We were all in need of a break this half term as have been non-stop with work and school.
We normally go away in October, but with COVID cases rising we decided against it, even though travel restrictions have eased. Instead we have kept busy with days out and more relaxed days, introducing the kids to some of our old favourite films. They particularly enjoyed Short Circuit.
Here is our week:
Sunday 24th October
It wouldn’t be October half term without a spot of pumpkin picking.
We decided against our local farm and headed to Fordingbridge to the Picking Patch as they had a maize maze to do too.
It was the right decision as they had lots of pumpkins and places for photo opportunities, plus the kids adored the spooky maze, made even spookier as it was a breezy day which made it rustle..
Monday 25th October
One of our favourite local days out is Beaulieu as there is so much to see and do.
We were invited to visit to see their new Bond in Motion exhibition, which showcases cars and costumes from the latest Bond movie, No Time to Die. Isaac was in his element as he saw the cars, some of them damaged from the scenes in the film.
Once we had finished inside the museum, we headed out to enjoy the grounds, which looked glorious in the Autumn sunshine.
Tuesday 26th October
Today we headed to Bristol to see Kian, who is at university there. The plan was to go to Rev’s (where he works) for lunch, but sadly their chef didn’t turn up, so we explored the city centre before finding somewhere else.
Later in the day, Eliza and Isaac were booked in for their very first driving lesson with Young Driver at Cribbs Causeway.
Despite some initial nerves, they both adored their lessons and I couldn’t believe how quickly they were both off, driving and even picking up a bit of speed. Apparently 20mph feels really, really fast!!
Wednesday 27th October
After a busy 3 days, we had an admin day at home, only escaping the four walls for the boys to have a much needed haircut.
We caught up on washing, housework and a few outstanding blog posts and reviews for me.
Thursday 28th October
Another day out, this time heading east to Portsmouth to visit the Historic Dockyard.
We climbed aboard HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and HMS M.33 and because it was half term, really got to find out what life would have been like onboard, as they had actors in costume.
One of the highlights of the day was going underneath HMS Victory, which is something that has only recently opened. We also enjoyed seeing some new warships, which were in dock, including the aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales and the HNoMS Maud.
We finished the day we a visit to Gunwharf Quays, although we didn’t find anything interesting in the shops, it was nice to have a wander around.
Friday 29th October
Another quiet day at home, mixed with a bit of shopping to get the kids lunchbox bits ready for back to school next week. We played some games and enjoyed watching Night Books, although it was bit scarier than I expected for a kids film.
Saturday 30th October
We had a visit from Abbey and Lilah in the morning. Nothing beats the joy of a toddler hearing their favourite song (Shivers).
In the afternoon, we ventured out to see the Mad4Animals Halloween Show and met some creepy crawlies and Roger, the giant python.
In the evening, Sebby got dressed up for a Halloween Party with his school friends.
How was your half term?
Love the pumpkin pics. My eldest had a driving lesson when she was younger. Might book some more for her now she is 15.
It looks like you had a fab week.
I love the photos from your pumpkin picking. What a great place to visit.
Well done to the kids with their driving lesson. x
What a fab half-term. I think it was even better to explore the local sites, close to home, for once. It’s incredible how many things we have within a short drive from home but don’t visit them because we tend to go further away.
We always enjoy a visit to Beaulieu – I wonder how long the James Bond exhibit is on. We also love the Portsmouth Dockyard – will have too see if we can get down again as we haven ‘t been under Victory for sure. Looks like a great half term #365
Sounds like you had a lovely half-term. The pumpkin patch looks like a really good one with the activities and photo opportunities. How amazing for Eliza and Isaac to have their first driving lesson. I can imagine that must have been so much fun for them both. What a joyous photo of Lilah hearing her favourite song. #project365
Wow, you did loads in half term. I love all the boat stuff at Portsmouth, and Beaulieu’s a favourite too from my youth, as well as having taken N there. N really wants to do Young Driver – he did the Firefly cars when he was 6, but I just need to make sure he’s tall enough for the proper cars. Maybe we’ll aim for the summer when it’s nicer for me to stand around and watch!
Sebby wants to do the firefly’s but they only run in the summer – you have to be 142cm 🙂
He’s 143cm now so ok. He’s already sorted for birthday this year but might get him one for later in the year.
What a busy and fun half-term break! Love the first image, such beautiful sky. The pumpkin photos are awesome. I could hardly find one locally, there was nothing left in the shops. James Bond exhibition sounds great, and so does visiting all the HMS. Nice haircuts!
We didnt go away either and I worked pretty much through it all. But it looks like you had a great time, the spooky maze sounds really good and I would like to go to the Portsmouth Dockyard. Those driving lessons also look very cool.
The weather looks great for half term. Love the pumpkin patch it looks well stocked. The driving looks great fun for all, not something my kids had the opportunity to do.The halloween show looks lots of fun.