With the daffodils flowering, lambs jumping in the fields and the sun shining, Spring makes for some beautiful days out, even if it is still a little chilly at times. So why not pull on your wellies and try out some of these local places of natural beauty?
Out & About
Lakes to visit in Northamptonshire
Daventry Country Park
A stone’s throw from centre of Daventry, NN11 4HBThis country park is a real gem for parents with little ones. Close to Daventry, you have all the amenities nearby that you might want, whilst still being able to enjoy a beautiful natural getaway. A very decent-sized lake makes a great circuit to tire out toddlers, with plenty of wildlife to keep them busy. A jetty and beach make feeding the ducks easy and safe, and the small visitor centre and cafe are usually open to offer parents a nice hot cup of tea or a butty, and some shelter if the weather turns ugly.
Right next to the car park is a fantastic playground that is worth the visit in its own right. It has lots of equipment for children of all ages, and will keep the little ones occupied and having fun for as long as you could want.
Brixworth Country Park
6 miles North of Northampton, NN6 9DG
Another lake with a super playground, Pitsford also has a cafe and visitors centre so you can set off in the morning even if the weather is looking a little unpredictable!Pitsford lake is probably too big for all but the hardiest of toddlers to walk around, but the track around the lake is perfect for buggies and bikes. If you don’t have your own bike, you can hire them from behind the visitors centre - why not add some spice to the ride by trying out a tandem? It’s good fun, and mum can stop pedalling and chill out on the back without dad ever finding out!
Stanwick Lakes
16 miles East of Northampton, up the A45. NN9 6GY
Stanwick Lakes makes a great family day out and has stacks of things to do. It is set over a large area with child-friendly walks around the lake. They have a number of exciting attractions for children. The outdoor play area must be one of the best near Northampton - made entirely of wood, it has some great slides, bridges and loads of climbing equipment. It also has a unique water play area where children can paddle in a stream and experiment with levers and pipes to see how they affect the flow of water. There is a small indoor soft play area (tots £1) and a picnic area and cafe for eating. All in all, it’s worth a visit, whatever the weather!
Make the most of Spring - Everdon Woods
If you are only ever going to visit Everdon Woods once in the year, visit between April and mid-May.Situated halfway between Towcester and Daventry, Everdon Woods becomes carpeted in the most beautiful bluebells every Spring. It truly is stunning, and children and adults alike are bound to enjoy a walk through the peaceful boughs of the trees.
Everdon is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year though. It is not a huge wood, and makes an extremely pleasant circuit with baby or toddler in tow. The trees are dense enough for you to feel like you really are in the woods, but spaced well enough apart to allow the little ones to run off and remain in view. It is quite accepted that you might venture off the beaten path, which of course appeals to every child’s sense of adventure and provides a great opportunity to discover all sorts of natural wonders.
Topic: Tell us what you think of these places or recommend some more!
There are 2 comments on this topic.
Latest Comments
marmitegirl - Everdon Woods ·
Monday 26th April 2010 09:27 pm
We visited with our 22 month old after reading about it in Toddle About.
The bluebells were not yet out but it was just the right size for an hour
in the late afternoon for a bit of exploring. Our son loved being able to
run about and spent ages running up and down the little humps in the paths.
We will definately go back soon to see the bluebells.
The bluebells were not yet out but it was just the right size for an hour
in the late afternoon for a bit of exploring. Our son loved being able to
run about and spent ages running up and down the little humps in the paths.
We will definately go back soon to see the bluebells.
editor - Re: Everdon Woods from marmitegirl ·
View all comments and add your own opinion! »
Tuesday 27th April 2010 09:17 am
I'm glad you enjoyed Everdon Woods! We went on Friday as well with our two
- Alice likes running up and down the bumps as well. She also found a big
wigwam made from fallen branches and braved the rope swing for the first
time... It really is beautiful in all this sunshine, and it looks like the
bluebells will arrive very soon (I hope!)
- Alice likes running up and down the bumps as well. She also found a big
wigwam made from fallen branches and braved the rope swing for the first
time... It really is beautiful in all this sunshine, and it looks like the
bluebells will arrive very soon (I hope!)
Do you like Days Out?
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