Family Holidays in UK - Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Lake District, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

Portmeirion was built from 1925 to 1976 by visionary Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who wanted to prove that development need not mean defilement. All the cottages in the village are let as rooms and suites as part of the Hotel Portmeirion or as self-catering cottages sleeping up to 8 people. The village has several cafes and eight different shops.

Many know Portmeirion as the location for Patrick McGoohan's classic "The Prisoner" television series. It is also known for the Portmeirion Pottery, designed by Clough's daughter Susan Williams-Ellis. A new contemporary styled brasserie opened at Castell Deudraeth in 2001.

Portmeirion is signposted from the A487 at Minffordd midway between Penrhyndeudraeth and Porthmadog.

Web: www.portmeirion-village.com

From April to October inclusive, “Symphony” takes 26 people on day trips (including weekends), “Serenade” takes 10 people on 3/4 night holidays, and narrowboat “Melody” is available for weekly hire by a family or group with at least one disabled member. Charges are kept to a minimum so as not to exclude any groups. The remainder is raised in donations.

Select from over 350 properties situated in Norfolk and North Suffolk. Choices vary from magnificent barn conversions and period properties to quaint thatched cottages and modern homes, sleeping parties from 2 to 20. All properties are carefully selected and inspected by experienced staff, with the majority of cottages Visit Britain graded. Locations span the breadth of the county, allowing you to choose the perfect property and situation for your holiday.

Many rooms are designed as family rooms with baby listening intercoms connected to reception. There are ample high chairs and cots. Children’s Supper is available each evening or parents may choose to bring their children into dinner.

Facilities at the hotel include outdoor and indoor swimming and paddling pool, a toddler room to keep the younger ones happy and two games rooms with snooker and table tennis for older children. During the school holidays we have regular visits from specialised children’s entertainers. There is a direct footpath to sandy beaches and the internationally famous Dawlish Warren Bird Sanctuary. Fun for the whole family!

Fax: (01626) 868006
E-Mail: all4kids@langstone-hotel.co.uk

Devon Farms is a co-operative of farmers dedicated to providing excellent bed & breakfast and self catering accommodation - and who better to introduce you to the delights Devon has to offer than your hosts, who live and work in the countryside?

Most of our farms welcome children of all ages and at many of them you can even join in! Not only will you enjoy the warmest of welcomes, discover the very best in local food and produce, but you'll find out first hand what farming in Devon is all about…

• Pleasure and improver riders to professional exam/competition instruction.
• Quality school horses from Novice to Advanced.
• Beach rides, day rides and hill rides in rural Northumbria.
• Children's riding holidays throughout summer months.

There is a large well stocked playroom and an outside play area. We provide all facilities for the very young to maintain those important family routines. Children's tea is fun and the food is great. Evening meal for mum and dad from 8pm by candlelight!

A wonderful hotel for the whole family. Open throughout the year including Christmas and the New Year, come and enjoy the festive season with us and bring Granma and Grandad too! Listed 4th by the Independent Holiday Guide in 2003 and 1st for facilities for the very young.

• An unrivalled selection of over 250 hand-picked cottages, houses and apartments across Dorset many perfect for holidaying with children
• Great locations in sought after areas within Dorset, including Weymouth, Portland, Swanage, Lulworth, West Bay, Bridport and Corfe. Many properties within walking distance of a beach or situated in pretty Dorset villages.
• Properties suitable for groups from 2 to 12 people.
• Open all year and offering a selection of breaks to suit you, including off peak, late availability and Christmas / New Year breaks as well as standard peak season weekly bookings.
• Properties are independently VisitBritain inspected and rated.
• Log on to our website for 360º Virtual Tours of each property, online booking and availability.
  

With a full linen service, welcome packs on arrival and the attention to detail guaranteed by our comprehensive management service, Quay Holidays work harder to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Quay Holidays was set up in response to what we perceived to be a significant gap in the Poole and Dorset holiday lettings market, namely in the letting and management of top quality self-contained luxury holiday apartments. Whilst there are agents locally who offer a one-size-fits-all approach to letting traditional ‘bucket and spade’ holiday properties in Poole nobody, we felt, offered a comprehensive service geared to the expectations of more discerning clients seeking 4 and 5 * accommodation.

With a 10 year background in property management in London, we began managing our own self-catering holiday apartment in Dolphin Quays three years ago. Our success in attracting both new and repeat business came to the attention of other owners in the building, who asked whether we would be prepared to take over the running of their self catering holiday lettings as well!

We have a lettings team based at our shop premises in Poole Old Town, who ensure that prospective clients can speak to us at any time between 9.30am and 10.00pm, 7 days a week.

We very much hope you choose Poole as your next holiday destination, and we look forward to welcoming you into one of our properties. Please browse through our self catering properties and Dorset holiday lettings.

Both sites are ideal for those who want to mix the pleasures of the all places to visit in and around Lee Valley Regional Park, with the excitement of visiting central London which is less than an hour away. Situated near to Epping Forest and River Lee Country Park, you can enjoy boating, cycling, walking and some of Britain’s rarest wildlife.

Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park
Address: Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 OAR
Tel: 020 8803 6900
Email: leisurecomplex@leevalleypark.org.uk

Lee Valley Campsite
Address: Sewardstone Road, Chingford, London E4 7RA
Tel: 020 8529 5689
Email: scs@leevalleypark.org.uk

For more information, visit:

All our cottages are hand picked to a high standard. All have full amenities and are situated in beautiful surroundings. Most are within walking distance of welcoming pubs offering traditional Cumbrian food and ales.

Our cottages are in the north and west of the Lake District. With its famous walking opportunities, historical places and outdoor activities, this is perfect for a family weekend away or holiday break. Areas covered include Kewick, Borrowdale, Eskdale, Wasdale, Ravenglass, Gosforth and Ennerdale although we also have cottages in the Duddon Valley near Coniston and in Grasmere.

Visit our website to see details for each holiday cottage and availability.

Apartments with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms, ideally suited to families of all sizes. Apartment charges are per adult, children 17 and under go free! Cots and highchairs provided free of charge along with baby toiletry pack, fantastic activity pack, unique Knighty Knight bears and loads of children's DVD's to view free of charge. All apartments have cable TV with multiple children's channels, superior apartments have a TV in each bedroom and all apartments are equipped with full kitchens with dishwashers, washer dryers and a selection of plastic plates, cups and cutlery for our little guests.

For us, only the best is good enough and we pride ourselves on our exacting standards and our quality of services. We look forward to welcoming you.

Fax: (0131) 622 7363
Email: info@theknightresidence.co.uk

Holywell Bay Fun Park is right next-door and attractions include Go-karts, Battleboats, Buggies, Bumper Boats, Merlin’sMaze, Adventure Golf, Panning for Gold etc. There is a gift shop and beach diner too. Also on site are the 18-hole par 3 links golf course and 18-hole pitch and putt course providing fun for all the family.

Everything provided for a fabulous family holiday all in one location.

For further information please contact:

Address: Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay, Cornwall TR8 5PW
Email: bookings@trevornick.co.uk
Reservations: (local rate) 0845 345 5531
Web: www.holywellbay.co.uk

A Five Red Star resort hotel set in 850 acres of stunning scenery in Perthshire Scotland, Gleneagles is perfect for all the family.

Parents can rest easy while their toddlers explore the delights of the Playroom under the watchful eye of the friendly playroom staff.

The youngest guests – can take part in a range of sports from mountain biking to trail riding. There’s all kinds of fun and games from PlayStations to junior off road driving in quarter size Land Rover replicas or junior golf lessons where children can have their own club cut to size.

The hotel’s array of children’s activities has recently been enhanced with the addition of The Zone, a fun zone for older children and teenagers to enjoy what they love best.

Whether you're looking for a family holiday with a difference or just want to unwind and take life at a more tranquil pace, each boat in our narrow boat fleet provides a level of comfort and convenience that is normally associated with privately owned craft.

Kate Boats we will give you the personal care and attention that you require to ensure you enjoy your holiday to the full whether you have previously enjoyed a holiday on the waterways or are a 'land lubber' looking to experience life afloat for the first time.

Email: cheryl@kateboats.co.uk

Web: www.kateboats.co.uk

Simon & Wendy Bennett understand what makes a truly child friendly place to stay because for their children, Oliver, eight & Emily, six, the castle is home.

Parents have the chance to relax and enjoy their surroundings in relative peace as young visitors to Augill are often adopted by the Bennett's children as special friends and are whisked off to the playroom (in the Drawing Room), the playground or to explore acres of safe family friendly (no barbed wire) acres. Once the fresh air has tired them out there is an extensive library of videos and DVDs, a games room, toys for all ages and a whole castle complete with towers and turrets to explore.

Most bedrooms are big enough to comfortably take two extra beds, all the bathrooms are big, some are enormous and there are catered and self catering options with both adult and children's dietary whims accommodated.

• Truly family-friendly. No out of bounds
• Spacious & flexible accommodation
• Special meal times and menus
• Indoor & outdoor activities for all ages
• No sweaty play zone in the cellar!
• Great for larger family groups

You have no need to pile the car with all the extra essentials, as we cater for young children by providing facilities for toddlers including cots, stair gates and high chairs at many cottages. All linen is included (cot linen is sometimes the exception). When you arrive, we greet you with a specially selected complimentary hamper to provide for your immediate needs, a chilled bottle of wine for yourselves, juice and some light snack and breakfast provisions, so there is no need to dash out looking for a pint of milk as soon as you arrive!

But most importantly it is our enchanting locations which cater for your children the most, Children love water and many cottages have beaches within easy driving distance and over 20 properties have swimming pools. Being in rural locations, many have walks just outside the door (we have many dog-friendly properties) and are situated in areas which abound in wildlife. Activities suited to families with youngsters are well advertised in the welcome packs we supply at each cottage.

Furthermore children are not tied to the timetable of a hotel - you can stick pretty much to their normal routine in a Rural Retreats Cottage, our trademark being quality cottages supplying complete home from home comfort. For example, most of our properties are stocked with books, games, toys, dvds and videos and many have a children’s snug, den or a children’s tv room. Properties with safe, fully enclosed gardens are indicated in the property description. Bikes or cycle hire are often available and we can often provide other services to make your stay more liberating, such as babysitters or a dinner delivery service. Many properties have extra facilities such as a games room with table tennis, table football etc. Many have large grassed areas, for various fun activities such as ball sports or kite flying, and well equipped play areas with wendy houses, play areas and trampolines to keep your children safely amused around the cottage.

It is very important for us to find you a property that best meets your requirements so that you can enjoy a wonderful family holiday. Please contact us on 01386 701177 where a member of our experienced team will have first hand knowledge of our properties and will be happy to help with any information you need and can take your booking. Alternatively, please visit our website at www.ruralretreats.co.uk where you will be able to view details and availability of your chosen Rural Retreat. We hope you and your family find your ideal holiday retreat!

Our child friendly hotel offers wonderfully atmospheric surroundings with open log fires, pine panelled walls and attractive public rooms including a Drawing Room, a cheery Bar where traditional music is often played and great homely food is served and an excellent à la carte restaurant with a wide choice of locally sourced dishes. Our very comfortable rooms are furnished to a high standard and include family rooms and suites.

Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat or somewhere to enjoy and explore the stunning Scottish Highlands, Glenfinnan House is the prefect venue for a family holiday where every effort will be made to ensure you have a memorable stay.

Family-owned hotels and self-catering accommodation together with superb year-round leisure and entertainment – all on one site and right by the sea.

Aztec Active for the whole family, includes Zorbing, Aquajets, Snorkelling, football coaching, Street Dancing, Disco Inferno, Zumba and much more. Programme varies according to the time of year. Indoor and outdoor pools keep water babies of all ages happy, with toddlers pool, sauna, spa and steam room. Huge indoor games arena with 10-pin bowling, computer games, Nintendo Wii…. Toby Club for kids open daily throughout the year with organised play and craft sessions for 3 – 9’s. Exciting themed soft play area. Children’s teas, special children’s menus, high chairs available. Family rooms available with cots if required.

Plenty to keep youngsters occupied and plenty of opportunity for Mums and Dads to relax. Treat Mum to some holiday pampering in our luxury spa – 15% discount on treatments booked in advance.

Kids under 5 free all year round (sharing with 2 adults). Special rates for teens sharing own twin rooms during school holidays. Special offers for Mums and Dads in the coming months. See the latest special offers on our website. Early Booking Offers for Summer 2012 currently available.

This friendly and relaxing park is a favourite with families of all sizes who love the variety of our child friendly facilities and on-site amenities including an indoor heated swimming pool, bar and restaurant, mini-market, crazy golf, adventure play area with full size pirate ship, arcade, bouncy castle and much more!

Our modern holiday homes, lodges and bungalow offer different space, quality and price levels to meet your individual preferences and every home is equipped with modern features for your comfort and convenience.

Whether you just want to relax and take it easy or fill your time from morning till night, there's plenty on offer!

Call us on 0844 272 9530 or email enquiries@sandymouthbay.co.uk

We offer tuition in windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and raft building. Instruction is provided by qualified staff in a friendly environment but always with safety in mind. We have a strong junior programme of courses for children or they can join in with their parents and learn as a family group.

During the summer holidays we organise ACTION DAYS & WEEKS which give adults and children a chance to have a go a different water sports.

Also at Croft Farm is "PLAYZONE", a children's indoor play centre available for birthday parties and casual use.

Log on to our website or call 01684 772321 for more information.

Web: www.croftfarmleisure.co.uk

With over 200 unique properties, whether you choose to stay in an oast house or barn conversion, idyllic cottage or Grade II listed gem, you can be assured of a holiday to remember in this beautiful part of England.

There are many activities that your family can do in the local area – Talyllyn Narrow Gauge Steam Railway, King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Portmeirion as well as many mountain and coastal walks.

For details of our family rooms and facilities please visit our web site.

The hotel provides a half board package- full English breakfast and a 5 course evening meal, with a special mealtime for children. There are no charges for use of facilities. Entertainment for adults and children is provided during busy periods. The Hotel has an indoor pool, large soft play, timberline garden play equipment and large gardens. The hotel grounds abound with nature and you can see red squirrels and at dusk view badgers from the bar windows.

The Woolley Bears Den, our on–site, Ofsted registered nursery, staffed by a nannies daily from 9.30-5.30 has a wide variety of games, toys, books and music. The children can be left for up to 2 hrs at any one time. We can provide cots, highchairs, sterlisers, nappy buckets and baby food for those visiting with little ones.

For the older ones who love the outdoors there is space to kick a ball, bounce on a trampoline, play hide and seek, discover a great spot for a den or chill in their own play space the Hen House (home to pool table, table football & air hockey).

Dinner is a wonderful experience at Woolley with pre dinner drinks served in the lounges, followed by relaxed fine dining using the best local produce. Baby sitting & babylistening services will ensure you can enjoy your evenings to the full. Children’s tea is served daily.

Our new spa has been unveiled to reveal a beautiful building. Blending into the bath stone wall of the kitchen garden the building is complemented by new bath stone and natural oak timber. The roof seems to float below the kitchen garden wall and with full length glass windows the view from the pool breathtaking. The treatment menu using [Comfort Zone] takes inspiration from the garden, featuring herbs.

The fabulous gardens are a place where you will not only be able to tear the children away, but you will want to stay and enjoy yourself too. At the far end of the kitchen garden we have an enhanced play facility featuring a kitchen garden shop and play kitchen with vintage tractor, raised beds and chickens.

Your comfort is our priority, you are assured of well equipped, comfortable homes with beds made up, towels and all electricity included. All houses have a dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, colour TV, video, CD/radio and even a hair dryer for your convenience.

Additional facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, tennis court, games room, sauna, Jacuzzi and family bikes and helmets are also provided - ideal to explore the country lanes.

Snowdonia, Portmeirion and Abersoch are all less than 30 minutes drive. We are within walking distance of beautiful sandy beaches. There is lots to do in the immediate area such as discounted golf, sailing (marina), fishing, surfing, bird watching on the Lleyn Peninsula, or just relax in the idyllic rural setting of the farm.

Set within 55 acres of private woodland, a short stroll from the beach and moments from the lively yachting capital of Cowes, Gurnard Pines is the perfect destination for short breaks and family holidays. Summer or winter, your spacious modern holiday lodge or bungalow nestles in a peaceful countryside setting near the sea, complete with nature trail, woodland lake and plenty of quiet spots to sit and relax.

We’re ideally located to explore the Isle of Wight. But we are also great to come home to as well, with a choice of quality leisure facilities and activities. With active breaks to choose from all year round, we are creating more opportunities to get active, try out new sports and enjoy healthier holidays and breaks with family and friends. If you want fantastic family memories or exciting new adventures with friends, there’s so much to tempt you.

A holiday at Gurnard Pines is a break in the heart of nature. Red squirrels run through the woods, dappled shade peeps between the trees and a short walk away is a beach with breathtaking sunsets. So join us for the fresh air, freedom and flexibility to relax… naturally!

Whilst staying at Trelowarren enjoy swimming in all-weathers in the heated, outdoor 20m Ozone swimming pool, visit the new Pulse Fitness gym for a workout or Yoga, or The Walled Garden Spa and escape all the stresses and strains of everyday life. We can keep you in touch with the outside world if you wish via our wireless internet areas, including in our award-winning AA** restaurant.

The Trelowarren Estate borders the Helford River and is at the heart of The Lizard, a Nature Reserve and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that enjoys a warm climate year round. The Estate has over 1,000 years of recorded history; the last 600 years in the hands of the Vyvyan family. We are a working estate and strive to achieve sustainability at every level; from supplying water direct from the estate’s springs, and harnessing rainwater, to heating via a Biomass boiler using coppiced timber from the estate and supplying an electricity plug-in point for EVs.

Close to stunning coastline the area offers a fantastic range of activities and attractions for the whole family including sailing, top-quality beaches, historic gardens, and attractions such as the Maritime Museum.

For family holidays in the South West, look no further than Toad Hall Cottages, specialists for good quality coastal, rural and waterside properties in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

Be it a house on the beach, a moorland hideaway, a 6-bedroom dream home with a swimming pool, croquet lawn and trampoline, a luxury apartment or a romantic cottage for a couple and a baby, where dogs are welcome too, Toad Hall Cottages have something for everyone.

Our user friendly website has honest and detailed property descriptions, wonderful photographs and also an excellent search filter enabling you find exactly what you’re looking for, along with up to date availability and online booking.

Every property is carefully selected, personally inspected and is of high quality, ensuring peace of mind for a wonderful holiday for all the family.

Why not call our friendly, helpful and efficient team for our highly acclaimed brochure:

We have a variety of sizes from small cosy cottages for 2, ideal for honeymoon couples, and romantic holidays, larger holiday cottages to sleep from six to twelve and country house for groups of up to sixteen. We inspect all properties personally ensuring that they all conform to our high standards of cleanliness, quality and value for money.

All our cottages are fully equipped and many have log fires. Most of the cottages have a pets welcome policy. As well as walks in stunning scenery there are lots of local attractions and places of interest to suit all members of your family.

Visit our website for full details or contact us, we are always happy to help you make the perfect choice for your short break or family holiday.

Celtic Haven is part of a new generation of luxury self-catering holiday cottages, located in an area steeped in history. Pembrokeshire is a special unspoilt treasure, with the only coastal national park in the UK. Situated on the coastal path, Celtic Haven over-looks the monastic island of Caldey and the Atlantic Coast and there are dozens of sandy beaches close by.

At Celtic Haven the kids have plenty to see and do AND parents get to relax. While Mum enjoys the only Elemis Premier Spa in West Wales, Dad can play a round of golf over-looking the sea and the children can participate in the special activities, which are planned every school holiday or half-term. End your day with a pizza in Waves overlooking the ocean.

Whether it is splashing around in a swimming pool, jumping on the trampoline in the Adventure Zone or searching for smuggler’s treasure in the caverns down on the beach, the children will have a blast!

Still not enough to keep everyone amused? Ask the Client Care Team to organize a nearby activity for you – surfing, sailing, jet-skiing, bike rental, fishing trips, horse-back riding, Paint-balling, bowling and coasteering are just some of the activities close by.

“I’m bored” is that dreaded holiday phrase you’ll never hear at Celtic Haven!

Whether you want to explore the historical sites, unwind in the park's tranquil setting, discover incredible countryside and woodland scenery, or head for Somerset's stunning coastline and bustling seaside resorts, Newton Mill's superb location and year-round facilities provides the perfect base.

The park offers peaceful pitches for caravans and two grassy meadows accommodating tents. Our facilities include a bar and restaurant in the park's charming 350-year-old mill house which has a garden next to the meandering stream that runs through the entire length of the park. The stream also provides light coarse and game fishing for our Somerset camping and caravanning guests.

Your holiday at Newton Mill Holiday Park will be an unforgettable one, full of unique experiences and historical beauty in abundance. With so many sights to see and activities to choose from you will want to return to this location time and time again.

Call us on 0844 272 9503 or email enquiries@newtonmillpark.co.uk