A cracking afternoon and evening out in Barcelona! We kicked things off at the Science Museum—such a fun and fascinating visit, especially the amazing Pixar exhibition. Everyone loved it!
Huge thanks to Judith and Joel for playing host. It’s been so lovely catching up after all these years—just like no time had passed.
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Bit of a slower pace today after yesterday’s busy zoo adventure. We left camp and took a twenty-minute stroll down to the beach for a lovely, chilled-out afternoon. Plenty of sunshine and sea air—though Lyndsey did manage to burn her feet, making the walk back a bit more eventful than planned!
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Back into Barcelona today for an absolutely amazing day at the zoo! We had such a great time exploring and spotting all the animals. Sadly, the big cats decided to stay hidden in the heat (can’t really blame them!), but we loved seeing the red panda and giraffes—definite highlights!
After a busy day on our feet, we wrapped things up with a refreshing half-hour splash in the pool. The perfect way to cool off and wind down!
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A little adventure today! We hopped on the bus from just outside the campsite into Sitges, then caught another one to Vilanova i la Geltrú for some sightseeing around one of the local cities.
It was great to explore somewhere new—wandering the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, and seeing a different side of the area. A lovely mix of old charm and local life. Always fun getting out and about!
Continue readingA gorgeous day spent exploring some of Barcelona’s most iconic spots—La Rambla, the markets, and the winding lanes of the Gothic Quarter. So picturesque and full of character around every corner.
Hard to believe it’s been 17 years since David and I were last here—and this time we got to share it all with the family. We even made a stop at the beautiful Arc de Triomf, just like we did back then.
The Lego Store was a huge hit—we spent a good chunk of time in there and (somehow!) escaped with only small purchases. Oliver was in his element when we popped into the Barcelona FC Store… safe to say that visit made his day!
Such a fun mix of nostalgia, new memories, and all the Barcelona charm.
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We visited Sitges today and had a fantastic lunch at La Oca, a family-run spot known for its Catalan cuisine. The rotisserie chicken was absolutely delicious. The boys opted for pizza and declared it the best ever, already asking to return another night!
After a day of exploring, we spent the evening relaxing on the verandah. Even as the sun set, it was still a warm 27°C—a perfect end to a lovely day.
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With a little help from Joel and Judith, we managed to visit a castle today—Castell de Castelldefels. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the coast, this historic fortress dates back to the 10th century and offers stunning views from its terrace. The castle is more than just a historic site; it’s a cultural complex featuring the interactive ‘Piratia’ experience, which immerses visitors in the world of piracy through audio-visual and interactive elements.
Thank you so much, Joel and Judith, for the transportation and hospitality. It was lovely to see you both and share this memorable experience together.
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We had a lovely day enjoying the sunshine and making the most of the outdoors. Lewis is getting more confident in the water, which is great to see. Later, we found a wee park—Jardins de Terramar—for a kickabout with Oliver. The park is a beautiful green space with a pond, shaded paths, and a small play area, perfect for families. While there, we spotted a couple of red squirrels darting through the trees, which was a delightful surprise.
Jardins de Terramar is a Noucentista-style park, designed in the 1920s, offering a peaceful retreat with Mediterranean vegetation. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.
After our time at the park, we returned to the pool for some more fun in the water. It’s been a day full of simple pleasures and quality family time.
Continue readingWe had an absolute blast today soaking up the sunshine and making the most of the pool. The kids were full of energy, diving, splashing, and playing their favourite games. Lewis is getting more confident in the water, which is great to see. It’s always wonderful to see them enjoying the water and each other’s company.
After a day of fun and laughter, we wrapped up with some refreshing drinks and snacks by the poolside. It was the perfect way to cool down and reflect on a day well spent.
Looking forward to more days like this, filled with sunshine, laughter, and family fun.
What a gorgeous start to our time in Sitges! We kicked off the day with some fun at the beach, enjoying the soft sand and the refreshing Mediterranean waters.
After soaking up the sun, we strolled along the palm-lined Passeig Marítim, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and exploring the charming old town. The historic buildings and narrow streets added a touch of magic to our walk.
By the end of the day, we had clocked up an impressive 21,000 steps! Despite feeling a bit knackered, we managed to squeeze in some time at the pool before grabbing a late dinner. The kids still had energy to burn, so we wrapped up the evening with some fun at the park.
A perfect blend of relaxation and adventure to kick off our holiday.
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We’re off on our adventure to Camping El Garrofer in Sitges, just an hour out of Barcelona. We arrived and by 5pm , we were already hitting the pool and lounging under the sun. The campsite’s pool complex is fantastic, featuring a main pool, children’s pool, slides, a waterfall and jacuzzi. There’s also a sunbathing area with loungers and umbrellas, perfect for relaxing after the journey.
Now, we’re sitting and relaxing on the veranda, and it’s still toasty. Looking forward to the days ahead!
Continue readingToday’s trip took us to Carlisle, a city we’ve visited a few times before, but this time we decided to skip the usual visit to the Castle and explore a little more of the town instead.
We kicked off our adventure at Bitts Park, which is just behind the Castle. The boys were absolutely delighted when they saw the park—it’s a fantastic spot for families! The climbing frame with slides, the gym equipment, the flying fox, and even a water park made it a great place to let off some steam. We even had a picnic here, so we were able to fully enjoy the park for quite a while. If you’re ever in the area and looking for somewhere to keep the kids entertained, this park is definitely worth a visit.
After finally prising the boys away from the park, we strolled into the town center, passing a monument of Queen Victoria along the way. The monument is a nice historical touch to the walk, adding a bit of culture before we reached the heart of the town.
Once in the town center, we couldn’t resist a little break and stopped by a quaint square where we treated ourselves to a Costa—because sometimes, nothing beats a warm drink while watching the world go by. The boys also got a chance to spend some of their pennies in The Entertainer, which, as you can imagine, was a big hit.
Our final stop for the day was the Cathedral, a place we’ve always wanted to explore in more detail. It was as stunning as we remembered, and the boys enjoyed a treasure hunt inside, which kept them engaged while we wandered around. One of the most impressive sights was the sheer size of the organ—it was absolutely massive! We all agreed that it would have been amazing to hear it played, but even just admiring it from afar was a treat.
All in all, it was a lovely, relaxed day spent exploring a familiar city in a new way. Whether it’s the fun of Bitts Park, a quiet moment with a Costa, or the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cathedral, Carlisle proved once again to be a perfect spot for a family day out.
Gilchrist Family Adventures 