Tuesday

We left home early and got to Bewilderwood soon after it opened at 10am. There were quite a few people there already but as we'd arranged our tickets beforehand we didn't have to queue, meaning we were in quickly.

We were hugely impressed with Bewilderwood. There were acres of treehouses, bridges and obstacles to climb. There were designated areas for under 5's which was great for Charlie. We all went together up the treehouses and down the slides. Me & Nigel had as much fun as the children. There were small houses and doorways to look out for amongst the trees and foliage and it was all very magical. One of our favourite things was the den building. I have to say that we were rather ashamed of our poor efforts compared to a lot of the masterpieces built by other families but we were hampered by a family who kept 'stealing' logs and branches from our pile!!

There was a storytime where children were able to get involved and help act out the story but we only caught the end of it.

The whole park was well thought out and a lot of time and effort had been put into it. Adults were encouraged to join in with the children and we definitely got more out of the day by doing so. We thought it was great value at £10 each and it's easy to spend a whole day there. There were picnic areas but we bought food there. A delicious rare breed sausage in a lovely fresh baguette was £3.50. There weren't any chips on the menu and it was all good, wholesome food and drink. We thought prices were reasonable.

Although it was busy we never really had to queue for long but as we walked back towards the Swamp there was a long queue on the first treehouse and Broken Bridge. We took the boat back to the start and had to wait a short while but each boat took 11 passengers and there were 3 boats. The member of the staff on the boat was excellent with the children and was telling us all about the swamp and the witch that lived nearby.

We left exhausted, but happy and very keen to go back. Molly has asked every day since if we can go back.

Had it have been a wet day we might have felt a little different and it may have been slippery and muddy but we'd prepared ourselves with raincoats and wellies. I think the children would have enjoyed it in the rain as it doesn't seem to bother them much. I would recommend going when it's dry though.


Wednesday
Rain showers were forecast so we decided to make this our 'indoors day'. We started our day off at Norwich Castle. I used to love it here when I was younger but we were rather disappointed with it today. There were a few empty display cabinets, with no notices explaining why, boxes that were supposed to have dressing up clothes in but were completely empty and the entire mammal gallery was shut for refurbishment. The children would have loved that gallery so it was a shame it was shut, partiularly during the summer holidays but being a museum I suppose they may get more people in during the winter months so refurbish in the summer.

The Castle Keep was probably our favourite area as the children got to do make some finger puppets, dress up as royalty, drop some coins into the well and go up on the balcony. It was more interactive for them and they prefer that sort of thing. They'd had a late night so were tired and not really in a good mood but I don't think there was enough there to keep their interest. Perhaps in a few years I'd try again.

After lunch in the city centre we went to Inspire Discovery Centre which is a hands on science museum in an old church. It was very busy in there but plenty for the children to go on. There were lots of different experiments to take part in. Molly's favourites were the Flying Mirror, the mini Trebuchet and the plasma ball. Adults are welcome to join in too and try out the exhibits. Nigel and I had great fun competing in all the 'tests'.

This week the Norfolk Mineral & Lapidary Society had a large display there. They'd brought in their collection of stones, rocks and fossils. There was also some dinosaur poo that Molly was rather apprehensive about touching but was rewarded with some polished stones for touching it!

There was an under 5's area and Charlie had great fun playing in it. The whole centre is set out well and there is a lot to keep the children occupied for a good few hours. The facilities were ample and there was even a little are for parent's to sit and have a drink while being able to see their children throughout the centre.

Despite the weather forecast it had turned into a lovely afternoon so we decided to take a drive up to Cromer and we had an impromtu hunt in some rock pools. We didn't find much but the children were excited with what creatures we did see.

Thursday
It was time to come home from Norfolk today but went to Great Yarmouth before getting to sunny Suffolk! We met up with Nigel's family and we took her son to the Pleasure Beach. We were there from 11am until 7pm and had a great time. We each had wristbands for unlimited rides and we certainly got our moneys worth. There are rides for all ages and even Charlie was able to go on a lot. The park was clean and all the staff that we dealt with were extremely friendly and helpful. We rarely had to queue for a ride, which is great for us, especially with an impatient 2 year old. On a few of the rides Molly and Charlie got off only to run straight back to get on again! Nigel kept commenting on how that would have been impossible at Legoland.

Each of us had plenty of rides and weren't left feeling as though we wanted more. I went on the Evolution and was left feeling as though I really shouldn't have gone on! It was the scariest ride I have ever been on and I can't say I'd EVER want to go again.

We only left at 7pm as we all had to get back to Martlesham. We would have happily stayed until closing at 9pm if we weren't so tired. We thought we all got excellent value for money with the wristbands and we will definitely take the children back there as they had so much fun.

We also went on the Great Yarmouth equivalent of the London Eye, which is located just outside the Pleasure Beach. We could see for miles around Yarmouth. Although this isn't included in the price of a wristband it was good value for money and we definitely recommend it.. Adults were £4, children £3 and under 3's £1.

Friday
After a quicky trip to the doctor's we went to the Anglo Saxon village at West Stow (located a few miles from Bury St Edmunds. It was the ideal place to be today as we had a few heavy showers so were able to shelter in the reconstructed houses. It also gave us a little more time to explore each property. Molly was really interested in the educational aspect of it as she was amazed to find out that they lived without electricity, showers, toilets, taps, tvs, lights, fridges, cars etc. For her all those are taken for granted. As the weather was so bad we didn't venture into the country park but there are three walks around the park and we'd like to try them on another visit. As much as we enjoyed our visit I think we'd probably go again when there are costumed actors as I'm sure they could explain the life of the Anglo-Saxon much better than I could and Molly would like to see how they lived/worked/played.

Tomorrow we're planning to go to a beach. Sunday, we'll be going to the family fun day at Great Yarmouth racecourse and on Monday we're going to Colne Valley railway.