NAMASTE, AND WELCOME TO
Playing In Nature
Foster a Love for Nature & Travel Blog
Playing In Nature is a passion project blog of mine. That is focused on inspiring other families to disconnect from their daily lives and foster a love for nature. My blog shares a variety of blog posts and guides to help your family get outdoors and plan your trips safely as well as some travel destinations in and around the UK.
I hope that through my tips and resources we all can inspire other families to foster a love for nature in themselves and their children too. Let’s start a generation trend of loving, caring for and respecting Mother Nature.
Where would you like to go?
Namaste, I'm Charmaine Howard
I'm the storyteller behind Playing In Nature. I am a wife, business owner, fur baby mother and an absolute fanatic about Nature and treating her respectfully. Through my blog, I hope to help families of all ages foster a deep love and respect for Mother Nature, and inspire families to spend more time outdoors or just connect to it as best as they can.
I absolutely love permaculture and holistic land management and what they stand for and do when implemented correctly and fully. My goal is to share my love of nature with you, give you tips, and guides and increase your nature knowledge.
I am currently based in the UK, living in a caravan with my husband and fur baby. We are traversing the whole of the UK, with Scotland, Ireland and hopefully the Isle of man as well. Such Fun!
Lanhydrock House and Gardens – Victorian Splendour in the Cornish Countryside
A Step Back in Time
In the heart of Cornwall’s countryside, near Bodmin, stands Lanhydrock House and Gardens — one of the National Trust’s crown jewels. This grand Victorian estate tells the story of a Cornish family across centuries, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the elegance and hardship of a bygone age.
Exploring the Estate
Wander through over 50 rooms, from the opulent Long Gallery and family bedrooms to the kitchens and servant quarters that paint a vivid picture of life below stairs. Each room feels alive with history, carefully preserved to reflect the house as it was in the late 19th century.
Outside, the formal gardens bloom with colour through spring and summer, framed by wooded parkland perfect for picnics and gentle walks. The riverside trails and cycle routes through the estate make it ideal for families and nature lovers.
Facilities and Family Fun
Lanhydrock offers a welcoming café, shop, and cycle hire centre. It’s also dog-friendly in many areas, making it a great day out for everyone.
Address: Lanhydrock House and Gardens, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5AD
Top Tips for Visiting Lanhydrock
Allow half a day to explore the house and grounds.
Visit in spring for bluebells and blooming gardens.
Hire bikes to explore the estate’s woodland trails.
Check opening times – the house and garden hours differ seasonally.
Bring a picnic for a peaceful riverside lunch.
Conclusion
Lanhydrock is more than a house — it’s a living story of Cornwall’s past, set amid some of its most beautiful countryside. With its grand halls, fragrant gardens, and gentle trails, it’s a place that invites you to slow down, explore, and imagine another time.
I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO MY PODCAST
Chats with Charmaine
This podcast is a way for me to express myself, as my husband will tell you, I have many thoughts, ideas and I suppose beliefs about how life could be better for us all, now and in the long run. How we as a species need to become more conscious so that all life on Earth can live in harmony, supporting and nourishing each other in turn.
I am open to podcast, topics of discussion and thoughts or questions that have been hounding you.
I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO MY CHANNEL
Playing In Nature
This channel is a way for me to visually express myself, as my husband will tell you, I have many thoughts, ideas and I suppose beliefs about how life could be better for us all, now and in the long run. How we as a species need to become more conscious so that all life on Earth can live in harmony, supporting and nourishing each other in turn.
I am open to video ideas, topics of discussion and thoughts or questions that have been hounding you.
If you’re like us, there’s a yearning inside of you to connect with nature. You’re tired of life in the hamster wheel and you want to reclaim a little freedom.
To explore either by yourself or with the whole family. No matter where or how far away from home you may go; it does not matter.
Opening your heart up to nature is all that matter