A trip to Tredegar House and Gardens meant not only revisiting one of my favourite places as a child but also (bravely I like to think) taking the boys out for a day without their buggy.
National Trust Wales has managed Tredegar House since March 2012 and like Dyffryn Gardens benefits from this: superbly maintained and benefiting from a friendly and knowledgeable team.
The House itself offers so much more than my two 2-year olds let me have time to absorb. Unfortunately photographs are not permitted, and I doubt I could do the House justice, I do know we have to go back as a family (so Mr J can entertain the boys, whilst I explore with Squeaks!).
The boys were in true adventurer mode. I like to think they're angels though:
What I loved most about our visit was how much there was to entertain children.
We did visit the park outside of the grounds at the end of the day, but I was far more impressed with what was in the Gardens, as were the boys.
We had a picnic and it was fun to see the boys try and eat fast so they could go off and play.
We spent so much time in the Walled Garden with all that it had to offer.
The boys loved the garden games, doing a fantastic job of setting things up and tidying them away. Only to unpack everything to start again!
I loved the way they approached every tree with an enthusiasm to be climbed.
And their eyes lit up when they found some horses.
And eventually we found the tree.
The tree that a two year old could climb...
... And conquer.
And the look on Tiny's face...
...this is what matters.
The sense of achievement.
That a simple thing like balancing and walking along a tree can bring.
It might not be climbing a tree to my four year old.
But to this 2 year old.
He has overcome and succeeded.
It is almost possible to touch his growing confidence.
And to share in his happiness.... there is nothing better.
Disclosure: We received a National Trust Family Pass which we used for entry to Tredegar House and Gardens. All views contained are our own.
You can keep up with National Trust Wales on Twitter.
That looks so much fun! I think our boys would get on well together ;) Or get us arrested.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place. It looks like the boys had a fabulous day out. I love the horses, what a brilliant idea. Wouldn't you just love a walled garden like that one to spend your days in x
ReplyDeleteThat looks like such a great day! Beautiful. The horse swings are fab, and that tree is just perfect for little people to climb :) #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteI really ought to take the boys to one of these National trust places - and those horses look fab. Yay for climbing trees and ticking off one of the things on the 50 things list.
ReplyDeleteVisiting via country kids
Such lovely and very happy pictures of your boys enjoying the expanse of space and the freedom to explore. How great that you were able to find a tree that was suitable for 2yo's to climb! It's so important for children to test their own abilities and grow in confidence by their achievements. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
ReplyDeleteThe garden games are a really great way to keep them entertained and well those horses are SO COOL! Really looks like a great place.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful place to explore with kids #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness they are gorgeous boys!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful place to visit. I love those horse swings - very cool.
ReplyDeletewell done you on taking them out without a buggy!!! i love taking my two to our nearest NT property because they can just run around and climb trees and there is always something happening for them to join in with. Your boys look to be having a lot of fun on the lawns and on that horse swing. how lovely that you are sharing a favourite place from your childhood with them xx
ReplyDeleteHe certainly looks pleased with himself and so he should, very well done on the tree climb
ReplyDeleteWow- looks like a lovely day! The horse swings look amazing!
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