How glorious was the weather last Sunday! We couldn’t have asked for a better day to meet up with Redpeffer and her family. We decided to spend the day with them, having fun at Packwood House. The house is just outside Lapworth, in Warwickshire and is run by the National Trust. It’s a regular haunt for Iona and her family, but somewhere new for us to explore. There’s a large car park and a small cafe with picnic tables too. We decided to have an early lunch in the cafe so we could make the most of the lovely weather. The sandwiches were fab!
When we visited the house and part of the grounds were open for timed, guided tours only (but from yesterday, I believe everything is fully open). The weather was shouting for us to be outside so we decided to save the house for a future visit. Fields and mud were certainly calling the kids. Monkey had his waterproof trousers and wellies on, he was on a mission!
We’d been given a map of the grounds when we arrived but left Iona in charge as she is so familiar with the various walks. Monkey and his friends were soon running off ahead, which is so lovely to see. Chatting away, having their own little adventures, getting out in the fresh air with the added draw of mud, lots of it.
We set off to explore the Chestnut Avenue and Gorse Wood before looping back along the ‘Welly Walk’. The grounds of Packwood House are great for children to run around and let off steam, whilst remaining in a safe environment. Monkey was having a wonderful time.
I spent the day with a big grin on my face, it’s so lovely to see Monkey having fun with other children and feeling secure enough to leave my side. It’s a bit of a revelation for us and I’m loving it. There are a couple of ponds along the walk, but both have pathways alongside and Monkey knows how Mummy gets when there is water around!
He was very good at waiting for us to catch up, before continuing his adventure.
A play area was spotted and exploration was definitely required! Den building, log stepping-stones, wheel quoits game …..
and even a chance to make music!
Before going for a stroll …..
Then came the sticks, AKA small logs, because a boy just has to have a stick – right?!
Then we were back into open fields again – which way next?
Having fun at Packwood House involved lots of discussions between the children. The three of them get on really well, the dynamic just works.
A new stick was found and the adventure continued.
Part of the more formal gardens were open so we decided to wander down and have a look, walking along a quiet lane which passes the main car park.
Everyone was having fun at Packwood House, the walks were great and the sun kept shining down. We walked past the house itself to explore a little of the garden.
I always like it when you visit somewhere and know you’ll have to return to see a different side of it. The house, yew garden, lake and follies will be explored another day.
The children were all fascinated with the ornamental pond which was still partially frozen over. Iona’s daughter is starting to get the photography bug, I remember being exactly the same at her age. So much nicer these days when kids can see instantly what they’ve captured; no waiting a week for a film to be developed!
There were glimmers of hope that Spring is coming soon.
The kids were starting to get tired and a little hungry, but you can never miss an opportunity for a game of hide and seek, even if they only thing to hide behind was a rather slim tree – so funny to watch, but they loved it.
The best of friends had had so much fun at Packwood House, a lovely bit of homemade cake was definitely the order of the day. I think they might have been deciding what to ask for here!
We found a table outside in the sunshine and sent the men in to get the refreshments and Monkey had a look at the map to see where he’d spent the day having fun at Packwood House. It’s been a lovely day Mummy. Yes it has Monkey, the best kind of day. I think this little chap agreed too!
We’ll be back again soon I’m sure!
What a perfect sounding day. I can see why you will be back. We have just had national trust membership for Nick’s birthday from his Mum. Perhaps we can all visit Lanhydrock house when you are down at Easter, remember to pack your tickets! I was very taken with the natural play area, I think the music logs are very clever. I’ve pinned that one as one more for Nick’s list of things to make here! Thank you for sharing a great day out on Country Kids.
Yes, the musical logs worked really well actually, clever idea.
Looks like a lovely place for a day out and you all look like you were having a lot of fun. I love the snowdrop photo and the photo of the robin 🙂
It was lovely and the weather was so unexpected.
You can see from your wonderful photos how much fun Monkey was having and what a beautiful place to explore. Love the trails with music and stepping stones. I’m now inspired to look up a National Trust place near us for this half term holiday.
He had a wonderful time. Hope you had a good half term.
What a great day of outdoor exploration! Good thing they were wearing boots in all that mud. Love all of the different types of areas to wander through. My son also picks up sticks on our walks.
Yes wellie boots are a must with Monkey!
Ah, so glad Monkey had such a fab day there, and is enjoying his adventures with his new friends. Looks like you all had a great time, it’s a great place to explore.
It’s a wonderful place isn’t it. We will be back for sure.
I love the photo of them playing hide and seek-you got some beautiful photo’s Mary. I feel I ought to point out that my son did arrive in a coat, he just wasn’t interested in wearing it! Can’t wait to meet up with you all again and show you the rest of the house and gardens x
We did have such a lovely day didn’t we. Yes, that’s my favourite shot.
Oh how wonderful Mary, sounds like you all had the most fabulous day. Glorious photos too, definitely our kind of place 🙂
It’s a great place to explore.
Looks like it was a great day. Will definitely be heading there, it looks like there’s a lot more there than I’d thought.
It certainly kept us occupied and we didn’t see it all.
Looks like you all had a wonderful day out with lots of fun with good friends 🙂
Lots of wide open spaces to explore, this looks like a great day out.
Yes, it was much needed.
Looks like a beautiful place to visit and sounds like you all had a great time.
We really did enjoy ourselves
I cant help but think of how much mud is in there and can only imagine how much fun it is to play on there!
What a lovely place =) #CountryKids
It wasn’t as bad as our friends have seen it before apparently
The weather was screaming at us to get out at the weekend wasn’t it?! I love the fact that he had his waterproof trousers & wellies for his mud-mission outside! as for that log, it’s as big as Monkey himself!! It looks gorgeous and quite a lot of different areas to explore; I bet in the spring/summer the Gorse wood would look beautiful
Lovely post
#CountryKids
Yes I think it might become a favourite place to explore