TMC’s Guide to The CotswoldsRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 20 July 2023 TMC’s Guide to The Cotswolds TMC Cotswolds & Cheltenham Host, Angela Wood, reveals the best things to do and see. Where to Stay Best hotel: Barnsley House “Two words Barnsley House. If boutique rooms, beautiful grounds and spas are your vibe, Barnsley House will not disappoint. Staying here you’ll get to experience Cotswolds village life, and you’re perfectly located to explore everything from the Water Park to Daylesford.” Book now Where to Eat / Drink Best for drinks: Imperial Haus in Cheltenham “Head to Imperial Haus in Cheltenham. It’s an incredible venue that gives serious Alice in Wonderland vibes, and the cocktails are magnificent.” Find out more Best date night: “For a real treat, you have to head to the Restaurant Journey in Cheltenham. I recommend indulging in their set menu, which will quite literally take you on a journey. One to be enjoyed without kids and worth getting a sitter for.” Book now Best bakery: Knead “I absolutely adore Knead! Their focaccia is a firm favourite in our house and never lasts long. Check out their bakeries in Cirencester or Tetbury or their new deli at Elkstone Studios. And enjoy brunch or lunch from their outdoor grill. *The grilled lobster rolls are not to be missed.” Find out more What to do Best farm shop: Daylesford Farm “One of the many things The Cotswolds does well is Farm Shops. Farming and supporting our local producers are a huge part of our lives. And you can’t visit The Cotswolds without a trip to Daylesford Organic. From the highest quality groceries to seriously lust-worthy homewares, Daylesford has everything covered.” Find out more Best event for mums: The Mum Club “Join me at a Mum Club event. At the moment we have picnics planned, fitness classes and of course our famous brunches. And there’s lots more in store for autumn/winter.” Find out more Best beach: Cotwolds Beach, Cotswolds Water Park “I know a beach is not something you would think to find in The Cotswolds, but Cotswold Water Park has water lovers covered! Cotswold Beach is one of our favourite places to visit. There are beautiful holiday lodges to rent, located right on the lakes (check out Lakes by Yoo or Lower Mill Estate), and you can do everything from paddling boarding to water-skiing.” Find out more Best for shopping: Cheltenham “Cheltenham wins this hands down. From the boutiques in the Suffolks and Montpellier, to the well-known brands along the prom and in the town centre. Cheltenham has the perfect mix of mainstream brands and independent shops. And there are plenty of lovely places to have a break from shopping too.” Find out more Best spa: Calcot Manor “We are seriously lucky and have some of the best spas out there. Although my favourite has to be Calcot Manor, the spa is divine, and the food is second to none. Want to know the best bit? Calcot can also cater for the little ones in our lives. It has play areas, access times to the swimming pool, a play barn and many more outdoor activities for kids.” Book now The Best Things to do Our family go-to: Westonbirt Arboretum “Westonbirt Arboretum is our go-to activity. You know the days when you need some fresh air, the kids need to let off steam and a decent coffee is in order? Well, you can find it all here. The tree walkway is just sublime!” Find out more Best free attraction: Crickley Hill “Crickley Hill, just outside Cheltenham. The views are amazing, and you get to take in just how incredible the Cotswold Hills are. There are a variety of walks around them – just make sure you have a carrier for little ones. There’s also a café at the top, toilet facilities, and car parking (with a small charge for parking).” Find out more Best money well spent: Giffords Circus “If you are visiting the Cotswolds when Giffords Circus is performing, without any hesitation, go. They will not disappoint. We go as a family every year without fail!” Book now Must see: Cirencester Polo “If you visit when polo season is in full swing, head to Cirencester Polo Park and take it all in. It’s a fab experience and can be done on a budget. One day passes start from as little as £5, and bringing your own picnic is a popular option. Fancy splashing out? Upgrade to pitch-side picnic bubbles.” Find out more Travel tips Bring everything “From walking gear to your best going ‘out-out’ outfit. There is something for every occasion and for whatever mood you’re in.” Download these before you come “Download either the PaybyPhone or MiPermit app – it makes parking in the area so much easier.” Bring a carrier or an off-road buggy “If you have little ones. Our bigger towns are well geared for the usual buggies, prams and travel systems, but our village and traditional market towns can have cobbled or narrow streets. Many walks in and around the area will need little ones in a carrier.” Best time of year to visit “ALL YEAR! There isn’t a season I don’t love being in the Cotswolds.” Tags cotswolds, Tmc guide to, travel
TMC’s Guide to CornwallRead More Fancy a staycation but no idea where to stay, eat or drink? Who better to show you around than one of our local The Mum Club hosts. Find out the… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 22 August 2022 TMC’s Guide to Cornwall Fancy a staycation but no idea where to stay, eat or drink? Who better to show you around than one of our local The Mum Club hosts. Find out the best things to do in Cornwall right now. According to TMC Cornwall Host, Jess Robinson Where To Stay Best Hotel: Watergate Bay A luxury hotel MADE for families. Set right on the beach, they have an incredible kids’ club for most ages, which has complimentary sessions each day. A stunning pool and spa. Restaurants and activities for all, which include movie nights, yoga on the beach and of course surf lessons. They really have thought of everything here. Book Now Best Family Rental: Penpol House Recently renovated, this gorgeous rental property has six sumptuous super-king sized bedrooms, two kitchens and plentiful gardens – all a stones throw from the water! Book Now Best Farm Stay: Macdonalds Farm If the thought of camping fills you with fear then Macdonalds Farm might change your mind. This small family run campsite has tons of amenities and things to keep the kids busy. From surf lessons to meeting and feeding the animals on site, you’ll never be short of things to do. Book Now Where To Eat Best Brunch Spot: Fore St Café, Newquay the most delicious brunch, caters for everyone and Tom Kerridge recently spotted here twice on his hols! Find Out More Best Date Night: The Tartan Fox This is just about to open but judging by Adam Handling’s other restaurants this will shoot straight to our go to date night spot! Book Here Best For a Special Occasion: Paul Ainsworth at No 6 Celebrating something? Book here for the very best dining experience possible – an absolute must for birthdays, anniversaries and such. Book Here Jam Jar Kitchen,Crantock They do the best pizzas outside of Italy. We go EVERY Friday, because it’s just too good not to. Find out more Best Coffee & Cake: Ladyvale Bakery Head here for beautiful and oh so delicious cakes! The best place to catch up with the girls (sans babies or not). Find Out More Best Pub: Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek Feels like stepping back in time, super menu, can paddleboard / sail round the creek and moor up on the jetty or do some crabbing while you wait for your food! Book Here Best Bakery: Gorse Doughnuts to die for and the best sourdough around! Find Out More Best Lunch: The Boathouse Street Food on the Beach, overlooking Newquay Harbour. A wide variety of kitchens to sample, so there’s something for everyone. Plus, there’s also a place that sells delicious frozen cocktails, so you can be kept happy while the kids roll around on the beach. Book Here What To Do Best Walk: The Camel Trail Great flat walk or cycle that’s suitable for the whole family. Find Out More Best Beach: Crantock A huge beach great for families. At low tide there are lots of little pools to play in and caves to explore, then at high tide it’s perfect for paddleboarding. Find Out More Best Spa: The Headland A gorgeous award winning spa with the most relaxing treatments. For the best day away from the kids, team a spa day up with a few hours over in the Aqua Club, which has luxury swimming pools and a sunset spa serving delicious cocktails. Book Here Best Small Business: The Bottle, Newquay This is a wine bar, deli and bottle shop all rolled into one. Serving up loaded sharing plates and lots of independent, small vineyard wines, it’s a great place to visit. Find out more Best Experience: Rogue Theatre Wild immersive theatre experiences popping up throughout the year. An incredible experience for all the family. Find Out More Love of Lemons Vintage Boutique After a treat at Ladyvale, I love nothing more than hopping across the road to the wonderful Love of Lemons. It is home to a uniquely curated mix of vintage clothing and sustainably produced small brands. Find out more Best Family Day Out: Healeys Cyder Farm A great family afternoon out that we do with lots of our visitors. There are tractor rides in the orchard, farm animals to meet, you can visit the production halls and there are lots of ciders to sample, as well as delicious Cornish cream teas! After all this excitement, hop into the car and less than 5 minutes down the road is Callestick Farm Ice Cream – you can see the dairy cows and visit the ice cream parlour! Find Out More TMC Cornwall Brunch Club Meet like-minded women in your local area, or on your travels. Brunch, hot coffee and new friends! Book now Must see Must See: A sunset from the beach Find a spot on a west facing beach, grab a blanket and a cold bottle of wine and watch out for the green flash (a natural green light that occurs at sunset and sunrise if the conditions are right). Must do Have a surf Lesson No trip to Cornwall would be complete with a surf lesson! We love Big Green Surf School at Crantock. They do surf lessons, stand up paddleboard & kayak tours as well as have great Dick Pearce wooden bellyboards for you to borrow for free! Find out more Best time of the year to visit June or September. Either just before schools break up or just after the new school year starts. It’s quieter & the weather is normally amazing! Travel notes Cornwall can get all 4 seasons in one day. There’s a great saying here ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes’ so pack your Barbour & wellies, your swimmers & flip flops! Great knitwear and a beach blanket! Tags guide to Cornwall, travel
