Day out

August 6, 2009 in Days out, Kids, Life, family

Had a day out today with my sister, my two kids and her youngest. We weren’t sure at first if we were going to go to just one castle or two, as yesterday Walmer Castle had a power failure and their website said that it was closed until further notice. So we started the trip heading to Deal Castle. I tried calling Walmer on the way but there was no answer.

My journey started from the bus outside my house (well – about 30 metres away) at 08:30am which got into Folkestone at 08:50. Caught the 09.05 bus from Folkestone and picked my sister up in Hawkinge at 09:25. Got back on the same bus (good timing) and got into Canterbury at 09:45. Then it was a dash to the toilets before heading back to the bus station. The next bus was at 10:25 which got us to Deal at 11:20 and we had a short walk round the corner for an ice cream and then into Deal Castle. 3 hours after leaving home.

We had a fun looking around, and although my sister and I listened to the free audio tour, it bored the kids so they had a look in the holes and nooks and crannies while we pointed out what things were and why there were windows were at the bottom of the moat. It was my first time at Deal Castle and if you think houses are thrown together now, they built Walmer Castle, Deal Castle and Sandown Castle in under two years!!

After spending time at Deal Castle, we walked halfway to Walmer Castle and stopped at a cafe to have lunch. Then we finished the walk to Walmer and really enjoyed the time around the castle and the grounds. The kids were fascinated (well my daughter was) by the death mask of the Duke of Wellington. We settled down to relax and rest for a while in the gardens and admire the beauty of the place.

The kids are using a pump at Deal Castle, then the view of Walmer Castle from the grounds.

When we came back, because of how late it was, I decided to get a taxi back from Folkestone to home, as I think the kids had walked enough and I was already starting to hurt. Kids didn’t argue about bed time, but did aske to watch Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Wonder if they’ll make it all the way to the end or fall asleep part way through.

Next week we are going to London together – we’ll be taking my sister’s other son as well as he’ll be back from his camping.