Nature Reserve Exploring!

For months now I've been wanting to visit a little nature reserve close to where I live called Brockholes but the weather just hasn't been on my side, however finally spring has sprung and I got to see for myself what the all fuss was all about on a little afternoon outing with my mum and Freddie. (I also just want to apologise now for far too many photos but they're all so cute and I couldn't resist!)

I love the use of rusting metal and wood for the welcome signs. Once my eyes set upon this view it took me, oh I don't know.. about 3 seconds to completely fall in love with this place.

The little buildings are somehow kind of magically floating on the lake, there is an information centre with little activities for children and adults, there is also a couple of cute shops and a even conference centre. 

How cute is that little birdy doorstop, I want one for my home! After exploring a little we stopped by the restaurant to get a coffee, cake and an ice-cream for Freddie. He obviously wanted the blue one, which was blue banana and absolutely delicious!

We sat outdoor by the lake since it was such a glorious spring day, but there is a cosy little log burner inside which we were also rather tempted by!

As we made our way over to the children's play area we found a telescope that Freddie had to try out, on our next visit I'm going to bring his binoculars!

I loved the contrast between the wood tiles on the roofs of the buildings against the blue sky, each building is so beautiful. The design and materials used seem to just fit in like as though they have been there for ever.

We truly did have such a lovely time, sadly we didn't have time to take one of the trail walks but even just looking into the lake for fish and watching the ducks was amazing.

Just in case anyone is remotely interested in what I wore, I basically stole my boyfriends wardrobe for the day, comfy and easy is my mantra!

(Hat - Superdry, Coat - TopShop, Hoody - Zara, Tee - TopMan, Jeans - TopShop, Shoes - Vans)

Not only can you watch the wildlife, browse the shops and take a trail walk but Brockholes boats a brilliant childrens play area, Freddie had so much fun here that we are going to return with a few of his friends, the wooden tractor was a firm favourite!

We found a couple of puddles to splash in and some little flowers as we headed back to the car, Freddie was ever so gentleman like and picked one for me (so cute).

You can read all about how Brockholes developed here.

I fell in love with Brockholes as soon as my eyes set upon it's tranquil waters and calm surroundings. I cannot wait to get back and explore some of the trails this summer, after just one visit it has become my favourite local attraction - again sorry for getting carried away with all the photos but as they say a picture can say a thousand words!

Do you have any local places like this? I'd love to hear about them!

<3