Another week done! As more and more places are opening up every day, we’re sharing our experiences of what we’ve been up to every week – so you know what to expect in this new normal! We’ve been busy this week!
This week myself and Evie took our littles ones on the Mrs Smith’s Summer Spotting Trail around Jennyfields. It was brilliant! There are two Trails around Harrogate- the Jennyfields one and one around the centre of Harrogate. We loved out trail! It took us about 2 hours – with a rather long break to play in the park and enjoy our lovely picnic provided for by the equally lovely Mrs Smith! The trails are free but they are asking for donations of £2 per family – and if you finish the trail and unscramble the secret phrase you can enter into their prize draw. You can order a brilliant picnic from Mrs Smith too. We finished the trail back at the cafe we one of their new ice creams! A brilliant day out.
We also had a day trip to Knaresborough this week. Such a fab day out. We drove there, but it’s so easy to get to on the bus or train. We had a mooch through town, had a little picnic in the wonderful Knaresborough Castle grounds, taking in the wonderful views and even chatting to some Ravens! We then walked down to the River and took a boat out. Its £6 per adult for an hour. They wipe down all the boat between uses. We had a brilliant time. After a rather tiring walk back up to the castle we treated ourselves to some awesome ice creams from Castle Creamery. They have over 50 flavours, so something for everyone! My daughter loved the rainbow cones too!
My little girl also took a trip with her Granny to Harrogate Library! Now re-open – the children’s section is currently on the lower ground floor where the coffee area was.
We also had a day trip out with some friends to a firm favourite – Birchfield Farm. It was a brilliant day out! It was a bit of a last minute decision – so it was great not to have to book! Everything is outdoors and there is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy this awesome farm! We spent most of the day there, and we thought it was quiet – it wasn’t – there is just so much to do, and so much space it never felt over crowded! There are toilets, the cafe is open for take aways (including their lush ice creams) but you can also bring your own picnic. They’ve got protective screens at entrances, more hand washing facilities, hand sanitiser stations and its contactless payment. To keep everyone entertained, there is the play area, a sandpit, go carts, the maize maze, woodland walks to name but a few. And I lost count of the times I saw someone cleaning down toilets, tables, go carts – you name it!
There was a birthday in Kate’s family so they went a little further a field to celebrate: Chester Zoo! A great day out enjoyed by all the family! You had to pre-book your tickets, entry was staggered and there was a one way system in place if things got busy. You had to queue for some of the animal houses, but the queues went down pretty quickly. There is plenty of space to keep to the socially distance guidelines and plenty of hand sanitiser everywhere! Hope you had a fab birthday Solo!
Evie and her crew went to Starlings this week. It’s a big favourite amongst us all at Mumbler so we’re so pleased to see them reopen. We can report back that the food, coffee and staff are still as awesome as ever! And we’re pretty sure the pizzas are even better! There is a sanitising station at the door, socially distanced tables, you order at your table and its contactless payment. The toys are gone for now, but its still a firm family favourite! They’ll be participating in the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out Scheme in August!
Sally and her family took a day out to Saltburn. They loved it – the girls went out on their body boards. Check the tides, but if you get there when it’s out the beach is HUGE and there is no problem with social distancing! Parking is fine, but arrive early. There are public toilets which are kept really clean. Fish and Chips are a must – we love Seaview, their kiosk is open but expect to queue!
Sally and the girls also met some of their friends for a big picnic and game of rounders on the Stray. Has everyone seen the Stray recently? OMG – its sooo lush! All the grass is back and it looks gorgeous! That part is still cordoned off but theres still plenty of space that isn’t! A lovely way to spend the day without spending too much money!
We also spent a lot of time in the beautiful Valley Gardens. Always a great free day out. We love feeding the ducks, hanging out in the Japanese Gardens and of course we are so happy to see the play area reopen! Theres no food or drink allowed in there, you’re advised to clean your hands before and after you’ve been in and you’re asked to socially distance, with a limit to the amount of people in the area at one time. The paddling pool is empty and the toilets in the play area are closed (there are other toilets in VG that are open). Still loads of fun though!
Find out what we get up to next week!
