DH needs a break! Can you help? Two hours from S.London Max

[Nuttybear]

DH is exhausted, he needs a break from the tread mill. We need somewhere interesting, maybe good country walk for a good rambling 6 year old. Then we need hot showers, a bar roaring fire and a good resturant at a push a babysitting service. Must not break the bank. On the other hand if he doesn't get away he might quit his job he's that fed-up. Any suggestions welcomed

A few years ago (pre-children mind), we went to here and it was pretty lush - not sure about with kids, but reckon they can be accommodated quite easily in their rooms outside of the main hotel part. Loads of rambling around the manor itself and children's area/cafe etc.

South Downs or a coastal town - aim small like Littlehampton* and / or nearby Arundel. Lots to do for all ages (walks, bird reserve at Arundel, castle, shops, beach walks, etc) and quiet. No recommendations as to accommodation though, sorry.

• • biased as that is where we grew up!

Whitstable. stay at the royal oyster stores fisherman's huts. buy yourself some oysters from the harbour. take a trip on the Romney hythe steam train. Get your 6 yr old scrambling over the outdoor pirate ship on the Folkestone Coastal walk. See if you can book at table at Read's (reads.com) (they also do rooms). Or maybe eat at the fab Thai place in Ramsgate (forgotten name but you should be able to find it if you google - the owner used to cook for the queen). Visit the Cathedral at Canterbury and maybe take a river ride. All within 30 minutes of whitstable.

Rye

Elvey Farm in Kent would be good for you. (sorry can't do links) I stayed there for a wedding and have been trying to get back ever since - lovely countryside, roaring fires, good food, really nice rooms and there is a dog called Scooby who belongs to the owners (who your 6 year old would love). We were only there for one night and I felt completely relaxed when we left.

Heb Oh! good suggestion Arundel has a castle that I always pick the wrong day to visit. Maybe this time I'll get in.
Slug Yes, we've been to Rye in summer. Do have any accomdation suggestions? Sorry to ask again
Still I'll look it up
BubbaAndBump & Sam i'll look at your first 'cause you've given me everything I need I think. back later to give my feed back. Thank youall

The New Forest

This or this?

Five Arrows and Elvey Farm look lovely. I wonder if they can give us a January deal for the weekend. I bet they don't but I suppose I can try!

They may well do - they do a few deals now and then.

Have you checked out their special offers page? Some look tempting!

I looked at the special they don't include the weekend. I'm going to see if I can barter. Thank you Orienteer they look lovely too! I think we are going to ask friend if we can stay with them one night and one night in a hotel. When our extention gets built they can stay with us. We only have a 2 bedroom cottage (or slum dwelling if it was the 1960's)