Where to go in Northern Europe in August with a 2 yr old?

[NichyNoo]

We're having to take our annual holiday in August this year to coincide with nursery closure (not enough annual leave to cover closure plus a holiday earlier in the year). We will have a 2 year old DS and I'm guessing our usual (pre-baby) destinations on the Med will be too hot in August for him.

So we are looking for recommendations for somewhere that is driving distance from Brussels where we live (Northern France, Northern Germany, Holland), perferably near a beach and that also has a play area and swimming pool. I've looked a couple of Centerparcs but the reviews are really mixed. Does anyone have any ideas? Thank you

How about a p and v property. Belle Dune not far along the coast from Calais has those facilities for example.

What about somewhere in the Black Forest? or would that be too much of a drive?

Have a look at www.landal.com - loads of sites in Holland and Germany. We have been to Sonnenberg and Hoog Vaals (several times). Facilities like Centerparcs but cheaper. The accommodation is of a good standard in my experience. My sister has been to Belle Dune as mentioned above, and enjoyed it. Duinrell in Holland gets recommended a lot on here, and I have friends who go every year.

As another thought - we had the same issue the first year we were in Belgium, and I was entitled to NO holiday as I had not long started my job. We found a nanny via the classified boards on one of the xpat websites. Many families go away for the summer and there were quite a few nannies who were given extended holidays - and were happy to earn some extra cash.

Thanks for the all the advice

Will check out the suggestions...I think for me the main thing is being near a beach. Somehow doesn't feel like a holiday unless I can smell the sea

Hi NichyNoo - this is my first Mumsnet post so I hope I get it right! I live in Northern France, Pas-de-Calais - its a really great place for a holiday with kids, there are lots of little seaside resorts on the Opal Coast but a really nice one is Berck-sur-Mer with a gorgeous beach, a real bucket and spade type holiday. Its not at all far to the very swish and chichi Le Touquet which is more expensive but great for window shopping, the free parks, little train which goes round the town, fab chocolate shops and bakeries. Berck-sur-Mer also has great shops and restaurants and is really kid friendly and only an hour from Calais port and there's loads to do nearby. Hope this helps - with best wishes, Janine www.thegoodlifefrance.com/berck-sur-mer-pas-de-calais/