Family holiday anxiety

[mockorangey]

Help, I am trying to look for a week away at half term, but am going round in circles. It's for me, DH, DS (4) and DD (20 months). On one hand I start looking at an easy package holiday so we can have decent weather, but then start worrying about things like all having to sleep in one room and what we will do if we get bored of the beach. So then I look at the UK and come up with nice cottages in Northumberland etc, but then look at average temperatures and realise that it might be quite chilly.

I'm not sure if I'm being a bit of a control freak. I suppose I just want to spend some time together and to be outside. Being able to play on the beach would be a big bonus. Holidays up until now have all been cottage breaks in the UK, except for trips to see family in America, but I wouldn't really class those as typical holidays. Anyway, the cottage breaks have worked up until now as we have had the freedom to do beach or days out as we wish, plus space to play indoors and outdoors at the cottages, often with toys provided. I think I'm attracted to going abroad for the warmer weather, but then get worried that we won't have the freedom to do days out if bored or the weather is bad, as a lot of these package holidays seem to be focused almost entirely on beach/pool and I'm not sure what else is around or accessible. We already have a week in a cottage in Dorset booked for August, but this is with a large group of extended family, hence why I'm now looking for something just for us.

Ideas I've got so far are:
Cottage in Northumberland ~£800-900. Castles, beaches etc, but probably chilly
Couple of nights in the New Forest in an AirBnB ~£350. Peppa Pig World, cycling in the New Forest or maybe a day on beach if the weather is good.
Lake Maggiore in an AirBnB or caravan ~£500 for flights + £500ish for accommodation. No idea if this is toddler friendly and won't be any beaches, but should be around 20 C and nice scenery.
Package holiday in mainland Spain or Majorca ~£2000 minimum. Might possibly be able to get flights + villa for this too. Should be warm enough for beach but swimming pools might still be too cold.

Majorca? Got a package there last year £150 each even got a All inclusive a few years back for £200 each. Cars are cheap to hire so can visit other parts of island.
Stay in or near magaluf if you want a buzzing nightlife although there big night club has closed.

You should be able to find something for everyone there.

Are you happy driving abroad? We had some lovely holidays when DC’s were little on holiday parks in the Netherlands and Germany.

I totally get where you are coming from - I feel like I have that same holiday dilemma every year! I want space/freedom for the children to play, plus sun!!
When our DC were that age, we had some success with gite holidays in France through the Baby Friendly Boltholes website - I always went for ones with a shared pool so there would be a shared garden area and other children to play with. South of France should be warm.

What half term are you looking for? May or October?

We do go AI in Southern Europe but often hire a Car and do things away from the beach. We made a calculation for AI or B&B this October half term and even with eating out for lunch AI was still, cheaper and gives us more flexibility.

Self catering can be great but for one week I find it a chore unless it is in the UK where I just either bring stuff with me or take things back.

You could look at center parc in the Netherlands or Germany, often cheaper than UK due to different holiday periods and easy to go by car.

Thanks, I've booked the week in Italy. We're staying in a lakeside town in an Air BnB which has a garden, so at least we have space to play if it all gets a bit much out and about. We're ok with driving abroad, bit actually am wondering if it would be easier to get a taxi transfer, or even the train, rather than faffing around with car seats and rental cars. Once we're there, I think we can walk around easily and do boat trips.

I've just booked a one bedroom apartment with a pool near the beach in Salou for half term. With flights it was around £270 pp. big sitting room with sofa bed, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen/dining area at end of lounge. With a balcony. Definitely doable!
One of my favourite places when dc were young was a Mumsnet suggestion of Club Martha in Cala Egos shirt walk away from Cala d'or. It was fabulous!! Self catering (or you could go AI) and really bi pony apartments and great facilities. In resort do lots on and plenty of places to eat. All very child friendly.