I always have a lot of questions about accommodati I always have a lot of questions about accommodation when we stay anywhere as a family so I thought I’d share this little tour of our room at @windjammerlanding which was a pretty perfect place to stay.

It’s the ‘Ocean View Two Bedroom’ which was like a little house, with an upstairs and downstairs, built into the hillside. Both rooms had outdoor space and their own shower rooms. Such a great option for a family.
A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. We’ve been back a few days now but still miss the heat, the food, the pool, the constant sounds of wildlife and the lovely people. It was such a great holiday and I’m sure we’ll be back one day.
And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is watching her grow and what a wonderful young woman she is becoming. We could not be more proud. Love you Pickle, have a great birthday.
We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in S We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in St Lucia staying at @windjammerlanding and it was just the holiday we needed. Two weeks of sunshine and relaxation in what must be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. 

We can’t wait to go back again in the future. Here’s just a little snippet of our trip.
AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @na AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @national_motor_museum despite the rain! The children loved the Little Beaulieu play area and we loved exploring the National Motor Museum and Top Gear exhibit before having a ride on the monorail! We went on an old open topped bus, explored the Beaulieu Manor House and loved the gardens. 
Beaulieu is always a great day out - whatever the weather. This summer they have a whole ‘Summer of Fun’ planned, with activities most days - parades, bird shows and hundreds of sculptures within the grounds too. If you’re looking for a day out this summer definitely think about heading to Beaulieu.
AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to t AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to their first concert - but it was so much more than just a concert! @abbavoyage is incredible. With CGI ABBA and a live band, it’s like being at an ABBA concert 40 years ago but with modern lighting, effects and sound. ABBA look and sound real, it’s a mind blowing experience.
The set includes all the songs you know and love as well as a few less familiar ones.
You can’t take photos during the show which actually made a refreshing change. A whole arena focused purely on the show and soaking up the moment. It’s definitely something the four of us will always remember.
Now, I’m off to sing Dancing Queen all the way home.
AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdo AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdockyard today. They have a fantastic Ultimate Explorer ticket that lets you visit all the attractions as many times as you like for 12 months - and after a day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard we can see that you need more than one day to really do everything!

We explored HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Exhibition - which is incredible! We also saw where ships are built and restored and spent time in Action Stations where the kids climbed and did an assault course.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is such a fun, educational day out with something for all ages - we can’t wait to go on their harbour tours next time we visit!
AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To cel AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To celebrate #100YearOfARoads National Highways have launched their #ARoadsToSummer competition! It's all about celebrating summer holiday moments, time together, fun in the sun, days out and more.

So why not be in it to win it? To enter, all you have to do is send @nationalhways a DM on here with a photo or video of your favourite holiday moments. You can also comment on their Facebook or Twitter #ARoadsToSummer posts with your holiday photos. I've shared a few of our favourite photos to give you some inspiration.

The best six entries will each win a £500 @nationaltrust holidays voucher! SO what are you waiting for? Dig out your favourite holiday photos or take some new ones to share!

The #ARoadsToSummer competition runs from 24 July to 10 September 2023. Winners will be announced in September 2023.

Good luck!
Oh these two! Every day I feel lucky to have them. Oh these two! Every day I feel lucky to have them. As school draws to a close at lunchtime, I’m looking forward to a whole summer with them. My favourite people.

They’ve both had a great year at school this year. Troy’s first without his sister by his side and Athena’s first at secondary school. 

They both had great reports, always did their best and have made some really lovely new friends this year. I could not be more proud of them.

Now, let’s go and enjoy the next six weeks before school starts all over again!
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Days Out, Days Out and Attractions/Events, Reviews · September 9, 2021

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens – Dorset

One place we really wanted to visit on our trip to Weymouth this summer was Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. There’s so much to do in and around Abbotsbury and we’d bookmarked to go to the gardens and Abbotsbury Swannery on the same day.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

You can buy a package deal if you’re visiting both attractions, with 25% off the total cost but we chose instead to use Tesco vouchers for our trip which were easy to redeem and book.

What is Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens?

The gardens have a really long history but have been as they are today since a renovation project after the 1990 storm. The Garden is a mix of formal and informal flowers and they are famous across the world for their Camellia groves and magnolias as well as in Dorset for the Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

We visited Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens in the afternoon, having been to the swannery in the morning, and it had a lovely buzz to the place – so many happy people enjoying the sunshine.

When you first arrive at the gardens you walk past the cafe and toilets before getting to the ticket office and entering the gardens. We were told the only toilets were at the cafe, there aren’t any in the gardens, and then we started our trip with a handy map given to us as well.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

Through the gardens there’s a trail of amazing sculptures made by a local artist all in the theme of Alice in Wonderland. The children loved spotting them around the gardens and it really helps to keep them entertained and engaged.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

We spent a few hours at Abbotsbury Gardens and I think you could easily spend the whole day there if you wanted. There was a vague one way system in place that we followed but we also took time to look at other areas and see and do as much as possible.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

One of our favourite parts of the gardens was climbing up a big hill to see the view over the coast. It was such a steep climb but well worth it for the views over Abbotsbury Beach, Chesil Beach and the coastline in both directions.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

As well as the fantastic sculptures there were also plenty of places to sit, so many plants to look at and even things like bridges and steps to add interest as we went along. The children loved the little red bridge we found and the deer sculptures too.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

But, the children’s favourite part was the rope bridge. There is an accessible route around the gardens, missing the bridge, but we went over it – and it’s a lot longer than you expect! Such a great addition to the gardens and something LP and Little Man really enjoyed.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

We had such a nice time at Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens. It was such a tranquil place to spend time and it’s a day out that is suitable for everyone. We saw a real mix of ages exploring the gardens and it was lovely to see so many children running around enjoying themselves too.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens welcomes dogs on leads, they have free car parking and offer group discount rates too. They are also an RHS Partner Garden, allowing free access between October and February for RHS members.

Find out more visitor information like opening times and book tickets – they even do season tickets – over on their website. For reference, the address is: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA.

You can see a video of our day at Abbotsbury Gardens over on Instagram here:

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A post shared by Donna – What the Redhead Said (@genuineplacebo84)

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Dorset

In: Days Out, Days Out and Attractions/Events, Reviews

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Hi everyone! I'm Donna. Mummy. Blogger. Social Media Manager. Traveller. Lover of stars, rainbows and gin. Firm believer that tea and cake can fix most things.

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