Does this exist?

[FantasyHoliday]

We have 2 children age 1 and 6
Desperate to have a holiday this year, fairly limited budget but not overly tight.
My wife refuses to fly abroad or ferry etc as she says it's too much hassle with the 1 year old which I can understand.
I refuse to do anymore 'caravan" holidays like sun holidays as I feel we've done too many of them and since covid the cleanliness and amenities are generally very poor.

Is there a compromise? Centre parcs seems ridiculously expensive and we're not into camping. My son loves a premier inn/travelodge but as a couple it's boring sitting there in the same room in the evenings when the kids are asleep.

Please give us some inspiration 🙏 we are based in the South of England. . Thanks.

I just flew to new Zealand and back with a 3 year old and an 18 month old. (Return trip was 47 hours!) I'd say don't say no to flights :) it was definitely not as bad as I thought it was going to be. And I was absolutely dreading it

Air bnb. There is self catering cottages everywhere. Get a tesco delivery to the accommodation all you need is to pack the car with clothes.

I agree but she will not entertain the idea til the youngest is a bit older and I have to respect that. I'm happy to stay in the UK but need some ideas of somewhere that's not a caravan/centre parcs/travelodge.

We go self catering.

It's no more hassle to go on the ferry than it is to get in the car and stay in this country. But if she's deteremined then go somewhere self catering in the UK surely

I always find them ridiculously expensive with silly check in/check out times like 5pm check in and 9am check out. Unless you have any specific recommendations of places? We both have ADHD so get bored researching and give up haha I'd like to change that.

Have you considered hiring a campervan/motorhome and doing a bit of touring?

I prefer holiday cottage websites like Sykes to AirBNB these days, their fees and cleaning charges have become ridiculous.

The channel tunnel involves minimum faff - you just drive on and drive off at the other end. So a break in France would be doable.

Sorry I don't think I've worded my post very well. I'd love some recommendations of specific places. Thanks

Wild luxury in Norfolk near Holt is fab. individual lodges, walk to the beach. Fab set up.

What about the Isle of Wight. Just a short ferry trip - there’s loads to do there with a young family.

Holbourn Naish in the New Forest. They have lodges which are not caravans iyswim.

Indoor and outdoor pool, lovely beach and loads of stuff for the kids

But don't tell anyone, gets really booked up!

Have a look at youth hostels. Some have double rooms, you can have the option to self cater but often you can get 2-3 of your meals catered.

Otherwise travel lodge it, but you are committing to eating out/take aways

Could you deal with the 1yr old on the flight if that’s all what’s bothering her?

No but I actually love that idea! Are there generally lots of places to hitch up? Is it easy to do? Sounds like a good solution.

Bluestone in Pembrokeshire. Cheaper than Center Parcs but a similar vibe.

I agree but for her I think it would be too much driving and our eldest gets car sick if driving for more than about 3 hours.

We are both very hands on parents equally but she said she still wouldn't enjoy it and it would ruin the holiday fielding a toddling baby and a 6 year old near a swimming pool or on a beach etc and I do see what she means.

I love MN

OP: Wife doesn't want to fly
1st post: I just flew 47 back from NZ, don't rule out flying

😂

Rent a cottage somewhere. We often go to the Kent coast (same house - we know the owner) as we don't own a car at present. It's so easy I have done it on my own with 3 kids.

47 hours

We regularly visit the island but find it extremely expensive during the holidays sadly. Way more expensive than most other places in the south.

Eurotunnel Disneyland Paris.
Straight there. Minimal faff. Disney hotels are great. 6 year old will absolutely lose their shit and the 1 year old will just enjoy the characters!

Eurotunnel? Self catering can be family friendly, there used to be a recommendations area on MN with tried and tested options. We went to Bosinver Farm one year bosinver.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAq5meBhCyARIsAJrtdr6njnGRFjh0XUzILnJ7a5Dbd8LapGCMW-Nk0rwt4GM7nFyL4rpT6fgaAq91EALw_wcB which has activities and facilities on site. You can even get supermarket deliveries on arrival at many places to save hassle.

Thank you for all the specific recommendations and all other comments so far.