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Batemans National Trust | Half-term day out


Yesterday we took a trip to Rudyard Kipling's house in Burwash for a little adventure with the kids, Batemans is part of the national trust and is a beautiful place to visit. You are able to walk around the house and see the home that the Kipling family made there home, the gardens are this property are absolutely gorgeous even when its muddy and wet, and the added bonus is Park Mill which you are able to look around and learn about creating flour the old fashioned way. 

There is a small tea room which sells cakes, drinks and small lunches which include soup, jacket potatoes and sandwiches. There is also a gift shop which includes sweet treats, nature toys and other beautiful items which help keep the house open for all to see.


At the bottom of the gardens there was a little surprise in the form of an old mill, named Park Mill, this property is open to the public and includes the equipment that would have been the original in the mill, a small box of story telling toys for the children to look at and use and a mill stone to try out, you are also able to see the old water wheel from out of the window on the second floor. 

I absolutely loved this part as I was able to talk through how flour was traditionally made to Lilly, it was also beautifully presented and made the trip a little more interesting. 


On the trail to the mill there is a river than flows through the property which is great for Pooh sticks, it was a little muddy and very fast flowing due to the weather. Along the edge is what looks like a wild garden full of long grass and small flowers, perfect for the wildlife to enjoy. 

As part of the experience Bateman's was offering a winter bingo pack for just £2 which included a bingo card full of things to look for around the property and gardens like mud or squirrels, a pencil for the card, 2 small wooden wildlife sticks to colour, some colouring pencils and a picture to colour from the story of 'The Jungle Book' 

Out of the property and just off the car park there is a natural play area full of items created from wood, from my memory there were 2 swings, a seesaw made of wood and a log, a small maze, some steps made from tree trucks and more, it was very muddy so if you are going during the wetter months I would advise wellies.  


All in all it was a great afternoon out full of laughter and learning, the weather didn't hold us back even with a few small moments of rain. The winter bingo gave the kids something more to do whilst exploring and finishing with the natural play ground was the icing on the cake. 

I would highly recommend this place for a family day out with lots to do and a beautiful location to visit.

Victoria x

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