Hawkins On The Move, Barry (2025)

08/04/2025

Feeling totally at home in luxury…

A couple of weeks ago we stayed at the stunning Lodges, nestled in the peaceful countryside near Oxford and the Cotswolds — and honestly, we didn’t want to leave.

From swans gliding across the lake, deer quietly roaming, and birds swooping through the fresh countryside air… it was pure magic. The lodge itself was next-level luxury — high-spec interiors, total tranquillity, and a space that instantly felt like ours.

We spent our days exploring local dog walks, breathing in the fresh air, and wandering around the huge lake (we’re heading back next week for a bit of canoeing too!).

This isn’t just a stay — it’s a lifestyle. And guess what? These beautiful lodges are also available to buy. Imagine this as your weekend retreat… or even your forever home.

Would you live here part-time, full-time… or just book it again and again like we plan to?

05/04/2025

March has been Crazy for us, we have visited so many new places. We got to take our pups on an adventure, we visited new restaurants and coffee shops and explored our local area.

Here are some of the amazing businesses that we are supporting with pride, go check them out go and visit you will not be disappointed!

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9. .muud.studio
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10/03/2025

Outdoor Classroom Kinda Monday

Carmen desired a space where she could connect with nature, learn about animals, and enjoy time with friends—and this local gem always delivers perfectly for us!

Highlights of Our Visit:
• Interactive Animal Encounters: We delighted in close-up interactions, even having the chance to hold a gecko!
• Playground Fun: The outdoor play area is due to being upgraded, promising even more excitement for future visits.
• Café Delights: We savored lovely coffees in their newly refurbished café, adorned with a hand-painted mural crafted by a dedicated volunteer over the past year.
• Nature Trails: Exploring the woodland trails and observing the bustling vegetable patch added an educational touch to our adventure.

Visitor Information:
• Entry Fees: Adults and children over 2: £5.50 (including a donation) or £5.00 (without a donation). Children under 2 enter free.
• Parking: Ample free parking is available on-site.

07/03/2025

We got up close with some incredible animals , explored the stunning grounds, and made memories we’ll never forget. Just look at these beautiful shots—how amazing are they?! 😍

Have you been to Noah’s Ark before? What’s your favorite animal to see there? Or maybe you’ve tried one of their amazing experiences—tell me all about it in the comments! 👇🐘🦒🐅

If you haven’t been yet, it’s definitely one for the bucket list! Who would you take with you? 🦓🐾💕 ”

16/02/2025

“An unforgettable adventure 🦁✨ We got up close and personal with some of the most beautiful animals, explored the stunning Safari Lodges, and soaked up the fun of the rides and attractions! 🎢🐘

From the incredible safari drive-through to wandering through the Ice Age & Dinosaur exhibits, every moment was magical—we can’t wait to return! 🦒💫

Have you been yet? Let me know your favorite part! 👇🏼🐾

14/01/2025

“Snowy days, endless laughter, and memories to last a lifetime! ❄️✨

We recently hired toboggans from Sölle Sport in Nassfeld, Austria, and it couldn’t have been easier. 🛷 For just €6, we booked, picked up, and hit the slopes in no time. The process is super simple:
✅ Check-in
✅ Pay
✅ Grab your toboggan and go!

The kids had an absolute blast, and we loved every second of racing down the slopes as a family. 🏔️💨 It’s moments like these that remind us how special family adventures can be.

If you’re visiting Nassfeld, don’t miss out on Sölle Sport—they’ve got everything you need for winter fun, from toboggans to skis, snowboards, and all the gear to make your trip unforgettable.

Have you tried tobogganing yet? Let us know your favorite snowy activity! 🛷❄️”

06/01/2025

First day in Austria was amazing! ❄️🎿

Carmen had the best time expanding on her skiing techniques, and her confidence soared as she made it all the way to the top of the mountain with her coach, who was fantastic at accommodating our language. She came back beaming, smiling from ear to ear, after a day filled with fun, learning, and new friendships.

Not only did she improve her skiing skills, but she also got to interact with children from different countries, learning bits of their languages and soaking in the international atmosphere. The team even taught her about the mountain and safety, making it a truly enriching experience.

We couldn’t recommend enough—they’ve made her first day at ski school experience unforgettable! We’re so excited for her to head back tomorrow for more fun on the slopes. ⛷️✨

28/12/2024

✨ What a night Festive Feastival!

From incredible food to the magical atmosphere, this event truly knows how to bring people together.

Street Food Circus never fails to surprise us with their creativity and energy—every event is a new adventure!

Whether it’s festive fun or summer vibes, their events are always a highlight of the year. 🌟

If you’ve never been, make sure you catch their next one—you won’t regret it! 🙌

27/12/2024

✨ Capturing the Magic 🎅📸

Last weekend, we experienced the true magic of Christmas at Cantref Adventure Farm, and these photos perfectly capture the joy, wonder, and festive spirit of the day! 🎄❄️

From meeting Father Christmas himself 🎅 to creating cherished memories with gingerbread making 🍪, snowball fights ❄️, and festive crafts 🎨, every moment was simply magical.

Cantref’s Christmas Adventure isn’t just an event; it’s an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, excitement, and heartwarming moments for the whole family. 🥰

🌟 Every little detail was perfect – from the enchanting Christmas decorations to the smiles on everyone’s faces. If you’re looking for a festive day out, this is the place to be!

Have you visited yet? Let us know your favorite Cantref Christmas moment below! ✨👇

24/12/2024

✨ An Enchanting Night with ! ❄️

We were transported to a magical winter wonderland at The Snow Queen in the stunning Spiegeltent at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff – and WOW, what an experience! 🌟

From the moment we stepped inside the beautifully lit tent, it felt like we’d entered another world. The show itself was breathtaking – a heartwarming tale of friendship, courage, and love, all brought to life with stunning performances, mesmerizing music, and enchanting costumes. 🎭

🍴 Before the show, we enjoyed festive treats and hot chocolates that added to the cozy, Christmassy vibes.

We couldn’t recommend The Snow Queen enough. It’s running until 31st December, so grab your tickets before they’re gone – this is one Christmas experience you don’t want to miss! 🎄

Visit cardiffchristmasfestival.co.uk for more details and tickets! 🎅

17/12/2024

🌊 Coastal Christmas Fun with 🌊

On Monday, we joined Beach Academy Wales for their Coastal Christmas Craft Session – a perfect blend of hands-on learning and creative fun! 🎄

After a stroll along the beach collecting driftwood and other treasures, we headed to the hall to craft unique, eco-friendly Christmas gifts. It was a fantastic way to combine creativity, community, and education about our oceans. 🌍

Why join?
✔️ Learn about marine life and environmental conservation.
✔️ Spark creativity with nature-inspired crafts.
✔️ Be part of a supportive home-ed community.

📌 Get involved!
Beach Academy Wales offers incredible opportunities like Home Education sessions and beach cleanups, teaching kids to care for our oceans while having a blast.

👉 Interested? Visit to find out more and join the fun!

16/12/2024

The Ultimate Festive Shopping Trip 🎄

We popped into Pugh’s to stock up on Christmas decoration essentials, and WOW, we were absolutely blown away! From stunning table displays to festive foodie treats (perfect for gifting!), the entire shop is a winter wonderland.

After exploring, we stopped at The Orange Tree for the most delicious hot chocolate and wreath cake, followed by a bit of creative fun with the kids and their festive colouring sets.

Before leaving, we couldn’t resist snapping a pic at the giveaway station and having a little mooch around the beautifully decorated shop.

✨ Pugh’s never fails to get us in the Christmas spirit, and visiting has become a tradition for our family. ✨

If you’re looking for festive inspo, unique gifts, or simply a magical trip out with the family, head to Pugh’s Garden Village this Christmas—you won’t regret it!

🎅 When are you visiting? Let us know your favorite part of Pugh’s in the comments below!

05/12/2024

“The weather outside is frightful, but inside it’s delightful!”

With the fire roaring and our Christmas decorations starting to go up, we’ve pulled out our favorite game, The Genius Star

The kids have been thoroughly entertained, and we can’t stop playing—it’s so much fun for the whole family. It really gets our brains working and keeps everyone on their toes. This game travels everywhere with us, and we absolutely love it!

Perfect for cosy nights like this! Who has played it & what’s are your thoughts?

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02/12/2024

🚂✨ We’re still not over our magical trip on

The kids haven’t stopped talking about it, and honestly, neither have we. From hot chocolate and cookies to meeting Santa himself, it was everything we dreamed of and more.

This is the Christmas night out every family needs—it’s pure festive magic. 🎄❄️

If you’re looking to make unforgettable memories this holiday season, don’t wait! Head to their page and book your tickets now before they sell out. 🎟️

28/11/2024

Lighting Up The Diff 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Kept the Last Picture till Last SWIPE ➡️

PR | INVITE

21/11/2024

A Family Taster Bouldering Session at

A fantastic introduction to indoor climbing for families looking to try something active, fun, and engaging together. These sessions are designed for beginners, making them suitable for adults and children aged 7 and up. Here’s what you need to know:

What to Expect:

ℹ️ Guided Experience: A trained instructor will guide your family through the basics of bouldering, including safety tips, climbing techniques, and how to use the facility.
ℹ️ Equipment Provided: Climbing shoes are required and available for hire at £3.50 per person. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity.
ℹ️ Inclusive Fun: The session is great for building confidence, problem-solving, and teamwork—perfect for family bonding.

Duration & Cost:

ℹ️ The session lasts about an hour and costs £17 per person. It’s an affordable way to test the waters and see if climbing is right for your family.

Why Choose Flashpoint Swansea?

ℹ️ Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The bouldering walls are tailored to different skill levels, so there’s something for everyone.
ℹ️ Rainy-Day Activity: A perfect indoor option for those wet weather days.
ℹ️ Educational Benefits: The session encourages critical thinking, coordination, and physical fitness, making it an excellent addition to homeschooling activities.

Location:

Flashpoint Swansea is located at Parc Tawe Retail Park, easily accessible with on-site amenities like a café for post-climb refreshments .

For more details or to book your family session, visit their website!

16/11/2024

Meeting in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Christmas Magic today, it was pure festive joy! We had the most magical time at The Christmas event. The kids sent their letters to Santa, met the incredible Bryn the Polar Bear (he’s so cuddly!), and were welcomed by Santa’s cheerful elves. With yummy treats in hand and holiday tunes in the air, it was a day to remember.

The highlight? The excitement of posting our letter to Santa and exploring the beautiful store. We’re now counting down the days to The Snow Queen event in Cardiff! Seeing Bryn again in such a magical setting is going to be unforgettable.

🎟️ Have you booked your tickets yet? Don’t miss out on this enchanting Christmas experience – perfect for the whole family!

📍 Cardiff Christmas Festival – Spiegel Theatre, Sophia Gardens
📅 Thursday 12th to 31st December 2024

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05/11/2024

Bonfire Night is here, but instead of braving the chilly outdoors, we’re staying cozy at home to ensure our dogs stay calm and happy. 🎇

But who says you can’t have fun indoors? We pulled out our favorite game from the , and let me tell you, it’s been a hit! The kids are thrilled, and we’ve had such a blast together. This game is more than just a distraction; it’s become a staple for our family fun nights.

Highly recommend this for any family looking to add some excitement to their evenings, especially if you’ve got little ones or fur babies who need extra love during noisy nights.

Plus, it’s compact enough to join us on our travels! 🌍🐾

Have you tried any games from the ? Let us know your favorites below! 💬

Hawkins On The Move