Holiday recommendations for October?

[Cluborange666]

Hi there,
We’re a family of four (three with lactose intolerance) : three adults (older teen) and one younger teen. We have never done holidays abroad but can afford a cheap one this year at October half term for a week. Kids aren’t sporty or beachy (I love the sea) - they like history, important buildings etc.
I’d like somewhere we could drive to from the North West but could be forced into flying if car hire is cheap. Youngest child says NOT France but anywhere else is fine. Budget of 3k. Air B&B fine too (I’d probably prefer it due to the lactose intolerance tbh).

Boat to Hamburg (great city) and drive on to Berlin? Not sure what the aversion to France is, but so many places to see. Also consider Brussels Bruges Ghent Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

Eurocamp somewhere? Very cheap compared to most Airbnb and we have always had great holidays. Apparently the centerparcs in Netherlands is also great and lots less expensive than UK

Get ferry over to the Netherlands, combine a trip to Amsterdam with efteling and perhaps one of their centre parks which is much better than ours (de kemperven)

Malaga - cheap flights from Manchester or Liverpool, you won't need to hire a car - it's 15 mins on the train from airport into town, lots to see and do in the city - buildings, parks, markets, museums, art, sports etc, Great food, cheap, lots of lovely Airbnbs, has a beach as well!

Great public transport- trains go up and down the coast if you want to explore.

Will cost less than £3k for sure!

Malaga is a great idea! Maybe Madrid if you can sacrifice the beach?

Spain or Portugal are lovely in October. Barcelona would fit the bill, as would Lisbon, but there are lots of options other than those.

I’m taking my youngest to Valencia next month. It cost about £50 return each for flights and Airbnb (3 bedroom house in city centre about 5 minutes from the beach) is £80 a night. We’re doing lots of museums, market, hiring bikes, going to the beach, lots of free stuff so doubt the whole trip will cost even close to £1000 for 4 days.

Great recommendations! Thank you everyone. I would like to go to France but youngest has been there on school trips and is being dramatic about it.