Any advise on family holiday in UK?

[JackW]

This summer we (me, my wife and three kids ages 10-18) are planning to spend our summer holiday in the UK. The general idea is to stay in the southern part of the country: take the ferry or tunnel to Dover, drive to Cornwall for a week's stay at the coast, then go a little further north (Cotswolds? Brecon Beacons?) for a week or so and finally spend a few days in London.

It's been years since I visited the UK (and this is the first time with the family) so any advise would be greatly appreciated. Places to visit, places to stay, places to avoid, alternatives to our destinations, the best way to discover London with a family without going bankrupt etc. Any ideas? The kids prefer to do as little as possible but with a pretty backdrop. My wife and I would like to be a little more active and like nature, hikes and city/village visits. Good food and nice beer are a must. ;)

Any pointers are very welcome!

[JonRA]

Cornwall is lovely but as you invited suggestions for alternative destinations, if you arrive in Harwich, you have East Anglia (Norfolk and Suffolk) on your doorstep - there are lovely beaches, towns and villages to explore without a very long drive to the south-west. A short hop to the Cotswolds and London as well.

[Saint-Just]

Ah! The excitement of visiting third world countries!
Just make sure your health insurance includes access to private care.

[hilly10]

Ah! The excitement of visiting third world countries!
Just make sure your health insurance includes access to private care.

Great advice, just one big ray of sunshine.

[blackal]

Get off the tunnel in Folkstone and drive until you see this sign>

[chrisparker]

Get off the tunnel in Folkstone and drive until you see this sign>

Ah the sunshine border (as my Scottish friend calls it). Quite accurate too in my experience. Beyond that sign you'll need thermals and your big coat, unless you go in Summer and you'll need to pack your Midge nets too.

[TaketheCannoli]

My advice is....don't do it. The weather will be awful to horrendous, everything's too expensive and nothing works properly. Honestly, go to a different country. Maybe think about a London city break for a few nights but don't waste your annual holiday here.

[Onelasttime]

Hmmm, I wonder how long the drive from Dover to Cornwall would take in peak season? Days

As JonRA suggested, I would look at Suffolk and Norfolk – lovely beaches, mostly clean sea and good beer (if that's your thing). On the way back, stop for a couple of nights in Cambridge, then onto London for a few nights.

If you were intent on the South West, then Dorset and Devon are lovely, with clean beaches and sea, plus beautiful surrounding landscapes or cities if you want a change.

Cornwall is vastly overrated IMO and full of knobbers during summer.

[BillyCasper]

I think you have made good choices, the Cotswolds and west to the Brecons.

I have always liked the areas going west into the borders. Forest of Dean (wild pigs), Wye Valley (canoeing), Brecons (wild horses), Usk Valley, Monmouth and Brecon Canal and north along Offa's Dyke and the Shropshire Hills. Opportunities for relaxing walking, cycling and on the water.

If you are in London, see the sights, but maybe a day in an outer borough to see a different side. In Richmond great views from the fabulous park back to the city (there's a binocular viewing point) and on Richmond Hill looking out at the Thames running from the south and west. Very nice walk or cycling along the Thames here, either to Teddington and further on to Hampton Court or the other way to Kew Gardens.

[oldoakknives]

Ah! The excitement of visiting third world countries!
Just make sure your health insurance includes access to private care.

I mean who would choose to live here?

[Dave O'Sullivan]

I’m a fan of the Jurassic coast.
We stayed in Charmouth for years. Just along was Lyme Regis. Both lovely. You’re on the doorstep of Devon too. If keeping a little nearer to the action, the New Forest is excellent. If you want a stop over when you get to Dover, pop up to Deal. Cracking little town.

As above, Southwold is nice too

[JackW]

Cornwall is lovely but as you invited suggestions for alternative destinations, if you arrive in Harwich, you have East Anglia (Norfolk and Suffolk) on your doorstep - there are lovely beaches, towns and villages to explore without a very long drive to the south-west. A short hop to the Cotswolds and London as well.

Good advice, thanks. It's just that my wife isn't looking forward to the ferry crossing, so the shorter the better. I'll look into it though.

I think you have made good choices, the Cotswolds and west to the Brecons.

I have always liked the areas going west into the borders. Forest of Dean (wild pigs), Wye Valley (canoeing), Brecons (wild horses), Usk Valley, Monmouth and Brecon Canal and north along Offa's Dyke and the Shropshire Hills. Opportunities for relaxing walking, cycling and on the water.

If you are in London, see the sights, but maybe a day in an outer borough to see a different side. In Richmond great views from the fabulous park back to the city (there's a binocular viewing point) and on Richmond Hill looking out at the Thames running from the south and west. Very nice walk or cycling along the Thames here, either to Teddington and further on to Hampton Court or the other way to Kew Gardens.

Thank you, that's very helpful. I'll do my research.

Get off the tunnel in Folkstone and drive until you see this sign>

Hehe, will do someday but not this time.

[JackW]

Hmmm, I wonder how long the drive from Dover to Cornwall would take in peak season? Days

As JonRA suggested, I would look at Suffolk and Norfolk – lovely beaches, mostly clean sea and good beer (if that's your thing). On the way back, stop for a couple of nights in Cambridge, then onto London for a few nights.

If you were intent on the South West, then Dorset and Devon are lovely, with clean beaches and sea, plus beautiful surrounding landscapes or cities if you want a change.

Cornwall is vastly overrated IMO and full of knobbers during summer.

Thanks for that. I was worried about that, but this:

I’m a fan of the Jurassic coast.
We stayed in Charmouth for years. Just along was Lyme Regis. Both lovely. You’re on the doorstep of Devon too. If keeping a little nearer to the action, the New Forest is excellent. If you want a stop over when you get to Dover, pop up to Deal. Cracking little town.

As above, Southwold is nice too

...could be an answer to that, thanks.

[wotsthecrack]

Forget the south, come north. Overnight ferry from Ijmuiden to Newcastle. You have Northumberland, Lake District, and the Scottish borders close by. Loads of beaches, activities and history to see and enjoy. Bring waterproofs though!

[Saint-Just]

I mean who would choose to live here?

Indeed. I should know, I came to a lovely country, with a great health service, a respect for the environment... to name just a few and keep it to G&D standards.

To say things have change since 1997 in this respect is a bit of an understatement.

[TheTigerUK]

Indeed. I should know, I came to a lovely country, with a great health service, a respect for the environment... to name just a few and keep it to G&D standards.

To say things have change since 1997 in this respect is a bit of an understatement.

You should have been here in the 50s/60s and see how it had changed by the late 90s !! :)

op: Norfolk can be very nice in places.

[oldoakknives]

Indeed. I should know, I came to a lovely country, with a great health service, a respect for the environment... to name just a few and keep it to G&D standards.

To say things have change since 1997 in this respect is a bit of an understatement.

I agree. 1997 seems to have been a turning point.

[Onelasttime]

It was definitely after 2010 that things really started to collapse. Sigh!

[oldoakknives]

OP I would recommend Suffolk and Norfolk. Norfolk in the area around Sandringham all the way round to Southwold in Suffolk. Britain at it's best.

[watchcollector1]

Indeed. I should know, I came to a lovely country, with a great health service, a respect for the environment... to name just a few and keep it to G&D standards.

To say things have change since 1997 in this respect is a bit of an understatement.

People have short memories, there were some very dark times in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

The 2000s were like a utopia in comparison to today.

[Passenger]

I mean who would choose to live here?

Oligarchs and International criminals because of the London laundromat, everything is for sale for enough money, and the pay to play nature of the politics...Also the worlds most desperate folks fleeing persecution and regional instabilities, instabilities sometimes though not exclusively in fairness, caused or worsened by British actions. Well you did ask.


Second Stoo´s New Forest recommendation, fond memories of the Frogham and Hyde Country Fair, the Terrier racing is a hoot, diverse and interesting hiking options, some charming B and B´s, lovely pubs, guided pony trekking. I´ve been to Southwold, it´s alright if you don´t set your expectations too high.
Bring plenty of money and wet weather gear. Good luck.

[BillyCasper]

Could be a busy time in the car: Dover, New Forest, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Bath, Cotswolds, Brecons, Snowdonia, East Anglia, York, Dales, Durham, Northumbria, Lake District and Scotland.

[Passenger]

Could be a busy time in the car: Dover, New Forest, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Bath, Cotswolds, Brecons, Snowdonia, East Anglia, York, Dales, Durham, Northumbria, Lake District and Scotland.

That´s what I thought...guessing OP probably fancies a bit of chilling time, with nice views and a pint- meal...and not to be driving the whole time...the roads; CAMERAS; potholes!

Some serious winnowing of options; regions necessary:

[stooo]

Stay in the New Forrest, it’s lovely.

[ryanb741]

Jeez what a lot of negativity. The UK is a brilliant place to holiday with some amazing history, countryside and culture.

In my experience key places in the UK to visit are;

London (Ideally a few days)
Cambridge
Jurassic Coast
Cotswolds
Bath
Lake District
Edinburgh (and Scottish East Coast up to St Andrews - check out the Fish and Chips in Anstruther)
Glasgow
Scottish Highlands

I'm sure there's plenty I've missed but you'd not be disappointed going anywhere on that list.

[vortgern]

If you planned a circuit from Dover taking in the following you’d see some nice places:

New Forest
Salisbury, Old Sarum and Stonehenge
Dorset
Devon
Bath
Cotswolds
Oxford
London

If that’s too many stops, I’d say Bath and Oxford are definitely worth the visit, and pick somewhere on the coast to stay for a few days on the way.

[gorrie]

Chippy in Anstruther has gone downhill IMO. Best I’ve had recently was from The Ashvale in Aberdeen. Bit of a trek mind you !!

[blackal]

Chippy in Anstruther has gone downhill IMO. Best I’ve had recently was from The Ashvale in Aberdeen. Bit of a trek mind you !!

Not tried the Anstruther, but did try the Ashvale around 12m ago - and didn't rate it at all. Living on past laurels.

[ryanb741]

Chippy in Anstruther has gone downhill IMO. Best I’ve had recently was from The Ashvale in Aberdeen. Bit of a trek mind you !!

Ah no really? Last time I was there was 2 years ago, eating haddock and chips sat in the car facing the harbour, rain belting it down outside, washing everything down with an ice cold Irn Bru. Genuinely one of the best meals of my life.

[Halitosis]

OP - if your kids enjoy beaches and a young surf vibe, then the north Cornwall coast may be great for you all. It is a beautiful part of the country (despite the summer crowds) and they could enrol in a surf school.

[JackW]

Jeez what a lot of negativity. The UK is a brilliant place to holiday with some amazing history, countryside and culture.

I don't doubt it, and all the suggestions so far are really helpful, so thanks again and keep them coming. In the meantime I'll keep practicing my English to master the difference between advise and advice.

[chrisparker]

The UK is fantastic in Summer. Beaches, beer gardens and beautiful countryside.

Our place of choice in Summer is Cornwall; Carbis Bay, Sennen Cove, Porthcurno are the some of best beaches in the Country.

The Lake District is a worthy destination too. Scenery like Welsh mountains and The Scottish Highlands but with better pubs and generally more facilities.

Beaches in the north west of Scotland are stunning but they’re so remote, you need to take everything you might need with you. And the sea is freezing.

Small English cities are nicer than the larger places. York, Chester, Durham, Oxford, Bath and Cambridge all have charm and character.

London is obviously a must but go with a reason, ie to see a show, or visit the British Museum.

England’s south coast is generally a few degrees warmer than the North which makes it ideal for a few beach days. Small places like Salcomb offer a good mix of scenery and water based activities.

[TaketheCannoli]

There’s still a huge chance that it will rain most if not all of the time during July and August. You can only spend so much time sheltering in pubs and coffee shops that are absolutely heaving as everyone’s trying to stay dry. We’ve had that in London, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Scotland and the north west. We love the Lake District but everyone knows it always rains there.

The food is also rubbish and overpriced.

We won’t waste any more time or money holidaying here. Give me somewhere warm with great culture, great food and places to visit everyday time. Where you can sit outside until the early hours, just relaxing and enjoying chill time. You can never do that here.

The UK is fantastic in Summer. Beaches, beer gardens and beautiful countryside.

Our place of choice in Summer is Cornwall; Carbis Bay, Sennen Cove, Porthcurno are the some of best beaches in the Country.

The Lake District is a worthy destination too. Scenery like Welsh mountains and The Scottish Highlands but with better pubs and generally more facilities.

Beaches in the north west of Scotland are stunning but they’re so remote, you need to take everything you might need with you. And the sea is freezing.

Small English cities are nicer than the larger places. York, Chester, Durham, Oxford, Bath and Cambridge all have charm and character.

London is obviously a must but go with a reason, ie to see a show, or visit the British Museum.

England’s south coast is generally a few degrees warmer than the North which makes it ideal for a few beach days. Small places like Salcomb offer a good mix of scenery and water based activities.

[thieuster]

I read this with great interest! And figured out that every time I went to the UK, the weather was extremely good! The Autumn of '78 (apprentice in London): hot. With my wife to Scotland: dry and fair (late October). The Olympics in 2012: hot. And the UK Laser Championship in Devon, July 2018: scorching hot.

On my to-do list in the UK: sailing the Norfolk Broads with a traditional yacht.

You write that your kids are between 10 and 18 y/o. I know from experience that it's not the easiest age bracket for a cheerful holiday... I would certainly pick something that is a highlight to visit: London is one of course. Lots to see and do for older kids, but a camping near Bovisand or Down Tomas, southeast of Plymouth isn't very alluring for youngsters that age...

It's also worth checking if a crossing from (for us) Duinkerken to Dover isn't a better option when you write that a ferry crossing isn't high on your wife's list.

[Saint-Just]

Dunkirk to Dover is the same as Calais to Dover, except longer: the ferry sails along the coast from Dunkirk to Calais before aiming for Dover.
Those who suggest beaches forget the regular untreated sewage releases across the UK coast. As to Ryan’s post, it’s true for adults but much less adapted to children, especially with the age spectrum specified.

[gingerboy]

Hayle In Cornwall is really nice and just outside St Ives.

Hayle Towains are amazing, and the beaches are simply stunning. It's one of my favourite places in the world.

We live in South Wales, about a 20 minute drive from the Brecon Beacons. If it were me I'd try to get a couple of days in the Snowdonia national park as well. Brecon is stunning but Snowdonia is very rugged and more mountainous terrain.

You have so many options!!

Are you planning on staying in Air BnBs? Or hotels?

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[JackW]

OP - if your kids enjoy beaches and a young surf vibe, then the north Cornwall coast may be great for you all. It is a beautiful part of the country (despite the summer crowds) and they could enrol in a surf school.

They would like that a lot, so added to the list thanks!

The UK is fantastic in Summer. Beaches, beer gardens and beautiful countryside.

Our place of choice in Summer is Cornwall; Carbis Bay, Sennen Cove, Porthcurno are the some of best beaches in the Country.

The Lake District is a worthy destination too. Scenery like Welsh mountains and The Scottish Highlands but with better pubs and generally more facilities.

Beaches in the north west of Scotland are stunning but they’re so remote, you need to take everything you might need with you. And the sea is freezing.

Small English cities are nicer than the larger places. York, Chester, Durham, Oxford, Bath and Cambridge all have charm and character.

London is obviously a must but go with a reason, ie to see a show, or visit the British Museum.

England’s south coast is generally a few degrees warmer than the North which makes it ideal for a few beach days. Small places like Salcomb offer a good mix of scenery and water based activities.

Some very good suggestions, which I'll look into.

Hayle In Cornwall is really nice and just outside St Ives.

Hayle Towains are amazing, and the beaches are simply stunning. It's one of my favourite places in the world.

We live in South Wales, about a 20 minute drive from the Brecon Beacons. If it were me I'd try to get a couple of days in the Snowdonia national park as well. Brecon is stunning but Snowdonia is very rugged and more mountainous terrain.

You have so many options!!

Are you planning on staying in Air BnBs? Or hotels?

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I was actually looking at the St Ives area, so thanks for the pointer. With regard to your question: we're looking at AirBnB's (except maybe in London), but the kids would like the opportunity to meet other people, so nothing too remote probably.

EDIT: I visited both Brecon and Snowdonia in the nineties and have very fond memories of both visits, which is why I wanted to include Wales in the trip.

[leo1790]

Our go to was always the Yorkshire Dales but this was trumped many years ago by Northumberland.
Beautiful beaches, great walks, plenty of places to visit and most importantly, lack of people.

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[number2]

If your vacation is during the UK schools summer holidays everywhere in Southern England will be rammed and priced accordingly, the weather will as ever be hit and miss, many of our beaches have poor quality water as do quite a few rivers even the Lake district has pollution, sorry to be so negative but I can think of too many reasons to avoid our country. Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Normandy etc.

[tvralan]

For me Norfolk & Suffolk, Norwich is an amazing city with a really relaxed vibe. On the coast No.1 in Cromer for fantastic fish & chips. Further down into Suffolk, Southwold is worth a visit as is Constable country, East Bergholt. Etc. etc.


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[Ruggertech]

Personally I'd ditch Cornwall and go no further than Devon. Cornwall is obviously lovely, but so is Devon which will save driving, prices, and crowds.

[Wimm]

Another fan of Suffolk here. Had plenty of family summer holidays there over the last ten years. I can't remember any of them being a complete wash out. A couple of days rain in a fortnight perhaps.

As already said London, Cambridge and Ely are a day trip away(although London may be an early start).

Cornwall is a long old shlep from Dover and probably best broken up by an overnight stop on the way. It can also get very crowded in the summer which can be tricky on the narrow lanes.

South Wales is a good call, it probably offers everything that Cornwall does except, possibly less busy. Friends of mine have been summering in Tenby for years and absolutely love it.

[blackal]

Another fan of Suffolk here. Had plenty of family summer holidays there over the last ten years. I can't remember any of them being a complete wash out. A couple of days rain in a fortnight perhaps.

As already said London, Cambridge and Ely are a day trip away(although London may be an early start).

Cornwall is a long old shlep from Dover and probably best broken up by an overnight stop on the way. It can also get very crowded in the summer which can be tricky on the narrow lanes.

South Wales is a good call, it probably offers everything that Cornwall does except, possibly less busy. Friends of mine have been summering in Tenby for years and absolutely love it.

5hrs 30min from Dover to Looe…………….. ?

Maybe need an overnighter in a Hillman Minx, but …………..

[Wimm]

5hrs 30min from Dover to Looe…………….. ?

Maybe need an overnighter in a Hillman Minx, but …………..

Once a year I travel down to Exeter from J28 of the M25 and it usually takes between four and five hours. Cornwall is a bit further beyond.


Obviously it does depend on time of day and day of the week you travel. Friday evenings are the worst. Made that mistake once and it took seven and half hours.

Perhaps a break is a bit extreme but I find driving long distance in this country hard work. I like my holidays to be relaxed so splitting up long drives helps. I'm sounding twenty years older than I am.

[JackW]

Thanks again for all your input. I'm leaning towards the Norfolk route, but I will have to persuade my wife. If we choose Dover-Cornwall I'll take your advice and plan an extra stop halfway there.

[BillyCasper]

I'm leaning towards the Norfolk route.

You’ll certainly feel at home.



Ps. I’m not deriding East Anglia, I remember having great times at places like Brancaster, Wells, Cromer, Southwold, Dunwich…..


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[Saint-Just]

Seriously though, download this (or the equivalent on Android) before you decide on your destination/choice of activities :

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/safer-...e/id1458786821