The vikings have landed!

We made it to Kelburn and we weren't disappointed!  The Vikings were battling and the weather was kind.  We spent a long time wandering through the Walled Garden, playing in the play fort and walking beside the waterfalls before we spent some time with the Vikings.  If you're interested in the gardens, I'll be posting on that on my other blog when I find a chance tomorrow.

Why the Vikings, you ask?  Well the Largs Viking Festival has just kicked off this weekend... Didn't you know?

They were really rather good, and nearly  succeeded in frightening TT.  Nearly.  She's made of sterner stuff however.

My favourite shots are these though - modern day Viking checking his Tweets on his mobile?  (Shame I ruin the shot in my haste by appearing in the background!)

Anyways, we had a ball as ever at Kelburn.  TT loved her special treat of lunch out and told everyone in the cafe just how good her sausage, beans & ships were.  Definitely deserved on a Viking battle ground on the first days on Autumn.

Well done yet again Kelburn folk, and well done to the Vikings for their spirit and entertainment!  See you next weekend at The Pencil!

Out and about this weekend.. decisions, decisions

The sun is shinning and I owe Baby Wild some quality fun time. We're just back from a holiday in Ireland and I have been so depressed back at work and the monotony of the working week/cleaning/unpacking/washing/having to talk to office colleagues/parenting dullness now that the party with friends is over! So I think she needs some 1 on 1 time to make up for general lack of patience this week.

So what to do? We are so lucky to live near Kelburn Castle and they are hosting their fabulous Garden Party festival this weekend. My dilemma is that I am kinda skint after the hols, and I'm not sure I can afford £42 for the Saturday day pass, especially when I am actually only going to manage a few hours with a toddler. I think I might chance my arm at the gate and see if they will let in the 2 of us for a discount for simply a few hours in the afternoon before most of the music stages are fully functioning etc? I dunno, but I guess if you don't ask you don't get!
My other alternative is to go strawberry picking at East Yonderton Farm, just next door to Glasgow Airport.  That would make up for me feeling so pathetic for not bothering to net my main crop strawberries in my own garden and therefore not getting to taste a single one for all the wildlife.  I have netted my beloved wild strawberry patch, but they are young and yield tiny (but deliciously sweet) fruit. 

Time will tell, and I shall let you know how we get on.

Kelburn Castle, Largs

One of my favourite places to take kids to (as an excuse - I LOVE this place!) is Kelburn Castle and the surrounding estate.  Huge bonus for not being far from where we live, another huge bonus for being really cool and not very expensive.

We're planning a trip there soon, I've been a little pre-occupied with my own estate of recent weeks so we have nowhere new to write about as yet, so I thought I'd inspire myself by remembering to plan a trip soon!

The castle, dates back to the 13th century, and is still lived in by the present Earl and his family.  It hosts exotic gardens, famous trees and many historical features. There's also the Kelburn Glen with its waterfalls and deep gorges, and beautiful woodlands with great views over the islands of the Firth of Clyde.
There is HEAPS to do as facilities include a Pony Trekking & Riding School, Indoor Playbarn, Pet's Corner, Adventure Course, Gift Shop with cafe, and Ranger Service Events.

It is common knowledge that I HATE SOFT PLAY places, but Kelburn's Playbarn is pretty darn good.  It's cheap as chips, small and friendly.  A visit also can't be made without appreciating the amazing Graffitti Project where Kelburn brought together four of the world's leading graffiti artists from Brazil and created a burst of colour, covering the walls and turrets of the south side of Kelburn Castle.  It's fantastic!

Then there's the Annual Garden Party, which I'm afraid due to the appearance of certain toddler I have yet to take part in. However this year it's on the 2/3 July and I fully intend to make it this year!

In the meantime, I'll post some photos up when I manage to drag my muddy arse away from the garden for long enough to treat Baby Wild to an afternoon out!

Logistics / 10

baby friendly            10
toddler friendly         100
toilets/changing         10
accessibilty               10
car parking              free & plentiful
cost                         Adults £7.50, Child/Conc £5.00, Families £25
(Family day ticket entitles entry for 2 adults and up to 3 children).