UK breaks with toddlers that are NOT Center Parks

[allthegearnoidea12]

We have a 4yo, 2yo and (by October) 4 month old. We want to go away somewhere nice for the kids in October half term for a few days. I had looked at the Eurostar to Paris and perhaps a few days in the Center parks near to eurodisney but not sure I'm convinced at the hassle factor.

Any suggestions of UK breaks that would be good in the autumn with activities for that age range of children?

We are based up in the north west but happy to travel.

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If you’ve landed here looking for recommendations, here’s a summary of UK breaks that Mumsnetters are suggesting on this thread:

😎Sandy Balls Holiday Park, Hampshire

😎Bluestone Resort, Pembrokeshire

😎Parkdean Resorts

😎Wild Duck Holiday Park, Norfolk

😎Potters Resort, Norfolk

😎Ribby Hall, Lancashire

MNHQ

Another one for Sandy Balls in the New Forest. Much prefer it to Centre Parcs. It's less full on activities but still lots to do. Beautiful walks and pubs near by.

Ribby Hall near Preston is good.

I am also in the NW and whilst i love Butlins, I tend to find I don't love it enough more than Ribby Hall to justify the length of the journey.

I'm totally against the grain here.hated Butlins.

I took mine to York for the weekend at that age (minus baby I only have 2) was brilliant, they loved the Viking centre, were allowed to dig in a section outside, we went to the minster (elder was already playing the violin and was blown away by the organist practicing, she now plays herself) stayed at the holiday inn.

I was going to also say Butlins.

We did an IOW thing a few years back and stayed at one of the holiday parks. It was good and there was alot of entertainment but I have heard from friends who have done Butlins that there is more to do and more variety. That said, the Isle of Wight has some great things for kids- Robin Hill and Tapnell Farm were particular hits with my two. They were aged 9 and 7 at the time.

Train to London, Premier Inn cheap accomodation, Sky Garden, Natural History museum, British Museum, some nice food. We did this with a 4 and 1 year old and it was really fun!

We've got a 4yo and 2yo and have had great UK breaks this year / last on Norfolk coast and New Forest. We're based in Home Counties though so neither was more than about a 2-3hr drive, which I think is our max at the moment. Nearer you, what about Northumberland? I've not been for years but remember lots of lovely holidays there as a child. Italy is also great for kids if you're wanting to go further afield - Florence city break? Sightseeing for you, pasta and gelato for the little one, everyone happy

Potters resort in Hopton, Norfolk. Lovely family owned and it's the UKs only all inclusive I think. Lots to do near by with big beaches, small theme park and seaside towns.

Ribby hall is great for kids and there’s a spa on site for adults. Slides in the pool but also a separate adults pool. Only a few miles from Blackpool too for an easy day out there.

We went to Bedruthan last month and the offering for kids is now pretty poor. The restaurant is horrendously expensive and not child friendly. We’d been in 2017 and it was amazing but they have now closed their kids club, listening service, softplay, some of the outdoor facilities like the trampoline and the childrens high tea isn’t available. I couldn’t recommend it for families anymore.

Also recommend Bluestone, we really liked it when we went with our 2 year old and will probably book again for next year when we have another baby.

We had a good time at one of the luxury family hotels a few years ago - lots for kids to do.