Family

Blog posts relating to family issues, days out, tips & tricks and all things toddler

5 Fantastic Reasons To Visit East Riddlesden Hall

East Riddlesden Hall is a Historic house with intimate gardens. Described on the website as a hidden oasis on the edge of a West Yorkshire town. A National Trust site, which is maintained for the benefit of the local community.

Read on for all the information you need to Visit East Riddlesden Hall.

Visit East Riddlesden Hall

Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people.

Let’s take a look at 5 great reasons you should Visit East Riddlesden Hall

With an English Heritage Membership or a National Trust membership, you can benefit from discounts across all sites

Because several of the sites are co-owned by the two organisations, we gained a lot of National Trust benefits, by only paying for an English Heritage yearly membership. We visited Tintagel and the membership paid for itself within a week’s holiday in Devon. When you sign up for a membership, you are provided with an English Heritage booklet, which contains details on the sites National Trust you can enter for free, or at a discounted rate.

Sign up for an English Heritage membership today & start your family adventure

Use code IMAGINE50 for 25% off annual membership

East Riddlesden Hall is our local National Trust Site and when we purchased an English Heritage membership, it was one of the main places we visited. We still visit to this day. And the beauty of the site is you can pick and choose how much money you spend. On certain days you can enter the gardens for free. The cafe is free to all, or you can pay to tour the house. Look out for free event days! Which are usually advertised on social media.

A Local Treasure

It’s nostalgic for me because when I lived alone, the site was near to my house. If I ever felt mentally unwell or stressed out, I would Visit East Riddlesden Hall to have a walk around the grounds. The lake, the wonderful trees and the grounds, all made me feel much better!

Free specialised events

We once visited an English Heritage site and were pleased to find out there was a performance for all members to attend. If you check out the website of your local attraction, there will be something wonderful and unique for you to attend. The kind of experiences you just wouldn’t get elsewhere. The latest event at East Riddlesden Hall is dancing in the gardens during the school holidays.

Our history is important

In the UK there is a lot of history we need to preserve. People travel from all around the world to visit our world heritage sites, such as Saltaire and Howarth. But English Heritage takes you back in time as far as you can go,

From small beginnings towards the end of the 19th century, the collection of historic places now managed by English Heritage has grown to over 400, inspired by a determination to put England’s heritage ahead of private interest.

National Trust – Our history

Free entry for up to six children

With any of the National Trust or English Heritage memberships, there is free entry for children accompanied by an adult member (under 18 years and within the family group). Please check the relevant terms of each website for the criteria.

Let’s dive into the all-important information you need if you’re planning a trip to East Riddlesden Hall

Opening times

The opening times are subject to change, due to events, weather and the fact that the hall also hosts events. The best thing to do before planning your visit is to check the opening times. Either on the website or on social media.

Here are the current opening times:

House10:00 – 16:00
Garden10:00 – 16:00
Great Barn10:00 – 16:00
Shop10:00 – 16:00
Tearoom10:00 – 16:00
Visit East Riddlesden Hall

Highlights of East Riddlesden Hall

The House

When we last visited, we were given a guided tour around the house. We had to take a ticket for a specified time. And do the other bits of the site, before the tour time.

Original 17th-century features – what to look out for on your visit

Inside the house, you can still see some of the original 17th-century details introduced by Murgatroyd. Look for the 17th-century panelling, which is a theme throughout the house. As well as the decorative plaster ceilings and intricate wood carvings.

Garden

Access to the gardens is usually free, providing the site is open and there isn’t an event on.

They are beautifully maintained, even including a bug house and other little treasures for children.

Eating and shopping

When we had a membership, the thing we loved most about sites, was the gift shop and unique items you could buy.

The cafe At East Riddlesden Hall is beautiful. Serving lovely food and accessible even if you don’t pay entry to the site.

The Great Barn

The agricultural story of East Riddlesden Hall doesn’t end in the house. The Great Barn is one of the finest barns in the north of England. With huge gabled entrances and large mullioned windows.

Family fun

During the school holidays, you will find an array of great activities for the kids.

Second-hand bookshop

There is a second-hand bookshop located in the kitchen chamber. Children’s books are in the Discovery Room.

Conservation work

A team of volunteers is responsible for maintaining the house. You can read all about it here.

Maintaining such an old building isn’t an easy task. I remember once visiting an English Heritage Site where the windows were cloaked in blackout curtains and you had to carefully enter through the main door, to avoid dust & dirt damaging the site.

History of the hall

You can read more about the history of the hall here.

In 1934 the Briggs brothers donated the property to the National Trust. It was bequeathed on the understanding that it would be conserved and that the land surrounding it would be used for recreation by the local communities. Their passion for East Riddlesden Hall ultimately ensured that it would be saved for everyone, for ever.

History of the hall

Weddings

East Riddlesden Hall has a range of wedding options available. This article will help you decide on whether it would be the perfect venue for your special day.

Facilities

Visit East Riddlesden Hall

Accessibility

You can read more about the accessibility of the site here.

Contact details

If you’re unsure of anything prior to your visit, or you would like to make an enquiry – here are the all-important details you need:

Address

Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 5EL

Telephone Number

01535607075

Final thoughts

Do you have an English Heritage membership? Or have you thought about signing up?

Have you visited East Riddleden Hall before? Come say hello in the comments below.

Visit East Riddlesden Hall

The benefits of soft play at Kidzplay Shipley & other soft play centres

Now we have an energetic toddler, we require activities to stimulate her and wear her out. Soft play is a great solution. A safe environment, where I can have a coffee, possibly do some blogging tasks on my phone, and she can play. These days, she often goes off on her own to explore and I think this skill is important for any child. 

In this post, I wanted to cover some of the venues we have recently visited, including Kidzplay Shipley and also outline the important benefits of soft play.

PLEASE NOTEI have no affiliation with any of these play centres. These are places we visit as a family

kidzplay Shipley
kidzplay Shipley
Billy Bobs, Skipton
kidzplay Shipley

Let’s dive in, as eagerly as my little one does in the ball pool

Great venues to visit in West Yorkshire

We are quite lucky, as we have a lot of soft play centres close to where we live, including Kidzplay Shipley. Here are some of the best ones we have visited:

Billy Bobs

I have written about Billy Bobs before. We love it for a family meal out and also for play. We recently took the little one for a play session. We filled up with a big brunch beforehand and then only had to pay for the wristband, which is £3.00 for one hour’s play. We got a coffee each and had an ice cream treat afterwards. 

What I love about Billy Bobs is the outdoor playground, featuring several amazing structures, including a monster truck, aeroplane, ark, fire truck, tractor and train! As we cannot guarantee the weather will be nice enough to be outside here in the UK, it’s great they also have an indoor play barn. In the barn, you will find rope swings, racing slides, an alligator alley, little kid rope swings, and a toddler trike track.

All of this can be found in the wonderful Yorkshire Dales countryside. It’s so relaxing to sit on the amazing swing benches with a nice coffee and enjoy the sunshine. 

Billy Bobs will now be one of my go-to places on my days off with the little one. A warning – weekends and school holidays can get very busy and they make this clear on their website

kidzplay Shipley
soft play
soft play

Kidzplay Shipley

Kidzplay has several play centres, but we recently visited the Shipley one on a day out. It’s huge and even has a football pitch floor, with a racing track underneath. There is something for all ages, a smaller play area for toddlers, a specified area for babies and for the bigger kids, a huge slide. 

When I take my little one here, I get the most relaxation time, simply because she has so much to explore. But the building is secure and you can see them at all times. This gives you peace of mind they are okay. And we can all enjoy our coffee when we know the little ones are okay! 

I also love the fact you can book online and therefore it’s less hassle when you get there. I know there will be a table for us and we can quickly scan our tickets upon entry. These are important factors when you are on your own with a toddler. I have also booked last minute on several occasions, which is another bonus when you are trying to decide if you have a tired, moody toddler. Or whether they need activities to tire them out that day. There is only so much planning you can do with an unpredictable toddler.

You can read my review of the classes on offer at Kidzplay here – Trying the New Play:Class:Eat! Sessions at Kidzplay Shipley

Little Daisy’s Shipley 

Little Daisy’s is a small and cosy play place. Definitely for the younger end, if you have babies and small children, it’s perfect. The food is great and you can see your little one at all times from wherever you sit. It’s such a cute place and well hidden at the back of a church.  

kidzplay Shipley
Little Daisy’s, Shipley

Brewers Fayre pubs

We recently visited the soft play centre at our local Brewers Fayre Pub. It was a weekday and the little one had the frame all to herself. We bought some drinks and snacks and everyone had fun. She also loved playing outside on the climbing frame, which was easily accessible from the soft play area.

If we did want to eat, there are tables near the soft play section and the food is cheap. They also have loads of great deals, including refilled coffee for parents. They even offer parties for just £50, before 11 am on a weekend. I am seriously considering them for our party needs next year. Given that we have promised a party for their next birthday. 

kidzplay Shipley
Brewer’s Fayre

Let’s discuss the great benefits of soft play 

Balance 

Climbing through all those challenging places definitely improves balance. Billy Bobs even have balance beams in the play barn. 

Waiting your turn 

At busy times there are a lot of toddlers, all wanting to get down the slide at the same time. They have no choice but to figure out how to wait their turn. Or risk being bumped by another child. It’s great to watch this problem-solving in action. 

Playing with others & sharing

There are only a limited amount of footballs on the pitch at Kidzplay. Therefore, it’s all about sharing. A while back my little one was telling me the ball was hers and insisting on taking it to our table. A bit of explaining ensured she quickly learned how to share and play well with others. Another valuable skill for any toddler. 

Making decisions

I love watching her think about something and come to her own conclusion. It’s all part of growing up. 

At Kidzplay, there are four seats on the big slide. The decision for her was, which of the four slide seats I go down? I literally watched her switch seats, and then she made a decision and stuck with it. It’s nice to watch from afar without reprimanding them because they are in danger. There is no danger in a soft play centre. 

Days out with the kids during the cost of living crisis

I am sure we could all do with money-saving strategies at the moment. But anyone with a toddler will know, you also need to balance this with taking them out of the house. It’s great that I can do these activities on my days off work, for much cheaper than a day at nursery.

It’s also great to see businesses offering cheaper or free meals for children during the summer holidays in the UK. If you are taking the little one out anyway, you could have a meal out and then visit the nearest soft play. Any cost savings you can make are great. 

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed reading how much we love soft play. I’ve wanted to write this post for a while and share our favourite places to visit.

kidzplay Shipley

My review of Billy Bobs Parlour, Skipton, North Yorkshire

We visited Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton – on a day outside of the school holidays and it was nice to finally see the car park half empty. We’ve tried to visit in the school holidays before and we couldn’t even get in the car park.

Post updated 13 July 2023

The place is so popular, and you can see why. You can check out their website here. And book a table here. Since the day we were disappointed and couldn’t get a table, we always book a few weeks in advance, if we can.

Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for you.

Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton

My review of Billy Bobs Parlour

PLEASE NOTE – this review is based on my own experience after visiting for a day out.

Walking in

From the moment you arrive, the place screams fun. Our little one couldn’t wait to jump out of the car and start zooming around. You just feel relaxed, ready for fun. Ready to indulge in yummy food, drinks, ice-creams.

Inside – takeout and ice creams

We went inside for some take-out coffee. It was nice to stand waiting with the music on in a very cool environment. I took this opportunity to take some pictures whilst it was quiet. I started writing this blog post in my phone notes whilst waiting for the coffee, hehe! The whole atmosphere made me feel like I was still on holiday at the Haven caravan park.

Fancy an amazing family break at Legoland?? Check out Budget Family Breaks

Play barn at Billy Bobs Parlour

Our little one loved the slide and because there are hay bales everywhere, we could let her climb up by herself, without fear of her falling. There are plenty of benches to sit in the sun and around the sides for larger groups who all want to sit together.

There are also benches inside the barn, so you can sit and watch the little ones as they play. Perfect for tired mummies & daddies like us!

The climbing frames are all cool buses, and fire engines, and made of sturdy stuff. Grandad is talking about having one made for the garden, haha!

Dining at Billy Bobs Parlour

Inside we booked the family area and the table is equipped with drawing pencils & paper. Perfect for the little ones. There is a separate adults-only dining area, which I think is great. The hubby and I booked this pre-children.

Our bambino noticed some other boys & girls with the Cadillac car housing their sandwiches. This led to a slight meltdown, but some colouring seemed to help things. She is now at the stage where she knows they cook food in the kitchen and being the impatient child she is, constantly points to the kitchen waiting for the food to cook. These data and distractions are very welcome when we eat out.

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The food arrived and it was so yummy. Sorry, no pics as we were too hungry and focused on the cardboard car. I promise I will take them next time!

I can tell you the buttermilk chicken burger was melted in the mouth. Perfect, even down to the toasting of the bun. Our little one also loved her cheese sandwiches. Crusts cut off, thanks to Billy Bobs. She was given cucumber, carrot sticks, and a pot of jelly. Everything she could want. It was one of the best children’s lunches I’ve seen. We also bought a Kool-Aid for her. I’ve never had it before but it’s like drinking sweet, yummy sherbert.

Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton

Playing outside after food

Outside we went straight into the other play park, which is situated outside the main doors and she was off with Daddy, whilst we sat in the rocking chairs looking at the beautiful view.

The play area is set out well. Lots of sturdy climbing frames, and seats around the edges for parents and prams, so you can see your little one from where you sit, which is a bonus. Even though she’s a toddler, she was able to play on all the equipment and we usually have to tell her no to things in a public play park.

Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton

Facilities

It’s important for parents to be aware of the facilities available before visiting. There is a nappy-changing cubicle in the ladies toilets, but there was no nappy bin, which would have been useful. I didn’t personally go into the disabled toilets, but I am assuming they also had a baby change, and possibly there was a nappy bin in there that I didn’t see.

The toilets are located outside the main doors, which means you can use the facilities even if you’re only visiting for ice cream, or playing.

How to get there

The all-important opening hours and map can be located here.

Rules

You can visit this page for more information. During term time, when it’s quieter because the kids are at school, you can pay £3.00 to play for an hour. Perfect if you want to just let the little ones play, or only want a take-out coffee. Now I know they offer this option, I would be inclined to visit Billy Bobs Parlour again whilst out and about doing other things. It goes without saying, we will also be back at some point for food.

I hope you enjoyed this review…

If you like this post, here are some other posts you might like.

Have you visited before? Or is this somewhere you would like to go?

Let me know in the comments below…

Billy Bobs Parlour Skipton

How To Care For An Elderly Parent With Mental Health Issues

According to the Word Health Organisation, approximately 16% of adults aged 60 and above suffer from a mental health disorder. In most cases, depression, anxiety disorders, dementia, and isolation are the most common issues. Caring for an elderly parent with mental health problems can be challenging and emotionally demanding, often requiring unique skills and support systems. Fortunately, the following tips can make the task easier. 

Elderly Parent

Prepare yourself for the emotional aspect

Caring for an elderly parent is hard enough, but the difficulty level is higher when your ageing loved one has mental health issues. Of course, you love your parent, but other emotions can hinder you from providing the care they need. The most common things you may have to deal with r are worry, anger, frustration, and helplessness. All these are common; experiencing them does not make you a bad caregiver. Preparing yourself for these emotions can help you develop helpful ways to address them.

Monitor their movement

Available data shows that about 53,337 were detained under the Mental Health Act from 2001 to 2002. Older people also fall victim to such detentions when they have mental health issues. Don’t be surprised by how easily your elderly parent can slip out of the house and wander around. The last thing you want is to receive a call that they have been detained under the Mental Health Act. 

So, always ensure you always have extra eyes on your ageing loved one. And in case of any detention, you can seek legal assistance, depending on where you live. For example, if you live in Sheffield, you can run an online search for ‘local solicitors Sheffield‘ to find legal experts near you. But make sure they have expertise in mental health cases. 

Schedule regular medical visits

You’ll need all the professional help you can get, starting with regular medical visits. Your doctor will perform regular diagnoses and prescribe new treatments when necessary. You’ll also receive tips on how to care for your elderly parent and help them get better. Aside from visiting a doctor, work with therapists to help them learn how to cope with any underlying issues responsible for their poor mental health. You can also hire trained nurses or caregivers to provide home care and ease the burden of responsibility on your shoulders. 

Educate yourself

It’s almost impossible to care for an ageing parent if you don’t know or understand what mental health challenges they’re dealing with. So, take the time to educate yourself about it. Understand its symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. This way, you can anticipate and address their unique needs. You can also contact support groups and find resources online.

Establish effective communication

Open, clear, and honest communication are crucial when caring for an ageing loved one with mental health issues. Speak calmly and do your best to ensure that you understand them and that they understand you. Also, encourage your parent to express their thoughts and feelings and actively listen without judging them. They might also need a safe and non-threatening environment, making them comfortable to open up or discuss their concerns. Being harsh, rude, disrespectful, or aggressive will only make your parents withdraw in fear and choose not to communicate. 

Three Methods for Protecting Children During a Divorce

Decisions and conversations about divorce can be difficult. Besides deciding on custody and visitation, parents must also consider the impact of divorce on their children. As soon as you file for divorce, start taking precautions to keep your children safe. Dealing with the dissolution of a marriage is a trying experience for anyone. Nevertheless, if you want to keep your children safe from the effects of your divorce, you must put aside your own feelings and focus on what’s best for them.

Discuss Your Divorce with Your Children

Communication is essential in any relationship, but it is especially important during a divorce. There will be many difficult discussions between you and your spouse, but you must also communicate openly and honestly with your children. As a parent, you don’t want to keep your children in the dark about what’s going on. They must understand that, despite the fact that their lives will be altered as a result of the divorce, you and their other parents remain committed to their well-being. There are a variety of approaches you can take when trying to have a conversation with your children. You can get together regularly to talk about how divorce affects everyone.

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Make sure that the agreement you reach regarding your divorce takes into account child support

If you can, make sure that the amount and schedule of child support are written into the terms of your divorce. It is to everyone’s advantage if you and your partner can figure this out on your own. A judge will decide what is and isn’t fair if this doesn’t happen. If you’re going through a divorce, it’s important to think about your child’s current standard of living. You don’t want your split to have an impact on them. A family solicitor is your best bet when it comes to deciding how much child support you should pay. They will inform you about the penalty for hiding assets in divorce as well as anything you’re obligated to do as part of the divorce settlement. Ensure that the final divorce agreement includes the amount of child support and that it is signed and dated by both parties.

Make sure your kids aren’t exposed to any conflict or fighting.

You have the power to shield your children from witnessing your marital strife. You and your spouse should communicate at a level appropriate for a young child. In addition, devise a strategy for dealing with times when your emotions are running high. You could also try to persuade your ex to follow in your footsteps. De-escalating arguments can be as simple as going for a walk or stopping at a nearby coffee shop; it can also be as simple as having a designated space in your home where you can go to avoid conflict. Don’t bring your children into the fray when you’re having a heated argument. Instead of talking about your feelings for your spouse in front of them, it’s best if you avoid doing so.

4 Things to Consider When Buying Your First Family Home

It’s finally happened- you’re ready to take the plunge and buy your first family home. This is a huge decision, one that should not be taken lightly. There are many things to consider when buying a home, especially if it’s your first time. In this blog post, we will go over four of the most important factors to think about when making such a purchase. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about buying your first family home!

Location, Location, Location

The old real estate adage still rings true today- where your home is located is important. You want to make sure you’re in a safe neighbourhood that you feel comfortable with. You also want to think about things like the commute to work, schools in the area, and proximity to family and friends. All of these factors play a role in choosing the perfect location for your new home. Location is key when purchasing any property but especially your first family home. You want to be close to good schools if you have children or are planning on starting a family. It’s also important to be close to public transportation if you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive. And finally, you want to be in a neighbourhood that feels safe and comfortable for you and your family.

Size Matters

Another important factor to consider when buying your first family home is size. How big of a house do you need? Do you want a lot of bedrooms and bathrooms? Or are you looking for something more modest? It’s important to think about the size of your family now and in the future when making this decision. You don’t want to end up with a house that’s too small or too large for your needs. Size is an important consideration when purchasing any property but especially your first-family home. If you have children or are planning on starting a family, you’ll want enough bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone. On the other hand, if your kids are grown and gone, you may be looking for something smaller and more modest. It’s important to think about the size of your family now and in the future when making this decision, so you end up with a house that’s just right. You can look at a few display homes to get a feel for what size will suit you best.

family home

Your Budget

Of course, one of the most important things to consider when buying your first family home is your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a new home? You’ll need to take into account your current income, debts, and other financial obligations when making this decision. It’s also important to remember that there are other costs associated with owning a home, such as property taxes, insurance, and repairs. Make sure you factor all of these things into your budget before making an offer on a new home.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Another thing to keep in mind when buying your first family home is the maintenance and upkeep that will be required. Owning a home is a lot of work! You’ll need to mow the lawn and make repairs when things break. If you’re not prepared for this, it can be a big shock. Make sure you are ready and willing to take on the responsibilities of owning a home before making an offer.

These are just a few of the things to consider when buying your first family home. It’s a big decision, but it can also be a lot of fun. Just make sure you do your research and take your time before making an offer on a new property. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect home for your family.

family home

How To Care For Elderly Parents On A Busy Schedule

One minute you are a child, and the next, you are a grown adult with many responsibilities weighing on your shoulders! One of the challenging tasks you might face as an adult is learning to care for ageing parents while trying to have a successful career and build your own family. With a staggering 79% of adults feeling stressed at least once a month, how are you possibly going to find the perfect balance? Striking a balance might seem like a distant dream to you and many others. However, these tips will help you find a routine that works for you and your family. 

Set your priorities and develop a plan

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when juggling your work with caring for your family and elderly parents. However, before you begin to panic, it’s always better to create an action plan. There are many things you must consider. Do your parents have regular doctor’s appointments? What errands do you need to run for your home and theirs? You can write down all these tasks and try to visualise everything to help you organise better. 

Once you’ve created a schedule, it will be easier to know what you have to prepare for. Thanks to modern technology, you can even set reminders to all parties involved to keep them abreast with plans and schedules. If you have other siblings or relatives to help, you can all sync your calendars to know who is responsible for what task and when. 

elderly parents

Speak to your employer

It can be hard finding the perfect balance between being a dedicated worker and a dedicated child. Given how busy work environments can get, it does affect how often you get to connect with your elderly parents. If you’re in such a situation, a good way to solve it is by talking openly with your employer to find a more manageable solution. 

Ask your employer if it’s possible to adjust your working hours or if remote working options are available to give you more flexibility. Sometimes, having these conversations can be nerve-wracking. A good way to prepare is by listing out your primary duties and how you intend to make these adjustments work for you and your employer. 

Hire a caregiver

It would be better to hire a domiciliary caregiver in certain instances where you can’t care for your elderly parents. You should consider this option because instead of placing your parents in a home, you can have them cared for right in the comfort of their homes, giving them a sense of belonging. Depending on what services you require, a home caregiver can perform various tasks, including ensuring your parents take their medicines regularly and providing light housekeeping services. Apart from medical care, they also provide companionship to your elderly parents. 

Your parents’ health and care matters, so you must research thoroughly to find the best home care possible if you are considering this option. A qualified caregiver must not only have a good reputation but should have also completed the mandatory training for domiciliary care to be qualified to care for your parents. 

Make time for yourself

It’s easy to lose yourself when trying to care for your parents while balancing work. However, you must set time aside for self-care. You can take care of yourself by exercising to release stress and eat well. Learn how to take breaks at work and home to clear your mind and relax. 

If you feel the strain or are at risk of burning out, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help from your friends and family. They can watch your parents so you can take some time to unwind and get back into a routine. It also helps to talk to a professional or a trusted friend about how you are feeling. Sometimes, talking about what stresses you out is a good way to vent your frustrations. 

Involve your kids

If you have kids, you probably know how fond they are of their grandparents and vice versa. Your parents will love spending time with their grandchildren, and talking and bonding with them will improve their mental health and make them healthier. And if you have older kids, you can ask them to help you whenever you are in a tight bind. 

Caring for your parents while juggling work and other important aspects of your life can take a toll on you. Fortunately, these tips will help you find the right balance to get things under control and help you give your parents the best life possible.

Which Florida Cities Do Retirees Like the Most

Florida is a gorgeous state that seems to be built out of nothing but long shorelines and vacation towns: but what’s it like to live here as a retiree?  Whether you’re planning a retirement in the distant future or you’re ready to move now, these are the top reasons why Florida is a great place to retire: and where in the state you should go! 

Why Retire in Florida?

If you’re not from Florida or haven’t visited, you might be unsure why this state is such a hot choice for retirees.  The main allure is the warm weather that will keep you active and outside year-round.  Although cold weather can be nice: it’s harsh on joints and can leave you stuck inside doing nothing but watching television.  Retiring in an area where you can make the most of the entire year ensures you don’t have to waste a second.

On top of this, Florida has so much to do you could never get bored!  From fun theme parks to fantastic sports like golfing and scuba to the countless museums and art galleries: there’s truly something here for everyone.  

Sarasota

Just south of Tampa is this gorgeous city that’s become the top hot spot for retirees!  From the gated communities, waterfront homes, and luxury hotels to the countless things to do and see: you’ll fall in love with Sarasota as well!

Retirees

Tampa

Tampa is one of the best-known cities in Florida, but it’s also one of the most expensive.  Although the cost of living here is around 23% lower than that of NYC: it’s still pricy compared to the rest of the state.  The humid summers can reach 90 degrees, but this is a gorgeous city that’s able to weather any storm! 

Fort Lauderdale

This gorgeous beachside city may be a dream come true for retirees!  Although Fort Lauderdale houses for sale can be expensive: many say it’s worth it for all of the perks you can find here!

This has been a popular vacation and retirement area for years now, meaning that it’s better outfitted for older community members and can take care of you when you need it to.  You can enjoy everything from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment!

How to Pick Your City

If you like the idea of each of these cities but aren’t sure which to go with, consider a few different points.  Not only should the city be affordable and able to easily be moved into: but it also has to be a location where you can find things to do and enjoy.  Each of these cities has a different personality that will fit a different retiree, so consider how much of that speaks to you and what you need when you’re ready to move.

You could find paradise by retiring in Florida! 

Florida is Made for Retirement

Florida has everything from warm weather year-round to soothing beachy vibes, so there’s nothing holding you back from this paradise!  Consider checking out Florida soon and considering it for your retirement.  

Retirees

Plan Your Next Adventure With The Kids

Are you interested in planning your next adventure with your kids? This is a great way to ensure that you break up the monotonous weeks of the summer holidays. You might think that you need to travel a great distance to have an awesome adventure with your children. However, we’re delighted to say that this is not the case. Here are some wonderful ideas that are worth exploring. 

Activity Breaks

Have you taken much time to think about going on an activity break? While this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s certainly something that everyone should try at least once in their life. There are plenty of family adventure holidays that you can head out on, each one more exciting than the last. For example, you can head out on a mountain climbing adventure if this is something that appeals to you, or if you want something a little more chilled, you can head out and explore the sandy beaches of certain areas and all of their treasures. 

Camping

How often do you hear about people going camping and think that it’s a good idea or something that you would like to try? Camping is one of the best types of holiday, with families taking part for many years. It’s a way to teach your children to connect with the Earth a little more, and it’s a chance to escape the social constructs of society for a little while. All of your stresses melt away when you are out in the wilderness or on a campsite somewhere. 

with the kids

Theme Parks

You might also want to think about heading to a theme park for your next adventure. Theme parks are always going to be great fun and come in a variety of sizes and styles. For younger children, there are options like Legoland. Legoland is designed to look like it was made from lego. 

Alternatively, you can also explore theme parks with more thrilling rides for older children. These have incredible drops and reach soaring speeds so are often not for the faint of heart. 

Urban Escape 

Next, you could consider heading to a city for a wonderful urban escape with your kids. You might think that there’s nothing in major cities for the kids. However, you couldn’t be more wrong. There are plenty of different activities in the city that could be perfect for the kids. For instance, you might want to think about booking an adventure such as a laser quest. This is a great option for older children and adults alike. 

Or, you may want to take them to a museum. There are lots of museums that are designed to be interactive and engaging for kids of all ages. The best part is that these are either free or quite cheap to enter. As such, you don’t need to worry about it adding to the cost of your holiday budget. 

Water Park 

Alternatively, you could also think about heading to a waterpark with your kids. Some waterparks do have a hotel on site or close by that you can stay in with the kids. Other waterparks have another area that is suitable for adults to enjoy while the kids have a great time. All we recommend is that you check which rides your child can ride. The good news is that most water parks have rides for every age of the child. 

Spa 

The final idea that we have come up with is going on a spa vacation. While it might not necessarily seem like an adventure, it certainly is. It’s something that not many kids get to experience as their parents feel as though it is a more grown-up thing to do, but kids need a relaxing break too. While we might not think that the life of a kid is difficult, it’s difficult for them to navigate their way through their life, and as such, they deserve a relaxing break as much as adults too.

Family spa days are something that you can consider, and they help to bring you closer as a family. We can all but guarantee your whole family will love every second of it.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, now, you see some of the awesome adventures that you can plan to take part in with your kids. There are so many different adventures that you can go on, and it’s time to start trying out new things. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to plan the best adventure possible for your next trip with your kiddos!

with the kids

My review of Kemps Farm, Horsforth pumpkin picking event

If you’re following my blog, you’ll know Halloween is my favourite occasion of the year. 

Unfortunately, I was a bit last minute booking a pumpkin picking event this year. However, I was happy with every aspect of the place we visited. And of course, I had to share my thoughts with all of you lovely readers.

Cue me dramatically demonstrating what would happen with a toy tractor on the morning of pumpkin picking. Yes, a very animated portrayal of exactly where in the trailer we would sit. Hehe. 

Read on to find out where we booked for 2021 and my thoughts on the event…

pumpkin picking event

PLEASE NOTE – This review is solely based on a day out with my family and all views and opinions are my own. Photos were also taken by me.

Booking online

What sold me on booking this pumpkin picking event was the tractor ride to the pumpkin field. I knew our little one would love it. Cue me dramatically demonstrating what would happen with a toy tractor on the morning of pumpkin picking. Yes, a very animated portrayal of exactly where in the trailer we would sit. Hehe. 

Another huge selling point was the great value for money. The price for an adult ticket was £2.00 and you didn’t need to pay for young children. 

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Arrival

When we arrived, the car park was signposted and there were marshalls telling us where to park and how to get on the tractor.

The tractor ride was from one field, over a main road to the adjacent field. But honestly, my little one loved it and it was a great addition to our trip out. 

Every single staff member we met on the day was helpful and friendly and they made the whole experience a lovely outing. 

pumpkin picking event

Arriving in the pumpkin field

Upon leaving the tractor, someone gave us a talk on directions around the pumpkin field. We were also given useful information on which types of pumpkins you could use for cooking. What impressed me was they had grown their pumpkins. Some of the events we’ve visited in the past have clearly bought them in and placed them in a field.

Wheelbarrows were parked up ready for us to collect. At other pumpkin fields, we’ve had to stand in a queue and pay for a wheelbarrow. Not really what you want with an eager toddler who is raring to go. This was a great system. It made it easy for parents to manage unruly toddlers.

There was a one-way system around three fields, with an astroturf walkway all the way around. Helpful if you don’t want to get muddy. Luckily we were dressed for the muddy fields because the places we’ve visited before were a bit like a mud bath. 

pumpkin picking event

As you can see from the pictures, the decorations around the pumpkin fields were great and there were a lot of opportunities to take photos. The sun blessed us with its presence and it made our photos even better. I was also impressed with the open space. You could go off on your own and take pictures without anyone else in them.

Amazing memories. 

Paying and leaving the pumpkin field

We collected our pumpkins. The wheelbarrow was particularly useful for housing our little one when we wanted to get moving. The prices were great and we got a lot of lovely pumpkins for our money. £13.50 for the collection you see here. 

pumpkin picking event

Upon paying we were directed to a staff member handing out bin liners. We were given a generous pile and were easily able to transport our haul. 

Back onto the tractor and to the car park. Of course, my little one had to stop to go full Peppa Pig mode and jump in the puddle. As she was fully suited, with wellies on we let her have some fun. 

Facilities availible on the day

Although we didn’t use the facilities, there was a large gazebo, a snack van serving drinks, face painting tents, and toilets (the portaloos were very clean). 

There was ample parking, plenty of signs directing you where to go and clear instructions.

The whole process was easy and it’s exactly what you need when you have children to entertain.

Final thoughts

All things considered, this is now my favourite farm for pumpkin picking and we will be booking next year. 

Until next year, fellow Halloween lovers.

Let me know in the comments below whether you went pumpkin picking this year. Where did you visit?

What other celebrations did you have for Halloween?

I would love to hear from you.

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pumpkin picking event