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

Playtime

Whistletot Lane

Whistletot Lane is a mobile ‘role play village’ based in Leicestershire.

Since Dorothea was tiny we’ve enjoyed attending creator Freya’s initial classes ‘Story Imaginory’- last month she launched this new venture.

Classes/sessions are running in Market Harborough, Kibworth and Wigston- these would be suitable for babies; once they have confident sitting balance up to school age. Dorothea is 4.5 years and loved it.

Wherever possible Freya’s set ups use ethical/wooden/high quality toys from great brands such as Le Toy Van, tender leaf, Olli Ella and Melissa and Doug.

There are two set ups that change each week; yesterday’s was: vets, post office, cafe, cleaning, campsite, building site and there’s also a book area with a ball pit.

Dorotheas favourite section yesterday was the cafe and she enjoyed making mummy ice creams.

It’s a lovely environment for mums; with free unlimited tea and coffee- and also cakes available to buy if you’re feeling peckish.

It’s obvious Freya prioritises cleanliness, safety and quality. All the areas were spotlessly clean, gel and wipes were available- and drinks served using disposables.

We can wait to go again next week

Classes are pay as you go; but need to be booked in advance- £7 a sessions and siblings are 1/2 price ( or FREE if under 9 months) Whistletot Lane web

Insta- Whistletot Lane

Also look at their other classes storyimaginory Baby relax

Dots outfit – shorts from Small eco steps use ‘kelly’ for discount, tee from Bee boo buzz use ‘ninja10’ for discount