This is a proper ESSAY. I’ve put in random pics to break it
up a bit! But get some snacks.
Having never been, and not really knowing what to expect AT
ALL – we did our massive Ocado order, loaded up the car with all the things and
headed to Woburn for a weekend of fun with some of our bestest.
The M25 was typically terrible and the journey was longer
than we wanted…even though we left work early to get there, so when we pulled
in we were all a little bit ready to just BE somewhere. We were greeted by a
lovely lady and checked in, given our stylish wrist bands and map and sent on
our way…where we immediately took a wrong turn and ended up in the deepest
depths of the park (well not really, but who were we to know?) and turns out,
also driving down a footpath. Haynes’ for the win.
We turned ourselves around (I ran in to the spa to use the
loo…let’s be real it had been hours!!!) and finally found our way to the cabin
where we would be for the weekend.
I say cabin, really it was a lovely house – two stories with
two bedrooms and ensuites downstairs and upstairs had two bedrooms and
ensuites, a games room (pool table, xbox, games!), an open plan living space
(lounge, dining table and kitchen) as well as a lovely outdoor space with a bbq
set up, a sauna and another balcony at the front.
We got to unloading the car – first thing first was loading
up the wine fridge – obvs.
I had read a lot about what was actually in the kitchens, so
we brought a few bits which actually I was really happy we did (sharp knives,
big serving bowls, a big pan for ‘family cooking’ a whisk, kitchen roll, cling
film and aluminium foil) – there were things I didn’t bring and wish I did…dishtowels
and a jug for Pimms!
We got settled in – gave the tiny human his supper and let
him run around like a maniac – he was LOVING it. And because it was all open
plan he could be outside when I was unpacking stuff in the kitchen and I could
still see him…made me want to get our reno sorted ASAP!
The rest of the crew arrived later, put their little to bed and
we had a pizza party in the kitchen – with lots of wine.
The next day was for boating and eating and napping and
drinking…lots of adventures and mini golf and general exploring. The weather
was lovely a bit of wind and cloud, but enough sunshine that we were able to
have lots and lots of outside time.
We were equal distance from the swimming bit and the lake
and indoor bit – and no hills! The reviews online for this location are often about
how hilly it is, we really really lucked out with the location of our casa.
We didn’t make it to the pool on day one – SO much fun doing
everything else.
Day two we had a craft thingy booked in for the littles in
the morning – which they loved!! I also managed to get covered in paint, but it
was hilarious and really well organised. Then it was all about the pool.
All weekend I was constantly amazed as to the organisation
of EVERYTHING – there was nothing (it seemed) they hadn’t thought of – one way
systems for the changing rooms, using your wrist bands to lock and unlock the
lockers – a checker to see which locker yours was (they need to do this in
underground car parks, honest to goodness, so brilliant!)
We entered the pool area…the map made it look huge and full
of lazy rivers and all sorts – but nothing could have prepared me for what we
were walking in to.
There was a pool that was perfect for the tiny human, up to
his chest at its deepest, with a water play area, three mini waterslides and
warm water…a separate ‘water park’ area was a giant pirate ship with four more
slightly more advanced water slides, but still good for a two year old…climbing
frames and all sorts. Then there was a wave pool and a lazy river, both of which
he loved as well but had to do with an adult.
There were big kid waterslides, an outdoor rapid river and a
ton of stuff we didn’t even make it to – a café for food and lots of chairs and
out of water chill out areas for food breaks.
We did pool time until the kids could barely function, then
fed them as they tried to keep their eyes open, and home for naps!
Another lovely evening of exploring and fun playing and
eating and drinking – everyone (the littles and the bigs) pouring themselves to
bed at the end of the day totally exhausted in the best way possible.
Monday we all planned to pile in the cars around nap time –
so there was only one thing for the morning, besides packing up the cars…the
pool! We got the cars loaded and the guys took them back to the car park while
we went to collect the littles masterpieces from the day before.
A few hours in the pool and lunch at the pool café and we
were off to get in the cars and make the drive home.
All in all it was a brilliant weekend away, there was this
underlying feeling of Stepford Wives perfection which at times was a bit
unnerving – but we didn’t do that many ‘organised’ events, and still had a
blast!
I’m glad we brought our own food, as it gave us flexibility
with mealtimes and there was no waiting for food as the littles had some hangry
moments for sure!
The only meal all weekend that the littles weren’t half
asleep for was breakfast – that’s the sign of a successful weekend!
We’d defo return – too much fun not to, and so perfect for
our little man.
axxx
