Here comes the sun
It has felt like a long time coming but it looks like summer is finally with us. The longest day was last week, the Glastonbury Festival has just opened it’s gates for the revelers, the Euros’s are well underway and Wimbledon gearing up to do a roaring trade in strawberries and cream again. This week we’re looking ahead to the fast approaching summer holidays.

Here comes the sun

Exploring Brownsea Island
Sitting in the middle of Poole Harbour is the magical Brownsea Island. Managed by the National Trust and with a Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserve it’s a great place for all the family to explore and to get close to the wildlife that calls this place home. It’s one of the best places in the south to see native red squirrels. You need to hop on a boat to get to the island – there are regular trips from Poole Quay across the summer.

After our walk we’re headed to Swanage to stay at Seaview Holiday Cottage. It’s a beautifully converted tennis pavilion that can sleep up to 6 people and 2 dogs. As the name suggests, the veranda offers stunning views out across Studland Bay.

Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun

A summer of play
You can be sure of the National Trust to provide your family with days of fun and play across the summer holidays . Whether you want to take to the water with some paddle-boarding on Lake Windermere, go pond dipping at Wicken Fen, do a mini beast hunt in Staffordshire or do some wild crafts in Surrey – there is sure to be something near you. If you’re not already – why not become a member of the National Trust and enjoy somewhere new to explore every day!

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun

Take a walk on the wild side
School may be nearly out for the summer – but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! Wild ID Guides from the Field Studies Council are the perfect size to take with you and learn about the nature you spot when you’re on your adventures. Whether it’s for a woodland, a beach or your garden – there are guides that cover the flora and fauna you may encounter.