Easter Vacations, Staycations and Playcations ????

Showbizmama teamed up with the Science Museum Wonderlab for the best days out in London.

Sensory stimulation was in overdrive for the kiddies who loved the light shows, challenged the forces of gravity with the good old pulley – and even loved the maths challenge in the theatre room! Not forgetting the headless statues on the way out of the iconic museum at South Kensington.
Not for the faint hearted! Still, a fab day out for the family – and it’s free!

However it’s well worth it paying a little for the Wonderlab where I spied the brilliant competition winner’s design.
Finlay Minter from Surrey was crowned Statoil’s Young Imagineer – following a nationwide competition which saw hundreds of entries submitted. His award-winning hover wheelchair design idea was inspired by seeing his Nan struggle with the stairs and getting on buses, and his Aunt who uses a wheelchair ??

Last minute getaways – it’s not too late ??????
Fancy a trip to the seaside? If the weather holds up, right?
We headed to my hometown Folkestone, Kent.
Leaving the car behind we hopped on the National Express which was great for the kids for that sense of adventure and you can bring a car seat for the baby too.

Just an hour and a half away from Lewisham, we soon arrived at our destination; The Burlington Hotel for Showbizmama’s own mama’s 70th birthday.

Ladies, when we say affordable luxury, I mean Luxury with a capital L.

Honeys, this was a little piece of heaven on earth.

When you picture a family room, you kind of imagine the bog standard bed, Tv, shower and sofa.

But move over the Hilton. The stunning hotel has undergone a refurb, so the family suite we stayed in featured an elegant kitchenette, a lounge and dining area with views overlooking the ocean to France.
The piece de resistance would have to be the jacuzzi bath where both kids and adults can relax and enjoy a soak in the bubbles.

Coastal walks are a must along the zigzag path which leads you to a sunken pirate ship below.

And don’t get me started on the Harbour Arm, in fact, that will warrant it’s very own post this summer – stay tuned.

Now, back to the Burlington, set in Folkestone’s plush Radnor estate, the property dates back centuries and maintains its historic feel – yet boasts such a vibrant and modern interior.

The stunning new bar in the basement is already a celebrity magnet – so don’t be surprised if you bump into the odd royal, politician or popstar enjoying a cocktail by the sea.

Grab a glass! I did. ???