As much as I joke that it’s a sign of getting old, I am a MASSIVE fan of the National Trust. We are lucky in the West Midlands to be slap bang in the middle of loads of fantastic National Trust properties including Baddesley Clinton and Packwoood House. Whilst I have been on maternity leave, I have spent many a day there with the girls enjoying the gardens that they have to offer.
Out of my closest locations here in Solihull, I would generally always say Packwood House was my favourite. The gardens are simply stunning, with loads of beautiful flowers in Spring and Summer, and there is LOADS for the children to enjoy, including the little teddy bears picnic in the kitchen garden, the house in the woods, the big four poster bed in the open fields and the topiary gardens, which are perfect for hide and seek. In the Summer, they also have garden games on the lawn, and the café has given me a new found addiction to scones.
In comparison, Baddesley Clinton was more of a ‘grown up’ friendly location, with some nice walks around the lake, but for Erin, it was somewhat lacking in the child appeal… until recently that is.
On Wednesday we went to check out the new Natural Trail at Baddesley Clinton which just may have been a game changer for Erin, who is now saying Baddesley is her favourite. Here’s what you can expect.
The new Natural Trail at Baddesley Clinton can be found back up the driveway. From the carpark, go back on yourself as if you are leaving, and on the left hand side you will see a gate. Look for the wooden fox statue, and this is the start of your trail.
The trail is well sign posted using wooden statues to mark the route. Children will love spotting these as each one is of a different animal.
The Baddesley Clinton trail leads through the wide open fields full of friendly sheep (and tiny lambs!) until you reach a little clearing. For those who might be nervous of this prospect, don’t be, the sheep tend to leg it whenever anyone comes anywhere close. The trail is pushchair friendly, although you may have to dodge the sheep poo in parts! 🙂
Erin loved spotting all the animals until we came to a little wooded area, and this is where the fun really began. Here’s some photos of what to expect..
Log maze – walk under the archways and follow the logs to the other side, avoiding the dead ends! 🙂 Reach the end and escape through the other arch! 🙂
Log jumping track – see who can jump over all the logs the fastest!!
Wooden climbing frame – be the king of the castle with this Krypton Factor style climbing frame (showing my age!!!)
Wooden block jigsaw puzzle – remove all the pieces and then try and recreate the scene!
Erin’s personal favourite, the musical wall. This giant wall full of pots, pans, dustbin lids and more, is the perfect way for kids to let out their noisy side, using the wooden sticks provided to bang to their hearts content… and bang she did! 🙂
After the Baddesley Clinton trail we headed back to the main field for a picnic, and bought a lovely ice cream (Lemon meringue flavour – yum!) to eat on the grass. Be warned, the ducks are a little on the persistent side!! 🙂
Overall, I am really pleased with the new addition at Baddesley Clinton and we will be sure to return very soon.
*This is not a sponsored post, I just have a major love of the National Trust!*
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