A Good Day in Goodwick, October 2016

On Sunday, we went to Goodwick, Fishguard. It’s a great free family fun day out (even if you drive it only costs £1 for all day parking). We park in the Parrog Car Park (SA64 0DE), which is next to the ferry terminal.

On arrival in the carpark you’re greeted to a great view of the sea and if you time it right also of the ferry going past. There are plenty of benches on the sea front to sit and enjoy the view. The wall makes a great bench and the rocks make great seats too.

We walked along the sea front towards the park and beach.

We passed Ocean Lab along the way. Ocean lab is now managed by Sea Trust and shares it’s space with Jude’s Cafe and the shop. As the weather cools, we’ll pop in here to explore and keep warm but as it was a really warm sunny October day we made the most of the outdoor fun.

Then we reached the park. I’ve mentioned before on the blog that while we love the new park in Goodwick with it’s fun boat design, the kids do miss all the monkey bars to swing from.

They still enjoyed themselves though!

I love that the park has a view of the breakwater, the sea and Goodwick Sands Beach. it makes pushing the kids on the swings much more fun. Another flaw with the new park are there our no swings for older children (OK and adults) to go on.

The ferry passed as I pushed Isabelle. I could have got a great photo if I’d been standing on the breakwater at the time.

There are picnic benches by the beach and park too. Izzy gave Nanny and Jo Jo an envelope each- one contained some hair clips and the other some batteries and a bobble! She’s going through a phase of putting things in envelopes. Each time I go to send a letter I find I have no envelopes left for me.

The kids had a quick play on the beach to collect some water and pebbles. We didn’t go for a swim like last time we visited but we did see other kids swimming.

The girls decided to make a magic potion to make a wish at the end of the breakwater (as you do). Here they are adding things and stirring it.

We had a quick read about the history of Goodwick and the last invasion of Britain which began in Fishguard in 1797.

Then it was time for the lovely walk along the breakwater. It’s an enjoyable short walk with a scenic panoramic sea view.

Izzy cooked up some recipes along the way. First she made Nanny a herby potato and a buttercup dish. Next she found a raspberry and made a “Raspberry Bakewell.” She needs to practice making the pastry as it was a bit heavy!

Notice the change in order of girls- Izzy must have wanted to be the leader!

This made me laugh when I looked up and saw both girls bent over in the same manner. They often do this as they spot bugs or treasures.

The magic potion cauldron filling up!

Little legs need a little rest on the rocks along the way.

The smoke of the fire can be seen in the distance.

Getting closer!

We then reached the end of the breakwater. We didn’t go in on this occasion as we did previously when Dave’s key unexpectedly opened the lock (that’s another story!).

It was time to throw the magic potion to sea and make a wish.

Then we headed back towards the park and beach.

Izzy enjoyed her walk but is a bit fearful of dogs at the moment. She got a bit scared when dogs were off the lead and coming towards her (it must be frightening when they’re bigger than you). I did worry that she’d accidentally dash off the edge but thankfully she managed to keep safely on the path. As I said, noone went swimming on this trip to Goodwick- phew!

Once back we went to the park again where we had left Danny playing.

I sat on the bench and watched the kids play.

I enjoyed the pretty view of the sun starting to set behind the trees.

There are few things more iconic than the old seaside telescope. We did put in 20p but sadly couldn’t get this one to work. I keep meaning to try the old ones in my local town to see if they still work as I loved using them when I was younger. They remind me of walks with my Granny and Grampy.

Jo enjoyed a slice of coffee cake in the cafe- it was tasty and a good price, £1.85 I think. There are customer toilets in Ocean Lab and also public toilets opposite.

We walked back.

Back to the sea wall.

Back for big brother cuddles- awww!

The kids climbed down the rocks and along the beach.

We passed the icecream van, pre vegan days this was my favourite ice cream van!

I couldn’t resist a photo of my boots in the autumn leaves, then I looked up and saw a couple parked in a car looking at me.

Hello, I’m Claire and I take photos of my feet.

The youngest two ran ahead and I found them climbing this sculpture. I told them to get down straight away but they do tend to see life as one big climbing frame and play park (I do love this attitude to life but don’t want them to break bones or sculptures…).

Izzy found some mushrooms.

This photo perfectly sums up sibling life! They can never all be happy, big brothers can be annoying, one pretends to be a dog and one won’t look at the camera.

We cheered them up by attempting our own version of the “Dab” pose that the kids keep talking about from the Dab dance that sports stars have been doing recently.