This weekend we decided to venture over to the Purbecks which is a short drive from where we live. Elliot fell asleep on the way there so we parked up for a bit and let him snooze - I caught up with my book and my husband took his drone up in a nearby field!
Margaret Green Animal Sanctuary
Our first port of call was the Margaret Green Animal Sanctuary , the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation founded in Dorset. Each year they take in hundreds of unwanted and mistreated animals and rehome them to loving owners. They look after a whole variety of animals including pigs, donkeys, goats, cats and ducks!
Not alot of people know the animal sanctuary is there but it's such a lovely place, and it's free to get in! We took a picnic and it was so nice sitting outside with the sun beaming down on us. It was great for Elliot being able to run around and us not having to worry about cars or busy roads.
There were lots of animals for us to see when we visited and Elliot took a shine to the goats! He kept laughing at their billy goat beards :) I loved the pigs, their faces were so squishy and cute and they kept sticking their teeth out every time I tried to take a photo!! The turkey seemed to like us, he fluffed up his feathers and followed us up and down the fence. Funny looking things though aren't they?!
Corfe Castle
A 5 minute drive up the road and we were at Corfe Castle, one of Elliot's favourite places to visit. Corfe Castle was built over 1000 years ago for King Henry I, William the Conqueror's son - it certainly has a colourful past, more of which can be found here. And for those that remember Enid Blyton's Famous Five, well it is rumoured that Kirrin Castle was based on Corfe Castle!
The views from the top are spectacular and on clear days you can see for miles. When Elliot was younger I think he thought all the cars and trains below were toys because he'd reach out to try and grab them!
We had a great time exploring the nooks and crannys of the castle and Elliot even had a go at rolling down the hills! We picked up an activity sheet on the way in and we had to answer questions on the way round - at the end Elliot got a medal for taking part. Another one to add to his collection ;)
Corfe Castle belongs to the National Trust and we have a family membership so we were able to visit for free. The cost of belonging to the National Trust might seem a little steep but there are so many lovely places to visit in the UK and you'll definitely get your money's worth if you get out and explore. And if you're ever in this part of the world, a visit to the Purbecks is a must!
Linking up with...
Oooh this place looks FAB! You should link it up to #MyFavouritePlace linky and share it with my readers! x
ReplyDeleteWill do, thanks! x
DeleteOh I forget about corfe castle, it is such a beautiful place, that is now on my summer 2015 list of places to visit.
ReplyDeleteIt's a brilliant day out, hope you enjoy it when you visit! x
DeleteTwo great finds and both so close. Those animals look very well cared for at the sanctuary, I'm sure it isn't the case when they first come in though. Lovely that it is open to the public and amazing that they don't charge to visit. do they try to rehome any of the animals? Every time I see Corfe Castle I want to visit, it always looks so imposing up on the hill there. A beautiful day for your visit. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
ReplyDeleteThey try and rehome as many of the animals as they can. It's a lovely place, my son loves it there! x
DeleteWow, it looks amazing! I love your pictures, the piggy is definitely my favourite. Thanks so much for linking up with #myfavouriteplace
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fab day out! Although how on earth that billy goat got it's head through the gate is beyond me!
ReplyDeleteI'm not quite sure either, think he was really eager for a stroke! xx
DeleteI hadn't heard of Purbecks before, so I'm glad you wrote this post. The animal sanctuary is such a lovely idea, Tyler would love it! I love the photos, especially the one of the horse! I'd heard of Corfe Castle, but never been. It looks awesome! You've definitely given me some ideas of where to go, as we were thinking of coming Dorset way to visit that model village - I hear there a miniature Woolworths there! #LoveWhereILive Sabrina xx
ReplyDeleteCorfe Castle is brilliant and great for little boys who like to explore! You should definitely come to Dorset, there is SO much to do here. You said you've been to Weymouth before, are there any other bits you have visited? The model village is really cute although I've not taken Elliot yet, think he'd love it though! xx
DeleteLovely places to visit, we have a couple of National Trust places near me of which I visited Attingham Park for the first time ever last week. I am still editing a few of the photos and saving them for another weeks #LoveWhereILive linky :-)
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of those who live in a land full of culture. I live smack dab in the middle of nowhere with hardly a place to go. Your pictures are beautiful and what little boy wouldn't love to visit a castle? Thanks so much for hosting #LoveWhereILive
ReplyDelete