Family time

Kelmarsh gardens and fairy trail

If you are local to Northamptonshire or Leicestershire then Kelmarsh is a wonderful family day trip.

The glorious walled garden

Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens is an elegant Palladian style country house with a prevailing history of the 20th century.
Built in the 1730s, Kelmarsh hall was the beloved home to three families across two hundred and fifty years.
Surrounding the hall are historic gardens, restored to evoke their early 20th century designs,
with a unique walled garden at the heart.

Even the long private drive upto the hall is impressive, lined with flowers, stunning views and the infamous white Kelmarsh herd.

Kelmarsh Hall and gardens is situation in Northamptonshire- just off the A508 and A14, but isn’t far from the Leicestershire border.

Entrance prices to the gardens are £6 for adults and £3.50 for children, family tickets and very affordable season tickets are also available. At additional cost you can also visit the hall and explore its intriguing history.

There’s many amazing picnic spots with a view; so don’t forget your blankets. Or you can treat yourselves at Sweet Pea Vintage tearoom, which was super busy when we visited.

Woodland walk

Whether you pop in for a short visit for tea and cake, or plan to stay all day, you won’t be disappointed. The adults will love the beautiful gardens, stunning views and impressive architecture.

So many cute fairy’s

The little ones will marvel at the cute fairy trail. Dorothea has been many times, but still loves creeping around to try and spot the hiding fairies, knock on the tiny doors and searching for animals in the trees.

There many an opportunity for hide and seek on the woodland walk, and Dorothea always enjoyed exploring, and seems to find new tree carving or beautiful statues each time.

She found one of the many fairy doors

Adults wanting a moments peace can stroll down by the lake; if you are lucky you may even spot the resident swans and new cynets, or just sit by the lake and admire the view.

Kelmarsh Hall and gardens is also available for weddings and events….. link below

Kelmarsh web

Kelmarsh weddings web

Kelmarsh insta

Kelmarsh Weddings insta

Eco Mum

Christmas gifts for the eco friendly

Eeeeek…… do you know your friend drops all the #plasticfree tags, or your cousin is super eco friendly???? Believe it or not they’re not super hard to buy for…… heres my top eco must haves for the super greens.

  • Make something

Sounds cheesy; but loads of thought goes into handmade. Think homemade granola, brownie mix, bath boards or a super retro mix tape! Here’s a great blog with some fabulous ideas Homemade gift blog

  • Cup it- secret whispers

Now you’d prob have to know her quite well for that I’m to be an idea; but it truly is a life changer! If your sister/bestie/workmate- is keen on being plastic free or reducing waste, then she’ll thank you for this (probably after giving you a weird look first). I started using period cups about two years ago- and I’m annoyed I didn’t try it sooner! Saves you loads of dosh(spend on gin), no nasty chemicals or risk of tss (so healthier) and no more whiffy bins to empty (hoorah!) honestly – game changer

  • Nothing new by Ruthie ru

I’m slightly obsessed by the cute upcycled jewellery from Nothing new by Ruthie Ru loads of awesome quirky pieces made from recycled vinyl or cds. Check them out.

  • Klean kanteen mug/cup or straws

From stocking filler straws, to secret Santa coffee cups, you could even make up a box of eco dreams for your son/daughter at uni. We find Klean Kanteen products to be great value, last well and love the fab colours too- definitely something for all the family here.

  • Tropic products

I love Tropic products! Made with all natural, cruelty free ingredients, some are even refillable! Speak to Charlie at Charlie Ball Tropic for recommendations and to order. I’d recommend an awesomely scented body pebble for your secret Santa, and the amazing personalised make up palette for you bestie ( oooh and treat yourself to the super greens serum and feel fresh deo whilst your there)

  • Refill rev voucher

Everyone loves a voucher (as does the giver, when you just don’t know what to buy). So if you’re buying for an eco warrior a Refill revolution voucher is the one- means they can get anything; from a spork, jar or sweets, coffee cup, period pants or even some lentils!

  • Planet picnic

One for outdoorsy families; we love our planet picnic reusables- they come out every weekend! Our egg sarnies are always in our wrap- opens up to a nice little knee blanket, Dot always has her snacks ready for the car in a snack pack, and our bamboo cutlery is ready to go. Planet Picnic fabric options are always funky, easy to wash and handmade too.

  • Soda stream

I bought my hubby a soda stream for his birthday and we love it!!! As you may know we like a gin or five, so it must save us tonnes of plastic mixer bottles. They even have a discounted gas recycle/refill scheme! Use this link for 10% off Soda stream

  • Vouchers for preloved fashion

Another (healthy) obsession of mine; I just love preloved fashion, and your eco friendly friend will to. If you’re local to Market Harborough grab a voucher for The Attic or Ginger Kate – you can grab wonderfully quirky blouses, a bargain designer piece, or (if you’re like me) just one more leopard print item!

  • Zen garden

Check out Zen garden for stunning zero waste beauty products. One product is perfect for a secret Santa- or make up a luxurious hamper for your best friend.

There we have it- buy them AND try them yourself- make sure you drop me a comment with what you think.