Holidays 7 kids

[Spinningteapots]

Between me and dp we have 9 kids (me 2, dp 5). We are looking to do a holiday with all the kids next year in the summer holidays. The problems I can see:

Cost, dp is unemployed and is very stretched running their household. Likewise I don't have huge amounts of financial surplus running my household.

Transport, dp doesn't drive and hirering a mini bus adds a fair bit to cost.

Accomadation, finding accomadation for 9 people in total is difficult.

So any ideas on how to do a family holiday for 9 people on the cheap? Maybe some of you on here have large families and have some top tips?

[Babyroobs]

Can you hire a couple of caravans next to each other and have one adult in each van or if the older kids are ok in one then let them be alone in one ( obviously depends on age), or a large cottage by the seaside? Or maybe camping but could be very stressful with such a large number of kids.

[Spinningteapots]

Thought about camping. The problem with camping is we'd need a van just to transport the all the extra tents and equipment on top of 9 people and their luggage.

Caravans or a cottage sounds ok. 3 of the kids are older teenagers (could have one to them self), 2 pre teens and my 2 are under 8. Also what about camping barns normally used by groups like schools or scouts?

But how to cater for us all cheaply? There is the idea of self catering. But I go on holiday for a break from the daily routine, not to slave behind the cooker all day. And catering for 9 people in a small caravan kitchen with limited equipment is difficult.

[Monday55]

What's your budget ? You could look at "the sun" holidays weekend getaway for £9.50 plus a few extras might come down to £300 for the weekend. You would have to get 2 caravans though

[Strawberrytraveller]

I would look at camping. Find a location accessible by train or bus from where you live. Then you drive with 2 tents and all the equipment in the car, and the rest follow by public transport.

That way you have the costs of tents for this year, but after that holidays cheaper and you can go regularly.

Barbeques, camping cooking, open fire if allowed for cooking. 7 out of 9 are over 8, so cooking can easily be shared.

[PotteringAlong]

Youth hostels are your friend!

[PotteringAlong]

www.yha.org.uk

[Spinningteapots]

Looking at a budget of about £1000-1200 for accommodation, food (ideally cooked by someone else) and transport. That also have something for kids of a range of 4 to 18. I will look at YHA, I didn't know they had family accommodation. Also me and dp are in our 30s, are we allowed at the YHA. I was pricing up Pontins DB&B as an option. I have taken my kids before. Not quality and the food isn't great but the kids were happy enough and I didn't have to cook. Plus close to the beach.

[PotteringAlong]

You’re definitely allowed! They let all ages stop! They do family rooms which are really good or as there are lots of you you might be able just to book out a dorm. It’s cheaper if you become members.

[onetimeposter]

Dont do pontins it was in the mail today.
With all due respect, you can manage independently with 2 kids, and sound organised and capable.
He doesnt work and doesnt drive (but has loads of offspring). Yet you are the one planning.
Does he have anything going for him?