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!
Oh these two! Every day I feel lucky to have them. Oh these two! Every day I feel lucky to have them. As school draws to a close at lunchtime, I’m looking forward to a whole summer with them. My favourite people.

They’ve both had a great year at school this year. Troy’s first without his sister by his side and Athena’s first at secondary school. 

They both had great reports, always did their best and have made some really lovely new friends this year. I could not be more proud of them.

Now, let’s go and enjoy the next six weeks before school starts all over again!
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Hampshire, Holidays & Accomodation, Reviews, Travel · July 4, 2017

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn New Forest, Hampshire

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

We often go away as a family and most of the time we choose to stay in chain hotels as we know exactly what we’re getting. But, on a trip to the New Forest last weekend we stayed at The Bell Inn and it may well be one of the best family hotel stays we have ever had.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

Where exactly is The Bell Inn New Forest?

The Bell Inn is situated a good distance into the New Forest. There are ponies nearby and it has such a traditional country pub feel from the moment you drive into the car park. But, as soon as we walked into reception we knew hat The Bell Inn wasn’t just a country pub – Everything looked so well maintained, modern but classic at the same time and completely in keeping with The Bell Inn’s historic roots.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

What are the Bell Inn New Forest rooms like?

Our room at The Bell Inn was a good size double bedroom with the biggest bed I have ever slept in. To accommodate the children they had set up two more beds in the lounge area of the room and there was still plenty of space to relax and move around without disturbing them.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

The room was beautiful, with a shower room and complimentary toiletries, a well stocked tea and coffee tray – that even had a jar of jelly beans on it – and plenty of storage. The room had views out the front of the hotel and although the road it’s on is quite busy we couldn’t hear the cars driving past at all.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

Is The Bell Inn New Forest a family friendly place to stay?

Before dinner we explored The Bell Inn and the children were happy to find a chess set in the garden. The whole garden was great for families with plenty of space for the children to run around and explore – or play chess. We had fun teaching LP and Little Man how each of the pieces moved and I was surprised at how long they stayed engaged in the game for – it made for a lovely afternoon. Dave and I had a nice drink and the children played, it couldn’t have been nicer.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

What is the food like at The Bell Inn New Forest?

We had dinner at The Bell Inn and loved how comfortable yet formal the dining rooms were. We weren’t worried that the children would disturb anyone but, we felt like we were having a really special meal. The garden room we had dinner in was absolutely beautiful and flowed nicely into the rest of the inn.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

The children’s menu was fantastic, with all their favourite foods on – tomato pasta, fish and chips, chicken nuggets and chips, sausages and mash… They chose fish and chips and chicken nuggets and chips and we were impressed with the portion sizes. The chicken nuggets and battered fish had obviously been freshly made and the children really enjoyed the meals. They also had a good selection of drinks for the children – from brand name drinks to simple orange squash.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

Dave and I had haddock croquettes and scallops to start which were cooked and presented beautifully. They were the perfect size for starters and a great introduction to the quality and style of food available at The Bell Inn. All produce is locally sourced too which is always lovely to see.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

Our mains were spring lamb and sticky glazed Swallowfield Farm pork belly. My lamb was cooked perfectly and was a good portion size for me. Dave’s pork belly was an impressive looking main and a great size – with a strip of crackling rested on the top. The food at The Bell Inn was incredible. It was presented to really high standards, tasted amazing and can’t be compared in any way to traditional pub food. The Bell Inn’s food was in a league of it’s own.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

For desserts Dave had a trio of puddings, I went for the chocolate Baileys indulgence and the children had ice cream. Dave loved the feeling of having three desserts for the price of one, perfect when you can’t decide what to order and you get a real feel for The Bell Inn’s dessert menu too. My Baileys indulgence was lovely, not too rich but full of flavour and with so many different parts to it. The children loved their ice cream but it was a bit odd for it to arrive on a plate – a simple bowl would have been fine.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

Most importantly – did we sleep well?

We all slept so well and breakfast the next day really set us up for a family day out. There was a continental buffet selection with cereals, dried fruit and pastries as well as fruit juice and hot breakfasts cooked to order. Dave and I both went for a full English breakfast and it arrived quickly and was as good as dinner had been. The food at The Bell Inn is obviously a huge part of their appeal and I would love to go back – for lunch or even afternoon tea!

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

The Bell Inn is 200 years old and has stayed in the same family for all that time – something that you can really feel in the atmosphere during your stay. It’s friendly, welcoming and personalised. The staff are happy to help with everything and are happy to recommend food and drinks and really just want you to have the best stay possible.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire

We loved our break at The Bell Inn and the children loved it too. It’s definitely somewhere we would love to stay again in the future and it really was the perfect way to start our weekend. The Bell Inn would be the perfect place for a weekend away or a stopping point on a long journey. It’s peaceful, beautiful and has such a nice atmosphere. If you’re ever in the New Forest definitely stop for a drink or a bite to eat – or even stay the night.

A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn - New Forest, Hampshire
A Wonderful break at The Bell Inn New Forest, Hampshire

In: Hampshire, Holidays & Accomodation, Reviews, Travel

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Comments

  1. Sam | North East Family Fun Travel Blog says

    July 4, 2017 at 9:18 am

    Oh wow it looks gorgeous. I agree that independent hotels and inns usually have a lot more charm and the homely touch too. I always find that the staff seem super knowledgable too.

    We are huge fans of giant chess in our house so my three would definitely give this place the thumbs up. The food looks incredible too.

    Reply
  2. Karen, the next best thing to mummy says

    July 4, 2017 at 6:10 pm

    I m feeling hungry now after looking at your photos of the food, seriously though I love the new forest, mainly because of the ponies they make the most wonderful ponies for children, somehow they seem to be quieter than other native breeds, such as the Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies

    Reply
  3. Laura's Lovely Blog says

    July 5, 2017 at 10:33 am

    Oh wow this looks like a fantastic hotel, I love the decor and the food looks amazing. I really would like to visit the New Forest so I will have to remember this hotel.

    Reply
  4. Kel says

    July 6, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    I love the New Forest and was hoping to take my family there soon, this looks like the perfect place to stay! The food looks incredible too! x

    Reply
  5. Laura - Dear Bear and Beany says

    July 6, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    It looks lovely Donna. We need to take the girls to the New Forest it is such a beautiful part of the country. I would have totally picked Dave’s dessert, yum! x

    Reply

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