Mumsnet Talk

We want to go on holiday this year. But DP works away and DC3 is due in June. So we've narrowed it down to having to go on holiday in November.

I really want to go to Cornwall, Devon area. Which is also good as PILs live near Bristol and DPs friends(who we want to be godparents) live in Newquay so we could always see them too.

But DP thinks everything will be shut and we will all be bored. Which I do understand.

I don't really want to go abroad with a little baby and it will probably end up very expensive.

Are we mad? Or will things still be open?

Thanks

why not go to a hotel like bedruthan steps in cornwall which has a pool and spa and kids club.

i've been to st ives in november before - and it was fab. yes, quite a few places are closed. but loads are open too. stayed in a fantastic catering place just up the road.
about half the restaurants close down, but a good half are still oepn. personally, i think its much nicer that time of year as you don't get the crowds! most of the shops are open in the hope that christmas sales will be good, although they wil close at 5pm and not 10pm as they do in the summer. paradise park, which is just up the road, is great for a 3 year old - and will be open and there won't be too much compettition to feed the penguins in november !
the beaches will be deserted, so wrap up warm, put on your wellies and have fun! lots of lovely tea rooms, art galleries and places of interest all open. there are plenty of indoor play areas if its wet, or you could travel around the county and visit places like the eden project, the national seal sanctuary and loads more - these places are open all year round! and there's a great little train that you can use to visit places too and it will be a popular choice for a 3 year old.
have also been to woolacome in november - that was deserted. but stayed in a nice hotel with a warm indoor pool, good kids high tea and nice restaruant - all worked ok - just wrapped up warm and walked along the beach. as long as you've got a car there are places to visit - plenty of coastal towns, walks, trains .. i would go back again in november.

I would look for the best accommodation you can afford - holidaying in november in the uk is very different to the summer - you spend a lot more time inside, so having a nice environemnt that is well equipped is really important! enjoy.

We had same issues last year

I had an HG pregnancy so was sick jan - sept when she was born.

We went away in November cause it was the only time we could...

we went to blackpool (<2hours drive for us) for a view days and had a nice time at the zoo, walking on the beach, and swimming in the pool.

Ok it wasnt hot / sunny, but we didnt expect it to be... it also wasnt as cold as it could have been, and we certainly had some nice quality family time together, which was all we wanted.

few days

I used to live on the Coast and it is lovely in November as it's quiet, you can go into the arcades and they are empty, eat chips that are soggy from the rain and drink your cup of tea

Have you thought of Center Parcs - they have the Winter Wonderland on from mid november & Santa is there!

st ives in cornwall. my town!
a few places are closed, but most open when families will want them! )ie daytimes!). Wetherspoons are due to open here in a few weeks. It is so so pretty here! Beaches aplenty, perfect for kiddies to run on! Lovely baby pool at the leisure centre; and lots of places to vist! Mousehole lights start in November (christmas lights in a harbour!). Tate Gallery do childen and family days.

My family rent out a holiday flat too - with garden and BBQ if you want a self catered place?!

Mousehole lights aren't due to be switched on until 15th December so won't be any good for a November visit ... but I agree they are well worth a visit if you are visiting the local area during December or at New year . They are truly spectacular !

Look on Owners Direct or Holiday Lettings for a good choice of places to stay

I note you've got older DC as well - What about finding a nice self catering place on a farm or something, specifically one that lets the children get involved with stuff? At least that way they've got things to keep them occupied at various times of day, and you don't need to go off visiting too many places (that might be shut).

We've stayed here a few times out of season and the DC have a great time. It's also close to Barnstaple so there's plenty restaurants etc still open, and a few softplays if the weather was desperately awful.

These cottages near Barnstaple in North Devon are great. There is a games room with pool table etc, a swimming pool plus gardens/play area. The owners are lovely and the family goats and hens are cute. It's all close enough to the beaches when you fancy a walk - I can really recommend the three mile hike from Putsborough Sands to Woolacombe beach with a mug of hot chocolate/wine at the other end - bliss!

Tredethick near Lostwithiel. Have done November twice but still a great holiday!
Daily animal feeding, swimming pool, play barns etc. Amazing hiludays!

we have stayed in cornwall quite a lot in self catering cottages but have also used (in a previous life, when rich) hotels like calcott manor (not cornwall but must be similar ones) that have services for all ages. fab and luxurious.
st ives is fab and i love the isles of scilly