Toddler friendly holidays in South England

[HensMum]

I need cheering up so thought I'd try planning our holiday for next year.
It'll be our first one with DS who'll be about 20months old at the time.
We don't want to go too far (DP hates driving at the best of times and DS is not too keen on being in the car) so were thinking South Coast or South Wales (we're in Reading). Definitely has to be self-catering and it would be good if things like a cot and highchair were provided. I've got some romatic idea about a cottage on a farm as I think DS would like the animals. Do such things exist?! Any other suggstions, either of places to go, or good travel companies/websites to try?

I'd love to know too.

A little bit further than you specify, but totally gorgeous is Higher Lank Farm in Cornwall. They have a lovely barn conversion for self catering, and its fully stocked with everything you could need for a toddler - they can even supply cloth nappies or wash yours. Every morning the children go round and feed all the animals (lambs,chicks, pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, geese) and collect the eggs. Theres also pony rides.

When the main house is open, you can eat meals there, or get food brought over to you.

It really is fab - we went twice this year and DS had the best time ever, and we really loved it too

Have a look on Under the Thatch - some lovely welsh cottages there - some child friendly ones aswell. Mostly 'property porn' for a little 'pick me up!' Fairly good prices. We're going to one in Pembrokeshire with 2 kids.

www.tredethick.co.uk

Fab!!! Not the cheapest of places but if you go out of school hols not too bad. But they are so geared up for children with everything you could possibly need.

Cottages are beautifully furnished with wood burners.

The highlight for our boys has always been the morning animal feeding with Farmer Tim! Lambs, goats etc.

Indoor pool, soft play etc etc.

Bloody hell, Cmotdibbler, if we took DS there he'd never want to come home! Looks fantastic. Will have to start saving now though...

You can do a short break in the main house to try it out - if you would normally do self catering due to allergies, Lucy is great at catering for those. Or find some people to stay with you as the cottage is big

That's an excellent idea. The short breaks look lovely. We only thought of self-catering as it would be easier to sort out food for DS but as it's geared towards small children, it would be fine anyway.
I'm really excited now! Thanks, you have cheered me up. Just need to persuade DP to drive all that way now...perhaps we could slip DS some Medised....kidding!

Blinkin' 'eck. We spent £225 this year - for 1st week in September - for a week self catering in a Hoseason's camp (with our dog & DS)with goos entertainment, swimming pool & well placed for Eden Project and lots of other places to visit

Well Park holiday park near Tenby has little chalet/holiday cottages you can rent. It is a small site with a small play park but is very clean. The location in fab!

It is just on the outskirts of Tenby which is a lovely place to take little ones. Lovely beach, lovely little town, a Balamory style harbour. There is loads of places you can go if it is raining (softplay/places of interest where you can shelter) and other really nice beaches close by.

Cannot recommend it highly enough!

another cornwall one - www.bosinver.co.uk

wooohhhoooo! DP has said that he doesn't mind driving that far and that we need a break so money no object. I have it in writing too as he said it by email
And it shouldn't actually be too bad as my brother, SIL and niece (who is 6 months older than DS) are going to come too to share the self catering cottage.
Thanks for the tip cmot. Just what I was looking for, only better!

Fantastic - you will have a super time, I promise - I really can't recommend it highly enough, and they are just delightful people too.