Teenage post-GCSE breaks (UK) - any ideas?

[Wordsmith]

My 16 year old DS wants to go away with his mates (probably about 5 or 6 in total) after GCSEs finish - so late June, before the main school summer hols. Just camping or caravanning somewhere by the sea, nothing 'challenging' or sporty (they're not that type!) but not too remote as they don't have transport. Somewhere like Newquay in Cornwall would be ideal but I'm aware that a lot of campsites and the like don't welcome groups of teenagers. They're nice kids and not troublemakers, and wouldn't like anywhere with a reputation for trouble/drugs etc. We're based in the West Midlands so would have to be reasonably easy to get to by public transport. I don't fancy driving hundreds of miles to take them there (although would if absolutely necessary).

Any ideas?

[Wordsmith]

anyone?

[Savagebeauty]

Ds and mates went to Blackpool. They had a ball. Stayed in a B and B, went to Manchester to do stadium and Corrie tours and played bingo in the evening.
It was cheap as chips.

[specialsubject]

I'm sure they are good kids but you will struggle to find anywhere that accepts them without an adult. Sorry.

[Wait4nothing]

At that age five friends and I booked a youth hostel in Edinburgh, we were able to book it ourselves (no issue with young group) and had a lockable private room so 3 bunks and an ensuite so felt safe. We took the train (easy from where I was living) and spent a few days chilling out in the sunshine around the city (plenty to do).

Might be worth looking if any cities nearby have that option - less expectation of family groups in the accommodation.

[Savagebeauty]

Yes we had to act as guarantor in case there was any damage. B and B was £30 each for 3 nights. It was a bit basic but they didn't care

[specialsubject]

Op said camp or caravan - that will be difficult. But yha will indeed work. And they can also book a Travelodge, bizarrely.

[leonardthelemming]

Not so sure about the Travelodge, looking at their website, but Premier Inn accepts bookings from 16-year-olds. Youth hostel would be cheaper, I think.

Whitby seems to be a popular destination for all ages, although I'm not sure what there is for teenagers to do. Bit remote though - 3.5 hours on the Coastliner 840 from Leeds, about £13.50 single.

[Wordsmith]

Thanks all. At 16 I did youth hostelling with friends but this was the 1970s and it was all dorms and chores. I don't think it's like that now but DS has that idea in his head and nothing I can say will change it!

[mouldycheesefan]

Another vote for YHA

Or they could do national citizenship programme or PGL

I would avoid Newquay it is a Mecca for teen drinking etc
How about London?

I would let them choose, organise and get themselves there. Give them some responsibility and independence

[Wordsmith]

Mouldycheesefan they are going to organise it themselves (if they get their act together) but I was just wondering what was feasible for groups of 16 year olds.

[parissont]

Dd wants to go to boardmasters festival.

[spababe]

I've not had DCs go but heard from other mums that Oceanfest in Croyde is great and one of the campsites is very friendly for teens and they are looked after in a family sort of way.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

youth hostels are great now! I've stayed in a few abroad recently,

[Wordsmith]

Oceanfest looks WONDERFUL. Unfortunately just realised their GCSEs don't end until a week later ...