Longer, brighter days are finally here!  I’ve certainly a new ‘Spring’ in my step.  I love this time of year; gardens are blooming, lambs are jumping in the fields, and there’s plenty of Easter treats in my kitchen ready for the holidays. It’s also a beautiful time of year to take my boys out to enjoy my favourite family walks, all a short distance from my doorstep here in County Tyrone.

Family Walks in Tyrone

Here’s a selection of my favourite places to visit, ideal for a leisurely stroll after a baking or cookery class at Wee Buns Cookery School.

 Ardress House | Image courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

The Argory

I love visiting the historic Argory and its stunning woodland walks. In the Spring, the daffodils and primroses give a pop of colour and bring a smile to my face. And there is always something on. At Easter, you can go on an Easter egg hunt along the family friendly trail or take the River Walk and keep your eyes peeled for Kingfishers.  National Trust members go free.

Peatlands Park

Peatlands Park is just 10 minutes away from my kitchen, with plenty of waymarked trails and boardwalks over the bog. If the weather is good, take a picnic (packed with some of your freshly baked goods from your Wee Buns Cookery Class!), let the children enjoy the playpark, or do some wildlife spotting. Not far from Lough Neagh’s shores, I find it a very tranquil and relaxing place, and entry is free.

Ardress House

This is another nearby National Trust property with a charming farmyard to explore, complete with Apple orchards, old farming equipment, chickens, goats and ponies.  My boys love picking the apples from the orchards we have near to the cookery school and it’s hard to keep them from picking them off the trees here too!

Palace Demesne, Armagh

I always look forward to visiting this wide, open green space in the heart of Armagh city. The Palace Demesne has a great variety of walks and gardens to explore, a cafe, ample car parking, and a fabulous play park that my two boys love. The Palace Stables Square is a beautiful place to sit and enjoy some pleasant weather with a coffee and some cake.

Parkanaur Forest Park 

Parkanaur is a beautiful place to be in Spring with daffodils and rhododendrons in bloom, though the star of the show for me is the majestic herd of Deer. They are sure to be a hit with your family too! It’s a quiet place with gentle woody walks.

I am ‘Good to Go’

Wee Buns Cookery School has been certified with the ‘We’re Good to Go’ award and is compliant with all recommended public health guidance around Covid-19 for your reassurance and safety. We look forward to welcoming visitors back soon.

See you very soon,

Mary Anne