Best Family Holiday United Kingdom & Ireland

My family of six boarded the Blasket Island Ferry boat. We had provisions, sleeping bags and tents. The day trippers left and only we remained. Without watches, mobile phones or mainland link, we slept when darkness came and seals cried. We rose with the sun to shower in the Atlantic! – Michael Carrig, Co Kerry

Scotland, surrounded by lochs and mountains in the Highlands - breathtaking! - Jane Queen, Driffield

My best family holiday was at Looe in Devon about three years ago. It was a lovely cottage within a small group, surrounded by private gardens, the sun shone for the whole week and it felt safe for the boys to explore together. It was the first time my two sons who were 8 and 6 played together as brothers, doing everything together from learning to swim, football, table tennis even fishing it was such a joy to see them as a family should be, it will stay with me forever as one of the happiest family holidays  – Tracy Walker, Birmingham

Scotland great weather first real holiday with my wife – Ralph Barber, Islington

Bude, Cornwall last summer (2006). Cheap all day parking near the beach and town. Son and hubby equipped for boogie boarding. Daughter ready for sand castling and digging to Australia. Me with sunglasses and book. All back to the caravan for lovely warm shower and tea – Helen Tunnicliffe, Burton on Trent (this is the winning entry in our Best Holiday Review Competitions)

Easter 2007: Alton Towers. Loved it so much we went back again and have told everyone about the thrills we had. Stayed in Ashbourne. Beautiful Village & Countryside – Nicola Kearns, Dublin

Probably the Summer of 1976 on the Isle of Wight because we had 2 glorious weeks building sandcastles, building dams, digging out boats and playing sports on the beach with my Mum, Dad and Brother (I was 11 and my brother was 9) - it has always stuck in my mind as being our best family holiday! Sadly my Dad has now passed away but my Mum and Brother and I often like to remember the great time we all had! – Carol Scane, Stamford

Our best holiday was in Cornwall, a little place called Gorran Haven, last June. It's got a fantastic little sandy beach, wherever you sit, you can safely see your children. Lots to do and see and loads of adventure parks/farms to keep the kids entertained and The Eden Project was just a few miles away and fantastic. Loved it so much we're going again this year (for two weeks though!) – Lynda Harris, Manchester

My favourite family holiday by Kayla age 8. The first holiday I remember was after I got my tonsils out and Daddy took us all to County Cork to a lovely little house with stone walls and a big field with nosey cows in the next field that would look at us in the window when we were having breakfast. We would walk down to the beach and try to bury Daddy in the sand if he fell asleep. Mammy let us fill squirt guns from the outside tap and we played spy kids for hours. At night we would play camping in the room and put our mattresses on the floor and my brother would make us laugh making funny noises. That was my favourite holiday....from Kayla - Caroline Walsh, Galway

50 OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WENT ON HOLIDAY TO TORQUAY IN DEVON. WE BOOKED STATIC CARVAN HOMES TO STAY IN. IMAGINE 50 FAMILY MEMBERS HOLIDAYING TOGETHER. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. ALL THE CHILDREN PLAYED TOGETHER AND TOOK PART IN ALL THE ACTIVITIES ON THE SITE I.E SWIMMING, CRAZY GOLF, TREASURE HUNTS. THE ADULTS WOULD ALL COOK AND PICNIC TOGETHER. WE HAD BARBECUES, BOAT RIDES AND LONG WALKS THROUGH NATIONAL PARKS. IT BROUGHT ALL FAMILY MEMBERS SO CLOSE TOGETHER AND WE REALLY APPRECIATED THAT WE HAD A FAMILY THAT GOT ALONG WITH EACH OTHER AND ENJOYED EACH OTHERS COMPANY. AT THE END OF THE 2 WEEKS NONE OF US WANTED TO GO HOME AND WISHED WE WERE ALL LIVING CLOSE BY EACH OTHER SO THAT WE COULD SEE EACH OTHER MORE OFTEN. SOME OF THE CHILDREN IN OUR FAMILIES HAD NEVER SPENT TIME WITH EACH OTHER BEACUSE WE LIVE SO FAR AWAY. SO IT WAS NICE TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER AND LEAVE THE SITE WITH MEMORIES AND STORIES THAT I WILL TELL AND REMEMBER FOR A LIFE TIME - Hawa Bham, Preston

A week long camping trip at Feather Down Farm in Lascaster. Back to nature, no electricity, collect your own eggs for breakfast, feed the animals etc – Andrea Cook, Preston

Cornwall, September 2005. We had our baby daughter with us, 2 weeks old in our Motorhome. Everywhere we went she was admired and we felt so proud showing her off to the world as new parents. Everything was just so special – Mark Madeley, Halifax

Haven Caravan Park daughter was 3 years old and fell in love with Rory tiger well he is real you know – Carol Wait – Minworth

Canal boat, Easter, aged 10, Midlands, freezing cold, one week, excellent fun!! – Andy Vardon, Dunstable

In November 2006 we went to Centre Parcs where we have been going for the past 6 years. I hadn't been feeling well and was awaiting tests and this holiday really made me feel alive and forget all my worries. We seemed to always be on the go but in a good way and always seem to be doing something new, as a family that you wouldn't ordinarily do at home. – Mr A Goodwin, North Shields

Cornwall, 1970's, lovely weather. Stayed on a farm in a little cottage. Good food and fresh milk every morning – Clare McKenzie, Okehampton

Seashore Holiday village at Great Yarmouth because there is always something to do every day and it is right next to the beach and within easy reach of the town centre – Jennifer Pann, Lowestoft

My favourite holiday was when we went to Butlins in Bognor Regis. We enjoyed every moment. We could always find something for our young daughter to occupy herself with, the accommodation was near the entertainment, the camp is next to a wonderful beach & town, staff are the friendliest, entertainment is constant, food is the best (we are vegetarian & always found something delightful to eat). Although we have be on a number of holidays since, this held the bestest of memories. we took my mother with us for the break - she has sadly since passed away, but the memories stay with us, how happy she was to spend quality time with her grandchild, who was just 3 at the time. What fun we all shared & a lump is brought to my throat on visits since – Mr K Jones, Penarth

Southern Ireland in 2006 was our favourite family holiday. The views where amazing and the family got to spend a lot of quality time together doing various activities! – Lisa Holt, Leeds

Rhyl in 2003 it was my son's first holiday, and he had never experienced the sea and beach before. – John Tranter, Farndale Estate

The Norfolk Broads one Christmas. The boat was comfortable and warm. We had blue skies and sunshine plus sharp frosts at night so everywhere looked like a Christmas card. We saw swans, ducks, robins, kingfishers..... all sorts. The pubs along the Broads were family friendly, and everyone was happy - Gill Abrahams, Kings Lynn

Cottage, deep in the middle of the Forest of Dean. Last year. All family there, cold outside, open fires, lovely cottage, all different ages, chance to catch up with all family– Ross Pattison, Wantage

We set off to Somerset this Whitsun, staying at a little bed and breakfast. Our daughter had been promised chicken feeding and egg collecting by our hosts and was not disappointed! We visited Cheddar, tasted cheese and visited the caves. Something for all, lovely area and lots of sights to see - go discover your own special bit of Somerset! – Julie Cook, Lichfield

Cornwall, staying in b&b at a working farm: fresh dairy at breakfast and farmyard smells mixing with sea breeze...very healthy! – Catherine Gordon, Winchester

The best family holiday was to Scotland! I know it's not too far away but we were right next to the beach in a lovely log cabin and the weather was better than the Mediterranean! All of the family was together, we all got on so well with no fights or arguments and it was such a relaxing and what seemed like a luxurious holiday for a lot less that the cost of the Maldives! – Alexandra Cottram, Wigan

It must be when we had our first family holiday in Norfolk, we were staying in a caravan park but the holiday was simple and relaxing. We went for my son's 1st Birthday it was the only holiday with my Dad (Grandad) and son which keeps it etched in my memory. Folk great, there was lots to do and the weather was great - seem to remember it was hotter in Norfolk than the Caribbean. – Marie Clarke

Cornwall, last year (2006) - the sea and countryside - brilliant combination - Jennifer Rolfe, Kent

Our best family holiday was a few days, eighteen years ago, on a narrow boat. We glided around sunny Derbyshire, the birds sang, bees hummed as we picnicked. Our dog's tail continually wagged at the friendly boat people. We all learnt a lot about boats and nature– Jo Jones, Burton on Trent

The best family holiday I ever had was at Centre Parcs in Penrith last year (2005). Our daughter was 2 years and 7 months old and this was the first holiday where she was totally aware of her surroundings. We went away with two other couples and their daughters - the three girls being only a month apart. When we were in the cabin they all played together really well. We all ate breakfasts together, hired bikes and took the girls in the 'chariots' at the back. We took part in children's activities, the girls all abandoned their water-wings in the pool for the first time and all had their first baby dance class. At night the mums would babysit while the dads went to the pub (they even caught the football matches!) and the next night the dads would babysit so the mums could have a night out. It was the most fun, relaxing and adventurous holiday all rolled into one and I didn't want to come home – Joanna Smith, Wirral

Dulverton, in Somerset, in 2004,because it's a little village that made us feel welcome, had great views across the river and into the woods and was near other attractions like Minehead for the kids and the Exmoor National Park – Mark Pockett, Cheltenham

In the Lake District, in the 1970's when my children were young and we had no money, and we were given funds to go on holiday - Mrs Ann Wotton-McTurk, Warwick

Norfolk Broads, 1990 I was with my Nan and dad and had such a laugh as a family. That’s what holidays are all about - Rebecca Jamison, Sutton Coldfield

We have travelled the world as a family but our favourite holiday was in the Gower, Wales in my friends caravan three years ago - beauty at its best– Claire Reynolds, Petersfield

Our best family holiday was in Colwyn Bay in North Wales. Beautiful beaches, fairground, family restaurants, Welsh Mountain Zoo, countryside walks good hotels, camping or caravan sites - lovely friendly people. Something for every family budget and loads to do whether sunny or wet! – S Edwards, Oxon

Clonakilty for 2 days two years ago 1st family holiday, relaxed - Analee White, Dunvargan

John Fowler Perranporth last few years. Why because they have a fab Foxy Club for the children, older children are catered for with a games room. The staff make you feel you are special and nothing is too much trouble. The grounds are well managed with pool, tennis and crazy golf. The villas are spacious as clean as you would expect and all in all a relaxing break for us all - Jo Bryan, Peterborough

Cruise on Llanogollen Canal about the year 2000 - Andrew Todd, Belfast

Camping in Tywyn. We visited for the weekend to watch Race the Train. Great weather and spectacular scenery - Janice Coulson, Desford

In september 2006 we went to a place called Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in North Devon for 1 week! We have been there before and it was brill as always! There were great facilities including, swimming pools and arcades! And much much more! We stayed in a caravan which was very clean and welcoming, which is just what you need after a 4 hour journey in the car there! There was great entertainment at night time with Betty Beachball and Billy Beachball! Also the kid's clubs there were fun and there were all sorts of activities there! My favourite activity was doing the talent show which me and my brother entered you had to practice it at the billy beachball club then you would do the finals at the night entertainment in front of mums and dads! Outside the holiday park was also great things like the souvenir shop and the gorgeous beaches which was best as the holiday park actually provide FREE double decker buses specifically for the holiday makers which take you down to the beach! That was definitely the best family holiday I have been on so far and I would be more than happy to do it again although it would be good to try something different! - NAOMI HARVEY, Benson

We don't really get a chance to go on holiday so when we had the chance to go to Matlock for 5 days it was heaven we stayed in a lovely cottage and went up the Heights of Abraham and in the caves, took walks in the countryside and viewed beautiful buildings, it was exciting and relaxing and a wonderful chance for our family unit to bond and have fun without outside distractions it was the best time ever for my husband, son and I - Michelle Linacre, Worksop

Hendra Holiday Park 2006 – Cornwall. What a fantastic place! Camped right in the centre of the park, on our own pre-booked private pitch. All facilities on the doorstep ie: supermarket, restaurant, outdoor/indoor pools with slides and a splash zone, pizzeria with live music, fish & chip bar, kids amusements in bar and beside pool area, trampolines and three excellent adventure playgrounds which our kids were never away from.   Another great thing is that everything is all enclosed on the campsite. The shower/toilet facilities were immaculate and cleaned every two hours. Dish-washing facilities with separate areas for male & female users if required.  Also a fantastic club with first class entertainment every night. Huge Morrison’s a stones throw from camp and local pubs a mile either way which do fantastic pub grub. 200 yards away is a large car boot/market every Thursday. There is a bus stop right outside the campsite which takes you into Newquay.   To round it all off, the local beaches are breathtaking (a must visit is Lusty Glaze beach which is totally enclosed, with a gorgeous restaurant right on the beach!) I would totally recommend Hendra to any budding campers for a fantastic holiday which definitely caters for families; it was well worth the 9 hr drive from Liverpool! - Fran Burke, Liverpool

My husband bought me a tent, spur of the moment, at the Bedford Auctions a couple of years ago. A few weeks later, after borrowing a few bits from family and friends, the children and I snuck off mid Friday afternoon and took our new toy to a quiet, windy -cliff top - field on the north Norfolk coast. Happisburgh, as recommended by a friend. We put it up, it was quite windy but we managed very well. We got the bedding in and had a little explore of the beach and surrounding lanes. Later with the whistling kettle boiling we saw Daddy arriving at the campsite in his car. It was just fabulous. We spent the weekend exploring the nearby villages, crabbing (not to be missed), and walking along beaches till Daddy had to go home Sunday night so he could go to work. The children and I spent Monday swimming in the sea, picnicking and having fun. Nanna arrived and was our guest for a night followed by a day out with her, then a couple more days just having fun in the fresh air. We reluctantly packed away on the Thursday morning and slowly made our way back to Bedfordshire. We had smiles on our faces for the whole time! We have been away every opportunity since. We are prepared for all reasonable weather be it hot and sunny or good old English liquid sunshine, we do not melt, we just put on our wellies and have fun! So roll on summer here we come!!!!! - Sal Tugulu, Bedford

Written by Ruby Walker, aged 10 ... my best summer holiday was when I was about 6, I can't remember how old exactly but I was really little anyhow. We went to Cornwall with all my family. We stayed in a caravan next to the beach. It was really sunny and my mum laughed a lot with my aunty. We had so much fun and everyone was really happy - Jo Rawlins, Lyme Regis

Blakeney, North Norfolk coast - many times over the years. It is our little piece of Heaven, big skies, wonderful scenery, fabulous seafood. My partner always holidayed there as a child and we started to go there ourselves over 20 years ago and now we take our 3 children too. The children play in the tidal creek on their dinghy and go canoeing. We make boats out of the sand when the tide recedes. We visit the amazing seal colony at the end of Blakeney Point and we go for some wonderful walks. Most of all it is a really special place as we holidayed there with both our Mums when they were alive and we have very special memories of the times we all spent their together. Off again soon and can't wait -  Sally Rudman, Oxford

Our best family holiday was at Center Parcs Longleat during February half term 2007. We all cycled everywhere in complete safety, played tennis, mini golf, ten pin bowling and swam in the amazing pool complex. The children did archery and football. It was totally relaxing and we forgot all about the real world for 5 days - one of the best bits for my daughter was seeing baby rabbits and feeding the ducks on our patio every morning !  - Maxine Laugher, Worcester

We have for the past 20 years gone to St Ives, great beaches, blue sea, great fresh sea food, never any trouble, and for england, have always had great weather - Joseph Davies, Runcorn

Center Parcs At Longleat is great and offered so much when the children were little. We had a babysitter for a night out and used bowling. The best bit for all is the water dome and the memories of sitting in a hot pool with it raining is enduring. Also its free once your there. Food can be purchased from the shop on site but is better value if you bring it with you and you can ensure you have what everyone likes. Also the biking round the park is great especially with a trailer for those not yet able to cycle. We have had several good holidays there having gone back with both friends and family and had next door villas. Its great that you are close at hand but have your own space - Susan Johnson, Aldershot

I come from a very large family (9 kids) and it is rare that we can ever get together as we are spread far and wide (many in US). Our best family holiday for ALL of us, including all our kids was summer 2005 in Ireland when my oldest brother was marrying a lovely Irish girl. It was fantastic to spend quality family time together in local cottages enjoying fishing, water fun, long walks, blackberry picking, barbeques and general fun kid things (for both big and little kids)! It made us all able to recapture some of our childhood again. My children frequently recall playing with their cousins, aunts, uncles and gran and wish they could all do it again!  - Margaret Craig, Oxford

We went camping in Swanage , August 2006. We took our dog for her first holiday along with the children. We had a fantastic time spent mainly on the beach in Studland. The kids and the dog spent most of their time in the sea!! A very relaxing holiday for all - Peter Reed, Andover

In 2005 my family, husband, sons Daniel who was 10 and Joe who was 7 went to Butlins at Skegness. We had been going there for many years, always out and about enjoying the activities. This year however was when the weather was about as bad as it could be and eventually we ran out of shoe to go out.... apparently we had the tail end of a hurricane on us! This made us pull together as a family - not disappear to rooms - like when at home but we spent the best time playing real family games and really appreciating all the qualities that we could just being together. By the end of the holiday we had all learned to simply enjoy each other - what more can a holiday do for you? - Wendy Clarke, Spalding

The greatest holiday I ever had also happened to be my only childhood holiday, as money always seemed an obstacle. My parents,myself and 4 brothers went on a Norfolk Broads cruising break. The weather was mixed, the other boaters were so friendly and the scenery will stay with me for the rest of my life. Though I still can't remember which is a coot and which is a moorhen? The year 1975, and I can still smell the diesel, calor gas and fresh Norfolk air - Kevin Samuelson, Cheltenham

Our best holiday ever was in Lyme Regis in Dorset last Easter. Every morning we were so excited by all the things to do especially feeding the ducklings. We loved going on the trampoline and our Daddy learned to row a boat - with us in it. We can't wait to go back - Veronica Edmunds, Chipping Norton

Our best family holiday was camping at Ocknell in the New Forest during Easter this year. The sun shone as if we were in the South of France (in April!) and we spent a carefree few days, walking and enjoying everything that nature gives us to enjoy free of charge! Forests, fields, the sea! Horses trying to join us by our tent for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and trying to get into our tents during the night was the children's hightlight....a memory that will remain with me forever -. Lara Crawford-Thomas, Whyteleaf

To Skye in 1993. wonderful all the way - GEORGE BROWN, Whitley Bay

Pease Bay caravan park - 2005 - a place you can chill out and kids love it - Duncan Harvie, Livingston

Nothing beats a barge holiday on the Avon Ring in summer from Alvechurch. With two boys aged 8 and 10 it was a true family experience with locks to do, boats to avoid, birds to spot, paths to cycle and pubs to laugh in - Barbara Jane, Redmarley

In 2001 we took a family narrowboat holiday in the Midlands. The boat was comfortable and spacious. My favourite memory is walking along the riverbank by the boat, talking and laughing. Our normal pressures felt very far away. It was a lovely, lazy, relaxing holiday that I will never forget - Kate Mellor, Poole

South West Wales. June (the longest day). It rained, was chilly at times, but the most peaceful, relaxing, soothing holiday we have ever had and we were only in a tepee! What a delight it was when the sun broke through, our spirits lifted and we danced in the waves on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast until the sun finally slipped away.. Britain at its best - Nicky Hine, Lincoln

Our "children" are 30 and 32. Our daughter lives in Sydney, our son is married to an Australian girl and they are going to emigrate in February. Our daughter returned to England for a month this May which made our family holiday extra special. We went on a canal boat with Anglo Welsh Waterways from Bunbury to Llangollen, over the stunning Pontcysllte aqueduct and back to Bunbury. Despite the rain, we had enormous fun, including Humphrey our son's Labradoodle. The food at the pubs on the canal e.g. The Dusty Miller at Wrenbury , The Swan at Marbury, etc. was excellent. The accommodation on the boat provided privacy and was comfortable and warm - yes there was central heating. Above all travelling through locks make you work as a cohesive unit. It was brilliant - Julie Leigh, Witney

Isle of Wight in a caravan; just the best all round family holiday; whatever the weather! - Manda Shortman, Shefford

Our best family holiday was the first one we had taken ever as we hadn't been brave enough to go before due to having a nine year old boy with adhd and aspergers. We bit the bullet and went for five days to.......the Isle of Wight....on a ferry! It was great....no great dramas.....no real problems....bliss to be away - Elaine Fawcett, Torquay

I went to Centre Parcs with my family and had the most amazing time ever. Although having been there before we got a lovely house and an hot tub that we could go in. We went on the 28th of May which was a perfect time as the days were sunny and the best time was when you woke up in the morning and the sun was rising and the twitters coming from the birds was to be heard. We went there because it is such a fantastic place to go to if you have a grateful family and if you enjoy the swimming pool in the Plaza! - Molly Good, Bournemouth

Sheringham. Stayed at the Youth Hostel with plenty of space and huge English breakfasts included. Lovely sandy beach with lifeguard. Boat trip to seals off Blakeney Point - the laziest creatures apart from cats apparently. Great shops for children , surfing etc. - favourite was the old-fashioned sweet shop. Fantastic few days - Patricia Doell, Colchester

Our favourite family holiday was last year when we went to Snettisham in Norfolk last year. We played cricket and made sandcastles on the beach, went cycling along the peaceful country lanes and ate fish and chips as the sun went down. Perfect! - Tim Wilson, Huntingdon

Our best family holiday was 1996 with Black Prince. We spent 2 weeks in a narrowboat and it was heaven! To wake up every morning to the most amazing wildlife. Darting Kingfishers, majestic Herons, graceful Swans,and a myriad of incredible insects.Our boys 6 & 8 absolutely loved it!  - Cathy Goudie, Lerwick

Was a few years ago with my two children, my parents,my dog and my 88 year old grandfather, all on a narrowboat!! Not having boated before, the togetherness we felt in the success of negotiating the canals, tunnels and locks brought about a camaraderie across the generations as poignantly it was Grandfathers last holiday with us - Richard Wain, Leek

My best holiday was when Ii went to Torquay in Devon last year as it was great fun. It was the last holiday that Mummy, Daddy, Nannie and me went on because my Nannie died this year so I will remember that holiday forever especially when we went on the water ride and Nannie got really wet, that made us all laugh so much, a lot of happy memories how could I ever forget - Reece Taylor, Holbeath

Our best holidays are those at our caravan in Bacton, Norfolk. We take our bikes, go crabbing in Cromer or mess around on the beach, we've even seen seals in the sea, it's our piece of paradise, great family fun. Oliver age 10 - Debbie Bakewell, Whetstone

Tobermory (Balamory to lots of children out there!) Summer 2004 with our two children, aged 5 and 6 how magical for them to visit the 'set' of their favourite TV programme! Fantastic beaches, spectacular views, magnificent castles words cannot describe its beauty just a short ferry ride from Oban - Sarah Munro, Basildon