Recommendations for single mum - easy September holiday with 3 yo

[SparklyGreyPoet]

Morning

single parent to one DC who is 3.

very nervous to fly on my own with DS. Haven’t had a holiday this year so far, usually ask a family member to come with but I appreciate everyone has their own holidays to go on and their own friends/partners etc.

was thinking to have a few nights somewhere with DS in September once the kids are back to school. Where would people recommend? I thought of centre parcs but I’m shocked at how expensive it is. DS isn’t great in the car either.

any recommendations people, especially if you’ve gone on your own with DC’s and found it somewhat easy/enjoyable.

thanks

Are you close to a Butlins? We had some fantastic holidays there from when my DC was a toddler (I was also a single parent). I used to pick a dining package so that I didn’t have to worry about cooking when away. They used to be really good value during term time as most activities and shows were included in the price. It’s been a few years since we’ve been, so things may have changed, but I have some lovely, fond memories of Butlins.

What sort of budget? Can you drive?
Would you like to fly?

What about using a train? Depending on where you live, you could have a long weekend somewhere instead- Eg a city break.

Why are you nervous to fly? Ibiza is wonderful and es Cana is gorgeous you would have fun and there are kids clubs so you can have break for an hour or so l. Tell us why you are nervous maybe we can help?

I don’t think you necessarily need to go abroad. I think there’s lots of beautiful beaches in the U.K. that a 3 year old would love playing on and exploring rock pools and eating ice creams etc. I think it would be easier if there were other children around that they could pal up with so a park or camp of some sort. If you want to go abroad then a package holiday is going to deliver you door. Lots of places are within a short flight if you’re worried about managing that aspect on your own.

No need to fly anywhere!

Brittany (NW France) is lovely in September, warm but not punishingly hot, lots to see and enjoy, and plenty of the type of food (crepes, cake) a 3 year old would happily eat.

Effortlessly accessible on the ferry - which, again, would be memorable for a small child.

https://www.brittanytourism.com/

That’s all for your suggestions!!

@redboxerclub I am only nervous to fly/go abroad as I feel it’s a lot to manage on my own - buggy, suitcases etc. I know it sounds ridiculous but I’ve never had to do it and now I do im really nervous.

@Mulledjuice budget, not overly fussed about this side of things. I can drive and I live in central London so most things are 2+ hours in travel I believe!

OP I was a lone parent for many years. If you have a decent budget look at Scott Dunn they have the best kids clubs so you get some down time too and DC will have a blast. Alternatively look at TUI sensatori hotel in Ibiza, that was quite nice and has a small water park and a kids club. Flying with young DC is easy, back pack and pram through the airport, share one large case.

O was recommended Bluestone in Wales with a similar aged toddler. We went earlier this year and it was fab! Not CP prices either.

@SparklyGreyPoet
Recently did a weymouth short break. The beach is one of my favourites in the uk. less than 5 minutes walk from weymouth Station. There are hotels on the seafront. We stayed at the Hotel Royal which was very decent at reasonable price and the breakfast was amazing. It's perfect for families with young children I think

I was going to suggest Center Parcs. You don't need to drive to get to Woburn (train to Flitwick, then a shuttle bus), plus with just two of you you can book a self catering apartment which is much cheaper than a lodge and right in the centre.

Center parcs isn't very exciting, but as a solo holiday with a child I found it so pleasant and easy.

Butlins is fun too, but it's much louder, more hectic, and less clean. I prefer to go with a friend so we can have a laugh and a few glasses of wine while the kids go bonkers.

Get yourselves a package to somewhere sunny with a kids club so you can have some R&R too!
Flying isn't that difficult - one hold case between you, a backpack for your hand luggage, small backpack for child and the buggy. Get a case with 4 wheels so you can wheel it alongside the buggy if needed. Or get a luggage trolley, case and buggy on there and 3yr old walks until you bag drop the case. You can take the buggy to the gate when you board and then you usually collect them on the baggage belt so DC would need to walk through the airport when you arrive.

Just checked and the name of the hotel is Royal Hotel. We had a seaview room with the most stunning views

What about a cottage or air b and b in the Cotswolds. You could then visit The Cotswold Wildlife Park, Cogges Farm museum in Witney, Adam's Farm, Bourton on the Water *Birdland and the model village and feed the trout in Bibury.

This…I said the same up thread. Lone parent for years don’t let being a single parent put you off getting some R&R in the sun. I can’t think of anything less of a break than centre parks with a small child, or taking them to a caravan at the seaside.

Agree with this - took my then 3yo and baby last year and went back 6 months later as she wouldn't stop talking about it 😆. It's basically her favourite place on earth.
And it's good for parents as once you're there all the shows, swimming, rides etc are free. Yes, it can be a bit run down, and is looked down upon by some people, but it's great value.

We also like haven for UK breaks or Eurocamp abroad.

Agree with Butlins, it is easy, and kids love it, there are always loads of other kids there. Bognor is about a 2 hour train journey from London, and then a 13 minute walk from the station. Plenty of shops so you don't have to lug stuff. A rucksack and pushchair. Can be reasonably priced if going off-season. September should be warm enough. We did the meal thing and although it was noisy, the food was fine, or there are plenty of options for SC if that is what you prefer. Plenty enough to do with the pool and the various activities, And yes, it does get a bit of a drumming at times, but mainly because of the other people (you are lucky or you are not on this basis) - we have never had any bother with our accommodation (albeit fairly basic) we used to pay a bit more, partly to get in earlier, and to not be in "cheap party central" apartments recently vacated by the last party crew, followed by a lack-lustre cleaning crew.

We enjoy Eurocamp with our young children. We did one near Fréjus this year it was called Holiday Green with Yelloh! So not strictly Eurocamp but same kind of thing it was amazing for our nearly three year old and four year old. The water park was incredible and the cafe wasn’t too pricy if you don’t want to self cater all the time.
Don’t be afraid of flying. I have flown solo with my two since they were babies. My top tips are don’t take too much on board the plane and take a pushchair to put your bags in at the airport. I always get mine to run to the gate to get their energy out before we fly- obviously not the bit through duty free.