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Why go to UK and Ireland?
- Alive with culture, history, attractions, and diverse landscapes
- Excellent city break opportunities: London, is one of the world's great cities, with many child-friendly attractions, while many other towns and cities Dublin, Bath, York, Edinburgh - have a rich heritage to discover
- While you can't always guarantee your sunshine hours, you can be sure of a wide variety of scenery and attractions: from the tranquil beauty of the Lake District and the wild Scottish highlands, to the unique Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, the rolling hills of Dorset, the ruggedness of Cornwall...
- Small enough to tour around and pack a lot in - good roads, a lot to see and do in each region; a few days in a city can be combined with relaxing time in the countryside or by the coast
- Excellent transport network means that, generally, a car is not essential
- There are a growing number of family-friendly hotels
- Wide range of self-catering options from cottages on the Cornish coast with enclosed play areas, to woodland lodges in the Lake District
- If you already live here, a holiday in the UK means that you don't have to worry about unfamiliar food, language or time differences
- High-quality baby paraphernalia readily available from organic food to nappies, so no need to take everything including the kitchen sink
- No need for any vaccinations, and no poisonous snakes, fish etc
- Excellent medical facilities generally close at hand
Things to think about:
- Weather unpredictable. Even at the height of summer, pack some wet weather gear just to be sure
- Not an innately child-friendly culture compared to most European countries
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| Hotels: Before You Decide
Bearing in mind the age, and nature of your child, decide whether you want a hotel that is specifically geared up for babies/toddlers (ie one with separate/supervised play areas and children's menus), or one that you might have chosen BC (before children), but which offers baby listening, for example. With a tiny baby, this may be all you need to ensure some time on your own.
Definitely worth considering:
- Are nannies, babysitting and other childcare facilities available all year around, or just during certain periods? What are the charges?
- Is there a play area/creche? If so check on ratio of staff and their qualifications
- Check that you can still take advantage of children's facilities when you're spending time with them
- Book childcare and other facilities and treatments in advance: avoids disappointment on arrival when the children's sessions available may not coincide with the pampering (or other facilities) you had set your heart on
- Dining arrangements: are there early suppers and children's menus? Do you want to eat separately from your child? Some hotels don't allow small children in the main dining room after a certain time
- Equipment: are there cots available and what provision is there for toddlers' sleeping arrangements (consider taking a portable bedside)
- Check what other equipment the hotel can supply, or is available for hire e.g. highchairs, kettles, microwaves, buggies, backpacks
- Babylistening systems vary: find out what system is in place
- Many hotels offer free child places and child reductions
- Prices are for guidance only
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