Ideas for a late August family holiday in Northern Europe

[Walkingmum101]

Help please! Need inspiration for a weeks holiday around the end of August….2 adults a 3 year old and a 9 year old. We’re avoiding the Med as thinking it’ll be too hot for us, would prefer Northern Europe somewhere…but where?! Budget limit £3k max. Considering Netherlands which we’ve liked previously, or Austria but would prefer flight free and coastal if possible…and a new place, we live in north of England so France a bit of a trek..but happy to be proved otherwise!

Why is France a trek but Netherlands or Austria is fine? I'm confused.

Anyway, we went to Lake Garda at that age which was perfect but if you're not keen on the heat probably won't work for you, but it was lovely and the lake was perfect for cooling off.

Europcamp. Self catering in a variety of locations across Europe. We're going to the Netherlands this year. We're taking the car via channel tunnel.

You could get the car ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge and go to Duinrell? or Efteling? There is also the wonderfully named Plopsaland (really great).

If you are up for more of a drive then I can strongly recommend Hochschwarzwald. If so, book accommodation with the red card. It is probably about 7-8 hours solid driving from Zeebrugge though.

I think there are also ferries from Newcastle?

If trains then I’d look at going to La Rochelle on the ouigo/tgv and then maybe ile de Ré, and hiring bikes.

Ouddorp is a lovely coastal resort. We stayed at Landal Strand Ouddorp Duin which had enough to keep the dc happy while we weren’t at the beach!

I’d go to Ireland. Get a ferry or fly. Lots to see and do and not hot.

Billund, Denmark if in budget. Home of the original Legoland, Lalandia pool and activity dome, other Lego themed attractions and Center Parks style accommodation.

Netherlands, definitely. Ferry from Hull to Rotterdam or Newcastle to Amsterdam. Duinrell is fabulous and only a shortish drive from Rotterdam. There are several alternatives if you look at Eurocamp.

Cornwall?

German Baltic Sea. Plenty to do for day trips, Hamburg can be reached by train if you stay near Timmendorfer Strand. Lübeck is also a good town to explore.

A bit further is Haithabu - a brilliant Viking settlement.

You can get the ferry to Rotterdam and drive onward.

Annecy or lake Annecy.. but more of a drive but gorgeous place and great for families.

Try euricamp or try booking directly with campsites you find who do euro camp. We love La Ravoire campsite

Ferry to the Isle of Man from Liverpool or Heysham.

Would you consider Cornwall, Perranporth area? Body boarding in the waves is great fun. If you are in wetsuits it doesn’t matter if the weather is poor

TerSpegelt or Hof Van Saksen in the Netherlands are both lovely and quiet at the end of August. Both have huge lakes for swimming in and sandy beaches so almost coast like! HVS has an amazing waterpark too. Perfect for your children's ages.

Copenhagen is lovely at that time. Danish schools to back on 15 August (roughly) so after that date, holiday rentals are cheaper and museums less crowded.

Thanks all, some interesting suggestions here! X