Travel: UK Day Trips - The Midlands!

The UK is amazing. I feel like we have started more than a few posts with that line over the year. Being based in the Midlands we have been able to take full advance of exploring this wonderful island.

We thought we'd take a moment to round up our UK highlights, it ended up being too much for one post so we have split it into three - starting with the Midlands, followed by the South and then the North! So if you want a day trip or mini break or long weekend then there might be somewhere for you to check out.

So without further ado here's our list:
Midlands:
Stratford-Upon-Avon: This beautiful town that sits beside the ever stunning Avon river is at its best in Summer. With events happening almost daily and enough history to keep you entertained for weeks this place is a MUST visit - here's a few more reasons why you need to add it to your to do list: post here.

Warwick: Another must for history fans and based in the middle of England is Warwick - home to the world famous castle and beautiful town sat among rolling hills. Easy to get to and jam packed with things to do this town is for everyone. If you want to read more on the castle check out what to expect here.

Birmingham: We couldn't miss out our home town. From the worlds largest Primark to entertain the shopping fans to Legoland and aquarium, more canals than Venice, parks galore, a wildlife conservation park and so, so, so much more you can't head to the Midlands and not visit Birmingham. Here's a couple of other reasons for stopping by: click here.

World's biggest Primark!

Photo from https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/guide/where-to-eat-birmingham

Nottingham: Home of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest this city mixes ancient myth with modern offerings and is definitely worth a day trip. If you want to visit the area but avoid the hustle and bustle of the centre we suggest checking out Wollaton Hall, here's why.

Aston: Home of Aston Villa for the football fans - it is a super impressive stadium and home to Aston Hall - where James Watts (steam engine builder) this place is worth jumping on a train from Birmingham to see. The house offers tours and click here to see what to expect.

Cadburys World: A day eating and learning about chocolate is what you can expect with a trip to Cadbury's World and who doesn't love that?! Well actually if you don't there is so much more than a trip to the factory. Based Bourneville the factory is surrounded by the most chocolate box town you will ever see. Every building is beautiful, the park, the school - it's all perfect, and well worth a visit.  Oh and it's only a short drive or train ride from Birmingham. Click here for our experience.

The Cotswolds: We LOVE this beautiful part of the country so much. There are so many beautiful places to explore, small villages, chocolate box cottages, quaint cafes, stunning walks and places to relax. Whether it's admiring the fields of lavender (here's where you can check it out), walking by the river or figuring out is lower or upper slaughter is the prettiest you can get lost in the Cotswolds for days - we did and here's what we got up to - click here.

And if you want to wear your kids out or have a ton of fun yourself then Star City is also worth adding to the to-do list. With indoor mini golf, laser quest, bowling, roller rink and so much more you won't be bored on a visit. See what we did when we visited here.

Are there any Midland must do's that you would add to the list?

Review: Warwick Castle, UK!

In the 5 years that we have lived in Birmingham we have driven past signs for Warwick Castle frequently and added it to our to do list. Sadly time has never allowed a visit and then when Annabelle arrived we pushed it down the list thinking it wasn't going to be baby friendly. 

We were wrong!

On Saturday we were invited to check out everything Warwick Castle had to offer, as a family,  including The Falconers Quest - the new birds of prey show for Summer 2019. 

As summer had finally arrived in the UK we decided to head to the castle after Annabelle's nap so that we weren't out in the hot sun all day. We had headed to my parents in Stratford-Upon-Avon so Annabelle could nap there and we were only 15 minutes from the castle. 

It worked perfectly, Annabelle woke up at 1.30pm and we were at the Castle check in at 2pm. With map in hand we headed off to explore. We had taken the baby carrier as we knew that there was going to be walking involved, it ended up being a great decision - although Annabelle was happy to enjoy the grounds when the opportunity allowed. 

We started with the towers and ramparts, it involved 500 steps, most of these were inside the towers so were steep and small - they really built castles for a purpose back in the day :) The views at the top were well worth the work out though. Annabelle was entertained with the climb and we had remembered water so I was able to stay hydrated, so all in all it went well. 

The rampart walk wasn't all about the steps though. Along the route were rooms jam-packed full of displays, one thing Warwick does really well is bring history to life. The displays included life-size models, plenty of pictures and stories, interactive guides and surround sound to make you really feel part of the past. As a history buff I LOVED IT! Thankfully Annabelle was also into it.

It took us around an hour to complete the walk and after we finished we headed straight to the Kingmaker - a journey through preparations for war with sights, sounds and scenes that would have happened back in 1471. Being inside allowed us to cool down and have some respite from the sun.

As we finished it was almost 3.30pm, time for the afternoon show of The Falconers Quest. We headed to the riverside arena and took our seats on the grass verge. There was seating available but with Annabelle ready to stretch her legs we decided the grass would give her more space to roam.

As soon as the show started we didn't have worry about Annabelle wandering, she was mesmerized. We all were. From the beautiful barn owl to the gigantic Bald Eagle, the sprightly harris hawks and the huge condor it was amazing. The trainers had the birds flying low over the crowd and the story being told kept us all engaged. It was the first time we have ever taken Annabelle to anything like this and based on this experience we would definitely do it again. 

To continue the bird theme we headed to the peacock garden to check out the beautiful flowers. What we discovered was numerous peacocks hiding in the bushes and wandering the gardens, we were able to get up close and even get a selfie! It was a lovely experience. 

The walk back to the main castle ground gave us a real perspective of the size of the castle. There were so many places to sit and enjoy a picnic or let children run wild. We strolled past the archery area where people were learning the skill and set up a blanket so Laura and Annabelle could relax while I headed up the Conquers Fortress - the oldest part of the castle. 

The walk up the mound was on an incline but it was made easier with the distraction of signs packed with interesting facts. Warwick was chosen as a strategic castle due to its central location and was visited by plenty of royal family members previously. It's proximity to the spa town at Leamington also helped. Or so I found out! At the top the reconstruction is impressive and is another castle. 

After making it back to my girls we finished the trip at the Time Tower. This for me was another highlight. Taking you back to the very start of the castle an walking through the ages you got to meet people who had played a part in the history. From battles to restoration, from family relations to family squabbles you get it all. I particularly liked the talking pictures that really bought it to life. 

With the ground closing at 5pm we made our way out towards our car with smiles on our faces and so much to talk about. There were still things we wanted to see so we will be back. We may even looking into doing the overnight stay there - it sounds like quite the experience! 

As I say we were wrong about how family friendly the castle was - it is the perfect place to take kids of any age. There are things for every age and so much to do that you can really make your own day. I loved the history, I loved the way the history was bought to life, I loved the effort that Warwick Castle put into everything and couldn't recommended it enough as a day out. 

We'd like to thank Warwick Castle for the gift of tickets, the review is entirely our own words and thoughts. 

Have you been? What did you think?

Review: Family Friendly Mini Break in Newquay, Cornwall!

Where do I start this post? Sitting here, reflecting on an amazing weekend, I am not sure which of our highlights to start with! Our visit to Cornwall was our first UK mini break as a family of three and thanks to Love Newquay, we had a weekend to remember celebrating 10 years of being together!

Leaving on Friday afternoon we drove the 240 miles from our home in Birmingham to Newquay in the northwest of Cornwall. It took a little over 4 hours with a stop in Exeter for fish and (cheesy) chips. Thankfully we had timed our departure for an Annabelle nap and she slept for almost two hours meaning we only had to entertain her for part of the journey.

We arrived at the Sands Resort and Spa at 7.30pm and were checked into our two room suite quickly and efficiently, which was much appreciated as Annabelle was getting tired again. The staff could not have been more helpful. One of the staff quickly set up a travel cot in case we wanted Annabelle in the room with us then left us to settle in. Reading through the guest info we were impressed at how much the hotel offered for families, including a baby listening service!

After a great night sleep we woke up refreshed, enjoyed a full English breakfast and got ready to enjoy exploring what Newquay had to offer as a family. If you haven't already, check out our Instagram highlight reel for photos and videos of the trip, you'll find us at @sarahpluslaura - and so to our highlights in no particular order:

Sands Resort Moroc Spa / Creche
Onsite at the Sands Resort and Spa there is a Moroccan themed spa, details can be found here, but in summary it is a beautiful space split in two parts. One half has a cedar hot tub and barrel heat room, the other is a relaxing lounge where you get to enjoy Moroccan mint tea, cakes and a glass of bubbly! We were able to enjoy the experience while Annabelle was looked after by the OfSted approved creche upstairs. While nervous to leave her at first, we were reassured by the wall to wall toys available and the lovely ladies who greeted us, wrapped Annabelle in a hug and told us they would come to get us if we were needed.

The ladies at the Spa also reassured us that they would get us if Annabelle needed us so we should go and relax. Relax is exactly what we did, it was a 90 minute experience and leaving we felt refreshed and rejuvenated. We were fortunate that the other couple sharing the experience had a 2 year old and 9 month old, also in the creche, so we shared experiences and advice and came out feeling like we had also gained some really valuable insights.

We were so relaxed that when we got back to our room, the 3 of us had a family nap!

Blue Reef Aquarium
Located on Towan beach is Newquay's aquarium. If it's not quite 'beach' weather then the aquarium is where you should head. We weren't sure how Annabelle would react as it was the first 'attraction' that we had ever taken her to but she loved it. From the moment we walked in she was mesmerised and happy chatting to the animals. At certain points she was reaching out to touch the fish and 'swimming' (kicking) along with them, it made our hearts happy. Our favourite part was the talk at the final tank with a giant turtle. As Laura and I listened to the talk, Annabelle was chatting to the turtle as it circled around, surfacing and occasionally waving!

The aquarium was fairly small and we were done within an hour. If Annabelle had been older we would have stopped to read more signs but we thought it best to keep moving and we left with lovely memories and counted the visit as a great success.

If you are thinking of going with young children, do it, but maybe do it on a Thursday as they do cheaper entry for an adult and toddler throughout March. Or check their website for their latest deals!

Newquay Town
It's always exciting getting to explore somewhere new, I (Sarah) had visited Newquay many, many, many years ago on an 18 - 30's holiday and admittedly didn't remember much except the beaches (and bars) but this was Laura's first time. We had attempted to wander around on Saturday but the rain and gusty wind had us retreating into Wax, a quirky restaurant in a converted bank - complete with a safe! The food was reasonably priced and tasty although service could have been quicker, it's something we are acutely aware of now we have Annabelle, there is only so long we can entertain her when sat in a restaurant!

After refueling we did venture down the high street and discover plenty of cake shops and pasty stores mixed in with your regular high street stores. We lost ourselves in the arcades, tourist shops and made a final stop for cakeaway before heading back to the hotel.

When the weather brightened up we strolled back and enjoyed pasties from the award winning, aptly named: The Cornish Bakery - I opted for the traditional pasty and Laura went for a leek, cheese and potato. They were super flavourful and warming. Oh, and make sure to try their white hot chocolate - so, so, so good!

The Beaches
Newquay has so many beaches on offer it was hard to pick which ones we wanted to check out! Our first choice was Porth Beach as it was 10 minutes walk from the hotel. We made our way along the cliff edge and the views were breathtaking! Annabelle spent the walk napping and Laura spent the walk taking SO many photos :)

When we arrived on the beach we made our way towards the sea to give Annabelle her first beach experience. She loved that there were so many dogs running around (next time we are taking Bisbee for sure) and we loved that even though there were plenty of people on the beach there was enough space for us to set out our blanket. We did get caught out by the tide coming in FAST though and we had to quickly grab our stuff and run up the beach - an entertaining sight I'm sure!

While down at Porth Beach make sure to check out Roos Beach Shop for cute clothes and accessories - oh and to top up your water bottle! There is also a cute cafe, perfect for getting out of the wind!

We also liked Towan beach, this is located at the bottom of town centre and a perfect spot to enjoy the haul of goodies purchased in the local shops.

Sands Hotel Facilities
As mentioned this was our first 'family' mini break and we had never thought about staying anywhere family friendly - usually having kids running around is not our ideal. However, what the Sands does really well is jam pack the hotel with things to do that are either kid friendly or adult only so you can still choose. For example, our anniversary meal was spent in the adult only dining area overlooking the bay and enjoying the atmosphere - we used the baby listening service for Annabelle so were able to relax and enjoy instead of entertaining her.

In the swimming pool there is a splash zone for the smaller kids and then a main pool. We used both but only moved to the main pool when it cleared out. It was amazing, we had the whole thing to ourselves and even better we could take photos with Annabelle (something that we had missed out on at our local pool).

The hotel also has plenty of outdoor space so the children that were there were well distributed. In fact, it was only at breakfast that we noticed there were quite a few children staying. Indoors, there s a games room and soft play area, not to mention the creche. Outdoors there is a basketball court, tennis court, playground, and another pool. It is so well set up!

As well as the facilities, the staff were fantastic. In terms of customer experience this has to be one of the best - think USA style hospitality! - nothing was too much trouble, they were ready to answer questions any time of the day, to reassure us and to cover things we hadn't even thought of - including providing buckets and spades, oh and buggies should you need to borrow one. The staff definitely made the experience - we even got an anniversary card from them!

We can't wait to visit Newquay again (check out Love Newquay Facebook page here for latest updates on the area). Not only is the location stunning, but there is so much to do. Driving back, we listed our highlights, as we always do after holidays, it was amazing how many we had to choose from as we had only been away a weekend.

As Annabelle grows we are sure she'll love the walks and beaches as much as we do and this trip reminded us just how wonderful this country is if you just head out and explore.

Thanks again, Love Newquay!

Disclaimer: We were invited by Love Newquay and provided with a 2 night hotel stay at the Sands Resort and Spa, the 90 minute Moroc Spa experience, 3 tickets to the Blue Reef Aquarium and complimentary pasties from The Cornwall Bakery; however all views, experiences and photos shared in this blog are our own. 

Baby Blogging: First Visit To Santa!

With Annabelle arriving in July we had no idea if a nearly 6 month old would appreciate visiting Santa but we knew 6 adults - both sets of Grandparents, plus us- would love to see our little girl visiting Santa.

As always Laura's organisation meant we had potential Santa's to visit listed by September and the criteria was strict:

• It had to be a real beard Santa
• The experience needed good reviews
• It would be ideal if we could take Bisbee
• It couldn't be too expensive

Laura discovered the perfect location, Magic Alley in Stratford-Upon-Avon (details are here - just a warning it plays Christmas music as soon as you enter!), it included an experience that was unforgettable for all 6 adults and we are pretty sure Annabelle and Bisbee enjoyed it too.

We arrived at Magic Alley at 4.45pm and were checked in. When our 5pm time slot arrived we were given a quiz sheet and instructions that as we entered each room there would be information on the walls that would help us complete the quiz. As a quiz loving family we were determined to do well.

What we hadn't anticipated was how amazing this place would be. We had read that the Santa here had been voted the most authentic and traditional but it was the experience that made this worth checking out and we hadn't really read too much on that.

The first room was a lounge with a fire place and decorated like something out of an American Christmas film. It was perfect to get us in the festive spirit. The second room was a library, again festively decorated, with a large table in the middle with a box for letters to Santa. We were each encouraged to write a letter using the paper and quills laid out on the table. We all obliged.

Bisbee got a little help!

From the library we entered a room filled with globes of all ages and sizes and completed more questions. I was loving the education and quiz element and seeing Annabelle's face light up with so much to see made the experience.

Bisbee, was as ever, highly involved. She stayed beside us as we read signs, she stuck her nose in when we were looking at the amazing decorations and best of all she squealed with excitement when she saw Santa. We later found out that it was because he had a treat for her but for a brief moment we all 'awwwed' with the cuteness.

A little blurry but our first family pic with Santa

Meeting Santa was everything we could have hoped. We were all welcomed as one big family and in turn Santa asked us each what we wanted. It was a harder question to answer than expected. It's amazing as you get older the shopping list really shrinks. Other than underwear and socks or other useful things it really comes down to health, happiness, love and enough money to survive. The rest as they say is just stuff.

Our families list included health, world peace (we hope big :)), happiness for loved ones, time oh and a train set. My wonderful wife said she had everything she needed and would offer the wish to someone else. It was surprisingly emotional.

We were each handed a bell - Laura and I had to explain that it was from Polar Express and you only heard it ring if you believed in Santa - we were also each given a gift (a small book) but Bisbee, well our fluff butt got a large chewy bone that she was SO happy about.

We had to wait to enjoy our gifts though, as we left Santa and walked straight into snow. A room filled with snow and it was still snowing! It was magical. All of us were impressed.

Bisbee wore herself our running around in the snow!

The experience was more than we could have ever hoped for and it was definitely one for the memory banks. We will all fondly retell Annabelle about her first experience meeting Santa and what a good girl she was. There were no tears, no whinging, no fidgeting, she was perfect. Everyone got a chance to hold Annabelle - including Santa, and there were no complaints just smiles. It was a visit we could have only dreamed about.

We are thinking of making it an annual tradition. It turns out that the Santa has been the same one there for years so it would be lovely to go back and see him again. The only problem is I think we might have a party of dozens as everyone we have told about it we have suggested they go too.

Oh and for the hours worth of entertainment it was £10 per person.
We got full marks in the quiz!
We all got certificates saying we were good girls and boys :)

Did you meet Santa? Do you have a list of requirements?

Four Years Of Bisbee!!

4 years ago we bought home our first family member, a fluffy bundle that we know and love as Bisbee. Four years on we still count Bisbee as one of our best decisions. EVER.

The love we have for this dog is boundless, bountiful and best of all it is reciprocated.

We knew this year would be an interesting one for Bisbee especially with Bisbee becoming a big sister. A role she has taken very seriously. We even included her in Annabelle's naming day (post on that here). We have also jampacked Bisbee's year in other ways too, this post is just a quick run through of some of the highlights!

Everyone we know had two concerns 1) How would Bisbee react and 2) Would Bisbee like the baby. Well if you saw this post about having a baby and a dog you'll know that everything has worked out just fine. Our adaptable, loving Bisbee has welcomed Annabelle and enjoys having the extra attention when guests arrive. I don't think she minds me being at home more either!

At the start of this year we took a family trip with friends up to Scotland and spent time walking in snow covered mountains, taking in stunning scenery and adding a first for Bisbee - a dunk in an icy lake! The poor dog was investigating the ice when *crack* in she went. Laura and I both reacted by grabbing her out of the lake - a moment our friend caught on camera. We are kinda glad as it's the first time anything like that has happened and I'm sure, if Bisbee has anything to do with it, it'll be the last.

That trip was also fun for Bisbee as we took a boat to a secluded island in Loch Lomond for a walk, it turns out the island is home to deer and Bisbee and Farley (our friends dog) had a wonderful time chasing them. All we saw were flashes of Bisbee's pink coat. By the time she realised she'd never catch them it was time to get back on the boat. We were then heading home and Bisbee slept the entire 4 hour journey!

Deer weren't the only thing Bisbee chased this year, on our trip to Wales we came across sheep on one of our walks and Bisbee tried herding them. As they took off up the hill all we could do is watch and holler to try and get her back.

It is fair to say we have two Bisbee's. While the chasing exploits suggest an energetic dog who loves to be out and about the otherside of Bisbee is the opposite. Most days she'll be found asleep on the guest bed if the sun is bathing the bed. Or she'll be asleep under Annabelle's cot or on the couch next to us. On some days we have to physically cajole her out on a walk. A walk she loves once we're out but it's still a performance getting her there.

We have also had it confirmed that Bisbee definitely doesn't hate having her photo taken. At points in the past we thought we may be pushing her but as we set up photos with Annabelle who should appear - Bisbee! She can pull out a pose quicker than Annabelle. In fact we often have to give Bisbee treats for staying out of the photo!!!

Bisbee even dressed up for Laura's 30th princess party - as Cinderella!

At Halloween we went to Dogbeth Dining Club, an event with street food stalls for the humans and treats galore for the dogs. The dogs also had a fancy dress parade - we didn't enter - but it was great seeing all the costumes.

We walked 8 miles around Manchester in search of bees! Our post on the day is here.

We met Santa as a family and Bisbee got to play in fake snow.

On top of all of that we have a seriously loyal dog - unless my Mum is around then we're dumped - but this was highlighted recently when I was fighting my way into a rose bush to retrieve some items thrown in there after being stolen (a story for another day unless you saw it on our Instagram stories). After 10 or so minutes of fighting through to get to the centre I look up and who should be there - Bisbee. Our silly dog was soaking and had side stepped thorns and sharp bushes to be right beside me. It made my heart happy in ways only Bisbee can.

A final thought. When we got pregnant we were told that our love for our child would eclipse anything we've ever felt - including the love we have for Bisbee - but I can honestly say those people were wrong. Of course we love Annabelle wholeheartedly BUT our love for Bisbee hasn't changed, if anything it's increased. We don't love them differently. They are our family and we love our family as a whole. Bring on so many more years of our family adventures filled with love!

There you have it 4 years of Bisbee. Another wonderful year packed to the brim of wonderful memories and moments with our amazing pup.

If you want to check out last years Bisbee post or any Bisbee posts click here.