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Environment
 BridgeHouse is almost virtually enclosed bar the main car park and front door entrances. The garden is particularly safe as it surrounded by a high stone wall and has just, one small outside exit which can be closed – ideal for toddlers to run around in while adults sip a cocktail or two on the patio or in the Old Conservatory where they can keep an eye open. We have also just purchased a commercial trampoline which is going to be buried in the ground at the bottom of the garden which will happily provide a little distraction. Some of Louis toys he has grown out of are available although we are determined that the garden shouldn’t be spoiled for the adults by filling it with garish plastic!
 Accommodation
Our family Room on the First Floor of the Coach House does what it says on the tin. It is perfect for two adults and two children as it comprises a double with two adjoining singles, all sharing the same bathroom. It is ideal for those parents wanting their children close by without sharing the same room.
On the same floor there is also a double room which we often find is perfect for grandparents if they’re visiting too!
Security and Safety
 We know this is at the back of every parents’ mind following the Maddie case.
The hotel has baby listening monitors which work anywhere in the hotel. We also have a team of responsible, young girls able to babysit.
Alternatively, several of our bedrooms are close to the restaurant and large enough to take cots or Z-beds should you want to be physically close to your young ones. Sometimes it’s more comforting to be able to run up a small flight of stairs to check.
While all hotels must comply with a mass of regulation, the recent fire at the hotel in Cornwall has made us re-assess our safety regime at the BridgeHouse. As a result we have spent over £10,000 installing a state-of-the-art, wireless smoke & heat detection system. Every room is covered meaning that the hotel is as fully protected as possible. It also means that anyone trying to smoke a sneaky cigarette in the middle of the night despite the ban on smoking in public places, is likely to have the entire hotel, mustering in the car park!
Practicalities
 Drinking bottles are a routine chore that besets every parent. We have tried to make the cleaning cycle process a little more bearable with a sterilising service. Simply leave your ‘used’ bottles in the basket provided and we’ll sterilise them within a couple of hours.
Food
For the first time in BridgeHouse history a Childrens Menu now exists. Without sounding too Puritanical, we firmly believe in using the finest, local, mostly organic produce especially where children are concerned. The challenge is to turn it into something youngsters will eat. Therefore, our Children’s Menu contains all the usual sounding favourites – chicken goujons……etc but you have our guarantee they are all made from the very best materials with no added salt where possible. Our fresh juice is squeezed daily by the kitchen and baby fruit or vegetable purees can be easily arranged.
Meal Times – childrens meals are available from 6.30pm to 7pm as well as regular lunch times (12pm to 2pm). We usually set aside a space in the Sun Room which has a scrubbable floor! High chairs are obviously available. If your child has any particular likes/dislikes or specific dietary needs, then talking to Reception or the kitchen in advance is the best way to ensure everyone is happy.
Evening Meals – one of the greatest adult pleasures of staying in an hotel like the BridgeHouse is knowing that you are going to enjoy a truly relaxing evening in the restaurant. Well behaved children are welcome, but we suggest it is more comfortable for all if you book an early slot for dinner and choose to dine in the Old Conservatory part of the dining room.
Beds/Bedding
The hotel has several Z-beds and cots which come with appropriate bedding. We appreciate that especially with young babies many parents prefer to bring their own bedding – something to be discussed in advance if possible. Similarly, if your child has any allergies ie to feathers, we can accommodate with a little notice.
Other Equipment
There is nothing worse than going away for a weekend and having to load the car to the gunnels with kids equipment. Therefore, we are happy to provide the following:
Baby changing mat
Baby bath seat
Baby back pack or hip seat
Fun Stuff
Beaches, fossil hunting and a few fun venues such as the Abbotsbury Childrens Farm, Farmer Palmers and even Bridport market with its old toy stalls, make this part of Dorset great for kids. Just to help things along we provide a small selection extras such as fishing nets, buckets and spades, etc
When budgets allow every bedroom will be equipped with a DVD player, but for the time being a selection of VHSs are available from reception for the Family and large Four Poster rooms.
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