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always loved taking us all away for a little staycation in the UK, so I wanted to carry on her tradition by going on a special anniversary the Four Seasons in Hampshire just before the first lockdown, so it felt extra special for us to all pile into a Land Rover Discovery and head to the Georgian country estate.
As both of us work full-time, my aim for this trip was to have downtime all together without a busy itinerary. Having time to slow down feels like the biggest luxury; no schedule, no routine, no rushing. We wanted the journey there to set the tone for the next few days and take things at a leisurely pace. Travelling with children can be stressful, and in an airport, you have so many distractions and time pressures. In the car, however, we can be less rigid with timings and just enjoy spending time together listening to music and having silly conversations.
When seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city, the Land Rover Discovery provides the ultimate reason to take your family on a journey they’ll never forget. Here, brand founder, stylist and mother to two, Philippa Ross takes us behind the scenes of her latest adventure.
This Family Road Trip Has Made Memories for a Lifetime
“The journey in the car is a special moment where we’re all together as one, whether we’re sitting in silence, looking out of the window or talking about what we’re all excited to do when we arrive.”
W
Adventure,
& Connection
THE GOAL: Outdoorsy moments, quality time and to celebrate a milestone
hen my husband and I were planning a trip to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary, at first we thought we would go away just the two of us, but then we decided that nothing is better than having family time. My Grandma
“There is something really nostalgic to me about unpacking your picnic basket from the back of the car—I remember doing this in my own childhood.”
Joy
MAIN VIDEO GOES HERE
Savouring the Journey
My husband and I always say that the build-up to a holiday can be better than the actual holiday, and the journey in the car is the perfect example of this. It’s a special moment where we’re all together as one, whether we’re sitting in silence, looking out of the window or talking about what we’re all excited to do when we arrive. On road trips, we always love to have a little sing-along, and this time you’d have heard Arsenal songs (requested by my son) and Taylor Swift (for my daughter) blasting out from the Land Rover Discover speakers.
Reaching our Destination
There is something quite magical about revisiting somewhere you love because it feels familiar, calm and welcoming, and the Four Seasons Hampshire is a particularly nostalgic choice for our family. As soon as the tyres hit the driveway, I felt like I could instantly transition into holiday mode. When I think back to my staycations with my Grandma, I don’t remember exactly what we did, but I can really recall that warm feeling of having lots of time together to explore and connect. I’ve wanted to create the same feeling for my children, focusing on the sentiment of the trip more than a specific itinerary.
Living in a city, I really notice the difference when we spend lots of time outdoors—the kids feel more at ease, I feel calmer and conversation flows more readily. At home, I’m always on a schedule, so while we’re talking, I’m also like “let’s go, let’s go to school, let’s go to bed.” Whereas when we are away from a to-do list and outside in nature, our minds are just freer—my daughter and I had such a special time simply lying in the grass chatting while making daisy chains.
THE Destination: The Four Seasons, Hampshire
THE LASTING EFFECT: Connection, inspiration and memories made.
THE GOAL: Outdoorsy moments, quality time and to celebrate a milestone
THE Destination: The Four Seasons, Hampshire
THE LASTING EFFECT: Connection, inspiration and memories made
Special Moments
My highlight from the staycation was a picnic that the four of us had on a blanket in the forest on the estate. There is something really nostalgic to me about unpacking your picnic basket from the back of the car—I remember doing this in my own childhood. Documenting these precious moments with a Polaroid provided us with a new and fun way to make memories and capture the moment.
During our holidays, we always try to have moments with our kids that we don’t usually have at home, whether that’s a family bike ride or trying a new activity. So another thing we did was plan dedicated one-on-one time with our children, as we often don’t have the opportunity to do that in day-to-day life. We both decided to try something new—so Alex and Alfie played croquet together and Ava and I went to a pony grooming session.
By Philippa Ross
The Takeaways
When we're away, we aim to avoid screens, especially at meal times, and I really noticed how it helped us to have more time engaging and connecting with each other. It’s easier said than done, but it’s something that I’d really like to try more at home from the minute we turn into our driveway. There’s no reason why we can’t have some of these moments together, discovering the great outdoors on the weekend, so as well as plotting my next trip back to Hampshire, I’m also buying a bike to kickstart a new family tradition.
Talent: Philippa & Family Managing Director: Hannah Almassi Associate Creative Director: Jamie Carson Senior Producers: Daniel Gould & Esther Thorn Gent Senior Project Management: Hayley Jackson
Design Director: Oliver Bourne Designer: Hannah Taylor Film Production: Studio Soeur Stills: Studio Soeur & Kasia Bobula Styling: Fiona De Lys
Model shown is Land Rover Discovery Tempest 27MY in Carpathian Grey premium metallic finish
Discover more at landrover.co.uk/discovery and @landroverdiscovery and get ready to explore.
Pack for easy access: Snacks, water bottles and a picnic blanket.
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Don't forget: A Polaroid camera for memory-making.
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Download: A family playlist before you leave.
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Try: Guess the arrival time. Closest chooses the first activity.
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ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS: