Kelvin—actor, TV personality, and champion motor racing driver— and Liz—an actress, voice-over artist, and presenter—are the stars of Fletcher’s Family Farm, a popular family show on ITV and ITVBe. The show, set on their beautiful 120-acre farm in the Peak District, offers a fun and heartwarming look at their life with four children. Balancing farm life, acting, and family adventures keeps them busy, but they always make time for holidays that bring everyone together.
We enjoyed catching up with Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, our Prestbury Travel Family Ambassadors, down at their farm. Over tea and cake, we chatted about family life, travel, and why holidays mean so much to them.
Work and family life must be busy. How desperate for a holiday are you?
Kelvin: We are so desperate for a holiday! We work around the clock and not just with the kids as farm life is 24/7. Whatever work industry you're in, I do think it's important to try and get away and just reset and be at one without any ‘To Do’ list on the agenda and the 'To Do' list is just 'To Do' fun.
What are you most looking forward to going on holiday?
Kelvin: I think just seeing the kid's faces light up and that sense of adventure. It’s important that the adults turn into kids themselves, and the whole family enjoy it as one.
Liz: It's also about being in the moment, enjoying the sun and the sea. The memories we make are what we all treasure, especially when the kids talk about them long after the trip.
Liz: It's also about being in the moment, enjoying the sun and the sea. The memories we make are what we all treasure, especially when the kids talk about them long after the trip.
Do you like to get out and about on holiday or simply relax by the pool?
Kelvin: We like a good mixture on holiday. We enjoy getting out and about and seeing things but we also love those days that are just relaxing around the pool so I feel a good balance is what's really important.
What's your favourite holiday?
Kelvin: We went skiing as a surprise for Christmas. Liz opened the present and there were thermals. The second present was a pair of gloves. We'd not long been dating, so she was too polite to ask 'what on earth have you got me?'.
Liz: That was such a good trip. Feel free to do that again, Kelvin! I was going to say Dubai. We only had two children then but that was spectacular wasn't it? We'd been working so much and Kelvin had just finished Strictly. Everything was just so stunning and perfect for the kids. Beautiful.
Liz: That was such a good trip. Feel free to do that again, Kelvin! I was going to say Dubai. We only had two children then but that was spectacular wasn't it? We'd been working so much and Kelvin had just finished Strictly. Everything was just so stunning and perfect for the kids. Beautiful.
What's your packing style?
Liz: I hate to say that I'm a chuck it in the suitcase and hope the best but Kelvin’s the opposite. Not only does he pack 5 seconds before we leave but, it’s compact, colour-coordinated, totally organised and he never over or under-packs, he takes just what he needs! I'm more of a let's take that woolly dress as it might be cold one day so we'll throw it in!
Kelvin: Let's take 18 outfits. We might only wear 3, but we'll take 18!
Liz: You’ve got to be on the safe side!
How do you manage to find time for each other when travelling as a family?
Liz: There are pockets of time when the kids might be playing with each other or off at the kids club but it's generally in the evening when you're back in the room and the kids are fast asleep. It's lovely to just sit on the balcony and catch up and reflect on the day.
Kelvin: Yes, that's right, wasn't it funny when we both thought we had one of the kids when the lifeguard had them?! But to be honest, we're going to spend the majority of time as a family and, rightly so.
Kelvin: Let's take 18 outfits. We might only wear 3, but we'll take 18!
Liz: You’ve got to be on the safe side!
Kelvin: Yes, that's right, wasn't it funny when we both thought we had one of the kids when the lifeguard had them?! But to be honest, we're going to spend the majority of time as a family and, rightly so.
How did Prestbury Travel match your holiday wishlist?
Kelvin: Prestbury Travel matched our wish list exactly. They understand our needs and requirements, as a growing family with young children. They've been in business for over 40 years and have the experience and partnerships to provide whatever anyone needs. They got to understand what our lifestyle was like, how busy our schedule was and what we did and didn't like to do. They curated our holiday from there and we came away thinking they must have read my mind.
Liz: They were very good at listening and they have all the knowledge and expertise to know what we would enjoy and would be right for our family.
Liz: They were very good at listening and they have all the knowledge and expertise to know what we would enjoy and would be right for our family.
Top tips for travelling with young kids?
Liz: Snacks and activities are essential to keeping them entertained, and I always make sure to pack sun hats, sunscreen, and plasters. When it comes to the kids going in the pool, blue swimwear is a no-no, it has to be the most colourful costume you can think of so they can be easily spotted!
Kelvin: Make it fun. So take note, Liz. I have lots of fun. You're the organised one. I can be a big kid and you are the fun police! It's that intrigue. It's that wonder and let's go for a little tour around. Let's walk to reception. All those little things is what I'll be doing with the kids. Just having fun. I can't wait!
Kelvin: Make it fun. So take note, Liz. I have lots of fun. You're the organised one. I can be a big kid and you are the fun police! It's that intrigue. It's that wonder and let's go for a little tour around. Let's walk to reception. All those little things is what I'll be doing with the kids. Just having fun. I can't wait!
