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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Just me an 8yo DD - weekend away

59 replies

Annabananna1 · 14/10/2022 15:09

I need a couple of days 1:1 with my 8 yo. She's a great kid and I've been so preoccupied with her younger siblings, work, relationship problems..

I'd love to take her away (abroad, ideally as she's never been) and sort of try to connect.

She likes history, swimming, music.

Is there anywhere that springs to mind as a good mini-break with a kid? Not Disneyland, too expensive for me.

Sorry no AIBU.

Or maybe there is. H thinks it's a stupid idea and I should save the £££ for me and him to go away. But I feel like I need this with my daughter. And it's my money (some v small inheritance). My choice, right? He went to Italy to watch a football match recently and I covered childcare.

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 14/10/2022 15:14

Barcelona is lovely and not too far away. My dd went to Valencia recently and really enjoyed it. Take your Dd away and don't listen to him about a couples break.

CatchYouOnTheFlippetyFlop · 14/10/2022 15:16

H thinks it's a stupid idea and I should save the £££ for me and him to go away

Yes - bet he does!

I don't know if I could be arsed with the faff of airports to go away for just 2 nights.

What about a kid friendly hotel with a pool in a nice area?

CatchYouOnTheFlippetyFlop · 14/10/2022 15:17

in the UK I meant

gratefulheart · 14/10/2022 15:18

Take her to a hotel with a pool near to longleat safari park?
Historic old house
Swimming
Rides
Animals

So much fun!

Testina · 14/10/2022 15:21

Italy - Pompeii.
The Romans is very likely something she has already done by age 8, and will likely cover again.
And it’s fabulous!

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 14/10/2022 15:22

Does it need to be abroad? Sounds like a faff for just a couple of days. You could get a plane to Scotland or somewhere else in the UK if you want to make it more exciting for her

RomainingCalm · 14/10/2022 15:25

Depending on where you live how about the Eurostar to Paris/Belgium rather than flying somewhere?

I agree with a PP that for two nights an 8 year old won't find the hanging around airports much fun and you won't have a lot of time in the city which then puts you under pressure to cram everything in and end up with a very tired and grumpy DD.

My vote would be for a UK weekend - London, Edinburgh, York, Bath would all be good. Find a hotel with a pool and maybe include a theatre trip depending on what's on.

CorpusCallosum · 14/10/2022 15:40

Lisbon. Beautiful, easy flights & affordable.

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 14/10/2022 15:46

If your 'DH' can trot off abroad on his own to a football match, he can shut his trap when it comes to you taking your DD away!

Granada is really nice; small friendly city with the Alhambra nearby ( you will need your passports to get in and go early). Loads of history and places to eat.

You might still need passenger locator forms or proof of vaccinations for Spain; not sure but you'll need to check it out.

Or as suggested, Eurostar to Paris or Lille? Or does she want to fly on a plane?

If happy to stay in the UK, try Alnwick. The castle and Barter Books are amazing.

Oooh a theatre trip is a good idea too. Have fun!

implantsandaDyson · 14/10/2022 15:47

I took my slightly older daughter away to Edinburgh last year. We had a brilliant time, it involved a plane journey for us but we had two nights away - did lots during the day and lay in bed watching TV and eating sweets in the evening. Really loved it. I also took my older daughters on a seperate trip to London for a few nights. They've been a few times and loved it, again walked the legs of ourselves during the day and mooched about at night.

AriettyHomily · 14/10/2022 15:48

I've taken Dts to Belfast and butlins at that age on my own. It's butlins they still talk about....

AriettyHomily · 14/10/2022 15:49

Oh and I don't mean that against Belfast, my parents are from Belfast! Just that butlins hits a lot of kid points:)

pinkpotatoez · 14/10/2022 15:51

Bet he wants another holiday CF😂 brilliant idea OP, but for a few nights maybe go to a hotel somewhere like Alton towers ?

NoDairyNoProblem · 14/10/2022 15:54

Malaga has great Roman history, small enough to walk everywhere and great food.

Barcelona for live music, food and culture.

Bruges/Ghent are beautiful, historic and perfect of you go in the run up to Christmas too. Street performers were in Bruges around the Christmas market but Ghent has serious Harry Potter vibes.

London is always a hit… history, last min musical tickets are much cheaper and great food. Free museums and lots of walking.

luxxlisbon · 14/10/2022 16:00

With an 8 year old I would just stay in the UK if it’s only 2 nights. Stay in a nearby city, or London, get a nice little hotel room, see a kids show, go to the zoo, go shopping, get hot chocolates etc

Badgirlriri · 14/10/2022 16:02

Going abroad for a couple of days is not a faff! 🙄Plenty of people do weekends away

crochetmeahat · 14/10/2022 16:10

Abroad is fine but if you can't be bothered, York has some fun stuff to do for kids

luxxlisbon · 14/10/2022 16:12

It’s very different going on a weekend away as a couple vs alone with an 8 year old. Even a 2hr flight can be easily 6 hours total travelling time, each way. You into the actual time in the destination so much, not that fun for a young child.

MRSE20 · 14/10/2022 16:16

Some of my favourite holidays as a kid were at places like Haven, Butlins - perfect for an 8 year old

If you still want to do abroad, what about Christmas markets? Bruges is lovely. Me and my partner go on day trips sometimes, it’s like £60 each with a coach company.

Ponoka7 · 14/10/2022 16:17

Edinburgh is a good destination. The zoo has pandas. My GC has been to Barcelona and Amsterdam for the weekend. I'd pick quick flight times and the least restrictive Covid rules, unless you have your booster etc.

Mariposista · 14/10/2022 16:17

Mrsjayy · 14/10/2022 15:14

Barcelona is lovely and not too far away. My dd went to Valencia recently and really enjoyed it. Take your Dd away and don't listen to him about a couples break.

I used to live in Valencia! It’s lovely! Malaga is also nice, as is Alicante.
what a lively idea. I bet your DD will love having 1-1 time with you.

RomainingCalm · 14/10/2022 16:33

Another easy alternative if you want to fly could be Jersey.

Plenty of history, a fantastic zoo, beaches (good even in winter), lots of places to eat/drink/walk, swimming pool.

Bigbus · 14/10/2022 16:37

I took my DS to York at a similar age and he moved it.

If you definitely want to go abroad I would say just go to Paris - you can get the train right into the town and there are several really famous sights so quite high impact for a short journey.

Doowop1919 · 14/10/2022 16:46

History and music, my vote is for Vienna :) beautiful city.

AliceMcK · 14/10/2022 16:51

I’m taking my 8yo to Belfast for a weekend at the end of November, we will be shopping, exploring the titanic quarter, nice meals and swimming in the hotel.

I took my other DD to Glasgow when she was 8, it was summer there was a nice art exhibition trail, we shopped caught a show.