In past years, we've had a season ticket for a nearby country house and gardens, Lotherton Hall, but last year they increased the price from £15 to £40 for a family ticket so we didn't renew it. They said the increased admission prices would enable them to make improvements to the estate. We've missed going as it's a lovely place to take Archie for a walk, and in reality, £40 isn't very much for a place we will visit regularly, especially a place with so many facilities, so as the sun was shining, we decided to take Archie there for a walk and buy a season ticket. The ticket gives admission to the whole estate including the house and bird garden. As we have a Leeds Card (a membership scheme which gives discounts and exclusive offers across Leeds), the price we paid was £32.00.
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There's also a deer park at Lotherton where red deer can usually be seen.
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The increased ticket prices came in to force last year, but the only changes we can see to the estate is a new exit which has been constructed, and some new play equipment. I wonder what else is in the pipeline.
Lotherton already has a super playground, children love it as it has some really good equipment, especially the zip wire, but some new equipment has recently been installed just on the outskirts of the woods which Eleanor felt she really must try out.
Here she is on the climbing frame.
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A less energetic piece of play equipment.
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We took Archie on the Boundary Trail walk and Eleanor couldn't resist climbing on the stones in the stone circle. You can read more about the stone circle as well as Lotherton Hall and some of the things it has to offer in my Lotherton Hall And Doggy Ghosts post from March 2011.
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It's another bright and sunny day today so we might head off to Lotherton Hall again. We've got to make the most of the sun while it's here.
It looks like you had a good day out, Jo. Seeing your Archie always makes me smile. :o)
ReplyDeleteIt was good getting out in the fresh air. We had another trip there today and Archie managed to find the biggest swampy puddle ever and decided to go in it, he was sinking. Out came the muddiest little dog you ever did see.
DeleteThat was a really big increase, and I wonder if they actually lost out by doing that.
ReplyDeleteThe price you paid is okay especially as you like the place and will make good use of the ticket. Flighty xx
I'm sure they will have lost out by increasing the prices if the comments on tripadvisor are anything to go by. We'll definitely get our moneys worth out of the season ticket though, we can even pop down there on an evening as it's so close by.
DeleteThat's another to put on my list of places to visit when we com e again. The list will soon be as long as my short stature.
ReplyDeleteI read your reply to Anne and thought you said Archie was stinking! Silly me!! Glad you had some nice days out.
The problem is that there's so many lovely places for a day out, I don't think we could ever hope to get round them all. Hmmm, Archie was a bit stinky, but he's all clean again now.
DeleteIt looks like a great place to visit. Nice to see a photo of Eleanor. KP would love those red trainers! I always debate whether to take out a season ticket to places but I know that having the ticket makes me determined to use it and it makes me force myself to go out when otherwise I would stay indoors.
ReplyDeleteJune
It's a lovely place, and so handy as it's on the doorstep. Eleanor's trainers are Converse, they had more conservative colours like black or white, but Eleanor likes to stand out. I think having the season ticket will make us make an effort to visit more often, which is good.
DeleteGood family day out, the best sort. Eleanor looks like she was having lots of fun :) xx
ReplyDeleteEleanor may be fourteen, but she still likes to climb. I think I gave birth to chimps rather than children sometimes.
DeleteIt's been nice to see some sun for a while. Not sure if the great weather is going to continue this week.... but hopefully there's a bit of spring on the way! Jx
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen a weather forecast for this week yet, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed. It's been such a lovely weekend that I hope spring is finally here.
DeleteLooked like a nice day out. Wasn't the sun amazing this weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt was fantastic having a bit of sunny weather this weekend, it makes such a difference. We enjoyed our day out and returned again yesterday.
DeleteWe made the most of the weather at the weekend by going out both days, although Saturday was better, weather wise and for photography, on Saturday. It sounds as if a season ticket to a favourite country estate and house is the best way to enjoy such a trip out and dog walking with the family.
ReplyDeleteIt would be a shame to waste the sunshine after the long winter we've had. Sunday was actually our better day, it was quite warm. Daniel and Eleanor don't always come on days out with us now they're getting older, but Eleanor came on Saturday and they both came on Sunday, so it was really nice.
DeleteIt looks like a beautiful place to visit... I think your daughter would agree as well as Archie.
ReplyDeleteHope you are keeping well and that Spring has finally arrived to your place in the world.
Susan x
We all love Lotherton, it's a place we've visited often over the years. It's much brighter here just lately, but it's still very cold.
DeleteThe last time I went to Lotherton Angus was a tiny baby. I must go back now the kids are old enough to really make the most of that playground - it looks fantastic! x
ReplyDeleteThe playground is great for kids, Bella and Angus would love it, and there's the bird garden too of course.
DeleteLooks a great place to visit and walk the dog Jo, and bit of fun for older children / teenagers too, and despite the hike in prices still good value if you visit there fairly often.
ReplyDeleteGill xx
It's a lovely place for all ages, and dogs too. We'll certainly get good value out of the season ticket.
DeleteA bit of a shock with such a huge hike in the price, but like you say if you go there a lot it would be worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteEleanor is looking of grown up in the photos, there are some really lovely ones of her smiling and having fun.
Lisa x
I'm sure we'll get our money's worth in the end. Eleanor is growing up fast, too fast actually. It's nice when they still want to come on days out with us.
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