A British Summer Vacation
This is a guest post by Jessi Parker a member of the BabySafeTravel.com team, a website dedicated to helping parents travel with their baby. You might be surprised by Jessi's favorite summer beach destination!
In my time I have traveled a lot with my now three year old son, but there is one place that I will return to over and over again. It doesn’t seem to matter how long I spend here we always find somewhere new and exciting too explore. Throw in the fact that they speak English, and that I’m a history buff and England is a place I think of as a second home.
Don’t let the tales of rainy weather and grey skies scare you off. For me, the rain is a welcome break from the heat of a Texas summer. During British summer time the temperate climate makes traveling with children easy – you don’t have to worry about how to keep them warm or cool. During the summer the temperaure averages in the high 70’s but be prepared for climate change – one day it can be in the 50’s and the next it can easily be in the 80’s. So make sure you pack a plenty of layers. Days are long, and it does not get dark until nearly 10 o’clock during the summer. That's great for parents, but not so great for persuading little ones to go to bed. Be prepared for late nights and lazy mornings.
When you arrive in England from the US you will most likely fly into London. Personally, a couple days in London is plenty of time for me!
Don’t feel a need to rent a car to explore London. English public transport is excellent and many locals don’t even own cars. If you are staying in London both airports have regular trains and shuttles to the city. Choose a hotel somewhere in the heart of London so that you have easy access to everything there is too see. If your little one isn’t walking yet, baby wearing is the best way to navigate the city. Not all the underground stations have elevators (“lifts” to the locals) and trying to push your stroller through a crowded street just doesn’t work. If you do need to use a stroller make sure you check online to see which stations have elevators. There is usually only a block or two between underground stations so you might have walk to the next station.
And what should you see in London? All the museums are free entry to the main exhibitions; the Natural History Museum and Science Museum are side by side and have plenty of activities to keep wandering minds and excited toddlers busy. If the sun is shining, a walk along the Thames River to see Big Ben and the Tower of London is a great way to spend the day. While your children might not be excited about the monuments, they'll love the opportunity to see the boats and buses of London, and an ice cream from one of the many vendors you will come across can appease even the crankiest child.
Though it is less touristed, you should also make a point of visiting Chinatown. Situated right by Leicester square, entering Chinatown is like walking into a different world. The Dim Sum at Lido in Chinatown is too die for – even my one year old gobbled it up. At a couple pounds per dish, Lido is an affordable family favorite. The colors and smells of Chinatown kept my kids fascinated.
Once you have exhausted your time in London it is time to explore further. Though you might be tempted to rent a car, you really will enjoy your journey more if you take the train. You can sit back, relax and watch the countryside roll past your window. The kids will get such a kick out riding the train and not being strapped in their car seats. If you are looking for another great city to visit I recommend York.
York was originally the Viking Capital of England – it is packed full of history and old world charm. Immediately when you get off the train you will be able to tell that you are in the “North.” The city is surrounded by an ancient wall. On a sunny day, exploring the wall makes an interesting way to spend the afternoon. You can also stroll down the cobbled streets, and stop in a pub for lunch (most British pubs are family friendly, many even have play areas for children). If you are feeling brave climb to the top of the tower at York Minister, and don’t forget to pick up some fudge from Fudge Kitchen located right by the Minister.
A 45 minute train ride away from York is the seaside town of Scarborough. The north beach is a family and budget friendly place to spend the afternoon. Kids can spend their afternoon playing in sand looking for crabs and wading in the ocean. If the weather turns bad or the kids get bored you can catch a ride on Thomas the Tank engine to the Sea Life center, where kids can explore the aquarium and learn about the animals that live off the British Isles.
Finish your day off with some fish and chips by the sea, eaten out of paper with wooden forks and you have an authentic British summer vacation.
This was a guest post by Jessi Parker of BabySafeTravel.com. At BabySafeTravel.com, parents can share their experiences and find the best baby travel products at discount prices.
Related LinksCity Guide: London With Kids
What to Do in London With Kids
4 comments |
Posted on June 22, 2009 |
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andrea on June 23, 2009 at 4:49 a.m.
Having had my son in London and moved away when he was 8 months old I can say that the UK is a great place to take babies - but be okay with taking strollers on buses and in taxis :) York is fantastic!
I also think the baby food brands/styles in the UK far outweigh the US, so if you go be sure to try Ella's, Hipp and Plum, they have great flavors and are all organic!
Victoria Wallop on June 23, 2009 at 6:53 a.m.
Speaking as a Londoner, I'm very pleased that you enjoyed my city! We love living here and always travel by public transport. The British seaside is also fantastic and the advantage of living on an island is that the seaside is never far away. I can also recommend Suffolk, Norfolk, Kent and Sussex, all no more than a few hours on the train from London. Kent and Sussex are only an hour or two, so can be done as a day trip. We love catching crabs and riding donkeys!
Mary Jane on October 3, 2010 at 1:53 a.m.
London is a fantastic city for families. Having lived in Dubai for many years where activities are limited, I have come to realize that London and the Uk has so much to keep every occupied. My children love the theatre shows, museums and parks. We also find it cheaper then other cities such as Paris.
Mark - a big West Sussex fan on October 22, 2010 at 8:27 a.m.
Endorsing Victoria's comment above:
If you like the countryside, may I recommend the county of West Sussex, which is south of London.
You can get to the West Sussex countryside by train in an hour from central London, so it's ideal for a day trip - you can be back in central London in time for bedtime.
The South Downs are a famous range of hills which aredesignated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The South Downs are well worth a visit and pretty special places for kids who are used to the city.