With the husband on a ten hour shift at work today and the sun shining, I knew the children would be itching to get outside but I didn’t really fancy venturing down to the local park on a busy Saturday. So whilst having a quick peek at my twitter feed over breakfast I noticed that the National Trust were offering free entrance to most of their properties this weekend.
I quickly packed up a bag with a few essentials and off we went in the car to visit Saltram House, our local Georgian National Trust Property. As the house doesn’t open until 12pm we headed through to the gardens which Miss M and Mister B absolutely loved. They ran ahead and led me through the winding paths, climbing every tree they could. We found little shelters to explore and even an underground cellar. The flowers and trees were wonderful just coming into bloom giving us plenty to look at and talk about. The children loved running around in the fresh air and the sun was shining, helping them to burn off the excess energy they woke up with.
After about an hour of exploring we headed in to the house, a beautiful Georgian Mansion. Miss M was given a clipboard to carry around, noting down the rooms she spotted hidden wooden mice in – a great activity to keep children’s eyes peeled and maintain their interest in wandering around the property. We even found a dressing up room upstairs where we could try on replica clothes and pose for a photo. Mister B insisted on trying on the entire range of gentleman’s hats!!
Once we had finished the tour of the house, Miss M was given a sticker for her excellent effort in spotting all the hidden mice. We then headed off to the cafe for a late lunch and even sat outside in the glorious sunshine to relax. What a lovely day spent with just me and my two children, it was so nice to get away from a day stuck at home and has definitely inspired me to take the children to more National Trust properties when we’ve got the time, although may have to find a day daddy isn’t working for the ones more further afield!
This looks like a wonderful day out, I love National Trust properties and I’m a bit gutted that my OH is away this weekend and we can’t take advantage of the free entry weekend.
Great post. Lovely pics looks like you had a great time. we had some fab visits at National Trust Houses and Gardens with my mum and dad when we were younger x
How cool does that look, my mum would love that she loves places like that x
Looks like a fab day out. Great photos. x
WOW! This looks like a fab place! Looks like you had such a fun day!
Looks like you really did have an excellent day 🙂
That looks like a fab place to visit – absolutely gorgeous photos!
Looks like an awesome day was had! Lots of lovely photos too!
we’re thinking of getting a national trust membership this year. Looks like a great day out
Looks like an amazing place to visit with so many things to explore!
Great place to learn a bit of history! Love how she dress up photo! brill!
Looks beautiful there, Looks like a great day was had by all x
good to see a review of national trust, i always wondered how suitable it would be for young children but seems like a good day out! we will have to keep an eye out for the next free day and give it a go
That looks like a fabulous day out
That looks like a wonderful day out. Lovely photos x
What a lovely way to spend the day! I love the idea of the wooden mice!
Simply spectacular. Love your photo collages. Such a beautiful place to visit.
[…] Saltram House, Plymouth a National Trust house and gardens. […]
Wow, I think you passed a great day with your kids.