Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3 4 5

Original poster

DH thinks overnight stay is pointless for 4 hour round trip

124 replies

Usernamqwerty · 22/07/2020 22:59

Thinking of taking my little man to Thomas Land. It's 2 hours 15 minutes away by car according to Google maps. I want to break up the driving by going up the evening before, staying over (found a hotel at a good price), entering the park at opening time and then driving back afterwards. DH says this is silly and I should just get up in the morning and go and drive back afterwards. I am not a big fan of driving, but he is... AIBU?

OP posts:

BlingLoving · 23/07/2020 10:15

I like driving and a 4 hour drive on a day wouldn't be a big deal for me and I'd still do the hotel thing! Makes it into a nice little adventure, ensures your DC isn't exhausted and cranky on arrival/ departure etc.

In terms of which way round, I think that depends on you and your kid. With DS, I'd have done the journey the day before and then driven back with him as he'd probably have napped in the car. But with DD, who has never napped in a car in her life, I'd probably do it the other way round so she wasn't stuck in back seat for 2 hours after a tiring day.

Mynotsoperfectlittlefamily · 23/07/2020 10:19

We did exactly that and stayed at the Premier Inn in Tamworth. In fact we stayed 2 nights the night before going to Thomas land and the night we went to the park. It's too long in the car for a small child so we made a weekend of it

iklboo · 23/07/2020 10:21

We went to Legoland a few years ago. We got a fab deal on a Hilton hotel for the night after the park. Made it feel like a proper break away instead of a day trip.

Graciebobcat · 23/07/2020 10:22

Why don't you all go and stay in the hotel? Kids eat free in Premier Inn.

salcombebabe · 23/07/2020 10:25

I live 5 mins from Thomas Land. There’s a lovely children’s play area in the Castle Grounds (Park by the Bowling Alley and it’s a short walk), Ventura Park is the out of town shopping area which has some great shops, restaurants and cafes - not sure which of the eateries are open at the moment though. But certainly have a wander round the Castle Grounds as it’s beautiful with a river running through it.

Enjoy your stay xx

Cheeseandwin5 · 23/07/2020 10:30

I think the simple view is how much would it cost and can you afford it.
For sure your DH is correct it is not worth saying in a hotel for a 2 1/2 trip. Your DC is more likely to fall asleep for the ride home, but if you can afford to and feel the Hotel will be safe environment in the current situation than I would stay if that's is your choice.

On a separate note I hate when the usual Mns rabids look for any excuse to blame the man, especially for made up reasons.
a) Her DH is not coming because he is looking after their other DH
b) There is no indication that her DH doesn't enjoy spending time with her ( I assume if that was the case he would want to go TK instead of the OP).
c) If he was travelling to work that was 2 1/2 hours and said he has to stay over because he didnt want to travel back - would they be ok with that? Would she not be able to comment as she is not going?
As far as I can see this is purely a timing and monetary issue- lets not turn this into something its not.

Iwantacookie · 23/07/2020 10:35

@salcombebabe hi neighbour I'm just down the road from you.
Eagerly waiting for the primark opening at Ventura soon.

MintyMabel · 23/07/2020 11:01

I wouldn’t do an overnight stay for a 2hr drive, no. I agree with your husband.

It's not just a two hour drive. It's a two hour drive after already having done a two hour drive and a whole day in a theme park, by yourself with a small child.

I'd do a four hour round trip in a day no problem, but after a day in a theme park with a child I'd be pretty tired and would probably not be fit to drive for two hours.

notacooldad · 23/07/2020 11:45

I wouldn’t do an overnight stay for a 2hr drive, no. I agree with your husband

It's not just a two hour drive. It's a two hour drive after already having done a two hour drive and a whole day in a theme park, by yourself with a small child.
I know that I can read a post and know what is involved.
I used to do trips like that very regularly when my boys were very small. I would only stop over if I had an activity in the same place the following day.
I regularly used to do Morecambe ( where I used to live ) to Birmingham and back and have a full day out. When we moved to Macclesfield I'd travel up to Keswick and surrounding area for the day and back with the little ones AND have a full day out 🙄
The kids used to sleep and I'd be happy with my cd's playing ( back in the day when people had cd's!!)

Roselilly36 · 23/07/2020 11:51

My DH would be exactly the same, he would be happy to drive too. He likes to get home and sleep in his own bed etc.

An overnighter with young kids can be hassle, cooped up in a tiny room premier inns are ok but they is no where to sit to watch tv, just laying on the bed etc. Not sure how much sleep I would get sharing a family room either.

Have a great time, whatever you decide to do.

Campingintheraintoday · 23/07/2020 11:52

Sounds a complete faff.
Pack the car with the 2 dc. Drive to day out.. Enjoy day out. Drive home.
Both dc have a lovely time.
Job done.

1moremum · 23/07/2020 11:55

If there is only one adult going, and the hotel cost is affordable, I would stay the night. driving home alone after having gotten up early to drive alone, and having spent the day wrangling a child round an amusement park is pretty tiring.

Premier Inn and the free breakfast for the kid is the perfect solution. If you go to sleep not long after your son, you can be up bright and early enough to practically bring your husband breakfast.

AryaStarkWolf · 23/07/2020 12:02

Your idea is definitely the better one imo, yes you could drive up and back the same day but you would both be less tired and probably have a better time if you stayed over the night before

Lipz · 23/07/2020 12:14

If it were me I'd book 2 nights. The night before and the night for the day after the park.

If you were driving on the day, what time would you need to be up at? Taking into account time to get yourself ready and ds, packing bags, packing car then driving you'll be a bit tired getting there. You'll also be looking after dd, feeding, bits and pieces around the house. It'll change your mood for the day, then you have to think about and do the drive home, you tired and a tired toddler who will probably sleep in the car.

Or, go evening before, have a nice bit of dinner, bit of TV, early night, get up ( won't be as early as when you tavel from home as you're nearer park) lovely breakfast, nice relaxing shower, getting ready at your own pace, ds will be in the room with you so you're not running all around looking for him. Pack a bag and off you go, nice and relaxed and rested.

For me I'd stay the 2nd night too, it's usually the same price or for just a little more for the 2nd night. Come back from park drop bags, head out to somewhere for some dinner, pick up some drinks and treats maybe a small toy, head back to hotel and veg out. Get some ice from the bar and have some nice cold drinks in the room and stuff your face on chocolate. Next morning, up for lovely breakfast, take time getting ready, drive back home rested and happy.

OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow · 23/07/2020 12:32

So you’re going by yourself with ds. You’re driving. You can afford it. Go!
Also to add a different perspective, it will be nice for you and ds to have a special mini holiday. My kids always remember the days out when it was just them and either me or dh without siblings. Add in a premier inn stay, it will be lovely.
Or is dh not wanting to look after dd alone for the night?

SantaClaritaDiet · 23/07/2020 12:41

It doesn't matter what other people think, you are the one driving, do what you feel more comfortable with.

If you enjoy yourself more by staying overnight, just book the hotel.

It's the same with airports: some people are happy to get up at 3am to catch their flight, others prefer to book a hotel at the airport, have a good night sleep. Neither are right or wrong, do what YOU want.

notacooldad · 23/07/2020 13:25

If it were me I'd book 2 nights. The night before and the night for the day after the park.
A simple day trip out is becoming a weekend away!!😂😂

lifeafter50 · 23/07/2020 13:30

Would definitely not stay overnight -have done many similar . Always get to park when it opens, just get up earlier! DC will sleep in the car on the way back.

cuntryclub · 23/07/2020 13:31

The drive wouldn't bother me in the slightest but I would definitely stay over because I can't resist a night away - I stay in PI quite regularly! I would do like a PP mentioned and book the night before too

MitziK · 23/07/2020 14:01

@Fishfingersandwichplease

I did this for Legoland and Peppa Pig World, makes it feel like a little holiday!! 100% should do am overnighter

What do you have planned for the sixth circle of Hell?

I'm another that says the hotel is a great idea. Saves getting overtired at the hellhole attractions and then whingeing for two hours straight before zonking out ten minutes before you get home, waking up and being a grumpy, whining mess all night.

And kids get like that as well. So enjoy the hotel.

BackforGood · 24/07/2020 00:11

It's about what is more enjoyable with a child, not what is possible.

This ^
I'm not sure what it is with some posters, that they always have to make things into some sort of competition.
Yes, when I'm going to visit my cousin, or my Aunty, or my friend I'm very happy to drive 2 hrs there and 2 hours back in a day but I don't need to set off early, then when I'm there, I'll spend perhaps 7 or 8 hours relaxing, and then I'll drive back. That is very different from getting a small child up, keeping them entertained as you drive, then spending several hours in a theme park, then driving home with them at the end of a long and tiring day.
Yes, of course it is do-able if you want to, or finances indicate it would be wise to, but, if you have the money, then why wouldn't you make it into a much more pleasurable experience and relaxed day ?

notacooldad · 24/07/2020 09:53

It's about what is more enjoyable with a child, not what is possible
I get that but it is not the only factor.
I remember DS being about 4 and I took him away and I stopped at a travel lodge or similar at a motorway services when it wouldhave taken about two hours to drive home. I think we were near Carlisle.
DS had got over tired with the excitement of the day and wouldn't settle in a strange room.
It would have been easier to have had a good day at the farm land place , put his pjs on in the car before we set off and lifted him into bed as he would have slept in the car straight away.
It would have been different if I was staying out for all of the following day but it was rubbish getting up to come home.

DamsonDragon · 24/07/2020 09:58

I would be happy doing that drive in one day (thats done similar drives to spend a few hours with my parents), however that was with just adults in the car.
I think if I had the kids with me it would be too much. But it depends how your little one travels in the car. Some people (like my DH) find sitting in the car for extended periods of time exhausting (yet hes not the one driving), and the kids get restless and start to play up, so for me it would be easier to stay the night, then attempt the military manovering of the children and DH early in the morning and more then likely missing opening time.

Letseatgrandma · 24/07/2020 10:04

If DH isn’t actually going or doing any of the driving, it’s kind of irrelevant what he thinks! Do it!

Flip

1 2 3 4 5