The Sledmere Deer Safari over May half term at Sledmere House was magical. When the opportunity comes up again, you must go.
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You sit sideways on in a large trailer pulled along by a tractor, so you get a fabulous view. There are hundreds of deer, so don’t be thinking you might spot one haring off into the distance, you will see lots and lots of them – I (pinky) promise! They are relatively tame and will come right up and follow the tractor.
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What I didn’t expect to see were tiny little fawns dotted here and there on their own, curled up like cats in the grass. There were lots of these quite well hidden, though we had a good view from higher up than your average predator would!
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Sledmere Deer Safari
My son chose that moment to ask:
“Mummy, is it Bambi’s Mum or Dad that dies in the fire?”
We saw a fawn that had been born just five minutes before, struggling to stand on its long shaky legs. Beside him stood another doe in the process of bringing another little Bambi into the world, which was evidenced by the long fawn legs sticking out from her rear as we watched. The children were, as you can imagine, fascinated. “Do baby deer come out of lady deer’s bottoms Mummy?”
Sledmere Stables
After the deer safari we had a wander round the Sledmere Stables. The girls in there were very friendly and brought a horse out for us to see. They had a bucket of brushes and encouraged the children to groom the horse. There are a few fun photo opportunities in the stables with clothes to dress up in and ‘horses’ and ‘carriages’ to pose with.
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Sledmere House Playground
We also visited the playground which has been extended since last year with more things for younger ones. There are mini ride on tractors, a climbing area and a sandpit. The new bits are fantastic for preschoolers.
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Make sure you have a wander round the beautiful gardens, including a lovely walled garden where they often have a children’s craft tent on summer event days. If you want to visit the house there is a children’s activity sheet with a treasure trail to spot things. My two always enjoy those.
Sledmere House Events
Sledmere House run many special events throughout the year, so do have a look to see what is on at Easter, Halloween and Christmas for example. Sledmere House fireworks around the 5th of November are magnificent, and also keep an eye out for the date of the Sledmere House Nostalgia Weekend.
Where to eat?
Sledmere has a pretty cafe, but there can be a wait when it is busy so try and sit outside with little ones so they can run around while you wait. There is also a nice farm and plant shop to visit. We didn’t go into the house on this occasion but my children have enjoyed their treasure trail there in the past.
A family ticket (two adults, two children) for the gardens and stables is £18, if you include the house as well it is £22. Children under 5 are free. See admission prices here.
Like Sledmere House? Then try:
Beningbrough Hall
http://yorkshirewonders.co.uk/beningbrough-hall
Burton Agnes Hall
http://yorkshirewonders.co.uk/burton-agnes-hall-east-yorkshire
Burnby Hall Gardens
http://yorkshirewonders.co.uk/burnby-hall-gardens
Castle Howard
http://yorkshirewonders.co.uk/castle-howard
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Wow! So much to do! I love the kids questions to the fawns being born and Bambi related questions, haha! It sounds like you had a great time and that playground looks amazing! Thanks for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
It really is a fabulous event to visit!
Awww what a lovely adventure! I havent seen a deer up close and now I am aching to see one! Thanks for sharing. #whatevertheweather
This looks like a great day out. I live in Yorkshire too and hadn’t heard of this, but I’ve just been on their website to find out more details of their events. Thanks for sharing. #whatevertheweather
Yes, they do lots of lovely events. We are not far away from there so I try and do all the events if I can! They do nice Halloween things and had an amazing fireworks display last year too.
The fawns are beautiful. I’m amazed you were able to get so close! #Whatevertheweather
So was I – I was stunned by it all really!