Holiday in the UK, where to go with kids ages 8 and 10

[Sanne Panne]

My sister and her husband/kids are coming over from Holland this summer and wanted to combine a visit to us with a holiday somewhere in the South (of the UK). They will be driving so any destination within about 4-5 hours of London is fine. Husband is a self confessed snob (well, grain of salt there) so camping is out.

The 8 year old is very active, masters any sport within 5 minutes, I can see him on a dirt bike track. The 10 year old would probably like being near the coast. My sister likes anything pretty and romantic.

What destinations should they consider? I don't think they mind whether it's self catering or not.

Thanks for any ideas!

[Carbonara]

Lyme Regis.

Beautiful little town, very romantic (The Cobb) great beaches, the ammonite pavement, a walk up to Golden Cap, a fossil walk, booked from the Old Fossil Shop, or from Charmouth fossil centre. Beer is a lovely pretty near-by place to visit and you can hire a motor boat and mackerel line. You can also go on mackerel fishing trips from Lyme Regis.

There are nice cafes and smart restaurants, book self-catering accommodation through LymeBay Holidays, or similiar.

[amydown]

Babington House is great, especially if you get one of the family rooms. Plenty of space and activities for kids, cowshed treatments for mums, great food. Thoroughly recommended. They only have limited availability for non-members but I have recently seen them available through Mr and Mrs Smith so worth giving them a call?

[Sanne Panne]

Thanks! A colleague recommended Elveden Center Parks in Suffolk, is that any good? I'm personally not much of a fan of "on site" holidays but my sister has been to a Club Med before and been fine with it...

[prdarling]

Why not look for a cottage in Devon or Cornwall - try ownersdirect.com

However, the comment about your husband's view on camping made me smile as every campsite I have ever been to (and we go about 4 times a year) is about as middle class as you can get with an on site organic farm shop, pick your own vegetables and early morning cricket in Boden pyjamas .... I think he may have the wrong end of the stick :)

[Carbonara]

They have CenterParcs in Holland. Personally I don't see any point in coming over here and then going to an on-site place that could just as easily be in their home country. Center Parcs are all of a muchness. Wouldn't they rather go somewhere genuinely English and different?

What about a chalet at Sandy balls? Or at Kelling Heath in Norfolk?

[absentminded]

How about Camber Sands? Lots of sand dunes and Rye is nearby.

There are lots of holiday parks around, but if thats not your thing there are also some lovely hotels too.

We stayed at The place at the Beach a few years ago and really enjoyed it.

[Sanne Panne]

Thanks for the feedback all.

Carbonara I'm not keen on Center Parks myself (ehm never been but am judging nevertheless) and my sister didn't sound too interested either. So far they seem most keen on Dorset (Lyme Regis) hoping to be able to do some snorkling, climbing etc there.

LOL about the "Boden cricket games" at campsites prdarling! I think that when my brother in law hears this he'll say that in that case you might as well sleep in a proper bed ;)

Speaking of camping, my husband suggested we take our 2 and 4 year olds camping "properly" this summer, i.e. to a tiny basic campsite with a few friends some of which also have kids - 2 or 3 nights in a family tent and another few nights in a log cabin. Am pretty excited about the idea.

Anyway thanks again for the ideas (Sandy Balls, Kelling Heath, Camber Sands etc), will pass those on to my sister as well!

[maryelliott]

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[Krazylady1337]

http://www.classic.co.uk/holiday-inspiration/ These do family friendly cottages, farmstays etc and have things to do nearby each cottage as well