Bagthorpes Abroad

"Bagthorpes Abroad" is a children's novel by Helen Cresswell, first published in 1984. It is the fifth book in The Bagthorpe Saga.

In the book, it starts out with the Bagthorpe children checking their report cards and forges them. It turns out they have been doing this for years. Meanwhile, Mr Bagthorpe sets off to write a script about ghosts (being the new trend) and decides to get inspiration from renting a haunted house for the summer holidays. After some mis-understanding, Henry's family realizes that 'abroad' is Wales. With Mrs Fosdyke tagging along with her portable pantry, the latter arrives at Ty Cillion Duon (they later find out that this means 'House of Black Corners'). The house has huge holes in the roof, a blackened sink in the 'kitchen', and of course, ghosts. The Bagthorpes never actually see the ghosts, but do feel them.

Later, to Mr Bagthorpe's fury, they find that Uncle Parker, Aunt Celia, and Daisy (with Billy Goat Gruff) are staying in a luxurious castle hotel two minutes away. Daisy spends much time at the Bagthorpes' 'holiday home' trying to find dragons (which involves sprinkling meths known as 'dragon water' to Daisy all over the house).