UK break with toddler? Not Centre Parcs

[NewYorkXmas]

Hi, I'm looking for somewhere for a short Autumn break with my DH and our 2.5 yo. Ideally somewhere with countryside on the doorstep but also a bit child friendly. Perhaps farm animals, bike hire with toddler seat or trailers?

I don't fancy Centre Parcs with hundreds of lodges and holiday makers and not fussed about swimming as toddler does it twice a week and it doesn't feel like a holiday! Also not a fan of the Centre Parcs food offerings they have there. Would prefer a nice country pub and self catering!

Can anyone recommend anything that would fit this description? We are SE based so nowhere too far north or southwest ideally.

Following for suggestions.

We've never been to centre parc so I can't say for sure how this compares but at that age we could visit a nature reserve and walk around: for example stay in sandbanks (should be cheal low season hotels with small pool) with access to brownsea island and swanage.

Very outdoorsy and not trapped in a resort.

Have a look at the Peak District. There's a couple of bike trails on disused railway lines where you can hire bikes, countryside and pubs aplenty on your doorstep and Chatsworth has a farm and good play area for kids www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/cycle-routes/easygoingslider

Bluestone West Wales
Landal Gwel an Mor, Cornwall

There's also a toddler friendly place in Devon with daily animal feeding but i can't recall the name.

The New Forest? We've stayed at Hoburne Bashley which was lovely but I'm sure you could easily find a self catering hoilday let. Plenty of country style pubs, bike rides and Longdown activity farm would be a good for your toddler.

Isle of Wight every time! Perfect dedication for a small child as there is so much family friendly stuff to see and nowhere is far to drive. That said, some of the kiddy attractions might be closed for the winter season after this half term week so check before you book.

Shameless following for ideas! We are currently considering center parcs Netherlands for sept 2023

Here you are:
www.isleofwightguru.co.uk/activities-for-toddlers-on-the-isle-of-wight.html

What kind of budget? We stayed at Lucknam Park when I was pregnant and keep meaning to go back with our toddler

Whitemead, Forest of Dean. It's like a mini centreparcs and cheaper. We used to take DD there when she was little and recently returned as a couple. We did use the pool and mini spa facilities this time, but didn't feel the need to use anything else as there were plenty of walks/other things to go out and see - not too many people around if you're wondering around onsite. Forest of Dean attracts lots of families - lots of leaves to kick about in this time of year as well as places like Beechenhust with walks and outdoor play area, Cannop Ponds and Mallards Pike with short walks in beautiful area and lots of birds for little ones to see.

Stayed at Sandy Balls (yes, really!) which was good. In the New Forest so lots to do. Soft play/pool on site and close to Peppa Pig World

Peak District? I stayed in a room above a pub in bakewell which was nice, plenty of rooms for a travel cot/extra bed and can rent bikes for the monsall trail. Buxton I also recommend, there's also lovely cabins between the two, can't remember name sorry.

OMG just looked this up. At first I thought it didn't look right for families, and then I read further! How amazing!! A soft play, babysitting, bike hire, grounds and child friendly restaurant! Plus the location means you could do say trips to Longleat or Bath.

Wow! I need to get saving up!

@NewYorkXmas The need to get saving is the main reason we haven't been back yet 😂

Luxury Family Hotels if you can afford it are amazing

This

Not an area I've ever come across or knew existed! Do you have any other recommendations?

100% go here, we’ve been several times and it is amazing. It makes Centre Parcs look like a run down Chav hell hole.

www.bainland.co.uk

There are a few of them across the country - 5 I think? Worth checking out the website