When Molly was little we used to visit Redwings Horse Sanctuary a lot because she was horse mad (only taking after her older cousin) but we hadn't been since Harry was about a year old so at the end of the Easter holiday we were looking for something to do and the budget was a bit tight so we headed to Caldecott Hall near Great Yarmouth (free entry!) We packed a picnic but ate in the car as it was too chilly for us. There were some brave souls sitting out on the picnic benches though!
We picked up an Easter trail sheet on the way in and then started in the education room. The children spent quite a bit of time in here on the interactive displays. It was very informative, even for Dad who thinks he knows everything!
Redwings Caldecott Hall is the largest of the visitor centres and it is currently home to about 120 ponies and donkeys. They do a fantastic job of rescuing mistreated horses. It's such a shame that there are so many of them though and a need for such places.
There's lots of space for the children to run around. The boys ran off looking for the elusive egg clues.
The children laughed lots at this horse having a roll around on the floor.
Eye spy......
Harry is getting really brave at getting up close to animals, especially horses. I just wish he could get over his fear of dogs. I'm sure it will come one day.
The pure joy on his face at being able to stroke a pony.
The Shetland ponies are always a favourite.
We missed a number of the easter trail clues but luckily we could work out the answers. The boys took their sheet back to reception for their reward of some stickers and then we had a quick wander around the merchandise shop and secondhand stall.
I had promised the boys some time on the play area before we left. To be honest, Charlie was a little bit too big for it but the equipment was perfect for Harry.
Such a happy face.
We only spent 2-3 hours here but on a warmer day we've spent nearly all day here. We'll definitely go back in the summer for a cheap day out!
How wonderful to have something like this close by with free entry. The ponies and donkeys in your photos look in great condition so they must do a good job of bringing them back to health. It must be run as a charity as poorly ponies and donkeys are very expensive as we know only too well when we need to call the vet out. Our little Shetland ponies are firm favourites with many of the older children here who loves to groom them. The Easter trail sounds like an added bonus when you visited and who can resit a good play area at any age?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
It looks like you had a really lovely family day out. Even better that the sun was shining and the boys earned their stickers!
ReplyDelete#countrykids
Wow, that's fantastic that it's free. Looks you had a fantastic time too, I love horses as do my little ones, they would love it there. #countrykids
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place, and so nice for the animals to be there, they look beautiful #countrykidsfun
ReplyDeleteI always have to promise time in the play area too. 120 is a lot of horses although it looks like they are well looked after x #countrykids
ReplyDeleteThose horses do look well cared for - what a shame there are so many horses that have been mistreated though. The interactive displays look great and having a trail to follow always makes it fun. I love the look of the playground too :-) #countrykids
ReplyDelete