Family

We absolutely love having Mum and Dad come to visit us, and they stayed a bit longer this time....

We're all members of the National Trust so thought we'd check out some of the local attractions.

First stop was the Finch Foundry , the last working water-powered forge in England, just a few miles away in Sticklepath. There was the bonus (some might say!) of a small classic car display too. Super interesting and a lovely walk on the grounds too. Highly recommended.

Next day we drove to Castle Drogo, the last castle to be built in England, designed by the renowned architect Edwin Lutyens. One of it's main features is the flat roof which leaked from day one! The trust has been undertaking a six year restoration project to make it watertight. We were allowed up the scaffolding tower to have a nose. Lots of great walking around the grounds too.

We have a great pic of the four of us together in our hard hats, but Mum said she would disown me if it appeared online! So you'll have to make do with me (she's in the background, hopefully I'll be forgiven!)

A trip to the coast was definitely in order. We took Mum and Dad to a couple of our favourite beaches on the North Cornwall coast, Holywell (regularly seen on Poldark!) and Crantock - both National Trust so free parking for us, and both dog-friendly. It wasn't warm,but was beautifully clear and bright - and Dart was let off the lead for the first time on a beach, he absolutely loved running around freely!

On the way home we stopped off to have a look at the famous Bedruthan Steps (Poldark again!) Andy and I climbed down to the beach last year so didn't feel the need to repeat the experience, particularly as quite a gale was blowing by then!

We finished the day with a lush meal at the Fountain Inn down in Okehampton. Very tasty, and they were happy to accommodate my Slimming World requests which was a bonus - we'll definitely be going back.....

Come back and see us soon Mum and Dad, more adventures await you!