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Jump on a vintage red Routemaster, decorated with images of Peppa and her friends, for an official Peppa Pig sightseeing tour of some of London's famous landmarks, while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea, complete with an activity pack and on board entertainment for fans of the show.

I visited with my six-year-old son Reuben on a Sunday afternoon in mid November. The Peppa Pig Bus Tour runs throughout the year on Thursdays to Sundays, at 12.15pm and 14.45pm.

The Peppa Pig Bus Tour departs from outside Somerset House by Victoria Embankment. But Brigit's Bakery runs a number of themed bus tours, including a :a[Paddington Bear]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/the-paddington-bear-experience-review-we-visited-this-grrreat-new-immersive-family-attraction/' } tour, so if you decide to book one of their other themed sightseeing tours, it's worth noting that some depart from Victoria Coach Station and Trafalgar Square, so be sure to check your departure point.

We travelled by train to Waterloo, which is about a 15 minute walk from the departure point. As we crossed Waterloo Bridge, Reuben looked down and got excited when he saw the bus pulled up (with all its Peppa signage on the side). Charing Cross Station is a 10 minute walk from the departure point, and Temple Underground Station is just a two minute walk. We were keen beans and arrived about half an hour before departure time. But I would recommend aiming to arrive about twenty minutes beforehand, as you don't want to end up rushing with little ones in tow, and if you miss it, you won't get a refund.

It seemed everyone was playing safe with arrival times, as other people showed up shortly after us. We took the opportunity to use the loos in Somerset House before boarding, but there was a toilet on the bus for children in emergency situations. The bus leaves and returns from the same point.

**Address:** Victoria Embankment, WC2R 0RN

As we boarded, Reuben was handed an Peppa themed activity pack and we took our seats on the lower deck. Inside, the bus is cute, with pink leather seats and clouds painted on the blue roof - all in keeping with the distinctive Peppa Pig style.

The tour is operated by afternoon tea specialists, Brigit's Bakery, who host a variety of themed bus tours. The Peppa Pig afternoon tea is a treat for adults without the flavours being too fussy for kids. Savoury snacks consisted of egg and cress finger sandwiches, Cheddar cheese finger sandwiches, chicken and tomato burger buns, veggie crudité and breadsticks with hummus and mini Margherita pizza.

Sweet treats included Peppa Pig shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles with sprinkles, strawberry macarons, fruit tarts with crème pâtissière, carrot cupcakes with cream cheese topping, and mini scones with jam and clotted cream. There were two of each option, and the food was really fresh and tasty. The scones were warmed up before being served. I'm not a fan of carrot cake, but the carrot cupcakes with cream cheese topping were so tasty! Reuben declared it the best lunch he's ever eaten.

To drink, there was a selection of teas and coffees, but Reuben and I went for the hot chocolate, which for kids was served at the perfect temperature. The waitress was excellent and diligent in topping up drinks, which were served in reusable Peppa Pig travel cups that you get to take home as a souvenir. These are actually really good quality and dishwasher safe and we've used ours many times since. If you wanted to upgrade, there's also the option of adding wine or bubbles for adults.

This :a[kid-friendly sightseeing tour]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/horrible-histories-terrible-thames-review-a-theatrical-boat-tour-thatll-have-the-kids-in-stitches/' } takes in great views of Central London and passes landmarks, such as Big Ben, The House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Nelson's Column, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, Borough Market, Piccadilly Circus and more. As we were on the bottom deck, I feared the views wouldn't be as good as from top deck, but we were able to see and enjoy everything. There was a built in tablet on each table with a Peppa Pig guided animation of the London tour, and there was a guide on board to point out the sights and provide information of interest to both kids and adults.

All the kids had smiles on their faces as they sang songs from Peppa Pig and took part in a little quiz about the show. But the entertainment isn't too loud or in your face, it's more a leisurely and relaxed experience that the adults can also enjoy. Reuben got busy colouring in and filling out his activity book as we drove around, stopping to look out at each attraction along the way. There were visitors from America, Italy and different parts of the UK on board, and a couple of kids were enjoying the experience in celebration of their birthday. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

We were full by the end of the tour and had a few sweet treats left over. So, the helpful waitress boxed them up and I took them home for my older son. The standard menu is suitable for those requiring a halal afternoon tea, and vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menus are available on booking.

It's suitable for ages 2+. Peppa Pig is a show that will always remind me of Reuben being a pre-schooler, as we'd snuggle on the sofa and watch it together. But even now, he'll still occasionally pop it on if he's feeling unwell or particularly tired, as the familiarity seems to bring him comfort. He's now aged six and I wondered if the Peppa Pig Bus Tour would be a little too babyish for him. But he loved it, and there were other kids his age on board. I even spotted a couple with no kids joining the tour.

The experience lasts about 90 minutes, which felt like the right amount of time for young children.

Prices from £48 for an adult and £43 for a child. But prices vary by date, time and seat selection. NHS workers get a 20% discount (email a picture of your valid NHS card to apply the discount). Find out :a[here]{href='https://b-bakery.com/london/bus-tours/peppa-pig-afternoon-tea' }

This is a wonderful treat day out for Peppa Pig fans. It is pricey, but not when compared to other kids' themed afternoon tea options we've looked at in London, and it's a lovely way to explore London with a young child. The food was delicious, while also being child-friendly, and the staff were warm, friendly and efficient. The whole experience was well organised, and as an adult, I was surprised to find that I enjoyed it as much as Reuben did. We'd rate it a 4.3 out of 5.

Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour review: We hopped aboard for this unique experience…

**_For years we’d tried to uncover the secret in Mum’s past with no success. Then my hubby had a bright idea. By Gemma Mearns, 43_**

I stared at the screen before letting out a sigh.

All she knew was that he was an American serviceman called Clyde Shaws.

He’d been stationed in England during the Second World War and got my grandmother, Ray Ray, pregnant, then left for America.

She didn’t hear anything from him again.

Ray Ray had passed away when I was nine. And ever since Mum had explained this all to me when I was a teenager, I’d tried my hardest to find him.

‘All I really want is a photo of him,’ Mum told me. ‘I’d love to see what he looked like.’

Every few years or so, I tried to research him, just to see where he was and maybe put Mum in contact with him. My brothers had tried too and Mum’s best friend, all with no luck.

Then one day, as I began searching again, my husband Neil said: ‘Why don’t you try changing the spelling of his name?’

Quick as a flash, I turned back to my keyboard and changed his surname from Shaws to Shores.

And up popped a war memorial website with a Clyde Shores from Georgia. All of the dates lined up — it had to be him.

There was a black and white photo of him — and Mum was the spitting image!

‘Neil, look!’ I cried. ‘I think I’ve found him!’

I couldn’t believe it. I was ecstatic, and rang Mum right away.

‘Mum, you won’t believe it!’ I said.

‘We’d been spelling his surname wrong all these years!’ I said. ‘There’s a photo of him too, let me send it to you quickly.’

As she waited for it to load, I was fizzing with excitement.

‘I can’t believe it,’ Mum said. ‘There he is. I feel a connection with him right away, just by looking at him.’

With the correct spelling, I continued searching and found that he’d sadly passed away in 2011.

But his obituary revealed something else.

‘I’ve got all these aunts in America!’ I told Neil.

That meant mum had three half-sisters. I sent her the obituary, and she did some detective work of her own.

‘Your dad has messaged one of the sisters, Vickie,’ she explained, when she rang me back. ‘We found her on Facebook and thought we had nothing to lose.’

Although it must’ve been a bolt out of the blue to hear from Mum, Vickie remembered it being mentioned in the family years ago.

She also said Clyde had told them before he died that there might be someone looking for him in England.

He’d had a photo of Mum as a baby too, but that sadly got lost years ago.

‘We got talking and we might even go out there and visit them in Tallahassee!’ Mum said.

I was thrilled that at 70 she’d finally found her dad.

When I looked up my new aunt on Facebook, she looked just like Mum.

_They’re practically twins!_ I thought.

A year later, my parents flew over to Florida to finally meet Mum’s long-lost family.

They spent a fortnight with them and I kept in touch with Mum while she was out there.

‘When I arrived, they met us at the front door with balloons and a sign that said _Sisters found 2015!_’ she told me.

Mum had the time of her life, as she bonded with her new-found family.

A year later, Neil, our son Freddie and I left our home in Maidstone, Kent, and flew out to the US for a visit too.

‘We’ve all been dying to meet you!’ Vickie said, as we hugged.

We all headed inside where she introduced me to my other aunts and their families.

‘We actually have something to give you,’ Vickie explained, holding out a framed, folded American flag.

‘This was given to us when Dad died,’ she said. ‘We think your mum should have it.’

‘Vickie, this is amazing,’ I replied. ‘Are you sure?’

When we next visited Mum, I handed her the frame and explained: ‘It belonged to your dad.’

‘Oh love, this is amazing,’ she whispered, gazing at it.

Over the years, we’ve kept in regular contact with our long-lost family from across the pond. We hope to arrange another visit soon.

And to think, it was just those few little letters keeping us apart from my grandad.

A few letters short of a family

Whether you’re at home or on the go, portable dog washers are handy tools to have, as they’ll make keeping your furry friend fresh and clean a whole lot easier. They’re compact and easy to use, providing a convenient way to wash your dog without having to lug them into a bathtub in your home or hosing them down in your garden. Just don't forget to bring your :a[dog grooming products]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-grooming-products/' } outside with you so you can get them completely squeaky clean.

We’ve all been there when our pups have splashed through a puddle, rolled in mud during walks or got covered in sand on a trip to the beach. It’s joyful to watch, but it's definitely a challenge to get them clean again after. That’s where a portable dog washer will come to the rescue, as it will allow you to rinse off the muck before your pup goes waltzing through your house or jumping back into the car. And if they're really dirty, you can use one alongside a dog shampoo to give them a thorough clean to avoid getting your surroundings caked in mud. As well as being handy to clean up after your pup’s been on an outdoor adventure, they’re also fantastic for those with larger breed dogs, like Newfoundlands or Golden Retrievers, who can be tricky to scrub down in the shower or bath due to their larger size or thickness of coats as you can wash them outside where you have plenty of space.

## Best portable dog washers at a glance:

When looking for a portable dog washer to clean up your pooch, there are a couple of features you’ll want to keep in mind while you’re shopping. One of the biggest things to consider is the water capacity and whether it’s suitable for your dog’s size and fur type. If you’ve got a bigger dog or a dog with a thick coat, you’ll want to consider a portable washer with a big tank so you can get through all their fluff with minimal refilling. Portability and ease of use are also important things, as you’ll want to ensure you can take it with you wherever you go with your pup and that you can use it with little to no fuss. You may also want to look for adjustable pressure settings and additional attachments like nozzles or brushes to enhance the overall washing experience.

Whether you’re tackling post-adventure dirt from your fluff ball or need a practical alternative to your bathtub for huge hounds, a portable dog washer is a must-have for dog owners looking to make washing their pooch on the go much easier. To help you find the paw-fect portable washer for dogs, we’ve searched the web to find the best of the best so you can tackle even the muckiest of pups. These washers will help to get your pooch nice and clean again but don't forget a :a[dog towel]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-dog-towels-uk/' }, or you'll both end up soaked!

## How we chose the best portable dog washers

All of these portable dog washers have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered portability, capacity and ease of use in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching portable dog washers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.

_:a[Rosie Floyd]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/author/rosie-floyd/' } is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers._

Clean up mucky pups after outdoor adventures with the best portable dog washers

Feed your curly-tailed companion the best dog food for Pugs to nourish their big personality and keep them healthy. It's very easy to pamper a Pug, but this pint-size pooch is like a big dog in a small dog's body and prone to obesity. To prevent your Pug from piling on the pounds, keeping them on a calorie-controlled diet is best. The :a[best dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-dog-food/' } will be complete and balanced, meaning it has all the essential nutrients in the right proportions. Buying breed-specific dog food is one way to ensure your Pug is getting their perfect pie-chart of nutrients.

:a[Dog food subscriptions]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-food-subscription/' } are becoming increasingly popular and are another convenient way to give your Pug tailored portions and nutrients to curtail some of the health issues this breed is known for. Pugs can be sensitive to food; beef, dairy, and wheat are common allergens. Sticking to hypoallergenic dog food can help avoid upset tummies. Dog food subscriptions, such as Butternut Box, are all-natural and grain-free; it's worth exploring if you have a Pug with sensitivities.

Full of character, Pugs are a brachycephalic or flat-faced breed. It can be difficult for them to pick up food with their mouths, so it's important to go for bite-size morsels designed for toy or small breeds. In addition, brands, such as Royal Canin, have developed specially shaped kibble that's the perfect size for a Pug's face shape, thick lips and snout.

Pugs have short hair and skin folds that can trap heat and moisture, resulting in irritation or infections. So it's essential to support their skin health with the right nutrients, such as an antioxidant like vitamin E and omega fatty acids that are included in complete :a[dry dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dry-dog-food/' }. However, wet dog food contains fewer calories than kibble, so it's important to find the right balance between both types of food for Pugs.

_:a[Natalie Knowles]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/author/natalie-knowles/' } is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator._

Best dog food for Pugs three leading dog foods on circles and a pink background

Best dog food for Pugs to nurture their unique needs

**_Dial down the central heating with these alternative tips for staying warm and sleeping well_**

Position your bed on interior walls, as these are less prone to temperature fluctuations, and away from windows, as even the most insulated windows can lose heat. Avoid blocking radiators with furniture, which can limit their efficiency, and consider putting a rug on hard floors to add insulation and reduce heat loss.

Seal all draughts from windows and doors using weather stripping and window film. Keep doors to unused rooms closed to concentrate warmth where you need it most and use a draught excluder to block chilly air from under doors.

It’s important to close curtains after the sun sets to retain warmth. The best curtain materials for retaining warmth are thick, heavy fabrics like wool, velvet or fleece. If you’re on a budget, use a shower curtain behind regular curtains as an extra layer.

Switch to flannel or brushed cotton sheets in the colder months, as they feel warmer and help retain body heat. Add multiple layers like a duvet, throw blankets or a weighted blanket, and invest in a good-quality winter duvet with a high tog. Choose insulating materials like wool or fleece for better heat retention.

For a cosier bed, use a hot water bottle at the foot of the bed or on your stomach, but ensure your bottle is in good condition with no leaks and don’t use it directly on your skin. Pre-warming the bed, especially around your feet, can help you relax and fall asleep faster.

• From Lisa Davis, Product Advisor at Opera Beds (operabeds.com)

5 tips…FOR A COSY BEDROOM

**_Forget big New Year’s resolutions! Instead, change how you spend just one hour each day and transform your health this year..._**

According to the World Health Organisation we should all be aiming to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week. Not only does exercise reduce our risk of heart disease or stroke, studies suggest it also helps reduce our risk of dementia, type 2 diabetes and helps with symptoms of depression and ADHD.

According to researchers, just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice can improve people’s wellbeing, ease depression and anxiety, and help people improve habits around exercise, eating and sleeping.

Educational Psychologist, Dr Patricia Britto says, ‘Schedule eight minutes each day as “worry time”. List any positive actions you could take or if there is nothing you can do, practise trying to separate yourself from your worries by labelling them. For example, if you find yourself constantly worrying, “I’m going to mess up my work presentation”, instead write down, “I keep having the thought that I’m going to mess up my presentation”. This helps us create some distance from the worry.’

It only takes seven minutes to make the perfect soft-boiled egg and nutritionist and founder of The Food Therapy Clinic, Uxshely Carcamo, says, ‘Protein rich foods such as eggs, tofu or Greek yoghurt are helpful for balancing our blood sugar levels and for keeping us full until our next meal. They help to ensure that any starch in our meal is released slowly into our blood stream and this, in turn, keeps our energy levels more stable.’

Growing evidence links self-compassion with improved self-esteem, decreased stress and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Dr Britto says, ‘Spend five minutes each day writing a short note to yourself as if you were supporting a close friend facing your challenges. Reflect on your emotions and struggles, offering gentle encouragement and understanding.’

Experts suggest that switching out your mug of coffee for a green tea, which is rich in antioxidants, may help better boost cognitive function and decrease inflammation.

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