I need a holiday but not just sun/beach/pool, any suggestions?

[MrsMcNulty]

Hi, I'm looking for suggestions for a family holiday for me, DH and 4 year old DD in June or early July. I am having treatment for breast cancer and will want to avoid anywhere too hot, and will not be using swimming pools or going in the sea, so I would miss out on most of what a seaside resort has to offer.

I'm wondering is there somewhere that is nice weather but not too hot in June/July, and has maybe nice countryside/mountains/scenery etc. to explore? And somewhere nice and plush and relaxing to stay so we can have really relax?

I'm probably asking for too much but any suggestions would be greatly massively appreciated, thanks!

Lake district? Walking, Go Ape if you are into that. There is also the South Lakes animal park which is lovely, not as zoo like as, well zoos!

A boat hire? Chance to see scenery etc,

Good luck with your treatment And hope you have a great holiday

Thanks hippoCritt, actually I was thinking of the lake district for a break in England as well. But I'm trying to get some ideas for a holiday abroad, we have not been abroad since having DD and want to broaden our horizons!

I was thinking somewhere with climate of the canaries might be good, but then if it's all beach resorts I'm not going to be able to make the most of it. I'm hoping someone will suggest a Canary Island with forests/mountains/something fabulous and amazing that I can take part in...!

Thanks again!

We took my Mum and Dad to Annecy in France when my Mum had just finished breast cancer treatment and she really enjoyed it (a bit different situation as she was older than you with no young DC but a 2.5 year old grandson). We had a lovely holiday there, nice town, nice scenery, just nice for my Mum to stroll around the old town and sit for a while when she was tired - although you may have a lot more energy than she had at the time. Weather was nice but not too hot. We didn't stay anywhere plush but there are lots of hotels around the lake that are lovely for a bit of pampering. It is nothing like the Canary Islands though!

What about Croatia? Or Italy? Lots of lovely scenery and activities to do, very well developed, so nice hotels. Not too crowded (particularly Croatia, and if you avoid the BIG places in Italy). We absolutely loved Korcula (sp??) in Croatia a few years ago and Hvar is also supposed to be fabulous). Dubrovnik is a great city and not too big. I hope you find somewhere you really enjoy.

Lake Como? Stunning scenery, lovely food, easy to get about the lake by boat. There are some glorious villas to visit.

These are great suggestions thank you. Bizarrely I never thought of France, but strolling around sounds nice! I have a certain amount of energy but not lots. But a lake and the thought of some nice French vino certainly sounds good!

Don't know anything about Croatia so will look it up, think Italy might be a bit hot though.

Any more suggestions gratefully received.

lake como is lovely, good idea. or pyranees, mountains and green grass and plenty to do or just do nothing.

Normandy?

The last two holidays abroadfor us were Croatia and the Italian lakes and they were brilliant. Croatia is moe geared towards pool and beach, but lake Garda has lots of exploring options and ticked all the right boxes for us. We stayed in Garda itslef, which was only an hour's transfer from the airport. The lake is stunningly beautiful and you can explore it by taking the ferry and visiting different towns.

I hope your treatment is successful and you find a holiday that suits.

Austria or Northern Italy. Have a look at Kinderhotels. Very family friendly with lots of activities and good food.

Corsica, the interior is amazing and beautiful.

Grindelwald in Switzerland. When I went in May (a few yrs ago now) it was pleasantly warm and the scenery was completely stunning.

I'd suggest Valbonne. Easyjet to Nice (which is v nice) and less than an hour's drive. Beautiful cobbled square with tons of amazing but remarkably reasonable restaurants. A nice Market. There are some lovely places to visit round about too - St Paul de Vances, Mouugins, St Tropez to see the boats (& how the other half live!) etc. We stayed at Le Swing which was a lovely small apartment complex with a pool for your DD overlooking a beautiful 9hole golf course. Lovely walk down into town.

Really hope the treatment goes well for you.

Some really good suggestions here, thank you so much to all of you, I knew mumsnetters would give me some good ideas! I'm going to go off and research these places now...

If you haven't already found somewhere, we had a fantastic holiday at
www.inntalerhof.com/en/top/hotel-inntaler-hof.html
last summer (we stayed in a 2 bed apartment, so had a little kitchen, which was great). 2 DC aged 5 and 2 had a ball. Warm and sunny most days, mountain walks from the door, lovely garden with lots of small child toys.
Innsbruck with museums/ shops a shortish train ride if you want a change

I second Annecy. Beautiful town and beautiful area.

Thanks so much all, can you believe after all this I have booked Center Parcs , as I will have just finished radiotherapy and knowing my skin will be breaking out and won't be able to go in the sun at all! Plus we can take my mum to help with entertaining DD while we have a rest. Am now planning holiday abroad for October half term and Annecy is top of the list.

Thanks so much for all your helpful suggestions

So glad you have something booked ( sorry it was me who didn't realise it was a short haul boad,peril of clicking on active I don't know where I am!)
Center parc s is great, I always feel like we have been away for ages and I sleep so well when we are there, hope you have a brilliant time and all the very best for your remaining treatment