Holiday Ideas.... ?

[IT]

Desperate to get away this year, as its been a while and the October half term when the kids are off will be ideal.

Stuck for ideas a bit though.

Me + Missus + 4 kids, ages 2,4,6 & 8.

The youngest is just grasping potty training, but I'm a bit concerned flying anywhere will (a) be quite expensive but (b) but quite stressful trying to bundle in everything we'll need.

So, I'm thinking of driving - Stuffing everyone and everything into the Q7 for a week away.

Dont want to drive too much, at least not in one go. I think the older kids would love to see some foreign culture first hand, so chunnel + France is an option, but so too might be Scotland if theres somewhere good for the younger family ? (Thurso trip thread got me thinking)

Ireland could be an option, as is Amsterdam / Rotterdam - The overnight ferry from Hull is great and the Dutch are surprisingly excellent at catering for kids.

So, anyone for any more ideas ?

[Singh]

The late deals you get on package holidays are just too good to ignore IMO. But, if you're wanting to drive, how about Disney? The south of France? I drove to Amsterdam last year, not sure what there is for kids but the drive isn't so bed especially if you get the Hull to Rotterdam. You can get a private villa quite cheap too, with a pool etc... I'd explore that option. I'll let you know if I come across anything.

[Norrs2]

Can't speak for your continental options, I've never driven there!

I think Scotland would be a stress free option, no Ferries to worry about and I would imagine continental roads will be pretty busy.

I'm sure some of my Scottish compatriots will pipe up, but in my opinion, the only way to see Scotland properly is up the west coast and perhaps a trip to the Isle of Skye. It's very nice indeed if you like scenery

Glasgow is 200 miles from you, which you could head to first, to really start the tour. I wouldn't personally head over and up via Stranraer or Ayr, as that is a busy route from the Irish Ferries. But an option to go across via Dumfries if you did decide to go to Ireland.

As mentioned in the other thread, a trip to Ullapool would take you through some stunning countryside also.

It depends what you want to do. If you don't mind driving (a bit) and stopping off in relatively remote Hotels, then Scotland is for you. If you're looking for activites to do with the kids, then perhaps not, mind you, they are all still quite young.

I also think the October break for the schools is different in Scotland, but watch out for price hikes in the Hotels around that time, I'm sure the prices probably increase for both the Scottish and English periods.

Hope you find something.

[Dezzy]

Amsterdam / Rotterdam is that where you get your stuff to sell from your 8?

Devon can be quite nice (quieter after the summer) then Ian. Plently for the kids to do:

http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/

http://www.themilkyway.co.uk/

http://www.watermouthcastle.com/

http://www.crealy.co.uk/devon/

http://www.morwellham-quay.co.uk/

http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/

http://www.fairground-heritage.org.uk/

http://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/

One for our Scottish boys, were you can visit the birth place of that very special thing you love so dearly, a wee bottla buckie.

http://www.buckfast.org.uk/page-home.html

And no i don't work for the tourist board.

[Adrian E]

Could try haven holidays park near Exmouth with 4 kids to entertain! Not tried it ourselves but friends recommend if you go for a villa as its self contained but gives you options for evenings etc. beach at Exmouth pretty good too

[PsYcHe]

www.cottages4you.co.uk (or 4u).

We've used them loads of times, tons in UK. Scotland is good as plenty of beaches where you can let them run riot.. East coast has more stuff further north.

[IT]

What will the weather be like 'up north though a month from now - Wont it be drawing in a bit... ?

[PsYcHe]

Nights will be dark about teatime.. Weather is variable, but mid october is 'usually' dryish, just fairly cold. We're usually up North for the October week traipsing around hills and stuff.

[tonupkid]

We went here a lot when the kids were. ... kids.
It was always well run, with a brilliant beach with rock pools to explore and streams to dam. And the site has an indoor swimming pool.
With kids a pool seems to fulfill every need. And happy kids = phew!
http://www.swallowtree.co.uk.
South West France is brilliant with kids, but perhaps a bit far. We used to break the journey there and back with overnights, and make that part of the adventure. The food used to be very inexpensive with fixed price menu options. And the camp sites have great tents and even better mobile homes. On site you can get chips and chicken etc, plus, again, they have swimming pools.

[darrenjoe90]

I know a good place you could hire a camper van for the week
then a nice relaxing drive round scotland would be nice