5 Fun Things To Do On Family Summer Holidays

Laughter, long days out in the sun and plenty of running around, these are the ingredients for great family summer holidays. Fortunately you’ll find them in spades in South Devon.

If you’re visiting this summer, here are five fun things to do with the family.

Get Your Sea Legs

Blackpool Sands is one of the most popular beaches in South Devon. This Blue Flag award-winner is a great place to pitch up and spend the whole day. You’ll find lots of people enjoying their family summer holidays here and for good reason. Not only does it have all the facilities you need for a day out, but there is also water sport instruction by an approved RYA training centre.

Get started with windsurfing and be up and skimming the waves in no time, or enjoy a kayaking tour around the sheltered bay. With expert tuition and lifeguards on duty this is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a day at the beach with a difference.

Experience The Coast Like Never Before

The South Devon coastline is one of stunning beauty, and experiencing it from the sea shouldn’t be missed. Monty Halls’ Great Escapes in Dartmouth offer high-speed explorations of the coast, guaranteed to make family summer holidays stay in the memory long after the sun has faded.

Jump aboard a rigid inflatable boat and travel at up to 40 knots as you delve into remote coves and get up close to the region’s wildlife. Keep an eye out and you may spot seals and dolphins. And better yet, kids under 10 go free.

Travel Back In Time At Overbeck’s

Sat on the cliffs above Salcombe, this Edwardian house was the home of Victorian inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck. Now owned by the National Trust it is open as a beautifully maintained period property.

Inside there is a wonderful collection of curios and artefacts that tell the story of Otto Overbeck’s life and work. Outside the house sits in 7 acres of luscious sub-tropical gardens, which can be explored. Kids will love playing hide and seek among the banana plants and palm trees, while you sit and enjoy the views across the estuary. Who knew family summer holidays could be educational and fun at the same time?

Go Wild At Woodlands

Just a few miles from Dartmouth you’ll find Woodlands, an all-weather day out that is a must-visit during family summer holidays in South Devon. Not only do you have dozens and dozens of thrilling rides divided into themed lands like Ninja Zone and Cyclone Zone, there is also a zoo farm with rabbits, goats, pigs, meerkats, and even crocodiles.

Woodlands is a full day out, and great for letting the kids tear around and let off some steam.

See South Devon In Style

The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company do lovely trips around the South Devon region using restored steam engines and riverboats.

The Round Robin is a spectacular day out that takes you by train, riverboat and bus to explore Dartmouth, Totnes and Paignton. During the trip you’ll get to see the countryside at a leisurely and relaxed pace with a guide highlighting points of interest throughout the trip.

Family summer holidays should be treasured memories, so make sure you try these and other exciting activities when you visit South Devon this summer.

Thinking of booking a family holiday to remember? Take a look at the South Devon holiday cottages that Coast and Country Cottages have available.

Quad Biking in Hammamet - Tunisia

Action, Adventure, Exhileration.

Off roading, Mountains and Quad Bikes.

They aren't usually words that you would use to describe a family holiday. So you may be surprised to hear that we took Leo out on a 2 hour quad biking adventure while away in Hammamet, Tunisia this month. 

We were all issued with safety helmets and Leo was seated with his Dad. I had a smaller quad to the men and soon it was time to set off into the early morning sun. We were each plastered in sun cream, Leo in factor 50, and soon we were winding along the unknown roads in a line of around 9 quads. Our group consisted mainly of people from our hotel  at the Mirage Beach. 

We very quickly got to know our fellow quad bikers and this made the experience even more enjoyable. The wind in our hair, the sun on our backs and the perfect opportunity to see the real, Tunisia, the raw parts that aren't wrapped up in the protective bubble of the hotels.

When visiting a country on a all inclusive deal I think it is very easy to get lost within the ready made world you arrive in. A protective bubble that completely shelters you from the destination you have chosen to visit. The people, the culture, the natural surroundings are all lost among the swimming pools and all inclusive buffet. That is exactly why we wanted to get out on the quad bikes and out into the world beyond the bubble. 

We wanted Leo to see and experience something new, exciting and foreign.

We whizzed over a level crossing, through small towns, villages, and off into the mountains. I turned around to see Leo's face and his eyes were wide and glassy behind his sun shades, his latest adventure being the most exhilarating experience of his young years.  

Much of the time was spent on the Tunisian roads, but when we  came to the end of a small village we found ourselves leaving the comfort of the smooth concrete beneath our tires and bumped over rocks and unknown terrain.

We saw the natural beauty and relished every moment, the sun bouncing off everything that it touched. The mirages that looked like big pools of water, pools that we never reached. The amounts of rubbish that suddenly appeared on the sides of roads, even out into the mountains where you wouldn't have expected to come across anything like that. In one house we passed, the garden was completely laiden with rubbish, and among the rubbish was her washing line, where all of the families washing was drying in the warm sunlight and soft breeze whispering over from the sea only a few miles away...

In the off road parts that we visited there was so much natural beauty, and even some very old war tanks that looked as though they had seen better days. This was one of the only places that we stopped on the 2 hour trip, and we were all so glad to get off and stretch our legs, down the water we had brought along for the ride and snap a few photo opportunities. 

We later stopped a little while away from the tanks and our guide strategically poised his quad bike on the end of a cliff edge, jamming the breaks on so that everyone could have a holiday snap. Leo gave me clear instructions 'NO MUMMY! NOT YOU! You to tired! Daddy do it!', that boy of mine does worry about me! Of course I told him that it would be absolutely fine, not one to turn down a photo opportunity such as this. Even though a little while earlier the brakes on my quad had popped off when the guide had jammed them on...

Thankfully everything was ok and Leo was worried for no reason other than he's a worrier at almost 4 years of age.

Seeing Hammamet by quad bike was such an amazing experience for all of us, we laughed, smiled and enjoyed the adventure as a family. I am so pleased that we had the opportunity to take Leo, and to show him everything that we saw. 

They are going to be memories we all keep for many years to come, and it just goes to show that family holidays can be full of action, adventure and exhilaration if that is what you want.

46 Months Old

46 months, just under 4 years. It's a long time, so much can change. So much does change. Little man you have come such a long way, learnt so much and dazzled us beyond belief. Whenever you open your mouth to give us that magical insight into your world, I am so proud. Your using your words, getting your point of view across, and boy do you have a lot to say for yourself these days!

As you got down from dinner the other night you announced 'I to full and fat now Mummy'. Catching me completely off guard. Through the laughter I didn't even think to check your plate to make sure you had actually eaten what you were supposed to. You cite your days of the week, and the first time you did it I almost fell of my chair! Your counting, your colours and your vocabulary is just exploding, all at once like the finale of a extraordinary fireworks display. 

These last few months seem to have seen something click within you, like a new found confidence has blossomed all of a sudden. You are now admittedly a parrot. You copy everything and anything, and hearing your version of Hippopotamus is just the icing on the cake, and not forgetting you coming out with 'be my guest gorgeous' when I asked if I could sit down next to you!

We visited Hatton Country World at the back end of last week, and everyone commented on just how talkative you were, It was so lovely to hear after so many people have told me the complete opposite over the past year and a half. They were right, you really did have a lot to say, and you kept on saying it too! We went over to watch the bird display and the demonstrator told you what a know it all you were, it did make me giggle! If only your speech therapist could see you now eh!

You even got the opportunity to hold an owl, now this really did make your day. I didn't think you would do it, but this alone is yet another example of how you are changing and growing.

In fact this month you have come out with all sorts! Here are a few snippets of our ever growing conversations. 

Leo: 'It's not bedtime yet Mummy, it's still morning outside! Look! Look! Morning!'

Leo; 'I not going to bed yet' 

Me: 'Oh yes you are Mr! I don't care if it's still light outside, it's bedtime Mr Moon!'

Leo: Fine! I'm going to eat my tooth!'

We pass someone with Purple hair only for Leo to express himself very loudly...'Her hair is Purple! I hate it! It's weird!'

My all time favourite question... 'Mummy...Where do you wee from! Your bum!?'

Leo 'I hate Josh's white hair! I love my brown hair!'

Your sudden confidence hasn't gone un-noticed, even nursery have picked up on it! Your development has jumped right up to where it should be, just like I said it would! Way to prove them all wrong little man, I always believed in you and now the rather incredible nursery report shows what I knew all along! I guess that is why I haven't worried about you not wanting to use the toilet for a number two.. You have always waited until bedtime when you know I can't do anything about it! Then last week, completely un-prompted and completely out of the blue, you sat on the toilet and just did it. We were all so proud, and you relished just how positive it all was. Then the next night you did it again, and again! We may have cracked it, but if not then it's just a case of when! 

You are now really looking forward to school, and I cannot believe that it's a mere 12 weeks or so away. Where on earth has the time gone!? This time next month I will have a 4 year old on my hands, and that quite honestly seems ridiculous. You cannot be that old. You just can't! Whether I want to accept it or not though, it's all happening. Your growing up on me and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. You know what though? Even if I could, I wouldn't, every day I get to know you that little bit more, discover something new about you, and we have some amazing times that we can only enjoy together because you are getting older.

The day we spent scooting as a family only highlighted this further. You took the Storm 90 Y Slider out to the park, and took to the new way of propelling yourself forward like a duck to water. You take everything that life throws at you in your stride, you smile and keep moving forward. I love waking up to that look of pure innocence on your face when you wake up early and sneak into my room for snuggles. You lay so quietly next to me, just watching me sleep. Then you want nothing more than to snuggle and enjoy Cookie Crisp in bed!  

This time next month I expect that I will still be up in the kitchen, doing my best to bake up your fourth birthday cake. You have put demands in for Mario Kart, and I have already got lot's of ideas! 

For now though we are in complete holiday preparation. We are embarking on our very first family holiday as a 3. We are off to Tunisia next Wedneday (3rd June) for the week. You cannot wait to dig a hole on the beach with me, and of course bury Daddy!

Until next month little man...

Happy Adventures..

Guest Post: Holidays - Panic Free Planning

When I was a child, I always remember my mum telling me that we couldn't go to Disneyland – not until I was old enough to appreciate it, she said. Back then I thought it was horrifically unfair but now, as an adult, and a mother myself, I think I understand. Sure, it would have been truly magical to experience it with all the wide-eyed innocence of a preteen child, but I mightn't have remembered a lot of it (if my memory is anything to go by…), and additionally, I guess now I see that it would have been really hard for my parents to pull it off – both financially and logistically. Needless to say, when I did finally get there, I was overwhelmed by the whole trip and loved every second.

So now, as a fully-fledged grown up, I’m faced with the task of planning holidays for my family, too, and I understand the headache it can cause. But it doesn't need to be that way! There are plenty of things you can do to ensure that things go smoothly. Planning is key, and whether you decide to go on a long haul adventure or enjoy a relaxing break closer to home, there are plenty of ways to sort something out for your individual budget.

When foreign currency is involved, it’s a good idea to order ahead of time. Particularly over the summer holidays, there can be a super mad rush for Euros and Dollars, and sometimes other, less common types of money aren't kept in stock. The last thing you want to do is to turn up and there to be non in stock! UK bank cards can cost a fortune abroad (but let your bank know if you do choose to use them, first!) – although, you can order a pre-paid debit card loaded up ready, this is a really convenient option. Don’t forget, if things get tricky, geography doesn't mean it’s impossible for family and friends back home to help out. Azimo makes it possible to send money abroad for a very low price, almost anywhere in the world!

When it comes to the location you want to stay at, you probably have a few ideas in mind – but then, probably everyone you know has some ideas, too. You want to go to Portugal. Your partner wants to go to France. Your kids want to go to Australia (ha!). How do you deal with this? Find a compromise. Look online and see ratings on sites like Trip Advisor, to see real people in similar circumstances to you rating hotels and apartments all over the world. You can even consider investing in property abroad – Tenerife Estate Agents, for example, have some beautiful properties a lot cheaper than you might think. Sometimes, buying into somewhere can work out cheaper in the long run, and you always know what you’re getting into.

Overall, make sure you don’t sacrifice health and safety, and you’re onto a winner. So long as you have that, it’s the most important thing. Visit the doctor before you go, and stock up on prescriptions. Take out the right type of travel insurance – don’t be cheap, it’ll only be a nightmare if you’re not covered if (touch wood), one of you ends up in hospital.

No matter what you do, if you’re with your family, it’s potentially the most precious trip in the world. 

Disclaimer: This is a featured post

Family holiday thoughts

When I take a leisurely walk around town I cannot help but peer into the travel agents window, I eye up all of the deals and think how nice it would be to just stroll in and book a last minute getaway. It was only yesterday I felt my bank card jingle when I came across a fantastic deal to jet away to Turkey on an all-inclusive break, in a 4 star hotel. Priced at only £399 per person I was incredibly tempted, but deep down I knew the money that I was thinking of is being saved away for a house deposit…

So I pushed the thoughts of sunny holidays out of my mind…

For now anyway.

We don’t currently have any plans for a family holiday this year, but I am hoping this will change in due course. I would love nothing more than to whisk Leo away to blue skies, days at the beach chasing the surf and building sand castles for a week or two. Watching his face beam from all of the excitement, and just having chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle that comes with everyday life.

Of course taking our family of 3 away on holiday means we have to hunt out the best family friendly resorts and hotels. We have to take a number of things into consideration before booking a holiday… Flight durations, transfer time to the hotel, the actual hotel, and even the resort we would be staying in. If we are going to go all inclusive we need to have an idea of what the food is like, especially having such a fussy eater on our hands in the form of Leo.

Before I ever book anything I always hunt out reviews on TripAdvisor, so I can find out what other guests thought of their visit. I can find out everything, even the bits that they wouldn’t publicise on their website. This is an essential bit of research for me, before parting with any money and committing ourselves to the unknown. Another site I have found incredibly helpful is Away with the kids. They are essentially a directory for family holidays, and they feature the UK, Ireland, Scilly, Channel Islands and even abroad. You can put in the details of where you wish to go, whether you want to go glamping or stay in a hotel and they will pull up a list of places that suit your needs.

In a day and age where information is so easily accessed via the internet, we really do have the world at our feet. We can look into the hotel we wish to stay in, we can find out other people’s experiences on the same holiday… We have all of the tools to make an informed decision.

As a parent who has to make a number of informed decisions before we decide to travel, I love having so many opportunities to do my research before committing.

Disclaimer: This is a featured post

Where would you go on holiday?

I can’t be the only person who’s been thinking about summer holidays recently. Given that the sun has finally come out to play here at home, I can’t help but fantasise about taking a break away, surrounded by my family, relaxing and trying new things. 

I’ve been wanting to try somewhere new for a while as visiting the same places can get pretty boring, but as well as finding beautiful places for the grown-ups to enjoy, we've got to find places for the kids to have fun as well.

One location which seems to fit this perfectly yet remain pretty underrated is St. Anton in Austria. A hotspot for skiers in winter, the snow-capped mountains in this area are quite overwhelmingly beautiful and a lot of fun for those who enjoy snow sports.

It is, however, woefully underrated as a summer break spot. When the snow melts, the flowers peep out and the sun shines down, this region completely changes; but still remains just as beautiful as ever.

Clean air, mountains, lakes, wildlife, floral and tranquillity, this looks like the perfect place to take a family for some summer fun. You could relax for hours in this place, but if a break spent sat down enjoying a book seems a little boring, never fear!

The range of activities on offer here could not be more varied. Krissy Sinclair, Austria resort manager of lakes and mountains holiday specialists Inghams, said:  “The whole family will appreciate the tunning scenery and huge range of exciting outdoor activities in the Austrian resort of Saalbach situated in the scenic Glemm valley.”

The St. Anton village can be a real party town during skiing season, but in the summer it’s incredibly peaceful. There are local festivities at different points in the summer which feature music, dancing, food and beer. There are modern entertainment facilities here such as bowling alleys, swimming pools, tennis courts, and spas, gyms, bars and restaurants, to name just a few!

When you fancy a change of scenery from the village, there are loads of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. Take a trek on the mountains which provide brilliant views of the entire region, or if you fancy something a little more fast-paced, take a bike ride on one of the many, many routes available for all different skill levels.

If you’ve got a little daredevil in you, water sports such as white water rafting is available with a team of experts, whilst waterfall climbing is a sure fire way to get the adrenaline going!

For somewhere to stay after the busy days, the Austrian Inghams advisor recommends 4* Hotel Kohlmais for a truly luxurious and relaxing nights sleep.

Disclaimer: In association with Inghams

Looking at getting away for a family holiday

We are finally seeing signs that suggest Summer is on the way, and those of us that haven't already found our thoughts entertaining the idea of a holiday are seriously beginning to do so.

My little family have a few holidays booked over the summer months and I am very much looking forward to jetting off to Cyprus this August to finally be re-introduced to the sun. I almost cannot remember what the warm rays feel like against my pasty white skin, so this is going to be a welcome break.

For those of us who will not be leaving the UK this year for one reason or another, then there really is lot's to do within sunny England, there are lots of different places to visit and many different attractions to keep you busy.

Even if you can only spare a few days to sneak away to relax, you can always consider weekend holidays for all the family. There is lots of choice when choosing where you go, and sometimes going away in the UK is the perfect chance to see another part of the country you would never have thought to go before. 

Butlins holiday parks are a great way to spend time with your family, and with 3 resorts spread out over the UK coast line, there is a great choice of destination and what you can do when you arrive! I myself have never experienced a Butlins holiday, but with Leo now getting older I know it won't be long before he is ready to go and have fun with the best of them.

I have been having a look at the website and the selection of Butlins holiday parks. The closest resort to me is located in Bognor Regis, while I have been having a look at what is available I have surprised myself. I quite honestly didn't know just how much Butlins had to offer, there is a wide range of different accommodation from the Wave Hotel and Apartments that were opened back in 2012, to simple rooms when all you need is a base to fuel your busy days out!

On site there is plenty to do regardless of the weather outside. Inside and out there is something to entertain every single individual in your family. Family entertainment to walks along the beach, not to mention the on site fair ground!

I know that we will be considering a Butlins holiday in the near future, it seems like a great option for my little family of 3, I can think of one toddler who would love being back by the sea.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Butlins

A week at the beach...

Last Friday we packed up the car with buckets, spades and plenty of goodies, all ready to head to sunny Bournemouth for a week away. We sat expectantly awaiting the sound of the roaring engine that meant we would be on our way, although the sound we were greeted with meant that we weren't going anywhere in a hurry.

The car was not going to start. The battery was completely flat. So Granddad whipped out the jump leads and we were soon on our merry way down the motorway. 

The hotel we were staying in was no palace, but it was a huge improvement on my last stay in a hotel. It was basic but most importantly it was clean. It backed onto the beautiful Bournemouth gardens that went straight down to the beach. 

I was set for a blissful week with my beautiful little man.

The moments spent with Leo were perfect. He was on top form and entertained not only I, but the entire hotel residency.

We took breath taking walks down to the beach and dipped our feet in the sea together for the very first time. That very first wave was a shock for Leo and for a moment I thought that he was going to hate the experience, except that was not the case. The next wave proceeded to make Leo chuckle and smile. In fact he loved it so much that he didn't want to leave...When Daddy tried to walk him back out of the water he dug his feet into the sand, before sitting down and not relenting a single inch.

Leo toddled all over the sand and even managed to keep his balance. This was his first real experience of the beach in all it's glory, as this is the first time he has visited and been on his two feet. He really did make the most of it, putting his face down onto the sand to get a closer look and lifting his head back up again covered in gritty sand. I wiped his face on countless occasions before I realised that it was useless. Leo was going to do it despite my reservations.

By the beach are a few small rides, one being the Carousel. We watched it go round and round as the horses went elegantly up and down. Before I knew it, I had given the ride attendant some money and I was climbing on with Leo. We made ourselves comfortable in a carriage as I did not trust Leo to sit still enough on a horse, and did not fancy keeping him still while the ride was in motion. 

Leo's first Carousel experience was such a hit, he was amazed by all the lights and the music. I had not been on the Carousel in years, but sharing that moment with Leo brought back all the magic from when I was a child. 

Unfortunately there were down sides to the week. My aunt infuriated me and did not consider Leo in her dinner arrangements, opting into eating later and not compromising in terms of timing. This combined with the aggravating comments spiralled me into a rage, that resulted in me leaving dinner early. If I had stayed I would have blown my lid and that would have been awkward for everyone. My leaving early however did not prevent a argument, and as soon as I departed both of my aunt's were bickering like five year old's.

After this I decided it best to eat earlier, which meant Leo and I were getting lot's of quality time together. I didn't mind at all, and it made the rest of my evening more enjoyable.

I guess when you go on a extended family break...There are always going to be split hairs and different agendas, but is it really that hard to compromise on a suitable dinner time that suits all? Is there any real need for rude comments that made me feel a few inch's tall?

The time with Leo has been great and we have had a great time in each other's company. This time with Leo takes the sting out of the negative part's of the week, and although I have not forgotten what was said, I have not risen to it.

How have your week's been? 

A December Weekend Away

It is all go this month for my little family, and actually my entire family! You see it is a yearly occurrence for the whole extended family consisting of aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, to go away for a long weekend, usually in the instance of a birthday.

So this weekend we are heading towards Ludlow and staying in a stately home for a few nights! I am barely un-packed from the last holiday, only to be off away again, after only getting home a week ago today.

I have to admit, the house does look very inviting and festive. We are packing a very warm attire in case the house is a bit cold, we are taking the steriliser again and of course all of Leo's essentials.

This doesn't even seem remotely daunting now after travelling abroad with Leo, I know he will do well in the car and most likely sleep the whole duration. I know Leo will enjoy all the attention that comes with going away with so many family members.

It has been manic getting everything ready to go though, there has been so much going on. My car got rushed into the MOT men yesterday for a speedy MOT....as it actually ran out at the end of November. Luckily Halfords have a half price MOT available at £27.00! The cheapest MOT I have ever had! It passed thankfully, otherwise we would be stuck today!

We have been rushing around getting every ones Christmas presents sorted and then on top of that I have had all the usual bits and pieces to complete with Leo, along with all the washing from Tenerife.

We were preparing a few bits and pieces last night, so while I was running around Leo had some Daddy time. I came in with Leo's bottle and as soon as Leo saw me he started crying. I picked him up off Luke and as soon as he was in my arms....silence! Luke noticed that he had been crying for me, so I passed Leo back to Luke to see what happend....and the crying started again.

I think Leo associates me with food, I am usually the one to do most of the feeding and implementing the bed time routine. It was nice to know that I am known to him and coveted, but I couldn't help feeling for Luke a little bit...as he did look a little disappointed. How do I prevent Leo making this into a habit?

So now I must continue getting everything together so we can all make a swift exit this evening after Luke finishes work, for the hour and a half drive over towards Ludlow. This afternoon Leo and I are squeezing in some baby yoga!

Have a lovely weekend everyone!