Back to the school run & work today, but had a fab time last week at Longleat.
I wasn't sure how well it would go, especially as I was alone with the 3 kids for the most part (Nick had to work) and had no car with us to get out if needed as he towed us there & back at the weekends.
Anyway, am still buzzing from how well it went so definitely have the confidence to do it again now. The baby only had one episode of unconsolable crying for half an hour at midnight where I felt guilty at potentially disturbing the neighbours (and obviously couldn't take him for a change of scenery / walk as the girls are too young to leave alone), but hopefully the seals, wolves & lions were louder than him!
I learnt a lot (especially about not needing to hurry to do anything and just chilling!), but was a bit disappointed that people weren't more chatty as I was a bit devoid of adult conversation (no mobile signal either!) and the wine & beer I took came back unused (I don't drink atm but took advice from here about having some ready!).
My awning question on here a couple of weeks ago became irrelevant too when it became obvious that James was more interested in eating the gravel than escaping...not sure how we solve that one!
Was quite addictive walking around the site looking at other outfits and how everyone else set up. Can't wait to go again - does anyone have any recommendations for similar sites?
Glad to hear it all went so well for you . sometimes its more relaxing going on your own with the kids , you only have to please yourself and go at your own pace with no other adults to consider lol .
I mostly go alone with the kids but cant recommend anywhere near you as I just go to a couple of very local sites with swimming pools to keep the kids happy. if they're happy . I'm happy
Was that the Caravan Club site in Longleat? If so it is a lovely site isn't it?
We've only been there for a weekend but the kids enjoyed it (and the adults too) I don't know why but the site seems so chilled out and peaceful. And it was lovely to hear the animals at night.
I always worry that we make too much noise in our van (telling the kids off and just the general noise that kids make) but I don't think anyone else notices so I'm sure that your little one crying didn't bother anyone and hey it's not as if you were purposefully made him cry so it can't be helped!
Do you have a ground sheet for your awning? What about buying those interlocking tiles to put down. We don't have them but our friends do, they are a godsend if you're on grass and the ground is wet, and I'm sure they might be good for a little one to stop him eating the gravel.
I'd like to say you are very brave for going away, I'd like to give it a go when hubby is still working but a little part of me thinks God it'd be a logistical nightmare and I only have two children! So thank you it might spur me to do that sometime over the summer!
Quote: Originally posted by avctaylor on 19/4/2010
I learnt a lot (especially about not needing to hurry to do anything and just chilling!), but was a bit disappointed that people weren't more chatty as I was a bit devoid of adult conversation (no mobile signal either!) and the wine & beer I took came back unused (I don't drink atm but took advice from here about having some ready!).
Was quite addictive walking around the site looking at other outfits and how everyone else set up. Can't wait to go again - does anyone have any recommendations for similar sites?
Glad you enjoyed it, but sorry you were disappointed that folk were not more chatty. I think it's the luck of the draw really. We used to find that when the kids found others to play with that was sometimes an 'ice-breaker'. We also found that it was easier to speak to (English) people abroad than in the UK. Also as the weather warms up and people come out of their vans it is better. I used to find that a good way of speaking to people was to get some of those small continental bottles of beer. On a nice day when folk are struggling with the awning, just go and take them a nice cold bottle over - it is usually really appreciated. If the weather is not so kind, a nice cup of tea?? [Probably better when your OH is about though - I suppose you have to be a bit cautious these days.]
If you stayed on a Caravan Club site, you will find most of them are similar in standard, and the way they work.
Quote: Originally posted by beefysmum on 19/4/2010
Glad to hear it all went so well for you . sometimes its more relaxing going on your own with the kids , you only have to please yourself and go at your own pace with no other adults to consider lol .
I'd like to give it a go when hubby is still working but a little part of me thinks God it'd be a logistical nightmare and I only have two children! So thank you it might spur me to do that sometime over the summer!
Go for it! How old are your kids? My eldest two are 5 & 6, so if they're similar ages at all we could easily have a mini-ukcampsite-meet!
The hardest logistics for me was getting a chance for a shower but a bit of bribery and good timing worked.
That's a fantastic idea about the interlocking tiles. I was only thinking this morning that I ought to get some for home as we have hard floors, and we could easily take them away with us too.
Glad you enjoyed it, but sorry you were disappointed that folk were not more chatty. I think it's the luck of the draw really. We used to find that when the kids found others to play with that was sometimes an 'ice-breaker'. We also found that it was easier to speak to (English) people abroad than in the UK. Also as the weather warms up and people come out of their vans it is better. I used to find that a good way of speaking to people was to get some of those small continental bottles of beer. On a nice day when folk are struggling with the awning, just go and take them a nice cold bottle over - it is usually really appreciated. If the weather is not so kind, a nice cup of tea?? [Probably better when your OH is about though - I suppose you have to be a bit cautious these days.]
If you stayed on a Caravan Club site, you will find most of them are similar in standard, and the way they work.
Enjoy!
Thank you! I think we ended up not being near enough to other families with young children, as those were the only ones I did manage to strike up conversation with.
Thanks for the tips though - will look out for awning strugglers next time!
Go for it! How old are your kids? My eldest two are 5 & 6, so if they're similar ages at all we could easily have a mini-ukcampsite-meet! The hardest logistics for me was getting a chance for a shower but a bit of bribery and good timing worked.
That's a fantastic idea about the interlocking tiles. I was only thinking this morning that I ought to get some for home as we have hard floors, and we could easily take them away with us too.
Ah see I'm a wimp in comparison my kids are 14 and 4, but the 14 year old is more of a handful and I can't trust her to keep an eye on the 4 year old because they fight like cat and dog! So now I definatley have to go away sometime!
Good to hear you enjoyed your trip. I sometimes van alone with my 3 boys when hub is working and I find that there is much less "chat" without a partner than there is when my hub is there. Some women tend to feel threatened I think if they see a woman alone with children as if we are out to trap their men lol.
I know not everyone is like that and I have met some lovely people who are ok with it, but there is definately a difference when it is a woman alone. It won't stop me going though as the ones who are nice and friendly make up for the other ones who don't look sideways at a woman alone.
The biggest problem I find alone is the toilet situation as my boys are not quite old enough for me to be comfortable letting them loose alone on the gentlemens facilities, but that little bit too big for the ladies so it means lots of hauling of aquarolls and toilet cartridge which is a total pain so I try to get water hook up whenever I can when I am alone to save on the problem.
Then there is the problem when I need to shower and that usually has to be when they are all sleeping and again has to be in the van as I can't leave them. I manage but it can be a challenge sometimes.
I always ask the site to put me looking on to playparks and also beside other tourers, ie not empty fields, empty seasonals etc so that there are neighbours in case of emergency etc.
It's fab, just takes a little more organising when you go with kids alone.
I always ask the site to put me looking on to playparks and also beside other tourers, ie not empty fields, empty seasonals etc so that there are neighbours in case of emergency etc.
It's fab, just takes a little more organising when you go with kids alone.
That's a good idea about the playparks - it's the first time I've let the girls go "alone" (together) to a park without me being in direct view, and although I got glimpses of them between 'vans every so often and they only went for 15 minutes at a time, I did worry!
Thank you!
Glad to hear it all went well for you even if you were lonely at times. I took my 3 away last year to Butlins cos dh couldn't come with us and we all had a wonderful time without him.
I like to be close (ish) to the play area cos i can keep an eye on the kids but they have freedom too. They are getting older so don't need constantly watching which makes for very relaxing breaks :)
Quote: Originally posted by ashwellgirl on 19/4/2010
They are getting older so don't need constantly watching which makes for very relaxing breaks :)
I know what you mean - I looked on in awe at the mum of teenagers in the van next to ours, who seemed to spend much of every day sat in the sun with her feet up, reading a book and drinking wine!
'Was quite surprised we were the only one of our van there!
Try Yeatheridge Farm in the middle of Devon. Its very friendly and there is a lot to do on site. Very good swimming pool with plume, horse riding, fishing, walks or just chilling. There's a bar and restaurant where you can take the kids, a very good shop at reasonable prices and beautiful views, a football field & kids play area.
It is a long way from most days out, but if you have no car that won't matter. Above all, it's very friendly.
Forgot to say, they also have family bathrooms where you and the kids can all go in.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Had a great first full week away
