Monday, 13 July 2009

Too Close to the Sun - by Dea Birkett

It’ s late at night (isn’t that when all blogs are written?), and London is cooling down. It’s been a hot day in the city, and everyone’s been complaining about it, including me. The kids were all sweaty when they arrived back from school, in that way that kids don’t really sweat, just get damp and grumpy.

So there’s some irony that I’m also now surfing the net to find somewhere hot to go away. The Eurocamp survey (www.eurocamp.co.uk/KidsViews) I mentioned in my last blog, asking kids and their parents what they wanted from their holiday, found only one point of agreement. Good weather. That priority made it into the top three choices in every age group. My family’s no different. If a destination threatens to have a cloudy sky, we cross it off the summer holiday list. At the same time, the kids were whinging tonight that they couldn’t get to sleep because of the humidity here, at home.


I don’t think it’s because we live in the middle of a big city. I think it would be just the same if our home was a cottage in the Cotswold’s; I still think, while working, we want things to be cool. It’s only when we relax that we want the thermometer turned up. It’s as if feeling warm and chilling out go together.

But there’s hot – and there’s far too hot for the kids and me. We wanted to go to Libya, but August in that area seems to be too much of a challenge as far as the temperature is concerned. As you know, we’ve been planning a weekend in Rome for far too long, but that, too, has been put on hold, in the belief that it’s too steamy in August to wander around the Coliseum.


But last weekend, we bucked the heat trend. We stayed at The Grove hotel, dubbed ‘London’s Country Estate’ for it’s palatial grounds and extreme proximity to the M25. The Engish weather wasn’t warm. In fact, Saturday was quite fresh. But we braced the outdoor pool and quite enjoyed it. Feeling a little chilly was a new sensation. We should try it more often.


But still, as I search now for our summer break, I can’t but pursue the sun.

Wednesday, 1 July 2009

Family Holidays Not Just for Kids - by Dea Birkett

I’m getting fed up with ‘family’ being code for ‘kids’. First they want to spend millions on building a new museum in London for children, (see earlier blog), rather than simply making museums welcoming for all ages. Now I worry the same is about to happen to holidays. ‘Family holidays’ will really mean special times for anyone too young to vote.

At the risk of sounding like a toddler having a tantrum, I’m a member of my family just as much as my 16 year old and the seven-year-old twins! So when we decide on a family holiday, surely it should be one we’re all happy with. I know that’s a struggle, especially if, like me, you don’t have a traditional neat family with the recommended 2.4 years between each child. But you can negotiate and compromise, whatever age you are. I don’t really want to go to a hotel where the height of entertainment is a Lady Gaga disco, which is what my teenager would choose. Nor select a destination just because there’s great beach games for the twins. There has to be something for everybody.

So Eurocamp coming out with a survey telling us what kids want from their holidays is just another weapon for my teenager to wave in the brochure war. The survey’s results don’t build bridges between generations as we spin the globe deciding where we want to go. One of the 40 suggested key aspects of having a good holiday – ‘having a lie in’ – was so low on the kids’ list that it didn’t even feature in the final results. So do we adults have to get up at dawn when we’re on holiday, just like we have to most days at home, except we might hear the cry from the minaret rather than the roar from the nearby major road? Even more disheartening, ‘staying up late’ was a major attraction for the 6-9 year old survey group, which would include my twins. So we’re not even allowed to yell at them to get to bed because they’ve got school in the morning, allowing us adults a little quiet time together.

A family holiday should be just that – for all the family. Only one problem with this. ‘Spending time with the family’ came pretty low down on the kids’ list of priorities in the survey, just pipping ‘good playgrounds’. It’s interesting to learn that I’m only marginally more attractive to my kids than swings and slides.


(Eurocamp operate over 160 campsites in Europe, USA and Canada.) See Takethefamily's London page.

Thursday, 18 June 2009

Boring is Dea-Best - by Dea Birkett

'I'm really, really bored,' said eight-year-old Savanna a few days ago. We were sitting in a holiday cottage where we've stayed more times than I can count. The cottage is on Achill Island, off the coast of Ireland, which we have visited, in Savanna's word, 'hundreds of times'. She was delighted. 'It's great,' she said. 'There' ab-sol-ute-ly nothing to do.'

'So you want to go home?' I asked her. She was adamant. 'No. It's really, really great being bored.'

I'd never really thought about it before, but some of our best family holidays are very, very boring. It's not that we don't do anything on them. It's that there's nothing we have to do. On Achill, there's no cinema or cultural activities of any kind. There's just outside - fields, beach, cliffs - to be clambered over, if the weather's good enough. It's completely different to our regular city family life, where even the eight-year-old twins have a calendar to mark all their appointments. Recorder club, going to tea, Brownies, school fete. No point keeping a diary on Achill. Wouldn't be anything in it.

Perhaps it's also something to do with being on an island. Some years ago, the tourist office on Norfolk Island, off the coast of Australia, dreamt up a slogan to attract visitors to its sleepy shores. The posters read - 'Norfolk Island. The Most Boring Place in the World!' Visitors numbers increased substantially. The BBC, not believing Norfolk's claim, canvassed people to see where they found most boring. Interestingly, most named places which they kept going back to.

The truth is, we all like being bored on holiday, because we're increasingly entertained at home. We want to get up late, slouch around, wonder what on earth we're going to do today. Of course, for my teenager being bored is a badge of honour. It's obligatory for someone her age. I know when she gets home she'll boast to her mates about just how boring both the place, and her parents, are.

So when we're looking for somewhere to go away, and the kids say, 'That looks so boring,' I'll save a link to the page. Nothing like having nothing to do.

Thursday, 21 May 2009

Dea-scovering Kids' Museums - by Dea Birkett

So - we're not on our way to Rome (yet), although the guidebooks are still spread over my desk and the draft schedule written. But in the meantime, I've noticed there are plans for a Children's Museum in London, as part of the King's Cross redevelopment. It made me think whether a museum specifically for children is really what we want. I know some families enjoy them (see Rhonda's article on Eureka! in Halifax, the people behind the new London venture), but personally I prefer to chat to my kids in front of a really interesting object, rather than watch them push buttons and pull levers while I finger the crayons and play with the pipe cleaners, just a little bit bored.

I have enjoyed museums aimed specifically at children. Despite its terrifying title, the Tinderbox Cultural House for Children in Odense, birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson, was huge fun. Seven-year-old Savanna dressed up as characters from her favourite fairy tales and lay on a pile of mattresses, until she could feel the pea like a real life princess. (And I've written about the museum's fabulous cafe in an Eating with Kids column.) But, if I'm honest, I think I enjoyed it because I just had one child with me, not the usual three. It was a special time for the two of us, when I, too, could become childish. When Savanna's twin brother and older sister are with us, the division between grown ups and kids is far more apparent, and we split into age camps. They play together; I watch.

I'd be worried that's what would happen if we all went together to a Children's Museum. And that if the boyfriend came too, the divisions between different generations would be even wider. I can't imagine getting him to dress up as anything. And the only thing he's ever made from pipe cleaners is something to unblock a hose on the hoover.

I haven't yet visited any of Americas many Children's Museums - which is where the children's museum movement started. If you have, let me know what you think.

Tuesday, 12 May 2009

The Point of Dea-parture - by Dea Birkett

Ironic, really, that I’m sitting at home, at my desk, writing my first travel blog. But this is where all new journeys begin. And I am going on a sort of journey, entering new territory here. This blog will let you in on all my family travel secrets, in the funny way that blogs do. Blogs are great confessionals. So, here we go …

I don’t want to go away. I’m always filled with dread for at least a week before I travel anywhere. It’s nothing to do with the practical arrangements, though they can be daunting. I think it’s because travel changes you, and especially changes families. You act differently, learn something new, change the way you talk to each other. That’s what happens to us, at least. And it doesn’t seem to matter if we’re going to Malaysia or Margate. Away, we’re transformed. And change can be terrifying – although I don’t believe that’s a reason not to do it.

All a bit silly, really. I’m only sitting here trying to arrange a weekend in Rome. I have a system for this stage of the holiday planning. (I’m a person who loves systems and lists.) I get the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide, and any family guides that there are. (If you know one for Rome, let me know.) I write a list of things we shouldn’t miss. These won’t necessarily be the major sights. We all love the free theatre of markets, so it may well be the best fruit and flower stalls in town. I then draw out a rough plan of what we’ll do each day. I deliberately avoid discussion on this, as it will only lead to arguments. The kids call it ‘Mum’s schedule’. I build in breaks – not from the destination, but from each other, so each generation has time on its own.

Then …. Well, then we leave. And Mum’s schedule gets torn up. But somewhere in the back of all our brains we cling on to enough of it to frame the family holiday. And we come back different. Do you?

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

Dea Birkett takes over Take the Family blog

We are delighted to announce that one of the UK's leading family travel writers Dea Birkett will be taking over our blog. We are looking forward to hearing Dea's thoughts, views, anecdotes, tips and comments on travelling with the family, which she has done widely over the years and continues to do so on a regular basis. Find out more about Dea here and watch this space!

Thursday, 11 December 2008

Christmas Family Breaks in London 2008 - by Rhonda Carrier

Christmas is a magical time wherever you choose to spend it, but big cities excel when it comes to lights, dazzle and festive shopping and entertainment. With the recession starting to bite, everyone needs a little winter pick-me-up, and a short break in London can be surprisingly affordable

Read more...

Credit Crunch Family Skiing Holidays - by Nick Dalton

When it comes to great-value family ski holidays, it’s hard to beat Eastern Europe. In years past, the resorts there might have been cheap because of poor lifts and food that was always running out (apart from the potatoes). But all that has changed – huge investment in hotels and lifts, and even the construction of whole new resorts, means they’re worth a visit.

Read more...

Winter Wonderland holiday ideas - by Rhonda Carrier

Winter is the perfect excuses for a family break, whether you go to a fireworks extravaganza at a theme-park, head north or to the mountains in search of some real snow, or jet off to warmer climes...

Read more

Friday, 24 October 2008

We're Website of the Week on TRAVELMail

Have you seen that Take the Family are Website of the Week on the TravelMail site?

We're delighted and take their comments onboard - in fact as we speak we're all being busy bees with development for our site relanch later this year! This amongst an awful of other brilliant new things, will include the facility for users to add their own reviews. We've said all along that parents like you are the ones in the know, so we're making it even easier for you to tell us what's what.

In the meantime - take a look at our favourite family events for October half term.

Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Take a look at these fab events for Autumn

Got a touch of half term panic?

Even if you're not going away this half term, we've still gots lots of ideas to keep the kids entertained. Take a look at our Autumn Events guide.

From Sea Monster Week in Newquay to DISCOLOCO in Hackney, or CBeebies at the Theatre to Halloween on the Heath (no not that one, the one in Suffolk), and tons more besides....

And what's more, a fair few of them are totally FREE!

Wednesday, 10 September 2008

Dea Birkett's Eating with Kids Series - A Fantastically Foul Feast with Roald

With Roald Dahl Day on September 13th, this month Take the Family writer Dea Birkett and family turns their attention to their annual fantastically foul feast at Cafe Twit at the Roald Dahl Museum.

The menu may consist of Fresh Mudburgers, Snozzcumbers and Squiggly Spaghetti, all borrowed from Dahl books. "It’s not what food tastes or even looks like that warms my kids’ tummies. It’s the story attached."

"There’s nothing quite so tasty as disgusting food. Try and get my kids to eat meatballs and passata, and they’ll turn up their little noses. Tell them the same dish is eyeballs oozing blood, and they’ll scoff them down."

Read the full article...

Wednesday, 16 July 2008

Tip Top Tree Top Trip reviews

Just a quick note to let you know about the huge bundle of brand new compelling articles in our new feature article section on takethefamily.com.

Soon to come is a tree top camping adventure, with recent articles including, Eating with Kids: On Eurostar,by renowned travel writer Dea Birkett, Top 10 Welsh campsites for families, theme park hotels, jersey, northern greece and tons more...

Our terrific new writers include, Nick Dalton, Jos Simon, Sarah Ebner and Lynette Lowthian,with more to follow in the recent future.

Take a look!

Monday, 12 May 2008

Take the family to Cornwall


Take the Family have just returned from a fabulous few days on the Cornish Riviera...



We stayed at The Rosevine, nr Portscatho - an absolutely fabulous luxury retreat of apartments and suites with all the amenities of a luxury hotel, with fantastic facilities, and superbly friendly staff. Nothing was too much trouble. Over looking Gerrans Bay, with a 3 minute walk to a superbly family friendly safe sandy beach, and more coastal walks, it is the perfect place to get away from it all, relax and enjoy...

And what's more for May and June, The Rosevine are offering Take the Family users a complimentary chilled bottle of wine on arrival, a bucket and spade per child and a paper back each for mum and dad.

We also stayed at Parc Vean, a superb self catering bungalow, 5 minutes from 2 very secluded beaches, with 2 acres of wonderful grounds, a giant wooden fort, family bikes, a football goal, trampoline, bbq, and superb gardens. You'll feel like you are staying in the Lost gardens of Heligan!! This is the perfect retreat for families, sleeping up to 7 guests, with 2 bathrooms, 2 living rooms and tons more. Described as Cornish Charm London Style, the attention to detail is superb, with a mixture of gorgeous eclectic antiques and quality modern appliances. You can't help but relax in this fabulous environment. You can even get meals and provisions delivered, and do as little or as much as you wish. Relaxation is what Parc Vean does best!

Parc Vean are offering Take the Family users a huge 10% discount on all breaks outside of school holidays, plus a free welcome hamper for your arrival.


Don't forget to visit TaketheFamily again soon, to find out where we are off to next!

Happy Holidays!

Friday, 2 May 2008

Eating with Kids Series - Dea tackles Museums

This month Dea Birkett and family tackle 'Eating with Kids' in Museums. Although you would anticipate this to be an easy formula to follow, they find that many are not too family friendly.

Next stop: Cruise Ships

Take the Family on Five News Today

Take the Family's founder Andy Cook appeared on Five News bulletins at 12:30pm and 5pm today, following yesterdays anniversary of Madeleine McCann's disappearance, talking about Take the Family's poll revealing that 62% of parent's were less likely to use in-resort baby sitting/listening services that they were a year ago.

Read more details in this press release: Parents less likely to leave kids alone on hols after Madeleine disappearance

Tuesday, 1 April 2008

Exclusive April Offers for Newsletter Subscribers

SPRING FEVER, SIZZLING SUMMER AND FAB EXCLUSIVE OFFERS: IT'S NO JOKE!

For a limited period only, and exclusive for subscribers to our newsletter, Bluestone are offering a whopping 20% discount off your family holiday.

Sign up to our newsletter and take advantage of newsletter Exclusive Offers.

Check out our April Newletter

Dea Birkett launches 'Eating with Kids' series

This month delectable and renowned journalist Dea Birkett, launches her 'Eating with Kids' series, starting in bustling Edinburgh.

Often finding somewhere to sup is the biggest challenge for a travelling family. So, throwing weight loss to the wind, we head to the start of this culinary journey where her family started - Edinburgh.

Next Month: Museums.

Friday, 14 March 2008

Another FANTASTIC offer from Bluestone & Free Gift from Take the Family

We're delighted to let you know that if you book your family a break at new generation holiday vilage Bluestone, in Pembrokeshire before March 31st 2008, then boy oh boy do we have some great exclusive deals.

As well as free family bike hire by quoting 'Take the Family', we can also bring news that if you also quote 'March Saver', befre March 31st then you will receive such a HUGE saving we're keeping it secret until you call.

Call Bluestone on Call Bluestone on 08000 224 519, and use both promo codes before March 31st.

By booking through Take the Family, you will also receive a free gift, of either a Trunki ride-on suitcase or a bottle of Moet champagne to celebrate your booking. Please see our Booking Confirmation page for more details.

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

Bluestone Opens with Exclusive free bike hire

We're really excited about the opening of Bluestone, the new next generation holiday village set in 500 acres of the stunningly beautiful national park of Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Now open for bookings, with holidays from June 30th, Bluestone has 233 luxury timber lodges, cottages and studios, that are so nice you'll want to move in permanently.

Forget over priced on site shops, Bluestone has built it's own celtic village, with a butchers (with locally produced meat), a bakers, no candlestick maker, but clothes shops, cafes and restaurants and more besides. Facilities include the eco-friendly fabulous Blue Lagoon waterpark and Landsker Sports Club, plus there’s a huge range of on- and off-site activities. There’s even a nanny service!

We've had a sneaky peak, love what we've seen, and can't wait to go. To help your family have an even better holiday, we have arranged free bike hire for Take the Family users, booking before March 31st.

Call Bluestone on 08000 224 519 and Quote 'Take the Family' to receive free bike hire for your family holiday. (Not available online. Book before March 31 2008.)

March Newsletter

Spring into action with Take the Family's March newsletter.

Spring Towards your next Family Holiday

Tuesday, 12 February 2008

Take the Family on ITV Central East News

See Take the Family (albeit briefly) on Central East news or online.

Click on Central East: Evening Bulletins to watch the story of half term price hikes featuring our MD, broadcast on Wednesday February 13th on the evening news at 6pm.

The item starts at around 11:35 minutes.

http://www.itvlocal.com/central/news/?player=CEN_News_26&void=151645

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

New York family features

Take a look at our latest New York features.

Dea Birkett and family's destination of the month - New York
On the trail of their heroine - mischievous madeline.

Read Linzi Hill's "Free family activities in New York."
Staten island to Central Park - All for free!

February Newsletter

Take a look at our egg-ceptional February newsletter.

Egg-Scape to the North, South, East for Easter

Saturday, 2 February 2008