Summer Fun with the grandchildren

Mummy and Daddy were invited to a 40th birthday party weekend so Chloe and Jamie came to stay.

 

We decided to take them to the Hythe Pier Railway.  Hythe is a small town in the New Forest perched on the edge of Southampton water.  The ferry runs every half hour from Hythe Pier to Southampton Town Quay, a relatively short journey of just less than two miles by sea.
Hythe Pier is slightly different to other ferry piers though because when you arrive at Hythe you are greeted by the sight of a 2ft Gauge railway that runs the entire 640 m length from the shore to the pier head.

A Southampton-Hythe ferry was first recorded over 400 years ago, but it wasn't until 1881 that the present pier was opened for business.  A hand propelled Narrow Gauge railway was built on the pier in 1909, and was electrified in 1922.  It has been operating ever since and is the longest continuously running pier train in the UK.  Originally battery powered, they were used in the Mustard Gas factory in Avonmouth during World War 1.  Amazing that the train is still operating after nearly 100 years of service, day in, day out.  A testament to our industrial heritage.

There have been many visitors to the train over the years but a small wooden 'bump' in one carriage marks the visit by King George V1 in 1944.  Unfortunately, the associated brass work has been lost, but the wooden stand remains.  "King George VI sat here" is pretty much all we can say.

The ferry sails right past the berth of Queen Elizabeth.

The next day we spent the day at Adventure Wonderland.

They loved it and it wasn't very busy so the queues were tiny.

Yes the park has seen better days, could do with a lick of paint.  However, the grandchildren don't see this.  They see colour.  Fun rides, ice-cream and water.

Chloe loves the Runaway train (went on it 6 times) and today she loved the new water flume ride.
Grandad got drenched!

The maze is brilliant.  In the past Nanna has got lost and needed rescuing but this time Grandad took control and they soon understood "Keep turning left".

And we all enjoyed our "posh" picnic.  Introduced Chloe and Jamie to Nutella!!!

Sunday morning was hot and sunny so we strolled down to our beach.

Then Mummy very kindly invited us over for a delicious barbeque dinner and birthday cake.