Holiday options for non car owners?

[Belleende]

Having for once in my life organised all our holidays on New Year's day this year, and having to cancel them all one by one, I have been watching with interest as UK holiday options open up.

However, we don't have a car, we normally schelp to Devon/Cornwall/dorset from north of London via the train. At the moment trains are saying no travel for leisure purposes.

Like the rest of the country, we are really yearning for the sea. Can anyone think of a safe and permitted way to get is to the sea this summer? We do live quite near Luton airport.

Is hiring a car an option or do you not drive at all?

Nope, I had also booked an intensive driving course for over the Easter holidays...

I don,t think the campsites and holiday parks are open yet anyway.

Like the rest of the country, we are really yearning for the sea.

Really?

Yearning for the sea the rest of the country!

Honestly. If you don't have a car and nothing is open you won't be going anywhere.

Thanks for that insight carex, you having a bad day?

Holiday options are opening from next month as it happens. It was the travel options I was interested in.

www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/travel/2020/may/15/englands-campsites-prepare-to-open-in-july-summer-government-relaxed-lockdown-restrictions

I'm looking at cancelling mine this year, same reason no car. If places do open up then if I go away at all I'm going to look at somewhere not too far away that I could get to using a taxi if trains still not an option. Taxi firms that do longer distances like airport runs will usually offer a reasonable fixed rate for a longer journey.

Potentially cycling could be an option. Distance is going to seriously limit your options though - it's nearly 70 miles from Luton to Southend which is probably your closest option. It's probably only doable if you are keen cyclists/ really up for a challenge.

We are keen cyclists and have a trailer for the kids which we have been using loads, not sure we could get to Southend tho!

Taxis are a possibility, I will look into their policies. We live near Woburn Centreparcs which would be an option, albeit not being by the sea. Now just have to sort out the epic car sickness from both kids.

Tbh, given that you'll basically need public transport with children in tow plus luggage, in the current climate even if anywhere opens in your shoes I'd be reluctant to go.
Holiday parks are opening, but little in the way of food and shops, no entertainment, no activities. So all that effort and hassle to get there and not be able to do anything. That's before I even think of the potential for contracting covid via public transport. Let alone the caravan itself. Then each day out. Omg. It exhausts me to think about it.

I've just cancelled our hotels and caravan breaks that we had booked.

And I drive so my issues would be far reduced.

But if you want to go coach is an option. Train travel. Will presumably reopen soon for leisure as well.

Grrrrrr. I know. I wouldn't even be contemplating it if we could get away for days out. Might have to accept it won't happen this year.

At the moment we're not allowed to stay overnight or do all manner of other things for leisure purposes. I'm sure by the time holidays are an option the rules for the trains will have changed.

Belle de..taxis would be expensive
Any friends who would take you for the day in their big car..hint hint?

We live near the sea and it has provided an endless stream of entertainment during these times..we don’t overlook it, it’s a 5 minute drive
I’m sure you will manage your great escape at some point. Fingers crossed

We’ve just been allowed to go to our caravan for the day..it’s a 50 min drive
I don’t know if it’s better to wait till it’s all open , as it’s going to kill me not to climb into my bed for the night
It’s all made up since we left in end of March.