Holiday suggestions please. for a week this August - a tricky brief.

[LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood]

We have the chance for the 5 of us to get away for one week from 17 August. The dates are non negotiable. It is proving really difficult to find something in budget that suits us all.

UK by preference. Could be short haul though I doubt we will find anything in budget that is appealing.

There will be me, DH, DD1(23), DD2(20) and DS(13). I feel really lucky that our DDs want to come with us so want the holiday not to be a wash out.

Complications are: our big old car that can take us all plus luggage has given up out and we cannot afford a replacement for a couple of months at least. We will need to hire a car if it's a UK holiday and that will add about £1,000. So the budget I had of £3,000 looks quite measly now as if we are staying in the UK one third of that is going on a car rental. We could spend more than £3,000 on the right holiday but the more we spend the longer it will be until we can get the new car.

We would like if possible, if it is a UK cottage, to take our cat. We have done this many times before but it does limit where we can go.

If a cottage 3 bedrooms will do us. A hot tub would really please the DCs.

I had a health issue recently (part of the reason that we are late to book anything) and whilst I am usually up for exploring and walking I am not really up to doing that so much yet. A bit of a stroll but nothing too taxing. Would love to swim though. I am getting better but won't be at full capacity still in just a month.

I have looked on the Sykes website and nothing really jumps out as exciting.

All the DCs are sporty and adventurous. Do is DH. I do not mind sitting out some days with a good book if they are having fun.

We also all like history, museums, gardens, that sort of thing.

We live in the South West. Just on the border between Devon and Cornwall so not those areas. I would like Scotland but we feel it might be a bit too far. The health issue I had means I am not driving at the moment so DH will do of that. Which he does not mind but want him to have a rest too.

We recently went to North Wales, so probably not there. Nor the Lakes or Dorset where we have also been in last few years.

It does not have to be a cottage. And we do not absolutely have to take the cat but we would quite like to.

All suggestions gratefully received.

Northumberland ideas:
Kidlandlee
Coquet Cottages
Landmark Trust
National Trust

Thanks again

Cheddar Woods looks very nice. I would like it. Not sure if enough going on for DDs but it will ask them what they think.

Norfolk and lodges in Forest of Dean also a possibility.

I think 2 small cars would be cheaper. In fact we would only need to hire one as we have a smaller car but I am not driving at the moment owing to my health issue (which will be resolved hopefully by September time) but we really want this week away in August. The DDs do not drive yet.

Accessibility is not an issue. I am fully mobile. Just not quite up to long hikes just yet. I do not enjoy flying. I will do it but I do not find it pleasant. My preference is a week that we will all find relaxing and not at all stressful. I do know it is a tall order with such a range of age and expectations. The plus is we are all tolerant of each other's weaknesses!

I had thought about going by train. It is so expensive though for the 5 of us. Less ability to manage luggage and then no transport when we get there. We are having a Weekend in London and will go by train for that But I think it will just be too much of a bother for a week of sightseeing.

Oh. Oh. I do like the idea of Brighton though. And lots for the DDs to take themselves off to in the evenings.

It is easy to get around by train in the north east. I'd ditch the car and up the budget for accommodation. Trains, buses and metro will take you to so many varied places in the region.

If you could get the right configuration of rooms would you consider a hotel? Station hotel Newcastle is on the station itself and has a pool/gym.

Have a look at Hastings old town. Lots to do there for all of you and places nearby to visit.

Excellent skate park if ds would like it..

You can do Antalya for £3k

Or hire a smaller car and have one or two DCs do the long journey by train. Once at destination without luggage you'd probably all fit for short journeys? (We do this now for camping so we can pack the back of the car with kit. Kids get a crafty burger king when changing trains. Bwe pick them up at the other end)

The idea of going in the smaller car and having DCs do the journey by train is inspired. Genius. Event even need to hire a car as we have one fit for purpose.

If the kids are under 26 or have a young person railcard it can be reasonable fare too

Under 16 sorry

https://www.northumbria-cottages.co.uk/cottage/Northumbria-Northumberland-Amble/Victoria-Cottage-1003160.html#duration=7&start=2024-08-16&changeover=5
What about this one OP?. No hot tub but includes health club passes.

@feellikeanalien that looks really cute. I’ll torch up my list of possibilities tomorrow. Thank you.

Write up. Not torch up. Sorry for all the typos. My health issue has affected my vision a bit! And I’m hopeless at proof reading at the best of times.

Long range weather forecasts for Scotland are looking good from 18th August for a few weeks.

Scottish schools go back then so it'll be quieter and fewer school aged kids about.

Crieff Hydro
MacDonald Aviemore resort

I think hotels are much more restful than self catering. You could tour about.

Don't know if they have your dates available op, but we have not long gotten back from a week in the Highlands and I would highly recommend this company Escape Cottages Scotland. They have nice self catering accommodation on there website and fantastic service.

We had a fab time staying near Aviemore with the family. Looking to book with them for next year.

What about a narrowboat?

cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk/

No need for a car and there are usually things you can do on the canal like kayaking.

It looks like a big enough boat would be about £1500 on your chosen date.

If you do need a car how many drivers do you have? It might be better to hire two cars which also gives you options if people want to do different things.

A PP's suggestion of the Channel Islands was a great one. Not so much for the cat (but is the cat really going to enjoy a car ride to Scotland and then being cooped up in an unfamiliar house for a week? Sounds pretty cruel to the cat TBH)

Or the IOW?

No suggestions - but I wanted to say I have the same family age gap / genders as you but we are many years behind you still! I often look ahead and wonder what holidays will be like when ds is 13 so it's lovely to think the big girls might still be happy to come along with us!

Car would be the priority for me

Do any of the children drive? Is so, can't you take their car?

Whitby.
Where to Stay in Whitby on Facebook puts you in touch with the owners of properties.
Ghost and Dracula walks. Lovely bars and Moutrays is lovely.
Walks along the beach.

Flights to Alicante and an Airbnb.

one example here :

www.airbnb.com/slink/HJELL9HK

www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/13547291?adults=5&search_mode=regular_search&amenities%5B%5D=7&check_in=2024-08-17&check_out=2024-08-24&source_impression_id=p3_1721201509_P3rHoE4LlvICAbd-&previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=591d553d-169d-4767-9683-51ce8514ad2d

Sorry for horrible link. Airbnb Cotswold water park - lots of similar places but have a fiddle with dates as some out of price range. 4 double/twin rooms and try to go for spa access. Paddleboarding, tennis, kayaking, cycling for DH and the kids. Walks/strolls, swimming amd Spa for you and the family. Accessible by train and a short taxi so wouldn't necessarily need to hire a car.

Holiday at home www.holidayathome.co.uk lovely holiday lodges/cottages in North Yorkshire.