Days out: Twycross Zoo

Days out: Twycross Zoo

Recently I have been for a day out at Twycross. This journey took around 1hr 30 from my house. 

On arrival we were in an overflow car park, however there looked to be more potential parking available.

I do like this zoo, I was aware that before we went this zoo if well known for their primates. You can see that they are very proud of this. They in my opinion have more primates than any other animal type.

We saw lots of monkey variations including some babies.

I loved the daydreaming orangutan

We saw the elephants including the first baby I have seen. She was gorgeous and just learning to pick up things with her trunk. 

There were lots of animals including a petting/ farm animal section.

I know many people love to see the penguins.

One of my favorites are the sloths. 

And the butterfly house including a few creepie crawlies.

There were a few cafes on site and a large children's indoor and outdoor play area.

I felt that that was enough to do for a few hours. I am probably used to zoos, and know how to work my way around,  but I feel that I could not have spent a full day being fully occupied here like I can at other attractions. 

I did very much enjoy my visit and I would recommend going. However I would say maybe link it on to other attractions in the area.

Speak soon

Nic x

http://twycrosszoo.org/

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 2

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 2

This week I went to one of the Safari Nights. This is where the park is open until around 9pm at night. With added entertainment and the animals are more active as the day get cooler and some of them get fed. I went with family, as it was straight from work we went via the Safari Cafe for my tea. As per my last blog the food was fresh and lovely. As it was a busier day it did take a little longer to arrive but this was to be expected.

As I was with adults this time, we could be more selective of which animals we went to see. As this was a special event day the park was busier than usual, and due to going after work and after food we didn't reach any animals until about 6:30pm.

We went to see the very active Lemurs.

My good friends the River Hogs “Bella & Buster”

The Tigers:

Since my visit last week the wildlife park have had their newest arrival of Victor the Polar bear. It was lovely to see the new part of the park. As well as the vast space for him. Sadly as Victor was still getting used to his new home and his new routine he was sat by the door to the exit of his enclosure. It was very obvious he was tired and was sat waiting to go to bed. From what I could see he was a lot bigger than I had expected and very handsome. I shall go back and see him again when he has settled in more.

After the animals on the park there were a number of street entertainers out and about, I had seen a magician, brass band and singing group. Before the main entertainment of the night a Take That tribute band (different acts on different nights) followed by bang less fireworks.

I was very happy with the bang less fireworks. I really don't like usual fireworks and I can highly recommend going to see these. I understand due to the animals why they are at the park. But it makes me think why cant all fireworks be quiet like this.

Another great trip to the wildlife park, however this was a shorter visit than usual. It was still very enjoyable.

Speak Soon

Nic x

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 1:

Yorkshire Wildlife Park:

Part 1:

This week I went to the wildlife park with my family. I was very excited to spend some time with my family outside. 

On arrival the park once passing the new shop and entrance area we went for lunch. We went to the newly refurbished safari cafe. This was clean, bright and unusually quiet. The menu was varied and had lots of yummy sounding food. With members on staff on hand and knowledgeable about their products. The items were reasonably priced an example was £6.95 for a large portion of quiche and salad. The food arrived quickly and freshly prepared. With large portions and good quality food this was a pleasant surprise from usual burgers and such food.

Then we went into the park fully, We bought the kids the guidebooks which had lots of facts about the animals. Great for when you don't know the answers to the million and one questions they may ask. Also there is a quiz in there to keep them occupied throughout the park.

We did go midweek however it was during the summer holidays, and also one of the special event safari nights. The car park was busy, but once you have entered the park due to the vastness the park didn't feel busy. With no ques to see the animals. 

The children's play areas were busy and the indoor one was very hard to find seats, but this did not cause any issues for the children to play.

I love to walk around the lions to see the landscaping and waterfalls.

As always went to my favourite section: South American Viva to see my Capybara Martha.

This visit the giraffes were outside and I got to see the recent addition to the gang.

I cannot wait to go later this week to see the new Polar bear and stay for the evening to experience the safari night.

Speak soon

Nicola

Days out: Roche Abbey

This week on a part day off work I wanted to go somewhere for a few hours peace and quiet. The weather was forecast got be good over lunch. Therefore we went off out for a picnic. 

After looking for somewhere local and good value for money. As we knew we would only be there a few hours. We decided to go to Roche Abbey near Maltby in Doncaster.

This is an english heritage site and cost £3.80 per adult to get in. (we also had a buy one get one free voucher).

There was enough grounds to have a walk for an hour or so and lots of open space for a picnic. There were a few benches but we took a rug. There were quite a few people that had done the same. 

This is the type of place where you need to take your own entertainment. A few families had taken small bat and ball sets for example.

I would go again as it was peaceful and a nice local attraction for a quick get away.

If you would like to know more information take a look here: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/roche-abbey/

Days Out: Wentworth Garden Centre.

This is not your typical garden centre. There is lots and lots to do. With the garden centre, shops, lovely cafe, Large gardens, and Farm there we spent about 4 hours here.

I have previously been here but only on a short visit and I had said I would like to go back when the weather was better to have a look around the gardens.

On arrival we went and paid our admission, this was £3 for 2 people and off we went. Picking up a map as we went. 

Once inside the gardens we attempted the Maze. I don't have the best of luck with mazes and I am scared I will get lost. (I have once been in a maze for 2 hours looking for the exit) This one wasn't too bad we were out in 15 mins.

Then as you are all probably aware I have a thing about benches, I not only take pictures of them but I love to sit and have a rest and enjoy my surroundings. Well there were lots of lovely benches and surroundings on this trip.

We spent about an hour in the gardens and had a nice time seeing all of the varying areas. Well worth the entry fees.

Then dinner time, off to the cafe we go, there is a large selection and at good prices. The food is not the quickest but is made to order so is very fresh and hot. With a large indoor and outdoor seating area. On this visit I had learnt that I like pomegranates but I don't like Pims. All finished off with A pot of tea and a Jam and Cream scone.

After this we went to the farm, the farm is £5 for 2 people and 40p for animal food. There are a number of animals. My favorites being of course the piggies followed by my friend the counting pony. Also inside the farm there is a children's play area that is not as busy due to being for people who have paid for farm entry.

The garden centre was well stocked, but I think the prices were quite high, (even for a garden centre) There was a local fruit and veg stall, butchers and a deli on site.

There are a number of things you can do in this area. I would give yourself a few hours if you wanted to do the whole centre. I will be going back.

http://www.wentworthgardencentre.co.uk/

Speak Soon

Nicola x

Days out: Cannon Hall Farm.

Well if any of you know me by now I am a massive Piggy freak. So on a day out the best way to make me happy is to involve pigs.

Today we were planning to go out and the weather forecast was not good. But we decided to put on our warm clothes and waterproofs, get out the big brolly and go for it. 

Therefore we got in the car to got to Cannon Hall Farm. I have been here before and will come again. It is about an hour away from home and the journey can be completed very easily in Zoe.

On arrival parking is £3 all day, but you can redeem this agains a £10 spend in their tearooms.

We realised from the car park that the weather had put a lot of people off as most of the area is outdoors. We didn't mind and off we went. We got our tickets and hand stamp and we were in. 

There are lots of animals large and small and a number of childrens play areas. 

Well if you are like me and you like pigs there are 5 pig houses then there are more in a separate section outdoors with rarer breeds. When we went in today we were greeted by the smallest piglets I have seen. They had not even opened their eyes yet therefore I am guessing at less than 48 hours old. 

Of course there were lots more that were older and running around and playing too. I can safely say I had seen about 500 pigs today. 

there were cows, sheep and goats. This is where I had a little giggle, 2 goat kids had jumped through their pen and were stood on a cows back stealing their hey. The cows did not mind and it looked comical. 

As well as a miniature pony with a miniature calf too.

Of course yes in places it was a little smelly but it is a farm! and due to the weather it was a little muddy. 

We were there about 1.5 hours and if you had kids and the right weather you could have easily managed another hour with the play areas.

There was a gift shop, farm shop and delicatessen. Where we have bought our tea ready for tonight.

The tea rooms were reasonably priced, with snacks, meals and afternoon teas available.

On the same site if you wanted there is Cannon Farm House and then the Gardens to go along with it. You could easily make a full day of your visit.

I shall be going again.

Speak soon

Nic x

http://www.cannonhallfarm.co.uk/

Days Out: The Deep (Hull)

This week the weather did not look to great on my day off and therefore we opted for an indoor activity. This week was not half term so we ventured off to The Deep. This was about a 1 hour drive.

When we arrived we realised the car park was quite full and maybe other people had thought of the same plan. We went inside to be greeted by a que of about 15 minutes for tickets. This was ok as it was warm and dry.

Once you get your tickets to got up to the third floor as then the experience works its way back down to ground level. 

There are lots of things to see, including many species of fish, sharks, rays and now the Penguins.

There we a lot of school groups and general families in but due to the size of the attraction it did not feel crowded. The only place people were queuing to see were the newly arrived penguins, however with a large viewing window and everyone being considerate there was only a 2 minute wait.

The whole attraction is wheelchair and pushchair friendly with ramps and lifts where needed. 

After you have seen the whole attraction. This took us about 1.5 hours. You can either choose to go back to the top in the glass lift, or walk back up the stairs (glass viewing all the way up). We waked leisurely back up the stairs and kept stopping on the many benches along the way to see the large glass tank. In my opinion this was much better than a 30 second lift ride with 12 other people.

We did not eat at the deep on this visit, but from a previous trip the food was varied and there were healthy options. Including Gluten Free and Vegetarian choices. It was not the cheapest of menus but it never usually is at a tourist attraction.

I would recommend the deep and I shall be going back again. They do have electric car charging points. But not suitable for Zoe as they were an old connection type. Therefore we had to go to a services on the way home to fulfill this need.

Speak soon, as I have lots of days out planned!

Nic x

http://www.thedeep.co.uk/

Days out : Wigfield Farm

Days out: Wigfield Farm

We went for a quick stop at a local farm, we were aiming just to pop by for some food on route to another location. But then we stopped and had a wander around. 

We ate in the cafeteria, the food was simple and just what we needed, I had a Jacket potato and Andy had homemade pie and mash.

There were a number of smaller animal enclosures, including fish, reptiles and members of the rodent family. Then outside there were larger animals including cattle, goats and pigs. Then finally around the corner were the alpacas and ponies.

All around were logos for Barnsley College, I am assuming there is some affiliation and maybe this is where the animal care courses are run? 

The Meerkats keeping warm.

The entry was £3 each and there was the option to by feed for the animals. I would suggest this is a good place for a stop off and a walk around for up to an hour. I had seen an outdoor children's play area.

The smiley Alpaca. 

I would suggest popping by on the way to somewhere else around the Barnsley/ Rotherham area. But that there is not enough to do there for a long period of time.

@WigfieldFarm

Days out: Wentworth Castle Gardens

Days out: Wentworth Castle Gardens

This weekend had the weather forecast of being sunny and nice so myself and my husband decided to don the walking boots and go out.

We decided to go somewhere within driving distance in Zoe, therefore we opted for Wentworth Castle Gardens. This is near Barnsley which is about 30 miles away from us. After a drive out around the countryside and some windy roads we arrived.

The car park was quite busy but we got a space straight away, Then there was a little walk up the hill to the entrance. (if you are disabled you can drive up this hill closer to the entrance and show your blue badge).

You enter through a quaint gift shop where you smell the food from the lovely cafe and buy your tickets. Then you get your map and you are off the explore. There is a lot to see and wether you like animals (lots and lots of sheep) the buildings or the gardens there are many places to see. Also something I really liked is there are lots of benches and seating around the park.

We went to see the newly refurbished conservatories. It was interesting to see how they used to look and their transformation to what is now a light bright and modern indoor garden space. 

From here we wondered off the main path and went into the woodland and the trails. This was ideal for the walking boots as it was still a little muddy underfoot. Yet again we were greeted by hundreds of daffodils. this reminded me why I like to get outdoors in the spring.

I then spotted a very interesting looking tree. Now don't think I've gone mental but I saw this and it took me back to my child hood and I shouted and pointed like a 2 year old. “Fairy Steps” my husband looked at me gone out and then looked where I was pointing and smiled. What do you think? I can understand why the fairies would like to live high up in the trees and maybe they don't want to use their wings all of the time.

We walked up to the castle and then went up the 83 steps to the top of one of the turrets. Where we had a nice view over the park and the countryside. The only thing that could have been better was the weather was still a little misty and after all of those steps a seat would have been greatly received.

We wondered back through the well manicured gardens and all of the little gates back towards the beginning. I can see how this would be a lovely place to come in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Finally we arrived back the the cafe, where a homemade jam scone and tea awaited. A great way to finish off the day.

I would recommend going here, I can see how some of the hills and slopes could be an issue for wheelchairs if you went away from the footpaths and I would think a more off road type buggy would be needed.

The entry was reasonable at £5.50 each and this included a parking token. We did spy that national trust members got 50% off. On entry and paying we were also asked if we were eligible to or interested in giving gift aid on our ticket price. I think this was a great idea as 20% goes back to the company as a tax relief donation.

http://www.wentworthcastle.org/