What a wonderful week. Our first October half term where we have taken a break together. In the past we have saved our holidays for December however as we don’t have a festive break planned this year we thought we would break for Halloween. I am so glad that we did, we recharged our batteries. Took in so much fresh air and man adventures. And as we close the door on our first half term of Year 3 we can’t help but feel happy, lucky to have spent a few days together as a family and grateful for blue skies and sunshine. We were so lucky with the weather, a real treat for this time of year.
I didn’t manage to break for the whole week however we did manage 5 whole days together, wrapped in our little family bubble enjoying the kind of time together that we crave. Weekends just aren’t enough. And I know that the boys enjoyed their two days together. Thankfully as the cold snap arrives so do the slow weekends, cosy movie afternoons and preparations for Christmas.
And so, join me in a little round up of our adventures…
Blackpool…
First stop Blackpool. George had a wish list of the Tower, the Sealife Centre, Madame Tussauds to see the new Marvel characters and lets not forget the slot machines on the Pier. As much as I don’t like some parts of Blackpool you can’t beat these attractions and walking along the promenade. Doesn’t it look beautiful? As we have Merlin Annual Passes we thought we’d make the most of them and book all 5 attractions for our visit.
We ate fish & chips on the promenade whilst watching the sunset, drank hot chocolate with a sea view. Breathtakingly beautiful. A day for the memory book. I’m so glad we made the last minute decision to head to the seaside. They said the best made plans are the spontaneous ones. They certainly are. Oh I do like to be beside the seaside. I do like to be beside the sea.
To Southport…
We only decided on the morning of our trip to pack an overnight bag just in case we found a good deal. And that we did. To Southport it was. And after a long day exploring, visiting all the Merlin attractions I was so glad when we arrived in Southport. The Hotel we stayed in was lovely – the Lord Street Hotel a real treat. The view, the comfy beds – did I say the view?
We struggled to find a spot open for breakfast so I would keep this in mind during the winter however we did stumble across the Bistrot Pierre as we walked down the main street – really lovely. The coffee and the bacon butties were very tasty. Very quickly followed by a stroll along the pier, although again as it was late October it was closed for restoration so we only made it out a short way.
Lytham…
A firm favourite in the Hargreaves household. Always our first choice when visiting the seaside. The lovely team over at St Anne’s Beach Huts very kindly allowed us to warm up in one of their beach huts whilst we visited. A welcome treat for me whilst the boys played football on the beach. Always playing football. They soon retreated to the hut for a cosy cup of tea. Oh I do love to be beside the seaside. If you’re ever in Lytham taking a walk along the promenade and hiring a beach hut is a must. Don’t forget to wrap up.
And back to Blackpool…
Back to where our adventure started. We arrived in Blackpool to a gorgeous blue sky. For the first time we walked along the North Pier which is now my favourite, George rode the helter skelter and screamed with joy as he flew down. Quickly followed by The Dungeons whilst I grabbed a coffee and then The Circus. I wasn’t sure about George going into the Dungeons however he assured me that he wasn’t scared and laughed in parts. They do say it’s a family attraction. We haven’t watched the circus at The Blackpool Tower since George was 4 so it was lovely to go back. I’d highly recommend going along but do book in advance as it is such a popular attraction.
And then it was back to work for me whilst the boys enjoyed two Daddy and Son days. It is so rare for them to get this time together, and despite feeling a little glum about returning to work the flood of photo’s which kept arriving really made me smile. George has had a blooming great half term and despite being tearful on Sunday evening for his break to end I know that he has so much to look forward to. And a camera roll of memories. And if you are wondering they decided on Chester Zoo, a trip to Snugbury’s Ice Cream Farm and Kickair in Manchester for their boys club days out.
