Please help me pick a family holiday...

BrandNewDay

I'm sorry, but I'm just overwhelmed and I was hoping some of you could point me to a couple of specific, recommended, holiday/camping parks.

Actually, I'm not entirely sure what they're called. We're looking to go with the grandparents for a week or so of something relaxing near the sea. Four adults and two small children (4 and 18 months). I think self-catering makes the most sense. But, a solitary cottage doesn't seem quite the thing. I'm thinking the ideal would be a cottage or caravan in a holiday park that also offers a shop, restaurant, etc. I think we'd like to have access to entertainment options, like a pool and playgrounds and some guided children's activities. But, we'd also like to be able to walk out into countryside, maybe visit nearby villages, and walk on beaches. If someone knows of a good cottage in a really awesome village, though, we'd consider that.

Oh, and not in Scotland. I'm thinking less rain, more of a chance of sunshine.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated! Thank you in advance!

COOKIEWILLOW

Hi, up until a few years ago we all used to go regular to Croyde Bay in Devon (We go abroad now, but getting fed up there too)There is a good caravan site that is situated on the beach, and it is beautiful. They also have log cabins which are 3 bedroomed and we have stayed in them towards end of season when it got a bit chilly. On the site is the usual entertainment club, which has characters for the children, and also an indoor pool with all flumes and such if it is raining. The beach as I said is lovely too. The village the site is near has a few little shops but we used to drive into Barnstable where the old is mixed with the new as it has a lovely indoor market which goes back yonks. We used to book online through the site itself but I think Haven has it now? But im sure if you type in Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde, Devon you be able to see for yourself the onsite facilities. If I think of anywhere else i will post. Good luck.

BrandNewDay

You've described exactly what I'm looking for... I'll check it out, thanks!

(I'm an American living in Scotland, so getting down to the South of England would still be "abroad" for me. )

ETA: I checked out the web site and it does, indeed, sound perfect. I like that someone who has stayed there has recommended it. It's owned by Parkdean, it seems. Anyway, there seem to be some affordable caravans in the summer.

I'm just so overwhelmed with all the choices - we've sent away for all sorts of brochures, and they confuse me! I'm relieved someone here can recommend a good place.

If anybody else can recommend a place, I'd be grateful.

wannabe_a_mum

How about somewhere like Bideford Bay in devon?

We've recently been there and Thorness Bay in Isle of Wight on Self Catering Caravan holidays.

I especially liked the Devon one as it ws such a good base for exploring the rest of North Devon and then on the way back home, a nice drive through Somerset and South Gloucestershire

HTH

COOKIEWILLOW

No probs, Hope you enjoy wherever you go. Devon is beautiful, and funny it never rained there!! (hope I dont jinx you now). Good luck.;)

BrandNewDay

Well... I did find some reviews of it. Several complaints that it isn't as nice since it's been taken over by Parkdean... but, I am optimistic. To be honest, most places probably have some negative reviews, somewhere.

BrandNewDay

Cookie! We booked a week in June at Ruda Bay! I'm so excited! It was only £329 for a 3-bed caravan! Since we're splitting it with the inlaws, it's really very affordable.

It just looks great and I am so grateful that somebody was able to help me pick a place. I'm sure there are a dozen other places that would have been similar, but I just couldn't sift through them all.

Thank you so much. MWAH!