Don’t really know where to start!

[whensmynexthol1day]

After many years of doing self catering type holidays often in fairly rural places where we’ve driven around to sites / mostly eaten in with regular trips to the supermarket etc we want something a bit different. I’d started off with the AI route but a lot seem to be self contained resorts in the middle of nowhere and I think the kids will be a bit bored with a solely pool focussed holiday. (And neither would enjoy the kids club type activities - the eldest probably also a bit old (they are 11 and 8)
so I think what I am looking for is somewhere near a historic centre where there are some nice walks along the harbour/ a pretty town to walk around, maybe a historical site or two to look at that’s accessible without a car- I don’t want to drive. But hotel also needs to have good facilities for chilling out and crucially rooms with a soearate space for the kids even if just a sliding door type arrangement. Is that possible? Budget would be c. £12k (all in that has to include all food if not AI) for two weeks at the end of august for a family of 4
can anyone help?

I don't know where you've been looking because there's plenty of AI hotels that are in walking distance of resort centres.

For that budget you might be able to book the Princessa Yaiza in Playa Blanca Lanzarote, which is a MN favourite. AI, walking distance to the marina, beach, shops etc. Bus travel around the island is cheap and frequent or you could go on booked excursions to see the volcano park, caves, Cesar Manrique house, traditional inland villages or take the ferry across to Fuerteventura for a change of scene.

We loved Valamar Marea Suites near the centre of Porec old town in Croatia

Lake Garda could be an option - the southern part of the Lake - Peschiera, Desenzano are accessible by train from Milan or Verona - and easy for day trips. Lots of boat trips round the lake. Looking on Booking dot com there are lots of places with pools - either hotels or apartments that could easily fit your budget after flights and food.

Paphos is nice, you can walk to some ruins.

I don't know where you've been looking because there's plenty of AI hotels that are in walking distance of resort centres.

Yeah, if your first choice is AI in/close to a town, even if you want somewhere with historical sites rather than a purpose built tourist area like say Cala d'Or in Mallorca, that exists. I never holiday in August so can't advise as to budget, but places like Albufeira in Portugal, Calpe in Spain. You might also look at Lambi in Kos. A mile or two from Kos Town where all the history is, but various AI options and easy to get into town.

You could go to Sorrento. Take a train to Pompeii: cheap and stops outside. Take a boat trip to Capri and along the Amalfi coast. All available in the town. Lovely restaurants in the centre. Can't recommend a hotel as we went just adults but should be easy. Don't go when it's too hot.

Agios Nikolas in Crete or Lindos in Rhodes are nice.

Thanks everyone. Some good ideas to take a look at