FAIRFIELDS HOTEL PARENTS & CHILDREN 'We're very parent friendly' When you come to Fairfields with children it's so easy to stick to your routines. We understand and cater for the needs of parents holidaying with young children and wanting to avoid the effort of self-catering. Liz Myers wrote this article, which appeared in The Observer on Sunday, 30th June 2002. It really sums up what our approach is and what to expect. At the bottom of this page there are details onChildrens Tea and Food We are desperate for few days away but toddlers out of their routine will be a pain won't they? Not at the Fairfields Hotel, on beautiful Studland Bay in Dorset. This small hotel (12 en suite rooms) takes child friendliness to new levels, offering early dinner for kids and a garden full of sit-on, ride-on, push, pull, kick about toys. You should, it says, be able to stick to your normal routine during your stay. So we just pack up the paraphernalia and off we go? Not so much of the paraphernalia. Fairfields provides cots, high chairs, baby monitors, books and videos and as much fruit, yoghurts, milk and squash as they want. A real home from home then? Only if home for you means views over National Trust land to the sea and Dorset Cream Teas served on the terrace as your little darlings gambol on the lawn. Hope that cream tea won't spoil your dinner? You can sharpen your appetite by heading through the gate at the bottom of the garden for a brisk half hour walk to Old Harry Rocks - all chalk columns, arches and crashing waves - and get back in time for kid's dinner. Pizza, chips and ice cream? If that's what they want! Your budding Lloyd Grossman may prefer home made fishcakes with fresh vegetables, then fruit crumble and custard. What happens next? Worn out with fun and fresh air, the little ones fall asleep as the sun sets over the Purbeck Hills (worth hoping) and you wander down to the dining room, baby monitor primed. Not more fishcakes? Far from it. I chose warm vegetable and goat's cheese stacks with balsamic dressing, then roast rack of Dorset lamb from a menu that changes daily. The wine list has a Routiers Corps d'Elite award. What does the next day hold? The nearest of Studland's several beaches is about 5 minutes walk away. It's secluded, sandy and unspoilt (good old National Trust). The traditional and noticeably untacky seaside resort of Swanage is a few miles down the coast. Doesn't this sort of child friendliness come at prices that are not very parent friendly? Hardly, in high season (June,July,August) dinner, bed and breakfast for two adults costs £130 to £150 depending on the room. CHILDREN'S TEA 2 courses Served between 5 & 6 pm Daily 2 to 4yr - £5.00 5 to 10yr - £7.50 11 to 15yr - £10.00 WE OFFER A LIMITED MEAL SERVICE AFTER 8.30PM (5.45pm for children) If you expect to arrive late, but would like to eat, we would appreciate as much notice as possible. Please be advised that we cannot provide any food service after 9.30pm We provide complimentary cow's milk, cordials, yoghurts and fresh fruit for children at all times. There is a family fridge with a small freezer compartment, and a microwave made accessible for guests to make use of. At Tea Time a selection of dishes are provided for parents and children to choose whatever they want and help themselves, here is an example ... MAIN COURSE CHOICE We lay out a choice of hot dishes each day, such as - Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake, Baked Salmon & New Potatoes - with a selection of fresh Vegetables - Carrots, French Beans, Broccoli - and cold dishes, such as - Cold Chicken or Ham, Grated Cheese, Green Salad - DESSERT COURSE CHOICE Any combination to order ... - Mini Milk Ice Cream Lolly, Fruit Salad, Ice Cream - - Apple Crumble, Custard, Banana Pudding - Yoghurts and fresh fruit are always available For babies, parents can make a selection and we will dice, mash or even puree it into baby food according to your requirements. Other favourites among our hot dish choices have included ... Spaghetti with Bolognaise Sauce Noodles or Rice with creamy, cheesy or tomato sauces Shepherds Pie, Home made fish cakes, Sausages & Mash. Top of Page