Suggestions for holiday/short break with 9 - 14 month old?

[jumpyjan]

I am desperate to book a holiday or break of some sort for DH, DD and me for sometime between now and spring but am at a complete loss as to what to do/where to go.

Don't mind whether we go for one major holiday (maybe late spring/early summer would be better if we did that) or to have a few short breaks. Don't want to travel too far and don't mind staying in UK.

I guess the only way it would work is if we hired a cottage/villa as it would not work out very well if we were in a hotel.

In need of inspiration and would love to know what other parents of babies/toddlers do for a break.

Hi jumpyjam, I don't know where abouts in uk you are but have you thought about a holiday park (either caravan or chalet) for a short break? I have two dcs, 4 and 2 and we go at least once a year. Some do half or full board but they are more manageable than a hotel.

We use one particular one in Dorset that is fabulous for kids, have been there three times and actually spent our honeymoon there!

Thanks Minimoochoo - do you mean Centreparks or something like that. Have been meaning to look into places like that.

centre parcs
park resorts

Hi again, We have never used centreparcs although have friends who say they are good. The one we use in Dorset is a Weststar park (Sandford) and it's great - lots for kids of all ages, nice swimming pool, soft play for kids and they do kids entertainment in the morning for little ones. Also have kids entertainment at night which my two love (it wears them out so they go straight to bed!). Reasonably priced and lots to do in the area. Have also used their Mullion park in Cornwall and really can't recommend them highly enough. Try www.weststarholidays.co.uk/ if you're interested.

Thanks Minimoochoo will have a look into it.

Take a look at www.greatlittleadventures.co.uk It's got loads of recommendations for places to stay, places to eat and things to do right around the country and has all the info parents need. Hope you find something!

Thanks Emmie - will take a look.

We've stayed at these cottages in north Norfolk which has to be one of the most lovely places in the country. www.blakeneycottagecompany.co.uk If you want a self catering place that's a bit special, I'd take a look. They're all really well placed for some gorgeous, unspoilt beaches. I hope you find something!

Emmie - those cottages look gorgeous. I was thinking of Norfolk too. What is there to do during the daytime in that area? Which of the cottages did you stay in - can you recommend one? They all look lovely.

We stayed in Double Doors which is fantastically well placed for the for some lovely beaches. You should definitely go seal watching, even if your children are very little as the scenery is breathtaking and you get right up close the seals. I'd also go to Wells-next-the-Sea beach and hire a beach hut from Pinewoods holiday park. The beach is really, really safe and beatuiful and you can cosy up in the hut if it's a little chilly or even if you want to just have somewhere to change the children and keep the picnic sand free. And in low season they're only about £8 a day. Bircham Windmill is fab and there's a lovely tea room with fresh baked teacakes and pasties from the bakery in the windmill, a play area, a few animals and a bike hire place. Norfolk is perfect for biking! And not far from there is there is the Sandringham Estate - pay to go round the formal gardens or just tear around the parkland for free. Oh, I want to go to Norfolk myself! And do take a look at that other site I mentioned - Great Little Adventures - it's got baby changing info, opening times etc for loads more places. And finally, if you want to just pack the children in the car so they have a smooze, a drive along the coast from Brancaster to Cley is hard to beat for lovely scenery. Where ever you go - have fun!!!

Emmie - it sounds fantastic - thanks for taking the time to tell me all about it. Am definitely going to book us in.