Life, apples and cinnamon crepes: An afternoon at Home Cottage Farm
Since Ben came along, and we decided to raise him in London, I have been determined to make sure we regularly get out of town to breathe, run and get muddy. Although we are very lucky to live near some beautiful parks, and the expanse of Kew Gardens isn’t far away, the hum and roar of road and Heathrow traffic are frequent reminders of the pollution we are exposed to here. Air quality aside, I want him to feel the freedom of isolation as much as the buzz of the city, and to learn that food doesn’t just magically appear on the shelves of a supermarket, flawless and plastic wrapped.…
London’s Natural History Museum: Summer holiday survival guide
The Natural History Museum is possibly my favourite place in London. I can spend hours poring over the Victorian display cases, admiring the intricate animals carved into the columns of Hintze Hall, and watching ice skaters whiz by in December. It’s even where my then-fiancé and I held out engagement party, underneath Dippy the Diplodocus. But there’s no denying it can be rather hectic during the school holidays, especially with children in tow. Having learned a few hard lessons in recent years I thought I’d let you in on my top tips for the best experience during the crowded summer months (valium and stiff drinks optional). Before you go, download…
The Children’s Garden at Kew
“Can we go to the playground?” I have to admit that my heart sinks a bit when I hear this request. After three years of trying to maintain a convincingly enthusiastic “wheeeeee!” whilst pushing a swing ad infinitum I feel I have hit park saturation point. I had therefore keenly anticipated the new Children’s Garden at Kew which opened recently after years of development. This thoughtfully designed garden has a variety of beautifully landscaped natural environments for children aged 2-12 to explore. It is set among 100+ mature trees including several magnificent eucalyptus, giving it a lovely Australian vibe but without the threat of imminent death from wildlife. If, however,…
Terrarium Workshop with London Terrariums
In my former life as a responsibility-shirking 20-something I mercilessly teased my older friends for doing boring things like getting mortgages, having children and gardening. Of course a few years later I had to eat my words as I acquired my own mortgage, garden and baby. That baby started walking, then running, then having loud opinions about things. For the first time in my life it seemed easier (and less publicly embarrassing) to make my own fun at home. I swallowed my pride, apologised to my friends (sorry) and threw a bunch of seedlings into my barren backyard, hoping for the best. Initially my victim tally was high. The plants…
