Tent Sniffing for Beginners

Some time ago Mr Tentsniffer and I bought annual membership at the Weald and Downland Museum as it's fairly close to where we live and is dog friendly. It is a brilliant historical resource but it's also set in such glorious countryside that it's nice just to stroll around and admire the changing of the seasons. This Sunday they had an autumn countryside event and we went along for a couple of hours. Sadly our small dog is having her first season and our teen has a horrible cold - so they stayed at home. But Mr Tentsniffer and I had a great time, we were able to watch birds of prey, ducks being rounded up by dogs, a steam threshing machine, ploughing - both tractors and horses - and so many other things! Mr Tentsniffer bought two new wool jumpers and I bought some chilli cider. I was delighted with my delicious Bubble and Squeak lunch , served with a poached egg, hollandaise sauce and bacon, while Mr Tentsniffer had his favourite traditional sausage roll from the ...

LAST MINUTE FESTIVALS & YOUR ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST I'm well into my festival season, I hope you've been to at least one, or are about to! I'm looking forward to reviewing all of the ones I attend but until then, here's a list to keep you busy - maybe you'll find a festival to attend? Or to pencil in for next year.

August 27th – 29th 2016 Herstmonceux Castle, Sussex Tickets on sale now Family day tickets from £46 Family weekend tickets from £230 ‘What an incredible experience. We felt like we really had gone back in time!’ Step back in time and immerse your family in the spectacular magic of the past. England’s Medieval Festival is the most authentic, oneofakind event in the UK with a very special blend of history and fun for the whole family. From the moment you arrive you are surrounded by the sights, smells and excitement of medieval times. Realistic historical battles, jousting, performers, horses, archery, music, traditional crafts, eating, drinking, shopping and daytoday life of the past. Herstmonceux Castle is a fairy tale setting for a totally different family weekend. Wizards, jesters, knights, dragons and princesses await the kids. Guests can enjoy medieval glamping, standard camping in the castle grounds, or even a real bed in the onsite B&B. Or just come for the...

Last time we went camping was to the Isle of Wight, and while it poured with rain pretty much the whole 4 days we were there, there was one day that fun was had by all. We went to Black Gang Chine. In case you are wondering, a Chine is a narrow gully or gorge normally with a stream that cuts through it and runs into the sea, this is particularly dramatic if the cliff face is made of clay or sand. These are common on The Island around the South East/South West coastline. Many of these Chines date back in history. The word Chine comes from the Saxon word 'Cinan' which means a gap or yawn.The Blackgang Chine Theme Park is located near to where the chine used to be in Victorian times and before. This has been reclaimed by the sea due to devastating effects of Landslip. This area was some 300 metres further out to sea than it is today. The Blackgang Fantasy Park has long been an attraction to go and see especially with children. I haven't been there since I was ...

Jousting, actual jousting, on horses, at a castle, armour and muscular knights... Have I got your attention? I should think so! Fun for all the family, Camp Bestival hosts actual jousting tournaments! " The Knights of Middle England are a team of professional horsemen, jousters, stunt riders and actors who bring the much fabled sport of Jousting into the 21st Century. This Warwickshire based team bring with them over 15 years of both equestrian and showmanship expertise providing a high-octane action packed show - true great British family entertainment at its best!" It's excellent, and all included in the price of your festival ticket! So fair maidens, bring a trinket or a spare pair of knickers to give to your chosen knight, and let the contest begin! "Bold and bright costumes accompanied with stunts such as saddle falls, drags and rearing horses make this a show to remember! No show would be complete without the traditional evil Black Knight (Le...