UK Holiday Ideas 'Down South'

[supermario10]

Other than Devon or Cornwall .... as I'm sure they are going to be even busier than normal this year.... our children are 7 & 5 we love beaches ( if the weather is good! )and happy with self catering caravan parks where children have access to a pool! I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of other holiday destinations 'down south' . thinking of Weymouth as a possibility but v open to suggestions. thanks in advance Mumsnetters!

Watching as we are going near Weymouth next week. I have never had a UK holiday down south, we always go to Scotland as it's a much shorter drive for us but obviously can't because of Covid. My view of down south is that there is always tropical sun so I'm packing shorts

Isle of Wight - tonnes to do with kids

Anywhere along the south coast is a holiday destination but will be busy in the summer. Places like Weymouth and Bournemouth are more ‘traditional’ bucket and spade. A lot of the beaches are pebbly so it depends what you want to do.

Isle of Wight is nice and has good beaches. Even for a day trip it’s an adventure on the ferry and you can get round the island in a day.

My kids had their first UK holiday in Weymouth. They loved it. New Forest isn't far, there's the Sea Life Centre and also places like Monkey World and Farmer Palmers. All should be open soon. If you get nice weather though the beaches are so lovely it might be enough.

Lakeside Caravan Park in Chichester, local to West Wittering beach, Chichester canal and marina, trip to Arundel castle and Littlehampton beach and rides plus Butlins Bognor. Also there is a cinema/trampoline complex if the weather is bad?

For pp going to Weymouth we went there last summer.

We did a tractor safari on a local farm - it was great. They usually do them over Dorset but couldn't due to Covid so they did about 1.5 hours over farm. Learning all about the different trees and plants and animals living in hedgerows and the sheep. Homemade cakes and a flask of coffee for midway.

Was really lovely.

There are a couple of holiday parks near new milton in the new forest. Hayling island has one too. Lots to do in Hampshire for days out.

I spent my childhood holidays at Sandy Balls and Hobourne Bashley (which is in New Milton) both still going 35 years later and where I'm looking at taking my family when we can get back to the UK. I think the new forest is perfect for a UK holiday.

I liked Weymouth too but it's not that far off. We stayed at Haven Weymouth Bay. Our caravan was pokey and claustrophobic. If you do choose there get the best accommodation you can afford. My parents got a patio and proper furniture and were nearer the facilities and I wished we'd payed extra. Parts of Dorset got as busy as Devon and Cornwall last summer though so bear that in mind.

Warmwell Holiday Park in Dorset is lovely and not too far from weymouth.

Dorset coast ?
Poole Bournemouth Southbourne areas to stay in
Also have New Forest just a few miles away

Not necessarily the prettiest or most cultural neck of the woods, but the Kent coast generally has the best weather, and there are some very nice beaches. Joss Bay, Botany Bay, Broadstairs, Minnis Bay, Whitstable... all different, but all nice in their own ways.

Is it only the South Coast or anywhere 'South'?

Broadstairs on the Kent coast is lovely, but does get busy.
Norfolk and Suffolk have some lovely coastal areas, which aren't as busy as Cornwall.

Oh wow! So glad I posted ... thanks for all the ideas there's loads to look at .. and places I never would have thought of! Thanks so much .. I may be back with questions just off to Google!

South Kent coast - Hythe, Sandgate, Folkestone and Deal

Another vote for Isle of Wight. Accommodation is cheap but you have to factor in ferry costs - many caravan parks or cottages give you a discount on the ferry. It feels like going abroad because you go across the water
Lots to do, lovely beaches and not too busy.

Another vote for Norfolk. We had a fabulous holiday one year at Wells-next-the-Sea. Norfolk has huge sandy beaches.

Bit random but did anyone find Isle of Wight old fashioned? Someone said that to me the other day when I mentioned it x

@supermario10 it reminds me of growing up in the 1980s, little roads, little shops etc. But there is a lot to do. I love Osborne House and Carisbrooke castle, there are some lovely beaches, and the National trust place right at the needles is really interesting.
Oh and we love going to the Garlic farm for lunch

(I don't live there, but we usually go a few times a year!)

Thanks, I'm quite keen on isle of Wight...like that it's a bit 'different'
We've done Wales a lot as we are close and also hoping for decent weather which although not guaranteed obviously its generally a little better down south x

There is loads to do on the isle of Wight for children, and so many beaches ranging from family friendly with lots of cafes/amusement/parks nearby (eg Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin) to unspoilt wild beaches like Compton to one's in between like St Helen's, Colwell or Ventnor. There is a beach for every occasion! And if one side of the island is cloudy/rain often the other side is sunny so check the weather for each town in the morning so you can see where to head!
For activities there is Tapnell Farm, Robin Hill, Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle, Blackgang Chine, the Zoo, as well as lots of smaller things. You can get tesco clubcard English heritage cards to save money (tesco club card also can be used on WightLink).
Are you looking to stay in a hotel, air bnb, caravan park? If Caravan park look at wightcliffe bay or Nodes point at St Helen's as they are both near gorgeous beaches. If AirBNB then the Ryde area and surrounding area might be a good place to base yourselves.
It's different to the rest of the UK but not in an old fashioned bad way, just a slower way of life.
There is a website called Isle of Wight travel Guru that has good hints and tips.
Although the ferry cost needs to be factored in this does make it less busy than places like Cornwall and Devon as some people put off by the ferry.
Hope you find somewhere good and have a lovely time!

I’m taking my teen to the isle of wight in July, we’ve done day trips from Portsmouth before and loved it.

I suppose its a bit ‘old fashioned’ but that’s why its so nice, proper traditional British sea side holiday

Have you thought about South Wales? E.g. Gower. Awesome beaches but fewer people.

Damn you that's where we are going this year. Was hoping to keep it quiet

We had a lovely holiday in Tenby one year. Parking was a bit of a problem, but the place itself was lovely.

@supermario10 SwAnage is amazing