Wanted: Family Holiday Inspiration

ERICS_MUM

What about a CentrePark resort or one of those "posh" campsites in France (eurocamp ?). Both have lots to do for kids and adults. Or a touring holiday around Ireland with a couple of days in Dublin (although on 2nd thoughts DH might not get permission).

If you are quite an active family, not satisfied with sitting round the pool and having a gentle swim, I don't know if a spanish resort type holiday would be right for you.

Or you could have a driving holiday around an area of the UK, such as Somerset/Dorset/Devon - loads to do, from fossil hunting, Cheddar Gorge, horse riding, fishing, sailing etc etc. Perhaps B&B or rent a cottage.

Channel Islands ? Base yourselves in Jersey then take day trips to the other islands. You can fly and hire a car or take your own car on the ferry.

There's lots of ideas but I suppose you need to narrow down your main requirements first.

Good luck - let us know what you decide :cool:


Linda

PS what about spending a few days in London ? Loads to do including the free museums, river trips, a west end show, Soho/Chinatown in the evening, Tour of Wembley Stadium etc etc

bargainaholic

Incapuppy wrote: »

But do you see what I mean? The chances of getting caught up in anything 'dodgy' are so remote unless you insist on travelling somewhere that the FCO advises against all travel to.

Being in the Forces means he is probably better equipped to look after his family in the sense of being alert to possible dangers than your average 'civvy' but there's a difference between good sense and paranoia.

Ohhh, I absolutely see what you mean. OH on the other hand....

bargainaholic

Thanks for the ideas so far, I'll have a look at what the places have to offer. We're not a laze by the pool day after day kind of family, so we do need to go somewhere that gives us plenty of options (& a wet weather back-up). We like to have an hour or two at the pool &/or beach first or last thing but go exploring during the day.

Another worry is being in the middle of nightclub land - for the sake of the noise & the company we get to keep. We like to be able take the children out to dinner with us in the evening, & trying to explain some of the behaviour to DH1 (who has Aspergers) does not make for the most relaxing of times.

I like Centre Parks, but I won't go to the UK ones on principle (and budget). I think that what they do their prices in school holidays is shameful.

cmw1212

Have you thought about a Lakes and mountains holiday? Thomson is good to get ideas but not necessarily to book.

trixietoes

Have you thought of Croatia? I lived in the capital for a couple of years and the coastline is really beautiful. There are lots of islands that are easy to visit by ferry in a similar way to the Greek Islands. There is always lots to do, it isn't as well known as Spain, Greece etc so you don't get the 18-30 atmosphere.

Some of the cities such as Dubrovnik are UNESCO protectected so lots of culture. Istrian islands in the north of the country have a National park of islands where the kids can see 'dinosaur' foot prints.

Lots of water sports and you can hire a little motorised boat for the day and take the family off to a secluded beach (beach in the loosest sense as there aren't any really - but they have made really good attempts at utilising the sea and creating bathing areas)

Food is lovely and a haven for foodies and people who love their wine.

Many Europeans drive to the coast and hire apartments etc for the month or camp on the many campsites. If you don't fancy a hotel then there are loads of apartments available as each family seems to rent out part of their house to tourists in the summer season.

http://www.visit-croatia.co.uk

NicoC_3

I lived in Portugal for a year and still have friends out there and it definitely has more to offer than sardines on the beach- if you go inland a bit up to places like Monchique and Silves it is gorgeous and the west coast is rugged and beautiful. You could even take a trip up to Lisbon and stay overnight. Ryan air fly to faro I think and there are apartments to rent for about £500- you could easily do it within your budget I think.

It's a beautiful country!!

trixietoes

Ooo NicoC we are wanting to go to Portugal this year and want to do a Beach/Lisbon combo... where is the best place close by for a few days on the beach? (sorry bargainholic to hijack, just 1 question I promise :-) )

NicoC_3

Sorry, only just seen this Trixie! I would avoid places like Albufeira & Vilamoura and go for somewhere like Lagos or Carveiro- or even Alvor. That's a personal preference though as I would prefer to not eat bacon and eggs for breakfast!! ;-) It is a really beautiful country and you can't really go wrong to be honest!

trixietoes

Thank Nico... we too prefer to stay away from the 'Watching Eastenders and eating full English' on holidays. I'll see what I can find in Lagos, Carveiro and Alvor. This is much appreciated.

bargainaholic

delwynsholidaydeals wrote: »

I have sent you a PM with a suggestion

Thanks
Del

Thank you, but OH thinks there'd not be enough to do on an island.