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Welcome to havealovelytime.com!

WELCOME to havealovelytime.com!

This blog will report on places we have been and things we have seen while out and about with our children, in the hope of helping you decide where would be a lovely place to go.

It's by no means a comprehensive listing of UK or overseas family holiday opportunities, rather a collection of (often favourite) haunts pulled together by a collection of parents.

A walk on the wild side with Skoda's new Yeti

IT’S a name which conjours up visions of a wild and legendary giant – but would the Skoda Yeti live up to its title and be a monster of a hit with the Garrington family, or unable to fill such big boots? Our motoring editor Paul Garrington reports on his family’s experience with Skoda’s new 4x4, which he was kindly given to test drive by the manufacturers.

I'd had the pleasure of driving the Yeti once before, but only for a day, so we were thrilled when the long-anticipated day came and we took delivery of the Yeti – and a very nice red one it was too, which just happens to be Dylan’s favourite colour. He was really pleased, and we were already off to a great start.

We found the car was very good fun. To give it a bit of a run out, we headed up to Carsington Water in Derbyshire.

Isle of Wight - a half term retreat right on your doorstep

SEARCHING for an island getaway for the half term holiday without long haul flights and Premiership footballer prices? You may not have to go as far as you think.

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint may be better known for his big screen wizardry than his tourism acumen, but he makes a good case as to why the Isle of Wight is a fab destination for families.

The island boasts endless places to explore and entertain the children this half-term. What's more, it is relatively inexpensive and easy to reach.

It is a place of contrasts - kids can get active, adventurous or just chill out and experience its natural wonders. It boasts around 60 places to visit, 12 award-winning beaches including the Blue Flag resorts of Ventnor and Sandown, plus accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.

When recently asked to recall his best and worst holiday experiences, actor Rupert Grint,who plays the role of Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, said his best holiday was spent on the Isle of Wight: “We went to the Isle of Wight as a family, three summers in a row.

New book on family holidays, author seeking views

HERE's a message from Catherine Cooper:

I'm writing a book about travelling with children and looking for brief quotes about what type of family holiday you enjoy and why it works for you. Also interested to hear about any which didn't work and why.

Also do you holiday alone or with friends/grandparents? Is this great or hellish? Happy to change names – please email mail[at]catherinecooper.net - would really appreciate any input. Thanks!

Hey, Mr Tampareen Man…Tracey Davies and son visit Finland

MY boy Angus is a sucker for a spot of espionage, writes Tracey Davies.

Since watching Goldfinger he’s become a true Bond geek to the point of insisting his milkshake’s shaken not stirred. So imagine his joy when we discover Vakoilumuseo, the world’s first spy museum on a recent trip to Finland.

Kids in Museums: Flexible family ticket watch

 

DOES your family fit the shape of a standard family ticket?

Or perhaps it's Mum plus her four kids, Dad plus his only child, and the young cousin who lives with them.

Maybe it's grandparents and their grandchildren, for whom they care or big sister and very little sister, whom she looks after. Mum, Dad, Auntie and her daughter.

Yet what’s the shape of a typical family ticket to a museum or gallery? Two plus two.

The Princess and the Frog reviews from around the blogosphere

WE are SO looking forward to this. Here's what some reviewers have said so far:

'Utterly beautiful with an emotional punch' - that's the verdict of Ben Mortimer at Screenjabber. 

Nixdminx loved it and relished the celebrity premier.

Liz found the controversy around the film bizarre.

Susanna feared some parts may be a little frightening for younger children.

IndieLondon gives a great rundown here.

Phil on Film isn't convinced it's going to be a classic.

Slant Magazine says it's one step forward, two steps back.

Why not tell us what you thought in the comments?

Family cruises - parent bloggers give their verdict

FOR many, a holiday on the seas may not be an attractive prospect, all that swaying around and being shepherded from one quick stop to another doesn't appeal to the more independent traveller. Lots more families would love to go, but are put off by a perceived mega price tag.

But recently, a couple of British parenting blogs' finest, Trish over at Mum's Gone To and Liz, from LivingwithKids have both been sharing their experiences which blow these preconceptions out of the water.

Although Trish says she's "not a water person," it seems her Mediterranean cruise with Ocean Village turned out a treat.

She says:

We wouldn't have to dress up (shame, I rather fancied that part), no need to sit with anyone else at dinner ( a BIG BIG plus: didn't relish enforced chit-chat), and there would be plenty for our 10 year old son to do (kids' club with playstations, organised games, excursions which would interest him). However I think the real bonus was the chance to take a peek at lots of locations in a two-week period without the hassle of packing and unpacking.

What's in your boot? Are you ready for action?

ARE you one of those families who are forever prepared with wellies and rain jackets or do you reach your destination to realise that you've forgotten something crucial for your trip? Camilla Chafer tells us what she has stashed in the boot. 

Having been caught out in rain in sandals, had my boyfriend suggest a traipse through the rugged Lake District countryside while wearing, you guessed it, sandals, and forgetting a picnic blanket on more occasions that I care to count, I think I've finally sorted out my car boot essentials. Let's take a look...

Where's your favourite family walk?

I RECENTLY contributed to MyChild.co.uk on favourite family walks. This was a really fun feature to work on, not least because my family absolutely love getting out and about.

You can read the resulting piece here.

I'd love to know if you agree with my choices and where else you would recommend.

Where's your most treasured place to visit for a bracing stroll together?  

Travellers' Choice Awards at Trip Advisor: Top 10 family hotels

THERE are some amazing hotels in some far-flung destinations for the whole family listed here.

How amazing would it be to visit even one of them?

Thank you to Jen from Alphamummy for flagging this up.