London with three children.

We are just back from a fantastic 3 days in London. A first time visit for our three nephews under eleven and their Mum and Dad, who have only ever been once. So, pressure was on to organise a good trip, and I have to say, it went perfectly. More to the point the children loved every second and were fantastic!

We arrived by train, hopped in a black cab to the hotel, walked to a bus stop, jumped on an open top bus, hopped off, took a boat trip to the London Eye, getting back on the open top bus to finish the loop, see the sights, before going back to the hotel. Phew! What a day! A fantastic day!

Day two involved getting the Museum Tour open top bus to The Natural History Museum, and joining a long long queue. Thankfully we got through it fast enough and enjoyed a good morning in the museum. As we all know, museums are tiring places so we left before we became boggle eyed. Next stop, Hamleys! Which was way too overwhelming for the kids, but they enjoyed it and all chose a special toy.

On our final day we hopped on and off red London buses, to visit the British Museum and Buckingham Palace. Going on to walk through Green Park, visit the Duke of Wellington Monument and finally Hyde Park. Where we saw one of the strangest sights, that the kids found fascinating. A gathering, organised online, allowed us to witness thousands of teenage girls going bonkers and screening for a Internet heart throb! We ploughed through the mayhem, only interrupted by a squirrel running up the leg of one of the kids, and headed for the tube back to Paddington. The Underground was a big unknown, and we were unsure how the kids would get on, but they were keen to try it. And...they loved it! We shouldn't have been surprised'

So, that is how we did London, and I have to say I saw the city through fresh eyes and the boys are full of stories to recount to anyone who will listen.

Norway

Norway is one of my "must do" trips that I have wanted to do for years. This Telegraph article really has set me thinking.

 

 

 

A bookshop in Mundal, the equivalent of Hay-on-Wye in Fjærland (HAYLEY HATTON)

 

 

 

In Finse there are no roads, so the only transport options are bike and train Photo: Hayley Hatton

It's snowing here today, so when I received an email from One Off Places, I indulged myself with more time than I really had on a busy morning at work.

This little apartment in Venice has really taken my fancy. A little summer trip?

Guidecca Mare Apartment, Venice

The big city awaits!

Our next trip, is far from the coast, and to the big city! London is not a place of excitement for me or hubby as we have to visit for work, so it has lost the sparkle other visitors may feel.

This visit feels different and I'm looking forward to it. Why? Young children! We are taking our three young nephews ( and their mum and Dad) . They have never been before and more to the point haven't been to any other city either!

So, I put my surfing head on and hit the Internet. London for 4 adults and 3 kids is not cheap. Accommodation first. Self catering seems extortionate for what's on offer. Budget chains like Travelodge and Premier Inn couldn't accommodate us in two rooms, plus without breakfast the kids would go bananas, and they have healthy appetites. Breakfast for 7 people for 2 mornings would add up to expensive!

So my needs were simple
1. Central location
2. Two rooms for 4 adults and 3 kids
3. Breakfast included
4. Not fancy, but not outdated chintz
5. A good price!

Surprisingly few options were available , but the one hotel that cropped up time and time again was Holiday Inn Kings Cross/Bloomsbury.

So it's booked! Next I have to sort travel....