Christmas at Chasewater with Holiday Inn Express

At the beginning of December we started our Christmas celebrations

With a long promised return to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor

My sister and her family live in the Peak District

So we met her there and had a wonderful time

A magical start to our festive season

family

We stayed for two nights in a Holiday Inn Express

Close to Drayton Manor Theme Park

The hotel was easy to find and within 15 minutes drive of the park

The Holiday Inn Express is in Lichfield

And it is a family friendly hotel

It is easy to drive to

On an Industrial estate

Just off the M6 Toll

Next to a McDonalds and a Frankie and Benny’s

It is a great place to stay to explore the local area

We drove up to Lichfield early in the morning

We arrived early, before our rooms were ready

As they often do

Esther and William had travelled in ‘holiday pyjamas’

The hotel manager without hesitation

Provided us with a room to get dressed in when we arrived at the hotel

The hotel welcomes families

And offers packages that include accommodation and trips out

With a range of Drayton Manor options

fat controllers

When we returned from Thomas Land

And explained to the hotel that there had been a mix up

With the tickets they gave us for the park that day

They refunded us the money it had cost us without question

While the error was being dealt with

The receptionist chatted to Esther and William about their day

home from home

We had adjoining rooms in the hotel

A double and a family room

We were staying for two nights

And find that adjoining rooms mean we all get a lot more sleep!

The rooms were clean and warm

With plenty of space for us all to eat, sleep and play

sleep eat play

The beds were comfortable

And we all slept really well

After our first night

We were ready for another exciting day

The Holiday Inn Express in Lichfield is close to Chasewater Country Park

Where throughout December they run a Santa Special on their steam railway

My sister booked the day for us all

We had no idea what to expect

I think our expectations were quite low

But actually we had the most wonderful time

waiting for the train

A lovely family day out

Esther and William love trains

They loved exploring the station

They loved seeing Father Christmas on the rails

on the platform

The train journey was not so long that the children were bored

After the round trip we explored the sheds

Finding the old engines and Christmas displays

Watching the miniature railway

chasewater sheds

The queue was not that long to see Father Christmas

But even if it had been we would not have minded

Trains to watch, hot drinks and mince pies

It was a pleasure to wait

Though not very warm!

WAITING FOR SANTA

Father Christmas was lovely

Generous with his time and his presents

MEETING SANTA

Each child was given multiple presents

Esther, William and their cousin loved opening their gifts

It was wonderful to watch them

Chasewater really fired up our festive spirit

We had a truly wonderful day

magic moments

After lunch at a local pub

We headed back to our rooms at the Holiday Inn

To relax and sleep before driving home

Before we headed for home

We had breakfast

Breakfast at The Holiday Inn Express is quick and easy

A self service buffet with just enough choice not to overwhelm

Esther and William were allowed Frosties and apple juice as a special treat

I had yoghurt and croissants

David had sausages and eggs

We were able to eat our fill before settling our bill

And heading for home

With full tummies and happy hearts filled with very special Christmas memories

With my sister living not too far away

I am certain that we will return to The Holiday Inn Express again one day

If you need to stay in the area of Lichfield

I can heartily recommend the hotel as a place for you to stay too

Clean and comfortable

Family friendly

Great breakfast

Handy location

Free wifi

Interconnecting rooms

A place to eat, sleep and play

sleep eat play

We were given reduced rates at the Holiday Inn Express in return for an honest review

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