That's My Half Term Sorted!
For those of us not lucky enough to be skiing, February half term can prove problematic as the weather is usually freezing cold or very wet.
With four children ranging from 17 to 10 I find it difficult to please everyone but there are a few activities that can do just that. My top tip is to offer a 'food' incentive to get everyone on board especially if they are grumbling about a long walk. As soon as I mention a hot chocolate and slice of cake suddenly everyone is quite keen!
So here's what I'll be doing this half term......
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, Natural History Museum.
The second son is considering following in the footsteps of his father and becoming a photographer so he'll absolutely love this. Celebrating it's 50th year this renowned competition is exceptional, showcasing stunningly beautiful images from both professional and amateur photographers. This exhibition will tour over 60 countries once it leaves NHM in the summer!
We have visited the Natural History Museum at least once a year for the past 15 years and there is always something new to see. I love this building.
Walk Along the Thames to Richmond
As I mentioned at the beginning the art to getting children and teenagers out for a nice long walk is to offer cake. And this walk is perfect because you end up in the Terrace Gardens where you'll find the deightful Hollyhock Cafe almost hidden under an enormous tree. You can sit with a coffee and slice of cake and enjoy the famous view.
I park down one of the little side roads in Ham or Petersham and walk down to the river. Sometimes I head left towards Ham House which is nice too but for this walk you want to head right. You'll see beautiful Richmond up on the hill ahead of you as the river curves round. To your right there are meadows with a few sheep and horses, turn into Terrace Gardens and have a look around. See if the children can find the Stag Beetle Loggery.
Water Flumes at Guildford Spectrum
Yes it will be heavingly busy and there's no way I'm getting into an overcrowded public pool in winter but kids love it. I'll read a book occasionally glancing up to see them waving and laughing as they fly down the flumes and land in the water with a squeal and a splash!
Wahaca, Southbank.
When it comes to eating out with my large and noisey family I look for somewhere lively and fun where you don't have to speak too quietly! Wahaca, Southbank ticks all the boxes. Run my Tomasina Miers, of Master Chef fame, it serves fabulous Mexican tapas in hip and cool shipping containers. What's not to love?!
Whatever you decide to do have a very happy half term. x