Hampshire is a very popular place for Londoners looking to escape the metropolis and breathe in the fresh country air. There are some well-known spots that the masses flock to – the New Forest and it’s ponies and scrub for one, the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth and Winchester are others. Families tend to stick to the same well-known places. The tried and tested attractions are all very well but when I leave my home, I’m looking for somewhere nicer. It’s got to be good. With young children it’s often the case that either the adults or the children must compromise. I prefer to do my homework.
Peppa Pig World is one of those places that’s on every young family’s to-do list. Luckily, It’s situated in a lovely part of Hampshire in the New Forest, from national parks to amusement parks, pretty villages and seaside towns, there’s something for every taste. Just two hours in the car from London, not far from Southampton, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight, there’s a great place to stay that makes a serious point of catering to children and their frazzled parents in equal measures.
We are back at one of my favourite countryside getaways. Just ninety minutes from London is Maison Talbooth in the Dedham Vale. Think chocolate box villages and cream teas. Maison Talbooth is a gorgeous boutique hotel on the Essex Suffolk borders. Cosy, yet chic, it’s own little spa and an extremely popular outdoor pool, heated to steaming temperatures, a really unique experience in winter.
Part of Delphina’s superb choice of properties in North Sardinia, The Park Hotel & SPA Cala di Lepre is another gem. Built again on the North East coast, in the Capo d’Orso area, respecting nature with views over the Costa Smeralda, this 4* property offers the full package for the perfect family holiday. Nature plays a big part here.
We’ve just returned from another blissful week in Sardinia. Staying at Delphina’s Park Hotel & SPA Cala di Lepre, one of their best offerings for families. I have a real love for Sardinia, it’s Italy but also part tropical island.
A short, ninety minute drive from London finds you in the countryside of the Sussex Downs. Thanks to our wonderful neighbours, we are staying in their cottage, (available to rent on Owners Direct) in Fittleworth, just five minutes away from the picturesque chocolate-box village of Petworth.
Family skiing in April can be some of the most glorious skiing. Sunshine in the mountains is so strong that without the chill in the air, it’s almost summer! For those of us who prefer winter to summer pursuits, April is just another chance to get some extra family skiing in. If you choose your destination wisely it can be the best of the year.
Half-term family skiing! What a pleasure. To the Kinderhotel Waldhof in Großarl. I was extra keen to review this place as it just looked so impressive! The perfect place to take a 2 year old for his first real ski lessons and for everyone to enjoy the snow. Needless to say, I wasn’t wrong!
We have just spent a wonderful week skiing. The best pre-season snow in five years. Pure powder pleasure. The best conditions in years. The best snow I’ve skied in years! Enough said! This was a lovely week to spend at the near-perfect Unseld-family-run and owned hotel.
I’m sitting here comfortably, waiting in the very Zen -like, luxurious ClinicBe, in Chelsea, (just behind Harrods, for the avid shoppers) waiting for the Emla cream to work. Today I’m giving myself back the 2 years of sleepless nights stolen by my toddler, along with all the self-inflicted stresses and strains of having a 6 year old in private school – still a year to go until seven plus but trying to keep up with the helicopter parents, pushing their children above and beyond and I’m in the same boat with a very unwilling (poor) son, rowing away frantically!
