By Parkdean Resorts on 29/09/2017
Most people’s fondest childhood memories usually include a family holiday to the seaside. Whether you remember eating fish and chips by the harbour, strolling along the promenade or building sandcastles on the beach, a trip away with the family is sure to create amazing memories that last forever.
Spending time with the family is important, and recently more and more people are choosing to take the grandparents away with them too, on a multigenerational holiday. Offering the ultimate nostalgia trip for parents and grandparents, whilst creating new memories for children, a multigenerational holiday is perfect for families wanting to spend quality time together.
To celebrate National Grandparents Day on the 1st October, we’ve teamed up with five tourist boards to reveal the best regions in Britain for a ‘3G’ holiday.
Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Britain, and it’s perfect for a multigenerational holiday. Visit Cornwall told us that Cornwall is “a unique destination, as it attracts the senior market, families and is loved by children, making it an ideal place for a holiday with three generations in tow.” From building sandcastles on the beautiful beaches to crabbing in Looe Harbour, you’re sure to create lasting memories on a holiday to Cornwall.
One of their top recommendations for a family day out is playing knights and kings at Pendennis Castle, just 45 minutes from Sea Acres Holiday Park. There’s so much to enjoy at this amazing fortress, including a fascinating World War I exhibition, daily gun firings from the massive cannons and tours of the castle itself.
Visit Cornwall also recommend a walk along the causeway to St Michael’s Mount, just 30 minutes from Lizard Point Holiday Park. At low tide, the causeway will appear from the sea, meaning you can reach this rocky island by foot, but there’s also a boat that will take you there too. From the majestic castle that sits on the top of the Mount, to the quirky village and harbour, there’s so much to see on a trip to this magical island. And of course, no trip to Cornwall would be complete without a taste of the traditional Cornish Pasty, an activity that all ages can enjoy!
Video sourced from Visit Cornwall
Norfolk
Located on the beautiful East Coast of England, Norfolk is a fantastic destination to visit all year round. Visit Norfolk described the county as “a great region for 3G breaks as its natural and built capital are ideal for all ages to enjoy. 3G breaks also provide an opportunity for quality time, sometimes not always easy to do with busy schedules or families living apart.”
For a great family day out, Visit Norfolk recommend a trip to one of the county’s Sea Life Centres, where you can discover an incredible underwater world. You’ll be spoilt for choice here, as there are two Sea Life Centres nearby, one in Great Yarmouth just 10 minutes from Vauxhall Holiday Park, and another in Hunstanton, just a 10 minute walk from Manor Park Holiday Park. Take a journey under the sea and find out more about the amazing marine wildlife.
Just over 30 minutes from Heacham Beach Holiday Park, Pensthorpe Natural Park has everything you’d want for a multigenerational day out. With over 700 acres of gardens and trails to explore, get close to nature and admire some of Norfolk’s most spectacular scenery. There’s wildflower meadows and stunning gardens to explore, and even an outdoor and indoor adventure play area for the kids to enjoy, whilst you relax and look for wildlife.
Video sourced from Visit Norfolk
Essex
From modern facilities to charming villages, Essex is a county of contrasts, with something for all ages. Visit Essex commented that “in Essex, we are extremely lucky to have a bit of everything - an amazing coastline, wonderful rolling countryside, quaint villages and inspiring towns, as well as over 450 visitor attractions ranging from beautiful historic houses, museums and theme parks.”
For a fun family day out perfect for all generations, Visit Essex recommend taking a trip to Colchester Zoo, just 20 minutes from Coopers Beach Holiday Park, where you’re sure to create lasting memories for all the family. Discover 260 different species of animals in over 60 acres of stunning parkland. Help feed the elephants or watch sea lions swim overhead as you wander through tunnels and see staff train some of these clever creatures.
If you’re hoping for a day by the sea then you’re in luck. Under an hour from Waterside Holiday Park you’ll find the beautiful seaside town of Southend-on-Sea, the perfect place for grandparents and parents to reminisce, whilst making new memories too. Wander along the longest pleasure pier in the world, enjoying fish and chips or an ice cream, then visit the pier’s museum and traditional arcades.
Video sourced from Daniel Keys
Isle of Wight
Just 4 miles from the mainland, the Isle of Wight has beautiful beaches, interesting history and fantastic activities to enjoy. Despite being small, it’s packed full of exciting things to see and do. Visit the Isle of Wight described the island as “a destination full of discovery that will excite thrill-seeking teenagers as much as mini explorers, parents and grandparents.”
If you’re an adventurous family, they recommend a cycle along the Red Squirrel Trail. The route runs for 23 miles, and if you’re staying at Lower Hyde Holiday Park, you’re just 5 minutes from this scenic track. Along this easy route you’ll pass stunning countryside, woodland and farmland, and there are plenty of golden beaches where you can stop for a well-deserved rest and a stroll along the sand.
No visit to the Isle of Wight would be complete without uncovering the island’s prehistoric past. Dinosaur Isle, just over 10 minutes from Landguard Holiday Park, takes you on a journey back in time to over 120 million years ago. Find out more about these prehistoric creatures and discover why the island is known as the Dinosaur Capital of the UK. Explore exhibitions, fossil displays, recreated landscapes and dinosaur skeletons that tell the story of the island’s fascinating history.
Video sourced from Richard Murphy
Northumberland
With remote hills, tranquil lakes, rugged coastlines, historic castles, beautiful gardens and dark skies, there’s nowhere quite like Northumberland. With something for all ages, Visit Northumberland explained they “prefer the slower pace of life in Northumberland, making it the perfect place for an unforgettable multigenerational holiday, whatever the time of year.”
One of the best things about the county is its incredible beaches, and with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Visit Northumberland recommend a trip to Bamburgh Beach, about 50 minutes from Cresswell Towers Holiday Park. This long-reaching bay is the perfect place for the whole family to visit, including the dog too! With the iconic Bamburgh Castle on one side and the spectacular Farne Islands out to sea on the other, it really is a picture-perfect place to visit.
They also recommend taking a trip down the coast to Belsay Hall, under 40 minutes from Sandy Bay Holiday Park. Ideal for a family day out, there’s lots to discover at this amazing country house. Wander through the large rooms and be amazed by the architecture inside, before heading outside for a picnic in the beautiful gardens where you’ll be sure to see lots of wonderful wildlife.
Video sourced from Visit Northumberland
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