To think it probably won’t be worth going on holiday

[RoseLillian]

We are due to go on holiday next week to Wales (myself, DH and DD’s age 4 and 2). Indications from the property we are staying at are that this will be likely to go ahead (although waiting on the announcement from the Welsh Government). We are going to a place we have been a number of times. The site itself has a swimming pool, which we normally use everyday. A place that does bar meals. A room to do laundry. Plus some other communal facilities. None of which will be able to open. It also has an expensive on site restaurant which we would normally treat ourselves to once in the week that will be doing takeaways. Despite the fact we have paid an amount based on all these facilities being open (the swimming pool being a big thing for us) and now getting accommodation only we have been offered no reduction in cost.

There are 3 great attractions nearby for young children, but it sounds like only one of them will be open. There are beaches if the weather is good, but we can’t guarantee that. Even if we have the weather for it I find the idea of sitting on a beach every day tedious. We would also normally only cook once while away and by that I mean putting some pizzas in the oven. Now both eating options on and off site are greatly reduced.

I know it’s not the sites fault the lack of things to do both on and off site but really think they should be offering a price reduction. I can imagine if you were planning a walking holiday for example all this would affect you less. A holiday with young kids though I am thinking it’s not worth it. On top of this at the end we have been given an earlier check out time and are expected to strip all beds and put the bedding in laundry bags. It is normally hard enough getting out on time with young kids.

It sounds like it won't be very much fun, does it? I think it would be easier to stay home, honestly.

Have you asked them about postponing the trip, not cancelling? They might be ok with that, it's what we did for our trip in April.

Yanbu.
I wouldn’t go if I were you. All the things that make it a holiday for you are not available. Holidays with young children are often just doing very similar things in a different location and can be an enormous amount of faff even without the current situation.
It would suit us as we sit on a beach and take long walks even in the rain with the dogs , but I totally understand that’s not everyone’s first choice of holiday.
Can you swap dates for next summer?

I would expect either a considerable discount or the option of my money back. I wouldn’t go personally, as it could be really crap if the weather’s bad. Best to save that money for a nicer holiday next year.

Also, others booking now will probably be getting it much cheaper.

Yeah that sounds pretty shit if they won't at least give you a discount for lack of facilities. I don't understand the no swimming pools thing either, when pubs are open, but unfortunately I don't make the rules.

Would you be in Pembrokeshire by chance ? We are going in three weeks, have had a look and looks like enough will be open and lots of beaches to potter on even if weather is not so good. I agree you shouldn't be expected to pay full price, but we're also desperate for a change of scenery

I won't say the name, but I think I might lnow the place you mean.

No, I wouldn't go there at the moment and think it's a bit rubbish they are charging you full whack when nearly all the facilities are closed. I remember the accommodation being very meh as well, so I wouldn't want to be paying through the nose for just that.

If it's the place I'm thinking of, the big attraction nearby being closed would also make me think it wasn't worth going, as that was a big highlight of our holiday.

It does sound as if you should postpone or cancel if you have the option. If you have to pay anyway, I would say to go, as it would be a change from being stuck at home for the past few months.
If you do go, make a huge effort not to spend the holiday thinking or talking about what you can't' do, as that will definitely spoil any enjoyment. Instead make a list of all the things you can do - the beach for sitting, a beach walk, build a sand boat, play quots, do s scavenger hunt, visit local attraction etc. Then keep looking at the list to decide what to do that day, or what to look forward to next.

We asked at the time of paying what would happen if we cancelled. They said we would get the money back as a voucher to use another time. We need to check that is definitely the case. We were only sent the information on what was happening on site today. We also checked the local attractions again today, two of them had said previously they would be opening, but one of these has changed the date. We were leaning towards going, but I think the information given to us today has put us off.

If the weather is going to be shit and the pool not open I'm not sure I'd bother.

Not if it'll just be the same cooking and cleaning but with no facilities and no washing machine etc.

Were supposed to be away next week and looking at the weather and the fact that I'll still have to cook I'm not sure it's worth the journey.

You just need to dress for the weather OP! Take waterproof kit, wellies, wetsuits.
There is loads you can still do.
Nature walks , building dens, fishing/crabbing, rock pooling, cycling, making and flying kites, boules, cricket, rounders. Paint pictures of the boats.
Make daft videos, we did the Gruffalo and "Going on a bear hunt"when ours were small.
Take some lovely upgraded food and drink with you and have a few takeouts.
Also we always found it difficult to leave early on the last day so we used to go on late on the previous night.

I wouldn't bother op. We are in our caravan in Dorset atm, and having the best time ever, but that's because it's boiling hot, plenty to do here, and it's cheap!

On the bright side it's likely to be quiet which is a plus

It’s not Pembrokeshire. Accommodation is to a good standard and stunning views. I can’t complain on that front. I guess it is that we are paying for more than just that. Also what we find makes it a great place for kids isn’t going to be there. @Serin (love the name though guess it’s not your real one). You have some good ideas, but I’m not sure you got the age of my kids with others. I am useless at cricket and rounders let alone my 2 and 4 year old. Trying to get either of them to catch a ball thrown directly at their hands is hard enough work. As for cycling I’ve not been on a bike since I was a teenager. My oldest we are just teaching. @scarby9 you are right if we do go we should just try to make the most of it. Thank everyone else though kind of confirms what I was thinking.

I'd definitely still go, things still be uncertain for a while and it could be next year before everything is fully open.

We're currently on holiday in the west country, there is a pool which we book for an hour so have it to ourselves and the rest of the time we're out exploring with the kids, they're 5 & 7 and just love being on holiday. We've always gone to Haven sites in the past but this is so much better, it's made us realise just how much money we've wasted doing things that we think they'll like such as going to the clubhouse every night and buying light up tat for them.

Yes it'll be different for you but that doesn't mean it'll be worse.

We've just cancelled our trip away at the end of the month. The attractions we planned to see are still closed leaving only outdoors to spend the time, and having to wear wellies and waterproofs on the beach (looking likely given the bad weather we've had most of the summer so far) is my idea of holiday hell. Getting soaked and then trying to get everyone warm and dry in a caravan or hotel room. No thanks.