Holidays with teenagers

[drpink]

HI, I am looking for some ideas about where to take two teenagers on holidays. I normally camp abroad during the summer but for reasons I won't go into we have to holiday in the UK this year, and I don't really want to camp. Looking on the net it seems if I want somewhere to keep teenagers happy then I am restricted to Butlins/Haven/Hoseasons type holidays. Anyone any thoughts on which parks might be best for older teenagers (16yrs). Where is best place? Cornwall seems to keep coming up. Also, any other ideas for a holiday other than holiday parks?

I am so going to miss the south of france this year but hoping I can pull something together in the UK with a bit of help. Thanks

We took our 13 year old to Paris (appreciate that's abroad).. but she was really into the 'city break' idea and was quite happy to window shop, do the tourist bits & pieces without the necessary 'holiday park input'... you don't say where you live, but maybe somewhere different.. ie if you're not in London - go to London.. or Bath or Edinburgh (Festival is on just now) etc..

does that make sense?

or ask them what they'd like to do!

Would suggest north coast of Cornwall or Devon. Good for surfing and water sports/beaches. Or possibly Dorset. There are plenty of caravan and campsites in these areas to suit the atmosphere you'd like - you can choose whether to go to a Haven type or something quieter or more wild.

If you're trying to choose a site you could try the MN camping thread or ukcampsites. Or I think there's a book tho I can't remember the name.

Depending on the transport you have available and distance etc. an option in Scotland like the Great Glen Water Park, which is near Fort William and Ben Nevis, was a big hit with our two when they were teenagers - loads of sports to try. There are chalets for self-catering but the only downside was the dreaded west coast midge!! Although Avon's Skin So Soft is a good repellant!! Stunning scenery too.

Great Yarmouth is fab - lots to do and see,my teens love it.

Thanks for all your replies. Mowiol - we love Scotland, but not the midges in the summer so we go in the at other times of the year. They have voted for a Butlins type holiday, so I will go with the majority. I may still try and push for Cornwall but I am prepared for a culture free holiday if necessary :-)

cruise?
teenagers on cruise we went on this summer lookde to be having a great time

ggirl, I would love a cruise but it has to be UK based :(

canal boating?

Padstow has been fun for us - bustling harbour - lots going on and nice and safe for teenagers to go off and do their own thing if they want to.

Also hiring a boat on the Caledonian Canal - Loch Ness etc. Mine want to do that again! Midges not a problem - they tend to be more on the west coast and wooded areas - we've never seen any on the Caledonian Canal except once when boys got hot and sweaty playing tennis under some trees at the Great Glen Water Park

We had a very happy week walking in the Lake District recently- as requested by our two teenage daughters. They want to go again next year.

FleurDecacour - mine like walking in the lake district too but we live very near there and go often, so not much of a change. Fortyplus - Padstow sounds great - may look at that, thanks
Snorkie - I would love a canal boat but a little concerned about what to do if it rains all week. Up north it has been raining for the past few weeks and it has made me a bit edgy about booking a holiday without any indoor activities on hand.