British Museum, London

This museum trip wasn't an easy win but in halls packed with every tourist in London, we turned a corner and saw the Nereid Monument - 'Wow!' was all I heard from M. We then perused the Elgin Marbles before I was granted stay to sketch and eventually M joined in and did this...

J had found some cracked, ancient African bowls and was entranced. They looked quite plain to us.

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

Meeting up with T and not-so-Baby-J under a blue sky, in open space surrounded by trees was just like 'home' for this crew.  However free entry, a tea shop and The Gruffalo trail provided the English edge. With frozen snow, big hills and fairy shelters this was great spot for kids.

The site hosts a Katyn Memorial, something we need to remember to visit next time.

Presteigne, Wales

On a Welsh walk (Number 2 in this holiday), with old friends A and C, from their Nonna's house to the river with everything a child could dream of - pooh sticks and the rotting corpse of a goose. Then rolled down hills (no ticks or snakes), paddled in the stream (no wellies), and crossed barbed wire to climb a tree, then formed a human chain to retrieve an ambitious climbing buddy. Great Famous Four afternoon activities before returning for lunch, and a movie while socks dried.

Hauser and Wirth, Bruton, Somerset

Miles away from anywhere, down winding roads but worth it... Beautifully restored barns as an uber gallery, reclaimed Dieter Roth-inspired bar and super, lovely cafe full of art and out the back a bleak landscape by the Oudolf, of High Line fame. We grabbed giant umbrellas, pondered a surrealist clocks, grassy islands in the path and then lay down on local sheepskin rugs and gazed at a trippy take on local farming, thanks to Pipilotti Rist.

Everything is going to be alright, as it says in neon, though the clotted cream could be less drippy.

British Camp aka Herefordshire Beacon

A walk without a view to the top of the final Beacon this Boxing Day. Not surprised Caractacus' troops wanted to crush this place if it was a day like this. We were a little challenged!

Festive Fare, Bottesford

M's famous fruit salad gets prepped for Christmas lunch. No sword for the pineapple this generation.

The Beacon, Bottesford

A festive stroll up the Bottesford Beacon, some 61 metres up and with vast views across the Vale of Belvoir and of course the impressively tall village spire.

Christmas Gifts, Bottesford

Playmobil and Lego Friends with a Native American twist and other fantasy world combinations... endless hours of it.

Morning Run, Bottesford

A Christmas morning special of 1.25miles (2K) with some most excellent dogs to greet, a plethora of ducks and some gorgeous old brick walls to skirt as we wound through Bottesford - the fields, the church yard and the ford.

Sprint finish to croissants and orange juice!

Christingle, East Bridgford

Once upon a time a new born baby hiccuped her way through midnight mass, returning this evening, some ten years later was magic, with candle light and great girls and amazingly the official task of carrying baby Jesus and the shepherds to the nativity. Something we used to gaze on after long saunters along the river and up through the church yard.

Green people, Screveton

It was sunset as we crossed the Vale... and we'd heard tell of these guys - sort of plastic moss big people, that really are quite striking. 

Playhouse, Birchover

Some Dad's just do... this structure was a combination football net, climbing frame, lookout, den, abseiling-thing with reclaimed broom handles for ladder steps and hand-knotted rope. We are officially impressed and will be back with full team.

Explorers, Bottesford

A wild morning of sticks and wading and tree-invading... 

Orchard Cafe & Park, Worcester

Santa's park is still the best, especially after a full cooked breakfast and a chat with the man himself and his elf helper.

Llanthony Priory and Kilpeck, Welsh Border

This spot is not for the faint hearted monk or passing road-tripper. Bleak and with a shut pub it requires commitment to leave the warmth of the car. Closer to civilization was Kilpeck Church and Castle. Seen just after sunset and after some bell-ringing practice for us and Norman stone carving-gazing.

Car Picnic, Wales

To complete the road trip experience you've got to have a car picnic, in the grounds of a 12th Century monastery.

Hike, Hay Bluff

Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, 'Till you find your dream...

We made it to the summit (677m aka 2,221ft) but not without drama and challenge from the bitter chill, waterlogged shoes, major muddy slides and huge gusts of wind. The view was immense, though Malvern is actually the other way! Back in the car the back-up team sang...

She'll be coming round the mountain, when she comes.

View Point, Hay Bluff

There was mossy, soft grass; little, brackish ponds; wild wooly sheep and stubby ponies plus bleak and stunning, sunlit views - amazing!

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye

Freshly baked almond cookies, great hot chocolate and fab reclaimed styling in this one-time theatre turned philosophy/music/arts venue with garden terraces for the summer crowd.

Bliss after Enid Blyton and Just William extravaganza at the Children's Bookshop. When's the Festival?

Play at Croome Park

During the war was this stately home was an air force base and the playground is fabulously themed to this. Here sibling 1 set a spy-training program for sibling 2, that almost ended in a climbing one-handed disaster. Down the path was an expansive natural play area... for next time.