hi.

my kids - daughter 10 and son 7 - have to put up with a lot since my surgery.

i want to take them somewhere in halfterm (just me and them) so that i can give them a treat. my daughter does loads to help me - i have just managed to sort out carers to come and relieve her in a morning so she doesn't have to help me but she still does loads.

any suggestions of good , CHEAP places i could go for a couple of days in england. that are fairly accessable for us.

thanks

jane

How cheap are you thinking?

Hiya,

My children are quite a bit younger ( just 4 and 5.5 years) so it will effect my experiences and therefore things I can suggest. I am not sure if you are wanting holiday ideas or things to do to fill the day as a treat that way.

I often take my two to a soft play area which is a small franchise. It has the advantages of being a friendly feel and I am able to see my children wherever they are in there, but at the same time they get to let off some energy and it feels like a treat of sorts, etc.

We have also gone to the Teddy bear Factory to pick out and stuff a Teddy Bear, lol, a similar place where we can make and decorate pottery, etc. Of course this may be way too young for your children!

If you can give us some idea of the type of holiday/break/day out you are thinking of?

It may be good to take your daughter for a manicure and pampering session, so that you both can relax an have a girlie day. However, not sure if your lil boy would be so keen on that!

Another idea along those lines are things such as Giggles pampering which are Pampering Parties for children. Perhaps there are other such businesses all over? It could be something to do at home or if you do go on holiday it could be something to do whilst there.


In terms of holidays, check out the threads about breaks away. I would also suggest that you look into contacting the Tourism for all website who advise and provide info on accessible holidays etc, The Young Carers initiative, and the Kids branch of Carers UK They are experienced with both helping to fund and assist in organising and sometimes providing hands on help for holidays and short breaks for children who are instrumental in helping their parents, and their families. (As your daughter helps you, you may be able to get financial assistance and advice, hence my mentioning these)

Please also see For Parents, By Parents, a site which has info for the UK regarding holidays suitable for those of us with children. However, be aware that it may not be that access aware.

For info on accessible Holidays here in the Uk and abroad, please see holidays with Access. I am not sure how good they are, but it may give you a starting point.

I hope this is of some use,

Take care,

K

Hi,

As soon as you have to start paying for accommodation, trips can get expensive. You could always put the money into day trips instead. I go to Cornwall alot, and have some good contacts there for accessible accommodation, if you're interested let me know, and I'll forward the details.

The following suggestions are just for day trips, but as you live near me, I thought they may give you a few idea's.

Now, don't roll your eye's at me, but my first suggestion is Skegness, it's near, has a good beach for the kids to play on, and has some rides etc. We took my daughter and her friend, and they loved it. I admit, the place is a bit tacky, but for kids, it's really good. It's probably best to go when the weather gets a bit warmer, as the wind of the North Sea can be a bit chilly.

Then there's Twin Lakes at Melton Mowbray, There's loads to do there, and there are several large indoor area's as well. It is a bit hilly though, so you may need a hand at the entance. If you go a few times a year, buy a season pass, as this saves money.

In the summer, we go for a walk and picnic to Bradgate Park, at the Newtown Linford entrance, it's really good for a bit of exercise, as the road which runs through it is smooth, but a bit hilly. On certain days of the week, blue badge holders can drive upto the ruins.

There's a place called Conkers, which is an activity place which is good, and they have an indoor area as well. It's open all year round and is only five miles from Junction 11 on the M42.

There's also Twycross Zoo which is just off the M42 as well, it's fairly flat, and good in summer, especially if you take a picnic.

If you're will ing to travel a bit further, you can visit Drayton Manor, which is also off the M42 between junction 9 and 10. If you go to Tesco's, you can use your clubcard vouchers to buy entance tickets, which is a great deal.

Hope this gives you a few idea's.

Regards

Simon