We love exploring new places and the little boys especially love going on new adventures.
When the big kids are busy, I try to find lots of adventures to keep the little ones occupied.
They even ask now most days “are we going on an adventure?”. Sometimes the adventures are to new places and sometimes it can be as simple as going on a bug or creepy crawly hunt at the park. The important thing is simply that they get a sense of exploring somewhere.
Today we set off to visit Chirk Castle, somewhere we have never been to before. It is a magnificent fortress near Wrexham in North Wales. It was sunny and quite mild when we set off, although the sun didn’t exactly last long.
There was lots of excitement over all the daffodils on the way up to the castle and these little legs kept going all the way to the top!
Chirk Castle is part of the National Trust and if you haven’t been, I urge you to visit as the castle itself, gardens and the views are spectacular.
There was a lot of excitement in the car on the way there about maybe seeing Mike the Knight or a princess tapped in a tower. Sadly, Mike the Knight wasn’t available and this is what we thought about that…
The drive up to the castle car park was super as their were lots of sheep with blue bottoms which the boys find utterly hysterical at the moment – so Mummy got extra points for that!
We explored the grounds for a good few hours. There is lots to see and something new and exciting around every corner.
The rain started to come down when we were at the furthest point from the car, so we just carried on anyway and hid under a few trees in the garden. You can of course explore inside the castle but the boys prefer being outside so we mainly did that.
We also popped into the dungeons for a look around and came across all sorts of things to touch and look at. The boys were shocked how heavy everything was.
The castle itself still looked stunning in the rain – it was such a lovely place to explore. You can also visit the family activity room to play games, try on costumes, and discover the history of the castle.
No adventure would be complete without a bit of tree climbing now would it? Followed by a big jump down of course!
This was how the car park looked by the time we finally got back to the car…rather wet!
We aren’t put off though and the boys were still smiling and enjoyed their adventure, despite the fact we all needed a change of clothes.
Have you ever been to Chirk Castle? Where is your closest National Trust location?
143 comments
This is now on my to-do list!
Brilliant!
looks like a pretty cool place. My daughter has begun calling our adventures “expeditions”. Like you say, as long as she is out exploring something, she’s happy
Oh I love that…sounds much more grand! 🙂
I have never been but sounds so lovely and love all your fun filled photos too. Thanks for sharing your family adventures on #ShareWithMe Hope you have a great rest of the week.
Thanks Jenny!
Sounds like you had great fun. So glad you don’t let the rain slow you down
I think you’d be waiting forever with our weather lol.
I love visiting places like this, looks like you had a great time!
Yes it’s a lovely day out 🙂
It looks like you had a fun time. We visited Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire during the holiday – the National Trust have may wonderful places to visit don’t they?
Oh, I’ve heard that is really nice. Yes there are so many lovely places, not enough time!
Never been or even heard of Chirk castle before, looks like a great place to visit – Love how the children were able to feel how heavy the armour etc was too.
My nearest NT location is Ascott House, but it is not really a family-friendly place, the better place for that is Waddesdon Manor
Yes that was a really nice touch!
Looks like great fun was had by all 🙂
Thanks for reading 🙂
This looks a lovely day out,especially if the sun comes out.
Yes, even if briefly!
Looks a great day out for the family!
Thanks for reading!
What a great day out!!
Yes – really lovely 🙂
Sounds a really fun day out!
Yes, loads to do !
We haven’t been but are always looking for new adventures and keep meaning to explore more of the country we live in, rather than venturing abroad or over the boarder. Our nearest National Trust is probably Penbryn beach. Lovely out of season as you can have it all to yourself.
Oh, I looked that up, it looks gorgeous!
Looks a great day – the NT have some great places, don’t they
yes, loads don’t they
Looks like a great day out
Thanks for reading 🙂
never been, looks like nice day out though
Super day out – something for everyone
The daffodils do look beautiful.
I know, he was really drawn to all the yellow
I love visiting castles this looks a wonderful day that you had
Yes, so do we 🙂
looks like you had heaps of fun!!
Thanks for reading 🙂
Exploring new places and having adventures is top of our list, too. Lovely review and lovely pics. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Susan! Onto the next adventure!
I’ve never been here. It’s good that the rain didn’t spoil the day.
Yes, the weather was unreal
A great place to visit with so much to do and see – and who wouldn’t love seeing blue-bottomed sheep?
Exactly!
I love castles and this one looks great.
Yes it was fab!
Looks like a great day out for families
Thanks for reading 🙂
The joys of Wales and rain! Good to see you had lots of fun though
I know ! The car park transformed into a huge puddle
I love the picture of the bright yellow and red splash of colour against the impressive castle walls!
Thanks Helen!
Looks like a great day out, I love places like that it’s just a bit to far for us for just a day trip
That’s a shame – thanks for reading
Oh wow – it looks magnificent! Love your photos!
Thanks Tabby!
aw it looks like you had great fun 🙂
Thanks for reading !
I loved visiting places like that when my twins were little 🙂
Lots of fun with little ones 🙂
looks like great fun.
Thanks for reading 🙂
Sounds like you had a wonderful time there. I often find it’s not so bad when it’s raining as it puts the crowds off and you can enjoy yourself much more 🙂
That is very true Jo!
looks brilliant thanks for the post
Thanks for reading 🙂
Stunning photos!
Thanks Laura!
What a lovely day out! 🙂
Yes – there is so much to explore 🙂
looks like you had great fun, i love visiting places liek this and being outdoors 🙂
I know , loads of fun and the children love exploring
I love visiting castles & this looks a fab day out.
Yes me too!
Looks a great place for a day out
Thanks for reading 🙂
looks like you had lots of fun! I LOVE his little yellow jacket 🙂
Thanks Claire – yes me too 🙂
Loving the stocks. I’d like to visit some day.
I know – very funny!
I really enjoyed reading this article
Thanks for reading 🙂
Looks like a great place for a day out
Yes, so much to see and do for all ages 🙂
Gotta love a good national trust place for a fab day out
I know – so many lovely places 🙂
It looks like a lovely place to visit – and that photo with the stocks is great! 🙂
Thanks Jess – he loved them 🙂
Great post…we’ll have to check it out next time we’re in the area
You must – so much to see and great views !
Sounds good, a great review x
Thanks Becca 🙂
What a lovely looking place
I know – really spectacular. The pics don’t do it justice though.
The castle looks lovely and you all seemed to really enjoy it.
Yes really fab – need to try another now!
So cute!! Our fave NT place is Quarry Bank Mill
Oooh it’s a long time since I went there!
This place looks fab, sounds like you all had an amazing time. Keep up the great blog
Thanks Kirsty – yes loads of fun, despite the rubbish weather 🙂
Great pics, looks like you had a great day.
Thanks – yes lovely, need to choose the next castle now!
These are some lovely photos, the castle looks great. We are huge castle goers, we’re not fussed on the national trust passes, theres hardly anything to see in wales in our area. We have cadw passes though and have access to loads of sites here in south wales 😀 Our favorite is caldicot castle.
This place looks great, and it does sound like you all had an fabulous time
Sound like a fab place to visit! The National Trust do such a great job of making these places an interesting visit for all ages
what fabulous photos!
Never been but looks great fun for all ages, might take the grandkids
Looks fantastic, I do love a castle!
Hannah
smeethsaysfashion.com
The National Trust is always reliable for a good day out, my sister has a family membership and renews it every year.
My nearest one is Washington Old Hall but my favourite National Trust in the area is Wallington Hall as it has the most beautiful walled gardens x
looks amazing x
We visit Chirk Castle 2 or 3 times a year. It is a great family day out and they host some lovely special events. Christmas time is especially nice.
Looks like you had a great time.
Looks like you all had a fun time at the castle. I think a bit of rain shouldn’t stop people from going out and having fun xx
It looks like a great day out. Shame the weather got a bit naughty.
Would love to go there too 🙂
Sounds fun. I am adding to my to visit list this castle too
Looks like you had a great time despite the weather, our nearest National trust site is Nymans Gardens – although we’ve not been there yet x
Chirk Castle looks a great day out!
We went to Chirk Castle a few years ago now. I remember our weather was very similar to yours! but we still had a great day out 🙂
Looks like you had a lovely day! I have never been but it looks like a great place to visit
What a wonderful trip!! Those daffodils make for lovely photos with your little lad!
It looks like you had a really fun family day out!
Looks like a lovely place 🙂
This looks like a good place to go!
that is the cutest pout ever
Love North Wales, but have never heard of Chirk Castle – will have to look out on our next trip
This looks a brilliant place for a day out
What lovely photos.
This looks like a great day out and not far from my home county 🙂
Looks like a fab day out! We love castles 🙂
Sounds fantastic, my boys love exploring castles too 🙂
Oh I love a good castle and exploring new places definitely one to look out for 🙂
Looks like great fun 🙂
Fantastic, looks like you had a lovely day out
I haven’t been to this particular castle but have been to others.
Looks like you had a fab time!
Looks fab
lovely photos, looks like you had fun
Definitely worth a visit during the upcoming school holidays! Thanks for the recommendation.
Looks wonderful and what a beautiful little one you have ?
Looks like a great place to take kids – and great for adults like me who love castles.
Lovely castle, looks like you all had a fun day out, thanks for the post x