Festive Woodland Walk

As you know if you've visited my blog before, we often visit Lotherton Hall, a country house and grounds which is situated just a ten minute drive from where we live. They put various events on throughout the year and there's always something happening there in the run up to Christmas. I've posted about The Christmas Experience before but this year they announced a new and exciting woodland walk.

We always walk through the woodland when we visit Lotherton as it's Archie's favourite walk. The last few years has seen a Twelve Days of Christmas themed walk but it's all change this year, the Festive Woodland Walk seems to have more exhibits which are 'hands on' for the little ones.

The Christmas tree lined tunnel tells us it's This way to the Gingerbread house!

The Gingerbread House was all locked up today, I'm not sure if they do open it up or not, but you can look through the windows and see a lovely festive scene.

The carol singers will sing and spin around if you turn the handle.

I've never seen such huge presents. I wonder what's inside.

Pull the ropes at the ends of the cracker and you'll hear a joke. I like how there's a little bit of information about each exhibit too, educational as well as fun.

Awww, what a shame, there was no one to take a photo of  Mick and I kissing under the mistletoe in this picture frame. I did try to persuade Mick to take Archie in there but he was having none of it, Mick that is, not Archie, haha.

However, Archie does appear in Lotherton's advent calendar, much to his disgust.

Poor Archie looks thoroughly fed up, though he's used to us making him join in. He'd rather be continuing on his walk.

This little robin redbreast found a friend to perch on while we passed by.

We had a short walk around the formal gardens where there are more hands on exhibits. Press the buttons on the organ to hear a Christmas tune.

Tickets can be booked to visit Santa and there's an elf village where children can take part in some elf crafts, though I believe additional costs apply to these extra attractions.

I have to say that we always enjoy our visits to Lotherton, and so must many other people as there has been a steep rise in visitor numbers, so much so that Leeds City Council has recently announced that they're to spend £250,000 on expanding the car park. I just hope that they also improve the parking space which is already there as in busy periods it's like a mud bath, especially during the winter months. They've improved the paths around the estate but the current car parking arrangements leave a lot to be desired.