Holiday with toddlers UK

[Bluevelvetcake2]

Hi

would like some recommendations on where to take two toddlers on holiday. thinking of Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Cotswolds. Max 3 hours away from London. Any recommendations? Thanks!

North Norfolk is fab. Great beaches and lots of things to do. We generally stay in a rental. Barefoot Retreats has some lovely properties but generally we used VRBO.

This year we went to Sandy Balls in the New Forest which was so god we've booked for next year already. Site is great with toddler entertainment and plenty to do in the New Forest.

Isle of Wight was a big hit with our 3yo. He loved the ferry ride. We were based at Sandown where the beach is right off the high street, so you’re not far from toilets and stands selling drinks, snacks and fish and chips. There was also a nearby playground.
Shanklin would also be good as it has a long sandy beach (with some pebbles), and then the esplanade, plus an indoor play area for rainy days. There was loads to do to fill a week. Could have stayed longer.

Agree with North Norfolk. We are going in a couple of weeks. There is so much to do there. Loads of beaches, bewilderwood etc... Also loads of national trust places if you are members.

Thanks everyone. North Norfolk has two votes so far!

Apart from beaches what activities do you recommend in North Norfolk?

Isle of Wight for sure. Been twice once when DS was 18 months and I was pregnant and once when kids were 4 and 2.

The ferry makes you feel like you've actually gone away but you're still UK.

Loads to do, nothing is too far away and the kids loved it. My eldest still talks about our holiday there.

We've done Norfolk with them too when they were 2 and 6 months. The drive is loooong (also from London) and on the way back we had to make an unscheduled overnight stop at my parents in Cambridgeshire. The drive was just too long and we were exhausted.

It was lovely though, but not as much to do as the isle.

I can highly recommend Nettlecombe farm on the Isle of Wight. We did it this year with a 2 year old and a 6 month old. They have a small field filled with kids pedal tractors and other toys and there is a farm animal feeding tour every morning if you want to join. You can even cuddle sheep! As others have said, there is also plenty to do on the island itself and my eldest loved the ferry ride.

We did the tots week at butlins. My toddler loved it. Fair rides, shows, swimming. The hotel was nice too

Have a look at girlaroundnorthnorfolk on Instagram:
There are seal trips from Morston, Wells to Walsingham light railway, Holkham hall and National Trust at Felbrigg and Blickling Hall. Crabbing at Blakeney. Drove Orchard at Thorney for Ice Cream. River walk at Castle Acre and lunch at The Dabbling Duck Great Massingham.

I also think Northumberland staying around Bamburgh is wonderful for Toddlers. Although beaches likely to be cooler it's great for rock pooling. Craster and Lindisfarne (eat at The Barn at Beal) and a trip to the Farne Islands for the seals or a smaller boat trip from Amble with ice cream parlour as well.Alnwick castle (book lunch in the Treehouse) and also National Trustsites such as Cragside. Hadrian's wall sites and Kielder forest short walks . Heathershaw light railway.

Northumberland not really 3 hours from London though!

How old are your kids, OP? Where might you base yourself, And how far would you drive for daytrip while in NN? Do you want activities only with tots or would one of you adults go off to do something fun (like paddleboarding at Burnham Overy Staithe)?

With tots, Sheringham steam railway, Bure Valley railway, Amazona zoo, funfair on Cromer promenade come to mind. Baconsthorpe castle & Holt Country park are fun.

Some great attractions in Norfolk like Roar Dinosaur Adventure Park, visited by Tom Hardy a few summers ago 😄 and Bewilderwood. National Trust places as mentioned above. Some lovely parks and lots of quaint little places for a a little visit like Castle Acre

N Norfolk:
Amazonia Zoo (Cromer)
Shire Horse Sanctuary (West Runton)
Steam Engine Museum (Thursfod)
Priory Maze www.priorymazegardens.co.uk/maze-gardens/
WizardMaze

Cromer Pier

We're going to the New Forest with twins who are mad about Peppa Pig, so will do a day at Peppa Pig World.

There seems to be loads to do around there with beaches, parks, pet farms etc.