Best Family Holiday United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland 2010 Competition Entries

My favourite holiday was when we last visited grandad John in Ireland. I really enjoyed it because we got to see our grandad and we went on a boat. grandad took us for breakfast when he picked us up from the airport and took us out for tea later on.

Rachel Tait, Perth

Westward Ho! in a chalet 2 years ago, after my grandma died my mum took all my family on a weeks holiday back to where we went as kids.

Gemma Harrison, Bradford

Hafan Y Mor in Pwelli, wales was the best place we have stayed at, so many beaches around, loads to do on and off the site - evening entertainment too. FAB

Katherine Grieve, Stockport

Centerparcs, Longleat, England. The whole family could relax together, spend time going for long walks, have lovely meals out and just recharge our batteries in the forest. We had rabbits coming up to the door and an abundance of wildlife everywhere you

Nicola West, Bristol

It has to be Wales, the beaches are fantastic, with the kids going body boarding and looking in the pools for crabs and shrimps, fantastic!!

Frances Hopkin, Woking

Looe, Cornwall. Typically Cornish, amazing beach, lovely town

Katherine Doundican, Wythall

Elvedon Forest - Centre Parcs - freedom and relaxation in one place close to home, kids can cycle and play in safety

Anthony Loader, Colchester

We went to Fishguard, and we went badger watching from our caravan window, we also enjoyed a music festival and playing on the beach, perfect family time!

Kelly Jones-Whales, Kidderminster

North Devon in the rain - my 2 year old loves tents, playing football at 7am, communal dishwashing and trips to the beach in your waterproofs!

Kelly-Marie Dudley, Banbury

MacDonald Resort AVIEMORE Scotland.Kids will be amused for hours in the pool with waves and flumes or the soft play. There's a cinema on site showing the latest films. Finally the icing on the cake NO COOKING delicious meals are included in a family

Denies McManus, Edinburgh

Our wonderful family holiday; Bowness, Cumbria, UK. Most romantic place but adventure around every hill, regardless of weather. Lake after lake to explore, admire, sail on and relax by. World of Peter Rabbit and Wordsworth. Breathtaking scenery

Faye Smith, Longbridge

Barmouth - Old fashioned, quaint town with plenty for both adults and children, set in stunning mountain scenery behind a beautiful beach. Watch the dolphins swim into the bay with Snowdon in the background.

Madeline McLaughlin, Blackeney

Our most enjoyable family holiday is always in Pembrokeshire, Wales as it is on the beautiful beaches that all the family gather together for at least one time in a year!

Anne Thompson, Pelsall

Swanage: Dorset. Magical night walks in enchanted woods: my young family truly captivated by the all-enveloping nature spectaculars. The eerie calls of sika deer , the churring of nightjars, the excitement of discovering glowworms lighting our path

Susan Foster, Stanwick

Delny/Scotland. It was the most enjoyable holiday as we spent time together as a family did horse riding, fishing and visited the glenmorangie distillery. We did things together that we never do on a normal week

Julie MacLeay, Inverness

Robin Hood Cararan Site Chapel St Lenords UK: I loved it because everything you needed was local including water park arcade shop and chip shop!

Ellie Hewitt, Loughborough

We had a fantastic holiday down in Cornwall in June this year with my husband and the 2 boys and motherinlaw we stayed at Michaelstone Manor we had lovely weather it was just great

Wendy Ward, Tiverton

We had a fantastic holiday down in Cornwall in june this year with my husband and the 2 boys and motherinlaw we stayed at michaelstone manor we had lovely weather it was just great

Lauren Lakin, Upton

I love Center Parcs! We don't have to travel far to feel like we're on holiday, which is fab with two young children. There's lots to do from swimming to more adventurous activities! The kids just love to have some proper family time, too.

Adele Freestone, Whitehaven

Centre Parcs, Whinfell Forest. With five children from tots to teens the range of activities and all weather facilities were invaluable. The accommodation was spacious, comfortable and well equipped. The spa was an indulgence for adults.

Wendy McDonald, Market Drayton

OUR BEST HOLIDAY WAS IN KIPPFORD IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY THIS SUMMER.WE HAD GREAT WEATHER ,WERE IN A BEAUTIFUL PART OF THE COUNTRY WITH GORGEOUS BEACHES AND WAS VERY PEACEFUL.THE KIDS HAD A FABULOUS TIME WITH LOADS TO DO AND EXPLORE.

Jackie Boyd, Falkirk

Our memorable unique coastal holiday in beautiful British, Devonian countryside at Sidmouth Folk Week was all inclusive and Disable friendly. It’s diverse, inspiring, all day concerts, ceilidhs, plays and social dancing; plus music, dance, storytelling

Janice Holden, Bournemouth

Our favourite holiday was a cruise with royal carribean international to Ireland. The food was wonderful, facilities fabulous, so much entertainment, ice skating, swimming pools, cinema, theatre, climbing wall - everything was perfect for both adults and children

Fiona Usher, North Shields

Les Ormes, Jersey - Our family had a fantastic week at this self catering resort. It is quite and peaceful with only a few lodges. All lodges have private outside hot tube. Leisure facilities include indoor swimming pools, golf & tennis.

Elizabeth Naylor, Reading

Family holiday to Norfolk that included myself partner and son and extended family. The countryside was beautiful and there was lots for the kids from dinosaur land to the beach and woods to play in. We went to an amazing safari park called Africa alive.

Marilyn Rowson, Cardiff

Woolacombe Park, Devon was our most enjoyable family holiday in Aug 2010. Coombesgate beach is stunning. It’s a Blue flag beach made of crushed shells with rock pools to explore. Woolacombe is surfers paradise.

Sara Stanley, Bournemouth

Our best family holiday would have too be when we went to Scotland years ago, the whole family was there, all camping and having fun. We caught 7 cod between us and a canny few lobster. It was such a laugh and a treasured memory in our hearts

Leyton Rahman, Cramlington

Scotland - lovely scenery, beautiful beaches, wonderful walks, mountain adventures and it isn't too crowded even in the middle of summer. The children ran around, played, explored and most importantly had a lot of fun and their parents did too!

Julie Clements, Finchampstead

Last year we went on a Haven holiday to Clacton on Sea in Essex. The weather wasnt brilliant but it was a lovely first holiday for our family, with a cosy caravan it shows you dont have to spend a fortune to have a good time!

Joanna Beament, Boston

Caton, North Yorkshire Coast -If you like exploring then this coast has everything you need for a holiday with inquisitive children. From fossil hunting at Robin Hoods Bay to the traditional seaside fun at Filey and the funfair in Scarborough

Heidi Kettle, Longridge

Driving to Dorset so engrossed in Famous Five audio CD's, the journey simply flew by. Our Summer Holiday became an Enid Blyton pilgrimage; camping in Swanage, bathing in beautiful Studland Bay, taking tea in Enid's favourite hotel

Pamela Wilkin, Northshields

Woolacombe, in the UK provided an exhilarating family holiday where the whole family took part in boarding rather than my younger children having to sit out

Julie Armett, Coaville

Lovely English weather, a cottage by the sea, sandy Norfolk beaches, our first holiday as 3. First tastes of ice-cream, first sand between her toes, capturing the excitement of childhood, both its highs and lows.

Glenda Beard, Bristol

Our best family holiday was in 2010 took a weeks caravan holiday in Devon with the children and my Nan and had a lovely time so much to see and do despite the weather being terrible!

Zoe Reid, Landon

Camping in Snowdonia National Park, walking up slopes for exercise and going to nearby beaches to recover.

Manfia Tang, Spaldinh

Llangrannog, Wales - fabulous coastal footpaths, abundant wild flowers, choughs, red kites and close up views of bottlenosed dolphins. Safe beach, great surf for our newfound family activity, body-boarding.

Carl Hawke, Stow

Best holiday was camping in Eagles Point near Bantry in West Cork, Ireland. I have four boys from ten to five and they had a fab time. It was near the sea so the boys were able to go swimming and thorwing stones in the water.

Mary Dennehy, Farranastig

We took our first ever family holiday this sept to Havens Blue Dolphin site in Filey. The weather was lovely, there was a nice pool and plenty of childrens activities so no chance for boredom!, there was lots of entertainment and good food on site

Beki Atkinson, Harrogate

Believe it or not it was earlier this year in Great Yarmouth. As a family we have not had many holidays & this was a cheap package based in a caravan, the site was horrible & so was the caravan but it was great to spend time together doing simple things

Sharon Davidson, Moreton

Legoland Windsor had everything a family would look for on a holiday. Entertainment for kids and grown ups alike. Wonder and excitement around every corner. Smiling faces, sweet treats & kodak moments. A truly memorable Family holiday.

Keiran Leahy, Blackrock

Our best family holiday was in Weymouth, A fantastic area to go to with young children. The main beach is beautiful and very safe for paddling and swimming in. There were so many attractions we had trouble fitting them all in!

Jane Phillips, Newquay

Trabolgan County Cork was the best family holiday cos it had all round fun for all ages young and old

Paula Glavin, Galway

Derwent Hill Outdoor Centre, Cumbria, is so great my family visited for seven consecuative years. Put your money away parents! Full-board catering and inclusive activities leave little time for extra spending.

Angela Wilson, Barnes

We went to a new area of Wales. On the first day we went to the beach. The next day we went out on a boat trip , we saw seals, sea birds, a whale and much more. what made it most enjoyable was sharing the experience as a family.

Laura Stock, Westheath

Picture the scene:- a wet and windy August in North Yorkshire; picnics standing up with water filled crisp packets; muddy wellies and wind lashed hair; steaming fish and chips warming cold hands; splashing in the hot tub under leaden skies.

Rachel Harrison, Harmston

We stayed at the Woodland Lodges, Mulranny Park Hotel, Co. Mayo, Ireland. This holiday was amazing for all the family. Grandad enjoyed the walk along the causeway to the blue flag beach and the pier.

Susan Silver, Templeroan

My boys loved Butlins,Skegness, there was activities to do and shows to see all day and a large pool. Also the large sandy beach was right on the resort. At the end of the day we had two tired but very content boys. Happy memories were had by all.

Olivia Clark, Ipswich

Puse Hill Barn Cottage, Westward Ho!, North Devon. Being in a beautiful barn house, with beautiful surrounding meadows and fields a swimming pool on site, childrens paradise

Sarah Jane Harvey, Charing

Scotland - Fort William August 2010, drizzling rain, forgotten pillows and a three man tent with 2 adults child and a dog, brilliant family fun treking roung the ben nevis range

Vicki Millar, Trenant

Spending a fun-filled holiday in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, renting a holiday home and enjoying the sunshine and rocky coastline of Ireland's southeast. Eating out at local restaurants serving local produce and fish freshly caught

Dabney Melia, Castleknock

Norfolk! Caister, the people are friendly, lovely views

Sarah Bednall, Macclesfield

The Burrel, Co Clare, Ireland! went when I was a child with my family and the beauty of the limestone pavements still gives me goosebumps! I still have fond memories of chasing my little brother around and my mother taking pictures to go on the mantelpiece

Sarah Casey, Thurles

It would be driving around the Highlands of Scotland. There are so many different places to visit - e.g. whiskey distilleries, Loch Ness - you can even drive to some of the western isles. The people are so friendly and helpful.

Ann Smith, Lucan

Award winning, Compton Pool Farm, Torquay. We stayed in a family friendly farm cottage, with indoor heated swimming pool, children's play areas and some farm animals Plenty to see and do in South Devon:- castles,petting farms,nature areas

Anna Kaczynski, Stanmore

Ullapool, 6 years old, wall to wall sunshine and we were the only family on Gruinard beach. Mum, dad, 3 kids buckets and spades, gallons of sun cream and gritty sandwiches. Never beaten in over 40 years!

Deborah Prior, Kirkby in Ashfield

Dawlish Warren in England because it represents tranquility, time to breathe, time to play on the beach with the kids and be a family without all the trappings of everyday life. Fantastic.

Dawn Humpage, Rubery

St Magliore B&B, St Aubin Jersey. This was the best family holiday we have had as Jersey is unique. There are so many beaches to visit, all of them are very different. Some are best for surfing, some for rockpooling, some for swimming and snorkeling.

Alison Fielding, West Bridgford

SCARBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE, UK - Beaches to play on, fun for all the family especially the children, donkeys to ride on. Relaxing area with lots to see and do or just sit and watch the world go by - would recommend to anyone - Sunshine helps too.

Jocelyn Hawkins, Towcester

Our best family holidays are in Lossiemouth on the Moray Coast in Scotland. The best beaches in the world, fab waves and such a relaxed atmosphere we all get on without squabbles. Great family fun - board games, and beach fun, even for a teenager!

Alison Cairns, Barrhead

I took my children to the Lake District for the first time. We stayed in a stone cottage at the top of the steepest road I’ve ever driven up. Instead of a back garden a mountain towered over us. We ate sticky buns every day and it didn’t rain once.

Ruth Paley, Newbury

Our best family holiday was at a farm cottage in Wales. There were three generations who simply enjoyed spending time with each other, talking, playing games and big family meals! We all have some fabulous memories to share on our next holiday

Angela Crowe, Millbrook

Our only hoilday was last year we went camping with our two sons who are 5 and 7 we went to Bridlington, the weather was perfect so we spent the whole week on the beach awsome

Grant Boswell, Lincs

It was camping in a tent in Norfolk with my friend and her children, the children played and had fun and we laughed so much over our cooking attempts outside!

Helen Dunford, Crawford

Family holiday for fourteen - we chose Walnut Arbour cottage in Somerset and enjoyed an amazing time. Fabulous dog walks, relax in the hot tub, splash in the pool, chill by the log fire, fun, lazy days. Kids loved it, families never been closer.

Donna McConnell, London

Pendra Loweth Holiday Village Cornwall. Home from home staying in a luxury villa in a wooded valley with resident owls, badgers and red kites. Two minutes from the sea and a sunken shipwreack, only in Cornwall.

Jo Bryan, Bretton

The best holiday I've ever had was in Scotland its one of the most beautiful places to visit and everyone is so friendly it just make you relax and enjoy yourself.

Christine Jarret, Hastings

Best one was in Isle of Wight where we spent a week in a caravan by the beach.

Sunil Fernandes, Reading

It was 'Grandma's Haunted castle' near Killkenny. Grandma was 70 and we traveled over to meet our whole family and rented a castle. We laughed ,joked, played tricks and celebrated all weekend in a beautiful place

Catherine Mullen, Pandy

The 6 of us camped at the Cae-Du Campsite near Tywyn, mid Wales. It was an idyllic location almost on the beach with sea views we even saw dolphins it had a real back to nature feel, open fires were allowed. With modern facilities to boot. Try the home mad

Elliot Newman, Cotton

After not being able to afford a luxury holiday, we decided to hire a caravan in Ayrshire and off we went. We had amazing family fun, riding bikes and watching sunsets. It's not always about the money it's about the company and making the most of what you have

Frances Courtney, Clydebank

Bunn Leisure Holiday Park, Selsey, UK. A fun park that caters for all ages! Both the children made full use of the clubs on offer for their ages, enabling my husband and I to have some quality time together, but still as a family, which is so important

Rebecca Miller, Yarnton

Glor na Farriage on Valentia Island, Co Kerry was our best holiday. Braving the wild winds and the high waves on the ferry crossing, to bouncing on a water trampoliene in the Habour, hanging on for dear life on a fishing trip

Moira Walsh, Naas

My most memerobable Holiday was when we brought the children to Wales & the fun they had on the ferry, the lovely food, the welcoming people & funny accent especially when we ended up in Hospital with 1 child

Shiela Scanlon, Sligo

We went to Paignton. I enjoyed it because it was near the beach and because I could play pool anytime with my sister. I found a sea-urchin shell. Paignton. Zoo was fab (especially the reptile house!)

Aric Thomkinson

John Fowler Holidays Brixham Sandy Bay resort. Last year - fantastic location, near to the beach and low cost accomodation in chalet. Near to Brixham town to spend day catching crabs and going on boat trips.

Connie Wilson, Ferndown

Crieff Hydro is a wonderful place for families to holiday. Set in the beautiful Scottish countryside it boasts an amazing assortment of activities for all ages. Children can attend the creche twice a day, to allow parents to dine, be pampered with beauty

Rosalind Hasmi, Glasgow

My favourite holiday ever was at park resorts heacham beach with my husband & our 4 children as it was our first holiday a year after our daughter came out of intensive care after suffering from a life threatening condition, it was a perfect weekend

Rebecca Guynn, Bedfordshire

Our best family holiday was to a quaint cottage in historic Wareham, Dorset. The children loved running up and down the old town ramparts after tea and the river rides were a treat! The highlight was a train trip to Bournemouth

Alison Webb, Canterbury

Jersey was one of our most enjoyable holidays as a family, the weather was great, and we enjoyed exploring the island as it has so much history.

Sheila Beazley, London

Scotland - not a "resort" in sight just a lovely stone cotttage in the Borders near Langholm. No other houses nearby just open countryside and a river - children and parents all loved it. It was so different

Colin Kirkcaldy, Southampton

Tresco, Isles of Scilly, UK. What a magical, wonderful, PERFECT place ~ Quiet, Beautiful, Turquoise Seas; Silvered Sands like sun glinting on snow; Pink frothy Tamarisks; Blue & White Agapanthus standing sentinel to the heavens; Wonderful Scillonians

Pat Prosser, Nr.Clifton-Upon-Teme

Butlins, Skegness, England. Wow - so much to do for ALL ages no matter what the weather. Nearly everything included in holiday price. Loads of food choices at breakfast and dinner buffets. Superb shows. Chances to try different sports. Staff sooooo friendly

Alison Jewyson, Haxey

Our most enjoyable family holiday was in dingle, co kerry, we stayed in the skellig hotel. the facilities for younge children were second to none and the food they served showed just how much they resepcted there young guests.

Finuala Wood, Co Cork

Noele Mcloughlin, Kinsale

Bryher, Isles of Scilly, UK. Sail southwest, into the shimmering gulfstream, toward Mauritius just off Cornwall. You’re heading to a unique island paradise. Spectacular sights, sounds, and seals. Halcyon days. Memorable sunsets. No cars.

Warran Latham

Tenby in South Wales is perfect for those with youngsters. Four golden beaches, all different, plus others nearby such as Barafundle Bay, Amroth and Saundersfoot means that you are on the beach every day! Then to Fecci's icecream parlour

Louisa Gamble, Dumfries

Our most enjoyable and relaxing holiday was in center parks you cant beat parking the car and riding a bike in the countryside

Corrine Latham, Greenisland

Holmes Farm, Spaxton, Bridgwater, Somerset. The Farmhouse was lovely, chickens came in the doors, we collected eggs from the free roaming chickens. We bottle fed 6 orphaned lambs, 3 times a day, we've never got up so early on holiday

Mo Edkins, Essex

2010, a family wedding, a tranquil Hebridean island. Wedding on the beach, good weather, great company, beautiful surroundings and an epic journey in our 35 year old VW camper van. truly memorable!

David Kirkup, Lincoln

Duchally country estate in Scotland. Totally relaxing, fabulous accomodation & leisure facilities. Quality Family time which was much needed, leant new games with kids & thouroughly enjoyed the week, watching them appreciate what was around them to see.

Tania Ringrose, St Neots

AS A CHILD MY MUM AND DAD AND I WENT TO BALLYBUNION IN COUNTY KERRY IRELAND. IT WAS MY FIRST TIME GETTING TO SEE THE SEASIDE AND MY MOM WENT SWIMMING WHILE MY DAD AND I WALKED BY THE WATER WHILE WATCHING MY MUM SWIM. WE RAN FROM THE TIDE AS IT SWOOSHED BY

Denis MacAuliffe, Co Limerick

Our most enjoyable holiday was the last one we had, we all loved it because we spent the week together in the sun at Kynance Cove, Cornwall... sand, sea, sunshine and a family of happy faces.....beautiful :)

Ruth Bellamy, Derbyshire

The Lakes District, England is the best family holiday. Walking, water sports, beautiful views and friendly people make this a perfect place to visit.

Jessica Magson, Watford

Camping in South Wales lovely beaches and lots of fun for the kids as went with other familes as a friend of a friend organised it so made new friends really relaxing holiday

Maria Scholler, Bridport

Eagle Point Campsite ballylickey Bantry you can go swimming walking sailing and there is an exqusite view in the mornings and in the evenings. It is the best place in the world

Emily Hall, Co. Cork

A family holiday anywhere is a joy. For my mum's 60th, we all hired a house in Ramsgate, Kent. Family breakfasts, walks, playtime and seeing my nephews wake up in the morning and fall asleep at night. Exhausting but what life's all about.

Susan Turnbull, London

Tenby in South Wales is perfect for those with youngsters. Four golden beaches, all different, plus others nearby such as Barafundle Bay, Amroth and Saundersfoot means that you are on the beach every day! Then to Fecci's icecream parlour

Louisa Gamble, Dumfries

Holmes Farm, Spaxton, Bridgwater, Somerset. The Farmhouse was lovely, chickens came in the doors, we collected eggs from the free roaming chickens. We bottle fed 6 orphaned lambs, 3 times a day, we've never got up so early on holiday

Mo Edkins, Essex

2010, a family wedding, a tranquil Hebridean island. Wedding on the beach, good weather, great company, beautiful surroundings and an epic journey in our 35 year old VW camper van. truly memorable!

David Kirkup, Lincoln

Our friends from Oxford came to Lincolnshire with their 2 children. We all went to Butlins in Skegness. It was great for the kids, lots to do like swimming on the site and in the outdoor pool in Skegness. There was lots of entertainment and ammusements.

Donna Fitzgerald, Tattershall

River Valley, St Austell. Our first family camping trip, family run with excellent attention to detail and great facilities. So relaxing and fun - my 2 year old loved the zip wire, particularly in his pyjamas!!

Jane Chandler, Brighton

Freshwater East / Pembrokeshire... We love caravaning in Pembrokeshire, spending the whole day on the beach with wetsuits, boards and suntent (doubles as rain tent) exploring the dunes and rocks.. end with a sundowner barbeque and hot chocolate, and wine

Catherine Hipwood

Duchally country estate in Scotland. Totally relaxing, fabulous accomodation & leisure facilities. Quality Family time which was much needed, leant new games with kids & thouroughly enjoyed the week, watching them appreciate what was around them to see.

Tania Ringrose, St Neots

AS A CHILD MY MUM AND DAD AND I WENT TO BALLYBUNION IN COUNTY KERRY, IRELAND. IT WAS MY FIRST TIME GETTING TO SEE THE SEASIDE AND MY MOM WENT SWIMMING WHILE MY DAD AND I WALKED BY THE WATER WHILE WATCHING MY MUM SWIM..WE RAN FROM THE TIDE AS IT SWOOSHED BY

Dennis McAuliffe, Templeglantine

My most enjoyable holiday with my family was a week in Barleycove in West Cork. It has the most golden sandy beaches, lovely sea food and lots of fresh air. the kids just loved the long walks. What more could you want.

Amy Coakly, Kilworth

Parsons Farm, Co. Tipperary. Our first family holiday consisted of a Tent, four sleeping bags and food. We cooked on a barbecue and ate under the skies. Kids played with other kids while the grown ups sat back and watched the world go by.

Karol Cronin-Chucks, Carrigrohane

Eagle Point Campsite Ballylickey Bantry you can go swimming walking sailing and there is an exqusite view in the mornings and in the evenings. It is the best place in the world.

Emily Hall, Whites Cross

Our most enjoyable holiday was the last one we had, we all loved it because we spent the week together in the sun at Kynance Cove, Cornwall... sand, sea, sunshine and a family of happy faces.....beautiful :)

Ruth Bellamy, Belper

The Lakes District, England is the best family holiday. Walking, water sports, beautiful views and friendly people make this a perfect place to visit.

Jessica Magson, Watford