By Neil Speight
THANKS to the influence of airport delays, Icelandic volcanoes, fluctuating finances and pressures of the workplace, the idea of families taking a traditional two week break is changing.
More and more, people are looking for a series of short breaks, nearer home rather than to foreign fields, opening up a wide range of opportunities to suit many varied budgets.
I’m not going to pretend that everyone can afford to enjoy the real delights of the new-look Runnymede-on-Thames hotel in Egham, Surrey, which sits on the Thames, but if you can afford it, or can save up for it, it’s a wonderful experience that will last long in the memory.
We took our young kids there for a short stay and I’m sure it’s something they will remember for many, many years.
The hotel, sitting in its own riverside grounds, has been given a brand new look by the same designers of Carluccio’s restaurants and the hotel recently unveiled their glamorous new outdoor pool with kids’ splash pool, new family rooms and two new restaurants.
The Runnymede is a great choice for family holidays, either at the hotel - boat rides, tennis lessons, swimming - or nearby, such as Legoland, Windsor Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, the Magna Carta Memorial and Hampton Court Palace.
I’ve often found hotels of this stature to be somewhat ‘sniffy’ about children, accepting them as almost an inconvenience rather than small guests. Not so at the Runnymede. From the moment we arrived and the kids received their Danny Duck package, the staff couldn’t have been warmer in their welcome.
And the hotel clearly regards kids as important. They have a games room, can select their own food in the restaurant and are welcomed throughout the Runnymede. In our ‘apartment’ room, the kids even had their own room, with TV and they simply loved it.
And with families in mind, this summer the Runnymede has introduced its Messing About on the River package. It’s a short break designed especially for families with young children, including a fun-filled four-hour self-drive boat trip, cruising on the Thames in the hotel’s private riverboat with a picnic.
I’m not sure who enjoyed it the most, the kids who had a go at steering and thoroughly enjoyed the picnic package, or me getting behind the wheel and playing at king of the river!
Back at the hotel, we also enjoyed ourselves in the leisure complex, where the kids’ pool was welcoming for them, I relaxed in the Jacuzzi and the good lady had the choice of a wide range of beauty and health treatments (not included in the package).
We also enjoyed the activities available in the grounds, where the outdoor pool is a great place to soak up the summer sun and enjoy a poolside drink.
Before leaving, feeling really refreshed and exhilarated by the stay, we enjoyed a snack on the riverside terrace and simply watched the world drift by. It was simply memorable and the kids were thrilled to bits. I’d recommend it as a special treat anytime.
The Messing About on the River package costs from £420 for a family of four valid from May to November 2010. Call: 01784 220961 or for more information, go to www.therunnymede.co.uk.
Price includes:
a Overnight accommodation in a family room with breakfast the next morning.
a Buffet dinner in leftbank for all the family.
a Snuggle sacks for little children.
a Milk and cookies for each child.
a Age-appropriate welcome packs in cool backpacks and plenty of games, books and toys to borrow.
a A four hour boat trip down The Thames in the hotel’s riverboat, with a picnic.
a Use of the pools, garden games, river walks, and the spa - for yummy mummies (treatments are extra as booked).