UK holiday ideas for a large family with mixed ages and needs

[TrueCrimeFanatic]

We want to take the family away next July but need recommendations that will fulfill everyone’s needs.

There are 14 of us:

me and DH who is 70

DS1 and partner and 5 kids (aged 5, 7, 10, 12, 14)
DD1 and her DH and 1 child (aged 15)
DS2 and his partner. (No kids)

Will need separate lodges but would like them to be close to each other, especially DH and me as as much as we love them we find them exhausting at times and need our own place to retreat too.
must be in the U.K. ( too hot abroad for us) preferably in the upper half of the u.k as we live in the north and travelling 7+ hours to say Devon/Cornwall is too much

We’ve done center Parcs before but find the place too spread out/ just too big though we did all like it ( the kids especially) I’d just like to find somewhere a bit more organic, maybe lakes to play in or take the kids fishing but fear I might be being a bit too idyllic of what I want and the kids would hate it.

Good family pubs or restaurants would be needed too

The kids are all quite active so need activities but the adults ( I mean our grown kids) would also want activities to do.

Am I asking too much, any ideas?

Does it have to be lodges or would you consider other forms of accommodation such as caravan, glamping, apartment etc?

I stayed in a holiday park in Northumberland, I’ll dig out the name.

It’s doesn’t have to be lodges, could be anything really as long as we are all in separate accommodation.

we live in Northumberland and Gateshead so would prefer to be further south or further north (Scotland) but will consider anyway. Cost not a problem

A caravan park with a lot of onsite activities might suit you then, somewhere like Haven Lakeland/more upmarket version of that if one exists?

Following for ideas as we are in a very similar situation although we live not quite so far north. My ideas so far have been BluestoneBluestone in S Wales, and Forest Holidays which seem to have a few places fairly centrally. There is also a newish hoseasons lodge place in the Yorkshire Dales that looks nice Aysgarth lodges

Crieff Hydro has lodges and lots of activities, restaurants etc. But it is pricey these days.

Bluestone looks amazing. Is Pembrokeshire too much of a schlep OP? It really is a stunning part of the world.

Crieff hydro?

Lake District? A friend is planning a trip to this holiday park - swimming pool, on site activities for the kids, close to lovely walks and country pubs etc - www.parentfriendlystays.co.uk/lakeland-leisure-park-lake-district/

https://www.lakeslodges.com/lakes/

Not an activity holiday site as such, but nice park and location.

Forest holidays may suit you. Activities are provided for children.

www.forestholidays.co.uk/?title=Forest%20Lodge%20Holidays&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEW_-Accommodation-Types-_Exact&utm_term=forest%20lodges&rfx=&mkwid=s_dm&pcrid=770282043548&pkw=forest%20lodges&pmt=e&slid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21154627361&gbraid=0AAAAAByDIJekHvUeO0xl50ZJo3VcjCqjn&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInNj6pcG3lgMVM5dQBh0YyxQJEAAYASAAEgIJ1PD_BwE

Another lovely location, but not an activity park as such.

www.glen-nevis.co.uk/luxury-lodges

Greenwood Loch might work, kids maybe a bit old and it's quite far north. It's beautiful though, the lodges and caravans are 5 star and you can fish!

Have you looked at Aviemore? We were there in the summer and had a great time, lots of activities and there's lodges and hotels there. Our dc are 12 and 10 and we did lots of things together. You'd need cars to get about though.

Ribby Hall has rave reviews https://www.ribbyhall.co.uk/holiday-with-us/seasonal-breaks?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7BCampaignName%7D&utm_adgroup=%7BAdGroupName%7D&utm_term=ribby%20hall&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23706840165&gbraid=0AAAAA-Q8S9wGVqJchP9vz7cfI3sFhNjKk&gclid=CjwKCAjwtKrUBhAhEiwAr77ZouVpQSra07rSXCXsQI-lJPEQbzjhUFAyGvAo8EYCxJsOp47yK4BT3xoCUcMQAvD_BwE

Alas in the west so a bit of the trek but it does look much nicer than Center Parks. There is also a CP but nicer in the Peak District.

Which CP did you do? I would say try whinfell.

Freinds rave about ribey hall in Yorkshire? Ive not been but they love it for this type of holiday.

otherwise agree re looking at the hydros. Peebles decent as well and has glentress on doorstep.

oh and yes to Bluestone. Depending on location. Was to far for our group.

last idea pick a location and look at big country houses.

its a fair drive but we like westward ho! Particularly Seafields as we can get cabins next to each other. It’s safe for the children to swim, there is a sea pool and we just walk back from the beach with towels round us. Beach is big. There is plenty of places to eat out without using the car, entertainment in some of the pubs. Nearby days out 5/10 minutes away.

its suitable for all ages, the teenagers can have a bit of freedom

Try The Bay in Filey -Yorkshire.

Look for a farm with converted out buildings? We have stayed in loads with different accommodation all close together. All the ones I know are down south though.

We did a multi lodge stay at Woolacombe bay. Mixture of different accommodation and the teens loved the surf lessons.

North Wales near one of those disused quarries that are now adventure centres?

I was going to say Forest holidays. We have been to the Strathyre one a number of times and it’s a lovely setting. You are quite close to Callander and there are various walks, bike rides and a boat trip to do.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I shall work my way through them though Crieff Hydro sounds particularly appealing.

Would highly recommend Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire for a family-friendly multi-generational holiday in the UK! You can stay in lodges and Tattershall Lakes has fantastic water sports, zip wire, playgrounds, cycling and things to do nearby as well. Something for everyone and all ages there. Plus you could even get a hot tub with your lodge which is lush

@TrueCrimeFanatic we did exactly this 2 years ago when I turned 65yrs. We went to Bluestone in Wales. Booked 3 lodges and each family was in ‘half’ of the lodge (but they had connecting doors). We stayed in one with only adults (my parents in their 80s and brother and sis in law) and the kids and grandkids in the others. It worked perfectly and there was loads to do.

Woburn CP is relatively small. We still go as a group with teens. Mine love it and the rapids, slides, activities are great. We played paddle and badminton. We also go for broke and get one big house with pool table and or sauna, but often just book pool tables and hang out at the sports bar or go bowling. The restaurants are varied and as long as you book, you have loads to choose from.