Have you noticed, in the last few years, parenting advice seems to be punctuated with lists? Lists telling you that children need to climb a tree by eleven or sew on a button before seven. Lists and lists of things that should be done by a certain age.
Glancing through, you can either feel inadequate or quietly virtuous as you shine your halo. Most of it’s common sense. Others are quite fun and remind you of your own childhood.
Firsts can be fun.
Last weekend, we went on a train. The children have been on steam engines and underground trains, but never a train. This was a first for them.
We headed down to Castle Cary. It’s a picturesque, country station. Usually seen on News coverage with hoards of Glastonbury festival goers waiting for trains to turn up. As we were a week later, we pretty much had the station to ourselves.
We took the train to Weymouth. The children loved the journey, which included a few tunnels.
We chose the right day to go to Weymouth. The weather could not have been better. Lots of people had the same idea, but it didn’t spoil the trip. All the classic attractions were there: the donkeys, Punch and Judy, beach volley ball, classic beach rides, pedalos and more.
There was plenty to see too.
Next time, I would be tempted to book a cruise.
We found remote control model speed boats being raced. It’s quite brutal. Boats would take out other boats, if they could. A rescue boat picked up the model boats that are immobilized.
We did have some time sitting on the sand, making sand caves and watching dogs swimming out to retrieve their toys. The water was so clear, we could spot fish and crabs.
We’ll be back. Next time with swimming costumes and towels. More than likely by train, as it was a fun way to get there.
Looks like a great way to spend the day. That water looks so inviting.
It certainly was a good day.
Looks like you had perfect weather for Weymouth. I remember childhood memories of holidays via train and then escaping Poole via train as a teenager going to Weymouth.
#countrykids
It was great weather. What lovely memories you have.
I love the idea of a trip to the seaside by train. I’ve never been to Weymouth but it sounds like a real English seaside resort and looks very pretty too. the model boat races sound great fun and I could see my kids all loving this. I think swim suits and towels are a must next time.
Thank you for sharing a lovely day out at #CountryKids
It was very spur of the moment. Towels and costumes for sure next time. Weymouth is a treat. I can’t remember going there before, except to catch a ferry.
Wonderful! What a lovely day you had for it, the sea looks so blue. That sea front is so quintessentially British isn’t it?! So pretty 🙂
It really did tick all the boxes, and more, as being a British seaside resort. We’ll be back.
I like lists to complete! I like making my own too though! I take it for granted that everyone uses trains. We go places on the train all the time. I haven’t beeen to weymouth in years, looks like you had a fab day out in the sun, lovely pictures. #countrykids
I used to travel so much by train on business. I used to love it. It’s kind of funny I’ve not taken the children before now. I think you get out of the habit, but this will be the first of many, I hope.
My children love taking the train, especially Tigger. There is something lovely about hopping onboard and seeing where you end up
What a lovely idea. 🙂
This is beautiful… not much could be prettier than a seaside town!!!
So true! Weymouth seems to have got it right.
Wow lovely lovely photos especially the first one! Its so pretty there! I havent been to this place but after seeing your photos I want to go and see the sights too! #countrykids
I can understand why people holiday in Weymouth. It is very pretty. Especially with the sun out. Thought of you when I saw the fishing boat.
What a lovely day and the train ride I think makes it even more special. My kids love going on the train as it’s something we don’t do very often. Lovely photos. #CountryKids
That is it! It does make a great treat. I’ve lost count of the number of steam engines they’ve been on, so a modern train was a treat.
What a beautiful day you had! It must be so wonderful to experience a train for the first time, and I bet the train journey was beautiful. We live in a London suburb so trains are a way of life but they are nothing special. This makes me want to take mine on a pretty train journey for the first time! I have to admit, I love lists though! #CountryKids
Train trips through cities are fun too. I love looking at the houses and gardens. This route was pretty. A brilliant day for it.
I live in a town that grew around its railway so we’ve always taken the train regularly, I would obvious be feeling very virtuous if I saw it on a list! I haven’t been to Weymouth though, one of those towns that is day-trippable for us but I just never get around to it (not so virtuous now!) #countrykids
Our railway station has long since gone, although plenty of reminders. I suspect our travel plans would include a lot more train journeys if it was still here. Weymouth is certainly worth a visit.
What a gorgeous day out you had – and perfect weather for a day at Weymouth. I quite like those lists – they’re quite a good prompt for finding ideas for outdoor activities. I like the idea of a day out on the train – might put that one on my summer bucket list 🙂
Going by train took some of the stress out of the day and really added to the experience. The train station at Weymouth is a versy short walk to the sea front, which was perfect.
Definitely a great day for you especially the train ride that takes you to beautiful routes. Your photos are gorgeous too. x
#countrykids
Thanks, Melody. We had a lovely day.