Help me choose where to go with 7 month old and DH

[Jelllytot]

Hello!

DH and I have left it super last minute to go away somewhere in the UK for this coming weekend.
It will be our first trip away with our DC. I was thinking either the Cotswolds or a country manor type hotel with a nice spa and grounds to walk around.

This weekend looks quite drizzly though so maybe the country house is a better idea than the Cotswolds as we might be indoors more than outdoors.

Id love staycation ideas from anyone who has been away with a little baby. Ideally something that is about an hour's drive from London as neither DH nor I have done long drives before and we're a bit nervous in that respect.

Thank you! X

A break in a hotel with a baby is not much fun. You won’t be able to enjoy any spa facilities together (unless the hotel has childcare and you are happy to use it), you won’t be able to have a romantic meal together (unless the hotel has childcare etc), you will have to take loads of “kit” for the baby in the car, you will get worried if the baby cries in the night for fear of disturbing other guests etc etc

In your shoes I would spend the equivalent money in getting an overnight babysitter (friend or family member) and have an amazing blowout dinner at a fabulous restaurant, a few drinks and no worry about what time you get home. No driving, no organising, no worries about the baby - just lovely couple time

Aww I don't feel comfortable enough to leave her alone with family just yet. I know I really should but I would miss her too much. But I do see your point. DH and I would probably alternate taking massages or just take her to dinner with us.

Gah. I don't know. I really had my heart set on going somewhere but just don't know where.

If you’re only doing an hour’s drive I would personally do a nice day trip instead.

It will take 2 hours to get all the baby stuff loaded into the car and out again for an overnight stay… unless that’s just me 🙈

If she sleeps reliably she won’t even know you’ve gone out for the night!

I’m probably not your best counsel as I couldn’t wait to go out after I had my babies and remind myself why I married DH (!). If you are just going away to sleep in a different bed (ie same routine with the baby, no additional time alone with spouse) it might be better to save your pennies until she is a bit older and able to get something out of a trip and/or you are more comfortable using childcare so your trip brings something special to you as a couple 😉

Do it op.
If you find a hotel with a pool, then all three of you can go to the pool. Take turns with massages and take baby for a stroll around the grounds.
My friend did something similar and went somewhere near Bounrneville village and had nice stroll around there as well.

Sorry, Bourneville is a bit longer than an hour from London.
Cambridge is quite nice.

Stratford on Avon - more like hour and half drive but lots of places to stay , walks by the river as well as the town.

https://luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/locations/woolley-grange/
We stayed when DS was 4 but it looks very well set up for babies too.

No
point in spending the many ££££ to go to Woolley Grange if not taking advantage of the childcare though! We used to go there 20 odd years ago (also Ickworth, same group)) fabulous place but you are paying for the Nannies etc to have a grown up weekend away

Cotswolds are beautiful. Must do Daylesford Farm (The White Company on steroids) and Burford Garden Centre... it's like no garden centre you've ever been to. Blenheim Palace is gorgeous and Oxford for a check out if you fancy.