We have been waiting for these couple of weeks to arrive for what feels like forever…but they finally came. Our holidays! We were all in desperate need of some time out, a break and a change in our routine.
The last few years we have been abroad, which has always been lovely although still stressful at times, especially with the travelling and airports. So, this year, we thought let’s try something different and have a stay-cation – we also had a few bits we needed doing in the house so it seemed like the economical thing to do (we are not usually this sensible!)
I wont lie, due to the unpredictable British weather we were very tempted by some of the last minute holidays abroad but we decided to stick to our plan and stay in the UK. After a lot of research by my husband we found a cottage in Yorkshire for a few days, which meant we still had a week at home for days out.
So this last week has been spent pretty much on a National Trust tour. We have been to Bodnant gardens (which was beautiful), Tatton Gardens and Chirk Castle, pottering about, exploring and spending some time together. The weather hasn’t been amazing but we haven’t let that stop us, it really has been worth the wait.
Exotic places, hot weather, grand hotels are lovely (and no doubt I’ll be crying out for them next year) but, ultimately, all we need for the perfect holiday is family…. and a map!
(after writing this I spent the afternoon standing in the rain whilst the girls played in the park – so you may want to add an umbrella to that list!)
Linking up with Mummydaddyandme
Oh wow you were very good at holding out on the abroad holiday! But you hit the nail on the head-all you need is family! Days out together are wonderful no matter what and I hope you continue to enjoy x
Well done on sticking to your plans. Sounds like you still had a fab time even with a little bit of rain haha. x
Sometimes the best holidays are on home turf. I adore Yorkshire and have been a few times. Glad you all had a wonderful time even with the unpredictable weather! Popping over from #Ordinarymoments
Lovely photo. We love holidays at home. Glad you had a good time
Thank you for linking up
Sounds like you’ve had a lovely time. You can’t beat a trip to a NT place, they are always so lovely. It’s nice to get away, but its also lovely to stay home and have days out. x #theordinarymoments
Sounds like you all had a lovely week together! We have done the same last week, tempted to book holidays abroad due to the unpredictable Scottish weather but decided to have a mini break within the UK instead. #KCACOLS
I love a home holiday! I love an NT visit too – and you’ve just visited loads that are on my list but too far for us to make it to really – Bodnant is the one with the amazing laburnum arch, isn’t it? I’d love to visit that one year to see it! #KCACOLS
Sounds like you had a lovely time. I have been wanting to have a staycation for so long. I love the idea of just pottering around at home and having day trips, but because we travel so much through my blog (which of course I am not complaining about!) it means that we never have time to do it. It sounds like a lovely week of adventures. You can’t beat the National Trust! xx
Looks like fun, are they enjoying a treasure hunt? Clio lending a helping hand for Coombe Mill
Sometimes all you need is a staycation to let your hair down and relax. It’s great that you all managed to escape for a while and managed to explore some more National Trust Properties.
Thanks for sharing with me on #CountryKids.
Awww they look so adorable with their rain jackets! Looks so lovely in there =) #mysundayphoto
I love these kinds of vacations. My husband I did this for a weekend to ourselves. There is something good so relaxing about enjoying nature. #KCACOLS
I love exploring new places in the UK and National Trust have so many. Glad you’ve had a great holiday despite the weather.
#Whatevertheweather
Sometimes it’s nice to be off and at home. My husband is taking a few days off in a few months and we’re planning a few days out. It’s nice and it’s also easier not having to pack all the baby stuff! #kcacols
Staycations rock! Excatly what we’ve done too, and you can achieve loads adn have fun and save £££. Looks like a great adventurous time for you all! x
This sounds so perfect!! I love the National Trust, my parents buy us a family membership every Christmas, which is the best gift. I know what you mean about the British weather but when the weather’s good a staycation is the BEST!! Thank you so much for linking up to #MyCapturedMoment xxx
I love doing national trust tours! We take little stopovers on long journeys for properties! #kcacols
Sounds lovely, we do a lot of standing in the rain whilst the kids play in the park! #kcacols
Very sensible decision to have a staycation. We’ve taken out a NT membership this year. First time for ages. At least there are houses to shelter in, but we have had so many good weather days, that it really hasn’t been a problem. #CountryKids
What a treat. Its great to have a staycation and explore home. I’m a big fan of the National Trust. You can’t go wrong with a castle and garden. Pleased to know that were happy to trip #countrykids
I know we had a real National Trust tour – some of them are amazing! Thanks for your comment xx
You are absolutely right! All you need when holidaying is your family! I also used to love travilling abroad but lately travelling within the UK seems the best option will my girls are still young. Love your daughter’r coats btw! 😉 Thanks so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS, 🙂 x
I do love my holidays abroad but the packing is a nightmare. It was nice to just jump in the car and be on our way. Thanks for hosting lovely x
Sounds like a lovely staycation, I think a break with family, exploring new places here in the UK can sometimes be the best holidays! #countrykids
Thanks Steph – my husband actually prefers UK holidays than going abroad. I just cant cope with the unpredictable weather!
There certainly are so many places in the UK well worth a visit that staycations are wonderful. #MyCapturedMoment
Well done you for sticking it out, but most importantly for remembering the most important thing *family*! It sounds like you have visited some lovely places too. xx #countrykids #KCACOLS
Love the last addition of an umbrella to that list! Ha ha! That sounds like our holidays, a map, car and waterproofs! It sounds like you’re having a brilliant time! Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x