desperate advice please - summer holiday

[stressed2007]

I need to book a holiday in summer for 2 parents and 2 kids (4 and 2). We are not going abroad I think as I hate flying and no idea where to go. Can someone please suggest somewhere to go and stay near to things to do. No camping, caravaning or holiday park - not my DH's scene at all. At a push self catering though this not ideal either. A nice hotel with maybe a pool in countryside/seaside for a week but I don't even know where to start as we have hardly been anywhere.

Has anyone been away as a family and had a great time/nice place they stayed they can recommend?

Thanks very much

this summer?

can you go outside school holidays?

budget?

What sort of thing do you like doing ? Is it just lazing by the pool you are looking for, or more of a city break going to museums, or sailing/canoeing that sort of thing ?

yes this summer - I know I have left it late

need to be back for sep 3 as daughter starts school. anytime til then fine.

there isn't one - as long as it is not really ridiculous prices.

originally thought stay on farm near seasideish - can't find anything. hotel with a pool?

my kids are up from about 5.30 am every day so it is always a long day so there just needs to be plenty to occupy them.

Thanks

definitely not the museums I think they are too young. Doesn't mean can't do days out though

maybe a bit of lazing around but don't think they will do that for more then a few days

I honestly think you'd be better off with a self catering cottage on a complex where you aren't going to be stressing about them making a noise at 5.30, than in a hotel then.

We've been to Broomhill Manor a couple of times, and they do have a little availability still. Really nice cottages, not too many, indoor and outdoor pool, plenty of room to run around and near the sea. Nice pubs in the village to eat out in, and loads to go and see

If you can go before the school holidays then try these

Hi, we have been to a very family friendly hotel in Dawlish Warren called Langstone Cliff Hotel; indoor and outdoor pools, play areas, close to beach, plenty to see in the area (for example, Paignton Zoo) and great food.

Any ideas for an older family - we're in the same situation; left it late, no idea where to go, all self-catering booked up, help??

It looks a bit Fawlty Towers. The rooms look a bit delapidated. Is it?

I would highly recommend going to Bedruthan steps hotel before the summer holidays - in June ideally.

Can't really go that early - is it just too busy after then?

what is your budget?

If you are asking me - I have not really got one - as long as it is not totally ridiculous

How about driving to france and renting a gite?

where is your starting point. i.e. how far are you looking to drive?

Gitcombe is self catering but I couldn't recommend it highly enough. We've been two years running now and will probably go again. The cottages are gorgeous, the grounds are lovey, fab indoor and outdoor pools, playground, soft play, hot-tub (outside over-looking valley). There's lots to do in the surrounding areas. Every time we go we wish we were staying longer and the kids cry to go back.

I expect Bedruthan will have some space in July/august but it will probably be more expensive. If you aren't limited by budget go in the summer hols. However in your position I would want to enjoy a last cheap holiday before you are tied down to school hols.

We have just stayed here in Devon for half term and it was fab... www.hamfarm.co.uk. So much to do for the boys (age 6 and 4).. indoor pool, indoor games room, outside play area, full size tennis court, loads of grounds and walks, Boys made friends with other children so they all had football matches etc. We actually relaxed because they were so happy and entertained!!

Would recommend it.