You’ll have noticed a little theme recently – yes I have the travel bug, I can’t help it I have struggled so much over the summer trying to find some sort of work/home life balance, and I really do feel I have been torn in so many directions.
Being self-employed means I HAVE to work but with two young children at home ALL summer with no childcare meant that the Mummy guilt has crept in big time and to combat it I found myself burning the candle at both ends. Factor in sleepless nights where Jacob refused to realise he actually does need to sleep and I am left feeling a frazzled.
My guilty pleasure seems to have become planning as many family adventures as I possibly can. I know there are only so many slots I can fit these in now sadly especially as I am coming to terms with the fact early next year I will have to look into Nurseries for Jacob, for his sanity and for mine, but it does mean when they are off school/nursery we can head off on adventures and I WILL switch off from work and give them my whole attention, shutting off the devices and ignoring emails – I loved doing this during our family holidays this year.
Next up on my list is Wales.
Here are the 5 places I really want to take the family to visit while there:
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo I have seen so many friends visit here over the summer and it looks great fun.
Something for families of all ages – from 4 themed adventure parks, exploring the giant jolly roger pirate ship and zooming around the carousel woods indoor playground. There are plenty of restaurants on site where we could grab a bite to eat before heading out into Europe’s largest undercover funfair! We could race the kids around the famous Follystone racetrack or see the sights from the top of the big wheel!
National Botanic Garden of Wales An inspiring range of themed gardens, including the Tropical Butterfly House and Aqualab where kids can explore a treasure chest of natural wonders through a number of activities. Each different garden has its own secrets and surprises, the Dipping Pond is home to newts, pond skaters and water beetles and should definitely not be missed!
There’s also an adventure play park for if the boys should get bored
Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife CentreThe Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) was originally established in 1996 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving Cardigan Bay’s marine wildlife through education and research. Based in a heritage building in the heart of New Quay, overlooking the beautiful beach and harbour, the centre has become the focus for marine research in the area.
The visitor centre is full of interpretative and interactive displays showcasing the huge variety of marine wildlife found in Cardigan Bay. The exhibits provide information on different themes such as the dolphins, seals and sea birds which can be spotted locally, the geology of the area and important issues surrounding pollution and sustainable fishing. We also have a rock pool aquarium so drop in and see what creatures you can spot.
Any of the beautiful beaches Beaches are always great for kids of all ages, mine love paddling in the sea if warm enough or building sandcastles, and of course its never too cold for ice-creams.
They could also take in a Punch and Judy show or ride on a donkey – I don’t think the boys will ever tire of a trip to the beach!
ANGLESEY SEA ZOO This is Wales’ largest marine aquarium, with native Welsh marine life to tropical specimens.
Anglesey Sea Zoo is a unique aquarium with over 40 tanks displaying the best of British marine wildlife! Don’t expect to see large sharks, tropical fish or sea turtles – instead you’ll find fascinating creatures from around the coasts of the UK, such as octopus, lobsters, seahorses, conger eels and small British catsharks!
Now that’s a vague itinerary sorted all that is left to do is look into somewhere to stay while here. I have been looking at Wales Cottage Holidays as this type of holiday accommodation can often be our easiest option with young boys – getting them to sleep in a hotel room can always be stressful and once they finally do sleep we are often far too scared of waking them to chat or put on the TV which makes our evening rather limited.
Do you have the pleasure of living in Wales or maybe you have visited, Where else do we need to visit?
**Collaborative post**
Leave a Reply