GETTING THERE

Going to mainland Europe via the UK land-bridge has historically been a route used by many Irish families. It might appear as if going direct is less work but the change in our plans led to some further food for thought.

While initially somewhat daunted by the idea of travelling less directly, it actually meant a lot less time on the water and some surprisingly nice stop-offs on the way home.

We took a Brittany Ferries vessel from Caen to Portsmouth and then, after driving and a couple of overnights, a Stena Line ferry from Holyhead to Dublin.

On the way from Portsmouth, we stopped off in Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World and then drove on to stay outside the beautiful town of Warwick (we could have chosen Chester). Peppa Pig World was packed the day we visited and the 45-minute queue might not really be everyone’s idea of being worth the five minutes on the ride. But you can meet Peppa and George outside the school house — enough said if you are four years old.

The rest of the park is less packed and great fun, with loads of bigger rides like rollercoasters, a log flume and more traditional carousels.

A final tip from the way home. We stopped off to eat at the excellent The Slate restaurant outside Bangor (which is only slightly off the main route to Holyhead for the ferry home).

It’s a beautiful guest house and restaurant with fab food and a great kids’ menu.