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A camping holiday without the tent

Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this article

Some people are born to camp and have nothing but enthusiasm for nights under the stars and in their tents. But what happens when you and your kids love the great outdoors but your partner in life doesn’t? The answer – as with many things in life – is to compromise!

Although your husband or wife may draw the line at sleeping in a tent, there are some fantastic holiday parks that you can choose to stay at now. The UK has a great selection of holiday parks that offer both tenting and caravanning pitches but also mobile homes and holiday lodges for rent. From Norfolk caravan parks to Scottish Highland and Cornish coastal campsites, the choice throughout the country is superb. And nine times out of ten, the holiday parks are set in beautiful, idyllic settings that you couldn’t find private holiday accommodation in.

Mobile homes are static caravans – and holiday parks generally only keep models that are seven years or less on their sites, so they’re always pretty modern and well-maintained. They have all that you’d expect – bedrooms, a shower room and fitted kitchenettes. However, holiday lodges are one step up, with a real home away from home feeling – a decent living space and a full-sized kitchen. So you can enjoy the benefits of being on a holiday park without any of the downsides – having to find your way to the communal toilets by torchlight, for example!

Lodge Holiday Home

Lodge Holiday Home

The great thing about being on a campsite holiday though, is the fun the kids will undoubtedly have. There’s no need to be quiet at mealtimes, they have acres of safe and secure outside space to play in, and access to great facilities like swimming pools and kids’ clubs. And of course, there will be entertainment on tap in the form of plenty of other families with kids staying on the same site.

If anyone in your family can’t cope with the idea of real camping, holiday lodges are a great alternative, and gives the whole family the best of both worlds for family holiday fun!

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Ireland’s Historic Science Centre at Birr Castle in Ireland

When people think of visiting Ireland it is for the dramatic landscapes and castles.  If history is considered, it has more to do with ruins than science.  Few people realize how many scientific discoveries were made in Ireland… many of them at Birr Castle in County Offaly.

The Great Telescope at Birr Castle Demense

For nearly a century the Great Telescope at Birr Castle was the largest in the world

Housed in the estates converted stables is Ireland’s Historic Science Centre.  Galleries are spread throughout the rooms, sharing the achievements of scientists and engineers closely associated with Birr over the past 2 centuries; most of whom were part of the family of the Earls of Rosse.  You’ll learn about the design, creation and discoveries of the Great Telescope- which still stands on the grounds; view the pioneering photography of  Mary Countess of Rosse- as well as her cameras;  and learn about Sir Charles Parsons who invented the steam turbine.  

After all that science, it’s almost relaxing to walk into the final galleries which focus on the family’s horticultural pursuits, including plants collected from around the world and the amazing gardens.

Click to continue reading Birr Castle Demense- Ireland’s “Green Jewel” at Ireland With Kids

Looking for more places to visit in Ireland?

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Family Fun in the UK: Themed Easter Breaks with the Kids

Who says that themed getaways should be reserved for hens and particularly birthday parties? What poppycock! Kids love a good themed getaway just as much as us adults do, so put a little prep into your Easter getaway this year and treat them to something special.

London Tower Bridge

London Tower Bridge

With so many attractions on offer in the UK, don’t waste your holiday funds on booking luxury hotel rooms. Keep the cost of the basics as low as possible, whether you opt for a medieval themed getaway, or a seaside sojourn, Travelodge’s hotels near Tower Bridge, in Blackpool and all over the UK are superb for broods on a budget. Which one you choose is up to you.

Medieval Madness

Travelodge’s hotels near Tower Bridge are the best low cost accommodation for a historical trip into London’s Medieval era. While teaching the children the heritage of our capital on visits to The Tower of London and other period landmarks, be sure to inject a little fun in the form of guts and gore too.

London Dungeon

London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is a must for families with older children. Relive the plague and the fire of London, and pay a visit to the torture chambers, complete with authentic stenches and awesome actors.

Nearest Travelodge: London Central Tower Bridge Hotel, Lloyds Court Business Centre, 1 Goodmans Yard, London, E1 8AT

Seaside Sojourns

Although there are tens of stunning seaside locations across the UK, nowhere in Britain can beat the traditional seaside setting of Blackpool. This northern town is an ideal location to spend the Easter holidays, with so much to do for parents and children alike.

 

Blackpool Pleasure Beach at Night

Pleasure Beach at Night

Taking a trip to Blackpool and not eating fish and chips on the seafront, while watching the children take a donkey ride, really is a sin. It’s the little pleasures in life that create everlasting memories, however if you are looking for something a little more action packed, Blackpool will not disappoint.

With so many attractions on hand including the Blackpool Tower Eye, the Tower Circus, Jungle Jim’s, the Tower Dungeon, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Coral Island, Central Pier, and the Sandcastle Waterpark, your itinerary will be chocker-block for your entire stay.

Nearest Travelodge: Blackpool Central Hotel, Talbot Square, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1ND

Back to Nature

You may not be able to afford an African Safari this summer, but why should that stop you and the kids making the most of the wildlife attractions on offer in the UK.

Do not be fooled into thinking that Longleat Safari Park is little more than an open zoo. With over 15 attractions and 60 years of satisfied visitors, it is guaranteed that your trip to Longleat will blow the minds of your little ones. Watch as lions brush past your window, kangaroos roam free and monkeys play on your car bonnet.

Team your visit with another nature-inspired trip, into the caves of Wookey Hole.

Nearest Travelodge: Warminster Hotel, Service Area, A36/A350 Bypass, Bath Road, Warminster, BA12 7RU

Look online today for bargain prices on Travelodge’s hotels near Tower Bridge, Blackpool and Warminster.

Photo credit Tower Bridge photo credit: Larry Johnson via photopin cc
Photo credit London Dungeon: photo credit: boost ventilator via photopin cc
Photo credit Blackpool: photo credit: JohnBurke via photopin cc

Disclosure:   Links in this post are sponsored content.  Please know that Family Rambling only accepts sponsored material that is beneficial to family travelers.

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Create an Irish Pub Atmosphere at Home

Irish Pub Food
St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching.  Unfortunately, I won’t find myself anywhere near Ireland this year (though that is on my bucket list of fun family vacations!)

What I will be doing, however, is hosting our annual Feast of St Patrick.  Complete with corned beef, black pudding, tasty Colcannon and numerous other treats, I’ll be creating an Irish Pub at home and inviting friends and relatives to join us for an evening of craic (pronounced “crack”, it’s Irish for fun and entertainment).

How to Bring the Spirit of Ireland Home and Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Kids

To say I adore Ireland is to put it mildly.  If I could live anywhere, that is where you would find me.  So when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, I tend to go “all out”, creating an Irish Pub atmosphere in my home- complete with plenty of food and drink, music and craic (said “crack”, it’s Irish for fun and entertainment). Not everyone is quite as fanatical as I am, but there are a few easy ways to bring a festive Irish spirit to your home because “everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!”

Continue reading How to Bring the Spirit of Ireland Home and Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Kids at Family Travel Everything Everywhere.

Need some recipes?  You can get my Favorite Irish Recipes ebook free at Ireland With Kids!

For more inspiration check out my St. Patrick’s Day Goodies Pinterest board!

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Joyous Holiday Greetings

Family Rambling Christmas card

Wishing you safe rambling this holiday season and plenty of time to enjoy family and friends!

I’ll be taking my own hiatus this Christmas to enjoy time with my family and work on some new and exciting things for 2013! 

Watch for this year’s most popular post- along with an incredible giveaway this Thursday!

Plans for 2013 include a new site design here at Family Rambling and a new site devoted to helping families plan a magical Ireland vacation!. 

Don’t miss any of our travel tips, destinations or product recommendations!  Subscribe to Family Rambling today!

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Tips for Dining In Ireland

To wrap up 2012, I wanted to share my 10 most popular posts of the year. The 2nd most popular post takes us back to Ireland, this time through food.

Originally published June 12, 2007, this article is all about eating around Ireland. 

Dining in Ireland is something many people dread.  They have been made to believe that the Irish only eat potatoes (not true, though they do seem to accompany every meal) and meals are bland and tasteless.  In this short post I attempt to correct those assumptions. For more on Irish food, visit my site Ireland With Kids where I have a slideshow of delicious Irish meals, as well as foods to try in Ireland.

At dinner we asked the B&B owners for their recommendations. We had delicious fish and chips, wonderful stews, melt in your mouth corned beef with mustard sauce; amazing foods freshly prepared from local produce. Always ask a local where they like to eat. They will never steer you wrong.

Continue reading popular article Eating Around Ireland.

 

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Biking with Toddlers: Find a New Way to Explore Italy

Biking with Toddlers in ItalyI never thought too much about the way my family travels through a new place. We walk, use public transportation and even rent a car from time to time. This is how we get around at home. It only seemed natural that we would do the same abroad.

Biking as a way to travel and explore was always for other people, the more adventurous, the more daring, the more in shape. It was not for me. That is until we arrived in the very flat, very bike friendly city of Ferrara, Italy.

In October my two boys, Dek age 3 and Ty age 6 months, headed to Italy as part of a 5-week adventure to visit friends around Europe. The city of Ferrara, located between Venice and Bologna, treated bikes as if they were cars, but cyclists did get to bend the rules a little.

On my first day in the city my friend suggested a bike tour with the kids. I was hesitant. I hadn’t been on a bike in years, much less had a kid riding behind me. Dek and Ty had never ridden as passengers on a bike either. This could be a very interesting adventure.

Touring Italy with ToddlersFrom the first pedal we were hooked. We whipped through traffic, exploring more of the city than we could have possibly had the time or energy to do on foot.

Dek held on tight, squealing with glee as the wind swept through his hair keeping us nice and cool. His brother Ty watched the world flash by him, not entirely sure what to think of this new mode of transportation.

I was transformed from a mere visitor to a local in no time. I rang my little bell to pass people; I used hand signals to let the cars know what we were about to do. I even yielded to pedestrians.

Traveling Like a Local in ItalyLater when my husband joined us on our adventure we got a sitter for all of the kids, and we got to go on a rare double date with our friends. Bikes were once again the preferred mode of transportation. No one had to chip in for parking; we just had to find a spot to pop the kickstand down right outside the restaurant. Talk about better than valet parking!

When we returned home to the states I began to reevaluate the way we traveled. Had we been missing an amazing opportunity all along? I think so. Even though we have young kids, hopping on a bike isn’t out of the question. Oh sure I was a bit sore after our rides and I have now been shamed into working out a bit more before our next adventure, but the possibilities of just how much we can explore has been blown wide open.

I am not an athlete. I am certainly not a cyclist. I’m not saying I’m going to be entering the Tour de France any time soon, but our Christmas wish list just got a little longer; we are going to need an infant bike seat and helmet to practice with at home. You can bet I’ll be looking into bike rentals for our next trip; it will be worth the extra expense.
Keryn Means is the founder of Walking on Travels, a site that gives hope to today’s modern parent who doesn’t want to stop their lives; they simply bring their kids along for the ride. You can find Keryn dragging her 2 boys around Seattle most days and across the globe several times a year. Follow along on their adventures on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

Photo credit: Keryn Means

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Fun Things to Do In Ireland With Kids

To wrap up 2012, I wanted to share my 10 most popular posts of the year. The 5th most popular post comes from a friend of mine in Dublin.

Originally published February 9, 2010, this post shares fun things to do in Ireland with Kids.

Clonmacnoise, Ireland High Cross

June 2012 at Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement in Ireland

My friend Leigh Maher is the owner of Irish Celtic Jewels, a terrific online jeweler.  He took a few minutes to share 5 fun things to do on an Ireland family vacation.  My favorite part is that we have never done any of these things during our Ireland trips- which only adds to my list of things to do! 

About a year after this post published, I launched Ireland with Kids- the web’s only resource 100% focused on Ireland family travel.

Luckily, today’s Ireland is tailor-made for children: the country offers so many fun things for them to see and do, including amusement parks, heritage sites, and wonderful outdoor activities. If you’re considering taking your kids to Ireland, you’ll enjoy our quick guide to some great ways to experience the land of Shamrocks, Saint Patrick, and crafty leprechauns!

Click to continue reading popular article 5 Fun Things to Do In Ireland With Kids

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Expert Advice for Your Ireland Family Vacation

Clonmacnoise, Ireland High Cross

June 2012 at Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement in Ireland

Though I am not officially an “Ireland Expert”, I probably know more about family travel in Ireland than your average family travel blogger.  In fact, I publish a site called Ireland with Kids- the only website devoted entirely to family travel in Ireland. 

At Ireland With Kids I cover everything from planning a magical Ireland vacation to reviewing popular Ireland destinations.  I can help you find your accommodation in Ireland or explain the CDW insurance on car rentals, the best type to purchase and why you must have it.

I was recently asked to share tips that would help families planning their first Ireland vacation.  In the article, published at NWA Motherlode, I share tips like:

  • Must visit attractions
  • The most popular tourist area in Ireland
  • Ireland’s “hidden gem” in County Limerick
  • The most kids friendly places to stay
  • Not to be missed dining
  • The best souvenir shopping

You can view the entire article at Blog 66: Things to Do in Ireland at NWA Motherlode.

Of course, if you have any travel questions about Ireland- or about family travel in general, you can always send an email to jody (at) familyrambling (dot) com.  I love helping families discover the joy of traveling together!

 

 

Disclosure:  While some links in this post may be sponsored material, the words and content are my own.  I only share information on Family Rambling that is beneficial to family travelers.

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Family Holidays in the English Countryside

Are your family the outdoors type? If so you could be interested in this list of holiday destinations that offer a real activity laden adventure! If you have not been on an activity holiday as a family before, perhaps now is the best time to try!

Mountain Biking Swinley Forest, Berkshire

Mountain Biking Swinley ForestGet on your bike and head down to Swinley Forest in Berkshire! The route is perfect for the novice rider and therefor great for a family cycle. There are some areas of rough terrain throughout the picturesque pine forest but nothing to worry about really. The trail twists and turns and is an exciting challenge for anyone. Onsite riding permits are just £2 per day so you really are getting a lot for your money.

Surfing, Croyde Bay, Devon

Placed on the northern coast of one of England’s most southern counties, Croyde Bay is famous for its surf culture. There are many surf schools around so surfers of any age and experience are welcome to ride the swell gently guided into the bay by the soft yet solid Atlantic current.

Quad Biking York

The country side surrounding the ancient market town of York is perfect for the increasingly popular outdoor pursuit of quad biking. There are opportunities for all ages and the high octane experience is enough to wear anyone out. After a day of getting muddy you can then retreat back to the town which is littered with restaurants and bars for relaxation. Check online for the best accommodation type for you and your family; yorkshire-cottages.info offer cottages in York that may be the best option if there are many people in your group.

Paragliding in the Lake District

Paragliding over Derwent Water, Lake District.

Paragliding over Derwent Water, Lake District.

The Lake District is another well-known area for extreme water sports but this time they take place above and below the surface of fresh water as the picturesque lakes are utilised to their full potential. Fully qualified instructors take groups out for the day on paragliding stints and are equipped for all family assemblies.

Swinley Forest photo credit: _moonpie via photo pin cc
Paragliding over Lake District photo credit: jocki84 via photo pin cc

Disclosure: This post was written for Family Rambling.  While it is sponsored material, know that I only accept material that I believe will be helpful to family travelers.

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