Friday 4th – Saturday 5th March

We are off on a Famo trip to Lymington, on the edge of the beautiful New Forest, to celebrate JW’s 60th birthday (my brother). He doesn’t know the details and the ‘big reveal’ has taken place over the last three days via some gorgeous videos from the four grandchildren telling him about his birthday adventure a little bit at a time.

Friday 4th March

So, he knew he was going to Winchester Services for elevenses with Elaine, Husband & me and that we are travelling on to Beaulieu. What he didn’t know was the whole family were meeting us at Winchester Services!

Next stop Beaulieu https://www.beaulieu.co.uk to visit the National Motor Museum. There is so much to see and do. Fortunately, the ticket allows you to return for free for a whole year.

We are staying at the Passford House Hotel https://passfordhousehotel.co.uk a real find. Lovely staff, nothing too much trouble; a rabbit warren of corridors, stairs and rooms; pretty grounds and just a few miles from Lymington.

It’s a quick turn around but just time for the young folk to have a swim. We managed to clear the pool of other guests within a few moments!!

Then a speedy turnaround for drinks and dinner. Who asked JW/Grandad to help out with the kids’ hair?!

Drinks and canapés in the largest bedroom with cards and gifts.

The hotel have done us proud with a lovely table just slightly away from the rest of their diners.

Who wouldn’t want a Land Rover themed birthday cake?!

Saturday 5th March

After breakfast we set off for Lymington to undertake a Treasure Hunt drawn up just using Google Maps and Street View, plus some local knowledge from previous visits.

The Treasure Hunt involved collecting some physical things, finding out some answers and also taking a photo of yourself with various items, e.g. a Land Rover, a Boat.

The mini-blip was the planned – but unbookable – lunch at Wetherspoons in Lymington High Street. Most Wetherspoons are enormous; this was comparatively small, it was a Saturday market day and the place was jam-packed! Having quickly looked at other possibilities, the decision was made to make a return trip to the tranquility of the Passford House Hotel, who whipped around and arranged a sandwhich lunch for 12 in short order. A lounge to ourselves with an open fire.

Replete and after the Treasure Hunt prize-giving, we set off for home. It was a really lovely family celebration, jam-packed with jollity, fun and adventure.

Happy 60th Birthday JW!! 🥳