We joined National Trust last year when I got my dates wrong and turned up at a property outside of the dates on my free entry voucher. Whoops!!

But we’ve made the most of it and almost made our money back with the free car parking and entrance for 2 adults and 2 children at various properties.

Today is a bit overcast here in Wales and so we thought a good stately home was on the cards. Llanerchaeron was one of 2 National Trust places that were in driving distance of our caravan and so off we went with our packed lunch, waterproofs and sun cream!

When we got here, I was instantly struck by how hidden the whole thing was. I often feel this about National Trust and English Heritage places but this one was properly disguised. We went to the desk with our membership cards and then we were let loose. The first thing I loved was that there were loads of little offshoots off the path that our 2 loved to explore. Grace obviously fell over within 10 seconds of being in the woods but quickly recovered and found a little bridge that they tried to climb under.

Round the corner are a few areas of fun for the kids. One is a cute little obstacle course made of wood with a mini bridge and loads of balancing things which are great for kids. Next to that is a balance bike hut. There were about 6 small balance bikes and helmets for children to borrow and use around the grounds. An absolutely brilliant way to keep the kids entertained at an old stately home.

We followed the path into the walled gardens which were lovely and we found a scarecrow. Grace was rather excited!

Next (the way we did it at least) is the old collection of engines, bikes, carriages and even a horse drawn hearse. After a quick look around we had found an array of knitted sheep and pigs hidden in the collection and an old engine called Glenys.

Following the route round took us to the small farmyard where we made friends with 2 calves who were 4 months old and 2 beautiful horses too. There were activities for the kids to do here too including an area of pig based colouring and books and the chance to milk a pretend cow!

The next section was a room where a lovely member of staff was helping people make their own tea. You could put dried ingredients into fabric tea bags to try or take home with you or you could put fresh leaves into a cup and she’s fill you up with hot water. We made a mint tea and brought home a couple of chamomile and lavender bags.

The adjoining room had some games in and in true Jonah fashion, we had a massive game of chess (he lost to Phil) and Grace wanted to play her new obsession - foosball (me and Jonah beat Phil and Grace).

We were rather starving at this point and stopped on a felled tree for some lunch. Unfortunately nature got in the way and upset me so we moved to a bench! But it did give us a lovely view of the house.

We had a good mooch round the house and learned loads! I was really impressed with how much there was to do for the children inside the house too. They could find books in the one room, design a house like John Nash (who designed this one as well as Buckingham Palace and so many others), learn some threading techniques (like embroidery) and create a path/road using stones. There was dressing up too but Jonah was a bit big for it all and Grace was just too tired.

Lastly there is a second hand book shop which was full of great treasures and some lovely toilets which were very clean. These also impressed me with their free sanitary products too.

All in all, I would highly recommend visiting Llanerchaeron, even if the weather is a bit dodgy. There was so much we didn’t even get to see including a lake and some woodland walks. If you visit, tag me on the socials with what you thought 🥰