Best Things to do in Dubrovnik with Kids

Maro World – The Best Thing to do in Dubrovnik with Kids

Maro World is a large family entertainment complex and if you are staying at the nearby Valamar Hotels, then it is completely FREE to visit. We stayed at the Valamar Tirena hotel, mere steps away from Maro World. We found it was the perfect place to keep our two year old entertained in between doing grown up, sightseeing and sunbathing type things.

I wrote a post about where to stay in Dubrovnik for the perfect family holiday because honestly, Maro World was the perfect addition to our holiday. Here you will find soft play, slides, a ball pit, trampolines, Lego and Duplo tables, digital interactive games and creative problem solving activities such as construction games. There’s also a small area suitable for babies and a games lounge decked out with PlayStations and Nintendos. Additionally, there is a theatre here too where they host movie nights and discos.

If you want some adults only time, then Maro World also offer kids clubs for children aged 3 to 7 and 7 to 12 years old.

• Info: Maro World is open 9am until 9pm from April 1st until October 31st.

Beaches in Dubrovnik

Kids love the beach and although Dubrovnik isn’t known for its sandy beaches, an hour or two spent sea side is worth doing. Copacabana beach is a pebble beach on the Babin Kuk peninsula, a short walk from the Valamar Hotels. We spent some time relaxing here on a couple of occasions whilst our toddler enjoyed playing with the pebbles and her bucket and spade.

There is a beach bar here and you can hire sun loungers. Both are quite expensive (2 basic ice creams and 2 soft drinks set us back 23 euro!) so I would bring towels to sit on and your own drinks and snacks.

If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, then Coral Beach Club is close by. Although children are welcome, we felt it wasn’t particularly suitable for an energetic toddler.

• Top Tip: If you are planning a dip in the sea, consider bringing water shoes as the pebbles are quite painful on the feet. I bought my toddler some to wear on the beach but it wasn’t really an issue for me as I kept my shoes on and didn’t go in the sea.

Lapad Promenade

Do not miss a stroll along Lapad Promenade. Lapad Promenade is a scenic walkway and is mostly stroller friendly. If you’re staying in the Babin Kuk region, then begin your walk by turning left at the Royal Hotel Neptun and follow the path from there. You’ll pass the Royal Dubrovnik swing for a great photo spot. If you’re travelling with a stroller, don’t do what we did on the way down to the promenade and cut down by the side of the Levanat restaurant – there are far too many steps!

The promenade is clean, offers stunning views across the sea and is dotted with benches, restaurants and bars along the way. We ended our walk at Uvala Lapad beach but as there was no shade here, we chose to walk back along the semi-shady promenade and pause for refreshment along the way.

• Recommendation: Stop for a drink at Cave Bar More. This quirky bar was already on my Best things to do in Dubrovnik list before I travelled. It is quite literally a bar located in a natural limestone cave. You can sit inside the cool cave for some respite from the sun. Or alternatively, sip a beverage outside and admire the views across the Adriatic. We visited during the day and children are welcome. Yes 11 euro for a mocktail is stupidly pricey but you’re paying for the experience.

Lokrum Island

Located just a 15 minute boat ride from the port in Dubrovnik Old Town is Lokrum Island. Lokrum is a car-free UNESCO protected nature reserve known for its free range peacocks, salt lake and monastery. Boat tickets cost 30 euro which covers your entry fee to the island.

If you fancy a dip in the salt lake or a splash in the sea, then remember to bring towels, swimwear and water shoes. If not, then wander the island and admire the monastery and the botanical gardens. There are a couple of spots to buy food and drink but we chose to bring a picnic as I imagine they would be quite pricey.

For kids, there is a playground for them to burn off some energy. And my daughter enjoyed spotting all the peafowl walking around. During our visit at the end of September there were many mothers and babies to spot.

Top Tip: Bring a first aid kit! My two year old was unfortunately stung by a wasp here. The visitor info centre at the port could only offer us a plaster by means of first aid.

Dubrovnik Old Town

Of course no best things to do in Dubrovnik with kids list would be complete without including the Old Town. Wander down Stradun and explore the narrow side streets. Grab an ice cream or sip something cool at a pavement cafe and watch the world go by. I recommend stopping by Nest Cats (Dubrovnik Cats) which is a small gift shop full of handmade souvenirs where each purchase goes to support the city’s street cats.

If you’re a first time visitor then you are also likely to want to walk the city walls. We did in fact manage to do this with our toddler and I will write a further blog post about my experience.

Top Tip: Leave the stroller at the hotel. Some parts of the Old Town are stroller friendly, but if you want to fully explore then many of the side streets have a lot of steps. You are also unable to take strollers onto the city walls, so something to bear in mind.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

If you’re travelling with children then I highly recommend staying in the Babin Kuk area of Dubrovnik. It is just a 15 minute bus or taxi ride to the Old Town but still close to the beach and Lapad promenade.

• We stayed at the Valamar Tirena Hotel – just a stone’s throw from Maro World which was absolutely perfect for us. This hotel has a shallow children’s pool, cot hire, highchairs in the restaurant and even a dedicated baby food corner including a microwave, jars of baby food and warm milk.

If you found this post helpful and would like more family travel inspiration, then you might like these posts:

• Where to stay in Dubrovnik for the Perfect Family Holiday
• Binibeca in Menorca: A Family Friendly Guide
• Best Things to do in Menorca, Spain
• Best place to holiday with a toddler: Menorca
• 3 Days In Seville Spain – A Family Friendly Guide

The post Best Things to do in Dubrovnik with Kids appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

Enter: Dubrovnik. Yes, this Croatian gem may not be your first thought for a family friendly holiday but hear me out. There’s sunshine. There is history and culture. There’s nature. And there’s the largest family entertainment centre on the Adriatic. I spent a week here with my husband and toddler, and a fantastic time was had by all. Read on to discover my top recommendation for where to stay in Dubrovnik for the perfect family holiday.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik with kids

Located on the Babin Kuk peninsula, around a 15 minute drive from Dubrovnik Old Town, are a collection of hotels by Croatian hospitality brand Valamar. We spent a week at the Valamar Tirena Hotel and found that it ticked all the boxes for a European holiday with a toddler. The biggest draw being the large entertainment complex that was completely FREE to visit! (more about that later).

We stayed at the end of September/start of October and found the hotel to be not too busy, which was ideal for us. Check in was easy and efficient, the staff were friendly and the hotel was spotlessly clean. The hotel has free wifi throughout and green credentials such as designated recycling bins and electricity from renewable sources.

The Rooms

We chose to stay in a Superior Room for three people, which meant we had a balcony. Rather than using the pull-out bed available, we hired a cot from the hotel. I had expected to pay 5 euro per night for this but we weren’t charged at all. Lucky for us, as our daughter refused to sleep in the cot and ended up in our bed for the entire holiday.

Rooms also include a mini fridge (ideal for toddler bedtime milk), tea and coffee making facilities, toiletries, a hairdryer and in-room safe. There’s also a flat screen television with at least 5 kids tv channels in various languages. So yes we used the tv as a distraction to allow ourselves another 15 minutes in bed.

Food and Drinks

Valamar Tirena offers two meal plans – breakfast only or half board (breakfast and dinner). The food is served buffet style in the Mediterraneo Restaurant. For ease with travelling with a toddler, we opted for half board dining and found that it was superb.

Breakfast includes something for everyone. There are cereals, yogurts, pancakes, fresh fruit, toast etc. A live cooking station where you can get hot breakfast food and made to order omelettes. A particular favourite of ours were the freshly baked croissants – butter, chocolate and apricot.

Dinner also has plenty of variety including freshly made pizzas and live cooking. For the fussiest of eaters you can even request made to order pasta. There are a variety of hot dishes to try and cold sides such as salads. A few stand out sections I haven’t seen in other hotels were the cheese bar and the olive table. Also, the herb table – where you could choose from a selection of dried and fresh herbs to sprinkle on your meal. And let’s not forget the sweet treats – cakes, ice cream, fruit and dessert pots. My only fault with dinner was that it didn’t open until 6.30pm, which is quite late when you have an overtired toddler to consider.

For babies, there is a corner which includes plastic cutlery, bowls and plates, as well as a microwave. There is also a selection of baby food jars, porridge and warmed water and milk. At breakfast there are baby biscuits and at dinner, plain boiled vegetables such a brocolli – ideal for little ones who are weaning.

There is another restaurant on site called Oliva Grill where you can dine in or purchase a takeaway. We had a poolside lunch here a couple of times – the pizza and fries here are quite tasty.

And for drinks, there is a swim up bar at the pool, as well as the Vero bar where you can sip a coffee or a cocktail. We sat in the Vero bar a couple of times where they had live music but we didn’t stay for long due to impending toddler bedtime.

Facilities at Valamar Tirena

Obviously the main draw to a sunny coastal holiday is the swimming pool. Valamar Tirena has two outdoor pools – the main one with the swim up bar and a shallow children’s pool with a small slide. There are also a couple of water slides at the back of the pool area but as our tot was too small for these we didn’t go on them. I will admit that I only dipped a toe into the swimming pools as they are unheated and I am a wimp. BUT if you fancy a swim in warmer water then the sister hotel next door has an indoor pool which guests are welcome to use.

A note on the Valamar Lacroma (sister hotel): this hotel also has a spa which Tirena guests are welcome to use. We didn’t use the spa sadly, but we did spend an afternoon at the indoor and outdoor pools here. We also ate lunch at the poolside snack bar – the salads here are tasty.

In addition to the pools, the Tirena offers tennis, bike rental, entertainment and fitness programmes. But we didn’t see or experience much of that.

Maro World – The Fun and Free Entertainment Complex

Just across a courtyard, less than a minutes walk from the Tirena hotel restaurant, is Maro World – the largest family entertainment centre on the Adriatic. And one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik with kids. This place isn’t just a kids club. It is like a soft play centre, a giant toy box and educational activity game all rolled into one. Open from 9am until 9pm, April 1st until October 31st, there is plenty of opportunity to explore and play. I think we ended up in here every day. But if it meant our little one could let off some steam then we were more than happy to oblige.

Upon entry to the building, you are greeted at the reception desk where you will also see a large cuddly toy of the mascot – Maro, who I believe is a hermit crab. Every day at 3pm there is a real life Maro mascot who comes to greet the children. He may even hand out free ice creams. My daughter doesn’t normally like things like this but she LOVED Maro – and that was before the ice cream!

Activities at Maro World

On the upper level there is a little area for babies featuring all kinds of sensory toys, plus a couple of comfy sofas for parents. Outside there is a rooftop trampoline park which is loads of fun for all ages. You can also find the top part of the soft play area up here including a tunnel slide which takes you downstairs into a ball pit!

On the lower level is the aforementioned ball pit plus another slide and things for kids to climb over. There are also different zones where children (and adults) can use their imaginations to build something. There’s a giant busy board great for building fine motor skills. There’s also Rigamajig – where you can build things from wooden planks, nuts, bolts, cogs etc. Plus the Imagination Playground which is simply lots of lightweight blue blocks that serve as a giant construction game. On the smaller scale, there are several tables with hundreds of Lego and Duplo bricks for some quiet building entertainment.

This lower level also includes LiteZilla which is an interactive light wall where you can use coloured rods to make pictures and patterns. Next door, there is a digital playroom featuring projected games onto four walls and the floor. I didn’t really understand all of the games but there was one where you had to splat the bugs by slapping your hand on the wall. Plus another where you coloured the safari animals with your hands to bring them to life.

One of my daughter’s favourite parts of Maro World was the Paint2Life area. Here you colour in a picture of a sea creature, place your picture into a special lightbox, hit the button and POOF! your sea creature appears on the wall in the digital aquarium!

For older kids, there is a gaming zone with beanbags to sit on and PlayStations and Nintendo Switches to play on, all lit up in a cool neon way.

Kids Club

Maro World runs a kids club for if you want to leave your offspring behind and enjoy some adults only time in the Old Town. Kids Clubs are for ages 3-7 and 7-12 with different age appropriate activities on offer. My daughter is only 2 so we didn’t use the kids club. However, from 6pm until 8pm during our visit, the kids club area was open for parents to play with their children so we were able to see what was there. For little kids there was an indoor slide, lots of toys and places to get creative. And for older kids there were games consoles, table football and a pool table etc.

Maro Theatre

Last mention is the Maro Theatre. During our stay they had a children’s disco at 8pm which we went to once. They also show movies here. However, on October 1st, the theatre closes and the entertainment moves to the upper level where the baby zone is. They were screening Disney’s The Little Mermaid when we walked past.

My Recommended Location for Where to Stay in Dubrovnik with a toddler

If I haven’t yet convinced you of the best place to stay in Dubrovnik with kids then let me tell you a little more about the location. Babin Kuk is a quiet peninsular of Dubrovnik. The hotel is walking distance from a selection of minimarkets, eateries and gift shops (I recommend Hit Street Food for their massive sandwiches). Copacabana Beach and Coral Beach Club are both a short stroll nearby too.

There is also a pleasant promenade walk in nearby Lapad, which is scenic and (mostly) pushchair friendly. You can find bars and restaurants along here too.

Lastly, if you’re visiting Dubrovnik then you are likely wanting to explore the Old Town. This is easily reached from the Valamar Hotels via bus or taxi/uber. Walk to the end of the road to catch the number 6 bus to Pile Gate. This costs 2.50 euro per person each way. Children up to a certain age are free. Just remember to bring cash as not all of the bus drivers accepted card payments. If there are a number of you or you are travelling in peak season, you may find requesting an uber easier and more cost effective.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Dubrovnik with Kids

Travelling with kids can be stressful and where I have previously sung the praises of villa holidays with babies and toddlers, if I was to do another hotel stay with my toddler, it would be this one. Valamar Tirena in Dubrovnik ticked all the boxes for us – a fun zone for my daughter, the sightseeing in the old town for us adults, plus some poolside relaxation.

Book your stay at the Valamar Tirena Dubrovnik here. Or alternatively, the Valamar Lacroma and Sunny Dubrovnik by Valamar also offer free access to Maro World.

If you liked this post you may like my other family travel guides

• Best Things to do in Dubrovnik with Kids
• 3 Days In Seville Spain – A Family Friendly Guide
• Best place to holiday with a toddler: Menorca
• Binibeca in Menorca: A Family Friendly Guide
• Best Travel Toys for Toddler
• Center Parcs with baby

The post Where to stay in Dubrovnik for the Perfect Family Holiday appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

Days out in Kent for couples

Breweries, Gin Tasting and Vineyards

If there’s one thing you can’t do with kids in tow, it’s something boozy. There are many great vineyards dotted about Kent but if wine isn’t your tipple of choice then there’s beer and gin too!

Curious Brewery

Located in Ashford, The Curious Brewery are known for their award winning beers and ciders. You can opt for a brewery tour and tasting or if you just want to get to the booze part, book a table at the Curious Taproom and Restaurant for a drink and a meal.

• Location: Ashford Town Centre, 5 minutes walk from Ashford International Train Station.
• Info: Closed Sundays and Mondays.
• Stay nearby: Hampton By Hilton Ashford International is directly opposite the Curious Brewery so perfectly located for tipsy travellers.

Copper Rivet Distillery

The Copper Rivet Distillery is one of the UK’s only places where you can see the entire process of making gin, whisky and vodka side by side. As we are gin drinkers we opted for a gin tipple after our tour and even purchased a bottle to take home. Located in Chatham Historic Dockyard, there are plenty of places nearby to enjoy a bite to eat after your tour. Or you could even visit the Historic Dockyard itself.

• Location: Leviathan Way, Chatham Dockyard.
• Info: See Copper Rivet website for opening times.
• Stay nearby: The Ship and Trades is a riverside pub and hotel, less than 10 minutes walk from the distillery.

Balfour Winery

Kent is home to a fair few vineyards and I have been fortunate enough to visit a couple of them on days blessed with sunshine. The Balfour Winery in Staplehurst have a glorious decking area overlooking the vineyard and although they are open all year round, there’s nothing like sipping wine and nibbling a sharing platter with the summer sun on your skin.

• Stay nearby: Winemakers Pub in Cranbrook is a 10 minute taxi ride and comes highly rated.
• Book here: Balfour Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting.

Chapel Down

Another vineyard I would recommend is Chapel Down in Tenterden. When we visited here we enjoyed a meal in The Swan restaurant after our tour and tasting. But if you like a bit of cheese with your wine, then Chapel Down also offer a cheese and wine experience which sounds like a fabulous day out in Kent for couples.

• Stay nearby: The Little Silver Country Hotel in Tenterden is a cosy highly rated hotel a 10 minute taxi ride away.
• Read more here: Alphabet Dating – W is for Wine Tasting

Best Castles in Kent

There is a lot of history preserved in Kent, apparently it is the oldest county in England! And Kent’s history is alive and well through its spectacular castles.

Leeds Castle

I have been to Leeds Castle more times than I care to count. Located just outside Leeds village on the outskirts of Maidstone, Leeds Castle has a history spanning over 900 years. You can walk the beautiful grounds, explore the castle itself, get lost in the maze or enjoy a round of mini golf. You can even stay at Leeds Castle and pretend to be royalty!

• Location: Maidstone, just off M20 Junction 8.
• Read more here: Leeds Castle Review: How to spend the day at Kent’s loveliest landmark

Scotney Castle

Although not grand and showy in a traditional sense, Scotney Castle is worth including for the budding photographers. A National Trust property, Scotney Castle is a ruined medieval castle surrounded by a moat. The grounds boast 780 acres of parkland, a mansion house and walled garden. You simply can’t take a bad photograph here. Enjoy a romantic stroll around the gardens and stop by the tearoom for a delicious cake.

• Location: Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells.
• Top Tip: Pre-booking is essential if you are driving due to current car parking works.

Dover Castle

Perched high above the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle is your typical mighty castle on a hill. While other castles offer picturesque fairytale experiences, this one brings the big guns, quite literally. You can wander the Great Tower to explore the regal medieval world of King Henry II, followed by visiting the underground tunnels used in the Second World War. As the gateway to England from the Channel, this fortress was England’s frontline defence for centuries.

• Location: Castle Hill, Dover.
• Top Tip: The area is quite hilly so bear this in mind if you have mobility issues.
• Tickets: Purchase your tickets through GetYourGuide.

Coastal Walks in Kent

If you’re more of a beach babe than a countryside lover, then you can head down to the coast. Pick a sunny day and indulge in the British tradition of a fish and chip dinner while the sea air whips through your hair.

Whitstable

Everyone knows and loves Whitstable but I’m here to let you in on a little secret. Head to nearby Seasalter, the quieter, more tranquil cousin of Whitstable. Park up and then take a stroll along the pebble beach rather than contend with the busy car parks in central Whitstable. Reward yourself with a seafood lunch or a drink in a pub (The Old Neptune is very popular) once you reach Whitstable. If you fancy a treat, then I recommend Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium for a delicious and creative dessert.

• Top Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for street art by Catman – Whitstable’s very own Banksy!

Folkestone

Folkestone is a firm favourite of mine. I recommend taking a walk up the Creative Quarter to browse the independent shops, maybe stop for a coffee at one of the cafes or tapas at El Cortador. Wander down to the harbour arm and if the sun is shining, sip something cold at The Pilot Beach Bar. On weekends and bank holidays there are live music performances and The Marketplace stalls are usually open for shopping.

• Read more here: Best Things to do in Folkestone (2026 Guide)

Afternoon Teas in Kent

There’s nothing more quintessentially British than indulging in an afternoon tea and what a lovely way to spend an afternoon with a loved one!

Chilston Park Hotel

Who doesn’t want to have afternoon tea in a 17th century manor house? Think grand staircases, antique furniture and 77 acres of parkland. Afternoon tea is a relaxed affair taking place in The Marble Lounge, with typical sandwiches, scones and sweets on offer. And if you want to make a weekend of it, consider visiting nearby Leeds Castle and staying in one of Chilston Park Hotel’s historical suites.

• Location: Lenham, Maidstone.
• Read more here: Chilston Park Hotel Afternoon Tea

Port Lympne Reserve

Port Lympne is a Kent safari park and a wonderful setting for an afternoon tea. I’ve been to Port Lympne many times (I even had my hen do here) but only fairly recently enjoyed their afternoon tea. Work up an appetite spotting the various animals in the park and learning about the conservation efforts. Afternoon tea is served at the mansion within landscaped gardens.

• Location: Lympne, Hythe.
• Info: Prebooking is essential for afternoon tea. A valid admission ticket, annual pass, or short break booking is also required.
• Book your entry tickets here: lovetovisit.com (note: afternoon tea needs to be booked separately).

Oad Street Food and Crafts

Somewhere I have repeatedly been to for afternoon tea as well as brunch is Oad Street Food and Crafts. You can choose to sit in either the main restaurant or pay a little extra for a pod – a particularly nice idea if you are dining as a group.

• Location: Oad Street, Borden (near Sittingbourne).
• Read more here: Igloo dining in Kent

The Lane

The afternoon teas at The Lane are fabulously quirky. Although at present they are focussing on more seasonal themes, in the past they have looked towards pop culture for inspiration. I enjoyed a Peter Rabbit themed tea at Easter time and a pretty pink and girly Barbie themed tea on another occasion.

• Location: South Court, Deal.

Spa Days in Kent for Couples

If you’re in need of some relaxation, then a spa day is the answer. Spas vary greatly in packages and quality but it’s always great if you can team it up with an overnight stay or an afternoon tea and make a proper day/night of it.

Hythe Imperial

I actually took my mum on a spa break to Hythe Imperial Hotel for her 60th birthday. We had a lovely afternoon tea with the family, followed by a walk along the seafront. Then we spent some time in the spa, had a treatment and an overnight stay. They very sweetly gave my mum a little dessert plate with Happy Birthday on it too.

• Location: Princes Parade, Hythe

Eastwell Manor

If you’re looking for a romantic stay with your significant other, then Champneys Eastwell Manor is the one. Set in a charming country house built between 1540 and 1550, it has had many owners, including royalty. So treat yourself like the Queen that you are with an overnight stay or a full spa day/weekend.

• Location: Ashford
• Read more here: Alphabet Dating – R is for Relaxation

Quirky Things to do in Kent

Of course, I had to include a few slightly more unusual days out in Kent for couples.

Escape Rooms in Kent

Escape Rooms had a bit of surge in popularity in recent years and I’ve tried a fair few myself. The quality does vary a bit but there are some excellent escape rooms in Kent. I recommend Clue Cracker Games in Tunbridge Wells – their Temple Quest game is probably the best escape room I have done. For the Medway area, Mythologic Escape Rooms Arabian Nights was particularly fun.

Alpaca Trekking

If you’ve never done it before, alpaca trekking is a lot of fun! I’ve done it a few times, both in Kent and other parts of England and if you love animals then taking an alpaca for a group walk is definitely a must try activity. I would recommend Kenward Place in Yalding or Capstone Farm Alpacas in Gillingham to get up close to these cuties.

Punting in Canterbury

Canterbury is a popular city to visit in Kent due to its history, arts and culture. If you’re looking for a romantic date idea then I suggest punting on the River Stour. Glide through the lovely landscaped Westgate Gardens and take in the view of Canterbury from the water.

• Read more here: Alphabet Dating – P is for Punting

Final Thoughts on Days out in Kent for Couples

All of these activities are tried and tested by me and make for ideal days out in Kent for couples. If you need a little more date inspiration, then check out my Alphabet Dating series.

For more United Kingdom content, see some of my other posts:

• Best Things to do in Folkestone (2026 Guide)
• Leeds Castle Review: How to spend the day at Kent’s loveliest landmark
• Chilston Park Hotel Afternoon Tea
• Paradise Under The Stars: London’s Immersive Cuban Experience
• Inamo London – the future of restaurants

The post Days Out in Kent for Couples (A Local’s Guide in 2026) appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

The Most Popular Areas to Stay in Malta

Valletta

Valletta is the capital so if you’re staying on the island with a city break type holiday in mind then this is your best bet. Found on the north east coast of the island, it is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and known for its history and architecture. If you’re not really a history nerd, then you will still appreciate the foodie scene and charming streets. Oh and don’t miss a visit to Upper Barrakka Gardens for views across the harbour.

• Best for: Couples and culture seekers.
• Pros: A fairly walkable city with easy public transport options for exploring other parts of the island without a car.
• Cons: Can be busy and bustling like most cities. It’s also quite hilly so not the best option for families with small children or those with mobility issues.

St Paul’s Bay

St Paul’s Bay is located on the north of the island and is one of Malta’s largest coastal areas. The area is known for its sea views, promenade walks and plenty of restaurants and bars. We stayed at the DoubleTree Hilton in the Qawra region of St Paul’s Bay and found it perfect for a relaxing couples break. If you’re looking for something a little livelier, then the Buggiba area will probably suit.

• Best for: Couples, families, solo travellers.
• Pros: Plenty of choice for accommodation, restaurants and activities. Great for most budgets.
• Cons: Can feel a little touristy.

St Julian’s / Paceville

Like many other European islands, Malta has its own party reputation. St Julian’s, a short drive from Valletta, is the liveliest resort on the island. The Paceville district in particular is known as Malta’s party hub. Our flight in Malta saw us landing at 1.50am and our minibus transfer took us through Paceville on our way to our hotel in Qawra. I can confirm that even at 3am the streets of Paceville were pretty lively.

• Best for: Party people.
• Pros: Plenty of nightclubs and bars for those looking to dance the night away.
• Cons: Not the place to be if you want peace and quiet.

Central Malta

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, then staying in central Malta could be a great relaxing holiday. Although the Mdina/Rabat and San Anton areas don’t feature on many ‘Where to stay in Malta’ posts, I’m including them because they were my favourite areas to visit during my stay in Malta. Mdina is the old walled city and has a completely unique vibe to it. San Anton is home to the San Anton Gardens which are lovely and opposite the Corinthia Palace Hotel where we stopped for lunch one day.

• Best for: Couples and those looking for a quiet getaway.
• Pros: More laidback than the coastal resorts.
• Cons: Not as well connected as the coastal resorts in terms of public transport.

Mellieha

Found on the north of the island is Mellieha. This town offers picturesque views and most notably, Malta’s largest sandy beach. We didn’t actually visit Mellieha during our stay but if I was ever to revisit Malta then I would absolutely stay here – my daughter would love it!

• Best for: Families and beach babes.
• Pros: Close to catching the ferry over to Gozo. Nearby Popeye Village is a popular attraction for children.
• Cons: More of a trek to reach other parts of the island.

Use the below map to help discover resorts and accommodations on the island:

Tips for deciding where to stay in Malta

• Choose your location based on the type of holiday you are looking for. I was very glad we didn’t stay in St Julian’s for our babymoon, Paceville really didn’t seem like my vibe.
• If you want to explore the island, then consider either hiring a car or staying in a resort with good public transport options.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Malta?

In my opinion Malta is the best during the shoulder seasons (Spring and Autumn). That way you get the sunny weather without being too hot and fewer crowds than peak season during the height of summer.

How many days do you need in Malta?

We spent 5 days in Malta and hired a car for 3 days. It is a small island so very easy to explore. Our 5 day Malta itinerary was fairly relaxed as I was pregnant but you could easily spend a week or more here and have time to discover the island, chill by the pool or beach and perhaps even hop on a boat over to Gozo.

Do I need a car in Malta?

Malta is fairly easy to get around. If you choose to hire a car in Malta, then note that they drive on the left (like in the UK). We found that none of our journeys took any longer than around 30 minutes. So there was plenty of time for sightseeing! If I returned to Malta then I would definitely hire a car again. Personally I recommend DiscoverCars as they are a price comparison site, so you can easily choose the option that best suits your budget without worrying about any hidden fees.

If you decide not to hire a car, then as long as you stay in a well connected resort you should have no trouble travelling the island by bus.

Check out my other Malta guides

• A Babymoon in Malta
• 5 day babymoon in Malta itinerary

The post Where to stay in Malta – Top Tips for First Time Visitors appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

Day 1: Modern Art, Anne Frank House and Pancakes

Amsterdam is known for its art, history and culture, so our first day in the city was the perfect blend. We arrived in the afternoon so managed to visit both Moco Museum and Anne Frank House. However, if you have more time then I suggest also exploring the city on foot, grabbing a coffee and spotting the flower bikes.

Moco Museum

Of course, Amsterdam is famous for its Dutch masters of painting but every other Amsterdam itinerary is going to tell you about the Rijksmuseum. For the modern traveller with an eye for the quirky side of travel, may I suggest the Moco Museum. Moco stands for MOdern and COntemporary. This is where you can find modern art like Banksy and Basquiat, as well as digital and immersive experiences. My favourite exhibition was the immersive art by Studio Irma which was like stepping into a kaleidoscope.

Flower Bikes

Amsterdam is full of bikes but none will catch your eye quite like the creations of Warren Gregory aka Flower Bike Man. What began as a way of helping his epileptic wife find her bike (by decorating it with flowers), has now become a street art phenomenon across the city. While we didn’t set out specifically to find these beloved colourful bikes, we did enjoy photographing them while we explored Amsterdam’s streets. Spotting the flower bikes is a fun way to explore the city on foot, but if you want to hop on a bike yourself then you can actually tour Amsterdam on a flower bike creation!

Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House will be on every Amsterdam itinerary you find. But with good reason. The house is the exact preserved building where Anne, her family and others hid for over two years in a secret annex during the Holocaust. This is where she wrote her famous diary and you can see pages from the diary, as well as family photographs on the wall, preserved in the house and adjacent museum.

Important to note: advance booking is essential. We were in the Netherlands for 4 days. We booked a month in advance but the only time slots available were for 8.30pm the evening we arrived. Book your Anne Frank House tickets on the official website.

Pancakes

Pancakes and desserts in general are a big deal in Amsterdam so you simply cannot leave without eating some. The Dutch Poffertjes are small and fluffy and dusted with sugar. If like us you had late night cravings for pancakes, stop by Original Pancake for something sweet. I went for a traditional large pancake topped with Kinder Bueno. Sickly? Yes. But did I regret it? Absolutely not!

Day 2: Cookies, Cats and Cocktails

Our second day in the Dam was actually my birthday so we spent it enjoying all the things that I love… cookies, cats and cocktails!

Van Stapele Koekmakerij

An incredibly touristy, but oh-so-worth-it thing to do would be to pay a visit to the Van Stapele Koekmakerij. This cookie shop produces just one type of cookie – a dark chocolate dough with a white chocolate filling served straight from the oven. There will be a queue but don’t let that put you off as it’s fairly fast moving.

Amsterdam is a sweet tooth paradise and what began as a small and cosy cookie shop has now become something of a viral sensation!

De Poezenboot Cat Boat

De Poezenboot aka the Cat Boat is a small cat rescue situated right on the canal. Like all rescues, the aim of De Poezenboot first and foremost is to provide sanctuary to unwanted cats with the hopes of finding them their forever homes. The uniqueness of this rescue is that it is on a boat, making it quite popular with tourists.

Due to the size of the boat, numbers are limited. At present, they are open from 1pm until 3pm Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and operate on a first come, first served basis with only 6 visitors allowed in at a time. When we visited we were restricted to just 15 minutes with the cats but that was plenty. The rescue is free to visit but donations are greatly appreciated.

The KattenKabinet Cat Museum

If the cat boat wasn’t enough feline fun, then there is more in Amsterdam for cat lovers. To continue on our cat themed day, we booked a visit to The KattenKabinet – a cat themed museum. The museum is small but a must for any crazy cat person, with all types of cat themed art. There’s even work by the likes of Rembrandt and Picasso in there so despite its whimsy, it is still cultured. Oh and best of all, there are actually real cats in the museum.

Cocktails at Rosalia’s Menagerie

The best way to end a day of sightseeing is by sipping on a cocktail or two. I recommend Rosalia’s Menagerie – a cosy, canal-side bar with an eclectic interior. Indulge in a seasonal beverage surrounded by interesting looking curios and mismatched chairs. They even have their own laidback music playlist on Spotify. The vibes here are 10/10, perfect date night.

Red Light District

If you have the time and the curiosity, take a wander down the Red Light District. The district is known locally as De Wallen and is one of the oldest parts of the city. Yes you will see the ladies in the red windows but please don’t photograph them. We didn’t spend too long here as it was quite busy but as we were in the area we took a little canal side stroll.

Day 3: Canal Cruise, Immersive Art and Unique Dining

Our last of 3 days in Amsterdam was about seeing more sights, soaking up more culture and experiencing more of Amsterdam’s foodie scene.

Stroopwafel

Start your day by picking up a traditional Dutch treat. Stroopwafels are two thin round cookies held together with a syrup filling. You can pick them up anywhere in the city. You can even do a stroopwafel making class if you have enough time! We stopped by Melly’s Stroopwafel and grabbed a little something to go for our next activity of the day.

Those Dam Boat Guys Canal Cruise

You can’t really visit a city of 165 canals without taking a little boat ride along them. There are many companies offering canal tours but we chose to go with Those Dam Boat Guys because they don’t take themselves too seriously. In fact they don’t take themselves seriously at all haha. Boat capacity is a maximum of 10 people unless otherwise stated, ideal numbers really, although private tours are also possible. As everyone on our boat had already been to Amsterdam before, our guide took us to a few areas that we may not have otherwise seen.

Fabrique des Lumieres

Time for some more culture. If you like your art galleries immersive, then don’t skip Fabrique des Lumieres. The art is displayed as animations on every surface of the room, so it is like you are in the painting. When we visited the artists were Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaudi, however the exhibitions change so check the website in advance of your visit if you’re hoping for something in particular. Another thing I would recommend doing here is to not stop as soon as you enter the room, head a bit further to the back as it is less busy and much more enjoyable.

Dining in the dark at C Taste

Dining in the dark isn’t exclusive to Amsterdam but it is a lot of fun. The dining room is pitch black, I’m talking can’t see your hand in front of your face darkness but it allows you to really use your other senses. You tell them your dietary requirements in advance and beyond that, you don’t find out what you are eating until you leave. It’s fun trying to guess what’s on your plate and really savouring the tastes and textures of the food.

You can read a little more about my meal at C Taste in my quirky things to do in Amsterdam blog post or book your table on Viator.

More than 3 days in Amsterdam?

If you’re spending a little longer in the area, I recommend a day trip out of the city. If you’re hankering for a little more typical Dutch culture then a day trip to Zaanse Schans to see the windmills, watch the clog makers and sample some cheese makes for the perfect day out. Zaanse Schans is only around 20-30 minutes from central Amsterdam so it’s not an arduous journey. And if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during spring, I recommend including a trip to see the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. You can read a little more about my tulips and windmills day trip from Amsterdam here.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Budget: Hans Brinker Hostel – Amsterdam and tight budget don’t really go hand in hand. But that said, if you are visiting the city on a shoestring, then the Hans Brinker is a well-located hostel with a sense of humour.

Mid-Range: Ibis Amsterdam Centre Stopera – This was our choice for our most recent visit and perfect for 3 days in Amsterdam. Located close to the centre on a relatively quiet street with excellent transport options. The breakfast was good too.

Treat yourself: Rosalia’s Menagerie Cocktail bar & InnUpstairs – Boutique hotel in the heart of the city. The cocktail bar I went to on my birthday is just downstairs so you don’t have far to stagger back home after a few drinks hehe.

Special mention: Hotel La Boheme – If I get back to Amsterdam then this will be my choice of stay. A small eco-minded hotel with a resident cat. What’s not to love?!

Check out my other Amsterdam guides

• Amsterdam beyond the obvious: Quirky things to do in Amsterdam
• For those with a sweet tooth: Best Desserts in Amsterdam – My Top 3 Recommendations
• For the crazy cat ladies: Amsterdam for cat lovers
• Amsterdam in spring: Tulips and Windmills: A Day Tour from Amsterdam

The post An Alternative 3 Days in Amsterdam appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

Driving in New Zealand

Public transport in the South Island is quite limited which makes it tricky if you’re travelling within a certain time frame. My recommendation for visiting New Zealand would always be to hire a car. Roads in New Zealand are generally traffic free and very scenic. I’m from the UK and while I don’t really enjoy driving back home, I loved driving in New Zealand! I also found it easy as New Zealand drive on the left which is the same as the UK.

2 week New Zealand South Island Itinerary

We were actually on the South Island just shy of 2 weeks (13 days) but you can use this itinerary and adapt it to suit your own wishes. If you’re planning on visiting the North Island too then take a look at my 10 day North Island itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival

Our South Island adventure began by travelling on the Interislander Cook Strait ferry from Wellington in the North to Picton in the South. The crossing takes around 3 and a half hours. Pre-booking is essential.

Upon arrival to Picton ferry port, we made our way to our first stop – Kaikoura. If you’re not arriving from the North Island, then I’d recommend flying in to Christchurch airport. Pick up your hire car there and heading to Kaikoura that way.

• Picton to Kaikoura: approximate drive time 2 hours.
• Christchurch airport to Kaikoura: approximate drive time 2 hours 30 minutes.

Kaikoura is a scenic coastal town which is famed for its wildlife. As it’s a popular stop I would recommend advance booking any accommodation or activities.

• Where to stay: Dolphin Lodge. A budget friendly option in a scenic and central location. We spent 2 nights here.

Day 2: Kaikoura

Our main motivation for staying in Kaikoura was to see the New Zealand fur seals. In fact marine mammal encounters are what most tourists visit this town for. We had booked a trip to snorkel with the seals which would have been an incredible and unique experience. Sadly for us, despite it being sunny on land, the weather at sea was not good enough so our trip was cancelled.

In haste, we then booked a whale watching excursion – another highlight of Kaikoura. But unsurprisingly, all whale watching excursions were cancelled too. If you visit Kaikoura then although I can’t recommend from first-hand experience, I would suggest a seal swim or whale watching excursion.

How to spend the day in Kaikoura when the weather at sea is bad (or you’re on a budget!)

Take a drive to Ohau Point where you can watch the seals frolicking in their natural environment – all for free! When I visited, I was able to take a short walk to the waterfall here and actually watch seal pups playing in the waters whilst their mothers went fishing in the sea. It was one of the most memorable moments of my time in New Zealand. However, since the earthquake in Kaikoura, the waterfall is no longer. But you can still park up at the lookout point and see the seals sunning themselves on the rocks.

• Ohau Point Lookout can be found around 20 minutes drive from Kaikoura along the New Zealand State Highway 1.

Another fantastic spot to visit is Fyffe Quay which is on the peninsular. Here we saw lots more seals lazing about on the rocks and even one or two laying in the car park! I would also recommend heading to the Kaikoura Lookout for a great view over Kaikoura.

• The peninsular is less than a 10 minute drive from Kaikoura. Head towards Point Kean. There are a couple of parking options in the area.
• Remember to respect the wildlife and not get too close!

End the day with a taste of some of Kaikoura’s seafood. Kaikoura is famous for its crayfish but any seafood here will be lovely and fresh!

Day 3: Hanmer Springs

Depart Kaikoura towards Hanmer Springs. Whilst this alpine village doesn’t have a vast amount of attractions, it’s a great stop when travelling west. Especially to squeeze some relaxation time into your New Zealand South Island itinerary.

• Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs: approximate drive time 1 hour 55 minutes.

The star attraction here is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa where you can spend some time soaking in the warm waters of the thermal pools. The water at the thermal pools is actually snow and rain fallen from the mountains which is then warmed by heat from the earth’s core. The waters are rich in minerals which are good for your skin and health but if you’re not one for a spa day then there are various water slides and a lazy river to enjoy.

• Where to stay: Kakapo Lodge can be found a stones throw away from the thermal pools and offers a mix of dorms and private rooms.

Day 4: Punakaiki

Continue heading west across the country towards Punakaiki. Around an hour after leaving Hanmer Springs, be sure to make a pit stop at Lewis Pass to stretch your legs and admire the scenery. There are several different walks you can do in this area depending on your time, ability and the weather.

Continue on and stop in Reefton for lunch. Reefton is an old gold mining town and some of the buildings carry that quirky charm. Whilst I wouldn’t describe it as unmissable, it made for a decent spot for a bite to eat in the sunshine.

Make Punakaiki your final stop of the day.

• Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki: approximate drive time 3 hours 30 minutes (without stops).

Punakaiki is a small town on the west coast of the South Island most notable for its pancake rocks, so called because they look like giant stacks of pancakes. We visited on the day we arrived but you could always do this the following day. The walk is relatively short and easy and well worth it to see this natural beauty. The best time to visit the pancake rocks and blowholes is at high tide as you can then watch the sea churn up, crash into the rocks and spout water up through the blowholes in full force. However, it doesn’t matter if you miss high tide, it’s still impressive.

• Where to stay: For a cute place overlooking the beach, Punakaiki Beach Hostel was an ideal location to spend a night.

You can find out more about the pancake rocks in my Punkaiki blog post.

Day 5: Punakaiki and Franz Josef

When in Punakaiki it would be rude not to eat some pancakes so head to The Pancake Rocks Cafe for breakfast. Once you’ve had your fill of pancakes and pancake rocks, time to hit the road.

• Punakaiki to Franz Josef: approximate drive time 3 hours.

If you’re looking for a stop on your drive to Franz Josef, I recommend Hokitika. Known for its stunning scenery and walks, you could easily spend a lovely afternoon here. Unfortunately for us, the weather was bad so we took a brief stroll on the beach, saw the iconic ‘Hokitika’ driftwood sign and continued on our way.

Franz Josef is a town famed for its proximity to Franz Josef glacier. If you wish to see the glacier up close then its worth booking a helicopter flight or a heli hike.

• Where to stay: Glow Worm Accommodation – it has a hot tub which was perfect for the bad weather we experienced in Franz Josef. And the free soup was also a welcome treat!

Day 6: Franz Josef

As I mentioned before, if you have the funds and the desire, you may wish to book a helicopter ride up to the glacier. This is something we never managed to do because the weather was so bad that flights were being cancelled. And very sadly, on the day we were due to leave Franz Josef, a helicopter crashed at nearby Fox Glacier killing everyone on board.

Franz Josef isn’t without its charm, so if a night or two here is on your New Zealand South Island itinerary then I’ll share what we got up to.

How to spend the day in Franz Josef when the weather is bad (or you’re on a budget!)

• Tatare Tunnels Walk: The Tatare Tunnels Walk is around an 80 minute round trip (40 minutes each way). It’s a forested walk which begins in the car park at Cowan Street and ends at the Tatare Tunnels. You can enter the tunnel and if you’re lucky you might see some glow worms (we saw about 5). We didn’t go too far into the tunnel as we freaked ourselves out but it’s a well-known walk from Franz Josef. The tunnel is very dark and wet so take a torch (or make sure you have plenty of battery for your phone torch!) and sensible footwear like waterproof boots. We went in flip flops as that’s the only waterproof footwear we had. I would not recommend doing that.
• Lake Matheson: Just outside of Fox Glacier township, you will find Lake Matheson – famous for its mirror views of Mount Cook. The full lake circuit takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, however there is a shorter option for those tight on time. When we arrived it was pouring with rain, so we stopped for lunch at Matheson Cafe and by the time we had completed our circuit, the sun was shining.
• Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk: If you can’t make it to the glacier by helicopter, then the closest you will get is probably this walk. The walk took us around 90 minutes there and back but check the Department of Conservation website for up to date information and conditions.

Day 7: Wanaka

Depart Franz Josef for wonderful Wanaka. We broke our journey up by stopping at Haast Pass to walk the Blue Pools Track. The walk takes around an hour and leads you through forest and across a couple of swing bridges to see the vibrant blue pools below (though they were more green for us!).

• Franz Josef to Wanaka: approximate drive time 4 hours. Be sure to stop at Lake Hawea lookout for some stunning views.

If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with sunshine when you arrive in Wanaka, then I highly recommend grabbing something to eat or drink whilst overlooking Lake Wanaka.

In the evening, spend some time relaxing and catch a movie at Cinema Paradiso. You may be wondering why I am recommending a cinema. Well, this is an old school type cinema with lots of quirky seating – mostly comfy sofas, but there’s also a car in there too! Oh and they sell freshly baked cookies during the intermission. Advanced booking is recommended.

• Where to stay: Unfortunately the hostel we stayed at has since closed. However Wanaka has a great selection of hotels and accommodations. If you can get a room with a lake view – even better!

Day 8: Wanaka and Queenstown

If you’re still on the lookout for quirky things to do in Wanaka, then you can’t miss Puzzling World. Puzzling World is an attraction that describes itself as ‘Wanaka’s World of Weirdness’. It’s essentially a museum of optical illusions and a great way to spend an hour or two.

New Zealand is known for its adventurous and adrenaline fuelled activities, so our next stop after Puzzling World was the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre. If you’re up for a bungy jump then this is the site of the world’s first commercial bungy – so these guys know what they’re doing!

Confession: I did not do a bungy, however my husband did and had a great time.

• Wanaka to Queenstown: approximate drive time 1 hour 15 minutes.

Queenstown is an adventure capital and definitely a must-do on any New Zealand South Island itinerary. Even if, like me, you aren’t an adrenaline junkie then there is plenty to do. We spent 3 nights here but you could easily spend longer.

• Where to stay: We stayed at Hippo Lodge. A budget friendly option just a short walk from central Queenstown and with views of the mountains, lakes or gardens. As Queenstown is a popular destination, advance booking is recommended.

If you’re feeling peckish, then you can’t visit Queenstown without trying a world famous Fergburger. I fully admit that queueing 45 minutes for a burger is ridiculous but I stand by my word when I say some New Zealand make the best burgers.

Once you’re fuelled up, time for some more fun! Head for Skyline Queenstown and ride the gondola up to Bob’s Peak. FYI, this is the steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere! Once you reach the top, admire the views and have some fun on the luge. There are two luge tracks to choose from. There’s a more gentle, scenic track which everyone must do on their first ride and then there’s also a faster paced, steeper track. You can book your Queenstown gondola and luge tickets in advance, I loved it!

Treat yourself to a hot chocolate from Mrs Ferg’s Gelateria on the way back to your accommodation.

Day 9: Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote fiord and one of New Zealand’s most pristine and treasured natural attractions. It is a bit of a trek from Queenstown, so we decided to book on a coach tour with boat ride rather than drive ourselves.

I’ve written more about my experience in my post: Milford Sound – is it worth it? because although it is considered a not-to-be-missed attraction for any New Zealand South Island itinerary, I didn’t have the greatest day. Still, don’t let my experience put you off.

Day 10: Horse Riding and Jet Boats

We began our day with a drive to nearby Glenorchy (around 45 minutes from Queenstown). If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan then you might be interested to learn that Glenorchy is home to some of the filming locations for the movies. We did a small group horse riding tour amongst this epic scenery. Although the company we booked with are no longer trading, I would definitely recommend seeing some of New Zealand on horse back.

Another popular activity in New Zealand is riding on a jet boat. We decided to drive back to Queenstown to experience the Shotover Jet. The Shotover Jet is essentially a jet boat ride on the Shotover River – high speeds and 360 degree spins are guaranteed.

Day 11: Arrowtown to Twizel

We departed Queenstown for nearby Arrowtown (around 20 minutes by car). Arrowtown is a gold-mining town that was established in 1862 and still retains many of its historic buildings today. Although you can do things such as bike riding and golf here, we just enjoyed wandering the main street. Buckingham Street is a great place to grab a drink and buy a souvenir or two.

• Arrowtown to Twizel: approximate drive time 2 hours 20 minutes.

To break up the journey, we stopped for lunch in Omarama. We didn’t see or do much else here but the fish and chips were cheap. We then continued on our journey to Twizel.

Twizel doesn’t have a whole lot going on there, but it is great for an overnight stop before exploring Mount Cook National Park.

• Where to stay: I recommend Twizel Holiday Park. It’s a short walk into town and accommodations are private cabins and apartments.

Day 12: Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo

No New Zealand South Island itinerary will be complete without a trip to Mount Cook. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park features the country’s highest mountains and largest glaciers. There are a variety of walks that can be done here.

• Twizel to Mount Cook: approximate drive time 50 minutes.

We parked up at Mount Cook Village and headed to the visitor centre to decide which walk we wanted to do. We were recommended the Hooker Valley track which was a 3 hour return trip. Despite being SO WINDY it was well worth it to see Mount Cook, the glacier lake and the Southern Alps.

After our hike we headed towards our next destination – Tekapo.

• Mount Cook Village to Tekapo: approximate drive time 1 hour 10 minutes.

Take a drive down to Lake Tekapo and conduct your own little instagram photoshoot amongst the lupins outside The Church of the Good Shepherd. Visitors are able to go inside the church, however this is by pre-arranged appointment only.

• Where to stay: Tailor Made Tekapo is a budget friendly option with a mix of private and dorm rooms. They also have a few small animals such as rabbits and chickens in the gardens too.

Day 13: Christchurch

The last stop on our New Zealand South Island itinerary was Christchurch.

• Tekapo to Christchurch: approximate drive time 3 hours.

Although New Zealand’s best attractions can be found outside of the cities, I would still recommend spending a day or two in Christchurch. When I visited, the city was still showing much of the devastation from the 2010/2011 earthquakes. We saw the Cardboard Cathedral and the 185 empty white chairs tribute to those who died in the 2011 earthquake. We also spent some time shopping at Re:Start container mall. If you wish to learn a little more about the devastating earthquakes, there is now a museum called Quake City.

• Where to stay: I wouldn’t be Quirky Little Planet if I didn’t stay somewhere a little bit unusual on this trip! We spent the night in jail. Serving as a prison from 1874 until 1999, The Jailhouse Accommodation is by far the most unique place I stayed in New Zealand. You can read more about The Jailhouse here.

Final Thought

I’m well aware that my itinerary ends at 13 days as opposed to 14 but I wouldn’t want to write about something I haven’t experienced. If you only have 2 weeks on the south island, I hope that this blog post serves as inspiration. If you have longer to explore this beautiful part of the world, then check out my 10 day New Zealand North Island itinerary.

The post The Perfect 2 Week New Zealand South Island Itinerary appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

Some things to note: both stays occurred outside of UK school holidays. Butlins was at the end of April after Easter holidays. Haven was at the start of June after the May half term break. Both stays were from Monday until Friday. This post is entirely based on my own experiences at Butlins Bognor Regis and Haven Cleethorpes Beach. Should I visit any more Butlins or Haven sites in future I will expand on this post but for now this is a direct comparison.

If you like this post you might also like my Center Parcs vs Forest Holidays comparison post.

Butlins Accommodation

Butlins accommodations come in the form of rooms, apartments or hotels – all with varying grades. Our apartment was a Comfort Apartment in Oyster Bay which could sleep 4 people. It includes a small kitchen, bathroom and lounge/dining area. Note: bathroom towels are not included with the Comfort Apartments but can be added for a fee or bring your own.

Pros: We found the kitchen ideal for any meal prep we might want to do (mostly lunches as we had a dining package. More about that later). Lounge area great for watching tv and enjoying a cuppa whilst little one naps. A shower mat plus tea towel, dish sponge and washing up liquid provided. Teabags and coffee sachets also included. Also, free WiFi available resort wide.

Cons: Thin walls – we were frequently woken by the children in the apartment next door. Unless you pay a little extra to choose your apartment, you may find yourself on the second floor and at the end of the apartment block. This is mainly an issue when it comes to lugging all your stuff to and from the car. A few adjustments could be made to make this more toddler friendly. Our daughter managed to lock herself in the bathroom on the day we arrived. Perhaps some higher up locks would be better.

Haven Accommodation

The most popular accommodation on offer at Haven is its caravans, which are available at every Haven holiday park. Depending on which Haven site you opt for you can go as cheap as a pitch for your own tent/caravan or even stay in a lodge (or similar). We stayed in a Silver Caravan which could sleep up to 6 people (with the use of a sofa bed in the lounge) and includes a small kitchen, bathroom and lounge/dining area. There was also an ensuite toilet in the double bedroom, plus an outdoor deck. Note: bathroom towels are not included with the Silver Caravans so bring your own – plus a few other extras mentioned below.

Pros: Similarly to Butlins, the kitchen is ideal for any meal prep and having that separate lounge area meant that we could stay up and watch tv whilst our daughter slept. Being able to park our car right next to our caravan was useful which isn’t something that all holiday parks allow (Butlins and Center Parcs don’t allow this). If the weather had been nice then the deck would have been a major plus point too. The tv reception was good here and our caravan also had bluetooth speakers in the ceiling meaning we could play music from our phones.

Cons: Where our Butlins apartment included a few kitchen essentials such as a dish sponge and washing up liquid, Haven provided nothing. A shower mat would have been particularly helpful here. WiFi only available in the main public areas.

VERDICT:

While we appreciated the little touches such as the kitchen essentials that were included with our Butlins apartment, I think the Haven caravans were the better of the two accommodations, purely because they offered a bit more space – both internally and from other holidaymakers.

The apartments at Butlins felt a little dated so I would choose to stay at the nautical themed Shoreline Hotel should I return. And while the cleanliness could have been a bit better at both Butlins and Haven, the Haven caravan had a much lighter, brighter feel to it.

One thing to note: we brought a travel cot with us. Neither twin room at Butlins or Haven was big enough to fit the cot in without some adjustments. We simply stacked one bed on top of the other (safely and sensibly) and were able to fit the cot in the space left.

Butlins Activities

Butlins is all about the activities and best of all, many of them are included in the price of your holiday. There are swimming pools, fairground rides, soft play and playgrounds. Additionally there’s the Playxperience activity centre (at Bognor). This includes laser tag, mini golf and other activities all for an extra charge.

Firstly, the swimming pool. In my opinion, the pool at Butlins Bognor Regis was top tier for families. There are changing cubicles of varying sizes that are colour coded, so different colours mean different sizes. This makes choosing the right size changing cubicle for your family easy.

The pool then is divided into sections meaning there’s something for everyone. From the point of view of a toddler parent, the pools here were perfect. There were little slides my daughter could enjoy, a shallow pool that she could walk through and play with the toy boats. Plus a deeper pool where she could practice swim lessons with her dad. Plus a wave pool at the back with fountains which she loved splashing. During our visit some of the slides were closed but to be honest there was plenty of others open. We managed to spend a good couple of hours one day just splashing about.

The fairground was pretty decent considering it was included in the price of our holiday. However, the only ride we went on was the carousel as my daughter wasn’t quite tall enough for the other rides and didn’t want to go on the toddler rides by herself.

Bognor Regis has two playgrounds – one outside The Firehouse restaurant and one outside The Beachcomber Inn. Both of these I felt were too small for the number of people there. We preferred the one at The Firehouse as it was less busy. But I think the Bognor Regis resort really need to improve their play areas. Skegness and Minehead appear to have much better playground facilities although I haven’t visited these parks.

If the weather is bad, then there are arcades and soft play indoors to keep the kids entertained. My daughter wasn’t really a fan of either but I imagine once she’s a little older that will change.

Haven Activities

Haven isn’t quite as jam packed with activities as Butlins. However if you’re visiting during a period of decent weather then this isn’t too much of an issue.

The first thing to note about the swimming pool at Haven Cleethorpes Beach is that slots are for one hour and must be pre-booked. This felt quite restricting as we couldn’t just pop to the pool when we fancied it. During our visit in June, slots filled up fast so there was no on the day availability. The changing cubicles were an ok size for families but the lockers are quite small so we ended up needing to use two.

The pool at Cleethorpes Beach consists of an indoor and an outdoor bit. Indoors there is a small, shallow toddler pool with a little slide and a couple of splash table type things. Then there are two bigger, deeper pools for splashing and swimming. Outside there are a couple of large slides plus a lazy river and the pool is heated. Aside from having to pre-book and only being able to stay in the pool for an hour, the biggest annoyance here was that the outside pool was closed until 2pm. This meant that if you had an earlier slot you had no choice but to stay and use the indoor pools. We were informed that this is due to our stay not being during peak season but I feel that Haven should have made that more apparent from the start.

Haven has what it calls the Adventure Village. Here is where you can find things such as the children’s playgrounds and pre-bookable activities like aerial adventure and mini golf. Aside from the playgrounds and swimming, most other activities come with an additional charge.

The playgrounds at Haven seemed to be relatively good. With a toddler area at one end of the Adventure Village and one aimed at older children at the other end of the village. We spent a little time here but our stay was spoilt with bad weather so we didn’t get to enjoy the playgrounds as much as we may have liked. Similarly, we didn’t partake in any of the other outdoor activities because of the weather. I did find the little doggy playground quite cute and was hoping my sister in law would take her dog there but it wasn’t to be.

If the weather is bad, like it was for us, then there are arcades and a few craft type activities you can do. But once again, because June is apparently low season, there wasn’t much availability (only 2 slots for the entire 4 days for the slime workshop). So we didn’t do any of these activities.

VERDICT:

Butlins wins hands down. Not being peak season doesn’t seem to be an issue here. And even with a few of the attractions closed, there was still plenty to do. A Haven holiday relies too much on good weather which unfortunately wasn’t something we were blessed with on this occasion.

Butlins Entertainment

Butlins doesn’t call itself ‘The Home of Entertainment‘ for nothing. Admittedly, I’m not really one for cheesy hotel entertainment but once you become a parent things change. Our stay was one of the Tots Week breaks meaning that Peppa Pig was there. I was expecting more than just two shows of Peppa Pig, however we had no trouble getting booked. We also watched The Animal Guyz who were excellent. Their show was part educational, part humourous – I would recommend. We also saw a little bit of a Red Coat performance with the Butlins mascot bears. Some Butlins breaks are centred on the entertainment (such as Britain’s Got Talent acts) so it can be quite a crowd puller.

Haven Entertainment

Haven Parks also offer shows, although their entertainment is more ‘in house’ acts such as their Seaside Squad mascots. We went along for a couple of the evenings so our daughter and eldest niece could enjoy the children’s disco but they tired out before it really got going. There’s also Bingo on for the adults but we didn’t partake in that. I imagine that during school holidays there would be more entertainment on offer.

VERDICT:

Obviously Butlins wins again here for entertainment. The quantity and the quality surpassed Haven’s in my opinion.

Dining at Butlins

At Butlins there is an option to pre-book a dining package. Dining packages vary but we chose a package that included breakfast and dinner. We also upgraded to the premium package which offered a little more choice such as live cooking station. You are assigned a restaurant and then the food is buffet style much like an all-inclusive hotel. The quality of the food was fine and there was plenty of choice, so I would happily do this again.

If you don’t have an apartment with a kitchen to cook your own meals and you don’t wish to purchase a dining package, then there are plenty of eateries on site such as Burger King, Subway and Chopstix amongst others.

Dining at Haven

Haven tends to lean more towards cooking for yourself in your caravan, however there are restaurants on site if you don’t fancy cooking. We actually had dinner in Wetherspoons every evening apart from the one day we went out into Cleethorpes for fish and chips. There were restaurants such as Slim Chickens, Burger King, Papa Johns and a chip shop on site. Unfortunately during our visit these were closed more than they were open. So the only option if we wanted to eat out without leaving the park was Wetherspoons.

VERDICT:

The better option here greatly depends on what you are looking for in a holiday. If you wish to self cater and enjoy barbecues, then Haven is your winner. But, if you’re visiting in any time that is not considered ‘peak’ period then don’t expect anything other than Wetherspoons to be open!

If you want to relax and not worry too much about how much you may be spending on food, then Butlins is the better option. The downside of the dining package is that it can get very busy. Our first day at breakfast was unpleasant and chaotic but it improved after that.

Butlins or Haven – Other details

Arrival and Departure:

Butlins Bognor Regis, much like Center Parcs, is a car free resort. This isn’t an issue generally as the resort itself is quite small and easily walkable. HOWEVER, on arrival it was a bit of a shock to discover that our designated car park was at one end of the resort and our apartment at the other. It took several trips of lugging all our bags across the whole resort – including a heavy cot bed. In hindsight we wished we had purchased a festival trolley beforehand as it would have saved us a lot of effort!

Our arrival at Haven Cleethorpes Beach was much smoother as you can just park your car right next to your caravan. However, their arrival times are stricter and if you are arriving later than the hour slot they give you then they like you to notify them.

Apps:

Both resorts have an app you can download. Both were quite handy for booking activity slots. The Haven one was also good for viewing the restaurant menus and ordering.

Butlins or Haven – which is better?

Both of my experiences were during school term time, so if you’re travelling with a toddler and looking for plenty of things to keep them entertained then Butlins is the standout winner here. However, while my Haven holiday was a little disappointing on the facility front, if you’re looking for a slower and more outdoorsy kind of holiday then Haven will tick the boxes.

Related posts:

• Center Parcs vs Forest Holidays
• Center Parcs with baby

The post Butlins or Haven – Which is better? appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.