Author: Mélodie

Author of Our Lake District Escapades blog. With our dog, Skye and our baby we are slowly discovering the National Park of the Lake District National in England. This blog is also about our explorations of the United Kingdom and overseas.

Summary – July to September 2026

Published on by Mélodie30 Comments

The quiet joy of a slow summer at home opened up the perfect opportunity to rediscover the beauty of the Lake District, celebrate with friends at lively garden parties, and dive into a stack of captivating books. From peaceful mornings walking along Ennerdale Water to experimental baking in the kitchen and tasting fragrant new Taiwanese teas, the past few months were filled with simple, comforting rhythms. This seasonal summary brings a fresh new layout to share the highlights, milestones, and memorable moments that shaped the gentle transition from the warmth of summer into the crisp, golden embrace of autumn.

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wineyards in La Geria

Exploring Lanzarote’s Interior & West Coast: Volcanic Vineyards, Colonial Charm & Wild Beaches

Published on by Mélodie31 Comments

Beyond the resort beaches lies a world where ancient history meets untamed volcanic wilderness. This next Lanzarote adventure journeys from the ingenious, ash-sunken vineyards of La Geria straight into the vibrant, cobbled heart of Teguise’s historic market. Leaving the crowds behind, the route charts a course along the rugged west coast, where fierce Atlantic waves crash beneath towering mountain cliffs. It was a day of stark contrasts, rich heritage, and authentic rural charm, proving that stepping off the beaten track reveals the true, wild soul of this captivating island when exploring by car.

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View of Derwent water from Great bay

Derwentwater Circular: Lakeside Paths & Ancient Woodlands | Family & Dog-Friendly walking guide

Published on by Mélodie43 Comments

Discover the timeless charm of Derwentwater with this classic circular walk through lakeside paths and ancient woodlands. Starting near the Borrowdale Valley and winding through the vibrant town of Keswick, this route showcases stunning, low-level views of Cat Bells and Walla Crag. Featuring flat, accessible pathways mixed with quiet scenic stretches, it offers a wonderful balance of peaceful nature and local Cumbrian life. It stands as the perfect lakeside adventure for families, dog walkers, and anyone seeking a refreshing, memorable day out in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

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Trusted House Sitters website – Our experience

Published on by Mélodie18 Comments

If you are a pet owner who struggles with the guilt and high cost of traditional boarding, finding a reliable alternative is a game-changer. In this review, we are sharing our honest, firsthand experience using TrustedHousesitters to find a live-in sitter for our dog. Handing over your keys and your furry family member to a stranger can feel daunting, but the promise of free, loving care in your own home is incredibly appealing. From navigating the platform’s verification process to communicating with applicants, here is our breakdown of how the service works, our personal dog-sitting experience, and whether it is truly worth the annual fee.

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Jardin de Cactus in Lanzarote

Exploring Lanzarote’s South-East Coast: Cactus Gardens & Coastal Drives

Published on by Mélodie37 Comments

Beyond the volcanic craters lies a world where dramatic art meets the sparkling Atlantic coast. This next Lanzarote adventure journeys from the sunken terraces of César Manrique’s breath-taking cactus oasis down the winding coastal roads of the south-east. Along the way, the route navigates past bustling tourist hubs to uncover hidden seaside gems and spectacular mountain vistas. It was a day filled with striking contrasts, honest truths, and unexpected treasures, proving that even the most commercial stretches of the island hold incredible surprises when exploring by car.

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Summary – April to June 2026

Published on by Mélodie38 Comments

After a long, wet winter spent dodging raindrops, attending several kids’ birthday parties, and getting lost in some great books, spring finally arrived. And with it came the sun. We traded our indoor blankets for hiking boots and passports, filling the sunny spring months with unforgettable family adventures. From exploring hidden gems right here in the UK to jetting off on beautiful overseas escapes, it felt amazing to hit the trails and make new memories together under the open sky.

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Field of lava

Exploring Timanfaya National Park: Volcanic Peaks & Camel Rides

Published on by Mélodie29 Comments

Stepping into Timanfaya National Park feels like leaving Earth behind. The ground beneath you literally glows with geothermal heat, radiating fire just inches under the surface. Surrounding you is a surreal, Martian landscape of twisted black lava and jagged volcanic peaks, stretching as far as the eye can see. To truly experience this untamed wilderness, we traded four wheels for four legs. Swaying to the rhythm of a camel ride through the ash fields, we felt the true power of Lanzarote’s volcanic heart. Welcome to Timanfaya, where the island’s fiery history is still very much alive.

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The Hall of Kedleston National Trust in Derbyshire

Discovering Kedleston Hall and Estate:  A Grand Family & Dog-Friendly Spring Day in Derbyshire

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Kedleston Hall and Estate near Derby, nestled in the scenic Derbyshire countryside, offers a perfect blend of 18th-century ambition and 800 acres of spectacular parkland. From the breathtaking, marble-columned grand mansion designed to rival the finest Roman palaces to the sweeping woodland trails, vibrant formal gardens, and historic church, it is an essential stop for families and history lovers exploring Derbyshire.

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pigs at the Lake District Wildlife Park

Visiting the Lake District Wildlife Park: A Family Day Out

Published on by Mélodie24 Comments

The Lake District Wildlife Park near Bassenthwaite offers a fantastic family day out, home to over 100 species of wild and domestic animals. Featuring engaging daily keeper talks, massive outdoor adventure playgrounds, and a cozy indoor soft play area, it stands as an essential stop for families exploring the northern Lake District.

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View of the facade of Hardwick Hall

Discovering Hardwick Estate: Ponds, Tapestries, and a Family & Dog-Friendly Spring Walk in Derbyshire

Published on by Mélodie22 Comments

Hardwick Hall and Estate near Chesterfield, on the edge of the Peak District, offers a perfect blend of Elizabethan ambition and 2,500 acres of rolling Derbyshire landscape. From the spectacular “more glass than wall” Tudor mansion and world-class historic tapestries to the sweeping parkland trails and sunlit formal gardens, it is an essential stop for families and history lovers exploring Derbyshire.

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