We love February Half Term!
Why? – I hear you ask………….
It is Teddy Zipwire time at Corfe Castle!
I first shared this with you this time last year in my post Where Eagles Bear, but sadly Daddy get to come along that time so we decided that this year he had to join in the fun.
We pulled up into the National Trust carpark just in time to see a steam train hurtling past, much to the delight of the kids who were jumping up and down and waving to the passengers.
Once the train had disappeared from view, we headed across the road to start the trek up to Corfe Castle itself, stopping to identify the creatures on the National Trust signs that were dotted along the trail and balance along the logs. The kids soon tired of carrying their bears, so Kian and I created some makeshift teddy carriers so we had our hands free.
The walk up to the castle is very picturesque and we took the opportunity to identify all the different shapes that nature had to offer. There were quite a few fallen trees, some which had been chopped up and Isaac was counting the rings to see how old it was but Eliza was more fascinated by the goats that were grazing on the slopes.
As we rounded the corner to cross the bridge, excitement levels were through the roof. Corfe Castle sits on top of a really big hill which is perfect for climbing up and rolling back down again! The kids shot off with Daddy to explore whilst I stopped to get the Quest challenge sheets.
Once we managed to persuade them away from the hill we headed across to book Minnie and Yoda Bear in for their zipwire challenge. The National Trust helpers reassured Minnie and Yoda Bear that they would be fine and set them up with their safety equipment. Minnie especially seemed to be more nervous than Yoda Bear but he promised to look after her. I did tell them not to look down!
It is quite a climb to the top of the castle but we made it and Isaac volunteered to send Yoda Bear first. We hooked him to the zip line, gave him a countdown and then let go……….GEROMINO!
We whooped and cheered as he flew down the zip line to the safety of the bridge below. Then it was Minnie’s turn. Eliza gave her hand one final squeeze for reassurance and then let go………… Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!
We watched as she was collected at the bottom of the zip wire before heading off to explore the castle and find the answers to our Quest questions.
We found statues, learned some history and even got to crawl through some rather small spaces. Eliza insisted on jumping down each step and I was worried she would fall, so there was one thing left to do……. join her!
We headed back down the hill to collect the teddy’s and recharge our batteries with a Barny cake before having some fun getting dressed up and playing a medieval board game.
The kids then handed in their completed Quest form and received a medal each, whilst the teddy’s got their very own bravery award.
We headed back to the car and set off for home, stopping at Arne Viewpoint to admire Poole Harbour in all its glory. I have to say this is one of the best views in Dorset!
We chose to take the chain ferry at Studland home and were first in the queue which gave us a wonderful view. We watched as the ferry set off across the harbour and took in the delights of Shell Bay, Brownsea Island and Millionaires Row.
What a great day out! I love the picture of you and Eliza jumping off the step
I remember your post last year and being totally taken with the Teddy zip wire. It is still something I would like to try and create here at Coombe Mill. The pictures are even more enticing this time and I am so glad Daddy got to join in too. Definitely worth the drive, what a great looking day for your trip. Thank you for joining me on Country Kids with your special family day out.
Sounds brilliant – will be on my list of places to go!!
Shame you didn’t go on the train though
We do enjoy the train but save that for the summer as it is very expensive!
Ooooh, I love the idea of a teddy zip wire, I might have to make on on Science Sparks. xx
What an adventurous Teddy! Looks great fun I must admit, but I am a bit scared of heights lol
Gorgeous pictures Kara. I love the teddy/mini-mouse zip-wire experience. What a great idea!
Looks like great fun with some fabulous pictures too.
We love Corfe Castle, but have never seen the teddy zipwire- will keep an eye out for it!
These photos had my chin jaw dropping. The scenery is OUT OF THIS WORLD> wow wow wow. So very beautiful. Need to drool over these photos again x
Oh wow, looks like a beautiful place to visit!! Fabulous photos
What brilliant fun you’ve had
What a brilliant day out! The teddies on the zipwire is wonderful! Have to put Corfe Castle on our list when we’re next down Dorset way!
Beautiful, beautiful pictures! And what a fun day out it looks to have been. How funny that he went on a zip wire. That teddy is braver than me! 😀
Loved reading this post so much as brought back so many happy memories of childhood holidays. Corfe Castle is one of my favourite places to visit ever – I have a gorgeous photo of it at night framed on my landing at home. Studlands is a beautiful area and we always used to go to the beach as it is one of the few beaches where dogs were allowed – do they still allow dogs? The chain ferry was always a real adventure for us as well. My aunt and uncle used to own a tiny shop there and this post just brought so many happy memories back. Did you know that apparently Enid Blyton used Corfe Castle as inspiration for Kirren Island/Castle in the Famous Five? #whatsthestory
Lucas says – the Mother showed me this post and started telling me all about her childhood holidays there. She’s said that if I’m a good boy, she’ll take me next year. I am sooooo gonna try as I love the look of that castle!!!! #whatsthestory
looks like a lovely day out, woht some fab views. Love the teddy zip line
This looks amazing! What a great day out and beautiful photos x
That looks like an amazing place to visit. Thanks for sharing x
This looks like such a great day out! F would love to see his Bear down a zip line 🙂 Also any sign of a steam train would have made his day x
Bear and Minnie seem to be quite adventurous too! Great that you had such lovely sunshine too.
Looks like you had the perfect weather for your adventure.
That looks like So much fun!!
My teddy wants to play – I mean the kids teddies do lol
And is that sunshine I see there?
Sounds like a really fun day out. I love the idea of your teddy bear and Minnie Mouse going down the zipwire! Really sweet.
What a fantastic day out! Absolutely gorgeous weather too, you struck gold there! 🙂
this looks like so much fun! I’ve heard of Corfe Castle before but this makes me really want to visit! x
This sounds like such an amazing day out and what brave children.
Commenting for myself and on behalf of BritMums and thanking you for taking part
Look like a great day out, another on my list when we come home for the summer