Hatfield House - great for little explorers wanting to let off steam!

Hatfield House has so far missed my days out radar, not sure why as we only live a few miles away but it just never occurred to me, which is strange as we are explorers  by nature!

A friend suggested we take our little ones (ages 2x 2yrs and one 5 year old) and I was pleasantly surprised. We only touched the surface visiting the Farm, Bloody Hollow Adventure Playground and retail area so will be back for a longer visit but here is what we thought...

Bloody Hollow Adventure Playground

The Bloody Hollow Adventure Playground is a fantastic play area with castle, rope bridges, zip slide, swings and more. Probably not great for little ones just learning to toddle but if you have a sturdy-on-their-feet 2+ year-old who enjoys climbing and running they will have a blast. The whole area is fully enclosed but beware: there are very steep banks (which actually adds to the whole experience- although I think castles were usually built on hills!)

Hatfield Park Farm

Large farm with a variety of animals to feed. Freddie especially loved the pigs as they made such a squealing noise when we walked past them. There are sandpits dotted around with great little diggers, the kids played there for ages! We were also lucky enough to see the lambs being fed.

The Stable Yard

The Stable Yard offers a variety of independent retailers: one is a lovely old fashioned toy shop, where Freddie spent his £1 with ease. You will also find the Coach House Restaurant here which offers a nice selection of food and drink. There is currently a FREE HOT DRINK offer- just visit the Hatfield House website here and print off the voucher (offer valid until 15^th July). There are often free events for children here too, we made Easter baskets, rabbits and chicks.

As I said we only touched the surface, there is so much more to explore and we will definitely be back! Entrance to the Farm and Bloody Hollow costs £4.50 for adults and £2 for children 3+. Visit the website for full prices (Free entry to Stable Yard).
Website; www.hatfield-house.co.uk/

THOUSANDS OF TODDLERS STEP OUT FOR BARNARDO’S – Is your toddler getting involved?!

Thousands of mums, dads and tots across the country are gearing up to take part in Barnardo’s Big Toddle 2011, the UK’s number one, national fundraising event for under-fives that last year saw more than half a million Toddlers taking part.

This years launch event held in Battersea Park Children’s Zoo saw hundreds of toddlers stepping out to complete a sponsored walk for the UK’s largest children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Actress and celebrity mum Natalie Cassidy kick started the event with baby daughter Eliza.

“We have had such fun today at the launch of Barnardo’s Big Toddle! It’s been incredible to see so many toddlers put their best foot forward to raise money for less fortunate children – those who Barnardo’s works with.
“I have to say the sight of hundreds of toddlers dressed in safari gear was just unforgettable! I had to explain to Eliza that the animals in the zoo were real – she thought they were all children in fancy dress!”



Singer of R&B band Damage Jade Jones is hoping to attend his local Toddle with three-year-old son Beau, sometime during the summer months. Jade says:

“As a dad myself, I know kids love the whole Toddle experience – getting sponsored by family and friends, doing the walk in fancy dress, getting a medal at the end... It’s a brilliant event and a great way to teach youngsters that there are other children out there who need our help.”

Barnardo's Big Toddle events take place throughout the summer months, and funds collected will support vital services provided by the UK’s largest children’s charity. These include projects for children with physical and learning disabilities, autism and behavioural problems.

This years theme is ‘safari’ so there is really something for everyone!

If you would like to get involved why not:

• Hold a toddle at your local nursery, playgroup, pre-school

• Join in one of Barnardo’s organised events taking part this summer throughout the UK

• Host your own Toddle and maybe a party! With friends at the park or back garden

For more information either email me or visit the Barnardo’s website here.

If you are holding an event we would love to hear from you, we can add it to our Tot Friendly Calendar too. Tweet

Barnardo’s works with more than 100,000 children, young people and their families in 415 specialised projects in communities across the UK.

We believe in the potential in every child and young person, no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Wewill support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child.

Images: Matilda Egere Cooper