Monkey Forest & Llangollen Canal with Jamie & Netty

 Monkey Forest & Llangollen Canal 

Brighter skies greeted us as we visited Trentham Monkey Forest, home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques. Walking quietly among them was a magical experience, especially watching mothers carry their babies and seeing the troop gather during feeding time. 

Friday brought blue skies and a journey into Wales to the picturesque town of Llangollen. From there, we boarded the Thomas Telford for a canal cruise, drifting peacefully through stunning scenery. The highlight was crossing the awe-inspiring Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, soaring 126 feet above the River Dee. Walking back across its narrow footpath was thrilling and unforgettable. 

The following day offered a different perspective on the canal with a traditional horse-drawn boat ride. Rain couldn’t spoil the gentle charm of the canal journey as Dakota the horse calmly guided us along the waterway, his steady clip-clop echoing under bridges. 

We stepped back in time at the Black Country Living Museum. Spread across 26 acres, the museum brought history to life with costumed characters, reconstructed homes, and bustling shops from different eras. From stern Victorian schoolmasters to 1960s newsagents filled with nostalgic comics, every corner sparked conversation and memories. Some of the group braved the underground coal mine experience, gaining a powerful insight into the harsh conditions miners once endured.

The day continued with friendly competition at a ten-pin bowling alley. There were some great shots and even a few strikes! 

We explored the Llangollen Motor Museum, packed with vintage cars, motorcycles, and fascinating memorabilia. 


Sunday took us to RAF Cosford, where aviation history unfolded across vast hangars filled with remarkable aircraft. From rare wartime planes to the immersive Red Arrows 4D experience, there was plenty to fascinate everyone. A Battle of Britain commemoration added an extra sense of occasion, complete with souvenirs and even gold medals for paper aeroplane efforts.

Returning to the farm, we were once again welcomed by Snowy and Poppy, before coming together to prepare and enjoy a magnificent Sunday roast. 

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