During the school holidays my Dad and I took B and Little Miss on a picnic to Carrick Hill a historical house that I knew had sprawling gardens. Great for running around in and wearing out the kids I thought. What I didn't know was that they have a story book trail. We discovered the trail by accident as we explored the garden.
A gravel path lead us down to a hobbit-like house built into a bank. Little windows placed at a convenient height begged to be looked in. B's attempts to break in the door thankfully didn't work as we saw inside a gnome with a stash of wine! A sign suggested we lookout for a dragon, but find it we could not. Maybe the Hobbit had already slain it?
The path lead on down past a dry stone river bank with a pretty bright red bridge. We all happily trotted over the bridge but only once we were half way across it, discovered that this was in fact the roof of a green Troll's house. His bumpy hands gripped the bridge planks and threatened to grab our feet. Little Miss was most concerned.
So off our feet ran, past the bamboo forest and into a circle of grass. A sign suggested we look for a red breasted Robin bird, who guards over a key to The Secret Garden. Large gates loomed over us. We found the Robin perched atop a pole and the key was secured underneath him, stuck in a box. At this point we were unsure which way to go, should we venture into the secret garden, without the key? The gates were open after all, or should we continue along another path? For whatever reason we continued down the path. I remember B wanting to go into the secret garden, maybe he was feeling unwell or something...
We probably made the wrong decision as down the path we came across a giant spider web. Despite climbing it, B didn't find a spider until he looked high up into the sky. There was a lovely bronze pig there too, looking longingly for someone called Charlotte?
Further along the path we became completely surrounded by animals. A wolf thankfully helped us and pointed the way to a little home in the shade of some trees which we played in for what seemed a very long time. Then we realised we were being watched by all manner of exotic mammal. Some whom required a gift or two, maybe it was their birthday?
What a wonderful way to spend the day.
Carrick Hill is located at 46 Carrick Hill Drive off Fullarton Road, Springfield. Check website for opening hours and special events.
2 comments:
How wonderful! My kids would have loved this place when they were little, probably would now too.
Your photos are great CF.
I want to go again as there was even more to see and I didn't even get to look around the shop!
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