vanthorne

Thanks so much. Good tip as well for the vauxhall bridge approach to m4 thru London. I must have been crazy to consider m25 to get around to m4 which would prob take forever.

Many thanks - this has given me a lot of confidence. I will let you know how it goes when I get back. Cheers

Hi all - a bit trepidacious about the 5 (or 6 hour?) hour car journey to Cornwall that is coming up and never driven that way/far before with kids. I was wondering if anyone has a good tip on best route to take (or roads to avoid!)...we need to end up near /Looe/Liskeard (off A38) and need to get there by late afternoon (between 4 & 8pm) on a Friday. For example looks like there are 2 roads heading in that direction - A303 or A35 for starters and wondered which might be best. Also any advice on short stop off for kids to stretch their legs on route (which I thought might be a challenge if we are doing motorways/A roads most of way). Thanks in advance for any help/tips you can offer to a novice of this area of England! ------------------------ --- I had this posted in the Family section but someone suggested this might be better placed in lounge. The feedback so far is that I should take the M4 (west) then the M5 to get me down that way and avoid both A303 and A35. The concern now is how to join up with M4 best...as its soo far west and we are all south east. Do we go thru london directly west or head east to join the M25 asap and then spin around on M25 anti clockwise to join with M4? What do the experienced drivers think about getting to M4 the fastest? Thanks a million.

Thankyou everyone for your invaluable pointers. Sounds like A303 might be best avoided as we want fast route rather than scenic- esp I think at this time of year with festivals etc. (A303 might be a good option perhaps in the off season). Mrsf, Tiddles, dollydaydream- question re linking up to M4... M4 is really far west to join up to..considering we all live in south east london. Do you generally head straight thru west london to get out that way to join the M4. Or perhaps...to avoid a lot of london..just get onto the M25 as quick as possible...(perhaps head East from here to join it at Swanley) and then around the M25 in clockwise route to head West. Seems like one of our major headaches will be just getting out of London as you say...don't fancy trekking thru west london to pick up the M4 if poss? Thanks again all for your help. I hope we don't come back feeling like 'Sol' who has been put off.

Yes wasn't sure which section - will post the same question in that lounge section as not sure how to move the thread? Cheers for tips so far

Hi all - a bit trepidacious about the 5 (or 6 hour?) hour car journey to Cornwall that is coming up and never driven that way/far before with kids. I was wondering if anyone has a good tip on best route to take (or roads to avoid!)...we need to end up near /Looe/Liskeard (off A38) and need to get there by late afternoon (between 4 & 8pm) on a Friday. For example looks like there are 2 roads heading in that direction - A303 or A35 for starters and wondered which might be best. Also any advice on short stop off for kids to stretch their legs on route (which I thought might be a challenge if we are doing motorways/A roads most of way). Thanks in advance for any help/tips you can offer to a novice of this area of England!

Fab that sounds like the day sorted - Dulwich Infants followed by Ruskin Park - cool! Cheers

Sorry what is Elliot bank Fuschia? Dulwich Village Infants sounds like a good idea :) Thanks

Hi, At a bit of a loose end with kids tomorrow and thought summer fair might be a good fun filler. Anyone know of any happening in the regions tomorrow- sat 25th June? Should be nice weather for it. Otherwise perhaps a good farmers market on tomorrow near Dulwich/ ED/nunhead area? Thanks all.

Thanks for that nunhead mum...is that the name of a church (can't place it?)...I will give them a buz tomorrow. Cheers

Don't suppose anyone knows of 1/2 day nurseries closer to the nunhead/ivydale road area which might take a 2 year old by any chance. Some of these nurseries mentioned look good, but may be a little out of my way by the time I drop off an pick up will only have about an hour or so at home for chores catch up. Thanks

Hi -just picking up on an old thread and wondered if anyone knew about the nursery that is being referred to above - apparently a new one that was due (or is due to open ) Jan 2011. I tried to check for postings by 'tintin' as per above thread hint but they may have been wiped off as too old perhaps or I might have missed them as can't seem to locate any leads there. If anyone know about such a new nursery then it would be great to here...mentions the location is Amott road- bottom end of the Rye?? {I'm Looking for a ( good) nursery with a current available place for a 2year old...nunhead way...if you know any??} Thanks

In Australia (when Uggs were first around in the early 80's) we used to use a special ugg boot eraser...its a bit like a suede rubber...not sure if you can get them over here..but it rubs off a portion of the lamb skin to freshen it up and remove the stain....

Thanks karen- didn't realise there was a website either...just logged on : http://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/ and already picked up some useful tips...you can get to see quite a lot just by registering to recieve their email without paying the monthly fee it seems. Also Amazon does a reduced priced guide I noticed if you wanted to get the new 2011 edition of their book..cheaper than the 35 on the website for good schools. The 2005 was a good read if you are investigating far and wide for really good schools with longterm in mind. Best of luck. (Still interested in 2010 version and will offer to pay if anyone is finished with theirs- thanks).

Hi, I was wondering if anyone may have finished with their old version of Good Schools guide if they have now sorted out decided on schools for their little ones. I have an old version 2005 but I think things could change in 5 years. Thanks.

Hi to all those in similar situation next week :...I found out that Telegraph Hill children centre/playgroup is open up to 23rd Dec. They are open 9.30 until 3.30, apart from Tuesday..when they open later at noon...due to a cooking class thing. They might be opening on 24th but are not sure at present...but should know definately next week. So that's another place to go...which has both a warm indoor play area (with kitchen for heating food for lunches etc) and also a great outdoor play area...situated in telegraph hill park..accessible by 484, 343 and other buses running from ED area. Worth a look if you are out of ideas and you have kids under 4.

Thanks - yes I think Balaclava would be next step...we have one of those hats that you tie underneath the chin but she still manages to get it off...so a full sock over the head with cutouts for eyes -mouths would be the next step in the cold! Will have a hunt for one. Yep nunhead library is our local so will be paying that loads of visits...and horniman museum. Can't quite manage to get to south Ken on my own though with two so won't be venturing that far to natural history/science etc...will be easier when I just one to manage on public transport... (Just checked Horniman is only closed 24-26 and open aside from that.) Thanks for the ideas guys...if I hear of any other activities going on from 20th Dec I will post here...as that is the really tricky week for us...

The lights in south moulton street are also lovely and carnaby street are fun (with flying spacemen santa claus)...so your ones might enjoy that...easy to get to by east london line now from honor oak/forest hill ..if you change at canada water and then jubliee line to bond street. I think its worth a trip if you can stand the busy shoppers....

Definately agree with berryberry...and we are people that love 'fresh air'- but my little one is just miserable when its soo cold.

I had a similar post ...but just for younger kids...Dolly suggested I go to the park (see my thread http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,585695) ...which is ok in brief moments when its above 5 degrees...but not really feasible for younguns...I think Horniman might be open- which your kids might like...we will certainly get down there on one of the days. best of luck!

Sounds good - we are going to give that one a go! Thanks

Thanks Fuschia....yes think I will check out Bellingham as my girl does Gymnastics there...but unfortunately gymnastics closed during xmas period..but soft play should be open as you say. Wonder if Peckham Rye one oclock club will be open in the lead up to xmas?

Thanks Kalamity...just checked their site...looks like there is a 4pm Xmas Eve service which says 'Christingle'...so that might be the childfriendly one...its certainly on at the right time of day. Cheers.

Hi Dolly...yes we love going to the park...but my youngest has a habit of pulling off her hat and gloves...so if it turns to zero degrees again like last week then she can only stand the park for just a little while...before its all tears with the cold. If its warmer like today then yes the park will be the place of choice...was just looking for some indoor cosy options as well. Thanks

Hi there...does anyone know if there is a nice child friendly service with lots of festive carols at a local church around SE22 or nunhead way? Probably taking place on xmas eve...wonder what time and where? We don't normally go to church but I think the children would love it and the carols bring a nice fuzzy feeling to the spirit this time of year :) Thanks