With school in full swing and routines becoming established, weekends have become precious time again. I still like to make sure that the children have something fun to do at the weekends, so that they don’t vegetate. Preferably with an outside theme. Last Sunday, was no exception. I was already committed to acting as taxi driver to youngest (plus some time sewing a new project, which I can’t wait to show you), but it did leave my husband and the girls free to explore.
They took the hound and headed down to the Bishop’s Palace in Wells. This is an 800 year old medieval palace set in 14 acres of a beautiful garden with a moat. In the middle of Wells. On Sunday, they were holding a bird of prey display in the gardens.
Both girls loved the display. They came home bursting with all the new terms that they had learnt, such as cadging a lift. The frame is called a cadge and was used to carry the birds. They giggled over King Henry VIII being too big to fit in the frame to carry the birds (see the above photo). They now know where the expression to be hoodwinked comes from – covering the bird’s eyes to calm it down and presumably removing the kill from it.
Also mantle comes from the bird covering its kill with its wings and gives us the word mantlepiece.
After the display, they went for a walk around the gardens. The willow dragon took their fancy judging by the number of photos they took of it. By the time they came home, all four of them were tired. I suspect they hadn’t realised how much walking they really did. A sure sign of an interesting place.
Next time , we’ll all go. It feels strange to be leaving almost a comment at the end of my own blog post, but I really would like to visit the palace and the gardens. It sounds a good day out. The birds of prey were only there for the day, but the palace does have a good list of different events. Including willow weaving which is still on my list.
Thank you to AJ, my 11 year old, for taking the photos and telling me all about it.
Joining in with all the other wonderful #CountryKids linky . I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone else is up to.
What a fabulous day out. I love birds of prey and I love displays like this, it is quite an experience to get close to those magnificent birds. The willow dragon looks fantastic. If you try your hand at willow weaving when you go, you’ll have to post and show me. There’s a place near me that does it and I’ve always missed it when they’ve done it.
Me too. I love bird of prey displays. Love watching the wild ones too. Their different flights are amazing. I will finally get round to a willow course and, when I do, you can guarantee that there will be photos.
Oh, that looks like great fun, seeing birds of prey on display like that is fabulous. I LOVE the willow dragon! I can see why they took lots of photos of it 🙂 You’ll definitely have to go next time!
The willow dragon is fun. Wouldn’t it be great to stumble upon. I’m going next time. Taking my camera, so I can record the garden which is meant to be beautiful.
What a fun day out. They really are fabulous birds
Aren’t they beautiful birds. Just occasionally we walk into pubs around here and there will be someone propping up the bar with a bird of prey on their arm.
It looks like a fabulous day out, with some gorgeous photos there. You must go!
It does feel odd to be posting something that I haven’t experienced, but sometimes I just need to delegate. It was a good execise to give my 11 year old the control.
What beautiful photographs. I love birds of prey. Looks like a fabulous day out 🙂
Thank you. I know AJ will be pleased. At 11, she is very keen to take photos. She’s also a bird fanatic, so it combined the best of both worlds.
What brilliant pictures. Looks like you had an amazing day out x #countrykids
Children certainly enjoyed. My turn next time!
Gorgeous photos. Love the owls.
Beautiful big saucer eyes. There was a barn owl too.
Looks like a really lovely place to visit, I love the swan in its nest.
Briony
x
It is from a previous charity fundraiser, where lots of swan models were decorated. Just like the Gromits in Bristol this year. It’s fun to happen across them still.
Such a beautiful place to visit, I love the willow dragon and the swan in the nest. The bird of prey display was a great added bonus, they are fascinating to watch and it’s very impressive how their handlers train them. Thanks to your daughter for some great photos of a great day out, thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
We shop in Wells quite often, but its the first time we’ve gone in the palace. Always the way. Definitely be back. AJ loved that I used her photos.
Fantastic photos! Love the one of the bird landing! x
Thanks Charlotte. I know they enjoyed seeing the display.
what a fun time!! we love birds of prey and certainly enjoyed looking at your photos!
They are lovely to watch. I love seeing the wild buzzards, sparrow hawks, owls flying around our area. Beautiful