A bright but very cold and icy morning set the scene for the Animal Parks Christmas Craft Fair. As we arrived through the driveway we were greeted by a spectacular winter view across the valley to practically glacial Chew Lake on one side and all the animals enjoying the winter sunshine on the other. Walking through the main doors and the warmth we were greeted with in abundance of Christmas and a smell of hot chocolate and coffee.

As we queued to pay to get in we chatted with the first few stall holders selling their wares. There were handmade crafts and books and beautiful displays from the resident florist. Our first encounter was with the lovely lady from small print who makes beautiful keepsake jewellery using footprints or fingerprints of your loved one and presses them into silver.

First for me though was a much needed coffee so I wandered through the stalls to the bustling restaurant where I enjoyed my drink and a freshly made pizza for my lunch. Crafted for all to see by the owner Gary and using only fresh produce, the pizza did not disappoint. Although I could have easily shared it, my belly got the better of me and I devoured the lot.

Fed and watered I decided to have a look at the crafts, after all that’s what I came to see, especially with the hope of getting a head start on the Christmas gifts.

As I stopped at each stall and chatted with the stall holders I was made aware of all the talented local people of the Chew Valley area. From the gentleman who made things with wood, to silversmiths, gifts and glass wares. Homemade and healthy treats for your four legged friends and soaps that smelt like you could eat them.

I chatted a while to a stall holder who organises the Christmas tractor run who explained their fundraising this year was to try and fund a course for teachers to be trained in grief counselling in the local primary schools. A very worthwhile cause and sadly one that is required more than any of us would like. (For more information on the tractor run and to find out where you can see these brightly lit and festive tractors visit www.chewvalleytractorexpress.com)

After a looking at the craft stalls we decided to make the most of the sunshine and have a wander around the animals. Strangely, they seemed to be enjoying the sub zero temperatures of the day and were happy to be wandering around their enclosures. The goats as always were incredibly over excited and eager to break through the fences in the hope that you had a tiny bit of food they could eat. They never fail to amuse me with their antics.

A visit to the barn and small animals was lovely and the little boy who had more fun playing in the straw than looking at the animals was what looked like a relief to his mum when the staff were handing out rats to hold.

Finally, after making our way around all the animals and speaking to the keepers about each of the animals they look after, another much needed cup of coffee in the restaurant was drunk to warm us up before the long journey home. As always, we left feeling relaxed and in the Christmas spirit after a great day out enjoying this wonderful place.

If you are looking for something to do in the Chew Valley area that’s pure, wholesome fun with no stress and beautiful views, this is the place to go. Its cost effective and very, very enjoyable.