Taking a holiday in the UK

20 March 2008

No matter where you live you’re sure to find somewhere not too far away to take the children even if only for the day. The UK has numerous tourist attractions to suit everyone’s taste. Everywhere has a bed and breakfast, hotel, holiday park or camp site for you to stay at. Where you stay and how far you travel is entirely up to you.
Choosing a destination
You can find pretty much anything and everything around the UK. Taking young children depends on what will keep them amused for the longest. As we know too well, the weather in the UK can not always be relied up on to stay fine, even during the summer months. If you’re looking for a beach holiday, bear in mind that it might not be possible for the children to visit the beach each day depending upon the weather. Look for what else is on offer, either where you are staying or nearby, which would be suitable. There a many holiday parks that offer children’s clubs, on site entertainment and swimming pools. This is ideal if you want to be sure of something on tap to do without too much planning.

For reports on beaches in the UK look at the Good Beach Guide, which is published by the Marine Conservation Society. It lists all 1,200 beaches and reports on the cleanliness of the water and gives its own recommendations.
Getting there
Probably the easiest way to get to your destination is by car, assuming you can drive and you have access to a car. You could of course hire a car for your holiday especially if you plan on taking a lot of luggage that won’t fit in to your car. Alternatively, look at a roof box for some extra storage.Taking the train can take the stress out of driving, especially at busy times. You could again hire a car when you get to your destination if you plan to travel when you are there or may be you intend to stay put and let the children play on the beach or on your site.
Choosing accommodation
The main choices for your holiday are hotel, bed and breakfast, caravan / mobile home / lodge, cottage or tent. Your choice will depend up on the age of your children and what you all want from your break.

Hotels and bed and breakfasts can be regimented, depending on the one you choose. This isn’t always ideal with young children and babies, who don’t easily adapt to someone else’s routine.

Caravan / mobile home, lodge or cottages make a perfect solution for a quick get away or short break. They’re great for small children as there’s no need to break their routine. Holiday parks often have entertainment too, which is often at no extra charge. However, caravans can get quite cold, so if you’re looking to go in half term when it tends to be cooler look for accomodation with heating throughout. Click here for Hoseasons lodges and parks available throughout the UK.

If you prefer some peace and quiet a holiday cottage can give you just that.

Cottages4you have cottages throughout the UK. You can even take your pet, in some of their cottages so that no one misses out on your holiday!

Likewise, Hoseasons also offers cottages where you can take your dog. They have many cottages avaialble of an exceptionally high standard throughout the UK. Click here to search for your cottage.

For family friendly, 5 star luxury holiday cottages in Northumberland, we recommend Coastal Retreats.
The privately owned collection of accommodation has many facilities with children in mind, such as highchair and travel cots, but also children’s dvds, videos, toys, games and dressing up boxes.
For more information on availability and details on how to book take a look at www.coastalretreats.co.uk.
Boating holiday
This is great fun for older children. It is a truly relaxing break, but of course you have to be aware of the dangers of the water with little ones. Although the boats are well equipped you will be limited for space, but of course, you can moor up and go off for the day and explore your new surroundings.
Hoseasons have a range of boats to suit all needs. Again, your pet can come too. Click here to search for availability.