Back when I used to work on the Diary column at the Guardian, my desk would creak and groan under the weight of invitations to parties I never wanted to go to. At first, I would go occasionally, but as soon as I realised that the most exciting thing that would happen was likely to be a glimpse of Yasmin Le Bon on the other side of the room and that the wine would be warm, I realised it was easier and more fun just to go to the pub with my friends.

How times change. Recently, when an email came inviting me and my children to the CBBC new season launch, including a screening of two episodes from the new series of the Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, we couldn't wait to go. Leaving my daughter and husband at home, the two boys and I set off through the rain to the Big City. We were properly starry-eyed as we got closer and closer to London, and by the time we ran through the downpour to a Soho hotel guarded by robots, we were all up for anything.

I was given a name tag that said 'The Observer' on it, and wondered just how old their mailing list was. I stuck it on, smiled, and kept quiet.

Before the screening, the boys spotted Sarah Jane herself (Elisabeth Sladen, both charming and teeny), and a CBBC presenter called Iain in the bar, and managed to get their photos taken with them. We watched the episodes (containing a throwaway comment that changes the future of Doctor Who), sitting in luxurious chairs, eating free popcorn. My eldest son smiled knowingly and said 'I could get used to this'.

And then we went to stay at my brother's flat in Hackney, had breakfast with him in the morning, and headed back to Paddington to go home. I realised that, although the Sarah Jane experience had been wonderful, our relentlessly brilliant time had more to do with being in the city and having an adventure than anything else.

I have never felt as settled as I do where I live now, but sometimes a change of scene can revitalise you like nothing else. Going away from home often kicks my writing in unexpected directions. Being on a train pulling away from my home station is one of my favourite feelings in the world. That day gave my boys a set of memories that will always be with them, as well as massive kudos at school; but I like it that a freebie press event is a bizarre novelty in my life these days.

(for the record, Yasmin Le Bon wasn't there, and I had one glass of wine, which was served at a perfectly acceptable temperature)