Tag: summer

  • Our Top 5 Camp Bestival Tips for Families 🎪✨

    Our Top 5 Camp Bestival Tips for Families 🎪✨

    Our first Camp Bestival as a family of four was everything we hoped it would be… and a little bit more chaotic than we perhaps anticipated!
    There was so much to see, do, eat, and to and explore that we quickly realised you simply cannot do everything. And, actually, that’s probably the whole point.

    Camp Bestival is one of those places where you have to leave your expectations at the entrance. Embrace the madness, let the kids be kids, stay up later than you normally would, eat something ridiculous, dance badly and just enjoy being there. No pressure, no rules!

    We went as part of a group of friends, which I honestly think made a huge difference to our weekend. It meant more adults to share the load, more people to keep an eye on the children and more opportunities for everyone to get a little breather.


    So, after our first family adventure, here are the five things we’d definitely recommend if you’re heading to Camp Bestival with children.

    Cheeky!

    1. Pack food. Lots of food. 🥐 🍌

    Or, as I like to call it: prepare for the snack apocalypse.

    If your children are anything like ours, they will spend the entire weekend saying “I’m hungry” usually approximately 30 seconds after you’ve just bought them something to eat.

    We took plenty of breakfast bits, snacks, cereal bars and fruit with us, and I would absolutely recommend doing the same. Although next year milk and cereal for my eldest is getting thrown in. He was obviously near death without it.


    We also bought our eldest the extra food pass, which was £50 for the weekend. This included lunch and dinner from Friday to Sunday, unlimited fruit and water, plus a daily “sweet treat”.

    It was actually really useful for us because it meant he was getting proper meals and, importantly, it helped reduce the constant requests for food every five minutes!

    The downside was that the queues could be difficult, particularly when you’re juggling tired children, and the food choices were fairly basic. The lunches were a sandwhich/wrap/pasta along with a snack, fruit and a drink. Nothing exciting but it filled a hole! (albeit bottomless)

    The evening meal voucher could be used at different food trucks, which was a nice touch, and the sweet treat could be chosen from various vendors. Henry enjoyed, mac and cheese, pizza, chicken and chips, ice cream and all the sweets! Such a treat!

    Our verdict? The pass was handy, but we’d still absolutely recommend bringing your own breakfast and a serious supply of snacks. You’ll thank yourself later.

    For adults, the options were endless, we tried so many different things! We also spent what felt like £500 on frozen margaritas. Because… Essential!

    2. Prepare for the walk. 👟⛰️

    Welcome to Leg Day: Festival Edition.

    There is a LOT of walking at Camp Bestival. And there are hills.

    We clocked up nearly 90,000 steps over the weekend, which is impressive I think!

    Some of those steps involved chasing children who had spotted something exciting in the opposite direction. Some were dancing and some were trips to the bar and back. But most of them were the journey to and from the campsite to the main festival.

    Proper footwear is a must.
    We’re talking trainers or boots — shoes you can genuinely walk in all day. Leave the questionable festival footwear at home. Your feet will thank you. Although my trusty birkenstocks did do me well!

    If you’re taking a trolley or pram, be careful not to overload it. It is very easy to look at your camping gear and think, “We’ll just put that in there too.” You will then find yourself pushing it up a hill while questioning every decision you’ve ever made.

    Pack light where you can. You’ll be doing enough heavy lifting already.

    I enjoyed stretching out my body at the ‘Slomo Village’ it was a little slice of heaven for my tired legs. There were yoga classes and sound baths running all day and a mini retreat with sauna and cold plunge (for an extra cost). Definitely a godsend if you need a moment of peace and to ground yourself in the chaos.

    3. Go with friends. 👯‍♀️👯‍♂️

    The more adults, the better.
    Honestly, if you can go to Camp Bestival with friends, do it.

    It’s brilliant having other adults around because you can tag-team the children, give each other breaks and share the general parenting workload. Everyone needs a solo shower at some point!

    Our crew

    Someone can take the kids while someone else goes for a coffee. Someone can head back to the campsite for forgotten essentials. Someone can take the children to an activity while the others watch an act. And, perhaps most importantly, you get to enjoy it together.

    Our last day!

    We were able to camp on our friends’ campervan pitch, which meant we could all be together. If you fit within their designated pitch area, this is allowed, so it’s definitely worth looking into if you’re travelling with friends who have a campervan.

    The campervan field did have one slight issue, though… There were only 10 showers for the whole thing.
    Ten.
    For everyone.
    We quickly discovered that around 4pm was the magic shower time because there was no queue. It actually worked brilliantly for us. We’d head back for a little “refresh”, get everyone showered and changed, and then let the children have some downtime before heading back out for the evening.
    It gave everyone a chance to reset before the late nights.
    And believe me, you need those little resets.

    Festival bestie

    Camp Bestival is magical, but it can also be very busy and overwhelming, especially for younger children. Having friends around made everything feel much more manageable.

    4. Find your spot — and make an itinerary. 📍🎶

    One thing we learned very quickly was that you cannot do everything.
    There is simply too much going on.

    There are shows, music, crafts, activities, food, dancing, characters, performances and things you didn’t even know existed until you walked past them.

    The Dingly Dell!

    We spent quite a lot of the weekend saying, “Oh, we’ll come back and do that later.”
    Spoiler: we didn’t.

    Making their own tie-dye t-shirts!

    Next year, we’re definitely going to make better use of the Camp Bestival app. You can like the different shows, acts and events you want to see, and it creates an ordered itinerary for you.

    We’re also going to deliberately schedule some downtime for the amazing arts and crafts on offer. There were so many things we wanted to stop and do, but when you’re rushing from one thing to another, it’s easy to miss them.
    And then there’s the main stage.
    Find your spot early. If you’re a group with children of different ages, finding a place to stand together later in the day can be really difficult when it’s busy.

    We figured out on Saturday that the best approach was to set up our spot early with chairs and blankets. Then, throughout the afternoon, the adults could take turns going back for a “refresh” or heading off to grab drinks while someone stayed with the children.

    By the evening, we had a comfortable little space where we could all watch the main stage together. We stayed quite far back because it was simply too loud for our youngest closer to the front, but honestly, it didn’t matter. We could still see the stage, the children had room to move around and we could all enjoy a dance together.
    Sometimes you don’t need to be right at the front to have the best time.

    5. Stay the extra night. 🌙✨

    If you can stay until Monday, do it.

    This is probably our biggest regret from the weekend.
    We unfortunately had to leave on Sunday night because our youngest had reached the point where it was all becoming a little too much.

    We packed up early on Sunday morning and then tried to stay until the headline act, Fatboy Slim, who was on very late that evening. In hindsight… that was probably ambitious.

    By Sunday evening, everyone was tired, we’d already had an enormous weekend and the thought of packing everything up after a late-night headline act was not exactly appealing.
    Next year, we’re staying the extra night.

    Lulworth Castle by night

    The plan is to have a slower Monday morning. Have breakfast. Let the children roam around. Have one last wander. Take our time packing up.
    No rushing.
    No trying to squeeze every last drop out of the weekend.
    Just one more slow morning to enjoy the magic.
    And finally… leave your expectations at the entrance.

    If there’s one thing I’d tell another family going to Camp Bestival, it’s this:
    Don’t try to make it perfect.
    You won’t see every act.
    You won’t make every activity.
    Someone will probably have a meltdown.
    Someone will definitely be hungry.
    You’ll forget something.
    You’ll get tired.
    You’ll queue.
    You’ll walk up a hill and wonder why you brought so much stuff.
    And then you’ll turn around and see your children dancing, laughing or completely fascinated by something you’ve never seen before — and you’ll remember why you came.

    Whizzing around

    Camp Bestival feels like a little world of its own.
    It’s busy and chaotic and sometimes overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly joyful. We found everyone we met to be so kind and happy, and what really stood out was how much the children were thought of.
    So let the kids be kids.
    Stay up late.
    Eat the ice cream.
    Dance.
    Get involved.
    Take the silly photos.
    Let your hair down.
    And embrace the madness.
    Because somewhere between the hills, the tired feet, the queues and the snack negotiations, there’s a whole lot of magic happening.
    And we can’t wait to do it all again next year. 🎪❤️

    P.S pack hand sanitiser like it’s going out of fashion 😂 IYKYK

  • Making memories – That are priceless

    Making memories – That are priceless

    Making memories should not come at a cost. Memories are priceless, and they should be just that! Free to make!

    The summer holidays are upon us. The routine flies out the window. No school runs, clubs or after-school activities. All of a sudden, the days feel longer.

    There was a time when I’d dread just that. Long days to fill and the pressure to keep everyone busy. The pressure to do things, visit places and spend money on pointless stuff just to make “memories”. It can be exhausting trying to come up with ways to fill time.

    Don’t get me wrong, when the budget allows bigger things, days out or long weekends away, then we love to seize the moment and make the most of it. But, when your bank account needs a break then it’s time to reevaluate what’s important. What is is that matters most?

    Time – What your children really want is time. Time with you. Time spent laughing and playing. Time spent making memories with the people they love.

    The summer holidays can put a strain on you and your wallet. So here are some wholesome, free and fun things you can do with your children this summer that will create core memories they’ll carry with them forever.

    A treasure hunt and picnic –

    Make your own treasure maps at home. Draw a map of your local area and write a list of “treasures” to find. A giant leaf, a heart-shaped rock, a feather… think of little things you can pop into a bag and take home to admire after your adventure.

    Chuck some snacks into a backpack and find a spot along the way to sit, chat and enjoy your picnic. Take a moment to slow down and really enjoy your time together.

    Top tip: For an extra bit of magic, stain your treasure maps with a wet tea bag. My dad used to do this for us when we were kids. We’d leave them to dry, then he’d carefully singe the edges with a lighter to make them look like ancient pirate maps. It felt like real treasure hunting.

    Family cooking time –

    Make a meal together and let the kids choose the menu. Look up the ingredients together, find everything you need and make sure everyone has a role in the cooking process. Then you can all sit down and enjoy something you’ve created together.

    It helps children feel a sense of responsibility, gives you the chance to teach them how to safely use kitchen utensils, and it’s a great way for older children to build a little independence too.

    Top tip: Add a little extra magic to the table. Fold some napkins, light a candle, and ask the kids to make place cards with everyone’s names on them. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes the meal feel really special.

    Get outside –

    Nature is free, y’all!

    There’s nothing better than getting outside amongst the trees. Kids love to run, climb and explore. Their little bodies need movement, fresh air and room to breathe.

    I’ve spoken before about the benefits of spending time outdoors as a family (read here). It’s also a brilliant way to get your own exercise in too. Join them with the running and climbing. Build a den, lie on the grass and watch the clouds drift by. See what shapes you can spot.

    If you’re lucky enough to live near water, go for a paddle. Skim stones, splash around, get wet, laugh and embrace the messiness of it all.

    After all, kids are washable… and so are you.

    Make a den –

    My brother and I used to spend hours making dens, whether it was out in the woods or at home.
    For an indoor den, grab some blankets or sheets, a couple of chairs and build your own little fortress. Get creative, let the kids take the lead and watch their imaginations come to life.

    Let them eat their lunch inside. Let them read their books in there. Let them sleep in it if they want to.

    Those late-night chats with your siblings in a den you spent all day building are the kind of memories that stay with you forever.

    If the weather’s kind, why not build one outside in the garden too?

    Top tip: Clothes pegs are your best friend for keeping blankets and sheets in place.

    Not the best den we’ve made 😂

    At the end of the day, your children won’t remember every expensive day out or every toy you bought them. They’ll remember how they felt. They’ll remember belly laughs over a picnic, dirty feet after an adventure, the excitement of finding “treasure”, and the den that became their castle for the day.

    The best memories are so often found in the simplest moments.
    So take the pressure off yourself this summer. Slow down, say yes to the little things, and soak it all in.

    Because these are the days they’ll remember. And if we’re lucky, they’re the days we’ll remember too.

  • Soaking up the summer

    Soaking up the summer

    The longer days have arrived, and so has the chaos that comes with them. The sweaty, sticky, sun-creamy children running wild, fuelled by ice lollies and picky bits. The discarded clothes, the wet towels from yet another water fight. Nobody is sleeping well, the house is a mess, nobody knows what they want to eat, and you’re forever chasing the children around with the factor 50 and a water bottle.

    The moment you sit down, you have to go and lifeguard your makeshift water park in the garden that’s filled with bugs, grass, stones, petals—you name it. Then, just when you think everyone is finally settled, they all want to go back inside because they’re too hot.

    It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the madness and become frustrated. But if you actually stop for a moment, pause, breathe, and watch, you’ll see something magical. Their childhood. It’s unfolding right before your eyes, and although it’s hard to see sometimes, it’s there.

    Being a 90’s baby there’s something so nostalgic in going back to basics and letting it all just be. No frills, no fuss, just raw childhood. Being in it with them is something I know I won’t regret.

    The sticky little fingers. The pitter-patter of wet feet running to the freezer for another ice lolly. The wonder in their eyes as you simply put the slide into the paddling pool and create their very own water slide. Their need to be close to you, even when it’s hot. Their skin against yours while they doze in the afternoon sun. The squeals of happiness as the hosepipe makes its first splutter of the day. The late nights spent laughing and running around because the sun’s still up and they don’t want to sleep.

    Those extra hours are the golden ones. Make them count. Be present with them, play with them, let them be children.

    I wrote a poem earlier this week.

    Soaking up the summer

    The longer days,
    the warm air,
    the sun-creamy cuddles,
    the sticky little ice lolly fingers,
    and the last summer that your children will be this little.

    The paddling pool puddles,
    the grass trodden through the house,
    the sprawl of discarded clothes
    in the too-hot weather.

    The mess won’t be forever.

    The sun-kissed noses,
    the hosepipe squeals,
    the picnic lunches
    and late evening meals.

    The trips to the beach
    where things are forgotten,
    but the days are not.
    Those will be remembered.

    Memories that last.
    The laughter,
    the sunsets.

    Soaking up the summer,
    It will never be quite this good.
    Take in their smiling faces.
    This is their childhood.

    Ask yourself: will you embrace it, or fight it?

    Life is short. Soon you’ll be longing for these summer days. You’ll miss the chaos and the noise, and you’ll wish you could go back to a time when you were all together.

    So even when it’s hot, allow the cuddles. Allow the late nights. Adapt to a new routine. It will be brief, but so worth it.

  • The New Forest: Your Summer Guide

    The New Forest: Your Summer Guide

    Following that intensely beautiful heatwave we just had, I wanted to give you a heads-up on some places to visit for when summer returns (hopefully).

    We all know parenting in the heat comes with its challenges, but I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that hard—or expensive—to keep the kids entertained during the summer holidays. It’s tricky when they’re too hot, sticky with suncream, and fussy with their food because, honestly, who wants to sit and eat when they’re hot and bothered?

    There is only so much water play in the garden you can do, and only so many ice lollies you can hand out before you start feeling like a static ice cream van while everyone slowly succumbs to cabin fever.

    That’s where the forest comes in.

    The trees provide a much-needed canopy of shade and respite from the heat, making it one of my favourite places to escape on those sweltering summer days. Forests naturally stay cooler than built-up areas because the tree canopy blocks direct sunlight from reaching the ground. Trees also release water vapour through a process called transpiration, which helps cool the surrounding air, creating a natural air-conditioning effect. Combined with shaded woodland floors and reduced heat reflection compared with roads and pavements, it can feel noticeably cooler beneath the trees even on the hottest days.

    If you’re looking for easy, family-friendly spots with parking, toilets (nature wees are absolutely OK too), picnic areas and shady trails, here are three New Forest favourites worth adding to your summer list (click the links for full information).

    1. Blackwater Arboretum (one of our favourite spots) 

    Blackwater Arboretum is perfect for younger children and pushchairs. The trails are short, accessible, and packed with interesting trees from around the world. The towering redwoods are particularly impressive and offer plenty of shade on hot days. The giant trees really make you stop and admire the magic of nature.

    What you’ll find on your visit:

    Car park

    Toilets

    Picnic benches

    Information point

    Accessible trails

    Plenty of shaded woodland

    In peak season there is a coffee/ice cream truck with some great flavours and friendly staff. 

    Water play?

    Yes, sort of. The nearby Blackwater River runs through the area and can be reached from some of the surrounding trails. While it’s not really a paddling destination, children will enjoy stopping to look at the water, spot wildlife and cross the picturesque wooden bridge. It’s a lovely place to cool off for a few minutes and break up the walk.

    The nearby Tall Trees Trail is an easy family walk and a great introduction to the forest.

    Henry under one of the giant Redwoods

    2. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

    If your children love wildlife, Bolderwood is hard to beat. A short walk from the car park leads to a deer viewing platform where you can often spot deer grazing in the meadow.

    What you’ll find on your visit:

    Car Park

    Toilets

    Picnic tables

    Information cabin during school holidays

    Several waymarked woodland walks

    Extensive shaded areas

    There is often an ice cream van during the busier months, although availability can vary depending on the season and weather.

    Water play?

    There are several small forest streams along some of the longer walking routes, particularly around Bratley Water. It isn’t somewhere I’d specifically visit for paddling, but it’s perfect for curious little explorers who love throwing sticks into streams, hunting for bugs and splashing at the water’s edge.

    The Deer Watch Trail is short enough for little legs while still feeling like a proper woodland adventure.

    Spotting wildlife

    3. Dibden Inclosure

    If you’re looking for a quieter corner of the New Forest, Dibden Inclosure is well worth a visit. The peaceful woodland trails wind through beautiful trees of all species, creating plenty of shade on even the hottest summer days. It’s one of those places where you can slow down, take your time and let the children explore at their own pace. Have your camera at the ready because you’ll also find some incredible views if you follow the rolling trails to the top of the famous Dibden hill.

    What you’ll find on your visit:

    Car park

    Picnic spots

    The best thing about the New Forest is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A picnic, a few snacks, a football, and a change of scenery can easily fill an entire day. Core memories are made in nature. The children get space to run, climb, explore and burn off some energy, while you get a break from feeling like you’re trapped indoors managing your tiny humans. 

    Shady woodland trails

    Family-friendly walking routes

    Plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities

    You won’t find a café or permanent kiosk, but it’s a lovely place to bring a picnic and enjoy lunch beneath the trees. Or you can venture to the nearby village of Dibden Purlieu where there is a fantastic cafe called Nova Forest Kitchen and also a Gelto shop called Arrosto if you fancy treating the children (and yourself) after your forest adventure. Both of these places serve great coffee!

    Water play?

    Not so much. There is a small pond at the bottom a Dibden hill with a little wooden bridge to cross. It’s not a designated paddling area, but it’s perfect for little adventurers who love exploring nature and skimming stones.

    One of the best things I find about Dibden inclosure is that it feels untouched still. There are parts of the forest that are so quiet and secluded if you’re willing to let the children lead you into the thick of it.

    Exploring Dibden Inclosure at sunset with our trusty hammock!

    Don’t overcomplicate it

    The best thing about the New Forest is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A picnic, a few snacks, a football, and a change of scenery can easily fill an entire day. Core memories are made in nature. The children get space to run, climb, explore and burn off some energy, while you get a break from feeling like you’re trapped indoors managing you tiny humans.

    So when the next heatwave arrives and the paddling pool has lost its appeal, pack up a picnic, grab the suncream and head for the trees. You might just find that a few hours in the forest is exactly what everyone needs.

    Dibden Inclosure