This weekend, to celebrate the very almost summer holidays, we took a trip to Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World! We first went when Florence was just 18 months old and she loved it so much that she still remembers and talks about that trip! What I loved about it was that there are lots of little people rides throughout the park, not just in Peppa Pig World, the grounds are beautiful and there are lots of animals. It is the most relaxing theme park I have ever been to and even Jonny, who hates going to a theme park, says it’s his favourite one and is always happy to go back.

We went again last year and took my Mum who also thought it was a beautiful park. The children LOVED the Peppa Pig element of course and Jimmy got to enjoy it too. Over the last year he has become, like his sister, rather a big Peppa Pig fan so we were thrilled to be going back yet again!

The only real problem for us is that is is quite far away. We have done it in one day but when we stayed in a budget hotel last year it was clear that an over-night was the very best option.

This time we stayed at The Holiday Inn in Fareham which I thought again would be a bit of a budget hotel based on the price. Actually it turned out to be a pretty lovely hotel! They do a Peppa Pig package which includes 2 adult tickets to Paultons Park (children under one metre go free – children over one metre have to pay an additional £24 on top of the hotel package), a family room in the hotel (with Peppa Pig bedding for the children), breakfast, complimentary parking, use of the Spirit Health Club and if you choose to dine in the hotel in the evening the children eat free.

I was totally expecting a basic but clean hotel and was very surprised to walk into a swish lobby when I rushed into pick up our tickets for the park in the morning. There was a wedding going on at the hotel so that should give you some idea of how lovely the surrounds are, I mean you wouldn’t have a wedding in a budget hotel really would you?!

After our day at Paultons Park we went to check in properly and Peppa Pig was there to greet us as we were given a welcome glass of wine. Children happy = check! Grown ups happy = check!

Meeting Peppa at the hotel on our arrival!

Our room was spacious and decorated beautifully. I was impressed by all the little touches and attention to detail. Not only did we have Peppa Pig bedding for the children but there were children’s DVDs left by the big television, complimentary water and chocolate bars and enough shampoo to last us a month (yes, I brought it home. I’m a sucker for a hotel mini shampoo)!

Our room was HUGE!

With Peppa Pig bedding!

Little details made it extra lovely!

We felt very comfortable but hungry so we went to the restaurant where we ordered burgers (they were superb and of a good gastro pub standard) while the children ate from the free children’s buffet which had pastas, pizzas, chicken and lots of salads. They were also given pirate packs with things to keep them entertained while we ate as they hadn’t had to wait for any service and had eaten from the buffet as soon as we sat down!

The children’s buffet food!

Pirate fun at the table!

Our yummy burgers with delicious garlic mushroom and prawn starters and beetroot coleslaw!

I wanted a desert but we were all very tired so I ordered it to my room. I actually cancelled my order when we got back as I was too full but they were very helpful about organising it to come as room service when I had eyes bigger than my tummy!

And then we all slept very well indeed! In complete darkness the children managed ALL night and even had a lie in! Feeling very rested we managed to eat more food at breakfast which was too delicious to leave even though I wasn’t hungry and had lots of options. Fresh fruit, yogurts, full English, cold meats and cheeses, breads, muffuns, crumpets, cereal… I can’t think of something that wasn’t there! I always mark a place by the quality of the sausage and these ones were absolute proper ones with what tasted like a high meat content. I was impressed with BIG bottle of Heinz Ketchup and proper sized mugs to drink my tea from – doesn’t take much to impress me huh!

Wonderful breakfast buffet!

The staff were all very kind and friendly but not in a stuffy way. They were friendly and jovial and when we had a rogue grasshopper invade our table the waitress fought her fear and got rid of it for us! The staff seemed to know and like each other and it made for a friendly environment.

Before checkout and perhaps un-advisedly after all the food we had consumed, we went for a dip in the pool! LOVELY!

And then we were off… Saying goodbye to the Peppa Pig desk where sweets and juice is on offer to the children and you can order a picnic for your day at the park for a small charge and grabbing a complimentary coffee to go.

Sweets, picnic ordering and coffee to go!

Our visit to Holiday Inn was far too brief but it was the perfect way to unwind and recharge after our wonderful day at Paultons Park! Seriously, it really is the most fab day out! Take a look at our video to prove it!

I cannot fault our trip and I would absolutely go back to a Holiday Inn. There are a few in the group that are doing the Peppa Pig package. I also think it’s worth pointing out that the rooms must be incredibly sound proof. We had the bride and groom staying next to us and apart from a tiny bit of sound as they came back to their room we didn’t hear a thing! Either Holiday Inn is just too comfy that everyone falls asleep as soon as their head hits the pillows or the walls are very think! 😉

We received the package as a complimentary trip for the purpose of an honest review.