Tell me about your fantastic holiday with a three year old

[sarahb083]

Hello - I'd like to go somewhere with my husband and three year old this year. Ideally a flight of up to 2-3 hours or within the UK. Please share some insipiration!

We loved the IoW so much and it's glorious in hot weather so long as you go to the right places.

Some beautiful cove beaches there and Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine are absolutely fab to visit - you get a weekly combined ticket so we'd go after the beach as there's so much to do there as well as Monkey World, The Needles etc

We had a wonderful holiday in Bournemouth when dd1 was 3. I was pregnant, and we loved it so much we went back when dd2 was 3!

We stayed at a caravan park, but there's a whole range of accommodation locally. Had gorgeous weather in early May and then in May half term.

We did a Gruffalo hunt at a country park which had amazing play areas, Peppa Pig World (big hit!!!!) and spent hours playing on the beach and paddling in the sea.

When DD was 2 and a half we went to Mallorca to one of those AI aparthotel resorts.

We were basically in a ground floor one bedroom flat. That worked great to put her down for naps or at night without being stuck. We'd put her to bed and sit on the terrace reading,playing cards etc. She made lots of friends as the kids all went out on the alleyway during the day which was the best thing really. Lots of mini pools, great disco and child entertainment for her. Having our own kitchen also helped with keeping her milk, a few jars/pouches for emergencies, cereal etc. We didn't use the kids' club, but it was a pretty chill holiday that still felt like a holiday despite the mini tornado.

At around age 3 -5 ours loved Euro Disney, Butlins, an AI in Spain, camping down south in the UK or in the Lakes (with our friends with similar aged children) but best of all they loved a cheap as chips caravan holiday in the UK especially the cheesy evening entertainment.

We went to Olhao in the Algarve with our little boy last summer when he was 3. It was PERFECT!
Only a 15 min transfer from airport (but not at a noisy etc from planes I promise).
the town is to the east of Faro whereas most attractions are to the West. But we loved it. Beautiful cobbled streets to wander, huge marina, ferries within walking distance to visit little islands, dolphin watching etc.
we stayed at The Real Marina hotel. Super child friendly yet not rammed with kids so pool was always quiet, no fighting over sun beds etc.
would return in a heartbeat.

Our DC loved UK breaks to New Forest, Dorset, Bournemouth, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, etc.. as well as holidays abroad to Cyprus, Malta, and various states in the US.

Kinderhotels are amazing: https://www.kinderhotels.com/en/kinderhotels-family-holidays.html

Plenty of activities to do & great pools, so you get time as a couple as well as with your child(ren). Highly recommended!

Center Parcs

We have had loads of great holidays with babies and toddlers. If sun sea sand and a pool is your scene, then all inclusive hotels work brilliantly for young kids. You don't have to do any cooking, and by tag teaming with your other half a bit you can both get some relaxing time in. And some time together when DC naps in the pushchair and goes to bed.

We had easy sleepers, and often fed them well at lunchtime, then fed them fruit/cheese/cold meat/bread at early dinner time in the room, walked DC to sleep in the pushchair, and had a mostly child-free dinner.

We had a lovely holiday in Barcelona about that age. Our dc loved the cable cars, easy access to beaches, lots to see and do, and the metro made getting around really easy (though there are steps if you have a buggy - we were fine with two adults though).

Also (and perhaps less fun for the adults) we had a really successful holiday to Butlins, which the dc loved as well.

Menorca is brilliant for kids. We first went DS2 was 3 and I can’t wait to take our DGS there when he’s a bit older. Anywhere on the island is family friendly.