Where can I take DH for his 50th? Help! (Plus I need to keep the children alive).

[DontBiteTheBoobThatFeedsYou]

I was planning to take him to Amsterdam as he loves it but there's only one person who can take the kids and she's only one it once and she fed him something he's anaphylactic to.
Whilst I believe it was a genuine error, and she won't do it again - I'm a little bit nervous to leave the country.

It's DH'a 50th at the end of the summer and I really want to take him somewhere that's 2-4 max. We're in Brighton.

Can anyone help?

Just to be extra unhelpful, I don't actually know what I want to do.

When the plan was Amsterdam, I was rich with choice.

Domestic flight from Gatwick to Edinburgh. Flight is about an hour and a half and because it's domestic you don't have the same airport faff. Return flights less than £100 and there are 52 flights a week between the two so you should get back reasonably easily in an emergency.

Get the train to the airport, no need to drive in Edinburgh. Far enough away to feel special, close enough to get back if you need to.

The Bluedot festival at Jodrell Bank Cheshire) is in at the end of July and is fabulous if you are into science and music.

Sorry SPACE and music (and science!)

Definitely Bath, it’s compact and walkable. Lots of romantic views, nice places to eat, drink, walk, galleries, historic sites and great shops. Hotels in all price ranges. Couple of lovely NT properties in Bath/ just outside.

If you want to splash out, either Royal Crescent hotel or Combe Grove hotel

Depending on when in 'end of summer' you might also hit the Fringe in Edinburgh... if that's your thing.

Jersey on a plane - again it's a domestic flight so low faff, and essy to get back if needed

You can also get a direct train to Cambridge from Brighton now if you don’t want to drive. Really easy. Cambridge has a similar vibe to Bath - also walkable and you don’t need a car. Just less romantic than Bath in my opinion

If you like the spa you can easily pop in on your own while DH goes to arts cinema round the corner, or sits in cafe/ pub as it’s right in the city centre. You’d only need a couple of hours- it’s small but wonderful x

What’s your budget? I’d either go to The Pig at Brockenhurst, really lovely boutique hotel with good food and a relaxed vibe. In the New Forest so plenty to see/do if you want.

If you’ve got a bigger budget, Chewton Glen. Maybe even a luxury treehouse suite!

@okiedokieme
I agree!
What's strange about @okiedokieme suggesting that???

Just take the kids with you if you're stressing you wouldn't enjoy yourself anyway worrying all weekend; 3 children that aren't your own even if family look after them (especially a little one who is only 1!!!!!) Is alot to expect of someone tbh

Moreover you're a family I would feel it was important to celebrate as a family how would the older ones who would understand you were going away for daddy's birthday feel about being left out????

That's another consideration

I know too many people who seem to want to do couple stuff and moan about lack of babysitters and I just think people should think of this before having kids. We've got two sets of friends desperate for a family and then people trying to just grab their selfish "me time"!!

(Talking about bath spa.... there’s no spa worth bothering with in Cambridge)

Again, if budget is high, Le Manoir is a special weekend away but may be a bit of a waste if he’s not a foodie.

Wow the judgement on this thread about OP wanting a romantic trip away with her DH for a milestone birthday I’m sure they will also celebrate with the children. It’s healthy to want time alone as a couple- it’s good for the whole family for mum and dad to invest 1-1 time in their relationship

Cambridge has Midsummer House if you are foodies

If you like relaxed and a bit different Glastonbury and wells are lovely, you’ve got the abbey ruins, the white spring, and can walk up to the tor in Glastonbury, and a pretty cathedral in wells and both have unusual little shops and cafes. Hubby and I lost hours just wandering.

Baliffscourt in Climping is probably only an hour away, and feels like it’s much further away. Super relaxing, amazing food, beautiful tables outside in the court yard rose garden and a fabulous pool of its a warm weekend. You could take a stroll on the beach and generally just relax in lovely surroundings with good food and wine.

What about one of the treehouse, hot tub style, luxury cabin places like these on the Isle of Wight

www.darwinescapes.co.uk/holiday-breaks/accommodation/woodside-bay-treehouse/

Or these hostunusual.com/categories/hot-tubs/

Nice is lovely and a very short flight.

Southwold, walberswick, dunwich, Thorpeness, Orford. Lovely country hotel, beach walks, arcades, pub lunches etc etc etc

Edinburgh?
Newcastle?
The Lakes?
Bristol?
Hebden Bridge?
Isla?

What does he like about Amsterdam?

How the fuck did you manage to turn this thread, one about me wanting to spend a rare time with my husband for his 50th, into one of me being a selfish mother who should "think of the children!"
Honestly that made me laugh out loud, absolutely ridiculous 😂😂

Everyone else - thanks so so much for your input, I've started googling several already and you have give me loads to work with!
My husband and I will be grateful for this in a few months and I'd like to get booking now.
Much appreciated.

Ignore them OP! Enjoy planning your trip

Have you thought about an observatory? We went to Kielder once (I know it's miles away for you) and it was absolutely magical. We even saw Jupiter! We both love space and it was fabulous!

That's exactly what I'm looking into! But it is weather dependant...
I think it's worth the risk though!