our cream tea - how lovely is that!
All the cakes that she serves are all home made and if she has ran out she will even make some fresh ones for you if you have time to wait.  Stef & I had the homemade scone and it was awesome.  She makes a big round one and you get 2 portions per person, it was scrummy.  The kids had hot chocolate which comes with marshmallows and home made biscuits, Fred and Wendy had the carrot cake which they both said was scrummy too.  Tracy is an amazing host who can not do enough for you while you are there, her and her husband even wanted to drive us back to our car so that we did not get wet again walking back.  We did eventually brave the weather and walk back and it didn't seem half as bad because we had had such a lovely  experience at Tracy's.
We were all so impressed that we have been back several times and I certainly would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
This truely is one of the hidden treasures of the New Forest.