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Otis and Us

5 reasons to visit the Midlands this Winter

Blog

2 Jan

I love to plan a holiday or a winter break. There is nothing better than spending an evening or two surfing the internet in search of that perfect trip. Picking the perfect destination for a break is always an exciting task, don’t you think? We often try to squeeze in a few weekend breaks, particularly after the chaos and craziness of Christmas and New Year. As I sit here typing, looking out of my window to see a flurry of white snow,  I am dreaming of golden sands, turquoise waters and winter sun. After Christmas and New Year, many of us find our budgets are tighter, thanks to increased fuel and heating bills, and the extravagance of the festive period. With this in mind, It has got me thinking….  why not  plan a UK staycation this winter? I can certainly think of a number of reasons to visit the Midlands this winter.  It is the perfect opportunity to escape the daily routine or housework, chores and life in general to explore the wintery countryside with an added bonus of it not costing the earth.

I am sure as you are reading this…the Midlands may well be far from the first UK holiday destination to cross your mind. The Midlands is a region in Central England and is commonly subdivided into The East and West Midlands. The East Midlands comprises the counties of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland, and the cities of Derby, Nottingham and Leicester. The West Midlands comprises of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire, and the metropolitan boroughs of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton and the City of Stoke on Trent.

So keep on reading…..I have found 5 reasons to visit the Midlands this Winter……

Convenience

When the weather isn’t the best and seasonal festivities are looming on the horizon, it makes sense that you won’t want to stray too far from home. The Midlands is located slap-bang in the middle of the country, with top-notch transport links to major cities like Nottingham and Birmingham providing even greater ease of access. Similarly, if you are travelling for business, this region offers the perfect central meeting point for people travelling in from all over the country.

City Break

The Midlands is home to a number of Cities including the second largest city –  the city of Birmingham. There are an abundance of shops, shopping centres, restaurants and cafes to sit and take in the atmosphere, and as already stated, the transport links are great.

Family Friendly Attractions

There are so many family friendly attractions to visit in the Midlands. You can enjoy a stroll around the lake, and the kids can enjoy the adventure playground and the barefoot walk at Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire.

The Monkey Forest in Staffordshire, is home to 140 barbary macaques living freely in the 60 acre woodland. Drayton Manor Theme Park in Tamworth, West Midlands Safari Park in Worcestershire, and Cadbury World in Birmingham are all great days out and cater for all ages. We recently enjoyed a day out at the World of Wedgwood in Stoke-on-Trent where the kids were able to paint pottery and throw a pot – great for those cold and wet winter days.

Stunning countryside

There is nothing better than wrapping up warm and heading out for a winter walk. Explore forests, woodlands, country parks, canals and rivers, and enjoy panaramic views across dales and moors in the Peak District National Park. There is so much to see and do and there really is something for everyone. We love to venture out to Dovedale in the Peak District, a wonderful place to blow those cobwebs away and to get outside with the family.

Escape the City

If visiting the City is not on your list of things to do, there are some beautiful medieval market towns in the Midlands. Lichfield Cathedral alone makes Lichfield well worth a visit. Warwick is a beautiful town, famous for its magnificant castle, and historic charm. The beautiful Market town of Shrewsbury is filled with half timbered tudor houses, and picturesque shops. We recently enjoyed a wonderful day in Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town in the West Midlands, and  the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Enjoying a  staycation can be a great way to see exciting parts of the country from a whole new perspective, as well as providing the perfect antidote to those dreaded winter blues.

Are you feeling inspired yet?

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Nantcol waterfalls campsite I’ve had so many m Nantcol waterfalls campsite 

I’ve had so many messages to ask where we camped in Snowdonia. If you are looking for a unique camping experience in Snowdonia, then this one is for you. 

Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is a family friendly campsite on the edge of the river and waterfalls yet just a couple of miles from golden sandy beaches.

There is also glamping available onsite 

It is safe to say this was a favourite campsite of ours. The wash facilities were immaculate. Great size pitches and direct access to the river. 

Harlech and Barmouth are just a short drive away and I can highly recommend the Victoria Inn if you fancy a night off cooking! 

What a gem!

I’ve popped more info in my stories for you. 

Who’s coming with us next time? 😂

#walesadventure #walescoastpath #northwales #northwalestagram #ukhiddengems #snowdonianationalpark #nantcol #nantcolwaterfalls #vanlifewales #roadtripuk #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #ukexplore #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #camperstyle #vanlifeing #vwfamily #vwgirl #camperlifewithkids #campsites #summeroutfits #vanlifestyle #vanlifewithkids #dubdog #styleover40 #whattowearnow
North Wales - you never disappoint! My plan was t North Wales - you never disappoint!

My plan was to post regularly on here over the first part of the holiday, but the truth is we have been searching for  sunsets, living our best life on the beach, chasing the sunshine, having lazy evenings by the river (may have had a vino or two), and spending quality time together. The lack of 3G can be such a joy! This is what vanlife is all about! 

Time to hit the road and wave goodbye to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 for now! Ready for our next road trip (Ps campsite details coming tomorrow) 

Anyone else love North Wales as much as us? 

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Road tripping in the UK! Chatting to people about Road tripping in the UK!

Chatting to people about the Summer holidays got me thinking….. 

Why do we play down our holidays? 

“We are just staying in the UK this year”

“We are not going away…we are just staying at home.”

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Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the water, or hiking to a lighthouse 🙂 

Always thinking about what to wear, and what packs well when we are squeezing 5 and a dog into a VWT5…😆

Introducing the @keeneurope Elle sandal.

Comfortable, lightweight and versatile. I love that the stretchy upper is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. And I love even more that we only have to pack one pair of shoes for our van trips. We have been HUGE fans of @keeneurope shoes for years. 

Now be honest ……How many pairs of shoes do you take on holiday? 

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This is why I turn on my Live photos. So many ph This is why I turn on my Live photos. 

So many photos that turn into tiny captured moments 

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This is a reminder to turn on live photos this Summer
And save as videos 

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Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐 I posted a video the o Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐

I posted a video the other day on my stories from our early days in our  van and it got me thinking. How amazing is it that our kids get to experience vanlife?

As adults we love vanlife, I mean what’s not to love about chasing the sun, a break from routine, time together, and sitting outside watching a sunset with a glass of wine. 

But the kids love it just as much. They love the freedom, waking up in new places, sleeping in the roof, a sea view, paddle boards for hours in the sea, the late night sunsets and throwing out the bedtime routine. They love it all. 

The calendar is crazy at the moment, end of year parties, leavers parties, new inset days, school trips and dance shows, so I think we are all looking forward to some annual leave and a rest 😆 (did I really use the word ‘rest’ with three kids and a dog?😆) 

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Ad/ Slow living A campervan… a hammock and a g Ad/ Slow living 

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The @tickettothemoonhammock review will be live on the blog shortly once I can physically remove myself from my hammock and my little area of peace and tranquility 🙂 

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Who else loves a hammock? 

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The gram is such a funny thing. I have made some a The gram is such a funny thing. I have made some absolutely wonderful friendships over the years. Beautiful friends that are just my kind of people. Absolute sunshine.

On our recent girls van trip…. 

Me “girls just make sure I don’t lose my key - I always seem to misplace it.”

Time to say our goodbyes.. 
Girls “bye for now” - waving as they get in their vans.

Me. “Girls - I’ve lost my key”

One hour of searching and complete van emptying commences. 
 
I am that friend 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

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.📸 photo credit @van_fam_andme 😆

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Solo campervan trip For the first time ever I’m Solo campervan trip

For the first time ever I’m off on a trip in the campervan without my kids. My little peace breakers. Without my hubby…. The chief driver. . The one who sets the van up. The one who cooks. The one who makes my cuppa in the morning and pours my wine🙈😆 (so basically Paul does everything) - Actually no - I do pack the van, and I am the one who does all the necessary research and books the trips (it’s a tough job) Oh and I set the beds up, and keep the camping chairs warm? 

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#vanliferealities #vanlife #vanlifeuk #vangirls #vangirl #vangirlsrule #vwvan #vanlifefamilydiaries #workhardplayhard #roadtrippin #campervanlife #solovanlife #campervanlifestyle #vanfamily #vanconversion #wheretonext #poptopcamper #ukcamping #tinyhousemovement #ukexplore #tinyhomeonwheels
Not insta perfect at all - I’m an absolute drown Not insta perfect at all - I’m an absolute drowned rat, spent most of the hour under the water, or trying to balance on the surf board on my knees or trying not to take the dog out who insisted on swimming in the path of all the novice surfers 😆

A brilliant weekend celebrating my beautiful friend’s surprise 40th in Scarborough with all the people who love her. What weekends are made for ! 🏄‍♀️ 🍹 

So hands up if you can surf because I think need a few more lessons 🤔 🤣

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Nantcol waterfalls campsite I’ve had so many m Nantcol waterfalls campsite 

I’ve had so many messages to ask where we camped in Snowdonia. If you are looking for a unique camping experience in Snowdonia, then this one is for you. 

Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is a family friendly campsite on the edge of the river and waterfalls yet just a couple of miles from golden sandy beaches.

There is also glamping available onsite 

It is safe to say this was a favourite campsite of ours. The wash facilities were immaculate. Great size pitches and direct access to the river. 

Harlech and Barmouth are just a short drive away and I can highly recommend the Victoria Inn if you fancy a night off cooking! 

What a gem!

I’ve popped more info in my stories for you. 

Who’s coming with us next time? 😂

#walesadventure #walescoastpath #northwales #northwalestagram #ukhiddengems #snowdonianationalpark #nantcol #nantcolwaterfalls #vanlifewales #roadtripuk #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #ukexplore #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #camperstyle #vanlifeing #vwfamily #vwgirl #camperlifewithkids #campsites #summeroutfits #vanlifestyle #vanlifewithkids #dubdog #styleover40 #whattowearnow
North Wales - you never disappoint! My plan was t North Wales - you never disappoint!

My plan was to post regularly on here over the first part of the holiday, but the truth is we have been searching for  sunsets, living our best life on the beach, chasing the sunshine, having lazy evenings by the river (may have had a vino or two), and spending quality time together. The lack of 3G can be such a joy! This is what vanlife is all about! 

Time to hit the road and wave goodbye to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 for now! Ready for our next road trip (Ps campsite details coming tomorrow) 

Anyone else love North Wales as much as us? 

#northwales #wales #walesadventure #northwalestagram #northwalescoast #vanlifewales #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifewithkids #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifefamilies #vanqueens #sunsetphotography #sunsetglow #chasingadventures #chasingsunsets #ukhiddengems #vangirls #vwgirl #roadtripuk
Road tripping in the UK! Chatting to people about Road tripping in the UK!

Chatting to people about the Summer holidays got me thinking….. 

Why do we play down our holidays? 

“We are just staying in the UK this year”

“We are not going away…we are just staying at home.”

The UK is incredible ……home is one of my favourite places to be ❤️

#vanlife #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervan #vanfamtribe #vanfamilies #vanlifefamily #dubbedoutcommunity #campervanadventures #ukhiddengems #ukexplore #roadtripuk -#campervanroadtrip #whatgetsyououtdoors -#outdoorsisbetter #walesadventure #scotlandexplore #devoncoast #cornwallcoast #peakdistrictnationalpark #anglesey #northwalestagram
Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the water, or hiking to a lighthouse :) 

Always thinking about what to wear, and what packs well when we are squeezing 5 and a dog into a VWT5…😆

Introducing the @keeneurope Elle sandal.

Comfortable, lightweight and versatile. I love that the stretchy upper is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. And I love even more that we only have to pack one pair of shoes for our van trips. We have been HUGE fans of @keeneurope shoes for years. 

Now be honest ……How many pairs of shoes do you take on holiday? 

#outsideisbetter  #7daysandal 
#whatmamaworemonday 
#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifeclothing #over40style #mamafashion #outdoorclothing #campinglife #vanlifefamily #outdoorfamilies #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #hikinggirl #outdoorswimming #seaair #campervanlife #campervandiaries #campervanlifestyle #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifeideas
This is why I turn on my Live photos. So many ph This is why I turn on my Live photos. 

So many photos that turn into tiny captured moments 

⬇️
This is a reminder to turn on live photos this Summer
And save as videos 

.
.
.
.
#livephotos #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilies #vanlifefamilydiaries #campervanlife #campervanliving #campervanadventures #campervanfamily #campervanwithkids #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #outdoorfamily #outdoorfamilyphotography 
#lovelifeoutside
Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐 I posted a video the o Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐

I posted a video the other day on my stories from our early days in our  van and it got me thinking. How amazing is it that our kids get to experience vanlife?

As adults we love vanlife, I mean what’s not to love about chasing the sun, a break from routine, time together, and sitting outside watching a sunset with a glass of wine. 

But the kids love it just as much. They love the freedom, waking up in new places, sleeping in the roof, a sea view, paddle boards for hours in the sea, the late night sunsets and throwing out the bedtime routine. They love it all. 

The calendar is crazy at the moment, end of year parties, leavers parties, new inset days, school trips and dance shows, so I think we are all looking forward to some annual leave and a rest 😆 (did I really use the word ‘rest’ with three kids and a dog?😆) 

➡️ swipe for a few of my fave vanlife pics from our recent travels 

What do you love the most about vanlife? And how about the kids - what do they love?

#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifereality #vanlife #vwt5 #vanfamtribe #vanfamily #vanfamilies #5gocamping #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervanadventures #campervanlife #campervanculture #dubbedoutcommunity #vwdubs #t5camper #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifediaries #vanlifeglobal #vwadventures #campervanliving #roadtrippin #vanlifeeurope #outdoorfamilies #familieswhotravel #lovelifeoutdoors #freshairtherapy 
#vaninspo

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