No-fly family holidays from mainland UK
Summer 2024 saw record number of delayed and cancelled flights resulting in missed connecting flights and transfers, frustrating hours spent at airports and wasted restaurant and activity bookings. The airlines lack of information hardly helped either.
So where to take the teens if you can’t face another summer sitting in the airport?
Jersey
With over 30 beaches and bays, the island of Jersey has the warmest seas in the whole of the UK. The capital, St Helier, can be reached by ferry from Portsmouth and Poole in just over 4 hours, dog friendly cabins are available too.
Water activities include SUP, coasteering and kayaking tours. Take a RIB ride to spot dolphins and puffins or wild surf on the rugged West coast.
Foodie families will enjoy costal foraging or a seafood BBQ at Faulkner Fisheries, complete with buttery jersey royals.
There are great hotel and self catering options, you can even stay in a WW2 radio tower!
Cruise from Southampton
Several world class ships sail directly from Southampton’s port. Explore the Norwegian Fjords, travel to sunny Spain, see the midnight sun in Sweden, or simply voyage around the UK. You can even get a touch of Disney.
Or take a Short 4 days cruise to allow you to experience the wealth of activities on board, which include climbing walls, laser tag, west end worthy musicals and of course unlimited food to fill the every-hungry stomachs.
Cruises are very popular and early booking is advisable, although there is availability for 2025, dates for 2026 have just been released.
Brittany and Normandy.
Sand yachting near Plouscat.
Here at Travel with Teens our ideal family holiday has to tick several boxes; sunny (but not too hot), great food (we know where to buy the best butter in the whole of France!), plenty of space to spread out, a new previously untried activity, a couple of relaxing days on the beach, a bit of wildlife and a bit of history.
Northern France does it all with vast beaches, WW2 sites and the amazing Mont St Michel, gorgeous food and easy access by ferry or by Eurotunnel.
Interrailing in Northern Europe
Not just for uni students.
More and more families are choosing a European multi-centre by train. Travel directly from London to Paris or Amsterdam on the Eurostar, before heading to other destinations. Berlin is ideal for older children offering a number of interesting museums and experiences. Intersperse big cities with days at the beach, the Swiss Mountains or visually appealing towns such as Colmar.
A variety of train passes are available which give discounts for under 26’s.
Ireland
Rugged lakes, ancient castles, serene lakes - Ireland’s natural beauty is breathtaking. Don’t forget the craic!
So you’re not going to come for the weather, but our recent trip to Eire and Northern Ireland was voted best short trip in 2022 by my teens. Taking the car and the dog via Liverpool to Dublin was easy and inexpensive. Stay for a couple of days in Dublin, before heading up north to see the hexagonal rocks of Giant’s Causeway then navigate the 2 mile coastal walkways of Gobbin’s Cliff Path. We intend to return in Summer 2025 to see the sights around Cork; Blarney Castle and their beautiful beach. Combine for a 2 week family holiday.