Archive for the ‘Latest News’ Category

• Vendee, the perfect family destination.. says the Sunday Mirror

  Date: 2010.08.25 | Category: Latest News, Places to go | Response: 0

  France is a big and beautiful country, offering great holidays of all types.  But we must agree with the Sunday Mirror in saying that the Vendee is the perfect destination for a family holiday.

  Atlantic coast, sandy beaches, good weather, stunning scenery, great holidays parks, and all a relatively short drive from the ferry… it really does have it all.  Don’t believe us, check out what the Sunday Mirror said.

  So what do you think, is the Vendee the best or where do you think is better?

  If you are looking for a holiday in the Vendee region of France then take a look at some of the great places to stay….

  • Holiday parks in the Vendee – chalet, mobile home, caravan and tent accommodation
  • Self catering in the Vendee – villa and apartment accommodation

• Compton Acres, Bournemouth, Dorset, South West England

  Date: 2010.08.23 | Category: Been there, Latest News, Places to go, Review 4 star | Response: 0

  As a family that has spent so much time holidaying in the Bournemouth area of Dorset it is amazing that it has taken us so long to do one of its largest attractions. Our hesitancy has always been along the familiar lines of… “it will be a nice garden but will we enjoy it while tugging the kids along behind us!”

  This August we finally bit the bullet, bought the £17 family ticket and headed in.

  Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England with a unique series of stunning gardens and a spectacular view of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Iasland and the Purbeck Hills beyond.

  Once inside you follow a circular path route that takes you through the various gardens, from the splendid formal Italian  Gardens, through the sub Tropical link to the wooded pine valley, rock and water gardens and much more.  As you would imagine the gardens are all pretty, well maintained and very peaceful.

  Our favourite was the Japanses garden, which is recognised as one of the best in Britain, with its Tea House draped in Japanese wisteria and the thatched summer house.

  As for the children, well their highlights were the activity area which allowed them to climb and run around a bit – without disturbing other visitors – and the Bog Garden which was a great place to spot wildlife including butterflies, toads and many many dragonflies.  Compton Acres during the summer holidays had also put on a clue trail for the children to follow, which kept them occupied, if only for the promised sweet reward at the end.

  Compton Acres is pathed all the way around and so is accessible for pushchairs and the disabled.

  Most surprising moment was the fantastic view across the harbour from the cafe – up to that point you feel in an enclosed garden and then you suddenly look up and see across the Harbour to Brownsea Island and beyond.  The cafe had a good selection of sandwiches and cakes to accompany tea, but we just sat and appreciated the view.

  We visited Compton Acres in the summer holidays but it is open all year round with colour and scent throughout and regular events held so check the website for more information.

  There is also a Model Railway Exhibition that includes 1000 foot of scenic track attached to Compton Acres, although this does require extra admission (£1.50 for adults, £1 for children).

  Location and accommodation

  Compton Acres is close to Sandbanks, set between Bournemouth and Poole in Dorset.

  • B&B and Guest House accommodation close by
  • Self catering and cottage accommodation close by
  • Holiday parks close by
  • Holiday lodges close by

  Summary

  • Family fun: 4 stars
  • Lenth of visit: Allow 2 hours

  Find out more

  Visit the Compton Acres website to find out more.

• Top 10 Family Holiday Parks in Europe

  Date: 2010.08.23 | Category: Features, Holiday Parks, Latest News | Response: 0

  If you are looking for some inspiration for your family holiday then check out this list of favourite family holiday parks. Click on the images to see more about the park and check availability.

  

  Clarys-Plage

  Vendée, France VN011

  •Kids’ clubs galore to enjoy
  •Super pool complex
  •Close to lovely beach
  •Also available with Keycamp and
  Thomson AlFresco

  Château Des Ormes

  Brittany, France BN013

  •Suberb parc & facilities galore
  •Amazing pool complex
  including wave machine
  •For families of all ages
  • Also available with Keycamp and Thomson AlFresco

  La Grande Métairie

  Brittany, France BS019

  •In a lovely rural setting with
  something for everyone
  •Kids’ clubs galore to enjoy
  •Tonnes of local activities including jetski & horse riding

  Bonne Anse

  Royan, France GR011

  •Excellent pool complex
  •Lovely beach close by
  •Pine forest setting – ideal for walking & cycling

  Marina Di Venezia

  Adriatic Coast, Italy IA022

  •Direct beach access
  •One of Italy’s best parcs
  with so much to do
  •Take a ferry trip to Venice

  La Baume

  Riviera, France RV014

  •Kids’ clubs galore to enjoy
  •Magnificent pool complex with
  waterslides a plenty
  •Tonnes to do including archery, bicycle hire and tennis

  St. Avit Loisirs

  Dordogne, France DR019

  •Action Station to enjoy
  •Super pool complex
  including lazy river
  •Kids’ clubs galore

  Le Vieux Port

  Gascony, France GA013

  •Direct beach access
  •Amazing pool complex
  •Ideal for active water lovers

  Duinrell

  Holland HL012

  •Theme park and Tiki
  Water Park on site
  •Ideal for families of all ages
  •Visit nearby Amsterdam

  Bella Italia

  Lake Garda, Italy IL019

  •Lovely lakeside setting on
  Lake Garda
  •Kids’ clubs galore to enjoy
  •Visit Peschiera, Verona & Milan

  This family holiday park top ten was compiled by our travel partners, Eurocamp. Do you agree with the selections, are your favourites missing?  Why not tell us and we can add them to the list.

• Final word on “cheap flights”

  Date: 2010.08.22 | Category: Latest News | Response: 0

  If you have ever taken up a ‘cheap flight’ offer from an airline then this may sum up your feelings of the experience quite well.  If not, be advised, too much of this is scarily true… you have been warned!

  Click here for comedy clip from You Tube, viewer discretion advised.

• Last minute offers from Keycamp

  Date: 2010.08.18 | Category: Holiday Parks, Latest News, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

  There is still time to get some sun and fun this summer, at a great last minute price on all parks in Europe.

  7 night holidays from just £199 per party!
  
  Keycamp holidays are disappearing fast but there are still some great deals including 7 nights from just £199 per party. Book now before they’re all gone’.

  Find out more>

  Sometimes you feel that you just need to get away… and with 7 night Supertent holidays starting at £199 per family and 7 night mobile home prices from just £289 per family, you can really let yourself go with Keycamp

  But with availability going by the day, hurry and book now to avoid disappointment.

  Find out more>

• Dorset cottages – August Bank Holiday Savings

  Date: 2010.08.06 | Category: Latest News, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

  If you are looking for a short break or longer holiday to enjoy this August Bank Holiday with family, friends or just for two - you can find a stunning holiday property in a beautiful location on the Devon coast and countryside.

  If the thought of relaxing on a balcony with spectacular views over a glass of something chilled, dining al fresco on local seafood, exploring the coastal paths, enjoying long beach days or indulging in a cream tea in a stylish holiday property in a wonderful location, appeals to you – then why not book your August Bank Holiday at one of our great holiday properties.  3  special offers from Coast and Country are below, but check out more cottages in Dorset here>

  Onedin House, Dartmouth (sleeps 6)
  £150 off the week commencing 28th August, now only £865.

  • Late 19th Century house on three levels offering a high standard of accommodation for two families or up to three couples
  • A short 5 minute walk into town
  • Excellent views across to Kingswear and out to sea from the garden

  See Coast and Country Special Offers>

  14 Dart Marina, Dartmouth (sleeps 4)
  £200 off the week commencing 27^th August, now from £1500

  • A luxury first floor waterfront apartment; enjoy stunning views of the River Dart whilst you cook, or from the comfortable window seat in the chic lounge.
  • Located in picturesque Dartmouth, with its pretty, narrow streets offering art galleries, tea rooms and individual shops, just a short walk along the embankment. The town is gaining a reputation for its great choice of places to eat, with well known chefs in several restaurants. Just outside the town is an excellent golf course and the stunning unspoilt beaches and coastal paths of Start Bay are just a 10 minute drive away
  • Free use of the luxury Dart Marina Health Spa is included, and with the elegant restaurants and first class yacht harbour close by, you can enjoy the boutique hotel experience with the flexibility and freedom of a large, stylish holiday apartment.

  See Coast and Country Special Offers>

  Windchimes, Salcombe (sleeps 8)
  £300 off the week commencing 27^th August, now £1515.

  • A substantial luxury marine residence on four levels
  • The property offers superb family accommodation
  • Windchimes has excellent views over Batson Creek, and the main estuary beyond

  See Coast and Country Special Offers>

• Park Holidays UK – 30% off during August 2010

  Date: 2010.07.31 | Category: Holiday Parks, Latest News, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

  August is upon us – the pinnacle of the Summer months! Traditionally the hottest, often the most hectic (thanks to the School Holidays) and clearly the most fun the August period is the perfect time for a family getaway or break. And if you are still planning your summer holiday or want a last minute break there are still some great deals out there.

  One of the best is Park Holidays UK’s offer of 30% off for August breaks.  With great holiday parks across the south west and south east England you will be well placed to make the most of the good weather.  To find out more about this offer click here>

  If you are looking for a wider choice of British holiday parks then check out our extensive holiday park listings listings for England, Scotland and Wales.

• Butlins Street Dance Festival 2010

  Date: 2010.07.21 | Category: Latest News | Response: 0

  This November, Butlins are launching their Street Dance Festival 2010 live at Butlins Minehead, Somerset!

  The Resort will be transformed into a festival featuring big name acts, urban themed shows and activities for all ages. Diversity will kick start their UK tour with a spectacular 2 hour show in Butlins 5,000 seat arena that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seats.

  Over the weekend, guests will also have the chance to see some show-stopping performances from Twist and Pulse, Peridot, George Sampson and finalists from the 2010 Street Dance XXL Championships.

  This exhilarating festival will allow children of all ages to experience the style and culture of Street Dance. Butlins Urban Academy classes or Streetball Extreme Classes give children the opportunity to pick up some moves and learn the skills – it can’t get better than that.

  Find out more >

  Street Dance Festival
  Resort: Minehead
  Date: Friday 19th Nov 2010 to Monday 22nd Nov 2010
  Find out more >

• Cheap theme park tickets

  Date: 2010.07.21 | Category: Latest News | Response: 0

  Whether your holiday in in the UK or Europe there are many great theme parks to visit for thrills and fun. From the high speed fun of Alton Towers and Chessington in England to the magic of Disneyland Paris and Parc Asterix in France, there is something for everyone.  There are also great theme parks in Germany, Spain  and many more European countries.  To find out more about them and where you can get cheap tickets click here >

• Find Family Holidays blog live

  Date: 2010.07.09 | Category: Latest News | Response: 0

  Welcome to the start of the Find-Family-Holidays blog.

  The Find-Family-Holidays website already includes thousands of great places to stay in the UK and Europe with accommodation ranging from cottages and chalets to mobile homes and tents.  This blog will, of course, keep you informed about all the best places to stay but in addition it will provide much more information and support to help you have the best family holidays possible.

  Whether its where to get the best deals on theme park tickets, special offers on accommodation or tips on how to make the most of your family holiday together, you will find it all here.

  Feel free to add your comments and thoughts – we look forward tohearing from you.

  Happy holidays!