AD | Christmas has arrived at @thelexiconbracknell AD | Christmas has arrived at @thelexiconbracknell and there’s so much to entertain the whole family whilst you do your Christmas shopping! 

Visit The Lexicon Glow Room for a magical light experience that will dazzle you with 20,000 LEDs. It feels like the room goes on forever! Then, take a dip in the Light Pool, a magical ball pool with golden balls to be found and prizes to be won!

If that wasn’t all, have a photo in the giant Christmas bauble ‘sparkling selfie station’ and follow the Twinkle Trail, spotting baubles in shop windows to collect the clues and enter to win fabulous prizes this Christmas. Plus, share your sparkling selfie station pictures, tagging #thelexiconbracknell or email them to marketing@thelexiconbracknell.com and you will automatically be entered in a competition for the chance to win a restaurant gift card too. 

There are also special performances from local choirs, bands and singers and even the chance to meet Bluey, Hey Duggee and Chase from Paw Patrol! You can be sure that a trip to The Lexicon will have something for everyone over the festive season this year. We loved our visit to The Lexicon last weekend and know we’ll be back again before Christmas!

Find out more on @thelexiconbracknell website.

#TheLexiconBracknell #Merry&Bright
AD - Press Trip | What a lovely evening that was! AD - Press Trip | What a lovely evening that was! We had our first Glow Marwell experience tonight - and we loved it. It may even be the best light trail we have been to.

We spent well over two hours at @marwellzoo, enjoying the light installations, indulging in the food stalls and cafe, toasting marshmallows and even meeting Father Christmas! 

Glow Marwell was such a nice way to kick off the festive season - and it’s on all the way through December! If you’re looking for a really nice festive activity the whole family can enjoy, this could definitely be it!
AD | Are you looking for gifts for the grandparent AD | Are you looking for gifts for the grandparents this year? @famileo_uk is a wonderful gift, giving the recipient a personalised gazette of family news regularly throughout the year - and it costs from just £5.99 a month. 

Multiple family members can use the same subscription, all posting messages to be added to one gazette - and sharing the cost of the subscription too! It’s great for parents, siblings and children to all share their news with grandparents each week, fortnight or month. 

We’ve been sending my dad Family gazettes for a while now and he absolutely loves them. It means we tell him all the little things that are happening and not just the big news you remember to mention in phone calls. The children get to upload their own messages to their grandad and it’s definitely made them feel closer, building a stronger relationship despite living far apart.

Find out more about Family over on the blog - link in bio - and buy a subscription for your nearest and dearest this Christmas. It’s a gift they will definitely love to receive.
Two weeks of Fred & George! I won’t be doing the Two weeks of Fred & George! I won’t be doing these updates every week but I like having somewhere to put all these photos!

They’re now three months old, super loving and happy, making biscuits and purring constantly.

They stay in ‘their’ room overnight but explore the house during the day, getting more confident as time passes. They even got to the point of relaxing on the sofa with us last night.

Fred & George are now very much part of our family and I can’t imagine them not being there now - even at 7am when they’re miaowing at the door for breakfast!
AD | Stuck for screen-free entertainment that your AD | Stuck for screen-free entertainment that your kids will love? Claim your FREE Banjo Robinson activity pack today!
 
Reading for pleasure is a key indicator of a child’s future success, but if your child doesn’t love to read, what can you do? We know it’s not always easy keeping kids entertained and away from screens, so we’ve partnered with the award-winning @banjorobinson to gift you a FREE activity pack, worth £9.99.

Here’s a little look at the Banjo Robinson subscription - Troy loves it! Travelling to world with Banjo is so much fun! You can read our full review over on the blog and claim your free activity pack too - link in profile.
A whole week of Fred & George. We weren’t meant A whole week of Fred & George.

We weren’t meant to get more cats just yet but sometimes the universe sends you things when you don’t expect them.

These little guys needed a home and a family to love them. And we had a home and a lot of love to give. We still miss Leia but this pair are definitely helping make me feel whole again.

They are both used to us now, and love us. They’re less nervous, give us cuddles and let us pick them up. They’re still living in our spare room but starting to explore the rest of the house under supervision. 

They play fight constant. Love toys, especially a crinkly feather thing on a string attached to a stick, and love being up high. They are an awesome pair and we are so glad to have them.

Thank you @millbrook_rspca @rspca_official for trusting us with ‘Lonestar and Starfish’. We could not love them more. 

#catsofinstagram #catstagram #catsofig #catsofinsta #catlovers #adoptdontshop #rspcarescuecat #kittensofinstagram #kittens_of_instagram
[AD - Press Trip] I’ve just finished writing abo [AD - Press Trip] I’ve just finished writing about our half term break at @pottersresort and it’s over on the blog if you want to go have a read.

I wanted to put some of my favourite photos on the grid too as the kids did so many fun activities - they had THE best time. 

Giant swing, segways, climbing, archery, laser clays… there was so much to do that we couldn’t fit it all in - we need another trip!
And there ends our October half term - well, apart And there ends our October half term - well, apart from Troy who has a bonus week off!

This half term has been pretty lovely. Troy had his school residential the first weekend and then we had a really lovely few days in Norfolk before heading home and picking up two new members of our family - Fred and George. 11 week old rescue kittens who have pretty much stolen our hearts.

It’s been so nice to have a chunk of quality time with this pair and now I’m looking forward to the Christmas holidays. These two are the best company and I really do live for the school holidays. 

How has your half term been?
[AD - Press Trip] We’ve loved spending half term [AD - Press Trip] We’ve loved spending half term at @pottersresort in Norfolk. With great food, an action packed schedule of entertainment and activities plus everything included in the price of your break - even drinks - it’s a fantastic way to holiday as a family, giving quality time together in the nicest of surroundings. 
I’ll write a full review soon but for now here’s a little Reel  of our trip.
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Hampshire, Holidays & Accomodation, Reviews, Travel · January 23, 2019

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa – Fareham

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

It’s always nice to spend a weekend on a family break at a hotel somewhere we haven’t really explored before. Recently we were invited to stay overnight at the Solent Hotel and Spa in Fareham, Hampshire. This is quite local to us, about an hour’s drive away, and we were all looking forward to some time to relax after the first week back into the usual school and work routine.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

The Solent Hotel is within easy reach of junction 9 of the M27 and really well placed for the surrounding big cities of Southampton and Portsmouth being approximately halfway between the two. We found ample car parking around the hotel and lovely, well kept grounds.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

As soon as we entered the main reception area, we were stunned by the grand entry hall with it’s beautiful wood panelling, magnificent staircase and comfy seating. It was very atmospheric.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

After a smooth check in process with the lovely receptionist, we were offered an escort to our room with our bags but we said we could manage, nothing was too much trouble. We found this with all of the polite staff throughout our stay.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

We made our way up to the third floor in one of the two comfortable lifts and we were not disappointed with our suite. In the main room was a large comfortable bed and a large flat screen TV on the wall above a writing desk.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

Much to Dave’s delight, there was electrical sockets at the bedside tables, something we have generally found to be lacking in hotels we visit. But not only were there plug sockets but they had USB sockets too! The main bedroom had large recessed wardrobes in where we found robes and slippers for the spa – a lovely touch.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

There was also an awesome, powerful shower room off of the main bedroom, one of the better showers we have seen in UK hotels. Everything was really clean and there were complimentary toiletries too.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

The second room of our suite was separated from the main room by a glass door, something we had not come across before. This room had a comfy sofa bed, tea facilities and a capsule coffee machine. Another plus was the presence of actual fresh milk in the fridge, not the long life UHT portions that there never seems so be enough of! There were ample Twinings tea bags, sugar and even takeaway cups if you fancied taking your drink with you.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

The sofa bed was already made up for us into a bed for the children to share, something which they love doing at hotels. A similar TV set up was also in this room which was a novelty for the children to be able to watch TV in their own bed. There were also child sized robes for them on the bed along with activity packs to keep them entertained and even cookies on the side.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

After relaxing for a while LP and I headed to the spa for a Mum and Me spa treat. It’s a package where I had a glass of bubbly, LP had a glass of pink lemonade and we sat in our robes and had our nails done side by side. It was so lovely and not something we have ever done before. The spa facilities at the Solent Hotel are wonderful with a lounge to relax in, multiple treatment rooms and a really extensive treatment menu too.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

Dave and Little Man made the most of the swimming pool and played whilst we were being pampered. The pool was not crowded at all, with one section roped off for those doing lengths, whilst the main area was mainly for recreational swimmers. There were a few pool noodles along with a number of larger floats, big enough for the children to sit on and really have some fun. They had a whale of a time and were sad when it was time to get out and get ready for dinner. The changing rooms were well equipped with hairdryers and lockers available along with those handy spinners that magically dry your swimwear.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

Before dinner, the children made use of the large bath tub before we all headed down to the Rosette awarded restaurant, which we had reserved a time for when we checked in. The Maitre ‘D on duty was lovely and really made us all feel well looked after, taking time to explain the Chef’s table, a buffet style selection of locally sourced food which is quite unique to the UK.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

We were offered drinks and fresh juice for the children, who also got a glass of pink lemonade each – such a treat! Once we had ordered, the nibbles of a bread selection was bought out that we all shared with some dipping oil and balsamic vinegar. This was just what we needed to start off what was going to be a lovely family dinner.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

Little Man had a classic garlic bread with cheese to start whilst LP adventurously went for a prawn cocktail, something she’s never tried before. It got a big thumbs up from her and made us really proud.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

I had one of the most colourful and flavoursome lamb kofta kebabs I’ve ever had and Dave had gnocchi in a mushroom sauce. For someone who’s not keen on mushrooms, he loved it!

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

The main courses were great too, Dave had rotisserie chicken and I went for fish and chips, both were perfect and mine wasn’t too greasy, was full of flavour and was even presented in newspaper!

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

LP had a deli board of fresh breads, ham and cheese and Mister had one of his favourites – sausage and mash. The gravy that came with it was so meaty and went perfectly with the sausages.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

Dessert was a sticky toffee pudding for LP, three scoops of chocolate ice cream for LM and Dave had a chocolate tart. I tried a black cherry clafoutis, something new to me and a really great choice. We all agreed that the desserts rounded off the meal perfectly.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

We then retired to our room and the kids settled down to sleep. The glass door offered some privacy, but we had to dim virtually all the lights in the main room so as to not disturb them as they drifted off. Although the glass door looked great, I think that a regular solid door would have been a more practical option.

After a great night sleep, we got ready for a delicious hotel breakfast, something that many of my regular readers know I love! There were cereal options alongside a continental buffet, pastries and a cooked breakfast. This was served to you as you went along the bar instead of if just diving in yourself. It was all delicious and set us up for the day ahead.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

Checkout isn’t until 11am as standard, which gave us a little time to gather our things and for the children to have one last go of TV in their own bed. We could have also made use of the leisure facilities in the morning if we wanted to.

The south coast is wonderful to visit and we made the most of the location by going rock climbing just a couple of minutes away on our way home on Sunday. We had a really great time and wouldn’t hesitate to book again as a family or even a break away for us as a couple.

A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham
A Weekend at the Solent Hotel and Spa - Fareham

In: Hampshire, Holidays & Accomodation, Reviews, Travel

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Comments

  1. Sam | North East Family Fun Travel Blog says

    January 23, 2019 at 9:59 am

    Oh it looks lovely – very welcoming to families too which is lovely to see. I’d find it difficult to move from those seats near the fire in the lounge – it looks so cosy!

    Reply
  2. Cora Harrison says

    January 23, 2019 at 10:54 am

    Those kids robes are incredible!
    Glad you had such a wonderful stay.

    Reply
  3. Iris Tilley says

    January 23, 2019 at 6:15 pm

    Oh my so much yummy food

    Reply
  4. Tracey Williams says

    February 27, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    What a beautiful hotel, and I love all the little touches like the cookies and robes for the children. It’s the same hotel chain as Cottons which is around half an hour away from me, and coincidentally my husband is staying at tonight for work. Not jealous in the slightest lol. They also have a buffet table of locally produced food called the Cheshire Plate, which I am now craving x

    Reply

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