Last weekend saw us taking the children shopping. They are usually pretty good round the shops, but understandably, do get a bit bored. We went to a retail park that we’d never be to before, and got a little lost trying to find it, queued to get into the car park (and witnessed some serious parking rage while we waited) and then, as the sales were on, the shops were packed and hectic. We did manage to get some bargains, so it was a successful trip, but we left feeling harassed and irritable.
On the way home, we spotted a sign for an RSPB nature reserve. We decided to explore.
Oh, the peace and quiet! There were very few people there, as we only encountered the occasional dog-walker or cyclist. Boo was running about, chattering about the nature all around her. We carried Little Man and he appreciated being free of his pushchair.
I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, and when you’re looking, imagine them being accompanied by nothing but birdsong.
We were probably only there for half an hour, but I felt so restful and restored when we got back into the car, and Boo had loved every minute of it. It was a brief, magical sojourn, and I’m so pleased that we decided to take that detour.
This is exactly why I prefer hunting for bugs rather than shoe shopping. I’m glad you were able to relax. (I could hear the bird song)
It is so much better! And thank you (glad you heard that birdsong) x
It does look beautiful and what a lovely thing to do after the stress of shopping!
I’d highly recommend it!
Sounds like it did you all good. Maybe customers to the retail park should be directed there for half an hour BEFORE trying to park 😉
Excellent idea!!
Looks wonderful for a little bit of peace and quiet with nature all around you #CountryKids
It really was, thank you. We will return!
I have to say that your walk looks preferable to tackling the sales! What a lovely spot for a stroll, I could just imagine the wonderful peace and quiet. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
So much more preferable! Thanks for hosting 🙂
I’m putting this down on my list of places to visit. How have we not been there before?! I very rarely take the children on shopping expeditions unless it’s to The Fort. As we’ve already talked about-it’s the only place vaguely reasonable to go shopping with children!
You are so right, but we needed to go and I had the husband with me, which I thought would make it easier! The reserve is so restful – do go!
What a wonderful discovery. It looks like lovely and peaceful there. Something I would treasure greatly today LOL 🙂
It was beautiful, and just what I needed! Wish I could transport you there!
I would choose this over shopping any day! Nothing like a bit of fresh air. Makes everything better. Looks like a gorgeous day too!
It was lovely and sunny, and so beautiful. Stark contrast to the Gap!
What a lovely stop and wander in the woods especially after the hassle of shopping!
It really was, thank you. Much needed!
I can just imagine the birdsong, what a wonderful find, it looks so calm and peaceful. I bet you go back again and again. I love places like this.
Oh, we’re sure to. So calming 🙂
Looks beautiful, and I can hear the birdsong 🙂 What a lovely way to relax after shopping, and I bet the kids appreciated it xx
Glad you could hear it 🙂 We all needed it, I think, and it was lovely.
That looks beautiful! I actually find that the optimum amount of time spent on outings with children is half an hour. I can leave feeling like it’s been a success then. Any longer and someone will fall into a ditch, get attacked by a bird or find something disgusting and insist on taking it home as a treasure.
It was lovely, thanks. And you make a good point about the optimum time, too – been there!
What a lovely place. I love taking S out to places like that. As he’s getting older, I love watching him explore. I’m glad you were able to find somewhere to relax a bit after shopping
Thank you. We’re getting our and about a lot more now & discovering all if these wonderful places in amongst towns and noise. Bliss!
Perfect antidote to shopping 🙂 Lovely photos. I like finding places like this with Stella, our geocaching hobby has been great for these sorts of discoveries 🙂
It was lovely. I’ve heard a lot about geocaching and I’m looking forward to trying it out when Little Man’s a bit older. Looks fun!
Oh it’s amazing how quickly you can go from one extreme to another isn’t it?! Looks like the perfect therapy after stressful retail therapy!
Gorgeous photos – it looks so peaceful! xx
Thanks – it really was 🙂
the peace and quiet of a tranquil area, certainly beats the hussle and bussle of the shopping centre, your pics tell a wonderfully calming story glad you got to enjoy this moment together
Thank you – it was very calming, which I needed!
What a lovely contract to the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre – it was almost fate that you found it. The photos show how peaceful the experience was. Fab #MagicMmoments
Glad the photos could convey the peace. So needed!
It does look so peaceful and tranquil. What a beautiful place to explore.
Very beautiful, thank you. We will return there soon, I’m sure.
That looks amazing! I love going to places like that and discovering everything around you!
It was great to discover it, tucked up past a little housing estate, too. Lovely.
What a delightful change from the shopping mall! And a great place to restore that all-important sense of balance.
So lovely & so restful – thank you 🙂
What a lovely area you walked around and loved the photos!! x
It really was beautiful, thank you
What a gorgeous day and you found blackberries too!! We can’t go past a blackberry without checking to see if any are ripe enough to eat!
You just have to, don’t you?! Thanks
It looks beautiful! A far cry from a busy shopping centre! 🙂 x
Yes, definitely. The perfect antidote!
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