My sister recently moved to Bristol, so over the weekend we decided to have a night away nearby to her and then all go and do something fun in the area. Mr Z is really attached to his aunty and he was so happy! It was quite a last minute idea and we had no idea where the best places to visit near Bristol with kids, so I turned to the trip advisor app and stumbled upon Chepstow Castle. The boys really enjoyed exploring castles last summer, so it seemed like a perfect idea!
Chepstow Castle is across the border into South Wales and took us about half an hour to drive from Bristol. The entry fee is very reasonable and there are plenty of sections within the castle for children to explore.
Castles make an ideal day out for the boys. At 5, 4 and 2 they have loads of energy so wide open spaces for them to run about are always great! There is a pretty large hall within Chepstow castle which is perfect for this:
There are also rocks to climb on…
…passageways and doorways to explore…
…. and plenty of fresh air.
There’s something about castles which just fuels the imagination. To think how long these walls have been standing and all the happenings that would have gone on within those walls and grounds is so fascinating. It’s a great way to introduce children to a bit of basic history in a practical way.
Mr T is really starting to develop his imagination lately. I’m so proud to see how much he is progressing, and as his communication is slowly improving it feels like a real privilege to actually know and be able to share with him some of the things he is thinking about. He was amazed by the castle and how big it was.
As for Mr R, he just loves the freedom to run and explore!
It’s lovely to see the children exploring together. Exploration and imagination is always much more fun together with siblings! These moments give them the opportunity to make some great memories together. I think exploring somewhere new together strengthens their bond. It’s so funny to see, when they came to a new section of the castle with some steep-ish stairs, Mr Z decided to go first and make sure all was okay for his younger brothers, telling Mr T “wait, let the bigger child go first” – he’s only older by 17 months, but he takes his role as the biggest brother quite seriously!
Experiencing history, making memories, strengthening the family bond, running, climbing, jumping, laughing, and loosing themselves in imagination – there are so many things that they can learn even on such a short holiday!
This post is an entry for the Visit Wales #Wales4Kids Family Holiday Challenge. Wales is the perfect place for a fun-filled family break.
If you have been following the blog for a while, you may remember our camping holiday in Wales last year. You can read about it and see some pictures on my Moments that Mattered post. We have had some great times in Wales. It’s a perfect destination for families with young children who want to enjoy outdoors fun.
Linking up to:
What a fantastic castle! I’ve never been, even though I used to go to Bristol a lot – it’s a REAL castle ๐
Jenny @ The Brick Castle recently posted…What did your kids wear for World Book/DVD Day?
I have never been but it looks great. A great place to get lost in
spicers1976 recently posted…Project 365 – 2nd – 8th March
Happy faces! Looks like they had so much fun ๐
Sylvia recently posted…Meal Plan (week 2) / Menu na tydzieล 2.
Such beautiful photo’s x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…Dressing Mr Hubby โ Debenhams #LoveDenim Competition
I’ve been to Chepstow a couple of times but we’ve never made it to the castle. It looks fantastic, I love the Welsh castles. Your boys look like they are having so much fun.
Pippa Ainsworth recently posted…A Trip to the Isle of Naboombu or a Flight of Fancy?
We love days out exploring castles, you looked like you had a great time ๐
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins recently posted…International Women’s Day 2014 – #lastingchange
That looks like a fabulous castle to explore – will have to remember that one next time we are visiting my brother in Bristol.
Fiona Martin recently posted…World Book Day, Pirates and Holiday Reading
What a brilliant castle – I bet it could tell a few tales of what it has seen over the years.
Rosie @Eco-Gites of Lenault recently posted…Let The Children Play
We love going to places like this just so much fun and love when the weather is good having a nice picnic .x
Hannah Staveley recently posted…Happy 31st Birthday
Looks lovely, I cant wait for the summer as this year the kids will be old enough to take them places like this!
Rachel Cooper recently posted…Muddy Pigs
That looks like an amazing castle and you can see how much fun your boys had!
Kel MoolBoots recently posted…My Sunday Photo and Silent Sunday
A great adventure and fuel for the imagination #countrykids
brinabird and son recently posted…Project 365 Days 61 – 67
This looks fab – my two would love it!
Cass@frugalfamily recently posted…How to avoid SATs Stress…
They are such great company for each other and ready made friends to have fun with! Castle do fire the imaginations and I’m sure the boys enjoyed their exploring. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
Coombe Mill – Fiona recently posted…Silent Sunday / Project 52
ah look how much fun they are having! x
Fritha Strickland recently posted…A little insight into running a business
Children get on together so much better outdoors! Mine have had a wonderful weekend enjoying the better weather ๐ Lovely photos!
TwinsplusTwo recently posted…Everyone needs a back-up Sunshine
I love exploring castles ! Caerleon and Pembroke are great too
Mel W recently posted…Wellicious – Review And Giveaway Ends 30/03/14
That looks like a great castle to explore and it looks like your boys had a great time! Definitely somewhere we would love to visit!
Mummy of Two recently posted…The perfect Sunday
This look amazing!! I reckon my kids would love something like this!! ๐ Your photos are great! x
Lucie Aiston recently posted…The TMI Tag!!
My lad keeps saying he wants to visit a castle, this has really inspired me. I shall consider this one as it’s not too far, and free is good.
Pinkoddy recently posted…Weight Gain when giving up Smoking #MotivationalMonday
Looks like a great place to explore
Kizzy recently posted…Spring is here! #magicmoments #whatsthestory
Visiting castles are such a fab day out! What a lot of fun you guys had ๐
Michelle recently posted…To The Moon And Back [Project 365:2014 – Day 68]
Got to love a visit to a Castle and this looks like an interesting one. Commenting for myself and on behalf of BritMums and thanking you for taking part.
Looks like you had fun exploring the castle and some lovely photos.
Tina Mansfield recently posted…Potter and Rest, New online Garden Centre
I love Chepstow castle as it’s river setting on the Wye is so beautiful. Caldicot castle down the road is also great for a day out
ooh thanks, I may check out that one next time then! ๐
We love exploring castles – looks like the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves too
Kara recently posted…Justafit Onesie
Looks like a brilliant castle to explore. Love your oldest taking the lead there! #LetKidsBeKids
The Reading Residence recently posted…A Colouring and Crafty Morning – All from Free Kids Printables
Aww great post, looks like they had so much fun! Castles are great aren’t they? xx #letkidsbekids
Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) recently posted…Toddler Sunrise Painting โ 21 months
Looks like a fabulous day out, and I love your photos. We used to love going to places like this in the UK; not so many ruined castles over here in the US ๐ #LetKidsBeKids
Sara (@mumturnedmom) recently posted…One Week: Winter 2014: Grey Scale
So much fun in a castle. Great way to spark imagination with lots of fresh air and exercise….perfect!
Thanks for sharing #LetKidsBeKids
Karen Bell recently posted…Let kids be kids linky 11/3/14
I love castles, it looks like a great day out! We go to Bristol quite often but I’ve never though about popping over to Chepstow, definitely something to consider in future. #letkidsbekids
That castle looks like it was so much fun to explore! I love taking my children to visit castles, it is such a great way to teach them some history without them realising it!
Sam recently posted…Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade
That looks like such a great place for little boys and girls to explore! #LetKidsBeKids
Alexandra Mercer recently posted…Trying to get Odin to believe in dinosaurs
That looks a fab day out. We’ve got relatives near there too, so hopefully we’ll get a chance to visit sometime
Yet Another Blogging Mummy!!! recently posted…Pelican Cards review and giveaway
What a lovely post. Looks like a brilliant day out for everyone ๐ We love visiting old castles – will remember this one if we’re in the area.
Thank you for linking up with “let’s have an adventure” I remember being little and visiting my cousins and they had an old ruins right by them. We spent hours playing and pretending we were real kings and queens x
Keri-Anne recently posted…A little key cabinet
A great looking castle with a lot still intacked. I’ve never been to any of the southern castles so thanks for your guided tour!! Your boys certainly looked like they were having fun.
Hellie’s Corner recently posted…Homemade Lemon Curd