Ideas for family holiday

[Midge25]

DH and I are thinking of booking a hol later this year...DD will be 3.5 by then. We're drawing a total blank in terms of ideas - last year we went to Devon selfcatering for a week, and the week before that to Center Parcs. Both went down well with the little one. We're trying to decide if we should take the plunge and go abroad this time - but where? We're not big travellers and live some distance from family/friends, so do a lot of weekends away throughout the year, partic to London, the NE and the Lakes. We'd probably be looking at a week, and none of us can bear really hot weather or boring endless days on the beach. I'm big on sightseeing/museums/local cuisine etc, as is DH, but obv will need some child-friendly stuff too. Any ideas, o travelling ones?

How about the Dordogne ? We have been there twice and if you go in say June or September it won't be too hot. There are castles to visit, nice towns and villages with lovely child friendly restaurants, Sarlat is our favourite and you could do canoeing one day as well.

The first time we stayed here its great for toddlers www.lepavillondestagnan.com/Engels/index_e.html
it books up quickly but you might be lucky outside the school holidays.

Have you considered eurocamp/canvas type holidays? These are ideal with children. Lots of facilities but your own place to retire back to. There are excellent sites all over europe so you can normally find somewhere to meet what you want. There is a range of accomodation from wooden chalets to ready erected tents.

How about trying something totally different like combining cultural visits for you and skiing for your hubby and the wee one. Berne's a good place to do that. You can use it as your base and explore loads of Switzerland by train and car. No sun, sand or sea for miles! This site has loads of info on hotels and things to do at different times of year if you're interested.
We did it some time back and had a great time - it was really different.

If you 're happy to drive but not necessarily too far have a look at p and v. Can recommend Belle Dune in Picardy, close to Calais (an hour or so) and has a great indoor/outdoor water park onsite, family activities including a free kids club, bike hire, small supermarket and restaurant(not too pricey). Looks a bit disney-eque in style but you get used to it! Le Touquet and Etaples not far, Fort Mahon and Le Crotoy had nice restaurants too. Sandy beach, walks, cycle rides and forests nearby, nature reserves and steam train across the Somme estuary.

The dordogne is wonderful (I have a little farmhouse down there) and you can rent some lovely houses with all the facilities you want. If you want swimming or a day at the beach there are loads of lovely lakes and river beachs. You can shop at the local markets and cook at home without feeling stuck taking your duaghter out in the evening. Loads to do and see in bite size day trips...

Thanks for all your suggestions. Have been online and have fallen in love w. the Dordogne...now just need to persuade DH!

Oh good Dordogne is fabulous. I have just put together an email for someone who is going there with loads of kid friendly things, so I am copying it here, hope its not tmi

Velorail - you would need to ring up and book in French, as for a tourist experience they don't seem to be very organised, but it's great fun
www.veloraildefrance.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=38

www.france4families.com/dordogne/RegionsDordogneChateauxCastelnaud.htm DS loved Castlenaud as its a very authentic castle, plus it has a very nice cafe opposite which does great salads and crepes. Beynac castle is also a fun experience.

www.gouffre-de-padirac.com/
This is a lot better than the website would have you believe as it involves walking down into the deep cave and then going on a boat trip. It is very popular so try to arrive early and do not eat in the closest restaurant like we did as it is overpriced and not very nice. Our friends also did caves with crystals but I can't remember the name of them.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_advice_tips/991463-Can-anyone-recommend-fun-things-to-do-with-children-in
Some great recommendations on this thread, although after having visited Jacquo park I would give it a miss, the water park bit was good, but all the rides seemed a bit rickety and the animals very sad. Canoeing or a boat trip is an excellent way to soak up the scenery although DS did claim to get bored on the boat trip.