Walking With the Snowman at Knole Park

The Snowman is one of the great loves of my life. I loved both The Snowman and Father Christmas books by Raymond Briggs and couldn't even try to estimate how many times I've seen The Snowman film. When I heard that Knole Park was putting on a Walking With the Snowman event, I wasted no time in borrowing two children and a baby and we braved the very autumnal weather on Sunday to track all twelve Snowman sculptures down. I'm fairly certain that you will guess the theme and will sing along!

Twelve Drummers Drumming

Twelve Drummers Drumming | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Eleven Pipers Piping

Eleven Pipers Piping | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Ten Lords A-Leaping

Ten Lords A-Leaping | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Nine Ladies Dancing

Nine Ladies Dancing | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

I realise that I've cut off the dancing ladies on my landscape photo. They were very graceful!

Eight Maids A-Milking

Eight Maids A-Milking | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Seven Swans A-Swimming

Seven Swans A-Swimming | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Six Geese A-Laying

Six Geese A-Laying | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Five Gold Rings

Five Gold Rings | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Four Calling Birds

Four Calling Birds | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Three French Hens

Three French Hens | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Two Turtle Doves

Four Calling Birds | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

Detail from two turtle doves sculpture | Walking with the Snowman event

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Partridge in a Pear Tree | Decorated Snowman sculpture from the Walking with the Snowman event

No visit to Knole Park is complete without seeing the deer but I was surprised how few we encountered on this visit. Perhaps it is better to visit Knole Park in summer?

Deer grazing in field at Knole Park

Knole Park has made available a way to visit the park for free. You can park at the Sevenoaks multi-storey car park at TN13 1LW and walk into the grounds.

I would recommend parking at Knole Park itself postcode TN13 1HX but you may need to book ahead. When parking in the grounds, adults are charged £6 each for the Outdoor & Tower and £15 each for the Showrooms, Outdoor & Tower. Children are half price but there are also discounts for families.


This is the part of the post where I normally apologise and make excuses for being so scarce. 2023 has been both the best and worst of years and so all I can say is that I’m trying to catch up with myself and will hopefully be back to regular posts soon.

High Tea at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie and Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg

Interior and signage at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner

It’s been years since I last went for an afternoon tea in Johannesburg. My lovely friend Sarah and I had High Tea at the Palazzo, Montecasino in 2015 and we decided that it was definitely time for another High Tea at the Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie in Hyde Park Corner.

From the first moment you step into Just Teddy, you’re surrounded by calm and tranquillity. I loved the comfortable sofas, flowery decorations and warm welcome that I received on arrival.

Mimosa at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner

We’d opted for the Signature High Tea and were offered a complimentary Mimosa to stimulate our palates. I opted for the alcohol-free Mimosa and it was delicious and very pretty.

Place setting at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner

Gratuitous photo of the place setting. I don't think I've used gold-plated cutlery before!

Three-tier High Tea at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner

Our three-tier high tea soon arrived in a gold-plated birdcage stand. It looked very fancy and we were keen to dig in. I’m sure that you’ve noticed the different order of the tiers and some items that are not traditionally on a high tea stand!

High Tea Savories at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner

Our High Tea was served with a Middle Eastern-inspired Vegetarian Mezze. Can I just say how refreshing it is to have afternoon tea served with something other than sandwiches? My highlights included the beetroot hummus, the baba ghanoush, the buttermilk falafels and the heavenly Lebanese spinach pies.Practically all of it, right? The mezze was definitely my favourite course and I loved that they put on such an impressive spread for vegetarians.

High Tea Scones at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner

The scone experience in South Africa is very different to that in Britain. Our buttermilk scones were served with Chantilly cream and butter, not clotted cream as you would expect, and they are also served with grated cheese. Our scones were freshly baked and delectable.

For me, this was a reminder of a scone experience that used to be the norm for me and I enjoy jam and Chantilly cream, or cheese, on buttermilk scones as much as jam and clotted cream on plain or raisin scones. I would say that jam goes first with Chantilly cream (given the lightness of the cream) whereas clotted cream always goes first for me when I’m in Britain.

Just Teddy also serves cheese & chive scones for those who prefer savoury to sweet.

High Tea Sweets at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner

Just Teddy is known for their incredible selection of French patisserie and, to coin a popular Johannesburg phrase, the sweets were ‘to die for’! I liked the gluten-free carrot cake the most but mainly left the sweets to Sarah (with a take home box for Stephen).

Teapot at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner

Gratutous photo of the teapot. I loved the flowery crockery and the abundance of floral decor at Just Teddy. It was very pretty and relaxing.

We loved our High Tea at Just Teddy and I'm already planning to return with my nieces next time I'm in Jo'burg. They also have a branch in Sandton City, which I'm assuming is more popular as it costs 50% more!

Just Teddy Hyde Park
Shop LM4 - Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre
Corner William Nicole Drive &, Jan Smuts Ave
Hyde Park
2196

+27 10 203 9038
events@justteddy.co.za


Cost: R300 (about £15) per person, booking and 50% prepayment essential

Meeting the Fallow Deer at Knole Park

Male Fallow Deer with palmate antlers grazing against a garden wall at Knole Park

I love deer. I don't remember seeing Bambi in a cinema when I was about 3 years old but my Mum loves telling the story of how I jumped up on my seat at a pivotal moment and shouted, "don't worry Bambi! She'll come back!" And so, for as long as I can remember, I've had an affinity for little spotted deer. On a rare sunny day this summer, I went down to Knole Park to meet the deer. Spoiler: it was marvellous.

Male Fallow Deer with palmate antlers standing against a garden wall at Knole Park

The deer are everywhere at Knole Park. We had barely left the car park before we encountered our first deer grazing by the garden walls.

Male Fallow Deer with palmate antlers walking alongside a garden wall at Knole Park

I loved that there was a ranger nearby, warning people from getting too close to the deer, and advising them to use zoom on their cameras. I very rarely unpack my DSLR for days out and I was so pleased I did so on this occasion.

Male Fallow Deer with palmate antlers grazing against a garden wall at Knole Park

I'm not a fan of zoos or establishments where animals are kept in unnatural environments, but I loved seeing the deer in their natural environment, and felt assured that the team at Knole Park work to put the deer first.

View of the gardens at Knole Park, depicting a herd of fallow deer. Some are running, some are grazing or relaxing in the shade

We learned that the deer at Knole Park are fallow deer (whereas Bambi was a white-tailed deer). I have to admit that I don't know as much about European deer but I can identify most South African antelope on sight.

At times the deer would begin running and chasing each other. I managed to get a tiny bit of iPhone footage which I uploaded on Instagram.

Two Fallow Deer at Knole Park, the male is running to the left of the frame, the female to the right is grazing

We soon wandered off to a shady spot under a tree. We'd brought a picnic so we sat on picnic blankets, ate our lunch and caught up with all our news. It was such a lovely, relaxed vibe.

Several Fallow Deer graze on an incline at Knole Park

It wasn't long before the deer wandered over to graze on the incline in front of us. I could have watched them for hours.

Fallow Deer Stag at Knole Park

Once we finished our picnic, we wandered over to the front of the Knole Park house to choose a walk. We decided on the Family Walk, a 4.5km walk in the grounds. The route is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and was meant to take 1 hour to complete. Spoiler: it took closer to 2 hours on that hot, sunny day!

Fallow Deer relaxing in the shade at Knole Park

As we rounded the garden walls to embark on our walk, we encountered this herd of female deer relaxing in the shade. They had the right idea - it was starting to get very hot indeed.

Lone fallow deer buck at Knole Park

We encountered this lone stag grazing in the shade. Fallow deer have palmate (or hand-shaped) antlers and many of them were shedding their antlers after a spring and summer of growth.

Airplane in the sky at Knole Park

We spotted an airplane up in the sky. England is so beautiful in the sunshine, I'm guessing everybody was out that day.

Massive split tree trunk at Knole Park

The family route is full of trees and rocks for kids to climb. We spotted this tree with a split trunk and were surprised it was still alive.

Facade of Knole Park House

After climbing and running and skipping along the path, our group eventually made it back to the house at Knole Park. We'd promised ice cream as a reward and everyone seemed to get a second wind.

Fallow Deer grazing at Knole Park

I took the opportunity to meet some more deer And eavesdropped as the ranger told a couple about the antlers and how they shed them.

Fallow Deer grazing at Knole Park

Can you believe that I managed to live in Kent for sixteen years and had somehow never visited Knole Park? I loved my visit so much and will definitely return. In fact, they have a Walking with the Snowman event in November to January where kids* can discover 12 giant The Snowman sculptures.

*By 'kids' I include adults, of course. I love The Snowman so much, as much, if not more than Bambi if you base it on how many times I've seen the film.

Knole Park has made available a way to visit the park for free. You can park at the Sevenoaks multi-storey car park at TN13 1LW and walk into the grounds.

I would recommend parking at Knole Park itself postcode TN13 1HX but you may need to book ahead. When parking in the grounds, adults are charged £6 each for the Outdoor & Tower and £15 each for the Showrooms, Outdoor & Tower. Children are half price but there are also discounts for families. Considering how the deer are looked after, plus the pristine condition of the grounds, I'd say this option is worth it.

On the Trail of Morph's Epic Art Adventures in London

Hays Galleria, London with The Navigators sculpture in the foreground

I've been a fan of Morph since I was a little girl and knew that I absolutely needed to visit Morph's Epic Art Adventure in London. It's been ages since I explored an art trail in London and what better excuse to meet up with some friends for a rather rainy wander and lunch?

On Guard Morph by Hannah Lewin

On Guard Morph in Hays Galleria | Morph's Adventures in London

Inspired by the Royal Guards and located in Hays Galleria

The View of the City from Hay's Galleria

The View of the City from Hay's Galleria

One can never take too many photos of this view.

London Parklife Morph by James Daw

London Parklife Morph | Morph's Adventures in London

Inspired by London's parks, which are splendid in summer. Located on the Queen's Walk.

Morpheus by Jodie Silverman

Morpheus by Jodie Silverman | Morph's Adventures in London

Located on the Queen's Walk, just after the HMS Belfast. Inspired by Morpheus, the god of dreams, and looking just like Morph looked in his humble beginnings.

Morph into the Piñataverse by Anthony Rule

Morph into the Piñataverse with City of London in background | Morph's Adventures in London

Featuring characters from Piñata Smashlings and located just outside Groucho.

Morph Over: There's Room for Two! by Mik Richardson

A Morph statue stands on a book bench | Morph's Adventures in London

Harking back to the marvellous Books About Town book benches trail, Rik's design references the trail map for Morph's Epic Art Adventures in London.

The Power of Morphing Communication by Clarke Reynolds, aka The Blind Braille Artist

A Morph statue in Braille suit, sunglasses and a white cane | Morph's Adventures in London

Wearing the artist's iconic Yellow Braille suit, this Morph is a proud visually impaired character. His cane symbolises Morph's independence to walk the trail with his trusted tool. The Blind Braille Artist uses black on yellow as it offers the highest contrast for visually impaired people.

The Messenger Morph by Martin Dougan and John Dougan Nealon

The Messenger Morph with Tower Bridge in background | Morph's Adventures in London

Martin was born with cerebral palsy and has been a lifelong wheelchair user; John is his brother. They used their shared experience to talk to young wheelchair users and their messages about inclusivity feature on this Morph located on the Queens Walk.

Pearly King Morph by Sandra Russell

Pearly King Morph | Morph's Adventures in London

Inspired by the original Pearly King, Henry Croft, a 19th century orphan who raised money for charity by wearing clothes decorated with mother-of-pearl buttons.

Blaze a Trail Morph by Rob Biddulph

Blaze a Trail Morph with Tower Bridge in background | Morph's Adventures in London

Inspired by Biddulph's picture book Odd Dog Out about a daschund who wears a rainbow scarf.

The View of Tower Bridge from Shad Thames

The View of Tower Bridge from Shad Thames | Morph's Adventures in London

Never get tired of this view...

Shad Thames

Shad Thames | Morph's Adventures in London

... or of this place and its connections to Oliver Twist.

Riverside Spirit by Riverside Primary School

Riverside Spirit | Morph's Adventures in London

Located in a shop window in Shad Thames, this mini Morph featured all the favourite songs sung by pupils of Riverside Primary School.

The View of Tower Bridge from Butler's Wharf Chop House

The View of Tower Bridge from Butlers Wharf Chop House | Morph's Adventures in London

It began to pour with rain when we reached Butler's Wharf, so we stopped for a well-earned lunch at Butler's Wharf Chop House. We sat before an open window, watching the rain fall over Tower Bridge, and were given blankets to help warm us up. Summer in England!

Apart Together Morph by Olivia Hylton

Apart Together Morph | Morph's Adventures in London

Located on the More London walkway back to London Bridge, this Morph celebrates London's diversity.

Cactus Morph by Traci Moss

Cactus Morph | Morph's Adventures in London

Located in London Bridge Station, Cactus Morph was inspired by a visit to the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens.

"Me.Here.Now", Installation Artwork by Mark Titchner

Me.Here.Now Art Installation | Morph's Adventures in London

We spotted the new art installation by Mark Titchner. The work features three stainless steel domes. The one pictured above has the words “One foot in front of the other”. The other two say “Only the first step is difficult”, and “The distance means nothing”.

Flower Stall, London Bridge Station

Flower Stall, London Bridge Station | Morph's Adventures in London

Titchner's art installation can be seen in the background, looking past the iconic flower stall at London Bridge Station.

Our School by Grange Primary School

Our School | Morph's Adventures in London

Our final Morph siting was the Our School mini Morph representing all the different nationalities at Grange Primary School.

Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London Auction

The epic adventure is over now and the Morphs will be auctioned on 12 September and online to raise money for Whizz Kids, the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users. Bids start at £3,000 per statue so here's hoping they raise a massive amount of money!