We have just returned from a wonderful stay at a B&B farm in West Wales. Nantgwynfaen featured in my earlier blog post, ‘Ten great quiet places to stay with kids in the South West.’ When we get away, we like to enjoy some peace and quiet but equally, we don’t want to have to worry... Continue Reading →
The Amazing Batsford Arboretum – ‘Cotswolds Secret Garden’
It certainly did feel like a secret garden when we visited Batsford Arboretum. It was lovely and quiet and rather magical as we encountered the other-worldly ‘Handkerchief Tree’ along with wonderful little grottos, statues and a Hermit’s Cave. The arboretum, near Moreton-in-Marsh was created in the 1800s by Lord Redesdale who was heavily influenced by... Continue Reading →
Two very different kitchens on Instagram
I follow two quite different women on Instagram who posted photos of their kitchens this week. Fashion and lifestyle blogger, ‘carasuthers’ who is followed by 50K plus people, posted a picture of her beautiful kitchen with her lovely dog sat in the middle. The other picture, posted by ‘working class/single mum writer ‘cashcarraway’, followed by... Continue Reading →
Free activities at Cheltenham Science Festival
There are over 80 free activities to get stuck into at this year’s Science Festival in Cheltenham. Last year, I visited with Ed as a toddler along with my two teenage step-sons and we all got something out of it. New this year during the six-day event from Tuesday 5th June to Sunday 10th June,... Continue Reading →
Meet Elmer and some firemen at Cheltenham Library.
When was the last time you went to a library? I love libraries and we are lucky in Cheltenham to have quite a few which are well stocked with books (obvious I guess!) but also have a number of events on for children. Ed and I popped into the Cheltenham central library today to get... Continue Reading →
New Menu at Boston Tea Party
Some restaurants and cafes make you feel more welcome than others when you have children. Boston Tea Party is one of those where I’ve always felt relaxed as the staff are so friendly and tolerant! We went along today as we were invited to sample the new menu. We arrived at noon and there was... Continue Reading →
Free things to do with kids this May Half Term.
In need of some inspiration this half-term but monthly funds coming to an end? Here are some ideas for free places to go in Cheltenham and around.. 1) The Wilson Museum, Cheltenham – free to walk around and it has a great little local history section (tucked away!) with some weird and wonderful exhibits and a... Continue Reading →
10 great ‘quieter’ places to stay with children in the South West.
My husband and I like to go away with Ed but we have a personal irritation when in the vicinity of loud children (and often their louder parents!) Despite being a teacher and blogger, I think I’m an introvert at heart and love the peace and quiet of a break without hearing people, ‘loudly ignoring’... Continue Reading →
Whatever became of Cheltenham Spa?
Did you know that Cheltenham was once considered the best ‘spa’ town in the country and that it only really exists because of the discovery and enjoyment of its spa waters? You would be forgiven for not knowing this as there are hardly any remains (and therefore reminder!) of the 26-plus wells that operated in... Continue Reading →