So after the Royal Male following in the footsteps of Royal Mail – he was a week late – Prince William and Princess Catherine’s new baby boy finally arrived yesterday.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s pregnancy has also sparked the biggest baby boom in 40 years with new figures showing that 700,000 babies will be born this year, the highest number since 1971.
Luckily, there are dozens of baby friendly breaks available in England for all of them to find somewhere to go. Here, we’ve teamed up with VisitEngland to choose the best of them.
Baby in Tow
The new baby will likely spend a lot of time at Kensington Palace where the Duke and Duchess will reside. To mark the occasion, the nearby Hilton London Kensington has created a ‘Tot-ter Around Kensington’ package. Guests can enjoy a two-night shopping break, ideal for mother-daughter bonding and mums-to-be. The package includes a two-night stay at the hotel, with each guest receiving a VIP card for Westfield London Shopping Centre, just opposite the hotel. The VIP card entitles shoppers to offers and discounts of up to 20% from over 80 stores and restaurants. See www.hilton.com/kensington
Still on the hotel front, the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane has been transformed into a five-star nursery for jet-setting babies. The hotel has teamed up with bespoke nursery designers Dragons of Walton Street and transformed a Premium Park View Suite into a quintessentially English nursery, designed and tailored with a royal baby in mind. Dragons of Walton Street has a historic association with the Royal Family, with William and Harry, Beatrice and Eugenie all growing up in a Dragons nursery. Select from three packages starting from £2,230 per night. To book, visit www.marriott.co.uk
Outside the capital, Cornwall’s Bedruthan Steps Hotel has a ‘Welcome to the World’ break, offering new mums and dads a helping hand through their first year of parenting. The package encourages new parents to deepen their bond with their new arrival through baby massage, swimming and yoga classes. The break includes workshops with psychologist Dr Sarah Mundy on some approaches to the challenges that new parents face. Available October 11-13, 2013. Two-night breaks from £255 per person based on two adults sharing. Baby goes free (of course!). To book, visit www.bedruthan.com
Born to Rule
Fans of the growing Royal Family can take a look back at royal babies past at ‘The Royal Child’, a new photography exhibition at the Athenaeum. The hotel, which sits within sight of Buckingham Palace, offers an exclusive Royal photography and afternoon tea experience, available at weekends until August 31, 2013. Guests will have the opportunity to view over 50 images whilst Curator of the exhibition, Ian Pelham-Turner provides fascinating insights into how Royal children have been brought up since Victorian times, and how the new Royal baby may be treated. Tickets to the exhibition and afternoon tea cost £60 per person. To book, visit www.athenaeumhotel.com
The Museum of London celebrates the momentous occasion with a new display. ‘A Royal Arrival’ delves deep into the Museum of London’s collection to showcase baby clothes and memorabilia worn by former royal babies, from Charles I to George III and Edward VII to link the latest royal arrival to over 400 years of UK history. Objects on show include a delicately embroidered skullcap worn by an infant Charles I. Free admission. For more information, visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk
Explore beyond the photographs by visiting some of the places baby British royals spent their childhoods.
The Sandringham Estate is a favourite retreat of The Queen, and the late Princess Diana was born in a cottage located in the estate’s extensive grounds. Prince Charles had many childhood adventures at Sandringham House, the much-loved royal retreat, which is a beautiful place to visit. It’s only a short trip from King’s Lynn station, itself around a two-hour train journey from London. For more information, visit www.sandringhamestate.co.uk
Windsor has a vibrant royal history, especially where young royals are concerned! Y Bwthyn Bach, also known as The Little House, is a miniature cottage in the grounds of Windsor’s Royal Lodge. The Little House was presented to Queen Elizabeth (then Princess) on her sixth birthday and the Queen’s children and grandchildren have played in the house over the decades, though it isn’t open to the public. However, located to the south of Windsor town centre, Windsor Great Park is a well-loved and popular recreational retreat for many families, and has views of Windsor Castle. Windsor is also home to LEGOLAND, where you can see a miniature version of Buckingham Palace. For more information, visit www.windsor.gov.uk
The InterContinental London Park Hotel at 145 Piccadilly was once Her Majesty the Queen’s childhood residence. Check out the newly-designed Royal Suite, which celebrates the Queen’s signature taste with modern British design. Located between Mayfair and Knightsbridge, and in view of many of London’s stunning landmarks, the InterContinental is the epitome of elegance. Afternoon tea in the Wellington Lounge is a must; you’re sure to feel like royalty, sipping Champagne and overlooking the iconic Wellington Arch. For more information, visit www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/london/lonhb/hoteldetail
Just for Mum – Pre-and Post-Baby Pampering
Kate is reportedly the first ever royal to have had a baby shower, and now mothers to be can emulate the royal party style. Until July 31, mums-to-be can receive the royal treatment with a ‘Royal Baby Shower Afternoon’ at St James’s Hotel and Club. On arrival, you’ll receive a luxury baby gift worth £85. You will then receive a pregnancy treatment at Spa Illuminata, one of the finest spas in central London, before afternoon tea from award-winning executive chef, William Drabble. The package is £89 per person, with a minimum of eight people. For reservations, e-mail [email protected]
If it’s escapism you need, book in a night away from the kids and check into The Bingham for or a ‘Mums-Only Sleepover’. Every Sunday until December 31, the hotel is offering packages for sleep deprived mums in its Queen Single Bedrooms – perfect for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Read a book or potter around the hotel’s boutique shop, have a hot bath with Abhana bath oils and scented candles, and treat yourself with room service or dinner in the river view bar. After a night of blissful uninterrupted sleep, enjoy a peaceful breakfast before returning home a new woman. From £150. To book, visit www.thebingham.co.uk
For more ideas, see www.visitengland.com/royalbaby
