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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Travel · May 25, 2019

Family Self Catering Holidays UK

We love to travel around the UK as a family so I thought I would put together some of the self catering holiday options we have experienced to give you more inspiration for your next family holiday.

A Half Term Break at Butlins - Bognor Regis {Part 1 - Accomodation and Food}

You can click the categories below to jump to the part of the UK you are most interested in or just scroll through to see everywhere we have stayed across the country.

Table of Contents

  • Cornwall Self Catering Holidays
  • Devon and Dorset Self Catering Holidays
  • Somerset and Wiltshire Self Catering Holidays
  • Hampshire Self Catering Holidays
  • Sussex Self Catering Holidays
  • London Self Catering Holidays
  • East of England Self Catering Holidays
  • East Midlands Self Catering Holidays
  • North West Self Catering Holidays
  • Scotland Self Catering Holidays
  • Wales Self Catering Holidays

Cornwall Self Catering Holidays

Porthleven Holiday Cottages – Porthleven

When we visited Cornwall for February half term we stayed at Beach Cottage, one of the Porthleven Holiday Cottages portfolio of holiday homes. It was set right in the heart of Porthleven, had the beach right outside the front door and had everything we could need from a self catering holiday let on the Cornish coast.

You can read more about our stay in Porthleven here.


The Coach House – Menheniot

We went to Cornwall for a wedding and stayed at the Coach House. Even now – a few years later – we look back at this holiday as one of our favourite family holidays. The Coach House was such a great place to stay to explore the local area, it was quirky and homely whilst being perfect for families. Plus, they now have a swimming pool too.

You can find out more about our break at the Coach House here.

Review: The Coach House - Menheniot, Cornwall

Devon and Dorset Self Catering Holidays

Hedley Wood – Bude

We spent a very cold and wet half term at Hedley Wood on the Cornwall/Devon border. In nicer weather it would be such a great place to stay, close to the Devon coast and so many attractions. It’s a really quiet holiday park with a shop, restaurant and play area and it’s open to touring as well as having static caravans and glamping tents to hire.

You can read more about our trip to Hedley Wood here.


Caalm Camp – Shaftesbury

We had our first yurt experience at Caalm Camp and it couldn’t have been more family friendly. The yurts are definitely a luxury glamping experience and each yurt has its own lockable shower room with sink and toilet. There are shared kitchen and dining facilities as well as play areas for the children. Caalm Camp is well located to explore all of Dorset’s attractions and we went to Monkey World whilst we were there.

You can read more about our Caalm Camp glamping experience here.


Crealy Meadows Glamping – Exeter

We went glamping for the first time when we visited Crealy Adventure Park and stayed in a safari tent in their Crealy Meadows. This is such a fantastic family break with access to the adventure park throughout your stay as well as being a great base to explore more of Devon’s attractions and beautiful coastline. The safari tents had three bedrooms and basic cooking facilities with modern toilet and shower facilities on site.

You can read more about our Crealy glamping break here.


Somerset and Wiltshire Self Catering Holidays

SACO Apartments – Bath

Bath is such a great place to explore and the SACO apartments in the city centre are a fantastic place to stay to make the most of everything that Bath has to offer. The apartments are fairly basic but have everything you need for one night or a few days away and their location is second to none.

You can find out more about our family trip to Bath here.

A Mini-Break in Bath to visit The Roman Baths

Hampshire Self Catering Holidays

Hoburne Bashley – New Milton

We love Hoburne Holiday parks and the Hoburne Bashley site in New Milton is a great place to stay. Set in the heart of the New Forest it’s fantastic for exploring the local area and has great facilities to suit the whole family.

You can find out more about our break at Hoburne Bashley here.

Review: Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park

Away Resorts Whitecliff Bay – Isle of Wight

I love a holiday park trip and Away Resorts Whitecliff Bay was the perfect break for a family. With beautiful holiday chalets, so many activities for the children, a great swimming complex and a coastal location it couldn’t have been a nicer way to spend the school holidays.

You can read more about our time at Away Resorts Whitecliff Bay here.


Sussex Self Catering Holidays

Lodges at New House Farm – Etchingham, East Sussex

We spent a weekend just before Christmas at the Lodges at New House Farm and really loved it as a self catering break away. The Long Barn was a communal area with a children’s den upstairs plus there was so much outside space to run around and explore. The children got to feed animals and the lodge had everything we needed for our weekend away.

You can read more about the Lodges at New House Farm here.

A December Weekend at the Lodges at New House Farm

Butlins – Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Butlins is such an iconic British self catering holiday and one that you just have to experience as a family. We stayed in the hotel and had a dining plan although we still had snacks and lunches we made ourselves. Butlins accomodation comes with a lot of different options and there is entertainment to suit every member of the family as well as fantastic swimming facilities. There’s endless family friendly activities and the little ones always have a great time.

You can read more about our Butlins Bognor Regis break here.

A Half Term Break at Butlins - Bognor Regis {Part 1 - Accomodation and Food}

London Self Catering Holidays


East of England Self Catering Holidays

Center Parcs Woburn Forest – Bedford, Bedfordshire

When you think of UK self catering holidays Center Parcs is usually one of the first places people think of. We visited Center Parcs Woburn Forest and loved how family friendly it was, the amount of activities and entertainment options on offer, the fantastic swimming complex and how there was something for every member of the family.

You can read more about our Center Parcs Woburn Forest break here.

A Weekend at Center Parcs - Woburn Forest {Accomodation and Food}

East Midlands Self Catering Holidays

Darwin Forest Luxury Lodge Holidays -Matlock, Derbyshire

If you are looking for a complete country retreat then Darwin Forest has everything you could need for the whole family. With a great leisure complex, activities for the whole family, soft play, crazy golf and adventure playgrounds. The luxury lodges have everything you would expect from a luxury lodge holiday and there’s a restaurant and takeaway options if you don’t feel like cooking either.

You can find out why we loved Darwin Forest here.


Sandybrook Luxury Lodge Holidays – Ashbourne, Derbyshire

We had a winter weekend at Landal Sandybrook and it was such a nice break after the hectic Christmas period. Darwin Forest’s sister site is a quiet retreat in the heart of the countryside. There’s a pool, mini golf, restaurant and nature trail. A lovely break for the whole family.

You can read more about our weekend at Sandybrook in Derbyshire here.


Butlins – Skegness, Lincolnshire

Our first Butlins experience was visiting Butlins in Skegness and staying on their caravan site. The entertainment options were fantastic and the children had a great break especially as we visited over Halloween and there were fireworks and other themed activities on all family breaks.

You can read more about our Butlins Skegness break here.


North West Self Catering Holidays

The Heart Apartments – Media City, Salford Quays, Manchester

We had a festive weekend in Salford Quays and stayed in the Heart Apartments during it. The apartment was perfect for families with lift access, reduced parking charges and views across the Quays. It’s well located to experience everything that the Quays has to offer and has great facilities to eat in as well as the abundance of restaurants and takeaway options that the Quays have to offer.

You can find out more about our stay at the Heart Apartments in Salford Quays here.


Center Parcs Whinfell Forest – Cumbria

We had a term time week at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest before the children started school and absolutely loved it. The accomodation was great, the swimming complex was fantastic and there were so many activities too.

You can read more about our Center Parcs Whinfell Forest break here.


Scotland Self Catering Holidays

Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort – Dundee

On a trip to Scotland we were looking for somewhere to stay that would enable us to see some of the local area and visit attractions with the children. Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort in Dundee ticked all our boxes and ended up being a complete oasis in an otherwise fairly residential area full of beautiful lodges and amazing views.

You can read more about our Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort stay here.


Wales Self Catering Holidays

Bluestone National Park Resort

If you’re looking for a rural retreat in Wales there really is nothing better than Bluestone National Park Resort. It has fantastic views and scenery, set in the heart of the countryside, and there is so much for every member of the family to do including play areas and the Bluestone spa.

You can read about our Bluestone holiday here and also what we thought of Bluestone’s Kingdom of the Elves when we visited at Christmas.

Review: Bluestone National Park Resort - Kingdom of the Elves

We’re planning a lot more travels around the country and I’ll be updating this post with everywhere we visit. If you have any family friendly self catering recommendations please do let me know – I’ll add it to our list of places to visit and write about.

Self Catering Holidays UK

In: Travel

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Comments

  1. Tracey Williams says

    May 27, 2019 at 2:18 pm

    This is such a great and informative post Donna. You have certainly made your way around the UK x

    Reply
    • Donna Wishart says

      May 27, 2019 at 3:30 pm

      I’m looking forward to seeing where the next months and years take us! x

      Reply

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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.

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