Any ideas?

[RainyAfternoon]

We're trying to get away for the last week of the school holidays (kids not back til the 6th). It's last minute due to various uncertainties, but we finally have the time off work now to do something but I'm struggling with finding something that feels exciting.

I'm really exhausted at the moment and really really want a break, and time together as a family rather than to stay at home for the next week. We have saved a bit of money for a break - £1,800 and I'm wondering whether we should try and get abroad - eg drive to North France to camp, or even fly somewhere, but for such a short time, the fixed testing and travel costs seem disproportionate.

Camping in the UK could be good, and obviously much cheaper, but the weather next week is not going to be warm, and I don't want something that feels like it's too much work. It's too late to book anything like a cottage.

We have 3 kids 14, 12 and 7...

Does anyone have any good ideas?! thank you!!

[Calgoose]

@RainyAfternoon

Thank you everyone. I love some of these ideas! It's given me a boost. I think we do need to have some different scenery though so will try and leave the house. I think it'll be good for all of us as we've had quite a tricky time for Covid.But I'm looking into the rest.
Just to check, if you have been vaccinated, I didn't think a green list country changes anything as you still need to do a Day 2 pcr?
Thanks again

Correct. But to enter France you don’t need a test (although your teens would) as you do for Spain for example. You all need lateral flows before returning which can be ordered online and taken with you, and then day 2 tests. You can just book the cheapest ones - all you really need is the reference number for your locator forms (and infuriatingly there isn’t even a space to put the reference for your teens anywhere - make of that what you will……)

[languagelover96]

Scotland is on the green list as is Wales. But if you want to play it safe you could stick to England only and see if you can find a hotel close to home. To answer your question I doubt it makes a difference.

[Delphigirl]

I had 3 days in Glasgow earlier this summer - what a fantastic city. Hotel rooms dead cheap. Masses for kids. A possibility? (Unless you are from there of course)

[RainyAfternoon]

Thank you everyone. I love some of these ideas! It's given me a boost. I think we do need to have some different scenery though so will try and leave the house. I think it'll be good for all of us as we've had quite a tricky time for Covid.But I'm looking into the rest.
Just to check, if you have been vaccinated, I didn't think a green list country changes anything as you still need to do a Day 2 pcr?
Thanks again

[Dontforgetyourbrolly]

Staying at home in your house sounds like a terrible idea!
Some interesting European countries have just gone green so a city break may not be put of the question.
Or maybe London or York ?

[Delphigirl]

There are a few countries going on the green list which will remove testing costs - can you find a cheap and cheerful Azores package?

[Calgoose]

Just had a check and they have 3 bedroom statics for about £300 for next week there.

[Calgoose]

Look at eurocamp/ al fresco camping for 5/6 nights at Domaine Des Ormes in northern France. Loads for kids that age including a huge indoor pool if its rainy. Super cheap for next week. Most expensive bit will be your ferry but I’d be able to do it for your budget - just depends how much driving you want to do. They help with testing costs. Far FAR better value than what shoddy uk sites are charging at the moment - you’ll have a blast (and lovely cheap wine )

[Funf]

www.ukcaravans4hire.com
Liverpool is a vibrant city with loads going on but it has good beaches

[Asmallgiraffe]

Have a play around here:


www.loveholidays.com/holidays/?date=2021-08-28&flexibility=1&nights=7&rooms=2-14-12-7#hotelUrl=%2Fholidays%2Fmajorca%2Fcala-dor%2Fhotel-club-calimera-es-talaial.html

Happy hunting!

[BikeRunSki]

Premier Inn and days out?

We did that a couple of weeks ago, not dure about if you can have 3 DC in a family room.

[Georgyporky]

I think the costs of testing etc would wipe out a lot of your budget - and the weather in northern France is going to be similar to U.K.

How about treating your home as if it was an hotel ?
Absolutely no housework/washing/ironing etc. until you "return" ?

Go out for day trips, have lunch & dinner out, or a take-away. Perhaps let each DC choose something they'd like to do ?

[RainyAfternoon]

Bump