I’m a big believer in the mantra that “there is no such thing as inappropriate weather, just inappropriate clothing” when it comes to getting out and about with my girls. So it was quite ironic really that I was the least appropriately dressed parent at the preschool day out to Beale Park and not at all prepared for the fact that it was cold and wet all day. In my defence, it had been sunny when I’d got dressed that morning but I really should have checked the weather forecast before leaving the house – this is England, after all! Thankfully, I had made sure the girls had waterproof coats and extra layers available in the change bag – although wellies would have been a much better choice than canvas shoes!
I am sure if I had been prepared, we would have enjoyed the day much more in spite of the rain, but despite Mummy being cold and grumpy (at least until she was given coffee – ah, the magic that caffeine can perform!) we still managed to have fun. After starting our day with a trip on the train for a look around the park, the girls made a beeline for the Little Tikes playground. Jessica wasn’t too impressed that everything was all wet because of the rain but it didn’t bother Sophie who happily tried out all the different cars. In the meantime, I’d realised that being short has its advantages and the larger playhouses provided the perfect shelter from the rain…!
I had brought a packed lunch with me but after half an hour or so in the soggy play area, Jessica was going quite blue (and complaining that her hands were cold – funnily enough I didn’t pack gloves given that it was late June!) so we headed into the warmth of the café for some hot lunch instead.
We did at least manage some time out in the rain to see some of the animals in the park in the time we had left between lunch and the preschool coach leaving. Some of them looked like they were as unimpressed by the weather as we were – especially these two little monkeys who were huddled together in a sheltered corner!
The girls loved seeing the wallabies jumping around and I was quite taken by the big Sulcata Tortoises. We saw monkeys and lemurs as well as various types of birds. As we made our way back to the entrance to get the coach back to preschool, we stopped to pose for a photo with “The Grand Old Duke of York.”
It was a shame that the rain stopped us exploring the park as much as I would have liked to but it just means we will have to make a return trip some time! And next time, I will make sure that I check the weather forecast ahead of time and prepare accordingly!
I’m with you on that there is no bad weather, just bad clothing 😀 It is horrible though when you are not prepared enough and you’ve gone somewhere so can’t even pop back home to get supplies, it has happened to us too a few times. Lucky that there was a warm cafe and hot lunch 🙂
It was very frustrating – I was very thankful for the hot lunch! 🙂
Looks like y’all had fun despite the rain. Sorry your weather was so rotten. #countrykids
Thank you – it would have been fine if only I’d prepared for it. Thankfully we still had fun though! 🙂
Awww. It still sounds like you had a lovely time though! Good old British weather!! Well done for powering through! Coffee definitely always helps! 🙂
It’s quite amazing what a difference that cup of coffee made! 🙂
He he he so funny in the playhouse! Short or not I’d probably try to get in one from the rain too! You may have been wet but I bet you enjoyed it all really!? #countrykids
We did on the whole – especially once I’d had that coffee! 🙂
Such a shame about the weather. We are close to Beale park so have spent so much time there. It’s a great place for little ones. My kids adored the little tykes village. #countrykids
It must be lovely to live close enough to spend time there regularly – we’re a bit of a drive away but close enough that I’m tempted to try to visit again on a day when the weather is better.
I love the photo of you inside the playhouse – being tall myself, I wouldn’t be able to take advantage of them as a shelter. Looks like it is a great place and definitely worth going back to.
#countrykids
I was quite relieved I was small enough to get inside – it was a great shelter! 🙂
Im glad im not the only Mum this sort of thing happens too. I remember going to cornwall for a long weekend in july last year and forgot coats…whoops! One day was a boiling hot beach day, the next it was pouring it down. Glad you still managed to have fun though and I’m with you on being grumpy till I’ve had coffee. Even my girls think Mummy need coffee to function 🙂 xx
Oh no – that must have been frustrating. It’s amazing what a difference a cup of coffee can make, isn’t it?
Oh why does it always rain for the end of school / preschool trips? I can’t tell you how many days I have spent just like you cursing the rain, and the wrong footwear with young children, or too too hot and trying to slather sun cream on them. The joys of living in England! I love the look of the little tikes play area, the coloured flooring is really cool too, though I don’t blame the animals hiding from the rain. Lets hope we have better luck over the summer holidays now.
thank you for sharing on #CountryKids
The Little Tikes play area was so much fun – even if it was mostly for hiding from the rain! 🙂
What a shame about the weather, I’m glad I only have to deal with one type of weather now days, it may be too hot to do many things but at least you know what you will be dealing with!
Looks like you had a great day anyway, I love the pic of you hiding in the playhouse!
Yes I can imagine it must be easier in some ways when you know what to expect weather-wise! 🙂
Looks like so much fun at the park! That mantra is so British, isn’t it? We try to do that too, especially when the little ones start complaining about being bored. Out comes the wellies and raincoats 😉 #countrykids
Definitely a very British mantra – and wellies and raincoats are a necessity sometimes! 🙂
I have so many fond memories of visiting Beale Park over the years – I remember going there when I was at school and we often took the children when they were younger. On a sunny day the paddlng pools are great! They’ve grown out of it now 🙁 #countrykids
There were a few children enjoying the paddling pool in spite of the rain (well I guess they were getting wet anyway!) – it was a bit too cold for us though!
I agree with that mantra! I think that kids should experience the outdoors whatever the weather because its a chance to learn!
And your so awesome to let them play in the rain because look at how much fun they look like they are having here =)
ps. the monkeys looks cute even when they are cold.
#countrykids
Thank you Merlinda – it is fun getting out in the rain sometimes – especially when you’re dressed for it!
Oh I haven’t been to Beale Park in ages. Used to love taking the boys there when they were small #countrykids
It looks like such a lovely place to visit, just a shame we didn’t have better weather!
I love the look of the Little Tikes play area so much fun and the playhouses are perfect for hiding away from the rain #countrykids
Love the opening line and their bright waterproofs. Rain doesn’t put us off either #countrykids
I’m of the same mindset as you. We always don our wet weather gear and just get out and about.
Looks like you had a great time #countrykids