Mat
for what it is worth, pack your family into your car hitch up the trailer with your rib and head for Calais. Take the P & O ferry to Dover, Make sure you do not take any extra passengers
First travel to the Solent , launch at a secure marina where you can leave your trailer. Book Bed & Breakfast in Cowes or Yarmouth. Stay as long as you can and enjoy the area. You will for sure not be alone as many of us enjoy ribbing in the Solent. When you decide to visit your family up in Nottingham just leave the trailer and rib in the secure marina and collect on your way back home,
I will be at Wiatr i Woda in March so we can meet up and discuss your possible visit to the UK
I guess this thread has been an eye opener for you.