August Holidays in Staffordshire

I've been hunting around and looking about at what is on this August as have suddenly realised that the kids are breaking up from school in 4 weeks! We are most definately holidaying in the UK this year and I suspect that most of it will be spent in Staffordshire on account of having a new kitchen in the winter...anyway with the interent at my fingertips this is what I found...

1. Just So Festival - what a find! "take you children on a journey of the imagination, and unforgetable weekend of adventure and enchantment set in 65 acres of ancient English woodland" - 20-22nd August at Barnswood, Nr Leek, Staffordshire.


2. Shugborough Hall are doing so many events just link through and see what you fancy!


3. Trentham Estates - lots of lovely things including something every Saturday Night through the summer.


4. Alton Towers - you can't ignore this day out! Although the busiest time of the year they are pretty good at sorting out queues! There is also the Milkshake show throughout the holidays.


5. Tittesworth Resevoir - this is a quieter day out and less expensive but always a favourite for the kids.

I have some availability in our accomodation during August and all the above are btween 2 -30 minutes away from the house! Please visit Simply Staffordshire website for details and offers.

Holidays in the UK

Holidays in the UK will be at their most popular in a longtime according to Radio 4 last week. This seems to me to be very exciting and full of hope and opportunity. Nothing is as fabulous as the UK in the summer sunshine whether under a tree or on the beach. I for one will be on high picnic alert this summer for the love of it and for economy. My boys have nearly 7 1/2 weeks off school this summer and frankly my purse will be empty by week 2 if I choose to buy food on the go. Not only are appetites at an all time high but so are food prices! I have treated myself to a new picnic bag and am set to go. Top picnic titbits are:

Wraps: tortillas filled with anything you fancy less likely to dry our or go soggy.

Flask of tea: just essential

Bags of cherries: very popular and cheap on the market until end of July

Homemade flapjack: lots and lots and will be fresh when stomachs rumble all day.

Houmous and chopped veg: anything they like and keeps them quiet with the effort of eating and dipping.

Sausages: cold and chopped up never fails to impress.

Love to hear about your picnics and top tips for food!