On the final day of the holidays we decided to have one last summer day out and headed to Preston Park in Stockton where they also have a Butterfly World.
The last time we came here it was L’s first birthday and while she enjoyed it she wasn’t fully aware of what it was all about. One year on and she was completely in awe of the place.
It has always been a big hit with M and we have been a lot over the years. It never gets old though and this time the butterflies seemed even more active than last time and seemed to fly right at you before darting off at the last second.
This little pond in the middle is stunning and all the flowers everywhere are beautiful.
You can get so close to these gorgeous butterflies, I just wish I was a better photographer, or at least had something other than my phone to capture them on.
At the far end there is a door through to another room that houses reptiles and meerkats.
There is another pond that is teeming with koi carp, L loved saying hello to them all.
At the other side of the fish pond is a lovely waterfall.
Butterfly World done we headed back to the car to collect the pushchair and all our picnic food and set off for the park. The kids had a quick little play on the way through.
Then we found a beautiful spot at the top of the hill overlooked the river and hills beyond to have our picnic.
All fed we headed down to the river to feed the ducks and swans. Poor Granny almost had a heart attack as she was sure L was going to fall in she kept getting so close. We had to keep firm hold of the back of her dress as this girl has no fear.
Despite visiting the park so many times we’ve never actually been in the museum so that was our next destination. Unfortunately it turns out it doesn’t open on Mondays (which is when we went), so we still haven’t been inside. Maybe next time.
Museum closed there was only one thing left to do. Back to the play equipment.
This huge climbing frame leads to a walkway between the trees then an enormous slide. M has been up several times before but has always needed help getting in at the top as he was never quite tall enough. This time round he managed all by himself and he was so happy.
All in all, another great day out. It was the perfect way to round off the summer holidays.
Did you have one last adventure before the schools started back?
There are some really lovely butterflies there, a few I’ve not seen in other Butterfly Houses. Hope you don’t mind but I’ve emailed your bug photo to my Dad, he’ll be able to tell you what it is #CountryKids
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Not at all, I’d really love to know. Thank you x
Gorgeous photos – it’s amazing to see these beautiful butterflies and get so close, I know my daughter would love it. Definitely agree about squeezing in every last trip too, if you can. #countrykids
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Thank you. We certainly made the most of our summer x
I’ve been going to Preston park since I was little, hailing from Stockton. We love the museum and Victorian street. We used to walk through the woods along the river before there were houses on the other side! Butterfly world came along much later and I must confess I’ve never visited. I must take the girls next time i return home. Thanks for sharing. #kcacols
I’ve heard great things about the museum so really must check its open before the next trip! I can definitely recommend butterfly world, it’s small but so beautiful x
Sounds like a fab day out. Your little ones seemed to have a lot of fun interacting with the animals and of course playing in the play equipment. Beautiful photos too! #bigpinklink
Thank you, it was a lovely day out x
That looks so beautiful! We’ve never been to a Butterfly world..but I’m really wanting to go now! hehe The area looks divine and I love the water fall! 😀
#KCACOLS
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We love it there, one for all ages x
Aw, the museum was closed? Such a shame. It’s definitely worth re-visiting again. I’ve not been into the butterfly part, but I’d really love to. Thanks for the inspiration. #KCACOLS
I definitely need to do better research next time so we go when it’s actually open! I can definitely recommend butterfly world, it’s small but so beautiful x
looks like such a beautiful day, your photos are lovely so colourful and pretty. I love the look of the pond with the large fish. We have butterfly enclosure at our local zoo, but this looks stunning #anythinggoes
Thank you, that’s really kind. It really is beautiful there
Ahh this sounds like it was the perfect last summer day out. Your photos of the butterlfies are beautiful!
We have a place near us that we go to regularly and my boys love running around the huge space there. We actually went away to the coast for a few days before my eldest went back to school so I agree you have to squeeze every last drop out of summer as you can!
Thank you for linking up to #KCACOLS and I hope to see you back again next week. Xx
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Thank you so much x
A few days at the coast sounds amazing, the perfect wind down before school
Lovely lovely photos and fun trip! I love those butterflies. They are so hard to photograph as they move around so much! My fave among your photos is the hibiscus. A flower that I played with a lot as a child!
Thanks for sharing =) #countrykids
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Thank you, that’s lovely of you to say. The flowers in there were stunning, but the hibiscus was my favourite x
What beautiful butterflies! We spotted a monarch in the garden the other day! Love your photography! #TwinklyTuesday xx
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Thank you so much x
Gorgeous photos of the kids and the butterflies. A glorious way to spend the last day of the school hols, this will be remembered for a long time to come! #KCACOLS
Thank you, yes it was a great end to the holidays x
Gorgeous pics! I’m a huge fan of the butterflies, they’re so beautiful and seem so friendly. Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays. xo
Thank you, they are beautiful aren’t they?