AD - Press Trip | I had such a great weekend at @p AD - Press Trip | I had such a great weekend at @pottersresortsfivelakes with @slwilson84. It was an action packed three nights with a full activity and entertainment programme, great food, lovely drinks and beautiful surroundings. 

The staff go above and beyond to make everyone feel at home and they ensure that everyone has the best time possible. I don’t think I stopped smiling all weekend.

The best thing about Potters holidays is that everything is included in the price you pay. Four meals a day, all your drinks - including wine, Prosecco, most spirits and soft drinks - great accommodation and so many activities. 

I’ll write a full review soon but for now here’s a little Reel of our weekend
I always have a lot of questions about accommodati I always have a lot of questions about accommodation when we stay anywhere as a family so I thought I’d share this little tour of our room at @windjammerlanding which was a pretty perfect place to stay.

It’s the ‘Ocean View Two Bedroom’ which was like a little house, with an upstairs and downstairs, built into the hillside. Both rooms had outdoor space and their own shower rooms. Such a great option for a family.
A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. We’ve been back a few days now but still miss the heat, the food, the pool, the constant sounds of wildlife and the lovely people. It was such a great holiday and I’m sure we’ll be back one day.
And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is watching her grow and what a wonderful young woman she is becoming. We could not be more proud. Love you Pickle, have a great birthday.
We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in S We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in St Lucia staying at @windjammerlanding and it was just the holiday we needed. Two weeks of sunshine and relaxation in what must be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. 

We can’t wait to go back again in the future. Here’s just a little snippet of our trip.
AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @na AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @national_motor_museum despite the rain! The children loved the Little Beaulieu play area and we loved exploring the National Motor Museum and Top Gear exhibit before having a ride on the monorail! We went on an old open topped bus, explored the Beaulieu Manor House and loved the gardens. 
Beaulieu is always a great day out - whatever the weather. This summer they have a whole ‘Summer of Fun’ planned, with activities most days - parades, bird shows and hundreds of sculptures within the grounds too. If you’re looking for a day out this summer definitely think about heading to Beaulieu.
AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to t AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to their first concert - but it was so much more than just a concert! @abbavoyage is incredible. With CGI ABBA and a live band, it’s like being at an ABBA concert 40 years ago but with modern lighting, effects and sound. ABBA look and sound real, it’s a mind blowing experience.
The set includes all the songs you know and love as well as a few less familiar ones.
You can’t take photos during the show which actually made a refreshing change. A whole arena focused purely on the show and soaking up the moment. It’s definitely something the four of us will always remember.
Now, I’m off to sing Dancing Queen all the way home.
AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdo AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdockyard today. They have a fantastic Ultimate Explorer ticket that lets you visit all the attractions as many times as you like for 12 months - and after a day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard we can see that you need more than one day to really do everything!

We explored HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Exhibition - which is incredible! We also saw where ships are built and restored and spent time in Action Stations where the kids climbed and did an assault course.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is such a fun, educational day out with something for all ages - we can’t wait to go on their harbour tours next time we visit!
AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To cel AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To celebrate #100YearOfARoads National Highways have launched their #ARoadsToSummer competition! It's all about celebrating summer holiday moments, time together, fun in the sun, days out and more.

So why not be in it to win it? To enter, all you have to do is send @nationalhways a DM on here with a photo or video of your favourite holiday moments. You can also comment on their Facebook or Twitter #ARoadsToSummer posts with your holiday photos. I've shared a few of our favourite photos to give you some inspiration.

The best six entries will each win a £500 @nationaltrust holidays voucher! SO what are you waiting for? Dig out your favourite holiday photos or take some new ones to share!

The #ARoadsToSummer competition runs from 24 July to 10 September 2023. Winners will be announced in September 2023.

Good luck!
  • Reviews
  • Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Fudge Recipes
    • Christmas Recipes
    • Easter Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • All Recipes
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • About
  • Featured In…
  • Work With Me/Contact
  • Reviews
  • Recipes
  • Travel

What the Redhead said

The Future's Bright, The Future's Ginger

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • As Featured In…
  • Work with Me

Holidays & Accomodation, Reviews · May 28, 2023

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

Disclosure: We were invited on this break for the purpose of this review however all opinions are my own.

We spent the weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading, a lovely hotel situated right on the Thames at Caversham, making it a fantastic base for a family break away.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

Staying at Crowne Plaza Reading

We were booked into interconnecting rooms at Crowne Plaza Reading which were perfect for us as a family. The rooms were identical apart from the beds – one room was a double and one was a twin.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

Each room was a great size with a really spacious feel. They both had tea and coffee making facilities, a safe, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and plenty of plug sockets and USB charging points. They get top marks for the plugs right next to the beds!

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

Each room also had a compact but well designed bathroom, with a shower over the bath, plenty of complimentary toiletries, fluffy towels and even a non-slip bath mat for the bath.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

The rooms were great for our needs. There was enough space for us to relax as a family, the kids loved that there was hot chocolate included on the tea and coffee tray and we all slept really well.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

The only slight niggle was that the temperature controls seemed to be switched off so we couldn’t change how hot the room was overnight. But the room was really quiet despite being on quite a busy road and the beds and bedding were super comfortable.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

The Crowne Plaza Reading leisure facilities

Whilst staying at the Crowne Plaza Reading we made use of the pool which was a really nice size and had designated swim times for children and accompanying adults.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

The changing facilities were compact but fine for our needs, with showers, plenty of lockers and a machine to spin your costume dry afterwards. They even provide towels which is always a great bonus.

The hotel offers a full health club and spa – with spa treatments, a gym and relaxation rooms to use as well as the pool – with a jacuzzi at the side.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

Things to do at Crowne Plaza Reading

We started our stay at Crowne Plaza Reading by having a Thames River Cruises experience on the Thames. The cruises depart from Caversham Pier which is literally right behind the hotel. A Thames river cruise is a must if staying at the hotel.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

They have cruises of all different lengths and some come with cream tea as well. It’s such a relaxing experience and we spent 90 minutes going up and down the Thames, towards Oxford and back, watching the world go by, spotting baby ducks and just enjoying the peace and tranquility.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

There’s also so much more to do around the hotel and local area as well as just enjoying a stroll along the Thames and enjoying the slower pace of Caversham.

The vibrant town of Reading is just around the corner, with so many activities on offer as well as a fantastic shopping centre. There’s also days out like Dinton Pastures, Bucklebury Deer Farm, Beale Wildlife Park and Basildon Park National Trust just a short drive away. It’s a fantastic place to spend a weekend away with many attractions within the local area.

Dining at Crowne Plaza Reading

The food at Crowne Plaza Reading was fantastic from start to finish. It was a real highlight of our stay. We had dinner at the Riverside Restaurant which has big glass doors open so you can admire the Thames as you enjoy your meal or relax with a drink.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

The children ate from the children’s menu which had a really good variety of meals. They both went for the nachos to start and then had chicken nuggets and a cheeseburger for their mains. They were all really good portion sizes and the children really enjoyed them but I would have loved to have seen a vegetable side offered too – crudites, salad or even baked beans would have been a great addition to the children’s menu.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

For dessert they had fruit salad which was a huge portion and something all children seem to love. It was hard for them to choose between that, mini doughnuts or cookie and ice cream!

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

Dave and I had chicken liver pate and sun blush tomato arancini. Both were delicious and a fantastic start to our meal. We were actually impressed with the amount of vegetarian choices on offer.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

For our mains Dave went for the steak – a 8oz ribeye with peppercorn sauce – and I chose the chicken caesar salad. Dave loved his steak – it was cooked to perfection – and my salad was delicious. There was just the right amount of dressing but with so much chicken, bacon and parmesan. It was perfect!

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

For desserts we chose the cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding – two classics that finished off our meal beautifully. The food throughout was high quality and delicious plus the service was first class. The staff were attentive and friendly – they get a gold star from us!

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading
A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

After a really good night’s sleep we were back in the Riverside Restaurant for breakfast. This is completely buffet style, with an area for hot food, another for yogurts, fruit, cold meats and cheeses and a bread and pastries station.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

The buffet had plenty of choice and the children loved finding little extras like smoothies in cute little glass bottles and even boiled eggs. It was a great way to start the day.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

Overall thoughts of Crowne Plaza Reading

We had such a nice stay at Crowne Plaza Reading and just wish we could have stayed longer. It is in such a fantastic location and, on a visit like ours, with the sun shining and your family by your side, there really is nowhere you’d rather be.

The rooms were great, the pool was lovely, the food was top notch and there was parking on site too. Even though we don’t live very far away from Crowne Plaza Reading, it felt like a real weekend away, a break from the norm and a chance to really have some time out and quality time together. It was wonderful.

You can find out more about Crowne Plaza Reading over on their website and see a little Reel of our stay here over on Instagram.

A Family Weekend at Crowne Plaza Reading

In: Holidays & Accomodation, Reviews

You’ll Also Love

A Morning at TerrOcean Le Domaine de l’Etoile Mauritius
A Family Meal at Beefeater's Mill House Restaurant, RedhillA Family Meal at Beefeater’s Mill House Restaurant, Redhill
Garden Benches from George at Asda Review

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Introducing SEALIONS Kids Multivitamin Gummies | AD

About Me
Hi everyone! I'm Donna. Mummy. Blogger. Social Media Manager. Traveller. Lover of stars, rainbows and gin. Firm believer that tea and cake can fix most things.

Sign up for Emails

looking for something?

Reader Favourites

Privacy Policy | Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 What the Redhead said · Theme by 17th Avenue