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 21, 2021

Portland Castle – Dorset

On our summer holiday to Weymouth, we planned a day on the nearby peninsular of Portland. Famous for its beautiful natural Portland stone that is quarried and used in construction all over the world, Portland is also home to a working lighthouse, Portland Bill, and even a castle overlooking Portland Harbour – Portland Castle.

Portland Castle - Dorset

We arrived just after opening and found space in the pay and display carpark, which is free for members. It is just outside the castle walls with a very short walk to the main gate. We were greeted in a socially distanced manner by a member of staff in a little hut, who was very knowledgeable about the castle.

Portland Castle - Dorset

He explained that there were hand sanitiser dispensers dotted around the castle and informed us that to make use of the onsite café, we needed to place an order in the gift shop and collect our drinks from a nearby outlet. Armed with a map, we made our way inside and used the toilets first, which were clean and tidy.

Portland Castle - Dorset

What is Portland Castle?

An English Heritage site, Portland Castle was commissioned by King Henry VIII and built between 1539 and 1541. Actually referred to as a gun-fort, as this was its main purpose when built, Portland Castle formed part of the coastal defence to protect against French invasion. Along with a sister site at Sandsfoot, now sadly a ruin, they were built to defend Portland harbour.

Portland Castle - Dorset

There was a one-way system in place with interesting facts about the type of people that would have been stationed at the castle along with reconstructed artefacts of items that would have been present. We were surprised to learn that the castle was even used as recently as the Second World War to house British and American troops.

Portland Castle - Dorset
Portland Castle - Dorset

The main supportive wooden pillar is original to the construction, being 500 years old! Interior walls have been replaced over the years, and its current configuration is the best reflection of its original design. The kitchen area is decked out with a spit-roast in the fireplace which lead into the main gun room, which originally housed eleven artillery cannons across the gun platforms.

Portland Castle - Dorset

Some of the cannons present now are also original, with only the wooden wheels being more modern recreations. There are also colourful depictions of what this area looked like when built, with the wooden ceiling now noticeably absent, with the chamber open to the elements.

Portland Castle - Dorset
Portland Castle - Dorset

Our journey then took us up to what were the sleeping quarters before we went outside to the battlements with fantastic views across Portland Bay with the beautiful Jurassic Coast visible for miles on the horizon.

Portland Castle - Dorset
Portland Castle - Dorset
Portland Castle - Dorset
Portland Castle - Dorset

We finished the interior with a few medieval puzzle games for the children and an interactive electronic cannon that had to be loaded correctly before it was set off with a satisfying bang and flashing lights!

Portland Castle - Dorset

We found the gardens well kept, having been renovated as a more recent programme by English Heritage and after our obligatory trip to the gift shop to buy a magnet and order hot drinks, we enjoyed a picnic in the grounds at one of the picnic benches, but there is also a neatly kept lawn if you happened to have a blanket with you.

Portland Castle - Dorset

Our visit to Portland Castle was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours, and it was getting a little busier by the time we left. We then used the rest of the afternoon to complete a treasure trail around Portland before visiting the lighthouse.

You can find out more about Portland Castle over on their website and for reference, the address is: Liberty Rd, Castletown, Portland DT5 1AZ

Portland Castle - Dorset
Portland Castle - 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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