![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/28f4385e-417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/5e860bed-353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/8aee7c64-353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n-320x320.jpg)
![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/0977c2ca-341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/aa004e9d-337327232_3347621672145747_6958750057427557935_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/d63fb514-333324764_3585822551653806_1461730182166520034_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/a8f9bd79-334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n-320x320.jpg)
![📚 Are you ready for World Book Day? 📚
[AD - Gifted] I don't know about you, but I have never made the boys a costume for #WorldBookDay. I just don't have it in me to be creative that way. Their costumes have always been bought or cobbled together with what we already have, and luckily, the school allow you to wear pyjamas to school, which makes things a lot easier!
M has been living in his @TheRealTomGates pyjamas recently, and I think he might wear these when his World Book Day dress-up day comes around (the school celebrate with Book Week rather than just Book Day)
The boys have been fans of Tom Gates for a while now. M has always loved reading books that make him laugh and contain humour - they tend to keep him engaged in reading.
Did you know that there are now 20 Tom Gates storybooks to get stuck into? Ideal for kids aged 6-12, the series consists of feel-good, hilarious books full of photos and stories about Tom's life at home and school. Best of all, you can read them in any order.
The latest book is Tom Gates: Happy to Help (Eventually), and along with the pyjamas, you can pick them up from @GeorgeAtAsda just in time for World Book Day!
There's also a range of Tom Gates items, including games, puzzles and greeting cards at major retailers.
](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/8ddc1d60-333834012_233243062459121_4168822235387052550_n-320x320.jpg)
![[AD - Gifted]
We went to check out the newly opened @laserquestkingston last week.
Laser Quest, VR Experiences and Arcades all under one roof means only one thing - bundles of fun and games for the kids at really affordable prices.
Laser Quest games start from just £7.95 but you can also buy a Laserquest and VR Experience combo pass.
You need to purchase tokens for the arcades (they’re all 1 token to play). Arcade tokens are 6 for £5 or 12 for £10
Feeling super lucky that this is practically on our doorstep and we will definitely be back again because Mr H came second in our Laser Quest game and refuses to be beaten by E!
Do you have a Laserquest near you?
#Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #LaserTag #ActivitiesForKids #ThingsToDoWithKids #FamilyFun #IndoorActivities #Kingston #DaysOutWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyFamilyDaysout #SurreyMummy #SurreyDaysOut #SurreyLife #SurreyMums #FamilyDaysOut #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #Familyof4 #Familydayout #Familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2022/11/28c60989-316091191_1767700090262610_8985686719346908962_n-180x320.jpg)
Whilst the weather has been rather up and down this summer, we’ve certainly tried to make the most of it. It’s been tough juggling working from home with the boys. When we’ve not been working, we’ve tried to plan lots of fun activities to do.
We’ve popped to London a few times, had picnics outdoor where the rain managed to hold off until after we ate (yay!), had play dates and had a couple of weekends away too.
One of those weekends, we were invited to check out The Holiday Inn Express, Southampton. They were interested in finding out the boys’ opinions of their hotel. My boys love a hotel stay, so much so – they even role play this at home (don’t ask me why!) so I knew they would be up to the challenge!
The Holiday Inn Express, Southampton
Southampton is just over an hour’s drive for us. The Holiday Inn Express, Southampton is just off the M27 and is right next to The Ageas Bowl. There are some retails parks nearby as well as some well-known fast-food chains – very handy for grabbing a bite to eat.
The hotel has a total of 182 rooms across four floors and there is free parking on site. It’s handily situated six miles from Southampton Docks and a 5-minute drive to Southampton Airport.
It’s also a great location if you’re looking to visit either Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth or Paulton’s Park – home to Peppa Pig World. Both are just a half hour drive away. Can you guess where we chose to spend the day after our stay at the Holiday Inn Express?
Check-in
We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and had no problem finding a car park space. The reception desk is to the left as you walk through the entrance. We waited no more than 5-10 minutes to be checked-in. We were then shown where the bar/restaurant was and were taken to the room we’d be staying in for the night.
The room
We had a family room with a double bed and a pull out sofa bed for the boys. The room was an adequate size and had everything we needed for an overnight stay.
I liked the fact there was an ironing board and iron in the room, as well as a full-sized hair dryer. There’s nothing worse than having to use the tiny ones that are provided in bathrooms that take forever to actually dry your hair!
Another bonus was the full-size shower gel and soap in the bathroom It meant no faffing around with tiny miniatures – they are never enough for a family of four, are they?
The thing that Mr H and I loved the most though? The USB charger in the power sockets – total game changer and so handy. I want to have some put in our house!
After taking our things to our room we decided to venture out on foot to the Retail Park for a spot of retail therapy for a couple of hours before heading back to The Holiday Inn Express for dinner.
Restaurant
With it being the summer holidays, the restaurant was filled with families with children (young and old). We didn’t have a problem finding a table and were pleased to see there was a good choice of food available.
The restaurant area is light and spacious and there were high chairs readily available for those with younger children.
The boys were kept occupied with their newly acquired wooden trains (from shopping earlier) along with some activity sheets provided by the staff. It’s always nice to have these available for kids as it’s not much fun having to sit and wait for your food.
Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait too long for ours to arrive.
The boys had Garlic Bread, and Tomato Soup to start followed by Fish Fingers/Chicken Strips for their main. The portions were very generous and they went down a treat.
We chose to have Tempura Prawns and Macaroni Bites to start followed by a curry for Mr H and a lasagne for me for our mains.
The food was of a good standard and the staff were very friendly and happily attended to our needs.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay for pudding as M had a bit of a turn and wasn’t feeling too well, so we retreated back to our room for the night.
Night Cap
The boys were sent some hot chocolate and cookies up to the room which was a lovely touch and made up for them missing pudding. They happily had these in bed whilst watching SSpider-Manon TV. I don’t think they could have had a nicer way to end their evening!
Breakfast
The following morning we were up early as we were checking out to head to Paulton’s Park for the day .
Breakfast is served from 7-11am at the weekends and is buffet style and served in the restaurant area where we dined the previous evening.
As you can imagine, it was very busy and trying to grab your breakfast items from the small breakfast area where there are lots of hungry guests was a little chaotic.
There was a good selection of pastries, jams, spreads, yoghurt and fruit as well as hot breakfast items such as bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs and beans. A variety of teas were also available as well as a coffee machine and juices.
Any items that were running low were replenished by the staff quickly. We found that once the initial mayhem died down a bit we were able to select what we needed to refuel – it was just what we needed for our busy day ahead.
Kids Advisor opinions
Things the boys loved
- The buffet breakfast
- Having hot chocolate and cookies in bed
- Comfy sofa bed
Things that could be improved
- TV wasn’t big enough – E suggested a movie screen in the rooms
- Adding a Kids Area with toys and a movie area with popcorn
- The boys wanted a swimming pool!
Watch the video we made of the boys enjoying their stay:
Overall
The Holiday Inn Express, Southampton generally caters well as a place for families to stay. As the boys mentioned above, it would be nice to have a Kid’s Zone where they could perhaps have a TV that showed movies in the evening and some toys for them to play with so parents could enjoy a drink or two before or after dinner.
We enjoyed our stay, the rooms are clean, beds are comfy and the staff are attentive and friendly and will happily help you with any queries you might have. We were made to feel very welcome and definitely would look to book a stay at a Holiday Inn again.
*We were invited to The Holiday Inn Express, Southampton for the purpose of this review.
Pin it for later:
![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/8aee7c64-353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=IIPB68Dt8tEAb4dq7eD&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfC2riP-kUraChCCQWUcOQ0WAUApVWVswJUU3DRE1uskxw&oe=66246BB6)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334067699_956216515750432_286974433888814683_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=yVEuSl7YKOIAb6xRbdT&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfDmNHW_wgLsplZQwVeWQvlKzFJP9xhLmE9S2LTP1W3W6Q&oe=66248A6E)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr8-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334520323_227914339632366_7177231793717696790_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=toXLnSTsHWAAb6T8qSe&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfBT0hBN8NAB_Wqv3NJZ5-F5tl6Qt6R56H3d7jOpHp1XKA&oe=662471B4)
My girls simply love a good hotel stay, no matter the hotel! They would have enjoyed this experience immensely! What a great thing to get to do with your family! #KCACOLS xxoxo
I’ve never taken the kids to stay in a hotel, but this has made me want to! #kcacols
We haven’t stayed in a Holiday Inn Express but one of the best family resorts we’ve stayed in was the Holiday Inn in Mai Khao (Phuket). Just fabulous. #KALCOLS
I used to stay in Holiday Inns when I was kid but we haven’t actually stayed in one as a family so it’s good to read your review. Sounds like a good option though I agree a Kids Zone area is always a big plus. #KCACOLS
Ah great review. Shame M didn’t feel so good. Southampton is a great city. lots to do and see #KCACOLS
Looks like Holiday Inn are improving their hotels. Looks really nice but yes kids areas are always a winner x
#kcacols
My toddler gets so excited by hotel stays too – she doesn’t care where we go or how nice the hotel is! I haven’t stayed in a Holiday Inn Express for a long time, but they look like they’re still smart hotels. #kcacols
Awesome, loving that the kids wanted movie screens in their room. Dream big! #kcacols
It looks like you had a pretty nice stay…I would agree that they could perhaps offer a few more incentives for families to help make their stay better. #KCACOLS
I wanna know what happens if you press the “fidget spinner” button in the lift lol
I love that you boys play hotel at home. How cute! We love staying in a hotel but we’re always upset by the size of the tele compared to our 49″ at home. Always struggle with the milk storage and reheating too so that’s stressful. Nearly three years old I wished I’d never started heating his milk lol
Fab post. #KCACOLS
Sounds like a great family hotel. I love that there is an iron and hairdryer too! The boys suggestions sound great too haha #kcacols
Great plan for Peppa Pig world! Love those USB sockets – brilliant! #KCACOLS
Pingback: Review: Paultons Family Theme Park | Suburban Mum
It’s good to get away with the kids and getting a good nights sleep is always top of my priorities list!:)
Mainy
#KCACOLS
Sounds great. I’d be interested in how many kids you can fit in their family rooms as with 3 kids it is going to be a bit of a problem staying places when the youngest hits 2. I’ll have to check them out.#KCACOLS
We stayed in one in wincanton! It really was a great place to stay 🙂 #KCACOLS
I don’t know why but I’ve never stayed in holidayInn.Need to say it looks really nice and if it’s family friendly than ever better
#KCACOLS
They look very cosy in that bed! #KCACOLS