Not so hot Summer Hols destinations?

[nunheadmum]

Can anyone suggest options for not so hot destinations for summer hols. We've tried Brittany - doing gites and key-camp style - which has worked well with the kids. But the weather has let us down at times. We're not great sun worshipers (I'm happy up to around 25degrees but melt and get grumpy if it goes too much over that) but would like to be relatively secure that we can go out mid summer (school holiday bound) without needing warm jumpers and possibly even eat/sit out in the evenings.

I guess our ideal is some beach access - but natural more than heaving with sunloungers. Some cultural bits. Child friendly swimming. Other kids around although kids clubs not essential. (Traditionally I hated 'resorts' and still do deep down but have to admit to their benefits with the kids around!)

So far I've thought of further south in France or maybe Austria/Southern Germany (tho no beach and not necessarily as many kiddie-oriented resorts). But just wondering if any of the islands etc maybe offer sun without being quite so roasting hot.

Any suggestions welcomed!

[Coach Beth]

Try Nova Scotia in Canada!

http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/default.aspx

A 5.5 hour flight - lovely in the summer but not the humidity you usually get down in New England. Kid friendly too. Halifax is a great harbour city and you can easily rent a car and go elsewhere in the province. Downside is that the flights can be expensive as Air Canada doesn't have alot of competition flying into Halifax.

[Saffron]

I used to live/work in Basel, Switzerland. You wouldn't think of it as a holiday destination, but it's a lovely, small city with lots of beautiful places to eat and swim. The Rhine River is very clean in Basel. Hubbie and I were swimming in it all summer. It would be a bit fast for young children, but there are tributaries which have wonderful grassy banks, plenty of shade, and the water is shallow. You may get just a few 'hot' hours in the late afternoon, but these pass quickly to lovely cool evenings.

The Tangley Museum in Basel is brilliant for adults and children. There are lots of parks and museums across the city. All is easily accessible by walking, bus or tram. You're ideally situated for trips to France or Germany, as Basel Borders both. A train journey of 1-2hrs takes you up to the Alps, where there are even more outdoor activities for all ages. Far from being a winter destination, DH and I found Switzerland amazing in the summer!

[nunheadmum]

Saffron - I love the idea of Switzerland as I worked there for 4 years but not sure it'd work so well with the kids. Not sure my two have developed the love of the mountains just yet. I'm looking for something probably with more immediate appeal for them as I've come to the conclusion that the most relaxing holiday for us would be if they have things to keep them occupied with minimal exertion for us. I think Switzerland will probably work better for a shorter break or when they're older.

Canada appeals to me as myself but I think there may be too many unknowns on our part to be able to really relax when the kids are factored in. Another one I think for a few years time.

Much as the old me hates myself for it, I suspect I'm looking for something like a holiday park - the Key-Camp / gite set up worked in Brittany except for the weather. Generally if the kids are occupied with other kids around (they'll be 5 & 7), we can enjoy the time we do things with them and enjoy a bit of down time too. Hopefully as they get older, they can see there's more to a good holiday than a swimming pool, some friends and ice cream and we can broaden their horizons!

[Fuschia]

Try further south in France? Bordeaux is a comfortable temp in the summer

[birnehelene]

Norway coast or Netherlands