Lifestyle

Why ‘Just Outside Of London’ Gives You More For Your Money

April 6, 2017 JayneLeave a comment

When tourists visit the UK, they are drawn to the centre of London. The bright lights of the West End, the iconic architecture of Buckingham Palace, and the spectacle of the London Eye are certainly alluring. However, accommodation right in the centre of things is never cheap, and it’s rarely as effortless as you might need. Those that are in the UK know that ‘just outside’ of these tourist hotspots can offer the holidaymaker a lot more of London than they thought.

The M25 is the outermost ring road for London. Within this motorway circle are the affluent suburbs commuters love to live in. They offer leafy environments, bigger houses, and less pollution. Move in a little closer, and you have the North Circular – London’s original ring road. This is busy and passes through a number of residential and key business centres that serve this area. So why are these parts of London ignored?

Thanks to Pexels for the pic

Perhaps some of the most convenient areas of London are the ones that are still served by London Underground and the Night Bus services. This means you can stay as late as you want at Piccadilly Circus or the West End comedy clubs. You’re still just a few minutes from your accommodation. You might be staying somewhere like the Dorsett Hotel Shepherds Bush or a nationwide hotel chain in Barking. East or West, you can be served well, without being stuck right in the middle. Best of all, these areas provide their own attractions and delights for the tourist.

If you are accommodated just outside of London, you are likely to enjoy plenty more choice of accommodation. This can include private rooms, apartments, bed and breakfast, and hotels. This might better suit your circumstances. You’re less likely to be penalised for taking your car and parking it at your hotel too! The congestion charges are due to change soon, so make sure you check what you will owe before you travel.

So what more can outer London offer? There are more parks, commons, and heaths to explore. Each will offer a better variety of view too. There are plenty of acclaimed theatres and arts houses to enjoy too. Places like Wimbledon are home to world class eateries, and Enfield offers a superb array of independent retail outlets. Each area is different, so why not try more than one?

How can you get in and out of London from the outer reaches? The underground system is one of the quickest and most efficient modes of transport. You pay for a travel card to last the day or the whole week. This can usually be used to cover your cost of travel on the buses and some overground trains too. Check which zones you need. You may be able to save some money.

If you really love spending time in London, don’t be afraid to explore what is just beyond the tourist hotspots. There is an endless amount of things to see and do, and every area has its own unique character too. What is your favourite area of London in spring?

Win Four Tickets to Rave-a-Roo at Ministry of Sound!

September 30, 2016September 30, 2016 Jayne2 Comments

Rave-a-Roo Ministry of Sound London I must admit, when it comes to kids events I’m definitely not your average ‘bunting and cake stands’ kinda Mum and I love to do things with the girls which are just a little bit different. That’s why, when I heard about Rave-a-Roo, I was very excited. Without even reading too much about the event, I came to the conclusion that ANY family event which is held at Ministry of Sound in London is probably ridiculously cool, and after reading more I definitely wasn’t wrong!

Here’s what the guys at Rave-a-Roo had to say about the events:

Rave-A-Roonies are in for a real treat, as the biggest and best family rave fest returns with a host of new dates! Taking place at London’s iconic Ministry of Sound club on Saturday 1^st October and Saturday 15^th October, Rave-A-Roo is back with an even more jam-packed line-up of family festival fun.

With live stage performances, madcap hosts and DJs including DJ Cuddles and Mr Ben, Rave-A-Roo focuses on the whole family partying and playing together. The incredible Jungle Jane and Tiger Tim (renowned comedy duo Kat and Matt) will also be performing their brand new hilarious show that’s not to be missed!There is also the chance for mini-clubbers and adults to take on the dance floor with resident artists Go! Go! Go! (Electro set) as seen on Nick Jr.

The event is broken into three zones targeted at families with children up to the age of 12. Energy levels are set high in the Main Room with live music and entertainment, spectacular lights, Disco Ball Games, and an impressive confetti mayhem finale to top it all off.For mini guests who need a little time out from partying, the Glow Chill Room is the place to be! With neon crafts and a UV glitter tattoo station, this space provides the perfect environment to relax and take time out. Children under-three can also join the party in The Funky Softplay Room, featuring soft play, a mini ball pool, air jugglers and café del mar style music.

Jenny Kane, event co-founder said: “Since the first event back in February, Rave-A-Roo has gone from strength to strength and we’re delighted to be adding a host of new dates to the calendar.

“Rave-A-Roo gives kids and families the chance to let loose, be themselves and party together. From babes in arms to grandparents, the whole family is invited to Rave-A-Roo which is for everyone and all ages.”

With a fully licensed bar (and tea, coffee and snacks), spotless surroundings, a convenient onsite buggy park, baby changing with handy supplies, professional security and staff, carefully monitored sound levels and beautifully lit rooms, Rave-A-Roo offers a unique and safe environment for families.

Sessions are 12pm to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm.

I absolutely love the sound of this – Husband and I spent a LOT of time in clubs in our youths and I definitely miss it at times so having the chance to convert that into something which is family friendly and can be enjoyed with the girls sounds like a stroke of pure genius to me. Now, here’s the good bit: I’ve got four tickets (two adult tickets and two kids tickets) to give away to the event on Saturday 15th October. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is complete the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! We can’t wait to pick a winner!

Days Out · Family

Planning A Family Day Out In London: Everything That You Need To Know

July 5, 2016 JayneLeave a comment

For a day out of family fun, London is the perfect place. This multicultural, capital city, has everything that you and your family could want, and more. The great thing about spending time in London is that no matter what you and your family are into, there’s sure to be an activity that you will love. To help you plan the most amazing day out, I’ve put together this insightful and useful guide to exploring London with the kids in tow.

Photo source

Let’s talk transport

The first thing that you need to establish is how you’ll get to the city and how you’ll get around once you’re there. This will most probably depend on where you’re coming from. For instance, if you’re coming from one of London’s suburbs, the easiest option is most probably to take the tube into the city. If, however, you’re coming from a little further afield, it may be easier to drive. You can then park up somewhere and either walk, take the bus or use the tube to get around. Westfield shopping centre in London has free parking, so could be a good place to leave your car for the day.

Where to drink and dine

While you’re in London, the chances are that you’re going to need to find places to stop off for a coffee and a snack or a spot of lunch or dinner. The good news is that like most cities, London has plenty of family-friendly places to drink and dine. From chain restaurants like Jamie’s Italian, to places like Brick Lane Brasserie Restaurant, you have lots of choice. To find out how good a restaurant is, check out its reviews on TripAdvisor.

What are the best sights and attractions?

For history lovers, The Natural History Museum makes a fantastic family day out. Packed full of fossils, bones, and interesting insects and animals, this is the perfect place for the kids to explore. Best of all, it’s free of charge to visit – so if you’re on a budget, this is a great option. The Tower of London is also a great thing to see if you’re a family of history lovers, as it’s one of the UK’s most iconic historical landmarks. Or, could a fun and exhilarating day out at the London Dungeons be a good option?

For kids who love science, there’s no better place to take them than to the London Science Museum. Packed full of unique and interesting exhibits, the London Science Museum is the perfect place for kids of all ages. Especially, those that are science mad.

For kids, bus tours can be a little boring, but not the London Duck Tour. This one of a kind tour around London takes place both on land and in the River Thames in a bright yellow, amphibious vehicle. This is a fantastic way to see the city that’s fun, child-friendly, and unique.

London has a lot to offer visitors of all ages but is especially good for families. With so much to see and do, plenty of places to eat and drink, and an exciting atmosphere, this is the perfect place for a family day out with a difference.

Family · Lifestyle

The UK’s Most Expensive Neighbourhoods

November 25, 2015November 25, 2015 JayneLeave a comment

Living in the South East of England can be an expensive business; our proximity to London means that house prices and rents are still very high and that expensive perimeter around the capital is only increasing with improved high-speed travel. In the area we previously lived, we saw house prices steadily creeping up to the point that, when it came to moving house, we decided that enough was enough and moved to a less expensive area.

Property Rescue has created an infographic, showing the top ten most expensive places to live in the UK and I was COMPLETELY unsurprised to see that 90% of them are in London! Here’s the full list:

According to their research:

“The East of England continually sees the biggest growths in house prices with homes worth 8.4 per cent more than last year, seeing the average price of the likes of Chelsea, Notting Hill, and West Brompton comfortably sit above £1million.

London property averages at almost £500,000 but sitting top of the list is Kensington, where residences are worth an average £1.74million. Such is its regard, the area includes a street which is home to the ambassadors of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Finland just to name a few.

Located in the west of London, surrounded by other affluent areas including Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, and Chelsea, the area includes a wealth of London’s premiere hotspots including the Natural History Museum, the Royal College of Art, and the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Palace.

The list is entirely made up of London locations, with neighbourhoods in Kent and Hertfordshire missing out, whilst the quiet commuter town of Virginia Water, Surrey is the only area outside London which makes the list.”

The saddest part about the list is that so many of the areas which have now been gentrified were once areas which were homes to average working people, people who would have absolutely no hope of living there ever again. It reminds me of the episode of Only Fools and Horses where Uncle Albert tries to go back to Tobacco Road where he grew up and finds it full of million-pound Docklands apartments and penthouses.

Do you live in an area which has become unaffordable over the years? Do you think it’s a good thing when older areas are regenerated or are you, like me, sad that working class people are being driven out of their home towns? Leave me a comment below as I’d love to hear what you think about it all.

BRITAX Mumbassador

Britax Sponsors the Bliss Buggy Push

May 21, 2015 JayneLeave a comment

As you probably know, the Mum’s the Word family were chosen as ambassadors for Britax and are huge fans of their products. Our Affinity has been all over the country with us, transporting Burrito Baby around London Zoo, Tropical Wings, Bluewater and Lakeside shopping centres (frequently!), Drusillas Park and Hello Kitty Land, as well as many other places and numerous walks up and down Southend seafront! I adore the Affinity for so many reasons, not least of all how comfy BB looks when she’s in it, but also for the easy handling and soft suspension. It’s a great buggy and the perfect partner for the Bliss Buggy Push, a 5km family walk which aims to raise money for the special care baby charity.

LOVING the sunshine today, but v.grateful for the canopy on June's @BritaxUK Affinity!

A photo posted by Mum's the Word (@mumstheword84) on Feb 26, 2014 at 2:01am PST

Here’s the blurb:

This is the third year that Britax will sponsor the charity initiative, and following the success of last year’s 40 events, organisers say the 2015 fundraiser has the potential to be the biggest one yet.

Bliss is once again encouraging people across the country to organise a Buggy Push at a park near them to raise money to help premature and sick babies as well as their families. One in every nine babies is born premature or sick – that is around 80,000 babies every year.

Partnering with Miffy, the iconic children’s character, the headline London Buggy Push is taking place on 13 June to celebrate Miffy’s 60^th birthday. Alongside sponsorship of the event, Britax will also be offering families the chance to win one of its stylish and award winning Britax Affinity pushchairs. The three highest fundraisers who take part in the main events at either London, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh will be able to select a light-weight Affinity in their preferred choice of colour and take home the matching Cosytoes and Changing Bag – the perfect prize for any mums on the go looking to make a fashion statement.

Amy Voller, Brand Director EMEA from Britax comments, “As a brand devoted to helping families find their freedom, we are delighted to once again be working with Bliss. Through this partnership we can not only encourage parents to get out and about with their little ones, we can also raise awareness for a fantastic cause that is very close to our hearts. We are behind every single family that choses to take part – best of luck!”

If you’d like to organise your own Bliss Buggy Push or find an event near you, take a look at the Bliss page. To find out more about the Britax Affinity or the rest of their range, click on the link to head over there.