Cottage recommendations?

[Kmg]

Have you stayed in a fantastic s/c cottage you'd recommend?

We're looking for somewhere for next year to sleep 6 - anywhere in UK mainland except right by the seaside. (This year was so perfect, we couldn't compete). We'd be interested in staying on a farm - does anyone have experience of that? Or ecstatic about a reasonably-priced cottage with a private pool, or good access to a shared pool. My main priority is good quality, spacious accommodation with some degree of privacy.

[coral]

Try www.dorsetcoastalcottages.com. They have quite a few cottages for rent in the purbeck area although none actually in Corfe itself. Although I can't recommend anything I have booked a cottage with this company in purbeck for later on in the year and have been impressed with the service I have received so far.

[Rhiannon]

Hi, not much to do in Corfe Castle village itself if you've got young children there is the model village and the castle but that's about it. Think there's a National Trust shop too otherwise it's just a thoroughfare to get to Swanage or Wareham. Why not look at Swanage or Studland (expensive) we've just booked a 3 bed house in Swanage with Miles and Son .co.uk. They have properties on line and show availability. Good Luck. R

[leese]

Star, have you considered Center Parcs? Not sure where you live, but i think they're dotted around, tho' we've only been to Longleat. Usually pretty expensive, they do some great weekend deals, so its worth ringing up and asking. Certainly brill for kids! Good luck

[Ems]

Star have you tried lastminute.com, they have a website and a newsletter that comes to your email on a Thursday. Great cheap hotels, ideas etc.

[Rhiannon]

Oh dear, where are you and what do they like to do? You've had a lucky escape from that freezing swimming pool if you were going to Bognor! I always harp on about Center Parcs as we love it but obviously no rides there if that's what they want. Southend has got something called Peter Pans playground with rides by the sea (bit tacky though) or is Legoland open this time of year?

You could try one of the upmarket caravan parks (think Warmwell in Dorset is open all year) and they have a dry ski slope. In my experience caravans are freezing in cold weather so take your thermals.

Good Luck, keep us posted. R

[bettys]

florenceuk - The National Trust rents cottages in Corfe Castle; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cottages.
Haven't stayed with them myself yet as I've just sent off for the catalogue but they look very nice, and the area is beautiful.

[Marina]

Star, if travelling to the Lakes is an option, the Oasis park (very like Center Parcs, and really nice with good all-weather facilities) might fit the bill. It is near Penrith and we went in Feb, so I can guarantee no thermals needed in their log cabins. What a nuisance for you.

[Crunchie]

Star there are certain holiday camps that are open all year round, I would try looking at Teletext for their latest offers. There are other companies like Haven who maybe an option.

Good luck

[Ems]

Oh Star! Ive forgotten how old your children are? Where are you and how far do you want to travel? Then I can putting Stage 2 thinking hat on!!

[Rhiannon]

star, are you able to negotiate with the kids? What about the pictures and a McD's this weekend and then organise something for over Easter when the weather is a bit less wild. Center Parcs have great kids clubs and babysitters so you'll get some time to yourselves if that interests you. R

[Ems]

Star, best idea I can come up with at short notice is: how about Bristol? Not too far from you, so more holiday time!

We went recently and had a great time. They have a great big new sciencey/interactive place called '@ Bristol'. Perfect for your twos ages. Loads to see and do. There is an IMAX cinema too, we saw a great 25 min film about dolphins, it was really WOW in there. 6 year old loved it. There is also a rainforest area. Pizza restaurant too, fun fountains outside.

Lots of hotels have offers including Thistle Bristol (£29.50 per adult per room min 2 nights) and children free, includes breakfast, they have pool etc for kids.

Or is you want some vegging out space there are some serviced apartments in the centre. (Howard Johnson, they have a website) One bedroomed £65 per night. Based on 2 adults, 2 kids. Compared to a hotel you'd have more space (but no pool).

Great website called visitbristol.co.uk. You can book hotel/apartments at Bristol Tourist info office on 0117 946 2222.

Bristol Hippodrome theatre are currently doing Beauty and the Beast, which is AMAZING, again 4 and 7 year olds would love it. Ticketmaster have 4 seats available quite high up, but binoculars are half the fun!!! £52.00 for all. Could try at box office on day for returns.

Bristol also has zoo, etc. Plenty for a fun weekend I think whatever the weather. Great shops too, as if you would be allowed!

Let us know if you hate the thought of Bristol, and I'll think again!

[lou33]

We stayed with www.cotswoldcottage.co.uk/ in Bourton on the Water , and got a really great deal. It's a really pretty town , and has the toy museum where Brum is kept,which is also the place he is seen trundling out of in the videos. Lots of lovely places nearby too.

Alternatively you could try www.laterooms.com which has a host of reduced accommodation available if you don't book too far ahead.

[Ems]

Star, great you've found somewhere. Have a wonderful time.

[Ems]

Star, I've just looked on the website, and it looks idyllic!!!

Full report please on your return. My two would be besides themselves to see Brum.

Nice time of year to go, not heaving with tourists.

[lou33]

Have a nice time star, that is the same cottage we stayed in and we had a great break!

[Ems]

Glad you had a fun time, and to think you nearly gave up and stayed at home! I've already mentioned the cottage to my mum when I saw her on Saturday, as she would love to explore the Cotswolds, so fingers crossed we may go towards the end of the year.

Another great, shared Mumsnet discovery!

[lou33]

So glad you liked it star! We did the maze, bird park etc too and our kids didn't want to come home! It's so beautiful in that area I think, and everyone seems to be really friendly.

[Rhiannon]

star, I've had a look at the website for Lucy's cottage. Can you tell me whether there was carpet or lino/tiles on the floors? The details say they accept pets but we have allergies and carpets would be no good for us. Thanks. R