Cost cutter holiday
We've just come back from a great holiday which just goes to prove you don't have to spend a fortune (mostly) and go abroad to have a good time.
We decided to cut costs and have week in the Scottish Borders – not too far to go and a place we'd only ever passed through on our way north.
And because Vanessa and Ali had finished school and college and Nick wasn't in a vital year, we chose to go in what is officially term-time.
I know every schoolday's supposed to count, but in these difficult times, isn't socialising with your family just as vital as being stuck in a classroom?
We stayed in an Edwardian manor house near Selkirk, which was converted into apartments, in 32 acres of grounds, with a games room and a small swimming pool.
It all sounds very grand, but as it was out of season, it was very reasonable – and we were the only ones in the main house!
So the kids were totally occupied with hours of table tennis, pool, table football and swimming – all at no extra cost (imagine how much it would cost to fill that time at certain well-known holiday villages).
The weather was generally lovely, so I was happy to sit in the grounds, read and generally relax.
And the Borders towns of Melrose, Jedburgh, etc, are lovely to visit, packed with historic places.
Floors Castle was a particular favourite with Nick, which had a quiz to get kids involved (and a zipwire in the adventure playground, which also helped).
Naturally, a visit to Edinburgh Zoo was a must, so Gary could watch penguins and the lads could see monkeys throw poo at each other. But a word of warning if you're being canny with your pennies:
1) The price will take your breath away – it cost us about 51 to get in (there are members of staff who pounce on you asking for donations and Gift Aid when you're still reeling from the admission – you're so shocked you'll sign anything. I may have signed away the deeds of the house.)
2) Five paninis and bottles of pop for lunch cost 32.
3) Everything is uphill (never down) so you'll not get your breath back during the whole visit!
My poor mathematical skills were tested to the limit when I had to work out how much electricity we'd used on holiday.
It involved using very basic multiplication and the accurate reading of a meter.
After two attempts (including getting stuck in the meter cupboard), I worked out we'd used 2,400-worth of electricity.
Luckily, the manageress took pity on me and said: "It's been a warm week. Let's just call it 15, eh?"
I sent Nick back to school last Monday – only we'd forgotten it was an Inset Day and school was closed. Thankfully, he'd had the sense to realise his friends weren't on the bus and went to his grandma's.
That'll teach us for taking holidays in term-time. D'oh.
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
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Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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