I don't care where it is in the UK, but I want to open my holiday cottage door straight onto the beach...

[WilfSell]

And it must have sand, and not be only pebbles. I know you won't WANT to recommend such places you have stayed because you're probably about to book again, but you must. It is a moral responsibility to tell others about them, not keep them to yourself, please.

It mustn't be a caravan park. And ideally it is all on its own, away from the crowds. I do not care a hoot about ice cream shops, or discos, or evening entertainment, or supermarkets nearby. In fact, such things would put me off. The more wild the neighbours, the better. If it has the word 'luxury' in its description, even better, but we can rough it too.

Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, Suffolk, Northumberland, wherever: really, I don't care. But my children's happiness this summer is depending on YOU... No pressure or anything.

How old are your DCs Wilf? You have the added plus of yer actual Balamory on Mull, of course, should they be of an age.

Youngest 2 are 5 and 2 so will enjoy Tobermory I think. But I don't want to stay there - need to get away from all the other screaming ankle biters somewhat. Is that bad? I'm also investigating another option on Mull that I will post about once I've decided whether to book it or not!! I also have a 10yo so need to be able to plan a variety of things to do if weather bad...

Mull overall looks beautiful. Do you know how long the ferry crossing is? I have passed through a long time ago on the way to Iona but I don't think I appreciated it at age 7... I am also quite interested in Skye (there's a bridge now isn't there?)

Mull is heaven! I just can't face the drive all the way up there

Ferry crossing from Oban is about 40 mins. Drive to Tobermory is about an hour from there I think.

Yes, about 40 mins crossing. The second cottage I linked to is further away from Tobermory. Tobermory = NE Mull, the cottage = SW, on the Ross, which is really stunning - high cliffs on one side. I think you would be pretty free from ankle-biters. Even Tobermory fairly quiet. It's a long time since they made Balamory, so I thnk most of the hoopla is done with.When we went (Sept), we had a week of howling gales, really relentless, but we still had a great time, and it kept the midgies away. Really recommend a trip to Ulva - 5 mins on a wee ferry (no vehicles) and a cute little cafe at the other side, lots of walks and little beaches.

Calgary beach is heavenly, and there's also a nice walk through a wood full of sculptures just nearby.

I love Mull.

Dervaig is a perfect little village. Pub, post office, book/coffee shop. Worth a search. That was where dad had his house before he sold it. Not too far from Tobermory.

self-catering.mull-scotland.co.uk/accommodation.html

Fantastic views. Not right on a beach but overlooking a river that runs down to a sea loch. Just beautiful.

Sorry

Oh yes, that bookshop/cafe is bonkers. Though not terribly welcoming to young children, which was a shame.

Gawd no! He's a nutter. Seems to begrudge people coming in and messing up his nice shop But he's OK when you get to know him. Sells nice bits and bobs of food.

So tell me the truth about the drive. I'm imagining a long slow pootle up there, staying overnight somewhere lovely, but in reality the bit to the middle of Scotland is gonna be fine, isn't it, and then the rest of it is going to take me three days down single track roads?

What would be the best route to Mull once in Scotland?

We used to go up from Somerset. Best run was overnight. We left about 7pm and got to Oban at 4.30 am. No traffic problems at all but we were knackered! If you go during the day M6 is a pig more often than not and it can get slow round Glasgow. The drive is Ok once you are past Glasgow - beautiful route. Glasgow, Callanger, Oban. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get to the ferry as it can seem a looooong drive from Crianlarich to Oban when the clock is ticking!

It's very easy - where are you in England?

Best route from Glasgow is A82 to Tarbet (on Loch Lomond) then A85 to Inverary, then over from there to Oban (don't know road number, but turn right under the archway when you get to Inverary), via Cruachan and Dalmally. The googlebox will probably tell you to go all the way up Loch Lomond and take the main road from up beyond Crianlarich to Oban, but that's a right faff, and my way is way quicker, and the roads are much quieter. No single track at all - roads are all fine. It will take you three hours at most from Glasgow, probably less.

There, you see, you shouldn't have gone via Crianlarich Orm.

But it's sooo pretty. We used to play Sibelius's Karelia suite in the car at that bit The last bit of the drive is part of the holiday.

Loch Fyne is kinda nice too though

Have look at Salmon Cottage, it is gorge!
Right at the beach in the Kindom of Fife.

Small and pricey, but wow!!

Sorry, only just came back to this.

For those asking about my Aunt and Uncle's place in Croyde, I will ask them for photos as I know they just took some. I have no idea about prices, but am happy to put people in touch with them.

email me [email protected]

Please note I am not profiting from this at all!!

Thanks everyone for all your tips... It has been really helpful and I've got a massive bookmarked list of future holiday spots now.

I have two VERY exciting options that I am currently exploring. I will post details once I have booked my weeks

I can second any properties at Sennen Cove in Cornwall. The beach is lovely, we spent millenium new year there with lots of friends in a strip of fishermans cottages.

Kingsand in Cornwall.

here?

or

these?

AvadaKedavra did you get my cat?

How about this cottage on Colonsay?
www.colonsayestate.co.uk/
I recommend one of the two that overlooks Kiloran Bay
each sleeps 6 and costs between £330 and £750 a week depending upon time of year. You can get to it from Oban on Cal Mac Ferry in about 2 hours.....

How DARE you mention Calgary Bay on a public forum midnight. It is MINE I tell you, MINE!

Nicest route past Glasgow is up past Loch Lomond, lovely drive, to Oban and then the ferry to Craignure. The ferry has the most beautiful views of Duart Castle. Seriously, I am very jealous. We used to go every year.