There are times when one or two of the children decide they don’t want to go out, as they scowl from the door. They declare, as they sit in the car, that they are not going to enjoy it. They’d rather be at home. Playing in the garden.
Smile.
As their mother, I know exactly what is coming next.
When we arrive, the same children tumble out of the car and are away. Rushing around the place that we have landed in. All moans forgotten. New declarations of it being the best day. Ever!
Nothing like a ruined castle to encourage imagination. What would it be like to fire an arrow out of the window? How much can you see?
The old moat, now dry, makes the most amazing nature reserve. Lots of pretending to swim in the long since gone moat. I could have spent the whole visit ambling along the trail. Children nimbly exploring the slopes. Like quiet scouts from an invading force.
Crooks and cranies to explore. Castle construction to examine and theorize about.
The castle’s herb garden is fascinating. We went round making notes of the plants we’d like to add to our own herb garden. A chance to introduce a few more herbal fragrances to the children.
Then down to the crypt.
With suitable ghostly apparitions.
Discussing how the lead was applied to the bodies and death masks made.
Back up into the light.
It all prompted so many questions from the children. Everywhere something to notice and interest them.
And there was more to explore.
They couldn’t resist having a go with the archery.
All the reluctant moods long forgotten. It works every time. Every time, without fail.
The castle is Farleigh Hungerford. We’ve visited before, but long enough that it was ready for another visit. I’m sure we will be back.
Joining in with #CountryKids and all the outdoor explorers. Hope you all had fun this week.
Wonderful trip, it looks like they had a great time exploring! Loved your photos!
They did love it. I knew they would.
I wan to go there…NOW! Stunning photos, looks like do much fun and really beautiful too. #countrykids
It was fun. Love seeing them having fun and learning too.
That place is so pretty! You will definitely forget being grumpy. Lovely photos =) #countrykids
Nothing like the prospect of exploring to cheer them up.
I love exploring castles so adding this to my list of places to go. Looks beautiful.
Worth adding.
Beautiful photographs. Castles are great fun aren’t they and never fail to enthrall and engage 🙂
Absolutely. Wonderful places to visit.
What child wouldn’t want to explore such a wonderful place and let their imagination run wild!? Fantastic photos with lots of interesting and intriguing areas to explore too. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
It is a perfect place for imaginative children.
What a lovely place to visit. We have a ruined castle near us but I haven’t thought about taking Little Man. One for our bucket list me thinks 🙂
I love castles. Like finding secret gardens and wondering who has been there first. Lots of places to run around too.
I love exploring old castles, this one looks fab. My kids ae exactly the same about trips 🙂
Glad mine aren’t the only ones! 😀
Oh I love this post… so reminds me of visits to rambling ruined castles in your area… gotta get back there for a visit…
I knew you’d like it. 🙂 Make sure you let us know when you do visit.
oh man! i am soooo jealous of this outing!
we just have nothing even remotely close to comparing to this in the states!
did i mention i’m jealous?!?!
thanks for sharing so many photos!!
That’s it. Another good reason for you to plan a trip to Europe and visit us.