Family Holiday Reviews and Special Offers

Pool House, Witley Court, Worcestershire with English Heritage reviewed by Grandpa Rob, Nana Jan and family.

Built in the seventeenth century, Witley Court was once one of the great houses in the Midlands.  Following a devastating fire in the 1930’s, it remains one of England’s most stunning ruins, with glorious gardens.

The Scott clan couldn't wait to descend onto the English Heritage run Pool House set in the delightful surroundings of Witley Court. Pool House was roomy enough to accommodate four adults, four children and one dog, a great place for a family get together with two bedrooms providing en suite facilities.  We were welcomed with a lovely hamper of essentials and a bottle of wine (which is great as the nearest grocery shop is a five mile drive away). Every attention to detail has been focused in this four bedroomed house, from the well chosen naturally coloured walls to the excellent fitted kitchen. The children kept themselves occupied with games in what we called the playroom and exploring the large private garden, whilst the adults relaxed in the comfort of the lounge and barbecued in the evening.

We explored Witley Court at our leisure, the helpful staff answering our questions, the audio tour is a must as the children found this helped set the scene of the hay day of Witley Court. The Perseus and Andromeda fountain was amazing, a real beauty.  We then explored Witley Parish Church, which untouched by fire still conveys the grandeur of the buildings. A stroll from the church is the lovely tea room, where we felt we had earned our lunch. To book now visit the English Heritage website here

Pool House is available for rent for long weekends (3 nights, Friday - Monday), mid-week breaks (4 nights, Monday – Friday) and a full week (7 nights).  It's the perfect venue for a family gathering, don't forget your camera!

Sea Fizz, Brighton Marina

We arrived in Brighton on one of the hottest days of the year, the journey was hot and uncomfortable to say the least ,which is why I was so please to be greeted by the lovely, friendly,very relaxed ladies at Cherry Tree Housekeeping to collect the keys for our stay at Sea Fizz, as they handed the keys to me and told me to call anyt ime if I needed anything the stresses of the journey began to melt away.

It was just a short journey from Cherry Tree Housekeeping to Brighton Marina. You feel kind of special as you drive through the central road past the restaurants and through the barrier to the very exclusive looking apartments. As we parked our car in the decent sized garage we climbed one set of stairs and through open the doors to explore our home  for the weekend.

I have to say that the photographs I had seen of Sea Fizz do not do this chic apartment justice. The attention to detail with our comfort in mind was gratefully received, fluffy pillows, comfy beds, huge sofa all appreciated by kids and adults alike. The designer bathroom, one for the kids and an en suite for us showed the same eye for design. And practically the kitchen was equipped with everything we needed and more.

The beach to the east of the flat was a minutes walk away, clean and a welcome relief from the heat as the children swam and we paddled. Our stroll along the board walk in the evening was delightful as we took in the relaxing atmosphere.

As I sat on the balcony to watch the sunset I couldn't have wished to be anywhere else. And later when we reluctantly packed our things into the car the children insisted that I promised to take them back next year.

To find out more about Sea Fizz you can use the form on the website here or email info@seafizzbrighton.co.uk, they'd love to hear from you!

What's On 4 and Hoseasons say: GET READY....GET SET.....GO ACTIVE.....FROM ONLY £149*

Hoseasons has launched 'Go-Active Breaks,' at five flagship parks across the country (Gwynedd, Inverness Shire, Devon, Isle of Wight and East Sussex). Capitalising on the increasing interest into sports in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games, the breaks have been designed to provide customers with a range of outdoor and indoor active experiences for all ages and types, in an ideal environment. The range of activities on offer include white water rafting, rock climbing, fencing, snorkelling, horse riding and short mat bowls, allowing all holidaymakers to enjoy their favourite sport, kick off a new interest, or simply have fun and get active whilst on holiday.

• Subject to availability and can be withdrawn at anytime.
• Short breaks available from £149 on selected accommodation only.
• Booking conditions apply.

Butlins visited in September 2009 by Mums, Sam and Juliet, and kids, Alice and Max (aged 4) and Callum (almost 2)

"Pros: affordable, in the UK, indoor and outdoor attractions for children of all ages throughout the day and evening, comprehensive facilities, everything one place.  Cons: basic accomodation up two flights of outside stairs, tiny bathroom, busy, not very much to keep grown-ups occupied, basic food avaliable.  We went to Bogner Regis but think one of the other sites with a spa might have been better for us Mums.  And our appartment was on the top floor, not great to lug everything, buggy and 3 young children up and down several times a day.  I would have expected Butlins to be a bit more considerate.  Bathroom was also the size of a cupboard.  In summary, fantastic for the children, but not for Mums."  Visit www.butlins.com

Haven Combe Hastings

"On our arrival we were greeted as we entered the gate, told where to park and where reception was by a very helpful member of staff. Reception was well staffed, so check in was quick and I was told  about all of the facilities and where our caravan would be by a very friendly team member.  Our caravan was exceptionally clean and roomy.

The facilities really kept the kids going, the pool complex with space bowl entertained the older children and if you're going to choose one activity to book make it the  fun inflatable session, as the children raced over the inflatable assault course the adults rolled with laughter, the team member in charge of this session was great fun and got to know the children instantly. The adventure playground was a good size and the football pitch kept the children going for an entire evening. The on site shop had everything we needed and the Mash and Barrel Bar was very well kept.

Prices for a family of four start at £169 for a four night break in ‘Standard’ accommodation based on 28th June for the special breaks for the under 5’s, fun & fitness.  Weekend breaks from 4th June are currently available for just £159 - check the website for other special offers.

I would recommend a visit to this holiday park, it gave the children constant entertainment and gave adults the chance to sit back and relax, what else could you ask for?"  Call 0871 230 1900 or call the park direct on 01424 427891 you can visit the website here

We've teamed up with our friends at Haven to SAVE You Up To 50%* off UK Family Holidays
Short Breaks from just £99** per family

Having time and fun together is at the heart of every Haven family holiday and now you can enjoy an unforgettable family holiday with savings of up to 50%*!

Haven Holidays have 35 award-winning Holiday Parks in coastal locations around the UK offering a host of fabulous facilities, amazing water fun, first class Self-Catering accommodation and top rate entertainment to ensure the whole family has an unforgettable holiday with Haven.

To book or for more information please
Call 0871 230 1917 & quote Z_WHATSON2
Or visit us at www.haven.com/whatson
Calls to 0871 numbers will cost no more than 10p per minute from a BT landline – calls from other networks may vary.

Terms and Conditions:
*Save up to 50% off selected breaks during April/May/June/September/October, up to 35% off selected July breaks and up to 20% off selected August breaks and during all School and Bank Holiday periods [offer applicable to 2010 and 2011 dates and current brochure prices only].
**’From’ price example correct at time of going to print and subject to change. ‘From’ price based on a 4 night (Mon to Fri) Self-Catering break at Golden Sands, Lincolnshire on 18 October 2010, a family of up to 6 people sharing a Standard Holiday Home and includes saving.
1) Offer applies to new direct bookings only and cannot be booked through a Travel Agent or an affiliate.
2) Offer cannot be used in conjunction with vouchers or any other discount or offer.
3) Offer applies to selected Parks, grades of accommodation and dates in 2010 and 2011.
4) Offer is subject to promotional rate availability and Haven Holidays reserve the right to withdraw the offer at any time.
5) Offer is not available on Lydstep Beach and Far Grange.
6) Offer applies to all grades of accommodation excluding Platinum and Exclusive grades.
7) Facilities and activities vary from Park to Park and may be subject to height/age/date restrictions and may incur a moderate extra charge.
8) Images used are for representational purposes only.
9) Terms and Conditions of Haven Holidays current brochures and online apply, please call or go online for details.
10) Dinner, Bed & Breakfast and Caravan & Camping options available on selected Parks, discounts may vary, please call for details.
11) A deposit of up to £100 is payable at the time of booking and balance is due 10 weeks before arrival.
12) Offer ends and holidays must be booked by 31 October 2010.
Bourne Leisure Limited is registered in England, no 04011660. 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL.