I’m not sure whether to blame the weather or our busy schedules but I seem to have lost my “days out mojo”. I feel so guilty when I get like this that we’re not getting out enough. Danny, as I keep reminding him, only has a couple of months of hard work and then a long summer of fun (my post GCSE summer was my best one ever!)- he just has to work hard now so he can play hard later. At the moment that’s the season we’re in as a family but it’s important to still find time to get outdoors in the fresh air as it makes us all feel better when we do. Here are snapshots from a recent day out at an old favourite, Broad Haven Beach.
When out of the house we find we can actually concentrate on each other
It’s harder to find the time to go out as much altogether now that the kids want to play with their friends more. Caitlyn likes staying at home as then she gets to go out and play with her local friends and the older two love arranging their own adventures. I find this means I end up doing less myself so I’m around to be a taxi for them but actually if they’re old enough to arrange days out then I need to keep going out myself as other wise the younger kids will miss out. I still like them to save some time each week for family time too as when we’re at home there are always distractions (and things we have to do). When out of the house we find we can actually concentrate on each other.
Broad Haven Beach
So, back to our day out! You only pay for parking at Broad Haven Beach between 15 March to 7 November (9am to 5pm) meaning during the February half term it is still free to visit. Parking costs £5 for over 3 hours. We park on the “lion’s rock” side of Broad Haven Beach (next to Broad Haven YHA, Sat Nav: SA62 3JH ) as this is the biggest carpark and always has spaces. There is a smaller car park on the opposite side of the seafront.
A Beach Walk
As we were planning to have chips on the beach for tea we walked all they way across the beach, which is part of the fun.
Swimming in the Sea
As soon as we got to our spot the girls stripped off and ran into the sea. I love that feeling of freedom! I decided to wait until high tide to swim, unfortunately it was a low high tide (if you know what I mean) so I ended up not going in at all apart from a quick paddle. Of course as we packed up to go home I regretted missing out! Just a reminder to myself to always swim in the sea every chance you get (I have been doing more of this recently as I’ve joined a local group).
Space for Everyone
There were quite a few people using the beach, couples, dog walkers, families, friends…but still there was so much space for us all to enjoy.
The girls had great fun and later their cousin came and joined in the fun in the sea too.
Danny
Danny’s usually the first one in the sea- whatever the weather- but he was having a tired day and chose to take it easy. I remember bringing him to Broad Haven Beach as a toddler, he loved going into the sea but would soon begin to turn blue bless him. Then we’d wrap him in towels and all cuddle him warm until his colour returned as much as it can. He’d then fall asleep in the sun. It’s not easy but we’ve managed to let him join in with most activities despite his heart condition, he just needs more time to recover after (and even the following day).
The three girls enjoyed the sea. Izzy stayed on dry land with Danny. She only likes to swim on really warm days when the sun dries you properly before you go home. I have to admit I do love those days too! The older girls are happy to pile into the car – wet, sandy and shivering, just like myself after a Bluetits swim!
No Chips on the Beach!
As I said earlier, we planned to warm up with chips on the beach. Sadly it wasn’t to be, the chip shop was closed. I was quite surprised about that as it was a Friday evening during half term. There were other cafes and pubs open along the seafront.
Rock Climbing
The kids also enjoyed climbing on the rocks (I think their love for swimming comes from me but their love of climbing heights definitely comes from their dad!).
Izzy and Cerys on the rocks (Izzy was playing out some kind of story here, I think she’s a dragon in a cave!).
Lion’s Rock
The Walk Home
Then it was time to go home. We decided to walk across the beach thinking it would be fun for the kids and Caitlyn could kick her ball along. Of course they decided to go the road way and then Caitlyn got upset because I wouldn’t let her kick her ball so close to the cars. When the tide’s in and we have to go the road way, they always want to go across the beach- I can never win.
I do love how the kids take care of each other without having to be told. You can see Rebecca with her arm around Izzy to keep her warm.
Also, as soon as it began to rain Danny took off his coat and put it on Izzy. He’s such a loving big brother (don’t worry they do argue lots too- they are human!).
As we walked along we admired Lion’s Rock.
Visiting Broad Haven Beach
As well as enjoying Broad Haven Beach you can also join the coastal path here- either in the direction of Little Haven or Nolton Haven.
A visit to Broad Haven Beach is always enjoyable. There are shops and food places and sometimes even an ice cream van. Remember dog restrictions apply to the northern third of the beach between 1st May and the 30th September.
I’m determined to try harder and get us back into the routine of regular days out- wish me luck!
Have you been to Broad Haven Beach?
You are so lucky living near this beautiful place – will hopefully visit in the summer
I know that feeling, I’ve lost my get out mojo too, between the weather and my youngest just turning 2 and hating her pram but wont walk for more than two minutes on her reins it just seems like to much stress to get cold and wet with terrible two tantrums, you have taken some lovely photos to treasure xx
Looks gorgeous but rather chilly. I know what you mean about losing your days out mojo: winter does that to me, too.
A lovely day out at a lovely location. Haven’t been lucky enough to visit there.