Holiday ideas for a family of seven?

[sherrardk]

We have five kids (aged 9, 6, 4 and 21 month old twins) and want to start planning our summer holiday. We went to Eurodisney in December so we all have passports and know that we can cope with the drive and the Eurostar but we are looking for a two week holiday with something for everyone - anyone got any ideas? Thanks

[Mustardmit]

You might be looking for something more exotic but the first thing that sprung to mind: a camping holiday in the New Forest? Most of the sites are Forestry Commission owned and are graded A B and C depending on the level of amenities.
The A graded sites are fully equipped: bogs, hot/cold water/showers (even coin-op hairdryers!), laundry area - a van that comes round in the mornings selling newspapers, breakfast stuff, sweets for the kids.
Local pubs do good meals/local ales, ponies everywhere, fantastic scenery/wildlife, good safe cycle routes, The National Motor museum etc etc -I'd better shut up now before I start sounding like I work for the New Forest Tourist board!

[VHG]

How about a camping holiday abroad?

Eurocamp are one company (there are of course others)

http://www.eurocamp.co.uk/

These companies dont just do tents but caravans, chalets etc.

Most of the companies like Eurocamp provide EVERYTHING you need when you arrive (Tent already erected, kitchen facilities etc).

With all those kids a hotel is not really going to be suitable. But on a camp site they can run around, go to the play area, mix with loads of other kids, and wear themselves out.

You find on camp sites the kids make friends VERY easily around the play area so will often amuse themselves, giving you more free time..

Most European camp sites have swimming facilities, a kids play area, as well as shops, a bar etc etc.

If you get one near the beach/sea then you wont have far to walk to go for a swim.

This will probably be the best "strees free" holiday for a large family.

btw It has not been called EuroDisney for about 10 years, it is DisneyLand Paris.

[jno]

Centerparcs?

http://www.centerparc...02KW011100024&sissr=1

Not at glitzy as Disneyland of course, but cheap and fun for kids who enjoy swimming pools, running round in forests etc.

[LoftyLottie]

To be honest I think that camping and camping holidays and such places as Centre Parks and the best holidays for families. The children usually meet up with other kids in a generally safe enviroment and just enjoy themselves with the simple pleasures of running around having great games with new friends and the adults can relax without having to think about how to entertain their kids. It's great too for the family to spend time together just doing simple things that they don't have the time to do at home.

As much as I enjoy going abroad and seeing new things, the best holidays we had were in this country on caravan sites when our son was little.

We took our son abroad on several occasions when he was little, but the things he remembered and enjoyed had nothing to do with the ambience of the countries we visited, more to do with the nice chips he had in Spain and the fact he was sick on a boat in Venice.

[puzzled54]

Got to agree with VHG. We always went on eurocamp holidays when our kids were little, and I think the parks are even better now that they were years ago. The swimming pool complexes are bigger and better, as are the childrens play areas.
Camping equipment is good, and you don't need to travel too far, there are lots of good sites in Brittany.