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So when we found the perfect place in the Peak District, an old B&B, with a partially-coverted barn and a long forgotten 1960s static caravan, my heart immediately said yes. In May 2017 we finally moved into two old farm cottages, joined together on a hill top overlooking stunning views of the Peak District, close to Ashbourne and pretty Dovedale with its famous stepping stones, and only 10 miles from Alton Towers theme park. We used a mix of Harvey Maria Sussex Oak planks to create a warm looking, but hard wearing and easy to clean space, with Dee Hardwicke green patterned tiles to create a stunning kitchen zone and Little Bricks in Apple Green to make the bathroom feel special. I love travel writing and bringing inspiration to people brings me joy, but actually being part of shaping holidays, family time, mini moons, birthdays, reunions, anniversaries is such a privilege and so rewarding.

In Your Case 4 best spots for cream tea with the kids in south Cornwall Cornwall is the perfect destination for family holidays; 300 miles of heavenly coastline, a multitude of family-friendly attractions (think Eden Project, A favourite with locals and tourists, the Cornish Cream Tea is regarded by many to be the best around – plus, it’s only a 7-minute drive from Trewhiddle, so your little ones don’t have to sit still for too long. Mevagissey is just 10 minutes’ drive from Trewhiddle; so again, you don’t have the dreaded task of keeping the little ones entertained in the car for too long. A recent and popular addition to the Mevagissey Café scene, there is no doubt that the Teacup Tearoom will charm you in every way with its shabby chic interior and friendly staff.

Stunning Ickworth house, a 750 year old stately home now owned by the National Trust, is set in vast park and woodland, with beautifully manicured gardens, children’s play areas, and acres of glorious walking opportunities – heaven for our 5 month old puppy, who is on his first long car trip away from home. Although you’d stay at the Ickworth Hotel for the luxury of great food, beautiful grounds, and the spa, your main consideration when visiting as a family is going to be how comfortable you’ll feel there with young children. We saw quite a few couples during our stay having a quiet meal together while their children were cared for by the friendly staff, but equally, lots of families chose to dine together in the bright and airy conservatory, where babies and toddlers are not only welcomed, but completely catered for with a lovely children’s menu, and the bright plastic tableware we all know and love from parenting younger children. The hotel offers a range of Lily’s dog food and treats, there was a water bowl and dog cushion in our room, and I even found a dog hanging out with staff in reception while his owners went for a smart dinner in Frederick’s, the adult’s only fine dining restaurant.

The Train au Cevennes is a steam train that takes you up into the Cevennes mountains through gorgeous wooded valleys. Taking in the view from the steam train We caught the train from Anduze and took the 40 minute journey to St Jean du Gard where you can stop for a few hours for lunch before heading back. There’s a nice market there on a Tuesday morning but not a huge amount of other things to do, so I wouldn’t advise spending the whole day there. One thing to bear in mind is that there is no shade, unless you are planning to rent a sunbed at one of the beach clubs (very expensive but worth it for an easy life), so it’s worth going prepared with a parasol and your food for the day.