Wheal Martyn and Claylets

We have been very lucky to be invited to visit Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum and Country Park. 

Even though I grew up just a couple of miles from the centre, I have never been before so was very exited, and we was even more lucky to have such beautiful weather for this time of year! 

As well as spending the day discovering Wheal Martyn's treasures, we were exited to attend the Claylets group.

This is a new session, held from 11am-12pm on the last Thursday of each month.

The Claylets is held in the very pretty tearoom which is open to the public, not just those visiting the museum and park. 

This is a new group (the session we attended was only their second) and was rather quiet, but I'm sure once word of mouth gets around it will become much busier. We look forward to attending again and the outside adventures they have planned for later in the year.

It was a fantastic hour, and the Zebra had so much fun! Each month there is a theme which links into Wheal Martyn - this one was all about diggers and big machines. There was a huge wooden train set to play with, lots of different pictures to colour in and books about trucks and tractors. The craft activity was glueing and sticking big digger wheels, and during music time we obviously had a sing-song to 'The wheels on the bus'! 

After lots of fun with the Claylets, we stayed in the tea room to refuel with some lunch. The food all looks delicious and is homemade and locally sourced where possible. 

The children's lunch was a box meal and it was fantastic to see a big, fresh sandwich brought out with it. Inside was also a pack of colourful molding clay, pencils and picture to colour - perfect to distract the Zebra while I tried to sneakily eat my cake without sharing...

With our tummies full it was time to explore the museum! I was a bit skeptical about what to expect, only because Wheal Martyn has never been particularly advertised as a children's attraction...

However, the Zebra found lots of fun bits to keep her happy and entertained, while I was able to read and learn more about the past and present world of China Clay. 

I can remember watching the big ships docked in Charlestown being filled with clay, and you can't miss the big sky tips all around the clay villages, so it was great to finally learn a lot more about St Austells heritage and involvement in the China Clay industry.

There was lots to look at - displays, posters and models - all which was really interesting for me and fun for the Zebra!

And look what we found half way around - a lovely craft station set up for children!! We spent a lovely time glueing and colouring a spring time butterfly. 

As well as the exhibits, there are two films to watch. The first one was all about the life of a child many years ago in the pits, and the second was much more up to date showing all the big machines and modern technologies involved. 

With the sun shining and a much better understanding of China clay, it was time to get outside and explore the grounds and outside sections.

There are lots of beautiful spots everywhere we turned, and with benches and tables along the way we can't wait to return with a picnic in the summer. 

The centre is a former clay works and the old buildings have all been used, restored or left open to explore. Behind the museum sits the old mountain created from the old works.  

Water plays a very important part in China clay production and there are two fully working water wheels in the grounds. They are both mesmerising and we had great fun watching them.

A short walk up from the museum is a seris of old buildings housing more exhibits, old cars and big machines. 

Up in the roof of one of the buildings is a very spooky restoration, made even more eery by the working sounds being played. 

This is an old clay works and as such was not built with pushchairs in mind - The majority of the country park is buggy friendly but some routes would be a little challenging! 

As we left the building behind, we climbed up the hill and found these beautiful China Clay works. It was so interesting to follow the production journey, all with some breathtaking views!

As the clay adventure comes to an end, the country paths continue. The woods here are picturesque and the Zebra was happy to run around the paths and trees, right to the very top - stoping only to smell the flowers and talk to the birds.

Once we had climbed to the peak of the hill, (including a tunnel through the ground!) there is a viewing station looking out on a working clay pit. We could hear the water blasting and watch the trucks winding up and down the pit. A fantastic way to end the experience. 

We will be returning again to Wheal Martyn, for both the Claylets group and the country park and can highly recommend both!

Admission to the park includes 12 months free re-entry so is fantastic value for me money!

For more information on Wheal Martyn, please see thier Facebook, Twitter, or website:

https://www.facebook.com/Wheal-Martyn-421202931258302/

https://mobile.twitter.com/whealmartyn

http://www.wheal-martyn.com

The Monkey Sanctuary

We were very exited to be invited by The Monkey Sanctuary to spend the day at their centre. We got to learn more about their monkeys and the amazing work they do. We had hoped to visit on a sunny day, and although the sun was out when we left home, the rain and mist appeared just as we reached Looe - not that it dampened our spirits! 

We arrived at lunch time, and the first thing we saw as we parked up is this amazing Treetop Cafe!

This really is a beatiful place to stop for a drink or bite to eat. They aim to be as ethical and resourceful as possible, which includes being a meat free establishment! There is a great menu of vegetarian and vegan meals and snacks, something I enjoyed about living in Brightron, but don't see very much in Cornwall. 

As the name suggests, the cafe really is up in the rooftop of the trees, with a lovely view looking down over the hill. We could just catch a glimpse of the sea through the weather and can imagine how beautiful it would be in summer. 

The food was reasonably priced, and absolutely delicious. My soup was full of flavour, and the Zebra loved her 'chicken' nuggets so much she ate the whole plate! We also had a scrummy carrot and lemon cake for pudding.

With our tummies full, we start the short walk down to the sanctuary. Again, the views are beautiful! The location is not just a sanctuary for the monkeys, but the broadleaf woods are a haven for many local animals, butterflies, insects and plants. They are committed to helping the flora and fauna floursh, many of which are threatened locally. 

Once we arrived we were very exited to start seeing the monkeys! They are such happy, curious animals, and even in the cold weather many ventured out to get a closer look at us and play in their large well kept enclosures. 

As we walked around, we were greeted by friendly keepers who were happy to talk about the animals and answer any questions we had. To be honest, every single member of staff we spoke to was friendly and up beat, giving a great atmosphere to our day. 

The sanctuary is not a breeding centre, but a happy home for monkeys, many who have not had he best start in life. It really is sad to think of these beautiful animals being kept as pets in tiny cages by people who just don't understand their needs.

We was surprised to see one very young monkey, Lily, who is just over a year old. Even with the strict no-breeding policy (and the female monkeys being on contraception) it seems "Happy Accidents" really can happen to anyone...

Obviously monkeys live in the trees and love to climb and explore. The centre is on many levels going up the side of the cliff so there are lots of runs and bridges for the monkeys to move between their cages. Although this is lovely for them, it may be difficult for a pushchair, so I recommend a sling or carrier for any babies.

The enclosures are clean, large and full of ropes and activities for the monkeys to enjoy. They also have inside homes which are heated to keep them snuggled and warn through our winter. 

Although some parts of the homes look like they are strewn with rubbish, these are actually specially chosen items for the monkeys to play and engage with. 

This was all explained in the education room!

Also in the room was lots more information on conservation and why and how we need to protect monkeys. 

The sanctuary gives visitors an opportunity to sponsor thier own monkey - something the wonderful Stephen Fry has done! There is a short film explain his involvement as well as the sad story behind his adopted monkey Joey. 

Underneath the monkey house, deep in the cellar, is the home of a colony of horseshoe bats. They are an endangered species, only found in the southwest of England and parts of Wales, so it's great to see thier home being protected here in Cornwall. Obviously, it would upset and disturb them if visitors constantly poked around thier dark, home, so instead there is a bat room. In here are the controls for the the CCTV which we could use to move the cameras and watch the animals. 

As we wondered around, it was great to see some workshop activities for the children. There are also lovely spots to sit and watch the monkeys - and I imagine the views would also be amazing in the sunshine!

The Zebra was also delighted to find the activity room. It is a bright, colourful rainforest themed building with lots to do. There were three big tables full of arts and craft projects with a wonderful array of materials and instructions. There was a cosy corner perfect for smaller ones and babies to play, as well as sensory smell & touch games. 

We only had time for a quick play as the rain really started to come in, but the outside play area is fantastic! There is also a smaller frame for the younger ones, but the Zebra was adamant she wanted mummy to help her climb this one! 

When we return, we can't wait to explore the grounds and trails around the sanctuary, hopefully getting to spot some butterflies, bugs and maybe animals...

I have nothing but praise for the centre. They do a fantastic job and run an amazing sanctuary. They are clearly recognised worldwide and were the first centre in Europe to receive accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuarys. 

Tickets into the sanctury allows for free re-entry for 12 months, and we will most certainly be returning soon - whatever the weather! 

For more information, and to buy your tickets, please see their website or check out the Facebook page:

http://www.monkeysanctuary.org/

https://www.facebook.com/wildfutures/

Fruit Sushi

Just a quick post today I'm afraid! Saturday's are usually our baking day, but I'm going to share our breakfast instead...

Fruit sushi is so yummy, and actually healthy - this adults breakfast is just 314 calories. 

Grab some whole grain cereals, such as cheerio's, and blitz in a blender till they are like breadcrumbs. Then grab a banana and cover in peanut butter. Roll the banana in the breadcrumbs until fully layered. Pop on a plate and cut into segments.

Put the left over cereal-breadcrumbs back into the blender and add some yogurt and fruit. Whizz until smooth, then serve with the banana as a dip.

So quick and simple, and goes down a treat! 

Newquay Zoo

I think it goes without saying that the Zebra loves a visit to the zoo!

I know a lot of people have negative ideas of zoo's and the thought of animals being caged up is never nice. However, a good zoo is involved in conservation and breeding in order to protect species in the wild and educate the public in how they can help.

Newquay zoo are involved in lots of breeding programmes and the animals all seem happy and well cared for. I'm pleased to say I didn't see any animals displaying signs of frustration or boredom like I have in other places.

If your visiting over the winter, it's worth taking advantage of the Pushchair Monday's. 

Tickets the rest of the week are at the standard price - £13.30 adults, £10.10 child, Free under 3's. 

Also, the zoo doesn't have its own car park, but shares a public council run car park. Be aware it is not free to park after March 22nd and can cost £6 for a days parking.

Once your in the park, there is so much to see and explore! It is clean and well maintained, with lots of peacocks and other birds roaming the grounds.

There are many monkeys here, all having large inside and outside enclosures. They are all bright and curious and love coming right up to get a proper look at the Zebra!

We were very exited to see some real life zebra's, but had a disappointment. Obviously in February the weather is a little chilly and not a single Zebra was out. The Africans plains looked more Cornish Farm. I understand being winter will mean less animals wanting to be outside, but as the entrance price is the same regardless of time of year, it seems poor value. Maybe there could webcams in the stables so we could at least see what they are up to.

One area which is always a hit, is the small animal zone. There are some of he biggest rabbits we've ever seen, sleepy piggies snoring away, and a fab yard where the Zebra could get right up and pet the goats.

Word of warning, do not run up to a goat with your arms outstretched wanting a cuddle as they will charge right back at you!!!

Everyone loves to see the lions, and Newquay has a male and two females. It was lovely to see the girls jumping and playing, showing no signs of pacing or distress. 

Mummy's favourite is always the Penguins, and they clearly did not mind the cold weather! There are lots of glass viewing points in the wall, allowing little people a good view of the pool which is great.

We normally love the warm rainforest house, but most of it was closed for refurbishment. It also seemed most of toad hall was empty, I can only assume because of the time year. 

I appreciate this is normal and can not be helped, but I still feel winter prices should reflect this all week, not just a Monday.

There are two lovely play areas at the zoo, however both are aimed at older children. The toddlers loved this slide near the Penguins, but watch out as it is super fast and we must have seen at least 5 other children zoom down and go face first into the mud.

At he top of the African plains is an amazing wooden assault course. Though she be but little, she is fierce... And nothing stopped this Zebra having a go round!

We were exited to try out the dragon maze, but was rather confused - There is no map or explanation at the entrance, and after a lot of time exploring, we always ended up back at the same entrance. A walk round the maze, and we still could not find another entrance! There were also lots of places that looked liked paths, but actually were large gaps in the hedges that ended up outside the maze in random clearings. 

There is a small cafe at the zoo, but it is very small! All pushchairs have to be left outside. Outside, there is lots of seating next to the most lovely lake full of ducks and birds. In the middle, is an island with lemurs! It was great watching them while munching our sandwiches. There were also lots of cheeky peacocks who liked the look of our packed lunch!

Over all, we had a lovely day and most importantly the animals all seem happy and very well cared for. We would recommend a visit, but would advise to take advantage of the pushchair Monday offer...