From beach walks to yurt stays, influencer and mum-of-three Augusta Sharp is no stranger to family travel. And as we roll into winter, she shares her secrets for stress-free, budget-friendly adventures with small children in tow.
We caught up with Augusta who’s currently expecting baby number four, to hear how she and her family enjoy adventures, all while keeping things affordable thanks to savvy planning and Aldi Mamia essentials.
She says, ‘Family adventures aren’t exclusive to the sunnier months. Whether it’s cycling forest paths with the kids tucked into a trailer, renting a beach hut and huddling around a cup of tea, or planning a history-packed road trip across Northern Ireland, the memories made off-season are often the ones that shine brightest.’
Here are Augusta’s top tips for off-season travel with the family. She says:
Why off-season is the perfect time for family fun
‘Autumn is officially here. As the clocks turn back and the UK’s travel ‘off-season’ begins, there’s no better time to grab the kids, head outdoors, and explore. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure close to home or a weeklong road trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats, travelling off-season can be more accessible, more affordable, and often more magical than any other time of year.
As a mum of three, with another little one on the way, I’ve learnt that our best moments often come when the beaches are empty, the trails are quiet, and we’re huddled around the warmth of a wood burner, or in a yurt somewhere in the middle of Norfolk! Off-season doesn’t mean slowing down. It means adventure on.
© Augusta Sharp
Keeping it budget-friendly with little ones
Packing for three little ones can feel like an expedition in itself, but refuelling with Aldi Mamia keeps our family adventures manageable and affordable. We had three kids under four during our Causeway Coast road trip, which meant a boot full of nappies!
Aldi’s Mamia range was a complete lifesaver, giving us the space in our budget to keep saying yes to the adventures we love.
Snacks are another non-negotiable. Parents often ask how we manage hikes and cycling trips with three small kids, and the answer is always snacks. Aldi’s Organic Mini Apple Rice Cakes and Organic Strawberry & Apple Oaty Bars are our go-tos, perfect for keeping little legs moving on woodland trails, fuelling a beach walk, or warming cold hands on a sailing day.
With waterproof layers packed and tummies full, we’ve learnt that you really can get outdoors whatever the weather.
Making memories, no matter what the weather
Cold weather adventures bring a magic all of their own. After a day of waving to Wales’ wild ponies on the Gower Peninsula in the pouring rain, the reward is always in gathering our family around food. Aldi makes it easy to prepare quick, hearty meals that taste even better after a day in the elements.
We always opt for crowd pleasers like big bowls of spaghetti bolognese or chicken curry, and no off season adventure is complete without toasting marshmallows over an open fire. These cosy rituals transform chilly days into golden memories, the kind our kids will talk about long after the season has passed.
© Augusta Sharp
The benefits of holidaying off-season with the kids
Off-season is when the UK really opens up. Scotland’s most iconic roads are suddenly empty of tour buses and campervans, and you feel like you have the Highlands to yourself. Glamping sites and sprawling safari tents drop to half the summer price, while seaside cottages sit empty, just waiting to be booked.
With the savings from our weekly Aldi shop, we love saying yes to these stays, always choosing off the beaten path accommodation to add to the sense of adventure. The peace, the space, and the chance to enjoy these places without queues make off season travel even more rewarding.
New adventures on a budget
Each season brings new reasons to get outdoors together as a family. Autumn and winter are when the UK is brimming with epic kids’ activities, all set against the backdrop of Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas, and the excitement of a new year.
If you’re looking for an affordable adventure close to home, head to a pumpkin patch (there are even plenty in central London) and make an excuse to skip bedtime, wrap up warm, and watch the fireworks at a park near you.
Winter is made for Christmas garden walks, and the National Trust is always our go-to. Just don’t forget to fill your backpack with plenty of Aldi’s epic snacks to keep tiny tummies full.
With Aldi Mamia helping us save on the essentials, we can keep saying yes to the adventures that matter most. And if (like me) you’re expecting or have a tiny one in tow, Netmums has free Mamia newborn nappy vouchers available. The perfect first step on your own off-season adventure!’
Find your nearest Aldi and start making savings for your family adventure.
