Category: Travel – UK

Once again we would all have liked to sleep in but we had to started with our last leg of the journey. First up it was back over this bridge.

Then most of today involved motorways which made for easy driving for Pop, but it was rather boring for me – I spent quite a bit of time reading blogs since we had internet access. We could not believe how much traffic was on the road.

We stopped at a Marks and Spencer and pick up some lunch which we had in the motorhome once we arrived at Duxford Imperial War Museum. I had the Mexian 3 bean wrap again. YUM!

After eating we headed into the musuem – my gosh – it was SOOOO much bigger than we’d expected.

So many planes and so little time. It was really hard to keep the kids moving along – they wanted to look at everything and do ALL the hands on activities.

We spent around 3 hour here and really enjoyed our visit. We know Kevin would have loved it. On the way out we stopped for an ice cream.

and the girls went for a ride…

It was then just a 5 min drive tonights caravan park.

We got set up and then on with the “fun” task of packing the suitcases and cleaning the motorhome (ready to hand it back in the morning).

The girls had fun playing with their new knitting things.

Tonight I made a omelet for Poppy and Amy and I had a superfood salad I’d picked up earlier. Yummo!

Hoping to have an early night and good nights sleep. We drove the motorhome off at 8am tomorrow and head to the airport for our LONG flight home.

We woke up to rain again and after getting ready (well not Christy – she stayed in her PJs) we hit the road for a 3 hour drive to Bolton Abbey. The sat nav decided that, once again, we should take the scenic route.

Which was all well and good until we hit a single lane road and came face to face with a truck – who then had to back up to let us pass.

Our adventure over we arrived at todays destination just after 12pm. Lucy, the owner/writer of one of my favourite blogs,  Attic 24, often visits here with her family and I was keen to visit after seeing all her wonderful photos.

The skies were just clearing up as we headed off. First stop – lunch at the Cavendish Pavillion.

I had a kids portion of potato with coleslaw – which was very nice.

I have to say though, I’m rather sick of cafeteria style lunches – trying to order you own food plus get the kids sorted is rather stressful (esp. with Christy who never wants anything proper). We ate outside and then headed off for a 2 hour walk through the woods and along the river.

It was uphill and downhill and we saw lots of puppies, which the girls had to say hello to. We even saw a Golden.

After an hour we crossed the river and headed back.

It was along here that we came across the money tree. Of course, the girls wanted to put some money in.

The walk was tiring but very enjoyable and two hours later we were back at the Cavendish Pavillion for afternoon tea. I had the raspberries and cream I’d spotted at lunchtime with some Yorkshire tea. Delicious. Raspberries here are just the best.

We then walked back to the motorhome and I changed into my more comfortable crocs. Christy stayed behind the rest of us walked to Bolton Abbey for what we thought would be a nice easy walk. However we hadn’t spotted the river and had walk up a steep staircase and down a hill to get to the other side.

But it was worth it. I thought the whole abbey was ruined but part is intact – complete with 14th century roof. We talked to one of the ladies in their and she explained that Henry VIII allowed it to remain so the people of the town had somewhere to worship and only the monastry and other parts was destroyed.

We walked through the ruins and down the river behind.

Amy had wanted to cross over on the stones but got too nervous.

So we walked back to the van and drove back to tonights accomodation. We had passed it earlier today so knew it was back alone the narrow road – but luckily not too far back. This was another lovely park – overlooking the Yorkshire Dales. I loved how you could hear the sleep bleating away when outside the van.

Tonights dinner was pasta with tomato sauce.

The girls went off to play soccer with another family and their boys and Christy came back in tears after falling onto (we think) stinging nettles. Amy had had an encounter on our wood walk earlier today but Christy’s was worse. We put on some cream to help with the sting.

Firstly just wanted to share last nights sunset – stunning wasn’t it?

Christy was out late playing with a friend last night and didn’t come home till nearly 10pm. So we all had a bit of a sleep in till 7.30am. Breakfast was a freshly baked crossant – which was delicious.

Therefore we didn’t get underway until after 9am. We had a couple of stops, including the border.

We also stopped to get petrol as this very antiquated petrol station. The pump was so old is couldn’t even handle the current price of petrol.

We also passed a field of geese – something I’ve never seen before.

Just before 12pm we arrived at Alnwick Castle. It was quite a walk to the castle from the car park and very convoluted to get there but eventually we arrived, in amongst the drizzle.

We arrived just in time to see a magic show – which the girls enjoyed. Of course, they had to buy a little magic kit afterwards.

After the show we went in search of lunch. It was hectic and busy but we eventually got some food and found a seat outside. They had a station with warm wraps and I was very excited to find this one. YUM!!

After our tummies were full we went to the Knights Quest area. On the way the girls stopped to make some soap.

I was pleased to see that Amy was not “grown up” to get dressed in costume. Christy wanted to be a Knight so she could have a sword.

There was the Dragon’s Quest walk through – not really sure what the point of it was besides scaring young kids!

Then there was making an anti-dragon potion….

and sword fighting…

and leaving Poppy holding the handbags :-).

Later we saw the stagecoach…

and the dungeon ….

views from the top….

and around the castle…

We left about 3.45pm and went via the garden gift shop. This is the second time I’ve seen this chicken pottery and I love it but refrained from buying any. I would have bought the toast server but it was rather heavy.

We then drove the 15min trip to tonights stop. Filled up the tank with water and got settled. And yes, we have internet again tonight :-).

The girls were quick to start work on their magic tricks.

Tonights dinner is quiche, beans and bread rolls. Can’t believe we’ve only got three nights and two days left!!!