In July we took the several hours of road towards the West: Cornwall. It is actually the most South-Western point of England. A bit equivalent to Britanny in my native France 😉 There really are a lot of points in common. Both are magnificently wild, both have coves with turquoise and emerald water, both give an impression of ‘the remote end of the world’, both with proud inhabitants, beautiful stone cottages, good seafood… But Cornwall is still different from Brittany: flora, landscape, vibe, architecture and the language – obviously! Let me take you on a one-week road-trip through Cornwall.
Kynance Cove
Cornwall is well known for its natural beauty, appreciated by locals, english and international tourists alike. Originally we had planned to go in spring to avoid the crowds. But due to Covid we had to change our plans and delay the trip to the summer. In the end it was much less crowded than we had feared because the international tourists were still missing. The locals were even surprised to hear us speak French until we explained that we live in Hampshire. Ideal conditions for our Cornwall trip! A real ‘coup de cœur’!
Cornwall by campervan
We took the campervan and mostly used it for our nights. We also spent one night in a hotel to get some comfort into the mix (coming into our week in Cornwall we had already spent a few days hiking in the Dartmoor National Park).
Before getting to all the wonderful discoveries we made in Cornwall, I think it’s important to note that we didn’t prepare a thing. Neither the itinerary, nor the list of points of interest (with 1 or 2 exceptions here), nor the nights! That’s the advantage of the campervan, we knew that we could improvise! We often stopped completely by chance… We had decided to start roughly by Newquay and then go anti-clockwise. Instead we zig-zagged quite a bit because we spent several night in the same spot.
Our itinerary for a week in Cornwall:
The spots followed by a heart (❤) are the ones we preferred. Here is our improvised itinerary in the hope that it may inspire you! But don’t hesitate to just get lost in Cornwall since it’s beautiful everywhere! Our itinerary:
Here is the story of our stay in Naples with family during the February holidays. This was our last trip to date. We didn’t yet suspect that the following ones were going to skip. However, it was precisely while we were in Naples that northern Italy made headlines because the virus began to spread dangerously in Venice and Milan. At the time, far from imagining what would happen next, we told ourselves that we were damn lucky to have chosen Naples after we had hesitated for a long time with Milan. Our desire for sun and pizza had temporarily saved us :-). When we returned from vacation, the children’s school asked us which region of Italy we were returning from because if we had stayed in the north, we would have had to quarantine ourselves. So I exhaled, relieved, without understanding that the whole world was going to end up in quarantine!
Anyway, after this long introduction, here is my article about our stay in Naples as a family. It was two months ago. I hope that this virtual visit will do you as much good as it did me and that you will keep this article handy for next year perhaps…
In the meantime, I highly recommend the four books in the saga L’Amie Prodigieuse ( L’Amica Geniale ) by Elena Ferrante. This story will immerse you in the life of the working-class neighborhoods of Naples in the 1950s. I read them in Italian which adds to the magic of the text because the alternation of Neapolitan dialect and Italian is a marvel! For me, it’s a personal journey into the Sicily of my childhood and into the stories my father tells me… That said, the people who read it in English also really liked it so I think that in all cases it’s an endearing, realistic and colorful read (only the last volume disappointed me). When visiting Naples, you inevitably pass by certain places described in the book. One more reason to plan a Neapolitan vacation!
The view of the historic center of Naples and Capri in the distance
Today I would like to tell you about a part of England that we have already visited twice as a family: the Cotswolds. I highly recommend this destination if you love the English countryside — the picture-postcard landscape we imagine, neat, green and peaceful, dotted with old stone villages.
The Cotswolds are a range of hills whose landscape and villages were shaped by centuries of sheep farming and the wool trade. Their rural setting has helped many picturesque old villages retain their historic character, surrounded by rolling English countryside. In the Cotswolds, you can admire old cottages with thatched roofs and the golden light on honey-coloured stone in the late afternoon, have tea with scones and visit historic places.
To help you place them on the map, the Cotswolds are in western England, north of Bath, west of Oxford and around two hours from our home. Londoners, and especially people from Oxford, enjoy spending peaceful weekends here. We stopped for a few days in our campervan one summer, then returned at half-term with the grandparents.
The most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are famous for villages said to be among the prettiest in England.
Here is a list of the villages we visited during our different stays. Most are tiny and therefore quick to explore — sometimes there is only one street — but there are many of them and each feels a little different. For a single trip, I recommend choosing just a few. I have marked our favourites with a small ❤.
From north to south through the Cotswolds…
Chipping Campden ❤ : very well preserved, with small shops along High Street and attractive arches where a market was held in the Middle Ages.
Snowshill: a scene from Bridget Jones’s Diary was filmed in this village. We stopped here to visit the manor (see the list of places to visit below).
Moreton-in-Marsh: the main street is particularly wide because a large market has been held here since the Middle Ages — large by English standards, so do not expect a French-style market! Market day is currently Tuesday.
Stow-on-the-Wold: by chance, a local festival was taking place when we visited, and everyone was out in the street enjoying live music. It was great fun.
Bourton-on-the-Water ❤: probably my favourite village, with its charming little bridges. Walking through the old village beside the small river was a real pleasure, and the village is larger than average. If you are desperately looking for an activity for the children, there is a small motor museum, although we were not tempted.
Upper Slaughter: we passed through quickly; it is pretty but genuinely tiny.
Broadwell ❤ : particularly pretty, with wide verges and a few small businesses.
Burford ❤: I have the impression it is less well known. We liked it because it felt more lived-in and lively than the smaller villages. Its gently sloping main street is particularly photogenic, with plenty of small shops and tearooms.
Bibury: absolutely tiny and very quiet, but exceptionally photogenic! The problem was that it was so crowded in summer that it was not pleasant at all. It is probably best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening, or avoid summer. For the photo, I simply used the grass as the foreground; the tourists were behind me.
Castle Combe: likewise, it is probably the most photographed village alongside Bibury, but this time we had it all to ourselves on a weekday during the October half-term holidays.
Lacock: we originally stopped in this village to please the children, as several scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot in Lacock, along with scenes from Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey. The village itself is pretty but very quiet. You really need to be a fan to appreciate the Harry Potter filming locations. From the outside, for example, you can see the houses used as Harry Potter’s parents’ home and Horace Slughorn’s house; people live in them, so they are not open to visitors. We all enjoyed visiting Lacock Abbey (see below). Geographically, Lacock is actually just outside the Cotswolds, immediately to the south.
In short, the villages we liked best were the lively ones. The others are incredibly cute but a little too quiet for our taste — although they are lovely for photos ;-).
What else can you visit in the Cotswolds?
Variety is a good thing, and after a while you may want to do something other than visit villages — we certainly did! Here are a few ideas for cultural attractions in the region:
Lacock Abbey: for the former abbey rooms where Harry Potter scenes were filmed, but what interested me most was the history of the Talbot family home and William Henry Fox Talbot, a pioneer of photography. Admission is charged, or included with National Trust membership.
Broadway Tower: an old tower at the top of a hill between several Cotswolds villages. A pleasant place to stretch your legs.
Snowshill Manor (National Trust): the fascinating home of architect, artist and collector Charles Paget Wade. A visit introduces you to his life and work in the early 20th century, as well as remarkable collections of art objects, toys and old bicycles.
Chedworth Roman Villa (National Trust): we were rather disappointed by this visit. There are some beautiful surviving Roman mosaics, but we did not feel there was a great deal to see. I would suggest visiting only if you have National Trust membership (see practical information).
The Cotswolds Distillery, in Stourton: we did not manage to visit this gin distillery because it was fully booked both times we passed. Book well ahead — a week or more. One for next time!
***
Our tip for reducing the cost of visits: National Trust membership
A quick aside about National Trust membership. This is not sponsored in any way, but it can be a good deal if you are holidaying in England outside the major cities and plan to visit several historic places such as castles, manor houses and parks. Two-adult family membership costs £176.40 for a year in 2026, which initially seems expensive if you are staying in England for only a week or two. However, as a family visit can often cost around £50, membership may pay for itself after roughly three visits. Check the National Trust website to see whether places on your itinerary are included and work out whether it makes sense for you. Tourists are allowed to buy membership; it is not restricted to residents.
Visiting the Cotswolds with children: practical information
Our favourite places to eat
The Hive in Stow-on-the-Wold: for a light lunch or something sweet.
The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold: a pub that also describes itself as England’s oldest inn!
The Mousetrap Inn in Bourton-on-the-Water: for dinner in a traditional pub, with a terrace in summer.
Where should you stay in the Cotswolds?
In a B&B or hotel
To soak up the atmosphere of the old villages, you can book a room in a typical Bed & Breakfast, such as Lorne House B&B between Castle Combe and Lacock, ideally located for visiting the southern Cotswolds.
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
Finally, while travelling for work to attend a seminar, I was lucky enough to spend a night in a superb but naturally more expensive boutique hotel: Thyme, a hotel that is effectively a village within a village.
The Cotswolds by campervan
That summer we slept in our campervan and found it very difficult to find a free or affordable overnight spot. Paid options are often very expensive — more so than in France.
Staying in Bath
When we visited the Cotswolds in autumn, we stayed in the city of Bath, only 30 minutes from the villages in the southern Cotswolds. We booked a B&B.
How many days do you need to visit the Cotswolds?
We spent around two days in the Cotswolds on each of two family visits. I actually preferred splitting the experience into two short stays, as I think we might eventually have suffered from village overload! If you have more time, I recommend alternating visits to Cotswolds villages with time in a city such as nearby Bath, which has a great deal to offer. You could also combine your Cotswolds stay with a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s home town, or a stay in Oxford. If, on the other hand, you have only one day for the Cotswolds during an English road trip, perhaps because they lie on your route towards Wales, the Lake District or Scotland, even one day will give you a taste of the atmosphere and architecture because the villages are small and close together.
When should you visit the Cotswolds?
I really enjoyed the weather during our first stay in late July. It was sunny without being too hot. Bear in mind, however, that the region is very popular, especially from mid-July to mid-August. We were still able to enjoy the lavender fields in July. During the October half-term holidays, we were lucky: it was very cold but sunny, with beautiful light at the end of the day. For the weather, I would recommend visiting between April and October, while still bringing an umbrella and wellington boots just in case.
Getting around the Cotswolds
You really need a car to explore the Cotswolds. The roads are attractive and peaceful, but often quite narrow, so choose a small car if possible. That said, we managed to squeeze through in our campervan. If you are from the continent and if you hire a car, I recommend choosing an automatic so that you do not have to change gear with your left hand. Roads in England are toll-free, but parking is rarely free and can be very expensive. You will need to park in each village. Some villages do offer free periods in the morning or from the middle of the afternoon.
Reading ideas to immerse yourself in the Cotswolds
I discovered the Agatha Raisin adventures by M. C. Beaton following a recommendation from a blog reader. The series is set in the Cotswolds. These are very light reads about small mysteries investigated with humour by Agatha, a woman in her fifties from London who decides to settle in a little Cotswolds village. They are not essential reading, but they are easy to read, even in English, and perfect for immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the villages. I read one of the books after returning from the Cotswolds, and its descriptions matched the places we had visited perfectly.
We live two hours’ drive from Stratford-upon-Avon. It was therefore the perfect weekend getaway to discover this English town, the birthplace of William Shakespeare! What’s more, Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for the charm of its old Tudor-era buildings.
If you are passing through this part of England, between Oxford and Birmingham, don’t miss the chance to stop here. There are plenty of visits on offer, suitable for children. Ticoeur and Titpuce didn’t know much about Shakespeare’s work apart from Romeo and Juliet; and yet they really enjoyed discovering all the historic sites of Stratford-upon-Avon. You should allow two very full days to see everything. The best option is to buy the ticket that gives access to five Shakespeare-related sites (see here).
Houses and museums in Stratford-upon-Avon:
Shakespeare’s Birthplace ❤ :
It was a good idea to start with this house, as it tells the beginning of the story and details of Shakespeare’s childhood. He was born here in 1564, the son of a glover (you can even try on the gloves). You can see period furniture, including what is believed to be Shakespeare’s cradle. In some rooms, guides share anecdotes and answer our questions. They are particularly lovely with children.
Probably William Shakespeare’s first bed
Hall’s Croft ❤ :
This is the home where Shakespeare’s daughter lived with her husband, who was a doctor. Compared with Shakespeare’s birthplace, you can really sense the step up in status and wealth of the second generation. The house is very well preserved and contains beautiful furniture. You can also see all the medical equipment used at the time.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage ❤ :
Anne was Shakespeare’s wife. She and her family owned this charming cottage a few kilometres from Stratford-upon-Avon. The house is not very large, but the setting is truly lovely. If I had to choose just one of the wider Shakespeare family homes, this would be the one!
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Mary Arden’s Farm ❤ :
This is where Shakespeare’s mother lived. By far, it was the children’s favourite house! The site is perfect for a family visit. You discover how life was organised on a large farm at the time. Actors bring the place to life: dressed as farmers, you can see them preparing a large fire, cooking, cleaning and looking after the animals. Throughout the day, there are workshops and activities for younger visitors. You could easily spend a lot of time here! For children, this is clearly the best of the five visits.
Shakespeare’s New Place :
Of the five visits included in the combined ticket, this was the one we liked the least. Perhaps the garden would be nicer in the sunshine… Not essential.
Shakespeare’s School (Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall) :
The second favourite place for Ticoeur and Titpuce. They loved writing with a quill and learning what a school day was like in Shakespeare’s time. My only downside is that the entrance ticket is too expensive for what it is (it is not included in the combined ticket). No regrets, as the children enjoyed it.
***
The centre of Stratford-upon-Avon is perfect for strolling around and admiring all the half-timbered houses… You also pass by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where Shakespeare is, of course, in the spotlight—but not only him! In fact, we saw A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens there.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Our good addresses in Stratford-upon-Avon:
Accommodation: we stayed at the youth hostel YHA Stratford-upon-Avon. I’ve already mentioned it before: some youth hostels are completely suitable for families, with rooms for four or five people and kid-friendly communal areas. The Stratford-upon-Avon hostel is one of those that welcomes quite a few families. What’s more, although the place is a little old-fashioned, it does have plenty of character. Overall, it’s very affordable and was a really good option for one night. Another advantage for those on a tight budget is that you can cook your own meals. We tested the bar (excellent gin and tonic!) and the children loved the pool table.
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
Tea room: we recommend taking a short break in the warm and cosy setting of Hobsons Patisseries for a generous slice of English cake and, of course, a cup of tea!
***
In short, the whole family loved Stratford-upon-Avon and we all learned a great deal about William Shakespeare!
A break in Verona… A very beautiful small Italian city where Shakespeare, incidentally, never set foot!
Shakespeare on screen:
Shakespeare in Love by John Madden (1998)
Romeo + Juliet by Baz Luhrmann (1996), in cinemas or as a musical in London.
For children, you probably already know that The Lion King is inspired by Hamlet, even if I didn’t really see the “Hakuna Matata” side of Hamlet 😉
Edit 2026 :
The book and film Hamnet :
The novel Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell offers a fictionalised yet compelling version of Shakespeare as a husband and father. The story is told from the point of view of Shakespeare’s wife, called Agnes in the book (in reality, her name was Anne), probably to highlight that this is a free interpretation of what may have happened. Shakespeare’s life is indeed poorly documented, and many mysteries remain. They did have twins, a girl and a boy. The boy was called Hamnet, and his story may be linked to the genesis of the famous tragedy Hamlet. I liked how the book immerses us in this harsh period, marked by the plague epidemic.
As for the film Hamnet by Chloé Zhao, actress Jessie Buckley is excellent. The story is less developed than in the book, but the settings are beautifully English. I hope this makes you want to come to Stratford-upon-Avon to learn more about Shakespeare!
I should still point out that the film was not shot in Stratford-upon-Avon (for practical reasons), but in the quieter village of Weobley (1 hour 40 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon), at Cwmmau Farmhouse (2 hours from Stratford-upon-Avon), and in a studio-built replica of the Globe. But I’m counting on you to come and visit the real sites in Stratford-upon-Avon! It will be far more moving!
***
I’ll finish with a quote from Shakespeare that may well remind you of certain current political chaos :-).
“Tis the times’ plague, when madmen lead the blind.” King Lear, Shakespeare. “It is the misfortune of the times that fools guide the blind”, King Lear, Shakespeare.
So? Tempted by a family weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon, following in Shakespeare’s footsteps?
Also worth reading
Christmas in London: 20 family activitiesPlanning Christmas in London with children? Discover 20 family-friendly ideas, festive lights, shows, attractions and practical…
Oxford with children: what to see and doOur visits to Oxford with children: walks, museums, colleges, choirs and libraries, between Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter.
Road trip in Scotland with a babyHikes in the Highlands with a baby on a 10-day holiday in Scotland: walks, sightseeing and also city breaks in Edinburgh and…
At the beginning of the autumn half-term, we spent a long weekend in Bath with the family. My parents-in-law came over from Germany to visit Bath with us and, most importantly, to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary as a family! My brother-in-law, sister-in-law and young nephew, who live in London, joined us too. Bath is around 1 hour 15 minutes from London by train from Paddington station. And that is how we spent a long weekend with the extended family discovering one of England’s most beautiful cities!
Bath turned out to be a doubly positive experience: a lovely family celebration and a city that did not disappoint me. So many people had told me how beautiful Bath was that my expectations were high, yet I have to say that Bath is my favourite city in southern England. I am excluding London, as you cannot really compare the capital with a small city.
A family weekend in Bath: what to visit
Here are ten ideas for family-friendly places to visit in Bath:
The Roman Baths ❤:
Absolutely magnificent! This is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman spa complexes in the world. The drainage system and natural flow of hot water still work. As you wander from room to room, you can imagine what this enormous spa must have looked like in Roman times. The children were completely captivated by the visit, and there is a children’s audio guide available in French or English. One piece of advice: avoid Saturday and Sunday if you can—we waited until Monday—as it can become so crowded that the visit is less enjoyable. Also, book your tickets online at least a day in advance to secure your preferred time and pay the advance rate. Next door is Thermae Bath Spa, where you can bathe in the thermal water. The main spa is for visitors aged 16 and over; the separate Cross Bath admits children aged 12 to 15 when accompanied one-to-one by an adult.
The Roman Baths, Bath
The Royal Crescent:
In the city centre, the Royal Crescent is architecturally striking. It is Georgian style in all its splendour, with honey-coloured façades and beautiful geometry. The Royal Crescent consists of 30 terraced houses arranged in a sweeping curve. It often appears in the television series Bridgerton. Number 1 has been turned into a museum: No. 1 Royal Crescent. It offers an insight into a typical 18th-century interior and the daily life of a family who came to Bath for the season. Allow one hour for the visit.
The Circus:
What architecture here too! This is another harmonious group of 18th-century townhouses, arranged as three Georgian buildings that form a circle. A little anecdote: the diameter of the Circus is said to echo that of Stonehenge, because the architect John Wood the Elder wanted to give his work a slightly mystical character. He believed Bath was a very special, almost magical city.
You can even book accommodation in one of the buildings on the Circus! I had spotted this family apartment, which offers very good value for Bath, but it is often booked. The location is excellent in any case. I hope to try it next time!
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
Pulteney Bridge:
A wonderfully charming bridge built in the 18th century. It crosses the River Avon and offers beautiful views of Bath’s old town. It is one of the few bridges in the world to have shops running along both sides, like Florence’s famous Ponte Vecchio.
Prior Park ❤:
A wonderfully romantic English garden! This landscape garden dates from the 18th century. Its lake and the Palladian bridge crossing it give it enormous charm. Prior Park has also appeared in Bridgerton. It is very large, so we took a leisurely 1½-hour walk with the children and grandparents, followed by a stop at the café for… tea! There is an admission charge, but it is worth it. If, like us, you are a National Trust member, entry is free. I recommend membership if you plan to visit many National Trust places in England outside London.
Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey has magnificent fan vaulting dating from the early 16th century, as well as beautiful stained-glass windows. You can climb the tower’s 212 steps for panoramic views over the city and the Roman Baths. Admission to the abbey and tickets for the tower tour are charged separately, so check the current prices before visiting.
The historic centre:
All the old streets, narrow lanes and passageways in the centre, with their shops, tearooms and restaurants, make for a very pleasant walk. Do not worry too much about searching for every place I am about to mention individually: they are all very close together, and if you explore the area around the abbey, you cannot miss them.
For example, you will come across:
New Bond Street, Union Passage and Northumberland Place, very narrow streets where the little shops are packed closely together.
Northumberland Place
Church Street and North Parade Passage, home to the Sally Lunn’s tearoom, famous for its traditional Bath buns. Personally, they do not tempt me—they look rather filling!
Abbey Green: my favourite square! I think it feels rather like Provence or Italy. There is another tearoom selling buns on the square, The Bath Bun, as well as The Abbey Deli, which was used as the modiste’s shop in Bridgerton. Here is a photo I took in summer, when the square is even more charming with all the outdoor tables in place.
We also passed the beautiful Theatre Royal Bath.
Theatre Royal Bath
Royal Victoria Park:
A free city park whose main attraction is its enormous playground. A paradise for little ones! We did not know which way to look as we tried to keep an eye on them all.
Walking the Bath Skyline:
A long, waymarked nature trail looping around Bath, with distant views over the city. We only walked a short section—the southern part near Prior Park—to take a few photos.
We returned in summer and completed the full route, which is 6 miles (9.6 km) and takes around 3½ to 4 hours. Here is the full map of the Bath Skyline Walk.
Museums in Bath:
The most child-friendly museum is the Fashion Museum, which our hosts recommended. Please note: it is currently closed and is due to reopen in 2030. We chose instead to spend a long time walking around the city and enjoying the magnificent autumn sunshine. Art lovers can also visit the Holburne Museum, while the Jane Austen Centre is dedicated to the novelist. I have heard that the latter is small, so it did not particularly appeal to us. A little aside about Jane Austen: she is often associated with Bath, where she did indeed live for five years, but she was first and foremost from Hampshire, where we live!
We explored Bath at a leisurely pace over two days. I thought that was the ideal length of time. We then stayed in Bath for another two days and used them to explore the surrounding area.
Places we visited around Bath:
The Cotswolds and villages in Wiltshire ❤
We took my parents-in-law to see three villages in the Cotswolds and Wiltshire, about 30 minutes away. Bath really is a gateway to this region of picturesque old villages. As we have visited several times, I wrote an article introducing the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.
This time, we returned to Castle Combe, which was very quiet at that time of year. It is one of the most photogenic:
Castle Combe ❤
Then, just south of the Cotswolds, we stopped in Lacock, known for its Harry Potter filming locations and especially for its beautiful abbey.
Finally, we stopped in the very pretty village of Bradford-on-Avon, 20 minutes from Bath. Its 13th-century bridge and riverside are full of charm. Right in front of the bridge, you cannot miss the highly photogenic Bridge Tea Room—the perfect place to stop for tea and a treat.
Bradford-on-Avon
A day in Bristol
We also took a day trip to Bristol, around 40 minutes from Bath. The two cities are very close but look completely different. Bristol is an interesting port city, particularly known for its street art. Read my article about Bristol and its street art.
We had booked a charming, high-quality B&B in a magnificent Georgian house. Everything was perfect: the English charm, the welcome and the breakfast. We wanted somewhere special for my parents-in-law’s 50th wedding anniversary.
2026 update:Sadly, this wonderful place has since closed. It was called Apsley House, at 141 Newbridge Hill. I am leaving the name here in case it reopens in future. Fortunately, Bath has many Georgian houses, as its architecture is one of the city’s greatest strengths.
For larger families, I found this large apartment, which has three bedrooms and sleeps six, plus a rooftop terrace with superb views over Bath. It offers very good value for larger groups.
Restaurants we tried as a family in Bath:
Marlborough Tavern: a classic pub with a warm welcome. A very good place to try well-executed English classics. It is a little noisy, but that is part of the experience.
Clayton’s Kitchen, gastropub: a more upmarket restaurant with more elaborate and very generous dishes. The welcome was excellent here too.
The Scallop Shell, a casual seafood restaurant: the mussels were excellent! We all love fish, so it was the ideal place for us.
Eating out with children in Bath:
This was the first time since moving to England that restaurants had told me they did not accept children. I called four restaurants in Bath that would not take us, so check before booking. Bath is also very well known for romantic breaks, which may explain it. The restaurants I have just mentioned, on the other hand, were genuinely child-friendly. Families were welcomed with a big smile!
Bath, Somerset
So, are you tempted to visit Bath as a family? Have you already been?
Christmas in London: 20 family activitiesPlanning Christmas in London with children? Discover 20 family-friendly ideas, festive lights, shows, attractions and practical…
Oxford with children: what to see and doOur visits to Oxford with children: walks, museums, colleges, choirs and libraries, between Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter.
Road trip in Scotland with a babyHikes in the Highlands with a baby on a 10-day holiday in Scotland: walks, sightseeing and also city breaks in Edinburgh and…
I told you about our trip to Crete with the children. I gave you our itinerary and showed you all the beautiful places we discovered in the west of the island. All that’s left is for me to explain our choice of family hikes for these Easter holidays that we wanted to be sporty!
Hikes in the gorges of western Crete
Crete is known for its very beautiful beaches but also for its magnificent gorges that cut through the landscape and offer hiking possibilities in natural scenery that is jagged and sometimes very vertiginous! Here are the gorges where we hiked with the children:
1/ Imbros Gorge – 8 km – 2 hrs 15 from north to south.
A lovely, easy hike. We particularly liked the narrow sections that let you really appreciate the “gorge” feel. Squeezing between big rocks really appealed to the children! The first half of the hike is prettier than the second half, so you can consider turning back halfway to return to your car. That said, there’s a nice little stone arch about three-quarters of the way; you’ll miss it if you turn back halfway, but I don’t think it’s unmissable. How did we organise the car pick-up? “Papa Voyage” turned back at the arch and quickly walked the whole way back to the car, then came to pick us up at the end of the gorge. With the children, we walked calmly to the end of the gorge and sat down on the terrace of a café by the roadside while waiting for “Papa Voyage”. You can also call a taxi and each bar/restaurant can arrange that for you, but it’s an extra cost to plan for. 2/ Aradena Gorge – 4 hrs 30 – hike done from south to north, so uphill through the gorge.
The most beautiful, but also the most difficult and the longest hike of our stay. I wouldn’t recommend it to families who are new to hiking. We’re used to walking, and so are our children.
Endurance isn’t enough: you mustn’t be afraid of heights and you have to like climbing. In fact, along the way you’ll come across ladders and ropes. It isn’t suitable for children younger than ours, as they would probably struggle to get past these obstacles. In short, it isn’t a “for everyone” hike, but one for experienced walkers. Note that there’s a way to bypass the most difficult section where the two ladders are, but that means taking a narrow path along the cliffside; it may be easier, but it also means moving forward carefully, without being afraid of heights. The ladders aren’t difficult, it’s just that it’s impressive because you can’t help thinking: what would happen if I let go of the ladder?? But why let go, eh? I still positioned myself just behind Titpuce to reassure myself… Once the ladders are behind you, that’s where it’s hardest, because right after the second ladder, the terrain slopes down and is made up of small scree: you have to move forward carefully because clearly you don’t want to slip backwards… That scree is what bothered me most and made me a bit worried. Also, it isn’t very well signposted there, so above all, don’t head upwards through the scree; quickly take the path to the left because the trail isn’t far – it’s just that you can’t see it yet when you’re at the top of the ladder.
We started this hike in Loutro, then went up towards Livaniana (do it fairly early in the morning because the climb is a bit tough and in full sun); then we picked up the Aradena Gorge and hiked up it towards the north. Note that it’s possible to make a detour to Marmara beach to start the gorge from the beginning, but that would have made this already long hike even longer, and we wanted to focus more on the gorge than the beach, especially as we were there in April. Also note that to get to Loutro, the children and I took a boat from Hora Sfakion, while “Papa Voyage” went to park the car in Anopoli and walked down to Loutro (see below).
the ladder section!
3/ Irini Gorge – easy – about 2 hrs 30
There are even some set-up areas for breaks or picnics. You follow a stream: it’s normally a straightforward hike and one of families’ favourites BUT because of the heavy rain a few days earlier, the stream had widened and we were blocked by the river after an hour’s walk. So we did an out-and-back in this gorge instead of walking it end to end. We only regret that there wasn’t any info at the entrance to the gorge. That said, our 2-hour out-and-back was worth it: it was a lovely walk, even though it was a bit grey that day.
Irini Gorge
Note: the most famous gorge is Samaria Gorge, but it isn’t accessible before May because of the water level in the gorge during the snowmelt. What’s more, when this gorge is open, apparently it’s extremely busy, and to avoid the crowds, the best choice would be Aradena Gorge, which I mentioned above.
Our beach hikes in Crete:
Here are a few easy walks that took us to very beautiful beaches:
4/Limini Beach: 1 hour return – easy
An easy, short walk to reach a very beautiful cove. It was mainly for the pleasure of the eyes because swimming looked dangerous (currents and waves). I don’t know if it’s possible to swim there, but the place is well worth the detour. It’s not far from Chania airport, on the Akrotiri peninsula.
5/Balos Peninsula: 1 hr 30 return – easy
Note that to reach the start of this walk, you have to drive along an 8 km track, so drive very carefully and slowly. Many tourists go to Balos by boat. As the aim of our trip was hiking, we preferred the land version. The walk is very easy and normally you can swim when you arrive. Sadly for us, it was the only day when it drizzled!
Balos
6/ Elafonisi: 2 hours return – very easy
The place is sublime! Our favourite spot of this trip to Crete, and you can walk more or less depending on what you feel like. We chose to go all the way to the tip of this beach because we loved it so much, and every viewpoint was superb! A perfect place for swimming if the water temperature allows (still a bit cool in April but doable).
7/The “Two Monasteries” hike, down to the sea – 3 hours return – easy
If you don’t especially want to go all the way to the sea, you can reduce this hike to a 2-hour return, and you’ll still get to enjoy the two beautiful monasteries you’ll pass along the way. It’s especially the second monastery (Katholiko Monastery), in ruins, that is particularly beautiful.
Other short Cretan hikes:
8/ Anopoli–Loutro: 1 hr 15, downhill – “Papa Voyage” did this hike without me and the children, but it’s perfectly doable as a family. In this direction, it’s downhill, so it’s mostly a bit demanding on the knees. During the descent, there are some very pretty views towards the sea and over the adorable village of Loutro. As I said above, with the children we went to Loutro by boat because our hike the next day was Aradena Gorge, which is very long, so I didn’t want to tire the children too much the day before. “Papa Voyage”, for his part, drove up to Anopoli so that we would have our vehicle the next day when we arrived after Aradena Gorge.
9/The Balcony: 2 hours return – easy
It’s a hike we chose to do because after sleeping in Anopoli (Anopoli rooms & tavern), we had time in the area. It was nice but not unmissable. At the end, there’s a viewpoint with a steep drop down to the sea. This hike starts in Agios Ioannis.
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
10/ Small ruined fortress on the Askifou plateau – very easy 1 hr 30 return
Not an unmissable hike, but pleasant, and it was just a stone’s throw from our inn, Panorama Askyfou. This short hike was perfect for whetting our appetite before dinner, and a good warm-up before the Imbros Gorge hike, which was on our programme the next morning.
If you’d like more information on our itinerary in Crete, to see in which order we did these hikes and what other activities we had planned for our Cretan week, I recommend reading my full article on our holiday in Crete.
Finally, I’ll finish with a few tips for your hikes in Crete:
Along the way, you’ll come across lots of goats, especially in the gorges.
It’s quite nice, but be aware that you could potentially come across a dead goat that has fallen from the heights of the gorge!!!… We came across two, and I told the children not to look!
Bring caps, water, a small snack, sun cream and of course good shoes.
Pack your swimsuit and a towel too if you’re doing a hike to reach a beach. In April, the water is very cold. We only swam once in Loutro because the water was so beautiful!
For hiking, I’d say the season runs from April to the end of October. But always check accessibility of the trails.
It is difficult to reach the starting points of most of these hikes without a car. We have rented a car at the airport in Chania (12€ per day).
In April, you can still see snow-capped peaks. It’s very beautiful!
So? Tempted by hiking in Crete? Which hike appeals to you most?
After our family trip to Mallorca last year, we chose to discover Menorca this year: we wanted to enjoy the Balearic Islands but with fewer tourists because Mallorca is a beautiful destination but it is even more overcrowded in August than any other islands we know in the Mediterranean region.
In short: goal achieved! It was much less crowded than Mallorca because the capacity in terms of accommodation is much more limited; it also means that prices are a bit higher and that you have to book ahead.
Cala Macarelleta
Our itinerary for a week in Menorca with the kids:
Day 1: Late arrival in Ciutadella: first family walk in its picturesque port and amid its medieval alleys.
At the beginning of Easter break, we went to Crete with the kids. A wonderful family trip that confirmed our fondness for Greece! Do you remember? Last April, we spent our holidays in the Peloponnese; then, in July, we sailed around Corfou in a sailboat. What do we love about Greece? The landscape, the climate, the low cost, the food (fresh fish!) and above all the warm welcome of the locals!
Here in Crete, we discovered amazing hospitality and generosity! In a word, a destination you shouldn’t hesitate to explore with your family! As Crete is a big island, we focused on the western part and I organized the road trip detailed below, for a duration of 9 nights. As far as the weather is concerned, we had 7 sunny days (18 °C and big blue sky) and 2 rainy days. Also, unlike the same time last year, the temperature of the water was quite cool (I’d say 16-17 °C), so we only bathed once. Let’s say that in April, it is entirely possible for the sea to be warmer, but there is no guarantee. Anyway, my program was more focused on hiking and sightseeing. The summits were still snowy. This early in April, on the most famous beaches of the island, we were lucky enough to be almost alone; during the summer it must be very crowded!
Elafonisi Beach without the summer crowd. Isn’t life beautiful?
On Easter week-end, we went for a family getaway to Dorset, with the grandparents. Dorset is in the South of England, along the Channel, between Hampshire where we live, and Devon that we discovered in February. For this 3-day week-end, we settled in the seaside resort of Weymouth. We had such a perfect weather, that I was sorry I didn’t take my bathing suit. Besides, the beaches were crowded! The South of England really brings an air of holidays!
Our visits in Dorset
Durdle Door: probably the most famous place in Dorset! You have to admit it’s pretty heavenly! I’d rather specify something: you have to go up and then down quite a steepy cliff so you’d better think about sneakers!
Durdle door
West Bay: famous beach with wonderful golden cliffs that you probably have already seen on the TV show Broadchurch.
Lyme Regis: it’s the most famous spot of the coast for… fossil hunting! The children loved it!
Lyme Regis
Corfe Castle: a ruin full of charm in a setting so typically English! A National Trust site.
Corfe Castle
Weymouth : it’s the seaside resort where we chose to settle to visit the surroundings. In its very cute harbour, the children fish crabs while the parents drink pints 😊. There is also a big beach that was quite full! Not far from here, don’t miss the dunes. And a few kilometers away, the village of Abbotsbury.
Abbotsbury village
Bournemouth: huge beach with fine sand, bordered by coloured cabins! It was crazy how many people were here! We will go back on a quieter week-end!
Bournemouth
First Campervan outing of the year!
Since our excursions with our Campervan in the New Forest last Autumn, we hadn’t taken our camper out. Firstly, in Winter, it’s too cold for the children to sleep under the roof because the air passes through the fabric. Secondly, since our camper is French, we had a procedure to follow to register and insure it here (the first few months, it was okay because we were still covered by our insurance as tourists, but now, we are “English”!). Anyway, for this first spring excursion, we chose a combined formula. We booked a family bedroom in a farm for Ticoeur, Titpuce and their grandparents; while with Papa Voyage we slept in the camper on the farm field, with a view on the sea, and we gathered with the rest of the family to eat a delicious English Breakfast provided by our hosts.
Practical information and good addresses to visit Dorset:
From Portsmouth, it will take you 1 hour by car to get to Bournemouth. If you are coming from London, it will take 2 hours. On the way, don’t miss the chance to explore the New Forest.
Accommodation: I recommend Swallows Rest, the farm where we stayed in the periphery of Weymouth. The children were amused by the “collection” of hens and the beautiful garden. The homemade breakfast is excellent!
Camping: we also love the small, simple campsite near Swanage – Tom’s Field Campsite. In just a few minutes’ walk, you can reach a wild cove where we love to swim: Dancing Ledge, with its little natural pool…
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
So, are you tempted by Dorset?
Also worth reading
Our one-week Cornwall road-tripOur family holiday in Cornwall: Nos vacances en famille en Cornouailles : dream coves, vanlife and wild coast
Week-end in DevonFamily visit of Devon: discovery of the English Riviera by Torquay
A one-week family road trip in KentOur one-week family campervan itinerary around Kent, from Canterbury and Margate to Dover and the Kent Downs.
Road trip in Scotland with a babyHikes in the Highlands with a baby on a 10-day holiday in Scotland: walks, sightseeing and also city breaks in Edinburgh and…
For a week-end, we went in the South of Devon, between Dorset and Cornwall, by Torquay, to discover the English Riviera. How did we have the idea to spend a couple of days in family in Devon? Well, I owe this good idea of a gateway in this beautiful part of England to Agatha Christie! Do you remember? A couple of weeks ago, I went to see And then there were none to the theater of Southampton. And while I was comfortably seated in my chair, I remembered that Agatha Christie’s house was located in Devon. I had stored this information in a little box in my brain because I like to visit the houses of famous people whose lives I’m interested in. Watching on the Internet, I found out that her house was only three hours away from our home; then I booked a room in a beautiful hotel in Torquay and there it was! Sometimes, it doesn’t take much for a traveling idea! On the other hand, I had no idea of what we could see in Devon! It’s only on the day before we left that I started to draft a little program for our week-end.
Dittisham (Devon – England)
The creeks of the English Riviera in South Devon:
Since we didn’t know the English Riviera, we were surprised by the landscapes we saw there: it looked like our French côte d’Azur! With palm trees, big villas, a dense vegetation and beaches so cute! I didn’t expect all these dream little creeks! To be honest, had it been a couple of degrees warmer, I would have bathed! The sea was clear, wearing turquoise and emerald shades… an air of summer holidays! So I will begin by showing you those coves we had a crush on around Torquay and Brixham:
Elberry CoveElberry CoveChurston CoveChurston Cove (picture taken with the drone)Fish CoveMaidencombe
Every time, the children loved the little paths that led to the creeks, for the adventure side… And I think Titpuce would have loved to bathe as well! At this time of year, we were alone, or almost alone, in those English “calanques“. It was perfect! We could easily have imagined that we were on a desert island. Great Britain! 😉
To reach those creeks, or to go from one to another when they were close, we followed the hiking path called the South West Coast Path. Altogether, this coastal path is 1.000 km long! (It’s the kind of hiking that I would enjoy!) We will probably walk on it again, or cross it, whether in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall or Somerset! (Well, yes, we intend to find the time to explore all of “our” South-West of England!).
Brixham and the Berry Head
We really liked Brixham, a little town with a nice ambiance, organized around a very active harbour. We observed the fishing boats, the fishermen’s traps and the coloured houses along the docks. There even was a pirate boat!
BrixhamBrixham
Right next to Brixham, we walked on the Berry Head, in a landscape that looks like the edge of the world… A long strip of land on the sea with high cliffs and dizzying views. We walked to the lighthouse (very small lighthouse, paradoxically!) then we had tea and cakes, under the sun, on The Guardhouse Cafe terrace.
Berry Head
Discovery of the Dart river: Agatha Christie’s house and the romantic landscapes…
Here we are! So we visited Agatha Christie’s house (Greenway): a beautiful visit, very detailed. Agatha Christie and her husband were quite collectors so their house is full of amazing objects: even if Ticoeur and Titpuce don’t know Agatha Christie, they were intrigued by this house, a real Ali Baba’s cave, English version 😊 Also, it is fully furnished, so it really feels like we are entering in the universe of the author, which is a real privilege, since Agatha Christie was a very discreet lady. We even could see her dressing, her clothes and hear a recording of her voice. At any rate, we do understand why Agatha loved this house: the location is unbelievable! Moreover, the setting inspired her book Dead Man’s Folly. The estate is on the Dart River’s edge and all the views from the garden are lightly romantic…
Greenway (Agatha Christie’s house)Dart RiverAgatha Christie might have been the Lady of the Camellias!
We spent a long time roaming through the garden. I didn’t expect it to be blossomed but with the temperatures we have been experiencing for the last couple of weeks, there were flowers everywhere: magnolias and especially the numerous species of Camellias. We had never seen so many versions of Camellias! A beautiful collection! And how lucky were we to be able to admire them in February! On their branches, there were a lot of adorable robins!
Hello you!
Still on the Dart river, facing Greenway, is the adorable village of Dittisham:
Dittisham
Then, from the village of Kingswear, we took a ferry to Dartmouth, another picturesque village where we ate a delicious Fish and Chips at Rockfish (they also have a restaurant in Brixham). We took our lunch away and ate while seated on the edge of the river. In Kingswear, we saw a steam train running: it might be nice to plan a journey on this old train with the children (some other time!).
Dartmouth
Not far from the river, on our way back to Torquay, we stopped to visit another house: Coleton Fishacre House & Garden. It’s a mansion from the 20s and it shows us the life of a wealthy family of that time: a visit you should plan if you like Art Deco and design. The children didn’t really enjoy the visit but they liked the garden. It was so exotic! With bamboos, huge ferns and a junglelike density! We walked until the different points of views on the sea…
Coleton Fishacre Garden
Torquay and Cockington
Torquay is the big seaside resort where we stayed. Since we prefer the little creeks and wild places we only stayed in Torquay to sleep. By the way, the sunset on the sea was an amazing pink!
Torquay
Torquay is very well located to move around this area. We never had to drive for a long time to visit or hike…
Not far from Torquay, you can’t miss the tiny village of Cockington known for its old thatched cottages.
Cockington
Where to stay in Torquay?
I have a very good address I’d love to share with you because I thought our little hotel was a beautiful discovery: The Charterhouse. The architecture of this thatched roof house is typical of the English Riviera style. The family suite is perfect because the children really have their own room to sleep in. The decoration is very neat and very British, the breakfast is gargantuan and delicious. And, if you go in the summer, there even is a little swimming pool.
**** When you book a hotel on Booking by following a link on my articles, it allows me to receive a small commission: it does not change the price for you and it helps me maintain the blog. So thank you very much to those who book the hotels we recommend! ****
And for our next time in Devon…
Devon is big! During a week-end, we only focused on the Torquay-Brixham zone so I already established a list of what I would love to visit next time:
Dartmoor National Park
The old town of Totnes
The surroundings of Salcombe (South Devon)
The creeks of North Devon
We really loved our improvised getaway in Devon, on the English Riviera, so I thank Agatha 😉…
Broadsands Beach (right next to Elberry Cove)
What about you? Are you tempted by a family trip in Devon?
Also worth reading
Our one-week Cornwall road-tripOur family holiday in Cornwall: Nos vacances en famille en Cornouailles : dream coves, vanlife and wild coast
Road trip in Scotland with a babyHikes in the Highlands with a baby on a 10-day holiday in Scotland: walks, sightseeing and also city breaks in Edinburgh and…
Bradford-on-Avon
