Author: Nicola Dunkinson

April 15, 2025 Uncategorized Post a 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!

March 3, 2025 Spain, Uncategorized Post a Comment

Bournemouth to Lanzarote with Jet2 Holidays…

Jet2 have a new base operating from 2025 at Bournemouth Airport. This is great news if you live in the South West of England. Bournemouth Airport is only a 20 minute drive from my home in the New Forest so when I was invited to go on a trip to Lanzarote with Jet2 on one of their first flights from Bournemouth Airport I couldn’t say no. Holidays to Lanzarote with Jet2holidays from Bournemouth can be booked all year round.

My trip was complimentary in exchange for this review, all words and opinions as always are my own.

Flights with Jet2 from Bournemouth Airport

Bournemouth is a great airport to fly from, its compact size makes it easy to navigate. We found the whole process to be so smooth and quick from check in, through security and boarding the aircraft. The Jet2 ground staff and cabin crew were all so helpful and friendly. Security were great too, especially with our son Jack who is a Type 1 Diabetic. They really put him at ease while they did their necessary checks. Always really reassuring when you’re travelling with a medical condition. Jet2 were great with this as well. They added a note of Jack’s medical condition to our booking and when I had a problem online with selecting our seats, they were so quick and helpful to resolve the issue.

One thing I love about Jet2 is the generous baggage allowance which is included with their holidays. 10kg hand luggage and 22kg hold luggage allowance per person is an added bonus. Plus transfers to and from your booked accommodation make the whole process a relaxing one.

Flights to Lanzarote with Jet2 from Bournemouth Airport are scheduled all year round, departing on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Lanzarote is found in the Canary Islands and around a 4-hour flight from Bournemouth Airport. It lies 80 miles off the north coast of Africa with beautiful beaches and volcanic landscapes. Plus, it is warm all year round, great for escaping the winter weather in the UK.

Where we stayed in Lanzarote:

We spent 4 nights at the all-inclusive Sol Lanzarote during February half term. I can report that the sun was shining and the weather was glorious. We were able to spend time on the beach and in the pool and returned home looking sun kissed! February is a fantastic time to leave behind the rain in the UK for Lanzarote. The climate makes it a perfect holiday destination all year round.

The hotel:

Set on the sparkling shores of Matagorda Beach, Sol Lanzarote is in a perfect location, just 10 minutes from Arrecife airport. It was around 20 minutes for us as we were on a coach transfer with other hotel drop offs. The bustling town of Puerto del Carmen is 10 minute’s drive away and it is ideally placed for all of Lanzarote’s main attractions.

Matagorda itself is a great area. It has a beautiful beach promenade lined with a few bars, shops and restaurants. We loved the fact that you can walk and cycle for miles along it. The area is clean and clearly well looked after, also it’s not overrun with bars or high-rise buildings.

Sol Lanzarote has three pools, a play park, a games room, kids club and a gym on site too. The hotel has one main buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and a pool bar open from 10.30am for drinks, snacks and light lunches. It was nice to have the pool bar as an extra option for lunch as we found the 1.30pm opening time in the main restaurant to be a bit too late for the kids. It also has the most beautiful, shaded terrace area overlooking the beach. The self-service drinks bar open during the day is in a handy spot by the pool. The bar near reception opened from 6pm. This is where the nightly entertainment took place with a children’s disco starting at 8.30pm. A tad on the late side for our kids but we actually ended up getting into the swing of later evenings so we could make the most of everything on offer.

Sol Lanzarote do a great job at sustainability. Towels in rooms are only changed if they are placed on the floor and no single use plastic tableware. On arrival you get given one token per person for cups, return the cup for a fresh one or in exchange for your token. Such a great idea to reduce waste.

The only thing we didn’t enjoy was guests placing towels on sunbeds to reserve them. We found on our first morning we weren’t easily able to get sunbeds as they had all been ‘reserved’ at the crack of dawn by others! The hotel staff were really obliging when I mentioned this and appeared with extra ones for us. Don’t be shy to speak with staff if you find this to be a problem on your stay. Although we did subsequently follow suite and put our own towels by the pool early on other mornings as we didn’t want to miss out!

For any extras you might need to buy the hotel has a souvenir shop in the reception area and a mini market just out of the main entrance to the right.

The room:

On check-in we were upgraded to a junior suite which was a lovely surprise. The large, bright and airy room was split into two and had two balconies overlooking Lanzarote’s beautiful volcanic interior. The sunset views were so pretty. Watching parrots glide between palm trees on a balmy afternoon with a G&T in hand was just such a wonderful February treat! The kids shared a roomy sofa bed in the lounge which also included a mini kitchen area with a microwave and a fridge stocked with soft drinks and beer. Matt and I had a king size bed big enough for four, lucky for us as we’d often wake to find the little ones snuggled up with us!

I loved all the little touches we found on arrival, like the welcome note, bottle of bubbles and snacks along with flip flops, reusable tote bag and wooden games for the kids.

The food:

The main restaurant caters for all tastes and had different themes every night. Breakfast was great with fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, cooked breakfasts and omelettes. I also spied some guests with avocado on their plates, so this is possibly an extra to ask for. We found sitting outside on the decking near the pool to have a slightly better ambience than inside when it was busy. So, my top tip would be to take your time to explore and pick the seating area that works best for you.

Valentine’s evening was our favourite with welcome drinks at the door for adults and children, a huge selection of fresh sushi and desserts to die for! As well as nightly themes there was always standard food choices of pasta, fish, loads of salad dishes and always a variety of meat dishes. The pool bar was our favourite shady spot for a drink overlooking the ocean. You could also have lunch there with choices of toasted sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, fries, calamari and salads. Along with snacks, fruit and ice cream to help yourself to all day. The lunchtime barbecue set up there on a Friday was nice too.

With 4 days to enjoy, we chose to make the most of everything the hotel had to offer and took our holiday at a slower pace than we usually would. We spent time by the pool, on the beach and exploring the local area. There were some great activities at the pool during the day for kids. Ours loved their daily ‘water mat’ fix. The entertainment team rolled out a huge floating mat in the children’s pool for running along into the water. Aside from sunbathing, there were poolside exercise classes and spin classes too for anyone wanting to be a bit more active.

Things to do in Lanzarote:

Matagorda Beach area:

We had a lot of grand plans for this trip but actually just followed the kids lead and had a wonderful time. They spotted a family bike for four. So we did some research and hired one from Fliston’s bike shop. It was a short walk along the beach promenade from our hotel. At 15 Euros per hour or 25 Euros for two hours we thought it was a bargain! I really recommend doing this, it was great fun and a fantastic way to explore the area. We pedalled along the beach to Arrecife Airport to watch the planes flying in over our heads, which was so exciting! In the opposite direction towards Puerto Del Carmen, we stopped off to look at the shops and for beer and ice cream on the promenade. A great few hours of family fun!

Around Lanzarote:

If you have more time on the island then hire a car. There are so many adventures to be had including Timanfaya National Park, full of volcanoes and geothermal activity. There’s also the chance for camel rides! Stop by El Golfo, an incredible green lagoon. La Geria wine region is popular for wine tasting, long lazy lunches and vineyard tours. This one is probably better saved for a trip without kids! For something completely different check out the salt pans at El Janubio and Cueva de Los Verdes, caves formed from lava tubes. On the water there are so many boat trips to choose from and exciting submarine safaris for underwater exploration. The island has two waterparks so there are plenty of adventures to be had! Take a day trip on a ferry across to Fuerteventura, one of the neighbouring Canary Islands. Family holidays don’t get much better than this!

Also not forgetting simply just some beach time. Even in February it was warm enough to swim in the sea and build sandcastles. The pools at the hotel were a little on the cool side but made for a very refreshing dip to cool down from the heat of the sun!

 

We’ve not done a lot of All Inclusive holidays in the past, usually opting for self-catering options. We found on this family trip it was so relaxing knowing everything was included. From the flights to the transfers and the food, drink and entertainment at the hotel. Being able to help yourself to food and drink whenever we fancied and not having to worry about budgeting for anything was a real novelty.

Lanzarote, we will be back!

January 9, 2025 Thailand 1 Comment

Finding paradise on Koh Lipe in Thailand…

Five days of uninterrupted relaxation in between visiting Hong Kong and Bangkok was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of south East Asian city adventures.  I stayed on Koh Lipe during my honeymoon; it is undeniably an island paradise.  Found in south-west Thailand near the Malaysian border, Koh Lipe is the only inhabited island out of the ten known as the Andang Archipelago. Koh Lipe is 60km from the Thai mainland and 30km from Malaysia, on a clear day you can see Langkawi. The Chao Lei people or ‘Sea Gypsies’ were the first to inhabit Koh Lipe, their village is on Sunrise Beach. At only 2km long and 1km wide it’s easy to explore this gorgeous island. Walking Street is Koh Lipe’s main street, full of small restaurants serving tasty, cheap Thai food, shops and laid back bars. Sparkling turquoise waters and pure white sands make Koh lipe the stuff that dreams are made of! Arriving on the island involves climbing off a boat and paddling onto the beach. We had borrowed backpacks as I felt this was the right thing for travelling in Thailand especially as we were staying on Koh Lipe and would be jumping off a boat. The problem was that I couldn’t even carry mine as it was too heavy! So poor Matt had to carry both pretty much the whole time! After jumping ashore we also trudged along the beach with said backpacks from where the boat dropped us off to our accommodation; when in fact someone was waiting with a motorbike and side cart to carry our bags. In hindsight I would have been much better off with a wheelie bag, or at least Matt would have been! So if you are planning a trip here, stick to what you know with packing.
Matt and I stayed at Castaway Resort on Sunrise Beach in a two-storey beachfront bungalow. The ‘Breezy Bungalow’ had a thatched roof and simple design with a bathroom on the ground floor and decking with hammocks outside. Upstairs a queen sized bed complete with a wonderfully breezy balcony finished off this little slice of heaven. I’ve failed to mention the best bit, our bungalow was in a prime location on the sand only steps away from the ocean. There’s nothing like falling asleep to the sounds of the water lapping gently on the shoreline and waking up to the most beautiful view in the world. A sound I won’t forget is the deep chug of the long tail boats, hearing the fishermen leaving the beach early in the morning was a very different sound to wake up to along with the gentle lapping of the water on the shoreline, just bliss! Our days on Koh Lipe were blissfully chilled out, after a leisurely breakfast we would dive into the crystal clear ocean and snorkel amongst the beautiful coral and colourful fish. When we got hungry we would have a lazy lunch with a Chang beer, mostly at Sunrise Restaurant just a short stroll along the beach, followed by a Thai massage. The afternoons were spent back at our beachfront abode reading and snoozing in the hammocks. This was my first trip to South East Asia and it opened up my eyes to a different kind of travelling, one where you don’t have to stay in just one place, having started off in Hong Kong and ending in Bangkok after Koh Lipe. I booked each aspect of this trip by myself rather than booking through a tour operator, I discovered that you could rock up and book accommodation on arrival rather than back at home on your laptop, my sense of adventure had come alive!

 

Things to do:
Diving and snorkelling: There are quite a few dive schools on the island, Castaway Divers on Sunrise Beach offer fun dives as well as diving courses.  On the edge of the Tarutao National Marine Park, Koh Lipe has an abundance of beautiful coral and tropical fish a very short swim from the shoreline. Snorkel straight off of the beach like we did or hire a long tail boat and guide to explore some of the waters off of nearby islands.
Beach time: The beaches on Koh Lipe are picture perfect, white sand, turquoise ocean and palm fringed shorelines are what dreams are made of. Sunset, Sunrise and Pattaya are the three main beaches and all easily accessible from anywhere on the island.
Eating and drinking: Mango smoothies, coconut water, pomegranate juice and banana pancakes, along with Thai green and Penang curry are just some of the must haves when in Thailand. My favourite place to eat on Koh Lipe was Sunrise Beach Restaurant, they served up the best fresh fish I’ve ever tasted and wonderful Thai glass noodle salads all washed down with a Chang beer or two! We could walk along the shoreline from our beach hut, as the restaurant is right on the beach. Pooh’s Bar is a nice place for cocktails, Thai cushions on the floor with low tables made it perfect for relaxing with a Mojito. Pooh’s restaurant is a bit of an institution on the island and right next to Pooh’s Bar.
Boat trips: We booked a day trip through Castaway on a long tail boat. The trip included lunch and water, we stopped nearby at three neighbouring islands to snorkel, we saw monkeys on one and jumped ashore for lunch on another.
Where to stay:
We stayed at Castaway Beach Resort, a small collection of beach bungalows in a prime spot right on Sunrise Beach. Recommended by a friend it was the perfect place for our honeymoon. Castaway has a gorgeous decked area with Thai cushions scattered on the floor, just right for having a beer and admiring the uninterrupted ocean views. When the sun goes down oil lamps and candles appear creating a really chilled out evening vibe and a great place to have dinner. Castaway also has a dive centre and an in-house masseuse; a Thai massage is a must in this part of the world!  While not the cheapest of beach hut accommodation on the island, if you are looking for something a little bit special then this is it.
When to Visit:
High Season is from November to May and can be quite busy, low season is June to October and is much quieter, it’s easy to have a beach pretty much all to yourself at this time. Matt and I visited during low season and I really recommend it.  The weather held out for us too with mainly dry days and thunderstorms at night. The last few days of our trip crept into the busier season and we really noticed a difference in the amount of people on the island. It is worth noting that weekends can get busy too as locals arrive for their own break away.
Getting There:
The only way to reach Koh Lipe all year round is by boat from Pak Bara. During high season there are two boats a day, it is also possible to get a boat from Langkawi in Malaysia, the journey is around 1 hour 90 minutes with immigration on both sides. Boats also leave from Koh Lanta, Phi Phi Islands and Phuket, so you can plan a proper island hopping adventure. In low season the only route to Koh Lipe is from Pak Bara with one boat a day. The 1 hour 30 minute journey by speedboat is a fun one. We flew into Hat Yai from Bangkok the night before our planned boat, from Hat Yai we got a taxi to Pak Bara and stayed at Best House Resort. At the time it was about £10 for the night and caused us a lot of amusement! Very interesting decor and minimal bed sheets plus a non-locking front door meant the room was not great to say the least!! Luckily we could laugh about it! Not wanting to stay in it we headed out for beer, Pak Bara is just one long street to the pier and luckily there was a small bar very nearby. I really wouldn’t recommend Best House Resort other than a place to put your head for the night if you are desperate,  I’m sure there are better places to stay in Park Bara!
Fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai in 1 hour 30 minutes, the journey by taxi to Pak Bara took around 1 hour 45 minutes and then a 1 hour 30 speed boat ride to the island. Book ferry tickets to Koh Lipe through the Air Asia Move app. Getting to Koh Lipe is an adventure in itself and well worth all the travelling.
Check out the very cool Getting Stamped travel blog for an amazing guide to Koh Lipe, it’s jammed packed with everything you need to know about this beautiful island: Getting Stamped: The Ultimate Guide To Koh Lipe Thailand.

 

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.*

March 24, 2023 New Zealand, Uncategorized Post a Comment

Cool things to do with kids, South Island, New Zealand…

New Zealand is the ultimate outdoor adventure playground for kids and big kids too! The winter season is my favourite time of year in New Zealand. There’s nothing like cool mountain air and endless snow capped peaks. From skiing near Queenstown, helicopter trips over the West Coast mountains, snow tubing at Lake Tekapo and road tripping with awesome mountain views.  Looking for cool things to do with kids in the South Island in New Zealand? Then read on…

Skiing and snowboarding in Cardrona:

Skiing and snowboarding are great activities for all ages and New Zealand has some awesome slopes. Cardrona is a 45 minute drive from Queenstown and is a must visit for mountain lovers. There’s ski and snowboard lessons available for all ages. For skiing, lessons are available from ages 5 and upwards and snowboarding from 7 years old. Group and private lessons are available. Ski lessons are also available for under 5s at Cardrona’s Ski Kindy children’s daycare.

Keeping safe on the slopes is such an important thing to teach young ones. The Piste X Code is a fantastic campaign aimed at creating awareness around staying safe on the slopes. The list covers 8 ways to keep safe. Centred around awareness of others, respecting piste signs, skiing and snowboarding within your ability and planning where you stop to prevent accidents on the piste. The quiz is a useful reminder for everyone and a great way to get kids engaged in keeping safe in the mountains.

If you’re not skiing but fancy seeing the mountains, buy a sightseeing pass and jump in a gondola to the top to explore the snowy peaks. Kids under 6 can go for free.

 

 

 

Helicopter ride over mountains and glaciers:

You can’t miss a trip to the glaciers. This is one of the very cool things to do with kids on New Zealand’s South Island. Fox and Franz Josef Glacier are both on the west coast with the towns a short drive apart. If you have small kids and don’t want to go on a hike to the glaciers, then you can catch mesmerising views of fox glacier from the roadside. If you have older kids it’s a short hike to the base of Franz Josef glacier.

Another fantastic option if you have older kids a helicopter ride; it is an incredible experience. Flying right over the top of both glaciers and landing on a nearby mountainside is unforgettable and well worth the cost. Seeing Mount Cook from the air and all the incredible mountain views is awe inspiring. I booked a trip with Glacier Helicopters, it’s an experience I’ll never forget.

 

Snow tubing at Lake Tekapo:

Lake Tekapo is a brilliant spot for kids. The scenery is breath-taking and the lake is perfect for stone skimming! Tekapo Springs has something for all the family with hot pools, a children’s aqua play area, an ice rink and snow tube park. The snow tubing is so much fun and is open from July to September. The ice rink opens from April to August. Tekapo Springs has a cafe and bar with awesome views of the lake.

 

Milford Sound boat trip:

To see the mountains from another angle, jump in a boat from Milford Sound. The road trip itself is a majestic one. The drive takes you past towering snowy mountains and through mountain tunnels. From the water you feel tiny in comparison to the huge mountains with waterfalls cascading down.

 

Te Anau Glowworm Caves:

This is not strictly a winter activity but seeing glow worms is such a magical thing to do, I couldn’t not include it. The journey begins with a boat trip to the caves where a guide takes you deep underground to explore a magical grotto. The best part is the boat ride in the darkness, don’t be scared, look up and the luminous light of the glow worms will light the way. It’s an incredible sight like no other, surrounded by silence and nature it’s another unforgettable moment!

 

There are so many cool things to do with kids on the South Island, New Zealand. Whatever you choose to do there are plenty of adventures to be had in the mountains!

I’ve written this post as part of the Ski Safe Blogger Campaign by AliKats Mountain Holidays and Piste X Code. By posting this blog and creating awareness of the Piste X Code I am entering into a competition to win a stay in a self-catered chalet in Morzine, France. If you are a blogger and would like to do the same head here for more information: Ski Safe Blogger Campaign.

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.

 

January 29, 2021 Thailand Post a Comment

5 unique views of Bangkok…

Exploring the Chao Phraya River by longtail boat in Bangkok

Where to find unique views of Bangkok

We might not be able to travel right now but we can certainly look back on fond memories of travelling and also plan for future travels. Finding unique views of Bangkok are amongst my top adventures that I hold close to my heart. I don’t know about you but one of my favourite parts of travelling is the planning part. I love nothing more than ordering a guidebook, reading travel blogs and buying a new notebook to jot down all my travel plans for my upcoming destination. I miss that pre-adventure excitement and cannot wait to be back putting pen to paper for my next trip abroad. If you are dreaming of foreign lands read on for some future travel inspiration and some ideas of how to discover Bangkok from unique viewpoints.

Bangkok is one of my favourite cities in the Far East. I’ve visited this crazy place a handful of times and have to admit when I first arrived, I didn’t like it. My husband and I were on our honeymoon and had just come from five relaxing days on Koh Lipe. We’d stayed in a beach hut with dreamy views of the Andaman Sea. So, to arrive in a hectic city was a bit of a shock to the system. But after 24 hours we slowly got used to the hustle and bustle of our new surroundings and grew to love it.

One of my favourite things about Bangkok is that there are plenty of places to hide away from the hustle and bustle if that’s what you want. There are also some spots to see the city from a completely different perspective. Having been to Bangkok a few times I have found some unique viewpoints I’d love to share and give you a whole new perspective on this Thai city.

 

View Bangkok from the top of Wat Arun

This beautiful temple is known as the Temple of Dawn. Find it on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Climb the main tower, known as a prang for awesome views. Be warned, the steps are very steep, there are rails to help you climb up, but it got me puffed out. It is definitely more of a climb than a walk up and equally as hard going back down! While you get your breath back take in the unique views of Bangkok from the top. Overlooking the city from high up gives a whole new perspective and totally worth the climb. Boats chugging by and the Grand Palace opposite all add to the magic of seeing the city from one of its famous landmarks. Take some time to admire the intricate detail and colourful porcelain on the towers as well as the sculptures, it really is a beautiful spot.

Like all temples in South East Asia dress modestly by covering shoulders and ankles. You can rent clothing from the entrance if needed. There is a small entrance fee and a ferry that shuttles between the two sides of the river.

 

 

A bar on Soi Rambuttri 

Although a bar is not necessarily unique, sitting at a bar by the side of the street in southeast Asia is a completely different experience to one you might experience to sitting outside a pub in the UK. Some of my best memories of Bangkok come from sipping an ice-cold Chang beer in the heat of the afternoon whilst watching the world go by. I recommend finding a bar on Soi Rambuttri. Located in the older part of Bangkok it has a slower pace than the well-known Khao San Road. This makes it perfect to escape the crowds. Lower yourself onto a simple Thai cushion on the floor, sit back and immerse yourself in the moment. Beer in hand, phone in pocket, lounge music humming in the distance and the world strolling by. Become still in the moment and maybe a little hazy in the head from your beer!

 

 

See Bangkok from a tuk tuk

The classic transport in South East Asia is the tuk tuk and I love nothing more than zipping around the streets in one. Ok, so you might not be zipping around due to all the traffic but it’s a fantastic way to become totally immersed in the city. Take in the ever changing sights, sounds and smells from the back of one of these tiny three wheeled vehicles. I love that the drivers often pimp them up or have massively over the top sound systems! It all adds to the feel of it. What’s more as tuk tuks are so small you’ll often get to take shortcuts, miss traffic jams and buzz down tiny streets. This means you’ll get to experience a whole other side to the city and see some unique views of Bangkok.

 

 

Unique views of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River

One of my favourite trips in Bangkok has to be exploring the backwaters of the Chao Phraya River. Hire a longtail boat all to yourself and escape the crowds. The backwaters and canals feel like another world. Cruising majestically along the narrow waterways, I have a really vivid memory of two ladies dressed in their Sunday best paddling past in a small boat. This is an experience like no other. Houses on stilts, small floating markets, and quiet temples are all hidden away here. It’s hard to believe you are in the centre of a busy city. If you are looking for unique views of Bangkok then this tops it all! For more on this unusual trip head to my post: Exploring the backwaters of Bangkok.

I booked the longtail boat through a lady on one of the small piers along the river, she was offering a few different trips. It was nice to book through a little local company rather than online.

 

 

Looking for unique views of Bangkok on foot

Although not unique, walking is one of the best ways to take in Bangkok’s unique views. To help navigate, Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok is a lovely hand illustrated map that gives a great insight into the best areas to visit. Print versions are no longer being published but you might find a second hand one on Amazon, failing that PDF versions are available direct from Nancy Chandler’s website. For me being on foot meant I could take in all the smells and sights of the many food stalls dotted along the streets. Being able to buy hand pressed pommegranite juice or coconut water from street sellers was a refreshing way to cool down in the humidity. I also enjoyed seeing all the weird and wonderdul food stalls on Koh San Road. Perhaps a little touristy but unique all the same were the stalls selling insects to eat. In true ‘I’m a Celebrity style’ you can’t visit Khao San without trying a fried cricket or scorpion! Strolling around the city in the evening is a great way to decide where to eat, something you’d miss if you got a taxi. I’ve had some of the best seafood from food sellers on the street, huge prawns and the best Pad Thai. Although we can’t travel to Thailand at the moment if you are looking for some tasty Thai food, Rosa’s Thai Café have delicious meal kits to order to your door for an authentic taste of Thailand.

 

 

Escaping the crowds can sometimes be hard in Bangkok so I hope you find this guide useful for finding unique views and to gain a new perspective on this buzzing city. When the world returns to some sort of normal and we can travel again, Bangkok is one of the first places I’d love to visit. To be immersed back in the culture of another country is something I can’t wait to experience one day soon. For more on exploring Thailand head to Fan Club Thailand and start planning for your future trips.

 

Update: From July 2021, Thailand is re-opening to travellers who have been fully vaccinated. Starting with Phuket, travellers will be able to stay quarantine free. From October five more Thai destinations will re-open. For more detailed information on upcoming travel to Thailand head here: Thailand Travel Advice.

 

This post was produced in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as part of the #ThrowbackThailand and #AmazingThailand campaign. 

 

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