Hi, we are planning a trip to UK end of May with our 15 months daughter. We have family there that we are going to visit, and maybe stay with for a couple of days. Then we would like to go around and stay few days in London and few days in the countryside.

I would like to get some advice on a B&B near london that is Baby-friendly, and some advice on where to go other than London with a baby. I've been to the England and Scotland a couple of times but I was single and my husband was there once too. But I guess now it would be different going there with a baby.

Thanks.

We travel a lot with our small children and with a child that young, I don't think you have to worry too much about where you want to go. We have found playgrounds, parks, water/ducks everywhere for our kids to run around in. We took our 1st child to Ireland at around the same age (13 months) and we all loved it. We spent a lot of time at castles and parks where she crawled around outside. We didn't do anything that required a guided tour.

We went to the Cotswolds this fall which is close enough to London. We stayed in Bourton on Water, which has a nice stream with tons of ducks. Feeding ducks every day was a highlight. Also there is some kind of a bird park with penguins, flamingos, some fish, etc. and a miniature village you can go to. Plus there was a restaurant with a large outdoor garden right along the stream where you can sit outside for meals and not worry that your kid is disturbing others. Lots of nice hikes around there, too - we went to Upper and Lower Slaughter for hiking and it was beautiful.

Unless you are comfortable for long periods of time with a backpack carrier, I would definitely recommend bringing a stroller with tires (such as a jogger or all-terrain) because the hiking can be through grass/gravel and the little strollers with plastic wheels won't do the job in that kind of environment. Also, I would bring a collapsable seat that screws onto the side of a table for eating. I got mine at metooproducts.com and at that age my kids sat in it constantly while travelling.

Good luck!

I suggest that you take a very lightweight stroller that you can put up and down easily. This will make it much easier in London for you, especially when you are travelling by public transport.
If you are traqvelling at the end of May, make sure your accomodation is booked in advance as the last week in May is a school holiday week.
You could consider renting a cottage for a week in the countryside (Welcome Cottages are good). No ideas for B&Bs but there are usually good hotel deals for London on Priceline (if interested check the biddingfortravel web site.
Carolena

Not sure about the UK, but often B&Bs in the US do not allow children under a certain age. Typically it will say on their site or brochure though. If the B&B posts that they allow babies and children it typically means they are kid friendly. The reason I know this is that my aunt owns a B&B in Colorado and that is her general perception. She loves children and allows all ages, thus her home is very accomodating to children. Most B&Bs in her area do not allow children under say 12. Another option is renting a flat or cottage. This way you have your own place to relax and let the tot run around. Also, I second the idea of taking a lightweight stroller. When we travel with our toddler we always have one on hand. Never been to London (going this summer with 2 girlfriends) but I hear there are a lot of great parks. I hear the Cotswolds are lovely and that sounds like a great place to take a little one. I hope you have a great trip! I love traveling with my little girl and I'm going to miss her on my upcoming trip!

A London institution is Coram Fields, which is not open to adults, unless accompanied by a child: but I'm not sure if 15 months is old enough for what it has to offer. There will be parks and municipal playgrounds in all sorts of places.

Thanks for the advice, this is encouraging since sometimes I think why on earth are we going there now with our baby...but at the same time I love traveling and we would like our baby to be flexible and adapt to our plans and to learn to enjoy our time together as family. She loves people and crowds and certainly loves anything that stimulates her sences afterall I think she will enjoy it there.

Cotswolds, sounds good and I saw lots of reccomendations for it. Is there public transortation there or do we have to rent a car?

Do you have any idea of how much it would cost to stay for a few nights at a nice place there. a cottage or flat sounds good but are they fully furnished and do they have all facilities including houskeeping or not!?

Thanks for the advice on strollers, our light stroller is Chicco and it works well, so I think we will take it.

Carlolina, thanks for the note on the schools holiday, I guess then we will postpone our trip for few days and stay the school holiday with our family there and keep touring for the week after.

Another thing, I love shopping would it be impossible to shop in London with our baby!?? has anyone spent a full day shopping with a baby?1 or do I have to do it few hours on different days?!

thanks a lot

I lived in London and was a nanny. There is always something available for children!! Tons of parks, gardens and playgrounds....
I think children often adapt better than adults to new places etc.
I'm not sure on the shopping though? You may have to space it out unless your child takes long naps or you shop fast Have fun! London is my favorite city.

Other than London, we would like to go on a day trip to Canterbury...any suggestions on other day trips that are doable with our 15 month daughter?!

We are considering Cotswolds for a few days trip as well... although my husband loves cities or towns with beaches,Any suggestions?! And is June a good time for the beach in England?

I'm sure your daughter would enjoy a day at the seaside. If you go to either Folkestone or Margate in Kent you will find traditional family resorts with donkey rides on the beach, ice cream stands etc, not too far from London.

Juji, I lived in London when my kids were babies/toddlers, and have always found it very child friendly. The taxis are great, since your buggy will fit in without folding. Lots of parks and green spaces; try the playground in Kensington Gardens. Your daughter might also like the Aquarium, right next to the London Eye.

A couple of thoughts...

Not sure I would choose to stay in most B&Bs with a toddler instead of a modern hotel or, better yet, a rental apartment.

In London, definately suggest you check out the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens. A really terrific spot for children. Also, if you want to innoculate your child with the shopping bug, take her to Hamley's Toy store on Regent Street.

Normally, I'd recommend the Transport Museum in Covent Garden and the Musuem of Childhood in east London, but alas, both are closed for renovations now.

If horses are of interst, try the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and/or the changing of the mounted guards at Whitehall. The ducks, geese, swans, and even pelicans in St. James's Park may be worth a stroller ride (the park is beautiful).

Dave
(email [email protected] if you have questions)