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Activities Days Out Places

6 Family Farm Days Under One Hour From London

Back in the day, you would go to a farm and expect to see a couple of domestic animals roaming around, a few farm animals in the field, have a play on a rickety old climbing frame, eat a Mr Whippy and then head home. Oh no. Not nowadays. We expect a farm to entertain our poor little deprived children and not only give them a taste of the countryside but entertain, thrill and stimulate them like a theme park! Fun farms!

Here a few that you can reach in about an hour from London – so go for the day and still be back in time for tea – that definitely won’t disappoint!

Bocketts Farm

Leatherhead, Surrey

Nestled just off the A3, it’s very easy to get to Bocketts. There is lots to do – inside and outside play areas, animal feeling and some lovely lunch options – as well as Bocketts being a working family farm. The farm is home to hundreds of animals, including lambs, piglets, chicks and calves. For us, The Pig Racing was a real highlight. It’s actually a full-on marathon and the children went nuts for it. I didn’t know pigs could run that fast… Very fun.

Address: Young St, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9BS, United Kingdom

Find out more on BockettsFarm.co.uk

Photo credit: @olliedixonphoto, Facebook

Bucklebury Farm Park

Reading, Berkshire

This is a delightful farm and we particularly enjoyed the go karts and play bus. The guys had fun careering down the assault course in the woods too! Bucklebury is very charming and the shabby-chic style cafe was lovely and also very helpful – warming baby food and helping prevent our errant 2 year old from wandering into the kitchen without losing their cool!

Address: Bucklebury, Reading RG7 6RR, United Kingdom

Find out more on BuckleburyFarmPark.co.uk

Credit: buckleburyfarmpark, Facebook

Looking for a short family break? Here are 12 luxury staycations the whole family will love… 

Godstone Farm

Godstone, Surrey

The soft play and vast adventure playground alone is worth the entry fee here. There is also a much appreciated section for the under 2’s. The dino trail and designated playground filled with ride on tractors and trucks was also a real hit. They are very generous with the time they allow for rabbit and chicken ‘cuddling’ although the chicks were out of bounds for the 1 year old. ‘They aren’t very good at releasing their grip at that age…’

Update July 2020: Animal holding and the playbarn are currently closed but hopefully we’ll see them opening very soon!

Address: Farm Limited, Tilburstow Hill Rd, Godstone RH9 8LX, United Kingdom

Find out more on GodstoneFarm.co.uk

Credit: Godstonefarm.co.uk

 


Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.


Hobbledown

Epsom, Surrey

Hobbledown is the ‘Harry Potter’ of all farms. It is like entering a different land and each area is crafted beautifully. Teepees and tents line the paths and there is something interesting going on at every turn. I could have perused the shop for longer than I did too. There were loads of cool books, games and toys – will definitely stock up on Christmas presents next time we head back!

Address: Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT, United Kingdom

Find out more on Hobbledown.com

Credit: Hobbledown.com

Read also: Al Fresco Inspiration: 10 Things Your Family Picnic Is Missing

Odds Park Farm

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Odds Park is a huge farm with plenty to do including tractor rides, animal feeding, a wonderful sandpit and plentiful play areas. Everyone’s highlight was the sheep racing though, where you backed a sheep and if it came in, you won a medal. That made a few happy (and unhappy) faces! The staff are very friendly and the map is clear with an extensive plan of what’s on at what time.

Address: Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe HP10 0LX, United Kingdom

Find out more on OddsFarm.co.uk

Credit: OddsFarm.co.uk

Wellington Country Park

Riseley, Berkshire

We always race straight to the train as soon as we arrive. Hughie, the train driver, always welcomes us aboard with a huge smile. Each time we visit they have added to the collection of little statues, gnomes and animals along the route. Don’t forget to scream when you go through the tunnel! If you manage to get beyond the three different outdoor play areas (they are brilliant – especially the zip wire), there is a sweet little farm area and a beautiful lake to walk around. A top day out.

Address: Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP, United Kingdom

Find out more on Wellington-Country-Park.co.uk

Whichever one you choose, you will have a lovely day. They are all perfect destinations to meet friends, escape the grind and fill up one day of the holidays!

Want more?

Fashion

12 Fun Men’s Holiday Shirts That He Will Actually Wear

Add a splash of colour to your man’s wardrobe with a colourful summer shirt. Bright shirts don’t have to be reserved for holidays: I can picture these making a stylish appearance on evenings out, relaxing in beer gardens, and at family parties, taking charge of the BBQ. Wear buttoned up or tone things down with an unbuttoned, plain white tee underneath look. Pair with denim or light and neutral shorts or trousers.

Indigo Island

I love the light and relaxed feel of Indigo Island shirts. They’re fun without being over-the-top and wacky.

Curacao, Indigo Island

£75

Sicily, Indigo Island

£75

Pink House Mustique

This banana tree print has me dreaming of hot summer days on faraway beaches… preferably somewhere in the Caribbean with a rum cocktail in-hand.

Linen Shirt Banana Tree Pink, Pink House Mustique

£129

Linen Shirt Guava Dazzling Blue, Pink House Mustique

£129

You might also like: Luxury Staycations The Whole Family Will Absolutely Love

Frangipani

I can’t resist the contrasting colours on this Frangipani shirt. If your man isn’t into pink shirts, aqua with pink details could convince him otherwise. The Wham Bam Boo shirt is bold but brilliant! 

Aqua Caribou shirt, Frangipani

£75

Wham Bam Boo shirt, Frangipani

£75

Hoboko

Soft colours are just made for summer. The shades of pink on this Hoboko shirt are effortlessly stylish. The cornflower pattern on my second choice is subtle but fun.

Pink flower shirt, Hoboko

£35

Cornflower shirt, Hoboko

Beaufort & Blake

For something more mellow, Beaufort & Blake has some uber-cool classic linen shirts. How do they make a casual shirt look so smart and chic?!

Chillerton Classic Pink Linen Shirt, Beaufort & Blake

£79

Chillerton Classic Navy Linen Shirt, Beaufort & Blake

£79

Joseph Turner

Start building your man’s linen shirt collection from Joseph Turner. Linen is the most lightweight and breathable material you’ll find for summer.

Long-Sleeved Linen Shirt, Joseph Turner

£45

Long-Sleeved Linen Shirt, Joseph Turner

£45

Sandfish Clothing

I love the attention to detail on the cuffs and collar of this shirt. It comes in blue or lime: which one will you choose?!

Olly Shirt, Sandfish Clothing

You might also like: Al Fresco Inspiration: 10 Things Your Family Picnic Is Missing

Travel

Luxury Staycations The Whole Family Will Absolutely Love

I know we all deserve a change of scenery after being cooped up in the house for so long. I’ve picked out my favourite family getaways from around the UK and now all I can say is my next holiday can’t come around soon enough! From beachside retreats to the most glamorous of glamping trips, all of my picks have the Great British countryside in common.

Black​ Pig Retreats, Dorset

Tried and tested, Black Pig Retreats is perfect for those of us who like the idea of camping but really love a hot shower and comfy bed at the end of the day. The luxury Safari tents – complete with hot running water, a wood burning stoves, and king-sized beds – are the definition of glamping. I went along with the kids and have to say the whole family loved it. Check out my review here.

Find out more on BlackPigRetreats.com 

Home Farm Glamping, Hertfordshire

Another glamping option I recommend is Home Farm Glamping. It’s handy how close it is to London and you don’t even need a car to visit. That doesn’t mean you compromise on the great outdoors experience though, Home Farm is surrounded by 150 acres of countryside with nature trails, lakes and woodlands. I can almost smell the fresh air!

Find out more on HomeFarmGlamping.com

Wisteria House, Ticehurst

One worry about booking a week in the countryside is whether the kids will be entertained. Wisteria House makes my list because it gives you the best of both worlds; you’re out in the calm and beautiful Sussex countryside but Go Ape is three miles away and Hastings is just under twenty. A good mix of day trips and country walks will leave everyone feeling refreshed. Plus, the cottage has been newly (and fabulously) refurbished by Becky from Bricks & Stitches.

Find out more on AirBnB.co.uk

Sandways Beach House, Camber Sands

I love that this gorgeous house is minutes from the beach. As soon as you step through the door, you can crank down the gears into relax mode. The house sleeps ten, which is ideal for getting away with the whole extended family or teaming up with your friends with their children in tow. My favourite things about Sandways are the huge windows that let in so much light, the cosy fires from the log burner and the huge trampoline that should keep the kids entertained for hours (fingers crossed!!).

Find out more on CamberHolidayCottages.co.uk

Wittering Beach House, West Sussex

Walks, water sports and that wonderful West Sussex coastline: what more could we ask of a staycation? Wittering Beach House gives the whole family a chance to switch off from the outside world with its four bedrooms meaning there’s space for the grandparents too. I’m dreaming about wholesome family walks, splashing about in the sea and topping off each day relaxing in the garden with bbq’d food and a cool glass of wine.

Find out more on WitteringBeachHouse.co.uk

A Tree Tent at Pennard Hill Farm, Somerset 

Pennard Hill Farm literally takes glamping up a level with its Tree Tent. The glamorous pod, suspended between two trees, gives a unique twist to the camping experience. Step from the pod across a rope bridge and you’ll find a fire pit, kitchen, shower and loo. There’s no WiFi or electricity in the pod, so the only thing left to do is cosy up and relax in your treetop tent.

Find out more on PennardHillFarm.co.uk

Luxury Farm Cottage, Aberdeenshire 

The Scottish countryside is just beautiful and Torphins is a great place to blow away the cobwebs. This luxury farm cottage is located on a working farm, so you can truly switch off from the city and immerse yourself in country life. I’m also hopeful activities will be back to normal by the time the holidays come round as local things to do include whisky tasting, horse riding and castle tours. 

Find out more on AirBnB.co.uk

Luxury Highland Lodge, Aberdeenshire

Another Scottish gem, this lodge is ideal for getting away with all your family and friends (up to 20 people!). The scandi-chic interiors are just to die for, not to mention the sweeping vistas visible from each direction. I can just imagine going out on long hikes, cooking huge feasts and spending hours sitting by the fire.

Find out more on AirBnB.co.uk

The Boat Shed, Lymington 

I’m in love with the design of the boat shed, especially when it’s lit up at night with fairy lights… It has one bedroom and is just divine for a romantic escape or a tiny family break. Soak up the seaside with walks on the beach and wandering about this nautical village, before snuggling up in this lovely little hideaway. 

Find out more on NewForestEscapes.com

Coastguards Cottage, Isle of Wight  

For peace and quiet, a seaside cottage under a minute from the beach is exactly what’s needed and what Coastguards Cottage provides. This place sounds fantastic for families in summer with options to go kayaking, crabbing, birdwatching and paddleboarding.

Find out more on NewForestEscapes.com

The Farmhouse, Cotswolds

Fish & Pips are my favourite luxury escape experts, so I’ve picked out two of their places for my staycation list. First up is The Farmhouse, an absolutely sublime Cotswold-stone house. It has eight beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms, a drawing room with open fires, a huge state-of-the-art kitchen and its own boules court.

Find out more on FishandPips.co.uk

The Barn, Suffolk 

The Barn is just perfect for a family getaway and only a couple of hours from London. Pull on your wellies and explore the countryside or blow away the cobwebs with a family bicycle ride. There’s also tennis, clay pigeon shooting, archery and paddleboarding on the lakes. Something to keep everyone entertained!

Find out more on FishAndPips.co.uk

Family Life Travel

10 Easter Holiday Ideas For Families

With Easter falling early next year, it’s great news for skiers but warm weather in mainland Europe will certainly be quite a gamble. So, where do you go if you fancy some sun at that time of year?

Ed Burke from Seventy Ten Travel has shared all his experience and ideas with us today to bring so many ideas for the Easter holidays.

Ed

Seventy Ten Travel was started by Ed in 2015 having worked at t two large luxury holiday firms. It is is a dynamic and forward-thinking luxury tour operator, travel agency and concierge service.  The difference is with Seventy Ten Travel is you are dealing directly with a small team. Ed and and his wife Rani started the business in 2015 later joined by business partner Rosie Kennedy a year later.

They are approved members of the Travel Trust Association, which means we uniquely offer 100% financial security on any experience you book which in this current erratic climate it is great to have this for peace of mind!

 

Family Road Trip and Safari to South Africa (best for children 4-14)

In my opinion South Africa is the best option for a first time family long haul adventure. With no jet lag, superb hotels and perfect late summer weather, you can really hit the ground running.

Cape Town the “Mother City” is full of interest for young and old, the little ones will enjoy the major sights like Table Mountain, The Waterfront, Cape Point and the Two Oceans Aquarium. From Cape Town, it’s about a 6 hour drive or a short flight to the Garden Route. You could stop for a night or two in Oudtshoorn the Ostrich Capital of the world (it will be worth it if Daddy takes an ostrich ride!).

On the Garden Route, you can have your fix of beach. But there is so much more; coastal forest walks in Tsitsikamma (you could try and spot the elusive Knysna Forrest Elephant), Ocean Cruises as well as Elephant, Wildcat, Bird and Monkey Sanctuaries. Now the kids are fully briefed on the animals, they can see them in the wild! There are many excellent family friendly malaria free lodges an easy drive from the Garden Route.

 

Tenerife (best for children 0-10)

Come Easter, you and the kids may well be exhausted! In which case you want an easy flight to warmer climes and an excellent family friendly hotel. Tenerife ticks all these boxes. It’s protected from the winds and the hotels are masters at creating an atmosphere that keeps everyone happy.

 

tenerife-coast

 

The best 2 options in Tenerife would be the Grand Hotel Bahia del Duque and The Abama, though they do charge a premium and will be very busy; the Roca Nivaria is a better value for money option. We also know some excellent options in Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

Morocco (best for Children 4-14)

Early Spring is the best time to visit Morocco. It’s perfect if you want something culturally different, without going too off grid or sacrificing any luxury. There’s a host of superb family friendly hotels within the surrounds of Marrakech; many of which you needn’t leave for the week.

Though if you do, el-Fnaa square and the Souks will be an eye opening experience for the children. The Oasiria Water Park is a must for families of all ages. We can also arrange a day trip into the Atlas Mountains with lunch in a Berber Village, which is an incredible experience for young and old. If there are 2 or 3 families travelling together we know some superb catered villas.

Florida Road Trip (best for children 3-15)

I took my 3 and 6 year old on a road trip to Florida this summer. We had an amazing time but concluded it would be better weather wise over Easter or Christmas.

 

miami-beach-florida-2

 

Regular direct flights make the travel easy and the jet lag is manageable. Miami, Disneyland, The Everglades and Gulf Coast are a must.

 

eople-on-airboat-in-the-evergladesflorida

 

Read all about our Florida trip here

 

Oman (best for children 4-15)

In my opinion, Oman offers the most authentic and refined Middle Eastern experience. The friendly and laid back capital, Muscat, is easy to explore with little ones and there are some absolutely superb luxury family friendly hotels just up the coast.

The Gulf of Oman is rich in marine life (though April is a bit early for the turtle laying), so great for marine cruises, snorkeling or diving. If you’re looking for a mini-family adventure we can organise a desert camping trip or a luxurious night or two in the stunning Jabal Akhdar mountains.

 

Skiing – Saint Foy (best for children 3-12)

With snow already falling and an early Easter, 2018 promises to be a great year for Easter skiing. Our hot tip for families, especially first timers, is Saint Foy. This cute and quirky resort has great nursery slopes and excellent ski schools who magnify the fun.

There are some really lovely chalets and apartments, within a stone’s throw of the slopes, minimising the dreaded long walk or ski bus. For those with babies there are some excellent creches who will look after your loved one whist you hit the slopes.

 

Costa Rica (best for children 6-15)

If your children are curious; love nature and animals, then Costa Rica is just the ticket. For the curious there’s active volcanoes, indigenous tribes and a national sustainability blue-print that puts the world to shame.

 

red-eyed-green-tree-leaf-frogcosta-rica2

 

For animal lovers: sloths, turtles, monkeys galore, toucans and even jaguars are common encounters. For nature lovers: there’s pristine rain and cloud forest, untouched beaches, winding rivers and tumbling waterfalls. All this comes with warm and welcoming people and excellent (very safe) food and drink. All in all the perfect enriching family destination.

 

wild-beach-chiquita-and-cocles-in-costa-rica

 

Mauritius (best for children 0-15)

This idyllic Indian Ocean island has become somewhat of a luxury family hotspot over recent years. With a long history of first class hospitality, many of its iconic luxury hotels have embraced the needs of the modern family.

 

aerial-mauritius

 

We are particularly excited about the reopening of the One&Only Le Saint Geran, after a full scale renovation. It’s always had the best natural location on the island and now will have the best facilities. Thanks to the extensive and excellent competition, the prices are very reasonable for a hotel of this standard.

Thailand (best for children 6-15 years)

April is the perfect time of year to visit Thailand. There are so many exciting options for a family holiday. You could do a simple beach break to Phuket, Krabi or the surrounding islands. (We would recommend escaping the hustle and bustle by going to one of the smaller islands, though this does involve a bit more travelling.)

 

copy-of-elephant-family-walking

 

Or you could add in a touch of adventure with a stay in the Khao Sok National Park just north of Phuket. Or to make it a trip of a lifetime, add in the awe inspiring Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Jet-lag can be a bit of an issue going out so we would recommend a minimum of 10 days to 2 weeks.

Cyprus (best for children 0-10)

If you want to stay within Europe and not travel too far, then the weather in Cyprus is normally quite a good bet. There are some excellent family friendly hotels which are excellent value for money if booked well in advance.

For beach lovers we would recommend the Anassa, whilst those with very young children may prefer the Almyra, much closer to Paphos, who offer a unique baby-go-lightly programme which covers any needs or requirements for travelling with very young children.

So many fantastic ideas, now to decide which one to book #wishfulthinking 

Contact Ed on  info@seventytentravel.com or call him on 020 8004 7937 and he will be able to help you with any ideas, itineraries or bookings at a fair price and a personal service. 

Bon Voyage xx

 

TLM Monthly Edit

TLM Monthly Edit : July 2015

A few website and services that have peaked my interest during this insanely busy month of July!

 

Pom Pom Baskets  from Gift Pop £26.25

This is a great website to stock up your present cupboard for gifts for your girl friends (or yourself) or presents for your, especially if you aren’t able to get to the shops as much as you would like. Everything is brilliantly priced too. I couldn’t decide which product to feature as there are so many gems, but these Pom Pom baskets give you a good taster!

image

 

Ashley’s Camp at Daylesford Farm Shop, Cotswolds

Ashley’s Camp 2015 is for 3-6 year olds and is taking place at Daylesford Farm between 24th-28th August 2015.  Wellness week is running for the adults at the same time, so if you are looking for to fill in a week at the end of the Summer holidays to keep everyone happy, investigate – it looks idyllic!

FullSizeRender(14)

 

Afternoon Picnic from Parknic £30 for Two

We recently tried this picnic delivery service, that currently delivers to Green Park and Hyde Park. We thought we would go slightly off piste from our usual style of date night (crazy) so we biked up to Hyde Park and ordered our picnic.  We gave our location and bingo – an hour later this gorgeous home made and handmade picnic arrived in a cute hamper. There are lots of different menus to choose from, varying from a snack option to a full on indulgent feast. We opted for the afternoon picnic but are gearing up for a festival picnic soon… Bottoms up!

london-picnic-company1

 

Laura Mercier Illuminiser Tinted Moisturiser from House of Fraser £34

I have found something amazing and need to share it! Not one for full on foundation, I have found a tinted moisturiser that gives my skin an illuminous glow and dewy look that I have been aspiring too ever since J Lo came on the scene. A few people have even commented on my skin and that has never happened before. Try it.

304-3001489-ILLUMINATINGTINTEDMOISTURISER_BARERADIANCE_M

 

 

Party Bags from Flibberti

These party bags are epic  I actually think I could buy just one for my sons main birthday present as they are so original and substantial.  There are lots of other goodies on the website for girls and boys including novel party accessories.

Boys-bag-crocodile-458x458

 

Big Brother Gift from Essential Bag Company from £19

No more excuses to overlook an existing sibling when a new baby arrives on the scene.  These beautiful compilation of presents and treats tailored to your recipient (boy/girl and Daddy hasn’t been forgotten either) will be sure to give the most harassed new mother a break from a demanding toddler/sibling/father.  There is also a lovely bag perfect for a new mother. Either put together your own bag or choose from one of their ready made bags and bingo – one very happy and grateful friend.

FullSizeRender(11)

 

Neon Tassle Necklace from Etsy £20

I love these tassle necklaces from Etsy. A hot trend this summer, they will pick up any outfit, whilst also supporting a small business.

FullSizeRender(12)

 

Magnus and Me

This is a fab website featuring luxury travel and lifestyle for single parents.  If you are going it alone, be sure to sign up for inspiration and ideas.

la-vialla-1024x683

 

 

Places Travel

Houses To Rent In The UK

I wanted to share a bit of recent research with you. No, I haven’t found a formula to make 2 and 4 year old brother’s consistently get on, but I have found some gorgeous holiday homes to rent in the UK, for groups http://eepurl.com/bm5iR5unto as large as 12.

If you are looking to go away with a group of friends, you won’t go wrong with any of these!

 

Axnoller, West Dorset
Axnoller is about staying in style, enjoying privacy and having what you want, when you want it. Treat Axnoller as your own luxurious private home. You will have your own private indoor pool and private spa in absolute luxury. It is based in stunning rural West Dorset just 20 minutes from the Jurassic Coast.

Barn On The Coast, West Dorset

The Barn on the coast provides unique accommodation for an enchanting West Dorset break. Lovingly restored using local stone and oak, and fitted with every modern appliance, the Barn is situated just 10 minutes walk from some of the most stunning beach and coastline in Britain.

Wyndham House, Aldeburgh in Suffolk (as pictured above)
Wyndham House is a beautiful classic Georgian house situated in a prominent position within the seaside town of Aldeburgh. Sea views, car parking, a private garden and flexible accommodation make this the perfect choice for any family gathering.

With its exquisite Cotswold stone buildings, award-winning gardens and beautiful interiors,
Temple Guiting Manor and Barns is the perfect hideaway.

Tristram House, Polzeath
Tristram House in New Polzeath is one of the premier holiday houses in the area. The large and luxurious beachfront house enjoys spectacular sea and beach views across Polzeath and across to Stepper Point.

Cliff Barns, Norfolk

Set in 4 acres of the stunning North Norfolk countryside, Cliff Barns welcomes you to their rancho-deluxe country house.Now to book, before they all get snapped up!

 

Places Travel

Stylish Child Friendly Holidays

It seems like an oxymoron to have Stylish and Child in the same sentence however according to numerous reports from friends – The One and Only in Mauritius, Martinhal in Portugal and Zighy Bay in Oman seem to have cracked it.

Mauritius

Mauritius

Portugal

Portugal

Oman

Oman

They cater for the whole family in an idyllic and smart setting and keep the kids amused so you actually get some ‘time off’.  Some friends have returned for a repeat visit which in my books, is the biggest testament to their brilliance.

Now where is that brochure…

www.lesaintgeran.oneandonlyresorts.com/

www.martinhal.com

Recommended Agent for Zighy Bay

www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk

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