Oh yes we are, even though it is now near the end of June (how the hell did that happen?) haven’t even confirmed where we’re going, let alone booked anything (!) I am determined that whilst Mabel is still um…portable, we should make the most of it and spend a week just the three of us, somewhere lovely.
There are two main things that concern me about a foreign adventure:
a) The amount of stuff we will need to take/think about – all of that sterilisation equipment, car seat, buggy, monitor, 345 muslin cloths…..
I know there are travel organisations that cater specifically for babies and young children but we haven’t been able to find something that suits location wise, everything seems a bit…isolated. Or incredibly expensive.
b) The heat. Mabel does’t like being in the slightest bit warm, her favourite outfit is her birthday suit. And where can you go in July/August where there isn’t the risk of it being really quite hot? I can’t imagine it being much of a break if we are confined to our air conditioned apartment for the majority of our stay.
Perhaps I am just being an over cautious new Mum, I’m not that much of a worrier in general and James and I have always been quite spontaneous/last minute when it comes to getaways but I guess when this incredibly important small person joins the fold your priorities completely change.
We’re considering a week in the UK instead, I think being a few hours drive away rather than a plane trip would make us feel more relaxed, and I suppose that’s the point.
We’re thinking perhaps heading to Cornwall or Devon but actually I quite fancy somewhere a bit different, just so as long as there are pretty walks, restaurants and things-to-see fairly near by. Somewhere within a few miles radius of a beach would be an added bonus but it’s not essential.
I know I touched on it in my And Then There Were Three Post but now I’m getting a bit desperate (to the point where I wish someone would just TELL me where to go and I politely obey) Where would you recommend folks, have you been to a nice hotel of self-catering cottage in the UK that would work for our little family? have you ever been in our situation i.e. potentially taking a 12 week old somewhere away from home for longer than a weekend? Did you take a load of stuff that you found you didn’t really need? Did you forget to take important things that you found you really did need?! Were you making as much of a meal out of it as I am?!
As always your thoughts and advice would be much appreciated!
P.S It’s “Summer Week” all week on Rock My Style, we’ve got heaps of sunshine specific fashion and beauty inspiration for the months ahead!
How about the welsh coast – Aberaeron is lovely! I’m sure there must be baby friendly cottages there. And the Harbour Master is a really nice place to eat and kid friendly
I’ve just come back from a week in North Wales (amazing weather) and couldn’t recommend it highly enough, beautiful beaches, and coastal walks. Pwllheli was a surprise, we could have been on the Algarve it was so lovely. Stayed in Trefor and we were 20mins for Caernafon and loads of attractions, the whole Llyn Peninsula is a real hidden gem xx
Pwllheli sounds fab just for the name alone! there is few places as pretty as Wales when the weather is good x
We go to Pwhelli nearly every year, we have a holiday home there. Abersoch is just 10 minutes down the road and is a ruddy lovely, trendy seaside town with lovely pubs and restaurants. Lots to see and do around the area and the local icecream, Cadwaladers, is reason enough alone to go! Criccieth has the best Cadwalders shop and then you can eat your reward looking out to see under the watchful eye of the castle. Hope you enjoy where ever you go and Mabel enjoys her first holiday xx
Thanks Victoria, I’ve never been to Aberaeron, actually I’ve never even heard of it! I love Wales (my Mum is from Gwent) x
Google it – its so pretty. Painted seaside houses round the harbour.
or for south wales, try http://www.coldatnight.co.uk
Its lush!
Claire that is so lush!
How about Norfolk? It’s so beautiful, and flat – good for buggies! Or Scotland? The weathers not guaranteed but then it never is in the UK!
We are going away with our 9 month old next month to Sweden (we have family there). I am kind of excited and dreading it in equal measure! Luckily as I’m still bf-ing, we don’t need to worry about sterilisation stuff, bottles etc which is great, however I think our baggage allowance will be mostly taken up with Ella’s kitchen pouches!!
Sweden is a lovely place for a holiday actually, very family friendly and everyone speaks perfect English! It’s not the cheapest place ever but not roasting hot either.
Have fun wherever you go! xx
You know what Sophie I love Scotland, Glasgow is one of my favourite cities and we got engaged in Edinburgh. Where would you recommend in Scotland? I was thinking more countryside/small town rather than major city x
Dumfries is lovely in Scotland or even just past the borders! You could be close to Northumberland too that way. Coastal retreats have some gorge cottages and lovely welcome hampers! Also you must have a gander on luxury unique home stays website. Cottages all over the place (and countries) and are the most amazing properties iv ever seen! I waste many an hour looking on there! They are pricey and need damage deposits but honestly they are stunning and for the smaller cottages it’s a lot less costly! Xx
Hope you have a great time wherever you go – I’m not sure about a suggestion? What about somewhere in Suffolk or Norfolk, Southwold is lovely?? It is good to take advantage of a baby’s portability! We took our son on 2 breaks as a young baby – one to the Med and one to St Ives in Cornwall and I have to say I found the Cornwall trip a bit of a nightmare (baby wise). It was peak season, very busy, getting a buggy up and down the small busy streets was a hard work and getting the buggy into restaurants just as bad, I found Ibiza a lot more welcoming in places to eat. Would you consider France? A friend of mine has just come back from Il de Re with her 6 month old and she has been raving about how relaxing it was and great for the baby? It will be hot wherever you go. With regards to things to take, I don’t think its that bad, I’ve got a cheap more portable buggy for holidays, we don’t usually need the monitor and don’t take a car seat if not driving there if that helps? I don’t know about sterilising I didn’t do it – I’m sure Boots have some kits that are for travel?- it is just more than you are used to at the moment, but you will soon be a pro at baby packing!!
Vicky that’s a really good point, it will be peak season (i.e. all the kids off school) so I bet lots of places, especially cornwall! will be super busy. I’ve never heard of LL de Re either and I love France! it’s my favourite place in the whole world.
If you don’t mind me asking, what cheap buggy do you take? x
The buggy I use is the Trip Buggy its Mamas and Papas, but I bought it in Tesco?! luckily I got it with clubcard vouchers on a special event, but I think it is £35 (which I think is quite cheap considering what most cost). It folds up very easily and very, very compact and light – you could easily carry it. It doesn’t have a hood though (which is probably why it folds up so well) but I add on a parasol when I need it, which I got from Mamas and Papas. I’m not sure how old your daughter is – but my son used this from nearly 5 months if that helps. I’m still using it – its handy to have such a lightweight buggy sometimes.
Thanks for the tip Vicky, she will be about 4 months by the time we go, she’s practically holding her head up all the time on her own now (12 weeks)
I’m sure we’ve still got loads of club card vouchers?! I didn’t even know you could buy Mamas and Papas at Tesco! In other news, they have a M&P outlet store in Birmingham, all the lovely clothes with up to 70% off. I bought an awesome playsuit at the weekend for Mabel (Wish they did one in my size….)
I second Southwold. Went there when our daughter was one and a bit and had a lovely time!
Although we don’t haev a baby, we went to Natural Retreats self catering apartments in Newquay and it was lovely. Would definitely recommend them. We also got engaged there so feels very special to us!
Thanks Marianne, will take a look!
Hi there. We recently went to Mazzard Farm in East Devon. Very baby/child friendly and beautifully done out cottages. They can include baby changing mat, monitor, travel cot etc so less to take. Lovely area, within reasonable drive to seaside, pretty little towns, National Trust places to wander round. With regards to sterilising, best thing we found was munchkin microwave steriliser bags. The box contains I think 5, but each can be used up to 20 times. You include a little water and the bits of bottle, and then zap in the microwave. Just work your way through the bottles one evening, and presto all done. Much less to pack then a whole sterilising kit. And whilst it seems daunting, its easier travelling now then a little later! Once they are mobile and decide that no, they don’t fancy being in the pushchair thank you very much! 😉
LJ this sounds perfect, and thanks so much for the munchkin steriliser recommendation, the kit we have would be such an arse to pack, we would need to hire a bigger car (!)
I know what you mean about later, all those toys! at least Mabel doesn’t need that many entertainment items at present x
Thank You LJ for leaving such a great endorsement on Mazzard Farm. As the owner, apart from thanking you, can I also add that a baby bottle steriliser is a standard piece of equipment we offer (amongst almost everything else you can think of).
Apologies if that wasn’t clear.
With warm regards,
Ruud Jansen Venneboer
http://www.mazzardfarm.com
I was going to say Natural Retreats too. They have beautiful eco-lodges in Yorkshire that I stayed in last weekend and I’m pretty sure they have others dotted across the country. The Scottish borders and Northumberland are really just beautiful so would recommend heading north!
Hi Kate, it’s funny how we automatically think south when it comes to UK summer breaks, what with two recommendations I’ll have to give Natural Retreats a look!
We got married here http://www.rosevine.co.uk/- but they also specifically cater for young families with a lovely mix between self-catering and hotel. In my view Portscatho and the Roseland Penninsula in general is simply the best place in the world.
Wow Zoe what a beautiful place to get married! We’ve never been to this area of Cornwall, have just sent my husband the link – thanks so much! x
Pembrokeshire? We live in Cardiff and took our little boy for 5 days away last July when he was 12 weeks old. We stayed in some lovely cottages in Solva and had BBQs and a few beers outside while he snoozed (for a bit!) in the evening. During the day we headed out around St David’s and explored the amazing beaches.
Tenby and South Pembrokeshire is also beautiful.
A cottage with kitchen etc is definitely the way forward at this age ! x
Hi Sarah, Yep I think self-catering with a kitchen etc is the way we sew headed, just so much easier. MY parents went to Pembrokeshire last summer and said how pretty it was x
Friends of mine just had a week in a Lake District cottage with their 7 month old. They use a sling a lot so could go for some gentle walks. I would be tempted to go for those ready made cartons of milk to make it as convenient as possible. I breastfed but sometimes expressed milk and had a microwave sterilizer, which would be fine for taking away. I personally would not have fancied a long drive with a baby, the furthest we’ve ever done is 2 hours I think and we usually time it with naps. Nothing worse than a crying baby that you can’t comfort.
Kathryn the long drive is another concern, even if we time feeds with service station stops etc the traffic could be rubbish I guess. We’re going to buy one of those Baby Bjorn type things for walks I think, could have really done with one at the weekend!
Why don’t you set aside the whole day to get there and plan a couple of things to do/see on the way there (wherever ‘there’ is!), its longer in the car overall but you’re less likely to be on the motorway for long periods so easier to stop and address meltdowns!
I think the Tula carriers will be more up your street – although deciding between ‘Zig Zag’ and ‘Cloudy’ might take some doing….
Another vote for North Wales! Specifically Anglesey – beautiful coastline, amazing walks, wildlife, food and loads of great accommodation choices. The southeastern area of the island is set against some cracking views of Snowdonia, so when you combine that with the Menai Straits and a sandy beach – you could be in the Italian Lakes! We stayed here http://www.theoutbuildings.co.uk/home and it was incredible, but I did fancy a few of the cottages on this website which also covers other gorgeous areas of North Wales…http://www.menaiholidays.co.uk/home x
Thanks for the recommendations Katie, the outbuildings look so pretty, I am very much attracted to the shepherds hut!
Off to have a look at all those lovely cottages….. x
What about the West Coast of Scotland….? Oban in particular is really beautiful…you can easily rent a holiday cottage/house and have lots of lovely day trips around the area and out to the Islands nearby (Mull, Iona etc) Not guaranteed sunshine, but definitely guaranteed to not be too hot for your wee one!!
xx
Oh Laura Oban is supposed to be beautiful! someone has recommended this to us before, thanks for reminding me. x
downside – it’ll be pretty midge-y right now
(and when I say ‘pretty midge-y’, I mean ‘can’t go outside midge-y’)
Hi Charlotte,
Baby Friendly Boltholes may just be up your street. http://www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk/uk_boltholes.htm
Let us know what you decide.
x
Thanks Lizzie! another link sent to Mr O’Shea! x
We just came back from Menorca and had a fantastic time, really child friendly. Suitable for both 8 month old and 9 year old children but we stayed in a villa and that made everything a hundred times easier. Thanks to my husbands huge family we’ve been to quite a few places since Effie was born from Manchester to North Wales and you do need to take quite a bit but you can cut corners, those Milton sterilising tablets are brilliant for travelling, don’t worry about monitors when you’re away you can always use a mobile phone with a free call app on wifi or get baby to sleep in the buggy and take them to dinner with you (we’ve done this a couple of times for weddings and family parties).
I would totally recommend Norfolk, I went a few months back and had an amazing time, we stayed in a pub called The Red Lion in Stiffkey and would really recommend it. Stiffkey and it’s surrounding areas are my childhood happy place and we will be going back again soon, i did 3 posts on it if you want to have a look!
I would also recommend Eurocamp, we stayed in Northern France last year La Croix De Vieux Pont, weather was not too hot, plenty to see, plenty to do and Paris and Euro Disney within driving distance, we got the ferry so we could load it up with everything and then could go wherever we wanted when we got there, driving in France is totally stress free (apart from Paris!).
Bettyloolaa.blogspot.co.uk for Norfolk info xx
Liz I used to love Eurocamp as a kid! I think we’ll definitely take Mabel when she’s a bit older (I too want to go to Disney…)
I’ve got Milton but not used them on stuff for Mabel, just the actual cleaning brushes etc if that makes sense!, I’ve heard they leave a funny taste on bottles and babies don’t like it, have you found this to be true at all? x
I’ve only used them when we’ve been away and Effie glugged away as usual and she’s very particular about her milk!! Xx
I don’t have a baby so this may be a quite useless suggestion, but my parents took my brother and I to the Isles of Scilly for our family holidays from when we very, very little. They are just off the coast of Cornwall, and so incredibly beautiful and peaceful. All our family holidays were spent on an island called Tresco – there are no cars there so we learnt to walk, cycle etc as it’s just such a safe environment. The only problem is getting there as you have to either take a boat, or fly, or helicopter so it might be a bit too soon for little Mabel yet, but maybe when she’s older – it was the most magical place to go to every year, and I hope the boy and I will keep the tradition alive when we have little ones and they get to learn to ride their bikes on the same roads. xx
P.S What an absolutely beautiful photo of you and your family xx
Sian, a car less island sounds just idyllic, I didn’t even know it existed. Must say, am feeling most out of touch geographically with the UK at the moment following all of this mornings lovely suggestions.
Thanks for the photo love, Ben is a really talented photographer and a super nice bloke to boot x
this place looks amazing, lots to do on the doorstep once you get there, if a bit costly in peak times –
https://www.watergatebay.co.uk/
could break it up with stop off in the Cotswolds too.
Good luck x
I second Watergate Bay! – James and I went there for our minimoon. It’s a beautiful place.
Lizzie we LOVE that hotel, we’ve been recently (February) as our last break before Mabel arrived. We didn’t stay there but went for lunch etc and said how it would be perfect to take children. The views are amazing!
We are awaiting the arrival of our little one so I’m sure I have little idea of the stress and paraphernalia of travelling with babies, however we have friends that regularly travel on aeroplanes with their little ones and they are adamant that the younger the baby when travelling abroad the better. For one, babies aren’t as badly affected by jet lag as they have irregular sleeping patterns anyway (toddlers can’t be told that it is 3 am not 6am I guess) and also when you arrive at your destination littles ones are so portable they will sleep in the carry cot of their pushchair at night whilst you are out at dinner. We went away with them on a recent trip abroad and here were their top tips:
– take your own car seat (free on most airlines) and completely fill the surrounding space in the car seat bag (which costs about £20) with nappies, wipes, muslin cloths etc) they don’t weigh the car seat so you essentially just take all that stuff for free.
– buy a buggy blackout blind – it’s a nifty black breathable sheet that goes over the pushchair and seals out the light and prevents bugs getting in – baby can sleep at night in restaurants etc easily. – my friend just puts baby down to sleep in the pushchairs with blackout blind and then sends hubby out to walk around to get baby to sleep whilst she does her hair! It seems to work will for them!
– stay self catering in a villa if you can which allows for more convievnient naps and getting baby out of the sun while she naps whilst you can still sun yourself by a pool with no one else around thus not having to worry about bikini readiness so soon after pregnancy.
I’m sure all of that makes it sound easy and maybe my friend is just literally a supper mummy but they make it look quite straight forward – so much so that we plan to take our small one ( due Dec 16th) away to Barbados to celebrate my 30th at the end of Feb/beginning of March! Maybe we are mad, or just simply stupid. Watch this space!
Georgina you are not stupid! Barbados will be just amazing, so jealous!
I think it’s a state of mind, if you think you can do it easily then I’m sure you can, we’ve been fairly laid back towards parenting in general but for some reason this holidaying lark has got us a bit frazzled.
Thanks so much for the car seat tip, I didn’t know you could take them for free, and I certainly didn’t know you could then add lots of extras in the bag – awesome 🙂 x
That car seat bag is a genius tip, wish I had thought of this! We flew to Berlin when my son was 4 months old and took a travel cot and buggy rather than his car seat but I guess the same principle applies, we could have bought a cover for the buggy and done the same thing – and definitely will be next time we go away!
Wow so many comments! I’m sure someone else has mentioned it already, but Charlotte – Padstow is right up your street.
It’s the most beautiful Cornish harbour town, and arguably a little bit more upmarket than your average British seaside resort. Of course, you have Rick Stein’s restaurant but there are also some absolutely gorgeous independent restaurants, wine merchants and cute little cafes tucked away. The shopping is ace and there are some lovely walks too. Just over the water, you also have Rock which is pretty much millionaire’s row and a celeb favourite (when I say celeb – I mean Brad and Angelina)
What more do you need! xx
Oh yes padstow also wonderful. Stayed there first night of our honeymoon. I was at Polzeath at the weekend, lovely beach near padstow.
Gorgeous! Im dying to get back down there
Hi ladies! We stayed just by Padstow in Feb as our last “before baby” trip, I do love it there, and we have considered going back and staying in the same cute place – Bodhis Beach Hut this summer, check it out here: http://rockmystyle.co.uk/coastal-inspired-interiors/
Worth considering if ever either of you fancy another visit x
Oh what a gorgeous renovation! My chances of a holiday this year are close to zero with the new house, but I might just show this to Lee… so tempting! x
The gorgeous Sarah ‘Jolly’ Holmes has just finished a renovation up in Kintyre too… perfect little holiday snug for a getaway and the beaches are stunning! seasgair.co.uk – i’m sure she’d give you mates rates Charlotte! xx
I really recommend Under the Thatch http://www.underthethatch.co.uk they have some stunning properties all over the UK (and some abroad). Some of them are a bit pricey but they are beautiful in amazing locations.
Oh yes, definitely agree Steph… some gorgeous properties.
To help with price, my friend’s website – itsniceout.com – has a 10% off offer with Under The Thatch to newsletter subscribers. Saves a fortune! x
Steph/Karen, Under The Thatch do gypsy caravan holidays!!!! not appropriate for Mabel perhaps but the best thing I’ve seen in ages!
Dream! x
Ah ta for shout out la! xx
We went to Center Parcs when Holden was 6 months; I was breastfeeding so didn’t need bottles but my sis took those microwave sterilising bags someone else mentioned.
We also took Holden to Australia when he was 7 1/2 months and despite people thinking we were crazy it was a great time as he just eat, fed, slept or played the whole flight and couldnt move! We went to Florida last Dec and it was totally different keeping him amused when he could run around.
Oh and also; we’ve only ever taken our bugaboo with us when we fly; we bought the transport bag for it and as others have said, fill it with blankets / nappies / snacks etc too which is always great unless the bag gets delayed!
Hi Gaynor, very impressed with your Australia trip, James has been (whilst travelling) but I never have, I kind of thought the opportunity had passed us by now we’ve got a baby but perhaps not, as you say she would be happy enough in her seat I imagine!
Did your bugaboo transport bag keep it from getting damaged in transit? x
Yeah it’s a really good one; quite padded and the buggy folds up inside. It is quite big but it usually gets checked in at outsize luggage which isn’t a problem.
My sister lives in Oz so we wanted to visit when I had lots of time of work; but yeah Holden just comes with us now, we went to Copenhagen in April for our 4th anniversary and although we had a few more kid centred activities & a hotel with a pool we were impressed we managed a city break!
You can’t beat Gower this time of year Charlotte, its beautiful. Swansea is really close by in case you have any overcast days which has a cinema and some lovely eateries in the SA1 area. The LC2 leisure centre has a fab fun pool although I dont know of mabel has been swimming yet. The shopping is okayish but Cardiff is only an hour away and I’m sure your nan would love you to pop in and catch up with baby Mabel. Oldwalls in Gower has some really nice cottages and we loved them when we stayed xx
Helen I really have never explored Wales in any detail you know which is a shame considering it’s my heritage!
We stayed in Cardiff with friends in October, we had a great weekend – just a clean city and great shops! x
Having a welsh heritage is a quite funny really, all my English friends don’t quite get how worked up we get about the rugby and why we don’t think welsh cakes are a bit like flat scones.
Cardiff is such a young, progressive city and it has definitely cleaned up it’s act. I was in Birmingham last Thursday and it definitely made me realise how both cities have moved so far from their industrial beginnings.
I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t spent much time up North Wales but it’s on our to do list.
If you’re ever in Cardiff and fancy a natter let me know – I know this place that does the most immense cake!! xx
Cake you say?! 🙂
And how rude! as if a welsh cake is a bloody flat scone, they are SPECIAL AND UNIQUE, my Aunty Kitty used to make the best ones x
Cornwall! Honestly I love that place so much and if the weather is good it’s even better there! We went to Mousehole for our honeymoon and stayed in a cottage from boutique retreats. They do lots of different types. I’m sure if you contacted them directly they would recommend a baby friendly bolt hole and a location. St Ives is stunning. West wales and gower also my other favourites. X
Boutique retreats, not sure I’ve had a look at this one, i-escape and MR & Mrs Smith I have. Never been to mouse hole but sounds lush x
Hooray for holidays! We have been spending the last few weeks looking at UK breaks with the little ones and had settled on watergate bay as a potential. Luckily at the last minute/yesterday my aunty decided we can have her cottage in Salcombe for the week. We do normally go but she doens’t like to commit to booking it out in case she wants to head down. Rather excited as I love it there and after spending every summer there as a child its like a second home. We took Alice down there when she was 8 weeks old so its definitely doable. We did take quite a bit of stuff but she slept in her pram rather than bothering with a travel cot. Mendela do these microwavable steriliser bags. Really small and all you do is pour in a bit of water, add the bottle and zap. Each bag lasts 20 uses so they are perfect. You actually don’t need that much stuff at that age. If you are self catering you can wash stuff and we always arrange a waitrose delivery for when we arrive so all the milk, nappies etc are there. I can second that Aberaeron is also a lovely place and the Harbour Master is fab. think they do self catering now. Prettiest little down plus this year I discovered the best interiors shop ever, Seld. You may need space in the car! Good luck finding somewhere x
Charlotte…organising a Waitrose delivery for when you arrive is so bloody clever! Why didn’t I think of that?! Gosh yes, think of all the space we’ll save in the car, thanks for the tip.
A lady earlier mentioned steriliser bags, so as long as we have a microwave we’re sorted, super! x
What about North Yorkshire moors, usually a little less of a tourist trap than Cornwall etc and Whitby is possibly the BEST place for a uk seaside trip…so pretty! we travelled with our 4mth old last week on a plane for 2hrs… Packing wasn’t too bad, we layered up with vests, dunergrees and such like to cater for all weather which reduced packing. We took milton tablets and then a big enough Tupperware box to sterilise in (though you can get sterilizing bags for travelling lighter). Never had any issues with milton or a funny taste at all and the tablets made travel very easy. We also took our babybjorn carrier…this made the airport very easy and trips out and about a little lighter if we didn’t want to use the pushchair all the time. We were happily surprised by the ease of travelling with our little man…he was well behaved, slept as he should and packing was surprisingly light…main advice, lists list lists!
Thanks for the great tips Jill, sounds like you had everything very well organised, the carrier is definitely something we need ASAP, was your son OK in it? do you have it facing outwards or inwards or both? sorry for all the questions! x
Forgot to say for our oz trip we took our baby bjorn too and used that in the airports once we’d checked the buggy in. Holden faced out most of the time but in while he slept. I flew back with him on my own and it was great for having my hands free! My sis has an ergo which she loves too. X
I second what Abi said above and can heartily recommend http://www.boutique-retreats.co.uk. We have had so many amazing holidays with them!
Hi Charlotte, I have actually just done a blog post on my Top 10 Child friendly UK destinations which might be of interest… http://hellobabyblog.co.uk/my-top-10-child-friendly-uk-holiday-destinations-part-one/.
In addition when Jack was little we stayed here http://www.windfallcottage.com/ which was beautiful and very baby friendly. We didn’t need to take anything with us!
Also check out baby friendly boltholes, there are soooo many fab places in the UK for little ones xx
Alternatively take the opportunity whilst she is little to go abroad, plane journeys aren’t quite so easy when they are mobile!!
We have been to Singapore, Bali and Thailand over the past few years, as well as closer to home in Europe and the plane journeys were pretty painless! xx
Wow Steph you are quite the traveller, go you! thanks so much for all of the advice and links, I will enjoy looking at them later on this evening with a glass of wine x
[…] travel destinations. Charlotte mentioned about her search for the perfect UK family holiday in her post this morning, and this afternoon it’s all about breaks for couples abroad. Does anyone else find the […]
We are in St Ives in Cornwall at the moment with our 10 week old little man – I’d highly recommend it. I was worried about the amount of paraphernalia that we’d need to take but we have managed to make great use of the baby Bjorn. My husband carries Max everywhere – we’ve just returned from a long walk along the coast. We have taken the pushchair base with just the car seat which is good to pop him in at the beach or when we’re out for dinner.
Dinners have been a bit different from previous holidays though – we are eating early and in cheaper places than we might gave before – Max still cries a lot unless he’s being held and swayed! My parents very kindly came down with us for the first 3 nights and we took advantage of the free babysitting.
I think if you get the right weather Cornwall can’t be beaten!
Katy glad to hear you are having such a lovely time! I think we will be getting a Bjorn this weekend if we get chance, it can get so hot in Mabel’s buggy that I think it would be nice for her to be a bit more in the fresh air – with sunhat and cream on obviously!
I know what you mean about dinners but I don’t mind so much really, cheaper is never a bad thing! Plus I think we will alternate the eating out with cooking in if we go self catering x
It’s already been mentioned but Scotland! Guaranteed not to be too hot although it was the hottest place in the UK last week (who’d have thunk it!).
The west coast is gorgeous, I’d recommend a place called Tighnabruiach/Kames in Bute http://www.kylesofbute.com/ went there a lot growing up and recently went back for my sisters 30th! Lovely seaside village, shinty matches, local pubs and restaurants and a few gorgeous hotels. The Kames Hotel http://kames-hotel.com/ has great food and the rooms look lovely although maybe a bit pricey. There was an 80s disco on the Saturday night when we were there. My sister went back earlier in the year and the cast and crew of Emmerdale were there on a jolly and had organised a ping pong tournament (I’m not making this up!). Accommodation wise probably best to rent somewhere as it’ll be cheaper.
There is an amazing beach called Ostel Bay round the headland and this lovely house http://www.argyllsecretcoast.co.uk/viewdetails.php?id=135 which is fab!
It’s one of those places that’s good for the soul…
Writing this has made me want to go back soon. Myself and my hubbie are looking at a mini break end of Sept in Europe – maybe we should have a “staycation”…
Lynn this looks amazing! quite partial to an 80’s disco…..
I feel like that about Glasgow, that it’s good for the soul I mean. There is nothing wrong with a staycation, I think sometimes we almost feel we should go abroad otherwise it’s not a ‘holiday’ which is silly, Scotland is beautiful – after all of these recommendations I am desperate to go!
Haha – maybe I could get a job for the Scottish tourist board!
I’m sure you’ll have a great time wherever you end up 🙂
Hi Charlotte – how about the Lake District? Me and the other half spent the last May bank holiday up there and had a fantastic time (we stayed in the north Lakes near Bassenthwaite so much MUCH less touristy).
I know there are no beaches, but the scenery is so stunning and if you felt like climbing one of the tall peaks you could always get one of those baby rucksack things (sorry I’ve no idea what they are called!!).
xx
Less touristy is good! and although a beach is always nice it’s not essential, I actually do fancy climbing one of the tall peaks although I’m not sure how James will feel about that 🙂
I’m totally biased but I would say Scotland – yes the weather isn’t guaranteed but there are still so many things to do and places to see in Scotland the weather doesn’t HAVE to impact on your time.
I’m from and live in Glasgow and I love it. Everything’s so easy to get to and navigate plus the shopping is brilliant and the restaurants are good! Loves the West End I do, perfect for a cheeky Saturday/Sunday stroll.
For Scotland I would recommend up north – Argyll, Aberdeen…even the central belt – you’ve got Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Lomond all within a drivable distance.
Check out Cottages and Castles – http://www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk/ – lots of lovely rent-able accommodation ranging from small cottages right up to your stately manors!
Good luck with the decision making 🙂
Hi Charlotte,
Hi Charlotte,
My husband and I have been taking our little Poppy (now 19 months) to our holiday cottage in Cornwall since she was about 8 weeks old. We’ve had some amazing times down there – lots and lots of great walks, beaches and baby friendly places to eat out. I highly recommend it. We’re West Mids based too and it’s about a 3.5 hour journey from Birmingham. All the details are on http://www.cottoncottage.co.uk. If you fancy a foreign trip, I would say we are really glad we took Poppy on her first flight when she was young to Portugal (she was 5 months) as 4 flights down now she is a great little traveller. Happy to share Portugal apartment details if you want. Good luck and happy holiday planning. Lx
Sorry, link should be http://www.cottonscottage.co.uk. Oops.
Wow Laura what a lovely place! Portugal is my second favourite destination after France, we’ve had the best holidays there – and we always get great weather x
We are off to Scotland this weekend with our nearly 6 month old and 2 year old, staying in Arbroath, luckily with friends, but it’s absolutely beautiful up there the beach is amazing. We flew to Florida when our eldest was 3 months as my Dad lives there, it was actually the easiest flight we’ve had, we took the car seat and our Quinny buggy free of charge. You can also book the bulkhead seats when you have babies if you request a cot/seat, not that mine slept in them as they love being held too much but it’s always useful for a bit of extra space. I totally agree with everyone else when little ones start moving about it’s so much harder. We flew to California for my brothers wedding when she was a little over 12 months and I swear I didn’t want to fly home it was such hard work keeping her entertained for 10 hours! Cornwall is where I grew up so would always recommend that as a getaway.
Nicola I have never heard of a bulkhead seat – thanks for the tip! I can’t wait to take Mabel to the States when she is a bit older (although from what you’ve said maybe that will be a bit of a nightmare!) x
A nice Uk/ France hybrid is the Channel Islands (esp Jersey, but I live there so totally biased!!).
Flights super quick (35/45 mins from uk) and ferry is about 4 hours. The island has a real French influence and is so pretty, with most incredible beaches. There are some awesome self catering places to stay, including glamping at the zoo! Also, as an added bonus France is an hour by ferry so day trips are definitely doable for crepes, wine and cheese!
We have had a few uk friends with young children visit and they love the fact they are “away” but have the convenience of Boots/Waitrose etc for all home comforts!
Hi Sarah, we are actually seriously considering Jersey, James’s sister, son and Mum have just come back from there and they had a wonderful time – they stayed in self catering cottages. I didn’t realise France was just an hour by ferry though – bonus! x
We recently got back from http://www.naturalretreats.com/uk/trewhiddle-cornwall/ with our 6 month old and 2.5 year old. It was fab, we got a great deal but we booked when they had a sale on- they have places all over the country and afew abroad, I’d highly recommend.
Last year when I was pregnant and our eldest was 18 months we went here http://www.uniquehomestays.com/unique/details.asp?id=1271 which was really cute, just not big enough for us this year!
We also went to Italy when our eldest was a few months old and stayed in a villa in the hills about an hour from Rome, it was sooo idyllic! It was hot but we had our own pool and hired a car, so could be really flexible and chilled and it was great it was only a 2 hour flight too. Great with the little one as the Italians loved him and couldn’t do enough to help! And the food was just yummy! Just afew more ideas!
Michelle that Log cottage place in Watergate bay is just lovely – James would love it. Plus I read you can have a personal chef?! that would be amazing!
I have only ever been to Sorrento and would love to see more of Italy, where abouts did you go?
I totally agree with everyone, go now!!!! Is so much easier when they can’t get into trouble by themselves 🙂
We stayed with Blue Chip in Devon and lots of their self catering properties are designated baby friendly. This means they come with cot, high chair etc.
They have properties across the country but how about the Isle of Wight for some retro fun. The beaches are awesome and you could break up the journey by staying in the New Forest and the crossing from Lymington. The beaches are very family friendly on the Isle of Wight!
Have an amazing holiday wherever you go!
Thanks Kat! I haven’t been to the isle of wight since I was a kid myself, thanks for the Blue Chip tip x
I’m late to the party and not going to recommend a holiday destination as you’ve been given lots of wonderful ones. Just to say, if you’re going to buy a baby carrier Baby Bjorn are not great for delicate baby hips and known in the babywearing world as crotch danglers. Do a bit of googling and you’ll see what I mean. Go for knee to knee support as seen in carriers like Ergo or Connecta, they’re equally simple buckle carriers, but so much better for Mabel. You’ll see what I mean when you look at pictures – her bum, hips and pelvis is totally supported. Also much better for your back too.
Big babywearing love, Anne.x
I totally agree, I’m not a fan of “crotch danglers” either, I can highly recommend the Ergo (think they’ve recently brought out one with a forward facing option too if that’s a must for you) my little one trekked round Cornwall in his earlier this month and we were both really comfortable- love the extra snuggles too! 🙂
A bit late to the party but just wanted to add a few more French-based places to your list. (I am French !!).
With a little one, I would recommend going to some very family-friendly places in France such as Noirmoutier or Ile de Ré (both islands reachable via a bridge).
Noirmoutier is cheaper than Ile de Ré and has some lovely beaches, family cafés, cycle rides etc.. You can fly to Nantes and then it’s only 1h15 by car so just the time for a nap for Mabel.
For Ile de Ré, fly to La Rochelle (Ryanair) and then it’s only half an hour.
I have listed some places to rent or hotels on both islands on my blog (which focuses on boutique hotels and stylish rentals which are good for families):
http://fromthepoolside.com/hotels-bbs-charente-vendee/
http://fromthepoolside.com/holiday-let-ile-de-re/
Ryanair (which I normally hate) has just introduced some more family-friendly options (free buggy load for instance) so it can become interesting.
Finally, if Mabel is on formula, check that it’s available in the country where you’ll go. For instance, Aptamil is not available in France so I was always taking some extra boxes with me.
Enjoy !
[…] are still trying to organise a family holiday, a whole week where we can spend some time actually together. It’s not for want of finding a […]
Trips with little ones are great, Mack was 3 weeks old when I felt the need to get away from constant visitors so we got a last minute weekend in Falmouth. Booked a holiday rental, packed our estate until it was bursting and relaxed just 3 of us. Nearly 3 years on we have done planes, train and automobiles regularly with him and he his a great traveller, for a very very spirited child that is rare!
When we were away I tended to splurge on pre made milk cartons, bit of a treat and as he got older, Ella’s Kitchen food pouches. Self catering, driving holidays easier than flying to be fair, flying was a nightmare 9 months – 2 years, once he was on the move and without his own seat, France is always a firm favourite, doing the night crossing. Cornwall (avoid in summer holidays) even going in the van camping down the road in the New Forest, which I would highly recommend as a holiday destination, great mixture.
You will pack too much but hey you’re a Mum its what we do x
There is a website called baby friendly bolt holes that has lots of fab places to stay in uk and abroad with young children and babes lots of which com with some equipment,x
Center Parcs is great for babies and kids. Longleat is so relaxing and you have the safari park and house nearby. We also went to Sensatori in Tenerife with little ones and it’s a great mix of child friendly but sophisticated enough to feel like an adult break. They have a nursery, babysitting and family pools. Transfers aren’t too long either.
We also love Ladram Bay in South Devon for a cheap and cheerful caravan break. Good when kids are a bit older as there’s a pool, soft play, playground etc.
Forgot to say buy some Milton fluid as you just put everything in cold water with a cap full for 15 mins and it’s done.
[…] holiday – thanks so much for all of your super recommendations and general awesomeness on my post asking (begging?!) for help and […]
I completely forward Centre Parcs, it could not be more child friendly. As there are no cars allowed on site (except for un-packing and re-packing), it is such a break from reality and soooo relaxing.
When the time comes to go overseas, look at Neilson’s Lemnos resort. So family friendly and just a 30 minute transfer from the airport. As well as tons of fun family friends activities, there are lots of shaded areas to get little ones out of the sun. On request they will put a cot, steriliser, baby bouncing chair in your room and they also have pushchairs on site. Here’s a link http://www.neilson.co.uk/beach/greece/lemnos
Enjoy your holibobs! x
Way toooo late obviously for this hols but I cannot recommend Aphrodite Hills in Phapos highly enough we are heading there for the forth time in October with our 12 week old and three year old. Beautiful complex/village full of villas and apartments all set around a ‘village square’ and 5*hotel. All hotel facilities are open to the entire complex so spa, golf, horse riding, crèche babysitting amazing play areas with the bonus that you stay in own villa/apart so can cater for family food, nap & washing needs as and when.