Cadbury Easter Egg Trails All Over the UK this Weekend. We Took Up the Quest at Mount Stewart.

We are just back from a lovely day out at Mount Stewart, one of the National Trust's Northern Irish properties. This long weekend, all over the UK, Cadbury are holding Easter egg trails, and you can find your nearest trail here.

We had a lot of fun. The trail costs £1 on top of National Trust admission. Your child receives a special Cadbury Passport, a Safari hat, and on completion of the trail each child gets an egg. 

Mini Hunter S Thompson

This is a 'stop taking photos and get on with the trail' face.

Michael with his egg

We brought a picnic, but there is also a small restaurant/cafe at the property.

On the way home to Bangor we cut across the peninsula and stopped in Donaghadee for a paddle and to share a parcel of chips. Perfect day.

Today We Went on the Strangford Sea Safari

The folks at NITB had asked me would we like to take part in one of the activities this Adventure Weekend. With me being unwell I couldn't see us canoeing, and with the little man being aged six we couldn't choose the Segways at Titanic, so we opted for the Sea Safari at Strangford, with it's promise of being suitable for ages 3 - 103!

The Safari departs from a little pier to the left of the main ferry dock on the Strangford side. I would allow approx. an hour to drive there from Belfast, and although you book ahead and the guide waits as long as possible for late comers, there is a cut off point and we set off five minutes late after waiting for the other group to arrive. 

We left plenty of time to get there and arrived 45 mins early and had a picnic, so as we weren't in any rush. The town also has pubs and fish & chip shops should you want to tuck into something warm before your trip. 

Little Michael was a bit nervous at first, but the guide made us all feel at ease and it's easy to see the boat isn't exactly a rickety rowing job, it's a safe speed boat and even going high speeds you feel completely safe.

Fifteen minutes before departure you'll be given an extra coat and life jacket. I was just wearing a tshirt on the drive down, but I wore my cardigan, wool duffel coat AND the coat they provided and still felt the chill. Make sure you wrap up and wear decent footwear in case you get wet.

The Safari takes you out seaward first, past birds and seals to a lighthouse where you have a view of the mountains of Mourne. I couldn't take many photos as I was holding tight to Michael, but if you are a photographer there are plenty of chances to get unique shots from the sea.

You also witness these crazy whirlpools, formed by a cliff face below the lough. For Game of Thrones fans, you get to see some of the outdoor filming locations from the sea, pretty impressive photos to bring home to show your friends and make them jealous!

After 45 mins of zipping around the lough, the guide does some pretty impressive doughnuts with the boat (the boys seem to love this bit) and then it's back ashore.

The guys also do Belfast Sea Safaris, so for information on booking a trip for your family, or any other of the outdoor activities in the area, get in contact with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board at 

http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/

Have a Free Day Out at a Northern Ireland National Trust Property on 8th March

National Trust is opening its spectacular houses, gardens and industrial heritage sites across Northern Ireland for free on Saturday 8 March.

With spring on its way, the free day is an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, step back in time at an historic mansion or experience industrial heritage in action.

Heather Thompson, National Trust Director for Northern Ireland, said:

 “Our free day on 8 March is the chance to get outdoors to breathe in the spring air or take inspiration from the unique stories of our many special places. It’s a perfect opportunity for those that have not been to National Trust places to discover what Northern Ireland has to offer.

“We encourage you, with your friends and family, to join us on Saturday where you can discover the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes conserving collections and caring for spectacular landscapes, grand mansions and beautiful gardens.  

“As Northern Ireland’s largest conservation charity we are committed to looking after our places for ever, yet conservation costs rise faster than inflation every year. By visitingNational Trust places you’re helping to protect Northern Ireland’s natural and built heritage for future generations. So we really do appreciate the support of our visitors and members.” 

Here’s a taster of where to go for your FREE day out:

In County Fermanagh there is something for all the family to enjoy at Florence Court, set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains and forests. You can also savour the stately grandeur of Castle Coole with its new Lake Walk which is carpeted in stunning snowdrops. Or escape to the breathtaking Crom demesne where BBC show Blandings was recently filmed. (Note - National Trust places in Fermanagh will also be open for free on Sunday 9 March.) 

Described as one of the best gardens in the world, the impressive garden at Mount Stewart in County Down makes the most of the unique microclimate of the Ards Peninsula – did you know it is the sunniest place in Ireland? Enjoy a stroll around the gardens and see conservation in action as the National Trust’s £7m project to restore the magnificent house to its former glory continues. 

Also on the shores of Strangford Lough is Castle Ward, with miles of walking and cycling trails and stunning views. Nearby, Rowallane in Saintfield is a captivating natural garden with a dazzling variety of rare trees and shrubs from across the globe.

Along the North Coast take the exhilarating rope bridge challenge to Carrick-a-Rede island and enjoy a truly unique cliff top experience. Close by are the Giant’s Causeway, Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, Portstewart Strand and White Park Bay.

In mid Ulster a tour of The Argory reveals this Neo-classical masterpiece has unchanged since 1900. You can also visit the charming 17th-century Ardress farmhouse or Springhill in Moneymore which has a beguiling spirit that captures the heart of every visitor. 

For a flavour of our Industrial Heritage visit the unique Patterson’s Spade Mill in Templepatrick, Wellbrook Beetling Mill near Cookstown or Gray’s printing Press in Strabane. 

For more information on the work of the National Trust, how to become a member and where to visit see www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Vintage Ulster Travel Posters That Aren't So Vintage...

I adore the work of Norman Wilkinson, the classic British and Irish travel poster designer. I have two poster size prints of his work in the house, a Portrush Golf one, and a Bangor one (my home town). If you want to find a great selection of them online you'd want to click on to Travel Posters Online.

Whilst shopping today in Ards, I spotted a mini-art show in the mall. I was very excited about the pieces, which are in Norman Wilkinson's style, but these are by James S. Kelly a local artist creating stunning, simple but beautiful. 

http://www.jskelly.co.uk/

I want some!  Which to buy first? I can imagine these looking very smart in an independent coffee shop.

Caves & Boats & Monopoly & Ice Cream- Our Fermanagh Lakeland Lodges Weekend Getaway

This is going to be incredibly clichéd, but if you are looking to get away from it all, the piece of paradise to escape to is the Fermanagh Lakeland area. I'd stayed in our family touring caravan in Castle Archdale in the early 90s, but had little memory of the holiday, and visiting as an adult with more perspective on the beauty of nature, I felt like it was part of my county I'd never explored before. 

Lough Erne is situated in the very far west of Northern Ireland, almost on the border. Fermanagh Lakeland Lodges had invited us to stay with them for the weekend in one of their lakeside houses, and with the summer drawing to a close, we welcomed one last adventure before school started back.

The drive from Belfast took just over two hours, but with the majority of the journey being the M1, it's very smooth sailing. If you enjoy driving, as I do, it's a pleasant trip, even as you reach the rural areas the roads are an easy drive. 

The Lodge reception will email you directions the week before your stay, and we found the location using those with no problems, and without a Satnav. Check in is quick, easy and friendly. We arrived at our lodge and got unpacked. As its self catering, I suggest picking up bread, milk etc in one of the towns before you get too far out, as the nearest petrol station is a fifteen minute drive or so.

There was a lovely welcome hamper for us, with local produce, the finest being Tickety-Moo ice cream, made just down the road. The lodge itself has everything a family would need for a self catering stay. The kitchen has a freezer, fridge, dishwasher, oven, microwave, and a bread bin which my son seemed to find absolutely intriguing. The house is on several levels, with an entrance hall, downstairs lounge area and two twin bedrooms with a bathroom. Up one level is the kitchen and dining area, and balcony with the beautiful view you see above. The top level has the double bedroom and another bathroom, plus a storage room.  

After our long drive, we had an early night. After a great night's sleep, we headed off on Saturday morning to Enniskillen, one of the nearest towns, to pick up food for the rest of the weekend. It's a bustling town with plenty of charity shops, which pleased me, and a great deli butcher where we bought burgers for Saturday night.  

Our chosen activity for the day was a visit to the Marble Arch Caves, a Geopark with a tour of an underground cave system. It's well worth the visit if you are in the area. 

After our underground adventure we travelled back to the lodges, to explore the grounds a bit. There's a lovely walk along the lakeside and back through the woods. After such a busy day our son was worn out and almost dozed off getting a piggyback! 

He soon perked up when we stopped at the playground though. 

 We picked up Northern Ireland Monopoly from reception, much to my husband's delight. I hate Monopoly and refuse to play it at home, but I was suckered in by the novelty of buying local properties so agreed to a game, which he won. So I now hate Monopoly again! 

Sunday morning brought the highlight for my husband, the Lodges' boat rental. As well as canoes, rowing boats, bikes and other activities, you can rent a motor boat to take out on the lough. We life jacketed up, got our instructions and off we went. 

A huge thanks to the  staff at Fermanagh Lakeland Lodges for a superb weekend. We were already talking about coming back next summer on our drive home. If you fancy a getaway yourselves, check out their website for excellent deals. 

They've out together a Relax and Rewind package for autumn which includes your stay, use of a boat, a welcome hamper and waterside picnic. World of Kitsch readers can get an exclusive 15% off with the code  

76980 

Time to treat yourself and your family before the winter.