holiday recommendations for a week near the sea in the North West

[redkiteonatree]

I want to take DC on a holiday. budget doesn't stretch too far and we decided to drive somewhere preferably a seaside place in the north west. Both DC have autism, leaning difficulties, difficult eaters, dislike for mad crowds. We plan on self catering, hotel is out. We have never been on a holiday before, but had day trips to the sea. Any recommendations for locations? We like nature, not too crowded places, a beach where we can spend the day provided the weather is good.

How old are they and how much walking would you want to be doing?

The north west coast has some good, enormous beaches but a lot of it is pretty useless for swimming because they shelve so shallowly.
IMO the best part for a combination of beach and 'nature' is the Sefton coast, if they're reasonable walkers - lots of woodland. The Formby NT site can get quite busy but other parts are quieter. I don't know where to stay though as it's a daytrip for us.

Isnt the coast around Bamburgh lovely?

Bamburgh is North East, not West.

St Annes is lovely, especially around the beach huts. The same people own some apartments facing the beach too. Lovely big beaches, paddling pool, prom, nice cafe.

https://www.facebook.com/StAnnesBeachHuts

Adding the apartments. https://www.stannesbeachhuts.co.uk/apartments/

North wales or Lytham x

Anglesey sounds good for you

Llandudno is nice, and has a camera obscura which is fun. And Conwy is just nearby and has a lovely castle.

North wales, Lytham or grange over sands might be ok

Anglesey, Benllech is lovely with a great big beach. Lots of other beaches nearby as well like Newborough. We always go self catering so can't help with restaurants/places to eat but there are chip shops and a tesco express in Benllech.

Lytham doesn't have a beach, it's at the end of the estuary. You need St Anne's for the beach.

I didn't think grange had a beach nowadays either?

North Wales coastline would be a good bet. Lots of self catering options.

Lytham is lovely.

I'm very fond of Lytham but I can't quite see what the op and her kids would do there. The lake has blue-green algae at the moment so there's not even any boating.

Sorry, i didn't think straight there

Teens and strong and endless energy. no limitations there.

North Wales might suit you best, perhaps the Llyn Peninsula. The whole area is designated as of outstanding natural beauty, so wherever you choose will be lovely. Pwllheli is probably the busiest town, so you might want to choose somewhere quieter.

There are a whole range of beaches, from small coves to huge sandy beaches. Nefyn and Criccieth are well worth visiting. There is a wide selection of types of accommodation so you should find something suitable.

If the weather is unsettled, there are ruined castles to explore or take an historic steam train into the mountains from Porthmadog, a smashing day out!

Or another possibility - and again I don't know about accommodation - might be the silverdale/Arnside peninsula. It's the end of an estuary onto Morecambe bay so some of the beaches are basically mud and even quicksand with rapid incoming tides (I'm really selling this aren't I?) so don't go there if your kids are liable to stomp off! But it's got lovely coastline and a great network of footpaths through really nice countryside and it's generally a quiet area.

North wales really is one of the best areas of the country for seaside, countryside and wet-weather options.

North Wales? Rhos-on-sea and Llandudno have nice beaches, nice walks, and plenty of choice of cheap accommodation.

Dont go to Grange-over-Sands or Arnside/Silverdale if you’re there for the beach. It’s mostly mud / quicksand and definitely not for playing on.

@redkiteonatree
Just to add, the Llyn peninsula has a rich variety of walks available, including a section of the Wales Coastal Path, plus circular walks of course. There's loads of information about walks on line, or contact Visit Wales for detailed information.

Anglesey or Llyn peninsula