taking lots of children to the seaside, what vehicle?

[ancientbuchanan]

We have lots of godchildren, who have never been to the sea or only go with us. Next year we want to take them to the seaside.

How difficult is it to learn to drive a 17 seater minibus?

We have prob 7 adults, 9 children including a couple of under 2s. But the numbers could gp up by one or two.

How expensive is it to hire, and hire a driver?

I thought large families would be the best place to post.

Ring the companies that do all the school bus runs in your area, you should be able to get a day hire deal driver and bus.

Could the train be an option? I don't know where you are but, places like
Dawlish Warren have great beaches, and the train stops right on them]]

That's an excellent idea and thanks.

We live in s London, we could go to margate, I suppose, as the station is near the beach. But we much prefer Broadstairs where the station is up the hill, and at least one of the party isn't well enough to walk.

If you like broad stairs I would recommend Botany Bay. It's in broad stairs but not the main beach, but is sandy / hidden in coves/ has ice cream in summer etc etc

I would hire a mini coach and driver for the day as then can fit around 20 plus towels/ picnics/ buckets etc etc

Not sure of recommendations though I'm afraid