My family has spent much more time outdoors over the past year. This has been a real positive to come out of 2020 and I hope it's something that we will continue. With this in mind, I didn't hesitate to book a Twixmas walk at Hawkstone Follies in Shropshire. Twixmas is the word used to the described the period between Christmas and New Year. However, in my family it describes the period when we aren't sure what day it is and we live on left overs from the fridge.
This year Twixmas meant snow for parts of the UK and that was the case for our visit to Hawkstone Follies. How lucky we were to see this incredible place transformed into a winter wonderland. We wrapped up warm and with a map in hand and sturdy shoes headed off to discover the rugged sandstone hills. Everything to do and see at Hawkstone is outside. You need to be prepared for this in whatever season you visit. You are also required to take a torch so that you can investigate the caves safely.
We took the high path up into the woods and there were things to see, do and explore straight away. My family loved finding out which doorway they fit through which confirmed whether they were an ogre, pixie or munchkin. We enjoyed popping into the Hermitage and stopping off at The Gingerbread Hall. Because there was so much to do and see along the route, we walked a long way without realising it and without complaints from children who were busy spotting ogres or scooping up snow to throw at daddy!
We spent two and a half hours at Hawkstone and saw only a fraction of what was there. We could have spent a whole day there but the snowy weather and cold, damp children meant that we needed to warm up and eat. Picnics are welcome but even my family couldn't a manage a snow picnic. We had taken snacks to sustain us and if we did a Twixmas walk again, I would definitely stash a flask of hot cocoa in my rucksack.
Our favourite things at Hawkstone were The Swiss Bridge and The Grotto. The Grotto was beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and scenes. We were the only ones in The Grotto and my children delighted in exploring and finding Santa's office. Before Christmas you can visit Santa here and that is something that we would love to do in future. The Grotto cave complex is very special and you should make sure that you include it on your 'must sees' if you visit Hawkstone. Do bear in mind that it is the one of the furthest points so don't run out of time or stamina to get there.
I highly recommend Hawkstone Follies as a great outdoor place for families to explore. We plan to return and see it in a different season. It is very well maintained and everything is clearly signposted. We appreciated the 'Quick Return Route' signs for tired families. You might need to consider that it's not a pushchair or wheelchair friendly environment for the most part. For this reason, a number of families were using backpacks to carry small children. We did this but our small child was a little too keen to stamp in the snow like her big sister!
A visit to Hawkstone really brightened up our Twixmas and provided lots of outdoor fun. We'll be back.
Twixmas walks continue up to 3rd January 2021 and must be booked in advancehttps://www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk/events/twixmas-walks
Cars of up to 3 people cost £24 and up to 6 people £29. Under 3's are not included in the number of people.
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