ParkDean Hoilday park, Sandford, Dorset

Here is my long awaited blog on where I stayed in Dorest (only a month late I know) looking abit more in-depth at the holiday park in which we stayed on.  We weren't sure what to expect as it was a Sun newspaper £9.50 holiday but I can say that we were both surprised what we got in terms of the accommodation.  I would definetly do this kind of trip again in the future and I think it would be great for families with older children as there is so much to do. 



Inside our static caravan

We stayed in a static caravan that had three bedrooms with a large living space which would sleep more.  I liked the fact that the shower room and the toilet were separate which is good when there is more than one of you getting ready in the morning.  There was lots of space within the bedrooms for storage and we had more than enough space for us and a small baby (who by the way comes with more stuff than two adults).

The kitchen area was really well equipped with lots of crockery, cutlery and equipment and even gave you some washing up liquid, scrubber and tea towel which I had bought some from home as you don't always get this on a self catering holiday.

The shower I may add was also better than I expected and of a decent size and could rival my one at home (to be fair that isn't great for a home shower).  Despite being in a single bed and having close proximity to a small baby I managed to sleep very well and comfortably.

What is there to do?

• Indoor Pool
• outdoor pool
• arcade
• snooker/darts/poolevening entertainment
• cycle and go kart hire

We were only here for a few days/nights and with a young baby were not excaly partying the night away but we did get to have a quick swim on my last morning there.
The pool seemed warm enough for babies and young children and it was clean and of a decent size.  About 9am in season time they have a water babies session for about half an hour in which I think my best friend would of taken her daughter to but we kind of forgot!! We didn't get to use the outdoor pool while we were there as it was early may and most of the days it was still abit chilly for an outdoor dip.  This would be great though in the warmer weather and children would be entertained for ages.

Children Facilities/things to do onsite

• soft play area
• outdoor play areas
• activity sessions

We were with a 5 month old so I can not rate them from what a child thought but there was a few play areas onsite and it all seemed to be well maintained and clean in these areas.

Stay in or Eat out?

• shop onsite to get all your ammenties
• fish and chip shop
• takeaway pizza
• Main restaurant that serves breakfast/lunch/dinner

We ate breakfast in the caravan and had a main meal out two of the days.  We did try the restaurant on the final night and went early because of the baby and enjoyed a nice lasagne, garlic bread and side salad. I also enjoyed a nice glass of wine.

Pet Friendly
We didn't have any pets with us but the resort was very dog friendly and we saw many people with their dogs.

Accessibility
The Park is 10-15 from many of Dorsets popular attractions by car. There are local transport links nearby but we did not use these during our stay so I cant comment on how they are to use.


Useful links
http://www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk/dorset-holidays/sandford/sandford-holiday-park.htm

Hope you enjoyed this blog and let me know if you want to know anything else.  I have discovered I'm abit of a rubbish blogger as I should of taken more photos of the accomadation and holiday park to insert into this but I found ones online that to be honest are better than any I would take.

Family Day Out at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Oxfordshire

http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/

Since living in Oxfordshire I have visited Cotswold Wildlife Park a couple of times with the nursery I was working in at the time.  However I hadn't been for about 6 or so years so when we were arranging a day out with my brother and sister in law and nephew we decided to visit here. On the edge of the Cotswolds and not far from Oxford its a popular attraction for families in my neck of the woods.

Price

£15(gate) £14(online) Adult

Under 3s free

Children 3-16yrs £9.50(online)£10(gate)

Whats on

• feeding talks daily
• adventure playground
• train rides
• skymaze interconnecting treehouse maze
• specialised events (link below)

http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/whats-on/events/

Eating Facilities

As I always say a cheap way of feeding your children is to bring a picnic and there is lots of outdoor seating and grass areas to pitch up.  As our visit had not quite hit spring at this point it was still quite chilly so we went and had a main meal in the Oak Tree Restaurant.  The food was okay I had lasagne and chips and a drink for under £10.

Value for money?

There is a wide variety of animals including lions, zebras, rhinos, birds, reptiles, penguins and many more.  You can easily spend a day here as a family as there is plenty to do.  My nephew enjoyed the animals but he also just loved running around in lots of wide open space.

Interactive features

The park have an app on the apple store that you can download prior to your visit.  This has quizs, interactive map and will tell you fun facts about the animals in the park.  This is good if you are with older children and want to make more out of your visit.

Favourite Part

I liked the penguins and have done on previous visits here. You get really close to them and I think its at a good height for little ones to be able to see whats going on. 

Accessibility

Most of the park is quite flat and has paths of a good quality for pushchairs and to walk around.  Lots to see but its not spread out to far so you are never far from when you need to walk back on yourself for restrooms/coffee etc.

Throughly recommended for a fantastic family day out if you are ever in Oxfordshire.

Nanny Bicester

Fathers Day 2017

          

Fathers Day is around the corner again, Sunday 18th June to be precise so I thought I would try and share some new ideas that don't just repeat what I wrote about last year. So here is five ideas on what to buy. Dad if your reading this I currently have not bought you anything so there is no spoilers haha.

1. Netflix/Amazon Prime/Now Tv- Subscription

2. Portable charger

3. I tunes voucher

4.Timberland Polo Shirt                                               5.  Sports tickets

                                                                  

This is just a few ideas click on the below link to go to my blog I wrote last year for more ideas.

https://nannybicester.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/activity-of-week-getting-prepared-for.html