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| Oh Christmas Tree |
Before we got to Coombe Mill Fiona asked if we wanted a real or fake tree - when we arrive it was here complete with lights and a box filled with tinsel, baubles and a stuffed santa for us to decorate. It's the biggest tree I've ever had and it was just such a lovely touch that really made our stay feel very Christmassy indeed. That and the log burner - which we never really got the hang of lighting, but it was so warm it didn't really matter.
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| My little tractor driver with Fiona |
Of course some things are the same as when we stayed in the Summer like the feed run which takes place every morning - except Saturday which is changeover day and is slightly later on Christmas Day, but more about that soon. My boy loves many things about being here, but the main ones are driving the tractor and the train ride every afternoon. As he is an old hand he was not shy about putting himself forward to drive and he was lucky to do all the driving on our first day as we were amongst the first guests to arrive so there wasn't too much competition for the job.
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| Seasonal train shed |
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| My little signal man |
The train is driven by Guy who is one of Fiona's sons and he's really great with the small children. He helps them onto the train and assists them with important jobs like running the signals and flags. When we went to the Christingle Service on Christmas Eve our boy was so excited to see his hero Guy doing a reading in church. At Christmas the train undergoes a seasonal transformation with twinkly lights and also a visit from a special guest on Christmas Eve.
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| Beautiful sunny Christmas eve in Cornwall |
One of the things that some people asked was, what will the weather be like in Cornwall at Christmas ? I guess they were expecting it to be cold or wet, but actually it looked like this on Christmas Eve. Gorgeous and sunny and nice enough for the kids to play outdoors until quite late.
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| Feeding a sheep |
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| Petting the donkeys |
On Christmas Day the feed run is an hour later starting at ten so the animals are more vocal that usual and I can imagine they are saying, "what time do you call this ?" Also, Farmer Nick wears a seasonal costume for the Christmas feed run which does jolly things along as all the children come along in brand new jumpers, boots and - in our son's case - Spiderman hat complete with eyeholes.
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| Spidey and Santa: a super combination |
Our boy loves this sword that is embedded in a stone on the farm. I suspect he was hoping his Spidey powers would help, but alas the sword would not budge. He took a photo of Mummy having a go too and I was just as unsuccessful as he was.
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| Grr, using Spidey powers to pull out the sword |
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| Mummy trying too |
We've now stayed at Coombe Mill in the Summer and the Winter and it's been wonderful both times. I can highly recommend it to families with small children who are active and inquisitive whether they love animals or not. There is plenty to do and lots of space to play and our boy makes new friends every time he stays. Nick, Fiona and the children make such an effort to make you feel welcome it's not like you're a 'guest,' but more like you're amongst friends. I really hope we get to stay again.
This post is shared with the #countrykids linky hosted by the lovely Fiona of Coombe Mill - we are biased, but we love it there :)
