Last minute ideas for the summer holidays
Still looking for a holiday break? Families with babies and toddlers can holiday at Butlins
Shoreline Hotel, at Butlins Bognor Regis, is specially designed with babies and younger children in mind being close to all the facilities and entertainment venues the resort has to offer. It’s affordable luxury and has all the things that help bring a smile to tiny faces, filled with features to keep them happy. The South Coast Family Bar and Grill has a special kids’ menu, high chairs and crayons, and there’s a sandpit outside with a kids’ Chill Out Zone close to reception which will keep them occupied and ease your checking in and out.
This lovely tot-friendly hotel is perfect for younger families designed with wide corridors and light airy rooms with plenty of space for buggies and cots. The floor to ceiling windows offer great views over the sea or landscaped gardens and ground floor rooms have patios. Each room has a TV/DVD in both the adult area and kids’ den plus there are tea/coffee making facilities and a mini fridge. Again with young families in mind the large en-suite bathroom has both a shower and bath.
And as if the hotel itself isn’t enough little ones will see all their favourite TV heroes including Bob The Builder, Thomas the Tank, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam and the mischievous Pingu.
Prices at Shoreline Hotel start from £69pp per break based on a family of four (2 adults and 2 children aged 2 – 14 years) sharing a Columbus Quarters. For more information or to book a brochure click on www.butlins.com/hotels
Looking for independent travel recommendations?
Families who can’t decide where to go this summer can turn to a new independent website www.101familyholidays.co.uk
The site features expert travel recommendations from husband-and-wife team William and Sally Gray, two UK family travel experts.
Live music and family entertainment for South Tyneside this summer
The South Tyneside Summer Festival is one of the biggest free festivals in the UK offering three months of live music and entertainment for all the family.
www.southtyneside.info/summerfestival
Parent time while kids have fun at the Hilton
Hilton Coylumbridge has launched its Toddler Breaks package for 2011, dedicated to keeping children under five entertained and happy for the duration of their stay. Available between March and October 2011, the package offers a five-night stay for a family of four in the heart of Cairngorms National Park.
From £505
www.hiltonaviemore.co.uk/toddlerbreaks
Rock Pool fun at Mesmear
Mesmear – a collection of three luxury barns in North Cornwall, near Polzeath makes for an ideal rock-pooling family holiday. The luxurious barns have relaxed interiors, wood burning stoves and a chef to prepare anything from breakfast and high tea.
Active family fun in Pembrokeshire
Nearly 200 miles of shoreline and Britain’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire’s shoreline is an obvious choice for family holidays. Choose from visiting wildlife reserves, surfing beaches, activity centres, water sports or simply relaxing on the beach.
Fun for little people at Gulliver’s theme parks
Gulliver’s theme parks are aimed at families with children aged 2-13 and are at three locations throughout the country – Gulliver’s World in Warrington, Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath and Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes. The parks are made up of themed areas and each is packed with rides, attractions, entertainment, play areas, shops and food outlets.
London football fans can enjoy club’s heritage
For football fans Chelsea Football Club has a brand new museum opening at Stamford Bridge this summer. It will offer an interactive experience, bringing the club’s past alive through audio visual shows, as well as a fascinating collection of Chelsea related memorabilia.