Our first weekend away of 2015
Our caravan adventures have started again – yes, in February – and our first trip out was to one of our favourite destinations – The New Forest in Hampshire.
This ancient royal hunting ground created by William I is one of the UK’s smallest national parks. Yet it’s packed full of places to visit and things to do.
We had a fairly sedate weekend because the Tin Box household had been plagued by the lurgy for a few weeks and we really needed a rest. However, Tin Box Tot was on top form so we couldn’t deny her some much needed fresh air.
We were staying at Copythorne Scout Hut, which is one of the oldest Scouting headquarters in the county. It sits next to St Mary’s Church.
The field adjacent to the hut is no stranger to tents and an ideal place for us to park for the weekend with our Caravan Club centre.
There was a bit of rain on the Friday night, but Saturday was fine and we were able to head out for a walk before lunch. We drove about 15 minutes down the road to Brokenhurst where we took a walk out the back of the Balmer Lawn Hotel, which has links to the D-Day landings having been commandeered as an Army Staff College in the Second World War.
TBT was keen to use her legs most of the way, but did get hauled up on her dad’s shoulders a few times. Tin Box Dog on the other hand had a whale of a time chasing her ball and jumping in streams. I waddled most of the way – a combination of feeling 30-weeks pregnant and not being able to breathe through my nose slowing me down.
After our walk we popped back in the car and found a pub on the other side of Brockenhurst for lunch. TBT was one shattered little lady by the time we headed back to the caravan, as was I. We both indulged in a mid-afternoon nap while Mr TB watched the Six Nations rugby.
That evening we joined the other families on our caravan rally for a three-course meal in the Scout Hut. I was so grateful that someone else was doing the cooking!
TBT was very excited to stay in the caravan again and with the amount of time she gets to run around outdoors – her favourite pastime – you can understand why.
If you happen to visit the New Forest with a bit more energy than us we can recommend a few places to visit.
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The New Forest is ideal for a camping adventure if you do get round to it. You kid would love it 🙂 x
Storage is a big problem and so expensive. We don't have room to park Tin box at home but luckily we've found a really cost effective solution with Mr TB's work. Camping with a tent is still a great way to have outdoor adventures – you just have to check the forecast a little more often 🙂 x
Fresh air is the best bit – it just makes you feel healthier and the Tot loves being outside. Hope you can play some adventures of your own soon x
Fab, isn't it! Tin Box is very much back on the road – you can tell by the drop off in the number of posts I'm doing. We are too busy out and about 🙂 x
This reminds me of a trip to Scarborough with my parents when I was a kid. Tenting when there's thunder and lightening booming just outside your thin canvas cover is very scary! Caravan's do give you a few extra layers of protection from the elements 🙂 x
Ahhh this looks amazing and brought back so many memories of me camping with my own family I would love to take my kids someday. Looks like a beautiful place to visit too. Lovely time together. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
I had just got up the courage to try out tenting somewhere when my second child came along. I must say, caravanning sounds much more civilized. Unfortunately, we currently have nowhere to park one. So canvas it will have to be. Eventually. Looks like a great spot there!
Oh lovely to see the tim box out again! It looks beautiful Copythorne. Great minds – I love the New Forest, too. x
Looks like so much fun, I love a good caravan and can't wait to take my boys. Lovely that you managed to get some fresh air and enjoy it, fab little holiday #sharewithme
We went camping once in the summer last year and loved it, although we did get caught in a terrifying thunderstorm and I thought we were all going to die! I would absolutely love to have a touring caravan! Sounds like you had a fab mini break x
I think I would leave it a bit longer with a trailer tent as well. Canvas isn't quite enough to keep out the cold unless you are tucked up in your sleeping bag too 🙂 x
Ah sounds lovely. We have a trailer tent and we're not quite brave enough to dig it out yet, but looking forward to doing so and having some great holidays in a few months time. We also go everywhere with the dog in tow!x
It is glamping really – we're very much tucked up away from the elements. I feel like a bit of a cheat 😉 x
That sounds amazing. Have a great time! x
It's fab to be back in caravanning season after a short winter break. Tin Box Tot loves it. A day doesn't go by now when she isn't talking about the caravan 🙂
Definitely when it warms up. We are fair weather tenters – I think the earliest we were ever out under canvas was Easter. You've got loads of choice in the Forest. Enjoy! x
You're brave going camping in this weather! At least it was a caravan though. Looks like TBT had fun!
#CountryKids
Oh, this looks like so much fun for her! We are taking our little girl Glamping in the mountains (Southern Spain) for her 5th birthday in April. Can't wait.
It looks like your first weekend out this year was a success, if a little wet and chilly at times. It's great that TBT got to have some fresh air and a chance to run around in a safe place. It's great you managed to get up to lots of fun. Thanks for linking up with Country Kids.
Ah, the upside of the caravan rather than a tent! Looks like a great spot – I'm trying to find a quiet secluded forest site for the tent…. when it warms up! 🙂