Today we have a guest post from the lovely Ami over at Through Ami’s Eyes. As a fellow ‘Essex girl’ I love finding out new places we can take the kids and a couple on this list are new to us!
Over to Ami…
Pickle loves being our and about and some of my favourite days spent with him have been when we have been outdoors enjoying the fresh air and the sunshine. There is so much to do in Essex where we live and I wanted to share with you my 5 favoutire places to go with my toddler in Essex.
1. Southend Seafront
Is there anything better that the sea air? We live about 10 miniutes away from Southend seafront and Pickle loves going for a visit. There is so much to do there and it doesn’t have to cost the earth either. If you want a cheap and cheerful day then you can collect shells and skim stones into the sea. You can eat chips on the sea wall and play in the brilliant water fountains. We did this quite a lot last year and I can’t wait until the sun starts shining again so we can head to the front.
2. Colchester Zoo
This zoo is without a doubt the best zoo I have ever been too. The animals have fantastic enclosures with ample space and lots of enrichment. There is a soft play center for if the weather is a bit naff and so much for the kids (and big kids) to do there. We have annual passes as we love it so much and it is always a great day out.
3. Thorndon Country Park
This county park is great. Price wise all you need to do is pay for parking and you can really spend as little or as long as you want having a ramble. The reason I love this park, and see it as one of my favourites, is because it has a Gruffalo trail!! For those of you who don’t know, the Gruffalo trail is basically a walk that is set out through the woods or county park that has statues of all the characters from the Gruffalo. We love heading down to Thorndon and finding the Gruffalo and his friends. It’s a cheap, easy day out that pickle loves.
3. Hadleigh Castle
Hadleigh castle is so picturesque and beautiful, but also makes a great place for toddlers to let of steam. The ruins of two ancient towers and part of the wall are all that is left of Hadleigh castle, but it makes the perfect place to climb and explore. The castle set on the top of a hill, giving beautiful views across to the sea. making it a wonderful place to have a picnic and spend some family time. If you haven’t been already then I recommend taking a trip as it’s lovely.
Great post! As a fellow Essex mum, I love finding new places to visit. We have done all of these except Hadleigh Castle, so I will popping that on my list of things to do!