Having fun at Packwood House

Having fun at Packwood House #CountryKids

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!

Having fun at Packwood House

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!

Having fun at Packwood House

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.

Having fun at Packwood House

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.

Having fun at Packwood House

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!
Having fun at Packwood House

He was very good at waiting for us to catch up, before continuing his adventure.

Having fun at Packwood House

A play area was spotted and exploration was definitely required!  Den building, log stepping-stones, wheel quoits game …..

Having fun at Packwood House

and even a chance to make music!

Having fun at Packwood House

Before going for a stroll …..

Having fun at Packwood House

Then came the sticks, AKA small logs, because a boy just has to have a stick – right?!

Having fun at Packwood House

Then we were back into open fields again – which way next?

Having fun at Packwood House

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.

Having fun at Packwood House

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.

Having fun at Packwood House

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.

Having fun at Packwood House

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.

Having fun at Packwood House

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.
Having fun at Packwood House

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.

Having fun at Packwood House

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!

Having fun at Packwood House

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!

Having fun at Packwood House

We’ll be back again soon I’m sure!

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

26 thoughts on “Having fun at Packwood House #CountryKids

  1. 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.

  2. 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 🙂

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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

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