twooter
Thu 12-Jan-12 22:53:54
we're trying to book a holiday, but all the ones recommended in the mumsnet reviews seem great for toddlers, but not so great for older children. Any ideas? We've done a lot of Keycamp type holidays in the past, so looking for some activities and other children if poss. (Thanks!)
hotmama
Thu 12-Jan-12 23:25:57
Well, I'm going to St Ives for the 9th year in a row. Got a 7,6 and 3 year old.
My db with a 17 & 13 year old also goes. Tis the best place on earth - but a long way to travel. 
twooter
Fri 13-Jan-12 13:26:58
Thanks, I've been looking through that thread.
Hotmama, did you just rent a cottage?
loulou4
Fri 20-Jan-12 12:07:09
St Ives / Carbis Bay definitely. Don't know how old your children are, but there is LOADS to do for all ages. Beaches are amazing, loads of choice of places to eat out. St Ives is very busy so if you rent a cottage make sure there is parking available as you won't get a parking space otherwise! Also, the streets are crowded - holiday makers walk along the road all the time and driving through St Ives can be a nightmare.
I much prefer to stay in Carbis Bay - great coastal walk into St Ives and fabulous little train that only takes 2 minutes and it is a very beautiful journey.
The beach in Carbis Bay is out of this world, but apart from that most of the 'action' is in St Ives. The advantage of Carbis Bay is that you can get away from the crowds, park your car but also be in St Ives in minutes if you want to.
Another good tip - if you are going during school holidays - find somewhere that you can book from Friday to Friday - travelling to Cornwall on a Saturday is a complete waste of a day !
loulou4
Fri 20-Jan-12 12:13:41
sorry, being really thick - ages are in the title - definately consider carbis bay / st ives for 7 & 9 - they will LOVE it!!
bowyert1
Fri 20-Jan-12 18:09:03
I like this company as you book direct with the owner CarbisBay this is a great property right near carbis bay they have many others as well StIves
can also recommend Carbis Bay - some lovely places to rent & superb beach
also Watergate Bay is good with children - flat beach, decent hotel
Tenebrist
Fri 20-Jan-12 19:44:30
We stayed at this farm cottage and the kids (12 and 8) loved it because of the freedom to look at and play with all the animals - friendly dogs, rabbits, getting eggs from the hens every morning, and best of all, an owl called Kizzy attached to the kitchen window (in a big cage). There are several cottages so probably kids to play with in summer holidays. Only disadvantage is that it's 8 miles from the sea.
St Ives is also really good, though, for a beach holiday.
loulou4
Sat 21-Jan-12 11:07:44
gladysp2
Thu 02-Feb-12 18:54:49
We had a fantastic holiday in the October half term at Atlantic Reach near Newquay, we went as 2 families with children aged between 6 and 12. It is a holiday park but more Center Parcs than Haven.
It has 2 pools but the outdoor one was closed for winter. A free gym and a proper Spa on site. There were children's activities planned every day. My 2 did street dance and junior gym which they loved. There's also a good outdoor play area with zip wire which the children thought was great. Every night they have a kids disco & entertainment if you want it and on the whole it was pretty good.
It's situated really well so you can get to most places easily, 10 mins from Newquay off the A30. There's so much to do, we love it especially body boarding on the beaches.
We booked our 4 bedroomed house privately here www.64atlanticreach.co.uk as we wanted to know what accommodation we were getting. It was really lovely with comfy beds and a jacuzzi bath plus much cheaper than booking directly with Atlantic Reach.
I hope this helps xx
We stayed at Boswinger Youth Hostel last August with our 7 yr old! Fantastic place
No pools or planned activities, but great beach 5 mins away and very handy for lots of attractions.
