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 · July 20, 2022

Clifford’s Tower York Review {English Heritage}

When we were in York city centre, on our holiday in Yorkshire at Easter, we stumbled across Clifford’s Tower, right next to York Castle Museum and decided we had to go and visit. It’s an English Heritage site and as members we get to visit free.

Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}

What is Clifford’s Tower?

Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of York Castle which was once the centre of government for north England. Over the years, it has served as the Royal Mint, a medieval stronghold and even as a garrison during the Civil Wars.

When we visited, we arrived at about midday and joined the short queue which was at the bottom of the tower, managed by English Heritage staff and right next to a cute membership van. We waited in line and when it was our turn, we were directed up the steps on the mound that Clifford’s Tower sits on top of. towards the entrance.

We noticed that there are a few benches built into the sides of the steps and mound, handy if you need a breather during your climb and don’t want to get in anyone’s way. At the top, we were met by more staff members who scanned our membership cards before showing us inside.

Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}

What we hadn’t realised before our visit was that Clifford’s Tower had literally re-opened the previous week after a multi-million pound restoration project was completed. Before, the Tower was a literal empty shell, the upper levels and stone staircases inaccessible.

Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}

Clifford’s Tower is now gleaming inside with interactive exhibits on the ground floor, telling the story of the tower as you move around in chronological order. It also has a freestanding wooden structure that gives access to new internal walkways leading to the upper levels – and you can even see the King’s Latrine!

Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}

The tower has many small spiral staircases leading onto a brand new roof deck that it a fantastic place to spend time. It gives magnificent panoramic views over York and points of interest are noted on information displays to spot in the landscape. There’s also plenty of seating so you can spend some time and enjoy the views and peaceful atmosphere.

Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}
Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}

Clifford’s Tower history

The children loved learning about Clifford’s Tower and finding out that the tower they were standing in wasn’t the original tower as built in 1068, but a replacement that was constructed in the 1250s. This new tower replaced the old wooden motte and bailey design following one of the darkest days for the Jewish community in England, where many Jews committed suicide and set fire to the tower after taking refuge from a baying Christian mob.

Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}

For much of the 14th and 15th centuries, Clifford’s Tower was used as treasury, exchequer, mint and seat of royal power. During the Civil War, Clifford’s Tower was held by the royalists while the city was under siege. Soon after this period in history, Cliffords Tower fell into disrepair after it was gutted by fire. It then formed part of the prison and court which were built from the 18th century.

Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}

It was great to see where membership money was being spent as the restoration is breathtaking. Inscriptions have been preserved using traditional techniques and the new roof access is stunning whilst being sympathetic to the existing building. The building, its heritage and stories have been preserved for many years to come.

Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}
Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}

We loved visiting Clifford’s Tower, getting to see York from a new perspective and learning so much history too. It’s a great family day out if you’re ever in York and looking for things to do.

Find out more about Clifford’s Tower over on the English Heritage website. For reference, the address is: Tower Street, York YO1 9SA

Clifford's Tower York Review {English Heritage}

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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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