Out and about - part I

The Living Rainforest (Hampstead Norreys, Thatcham, West Berkshire)

I just love visiting new places - explore, take pictures, have a cup of tea or coffee and maybe even a sweet treat. After I had my little one I found it quite difficult to carry on doing this. When your baby is very little you are grateful for quiet minutes where you can rest, shower or eat - maybe even tidy up a bit. But going out seems too difficult as you have to take loads of things - you'll always forget something anyway - but still you can't be sure if the day goes well. As my little munchkin is a bit older now I started to visit places again - but of course they have to be toddler friendly or at least a little bit interesting to keep my mini-me happy. So wherever we are going there has to be something for both of us ;-). 

Together with a friend of mine we went to the Living Rainforest which is close to Newbury. It is quite a small attraction but definitely worth a visit. First it is easy to find as long as you follow the signs - although you might think you missed a turn as it is situated in one of those picturesque country roads. Once you've parked your car in the free car park you enter the small building - passing the play area. You pay a fee that allows you to visit the rainforest for a whole year as they are a charitable organization - so you have to give them a few details of yours. Then you get a map and off you go entering the rainforest. I don't know why I didn't think of the humidity and the heat when I got dressed that morning - and when dressing my little one. It was just above 30 degress and I was wearing a dress with tights and boots and even my daughter was wearing too many layers - a bit silly really. But nevermind lol. 

We first entered the "Lowland House" where you can see loads of nice plants - e.g. a giant fern or a cocoa tree.

Unfortunately we couldn't find the invertebrates in their terrarium so we went to the next area called "Amazonica House". In this part there are a few more animals to see - even a few ones flying or crawling around freely e.g. lizards and partridges.

Among others we also saw tortoises, a dwarf crocodile and a really big bird-eating spider - very hairy but I really wouldn't want to cuddle it. 

My little one had a great time and was fascinated by some of the birds making a lot of noise and the little monkeys. As it was quite hot we went to the little cafe after exploring. Tea and cake were really nice :-). Afterwards we went outside to try out the play area which was fun too - they've got play equipment for toddlers and older children. 

So I definitely recommend the Living Rainforest for a nice chilled day out with your family - we went during the week where there were only a few people so it might be a lot busier on weekends. We will come back this year as I'd like to see the butterflies and the giant amazon water lily. 

Who would like to join us?

Cinnamon x