Family getaways are the best kind of getaways. Especially when they're at the Old Farmyard in the Cotswolds, and all dressed in RI - take it from Mallory Bourn and her stylish bunch. From packing tips and tricks to planning the perfect itinerary, Mallory is here with her guide to the ultimate family staycation: from start to finish. Keep reading for all her tips and tricks!
Want to visit the Cotswold's Old Farmyard with your family? We've teamed up with family-friendly travel experts, Tiny Travelship, to give you the chance to win your very own family getaway to this relaxing retreat. Plus, we've thrown in a £500 River Island voucher. To enter and find out more about the competition, head to our Instagram.
The Before
Are you a night-before or weeks-in-advance packer?
Weeks in advance! With three kids, I like to take my time to make sure I have everything everyone needs.
Do you pack in outfits or are you more spontaneous?
I pack in outfits. I like to lay everything out and try everything on. I want to make sure when I get somewhere I feel good in my clothes. I usually add in a few extra things just in case!
Do you usually plan a holiday itinerary?
I like to have a rough idea of what the plan is for a trip but I think it’s always good to be flexible and go with how you feel when you’re there.
Any tips on preventing over-packing?
I would say try and choose a few pairs of shoes that go with multiple outfits so you don’t end up taking loads of shoes. Packing in outfits really helps but if I’m honest, even though I do that I tend to panic pack a few extra things in case. I would rather have too much than run out of clothes, especially with young children. You never know when they will spill something on you or them!
The Getting There
Any tips on keeping your kids entertained (and most importantly: quiet) on long journeys?
For long plane journeys I like to buy a few new activities for them to do: sticker books, colouring books, small games or toys they can easily play with. That way it’s new and exciting, and tends to keep them occupied for longer. I always make sure they have movies or their favourite programmes loaded on iPads for any long journeys. Oh and snacks! You can never have enough snacks.
Are you the driver or a passenger princess?
Passenger princess! I can’t drive. 2024 is hopefully my year.
Window or aisle on the plane?
I like to be in the aisle because I always need to go to the loo a million times. Plus, I don’t like the feeling of being trapped in by other people if I’m in a window seat.
The Holiday
How do you prioritise your downtime?
For me, just being somewhere with my family is enough. I love being able to have that time with them where I’m not worried about work and household chores. It’s just pure quality time and nothing beats it. My husband and I do try and make sure we each get a bit of time in the day to relax on a sun bed or have a swim or something.
Do you stick to your usual routine when away from home?
It really depends where we go. If we are in the UK then we will roughly stick to our usual routine but if abroad, we may eat slightly later and have later bedtimes for the kids.
What family-friendly activities are you always on the lookout for?
Things that we can all enjoy together. We have quite a big age range between our children: the oldest being nine and youngest eight months. Fun days out and activities we can all be a part of are our favourite.
What was your favourite thing you did in the Cotswolds?
Gosh, there's so much! We love the Cotswolds wildlife park: it’s a beautiful setting, has amazing animals and a brilliant play park. We also love popping to Dayslford for a bite to eat and a look around the farm shop - perfect for rainier days. In the warmer months, we really like going to Bourton-on-the-Water because the kids can walk/paddle in the water and it’s got some really cute little shops and tearooms!
