Suggestions for short break for a large family?

Greta

Guys - I've just been given what feels like an impossible task, to organise a family short break in 2008. There's about 35 or us (possibly could go up to 50), and I need to organise something for 2-3 nights. Oldest about 75 and youngest 3. I've been asked to find something for young children to do, plus somewhere for adults to just to drink / chill out.

II've only just been asked this, so right now I've no ideas and literally open to anything going. There's no fixed month, but April has been brought up. However, for such a large number of people a date needs to be blocked out asap, for people to work towards taking time off work / saving up towards.

Right now, anything from Butlins to Eurodisney has been suggested, primarily for something with kids in mind. However, there needs to be something for adults to do. My idea is to go to Barcelona or similar for the weekend (on a cheap flight), but kid friendly? (Can you see I don't have any kids here!)

My auntie would like this to be a once in a lifetime thing. However, this needs to kind of needs to be affordable so even those who are strapped for cash are included. Does anyone have any ideas where to go, when to travel etc? Are there any bulk group discounts that could be taken advantage of?

I'm open to any ideas. Has anything done this kind of thing before? Thanks.

sooz

With that many of you, have a look at some HUGE luxury villas/chateaus/castles.

I know I've seen an amazing one in France, an old chateau, that came with staff. With over 20 people staying, it actually became affordable. Or you could just splash out for 2!

I'll try and see if I can find it again

EDIT - had a quick google....you might need to rent two!! Of the first few chateaus I looked at, most seem to have a max of 20 people staying. You need to work out how many of your party are little children, who might not count in the total number.

sooz

How about a week here

http://www.holiday-chateau.com/chateau_directory/vendee_poitou_charente/chateau_de_st_jean_45/general_history/

Just one thing.....














I WANT TO COME WITH YOU

Greta

Sooz - thanks so much for taking your time to reply, and the link you gave. I don't blame you re the suggestion of wanting to come with us, the place looks extremely tempting!

I did do a quick search after I posted last night, and I found this site:
http://noblesvenues.com/categories/big-holiday-houses/6

(I would not book through there, just trying to throw ideas).

My other line of thinking, is an outdoor pursuits / youth hostel type place, to keep costs down. I'm happy to do bunk beds, however I need to put it to the rest of my family.


However, over accommodation the niggling thing in my head is how to entertain kids / keep it special, and not break the bank. Adults can pretty much entertain themselves with wine and catching up with people, but kids?

pboae

If you don't mind staying in the UK try http://www.helpfulholidays.com/ they specialise in large properties.

sooz

Greta wrote: »

Sooz - thanks so much for taking your time to reply, and the link you gave. I don't blame you re the suggestion of wanting to come with us, the place looks extremely tempting!

I did do a quick search after I posted last night, and I found this site:
http://noblesvenues.com/categories/big-holiday-houses/6

(I would not book through there, just trying to throw ideas).

My other line of thinking, is an outdoor pursuits / youth hostel type place, to keep costs down. I'm happy to do bunk beds, however I need to put it to the rest of my family.


However, over accommodation the niggling thing in my head is how to entertain kids / keep it special, and not break the bank. Adults can pretty much entertain themselves with wine and catching up with people, but kids?

Kids - DVD player, board games, balls, twister, small cuddly pettable animals (don't pack these...find some when you get there) and if they are older, they will skulk off into a corner and entertain themselves, probably in some illegal way! :rolleyes:

sooz

Greta wrote: »

Sooz - thanks so much for taking your time to reply, and the link you gave. I don't blame you re the suggestion of wanting to come with us, the place looks extremely tempting!

Who wants to come with me?

For 1 week during the easter school holidays it's £125 per person. Now I just need to find another 41 people to join me.....................