Entertainment For Lively Minds
ATM: Next year's summer holiday
Posted by DougieJ on 28 November 2011 - 1:45am.
for the past few years, we've (me, GLW and two kids aged 6-8) been happily holidaying in Fife, mainly in the hugely appealing Elie.
The GLW has recently expressed a wish to holiday abroad. Mainly for, you guessed it, the sun. I have to admit that, although the East Neuk of Fife is incomparably less wet than its West Coast counterparts (yes Mull and Skye, I mean you!), it is itself eclipsed by the far more predictable sunniness of southern climes.
So, any suggestions for holidays with a greater expectation of sun welcome. Basically, if you could pick up the East Neuk and drop it somewhere warmer...
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Well, as a displaced native of said environs...
(or at least Anstruther along the coast)
...I'd suggest that Cornwall is probably the closest thing that fits the bill - i.e. beaches, art, fishing heritage (not in Elie's case I might add) and general tourist-orientation.
In fact, when the FPO and myself did Cornwall two years running we concluded just that - to wit, Cornwall being the East Neuk on a larger scale with a bit more pretense, better weather (although wetter) and the same villagey feel. We rather liked Cornwall but because we'd grown up in something broadly similar we felt that it was somewhat overrated, although can easily see the appeal*.
* I hasten to add that I'd certainly consider living in Cornwall and may yet be forced into exile should we go independent up here in 'Ecosse'...
Cornwall
I would second Cornwall...we had a family holiday in July and it was great, we managed to keep a 2 year old amused, so can't see any problem with your kids. Lots of beaches, Eden Project, touristy stuff.
More...
As David says, lots to entertain the kids. But do make a point of going to see the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Very impressive.
That's Cornwall's big benefit over the ENoF - the fact that it has more to see and do. It's big drawback for me was that much of what it sells itself on is what you already get in the ENoF (albeit on a smaller scale) though that would suit you I should think...
Cornwall
Is Cornwall "abroad"? Technically speaking maybe. However Brittany is unarguably abroad, is similar to Cornwall, and is fab. The southern coast especially magnificent, wild, beautiful. A little further south in the Vendee and you'll have lovely weather and beaches.
Thirded
Cornwall's fishing villages have a very similar feel. They'll be an awful lot busier, though, compared to Crail, Anstruther at al. We've been to Fowey a couple of times with our children and it's great - handy for Heligan/Eden Project too. if you go as soon as the Scottish schools break up, you'll beat the rush.
We have been to the south of France a couple of times
Cant fault it for weather. It is, however, eye wateringly expensive. We went to Cornwall this year and had an ok time. Weather and attractions were mixed. Eden project and Heligan were good, Tate St Ives very poor, scenery fantastic. Mrs BP has a big birthday next year so we are hoping to get to New York, then on to Florida to see friends but won't make any decisions until we see how the economy is in the early part of 2012.
Agree
France is really expensive since the pound and euro got to more or less parity. The south of France is expensive anyway relative to the rest of the country, and even worse now. Skiing too. How come with the euro in such deep shit we don't have a better exchange rate?
Home Sweet Home!
We are fortunate to live in Cornwall and, having seen lots of the rest of our planet, would say it is a lovely place to holiday/live.
If you do come down try to avoid Port Isaac, Rock and Padstow areas - nice in themselves but full of people hoping to see Martin Clunes, Prince William and Rick Stein!
I grew up on the South Coast - much better. Maybe try to stay on the Roseland Peninsula - Gerrans and Portscatho being a good location. A couple of shops, a couple of pubs and endless coastal walks!
Mallorca
Keep away from the big resorts. Puerto Andratx is a lovely fishing port ideally located for beaches, food and interesting cultural stuff. I don't think its much like Fife, but its sunny, lovely and a change.