This weekend was set to be sunshine and showers, which is rather annoying when it’s warm and you can’t decide what to wear! Do you wear jeans and have a rain coat in case it rains, or do you go all out and wear your favourite summer dress?
Well I decided to do both, we were visiting an 500 year old house, that looked pretty impressive from the outside, so I decided to wear my new Dickins & Jones maxi dress. It was sunny and warm as we strolled around outside Kinneil House, waiting for our chance to go inside.
Of course I had to pose for a few nice photos of me wearing a summer dress, because, quite frankly, it doesn’t happen often in this country! If you’re looking for a maxi dress yourself, there are a few summer sales around, including at House of Fraser, where this lovely piece came from.
Kinneil House is only open on select days each year, so we arrived early to make sure we could get in. Part of the house had been demolished when they found impressive art work on the walls and ceiling, behind the plaster work. Fortunately they stopped the demolition and now you can visit the remaining area of the building.
I didn’t manage to take any photos of the art work, but it’s some of the oldest, preserved, medieval art work in Scotland. Well worth a look if you can get to another open day.
We also had a look at the Childrens Fair Queen’s dress, robe and crown that were on display. Each year a girl is elected from a local school (the choice of school rotates around each year) to be that years Queen, who has an amazing crowning ceremony and a giant ‘arch’ created in her honour. They are also required to open and attend different events throughout the year.
After a look around the house, we headed back out to the museum, where Mr O set to work building an arch and dressing up as a roman.
Kinneil House is built beside a roman fortlet, that was part of the Antonine wall, so there are a lot of Roman finds in the area.
Unfortunately by the time we had finished in the museum, the rain had started. We had planned going for a walk, but decided to just visit the play park beside the house for a short while instead.
I changed into my jeans and waterproof jacket (I told you I would bring both!) and kitted the boys out in full waterproofs for a quick play in the park before drying off and heading home. And yes, the little one is soaking as he refuses to keep his hood up, even in the heaviest of rain, he’s tough!
A great day out, the walks and museum are open all year round and you can enter the house for free on special open days.
J x
* I received the dress to be featured in this post, however all opinions are my own.
Plutonium Sox says
Ah this looks fab, I love the idea of going for both clothing options, you’re so organised! That dress is just fab!
Nat.x
Mackenzie Glanville says
You look lovely in your summer dress! Weather can be tricky can’t it, right now in Melbourne though it is just cold cold cold! #whatevertheweather
Sarah says
I love historical places, I find it so interesting visiting them. Love your dress too Jenny, it really suits you. Sarah x #WhateverTheWeather
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope) says
I agree with taking advantage of wearing your summer dress as today it wont be possible!
Lovely place and even loveluer dress =)
#whatevertheweather
jeremy@thirstydaddy says
looks really cool. We have a place somewhat similar that we visited last summer, but nowhere near as old. My daughter would love this. #whatevertheweather
Pattertravelers says
I must admit I would have gone for the summer dress myself :). It looks as if there was quite a lot to see! #whatevertheweather
Emma says
Aw the dress looks fab! I’ve never had a maxi dress as im short and I just never feel they suit me so well. I’d have packed some jeans too haha 🙂 the house looks and sounds lovely and its nice to see things geared for the kids aswell – so you get a bit of both worlds – adult and kid fun 🙂 #whatevertheweather
Baby Isabella says
We’re in the same boat – we have no idea what to wear in this weather! It’s so unpredictable as well. Love the Dickins & Jones dress from HofF! Looks like you had a lovely day regardless of the weather 🙂 #WhateverTheWeather x
David Mellor says
The house and museum sound like a great day out. It’s great that the kids can interact with some of the artefacts/displays there as this really engages them. It’s great bein so close to Roman sites too, particularly if you have to travel a long way to make a weekend of it.
Potty Adventures
#whatevertheweather
Lizzie firstooth says
I love that you go out as a family so often. Your dress looked fab soon so it’s such a shame it had to rain but thank goodness you came prepared!! Such cute little kiddies too, rain never puts a little one off from adventures does it #whatevertheweather
Helena says
What a great day out you’ve had. I’ve not been out much at all following a stay in hospital. These open days are definitely worth looking out for. I’m a fan of the Heritage Open Days myself. #whatevertheweather
Adrian Mahoney says
Thanks for such a lovely post about your day at Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness. Kinneil House is open on selected open days – but the museum is open all year round, every afternoon except Tuesdays. For details on both – and other things to see at Kinneil – visit http://www.kinneil.org.uk/attractions …. Best of all, the House, Museum and Estate are FREE to visit.
Jenny Eaves says
You’re welcome, we had a great time. It ‘s a lovely place for a day out!