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AIBU?

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Original poster

No quiet holiday locations anymore

87 replies

hiddensuffering · 08/04/2025 21:08

3 year old is likely Autistic/ADHD and I’m diagnosed. Where are really quiet holiday locations in the South West? Ideally near a beach. Child can’t cope with busy and loud places and loves being around nature. Somewhere for us to recharge.

It’s so hard to find a quiet seaside town and I crave somewhere peaceful without too much going on and lots of people about. Does a place like this exist??! AIBU to think it doesn’t 😬

OP posts:
Beautifulweeds · 09/04/2025 19:19

Northern Scotland is superb for a quieter holiday. I would recommend Aviemore, beautiful, so much to do, plus the kids go back earlier there. Xx

NeedToChangeName · 09/04/2025 19:13

Awesome quiet beaches in Northumberland

Springadorable · 09/04/2025 19:08

South Wales on the Gower would suit

Adelstrop · 09/04/2025 18:59

Parts of the Gower peninsula would fit these criteria. Rhossilli beach is so enormous you would have no difficulty avoiding crowds, and there are no entertainments, just beach and sea. You do need a reasonable level of fitness to get down to the beach via steps.

TonTonMacoute · 09/04/2025 18:54

I would look at the south coast of Cornwall, from Kingsand/Cawsand, there are beaches like Portwrinkle, then towards Looe there’s Seaton, Polruan, Fowey, Carlton Bay near St Austell.

As PPs say, come in term time.

Madcats · 09/04/2025 18:52

Approximately where do you live and are you constrained by school holidays?

What sort of budget?

I’ve always found Studland Bay or Camford Cliffs have quiet bits of beach outside school holidays. The beaches are gently sloping and sandy (is sand okay, or would you prefer pebbles?).
(Dorset)

If you wanted isolated, look at Lundy Island (not much of a beach and has cliffs). Landmark Trust rents out a few properties on the island.

AmusedGoose · 09/04/2025 18:47

OK not the SW but Tywyn in Gwynedd Wales is a very quiet seaside town with a nice beach and long promenade. No hotels but lots of self catering accommodation. Even bank Holidays are bearable!

Shaniva · 09/04/2025 18:39

Just look for a small village on the coast surely? Perranuthnoe or Gorran Haven off the top of my head but there must be dozens more. Often the beaches are tidal so you either need to pick a week when the tides are in your favour, or be quite flexible with which hours you spend on the beach.

This is assuming you are happy with a beach, maybe a pub and a beach cafe or two and don't want a load of other activities nearby.

Have a look on self catering cottage sites, look on map view and go for the smaller places.

Different vibe but Guernsey's also hard to beat for huge, empty beaches. The sea's not the warmest early in the season.

Americanlaw · 09/04/2025 18:27

https://tuckenhaymill.co.uk/about

we went here, it was lovely. Pool, outdoor and in, games room, outdoor ping pong etc. quiet walks around. Walk down lanes to nice pub restaurant. Very quiet but enough to do
one of our nicest holidays
.

Stay in Converted Mill Buildings in Devon - Tuckenhay Mill

Listed buildings have been sympathetically restored and converted to a delightful range of holiday properties to suit larger family parties.

https://tuckenhaymill.co.uk/about

PicaK · 09/04/2025 18:22

Pembrokeshire
Aberfforest
Lower fishguard
Newport
Etc

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 09/04/2025 18:21

Another vote for Northumberland, or North Wales where Black Rock Sands at Porthmadog is huge and fabulous. Also some of our beaches here in North Yorkshire, Filey is lovely.

SantasLargerHelper · 09/04/2025 18:18

I always feel overwhelmed by the south and how many people there are when we visit. Feels too much.

I prefer Wales, Scotland, Yorkshire, the Lakes. All much more peaceful and unspoilt.

jeaux90 · 09/04/2025 18:14

Woolacombe it’s a massive beach so no reason to be near other people and during term time it’s ok. We went there beginning of July last year, it wasn’t too busy at all.

BG2015 · 09/04/2025 17:57

Northumberland

Katemax82 · 09/04/2025 17:55

MotherOfCatBoy · 08/04/2025 21:33

West Wales.. the Gower or Pembrokeshire.

Agreed

Judecb · 09/04/2025 17:54

I find Pembrokeshire to be quieter than Cornwall and there are plenty of beautiful beaches.

ItGhoul · 09/04/2025 11:34

Like others have said - if you're not too bothered about the weather, then the north west coast of Scotland or Northumberland might be a better option.

Hannahthepink · 09/04/2025 11:12

In term time during the week I honestly think that you can take your pick really. You can sit on Weymouth beach in term time and practically have the place to yourself.

Original poster
hiddensuffering · 09/04/2025 11:03

Thanks for all the suggestions! I mean during term time of course, I wouldn’t attempt braving the school holiday chaos!!

OP posts:
GeorgeMichaelsCat · 09/04/2025 10:23

MotherOfCatBoy · 08/04/2025 21:33

West Wales.. the Gower or Pembrokeshire.

I agree. A remote cabin will give you what you need.

Swiftie1878 · 09/04/2025 10:20

hiddensuffering · 08/04/2025 21:08

3 year old is likely Autistic/ADHD and I’m diagnosed. Where are really quiet holiday locations in the South West? Ideally near a beach. Child can’t cope with busy and loud places and loves being around nature. Somewhere for us to recharge.

It’s so hard to find a quiet seaside town and I crave somewhere peaceful without too much going on and lots of people about. Does a place like this exist??! AIBU to think it doesn’t 😬

That’s a big ask in the summer or during school holidays!
Better to use term time or Spring/Autumn opportunities if you can.

Hannahthepink · 09/04/2025 10:15

Seaside towns with beaches are always going to be busy in the summer, but there are quieter parts of most towns and quiet beaches away from the main beaches. I grew up in a seaside resort and live in another one now, both in the south west, and we rarely go to the ‘busy’ bits in the summer, there are plenty of spots to go to avoid the big crowds. Perhaps if you have an idea of what area you fancy, people can give you specific ideas?

bumblingbovine49 · 09/04/2025 09:34

North Wales in Penbrokeshire . Also possibly as far North in Scotland as you can afford the time to travel to. You need to get as far away from the South coast. Very far west in Cornwall also a possibility

In term time you are more likely to find peaceful relatively uncrowded beaches nearer the South of the country. In school holidays it is very difficult

MrsSkylerWhite · 09/04/2025 09:33

Carhaeys beach is always surprisingly quiet.

Whataninterestinglookingpotato · 09/04/2025 09:31

I know of plenty of quiet beaches in the south west. The sea may be too steeply shelving for a small child though.

i know of a couple of lovely safe sandy ones too but wouldn’t want to announce them on here or half of London will be there this summer!

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