Wow! Just back and fully recovered from a tremendous long weekend at Camp Bestival.  My six year old summed it up when asked what was her best bit and she said “Oh everything! Can we come back when I am 7? And 8? And 9? And 10? And 11? And 12? And 13?”

Where else can you witness Howard Marks and Keith Allen sat together, not drinking, not smoking (anything) but reading kids bedtime stories?

Prior to that, Radio 1’s Sara Cox had us in stitches over her ‘Helen Daniels from Neighbours’ Mummy Tummy, and that was after a wood oven cooked bacon sarnie from the River Cafe Canteen.

But the best thing about Camp Bestival has to be the fact that everyone, young and old, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Whether it was milling around in the baby and toddler zone, complete with toddler soft play and baby chill out zone, to the fancy dress parade and Zing Zillas in the big top, or thousands of kids and their grown-ups singing “Valerieeeeee” at the top of their voices as Mark Ronson completed what he himself called his best ever UK gig, despite a week that had been bad (well he said a word beginning with ‘s’) for anyone who loved music.

Kids Go Wild For Mark Ronson Set!

Lessons Learned for Next Year…

Packing – Wipes for washing,  potty (no late night tramping to the loo!), loo roll, sun lotion, dry shampoo, bin bags, extra blankets (sunny days meant cold clear nights), steriliser bags, ear plugs, and cart. Parents who’d transformed carts into fairy bowers,  with cushions, blankets, lights and canopies, for little ones to be towed around in and snooze in, got to stay up late and soak up the electric atmosphere whilst headline acts played. Also, don’t forget snacks and drinks for little ones as food stalls are far from cheap. Although, download the Camp Bestival App for free kids meals vouchers.

Arriving/Departing – The only less than glorious moments were arriving and departing with heavy gear, two little kids and an uphill trudge to find a camp spot. Next year, at the very least, we will park in the car park with trolley and sherpa hire, or if we are feeling flush, go the ready-made route with boutique camping , and if we feel really rich, hire a campervan with shower…. heaven!

More info: www.campbestival.net

E4 Udderbelly Festival at the Southbank
The upside down cow is back for the summer on the Southbank. With a rich offering of comedy, music, circus, and even beat-boxing for 4-18year olds, tots will love the look of the large purple cow and parents will enjoy a bit of cultural activity in friendly surroundings. Coming up for tots is the energetic and hilarious story Stick Man live on stage at Udderbelly from 15-18 July.

The Southbank is great for a day out as there’s endless kid-friendly restaurants and cafes, green spaces, step-free paths that are great for buggies and all the facilities in the Southbank Centre and National Theatre complexs. Start at the majestic London Eye and you can slowly amble your way up the Southbank browsing the shops, market stalls, eating, drinking and taking in some culture. Backed with sweeping Thames views and architectural wonders such as the tots fave Big Ben, it’s the ideal urban day out. See Udderbelly Festival for more information.

Here’s our pick of the seven best stylish staycations that rival any boutique hotel in looks and have fabulous family-friendly facilities

After the recent volcano mania and talk that this summer is going to be a scorcher, holidaying at home has never been more appealing. If your idea of a British holiday includes cold cottages with lumpy beds and grotty kitchens, cast away those memories now. You can find style, luxury and everything you need for a relaxing family holiday on your doorstep.
These stylish staycations rival any boutique hotel in looks, and in addition the owners strive to take away as much of the pain of holidaymaking as possible, leaving parents free to enjoy a relaxing and stress-free break. One of the biggest headaches for parents is the holiday packing.  All the BFB recommended properties come equipped with the baby and toddler necessities, from cots to highchairs, baby baths, monitors, booster seats and steps, child-friendly cutlery along with heaps of indoor and outdoor toys, even prams and buggies. For parents, cottages and apartments come equipped with luxurious bedlinen, beautifully designed bathrooms, fluffy towels, complimentary cosmetics, dishwashers, DVD, satellite or freeview TV, meal and shopping services, on-site shops and recommended local babysitters.  Our stylish staycations include properties for large groups, sociable families and people looking for a private getaway.

Stylish family beach bolthole  at The Rosevine, Cornwall
Rosevine has found the perfect middle ground between a hotel and self-catering. Owners Hazel and Tim bought the gorgeous Georgina coastal house near St Mawes on the south coast of Cornwall a couple of years ago and have transformed it into a 12 room apartment hotel for families. Beautiful gardens just two minutes walk from an unspoilt sandy beach, an indoor pool, restaurant and room service, a playroom den for the kids are just a few highlights of what Rosevine offers. Plus the bonus of being around other families is that your children are bound to find playmates, leaving parents free to relax with a glass of wine while watching their offspring tumbling across the lawn having fun. What more could parents ask for?
The Rosevine: great for sociable families. Rates from £950 per week

Boutique Barn at Mesmear, Cornwall
This is eco-luxury with a difference. A stay at one of the three cottages here is very much like having sole use of your own, family friendly, boutique hotel. For large groups looking for luxury in stunning setting, the Mill sleeps ten and comes with a private chef and housekeeper. Early evening the chef whips up a kids tea, leaving the adults to enjoy a three course meal with free-flowing wine after bed time.
Mesmear boasts gorgeous grounds and an outdoor heated swimming pool. Located in North Cornwall near Rock, there are wonderful beaches and restaurants – Rick Stein and Fifteen – just a short drive away.
Mesmear: Great for large groups. Rates from £1000 per week

Best for a lie-in ‘Number 29’, Yeovil
For new parents dreaming of a leisurely morning, boutique B&B Number 29 offers a unique morning lie-in babysitting service. Wake up and just hand your little one over to Angela. Sounds perfect! Made up of three double bedrooms with plenty of room to house a cot or nipper bed. with luxurious bathrooms and the use of guest lounge. The delicious breakfasts are made from the freshest locally sourced ingredients, and guests are only a short walk from the centre of Yeovil for shopping and restaurants.
Number 29: Perfect for parents looking for a leisurely lie-in. Rates from £499 per week / £75 per night

Countryside Chic, The Cowshed, Dorset
This beautifully converted barn in the heart of rural Dorset is perfect for a countryside retreat. Parents will love the minimalist décor, wood-burning stove, stylish bathroom with drench shower and all the entertainment extras. Kids will love the toys and books, sandpit and teepee in the safely enclosed garden.
The Cowshed: Perfect for families after a quiet week in the country. Rates from £549 per week

Cottage Retreat, Gothic villa, Wales
This four-bedroom Georgian villa has been lovingly restored to its elegant best, whilst the interior is a restful blend of antiques and clean lines giving it a fresh modern feel. Two of the bedrooms have fabulous views across the Towy to Llanstephan and its Norman castle ruins. Parents will love the luxurious kitchen, cosy Welsh blankets and the relaxing, sheltered garden. Children will love the ride-on toys and the short distance to the sandy beach.

Gothic Villa: Perfect for families looking for a country retreat. Rates from £650

Eco-chic, The Dairy Cottage, New Forest
If you like to holiday in spectacular surroundings, this pretty two bedroom cottage, a previous star of Channel 4s Grand Designs due to its stunning architectural design and eco-luxe look, is the place for you. The large garden contains funky furniture that both parents and kids will enjoy. A generous organic welcome pack and optional arrival night/first day massage service sets the tone for an indulgent break for the whole family.
The Dairy Cottage: Great for design appreciaters. Rates from £1050 per week

Bolthole Favourite, Clydey Cottages, Pembrokeshire
The ten cottages at Clydey receive rave reviews from recent guests. Owners have created a holiday haven for families and their little ones. Beautiful landscaped gardens, romantic cottages brimming with period character detail and all the mod-cons parents need. Kids can let off steam in the 20 acres of traffic free land, the timber play area, and indoor games room. Parents will enjoy the breath-taking views hot tub, gym room and indoor swimming pool. As an added touch, parents can indulge in hampers of fresh organic breakfast and dinner menus for less than £10 a head.
Clydey Cottages: Perfect for families with busy toddlers and active kids. Rates from £550 per week

There are child-friendly Easter egg trails at the main family attractions all over the country. Here at BFB we recommend you pick one where your child can gobble up all that excess chocolate-powered energy. Here’s our pick of the Easter eggs trails and events on offer around the country this weekend.

Egg Rolling

As a mum of two busy boys I love the idea of the egg rolling competition, as long as it’s not one of them tumbling out of control down Devil’s Dyke! To enter you need to bring your own hand-decorated, hard-boiled egg. The egg that rolls the furthest down the Dyke valley wins. There are prizes too for the best decorated egg.
Easter Egg rolling Competition at Devil’s Dyke, West Sussex 5 April, 10.45-12pm

Historic Hunting
For historic hunting outings where you can combine stately glamour, a fine tea and plenty of distractions for the kids, The National Trust has a number of beautiful places to search for eggs.
The beautiful Attingham Park in Shropshire 2-5 April 10am – 4pm has Cadbury Easter egg trails, egg trails over the weekend. Hunt for clues and chocolate around the estate and other fun activites such as face-painting and a huge colouring wall.  Normal admission charges plus £2.50 event charge.

April Fool’s Day

This is not strictly an Easter event but a goodie for the kids. Corfe Castle in Dorset is celebrating the day of jest and jokes. There will be stilt walking and jugglers in the morning and a fools’ school of juggling and circus skills in the afternoon all set in the beautiful and majestic runis of the castle. Normal admission charges apply. April Fool’s jester day 1 April 11.30am – 3.30pm. For more information please call 01929 481294.

Egg Hunting
Join Peter Rabbit and his friends on 31 March for the biggest Easter Egg Hunt in the North.  Over 100 handmade ceramic eggs have been hidden across Cumbria. Find an egg and you win tickets to visit the World of Beatrix Potter. Download a map on the day and get hunting.

Treehouse Towers opens
In London over Easter? Kew Gardens  unveils their new outdoor play area for kids aged 3-11: Treehouse Towers features giant swings, zip wires, scramble nets and slides. A free Easter egg hunt takes place on 4 April, 9.30am to 12.30pm. If it’s raining and you’re in need of a welcome sit-down activity, go see the free puppet show, The Life of A Tree, every day in Climbers & Creepers, their indoor play area for kids (2 -5 April, 9 -12 April and 15 -18 April.) For crafty kids there are free drop-in arts and crafts workshops  and face-painting happening over the Easter weekend and school holidays.

Get lost in Chatsworth
There are Easter events running all weekend and during the school holidays at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. But the real treasure in the Chatsworth’s 450 year old garden is the maze. Get lost and run off steam in the famous labyrinth. As well as the fun of the maze, there’s plenty more on offer for little ones including a small farm with petting sessions, an adventure playground and a lovely Farmyard cafe for a relaxing tea after all the excitement.

(Images by Stuart Cox and David Levenson, The National Trust)

Are you planning days out this Easter? Let us know your best and worst family days out in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.