Where to take the Grandkids?

[ColinM50]

Son informed us last night that he and partner are getting married end of August and of course we're overjoyed and delighted etc etc. He then said we could have the kiddies for a week before they start back at school while son and d.i.l go on honeymoon. They've got a 5 year old boy who's a footbal fanatic and very good, and a 3 year old girl. We love them dearly and get on really well with them both.

So where to take them?

We're not "allowed" to take 'em to Disney Paris or Florida 'cos they want to take them there which is fair enough, so where do we take them? We're not looking for necessarily a cheapo holiday, money's not overly a problem, but I wouldn't want to go much over say £2k max, but the less the better of course.

So what do we think of Butlins? And which one?

Or any other suggestions please? UK or near abroad.

[selwonk]

How about Lego Land Windsor? We did a deal and stayed at the Hilton with tickets for two days:

http://www.play-and-stay.co.uk/

Little 'un loved it!

[whirligig]

I know that Center Parcs gets much maligned but our kids love it. There's plenty of activities to try out and the indoor swimming pool is excellent. Quite pricey, but I'm sure the grandkiddies would enjoy it. Ours love being in the cabin in the woods and cycling around (take your own bikes or hire them).
Plenty to do, very safe (no cars on site) and a choice of locations.

[Pabl0]

When at the end of August? I have a booking from the 27th but still free from the 20th. Please check my website/advert on here. The park is generally quiet and is a nice place for children their ages. Lots to do around the area e.g. New Forest, beaches (Bournemouth, Swanage, Poole Weymouth etc.).

[ColinM50]

Pabio, no the wedding's last saturday, would that be 27th? We're looking sort of from Monday say four or five days.

Re centre Parcs, at 5 and 3 are they too young? They do love swimming

Legoland sounds good for a day, but where else? We're near Cambridge so anywhere south ish is OK, rather not belt up to Scotland for a week. but anywhere 3 or 4 hours I suppose.

[Pabl0]

Yes the 27th is the last Saturday in August and on the Bank Holiday weekend.

[miniman]

ColinM50 said:

Re centre Parcs, at 5 and 3 are they too young? They do love swimming.

God no. Our daughter was on the proper slides (although not the big outdoor rapids) from age <2. Longleat is supposed to be the best one as things are fairly spread out and thus feel less crowded.

[AshVX220]

miniman said:

God no. Our daughter was on the proper slides (although not the big outdoor rapids) from age <2. Longleat is supposed to be the best one as things are fairly spread out and thus feel less crowded.

Longleat would also give you very good access to the wildlife park there too, where (apparently) you can walk in the Meerkat enclosure, if your Grandkids love Meerkats (as most kids seem to from the adverts) it might be an idea.

Also worth considering Chessington, I think they've got more there now than they had a few years ago.

[miniman]

AshVX220 said:

miniman said:

God no. Our daughter was on the proper slides (although not the big outdoor rapids) from age <2. Longleat is supposed to be the best one as things are fairly spread out and thus feel less crowded.

Longleat would also give you very good access to the wildlife park there too, where (apparently) you can walk in the Meerkat enclosure, if your Grandkids love Meerkats (as most kids seem to from the adverts) it might be an idea.

Also worth considering Chessington, I think they've got more there now than they had a few years ago.

The meerkat enclosure at Longleat is, at best, st.

[AshVX220]

miniman said:

AshVX220 said:

miniman said:

God no. Our daughter was on the proper slides (although not the big outdoor rapids) from age <2. Longleat is supposed to be the best one as things are fairly spread out and thus feel less crowded.

Longleat would also give you very good access to the wildlife park there too, where (apparently) you can walk in the Meerkat enclosure, if your Grandkids love Meerkats (as most kids seem to from the adverts) it might be an idea.

Also worth considering Chessington, I think they've got more there now than they had a few years ago.

The meerkat enclosure at Longleat is, at best, st.

But is it st to young kids? Shame if it is, I always thougth Longleat was quite good (though haven't been for years).

[smifffymoto]

They may be a bit young but have a look at Puy de Fou,France.They have flame throwing castles,chariot racing in an amphitheatre etc.

[ColinM50]

smifffymoto said:

They may be a bit young but have a look at Puy de Fou,France.They have flame throwing castles,chariot racing in an amphitheatre etc.

Had a look at their website. Crikey,it's a cross between Ben Hur, Gladiator and Terminator on a bad hair day. Gulp. I think the kiddies would end up with nightmares. Thanks, but I really do think they're too small. Maybe when they're fifteen eh?

And thanlks everyone else for th suggestions, keep them coming.

No-one got anything to say about Butlins/Pontins? Or is it that no-one wants to be seen to be recommending somewhere a bit chavvy? And no we don't have Burberry swimsuits, it'd clash with the leopardskin leotards.

[richardxjr]

Butlins and Pontins are stty holes. Centerparcs. But I'd recommend Elvedon as it's flat for cycling. Hire bikes each with a kid seat or trailer. Even the basic accom is good enough and a 4-night midweek break shouldn't be too much.

I would suggest the Alton Towers waterpark hotel place, but they're too young imo.