Need advice for first holiday with DC post split

[HMSVictoria]

I have 2 teen girls and a boy of 7. And a max budget of £2500. We have to go in August.

DDs want other teens and activities, they all want pool & beach.

But I desperately need some R&R and the idea of self-catering, alone, on a busy, noisy campsite... well They are all on my case to sort something out but I can't find anything that isnt mega-bucks, will keep the kids happy and won't leave me feeling like I need a holiday.

Any suggestions?

Have you looked at Centre Parcs?
I have no idea on prices but a friend and 2 DC went and had a blast. They can go off on various activities while you go to a spa and there is a creche (although you won't need it). Something all inclusive like that or PGL perhaps?

Here is a link for Family holidays with PGL
www.pgl.co.uk/PglWeb/families/default

Thank you, I didn't know PGL did family hols. But no beach ones there, or at center Parcs and we all want beach as the DC's dad wasn't a fan so haven't had a sun & sand holiday for years.

I've been trawling lastminute constantly but can't find anything that doesn't fill me with dread at doing it on my own

Hmmm, there used to be one in France that did dune surfing on a lovely sandy beach, but perhaps it isn't on the family options. I forget where it was now, sorry!
Anything on here?
www.neilson.co.uk/beach

Me and my DS (now 8) have travelled alone since he was born.
We have just been back to a hotel we went to two years ago but the kids club wasn't as good and he didn't want to go so I missed the spa - it was fine though, I still got some R&R as he played with friends in the pool etc... but the thing is places change all the time - so I say have fun researching somewhere or throw the challenge to a travel operator. When I read trip advisor I always think that what I need is different to others so disregard the negative bits that don't apply to me and looks for things that matter to me and DS.

You have a bigger challenge than me with three DC to keep happy. Croatia (Dubrovnik) has cheap flights (we got them for £150 each in school hols) and maybe you have to go self catering but budget for x meals out during the week so it's not all cooking for you. Four can share a room so if you could find a £100/150 a night one that still leaves you: £800/1K for some meals/drinks out? I would maybe look at flights and hotel sep. and then see if a tour operator can match it.

Turkey is cheap to eat out when you get there and portions are massive, so I would use the fact there are more of you to share pizzas and chips etc.

If I'm not AI I get cartons of juice for DS in the daytime, which saves buying drinks all the time. I have found AI not to be worth it in the end.

I'd maybe get a short list of four/five places and pro and con them all and sit down together and chat it through.. DS always like it if he chose it lol

Or here?
www.visitwales.co.uk/active/

I just had a look at Explore here.They might have something that would suit you.
There is also a company that runs holidays for single parents here which might be worth a look.
I've been with Explore and my kids loved it , but I've not been with the other company.

Nielsen look ideal but all too pricey in August

I'd love to go to Croatia - went there years ago when I was a teen and loved it. Will look at flights - I didn't know they were cheap. Am I brave enough to risk booking book hotel + flights separately I wonder?? Low stress is good atm.

yes you can do it, there is very little risk, go for the DIY package. Good to hear your stress is low. Let me know how you get on with the search - I try and make it part of the holiday fun - drink in hand is always a nice way .

I'm going on a canvas holiday to Italy with my two. The campsite I have booked has a 'family club' so I will get to go on family bike rides etc. it is self catering but is near a town so I'm intending to eat lots of pizza and pasta. The site has a bar etc but I plan to sit outside with a glass of wine and read! The site has five pools and is next to a beach. I think my two kids will have a ball!

There are some good all inclusive deal about - especially ones with free child places so would just be cost of 2 adults. My friend found one in Greece that was literally an 8 block apartment!
I would chose where you go carefully though - they can be busy places in August.

Sadly my stress levels are high not low so I'm looking for a low stress holiday (sorry, I didn't express that very well!). But I will look for cheap flights from nearby airport s and see what comes up. Doable on a brave day...

Itwill - Italy sounds brilliant. Still considering camping ( though not the tent variety) if I can find somewhere quiet enough for me and lively enough for DC. Mission impossible probably!

Belle dune France you can hire bikes short ride to beach. Pool on site. You can buy meal tickets for dinners and breakfasts in advance so mix and match self catering and meals. Evening entertainment etc or they can do circus skills etc. Pre paid meals in French restaurant they pretty good a choice of foods .

Lovely setting.

www.pv-holidays.com/gb-en/apartments-belle-dune/activities_BLL-H_fp?hc=BLL15&duree=7&dated=2014-03-15

Have a look at Travel Republic ...they have some great deals on...also consider a place like Salou...has beach and also great theme park...you can get a good deal for about £400 pp for a week in a good hotel....just use travel republic to cost the holiday and then trip advisor to review the hotels ...Do consider PGL - The Ardeche Rapids Trip it will be great for all your kids and you will be amazed at how much you will relax...currently on offer kids 1/2 price and ITS ALL INCLUSIVE - so well within your budget!

I run a single parent holiday Meet Up site but this summer is mainly budget breaks in UK...because we had lots of holidays abroad earlier in the year...
www.meetup.com/One-Plus-Single-Parent-Holidays/