Gabriel North

Ask whether the pool is shared with day visitors or a gym and whether it is open during your stay. A quiet room or spa area may be a better fallback.

Keep one flexible day for weather and tiredness. Confirm accommodation before long regional legs, especially when travelling near school holidays.

Map each candidate hotel from the actual Kingston station, then compare trips to your priority sights. Attractions lie on both sides of the lake, so no single room is walkable to everything.

Choose one main visit and keep the second brief, or stay overnight if both matter. Confirm any entry or tour booking before making the coach trip.

Keep one or two attractions per day and allow time for transfers. A taxi for an awkward final leg can be a sensible supplement without renting a car for the whole visit.

Agree on a drop-off at the summit and choose your walking finish before you set out. The return to your accommodation may require another bus or car trip from the trailhead.

Compare the exact pickup branch, hours, total price, mileage and insurance excess. Airport and city locations can have different fees and opening times.

On another day, pair one child-friendly hands-on attraction with a short outdoor break. Check current programmes at Questacon, the National Museum and other places rather than assuming an older forum itinerary still fits your child's interests.