Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Holiday Hotspots in Dorset
Updated: 1/5/2015
The strength of the sterling means that it is a propitious time to exchange currency, so understandably, many families will be heading towards warmer climes this year, but a mini break, or 
indeed a longer trip closer to home, may also offer a welcome reprieve. Being blessed by living in such a desirable part of the country, with an abundance of fun-filled attractions, exquisite sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, and untamed countryside to explore, families really don’t have to travel too far to reach a rewarding retreat.
Of course, with travel costs being kept to a minimum and a variety of accommodation types on offer the most difficult decision will be where to stay and what to do. That’s where Primary Times can help! Here are our Holiday Hotspots and top ideas for 2015…
More than canvas and pegs…
Camping has come a long way since the days of leaky, old-fashioned canvas shelters held up by wooden poles - in fact it really is now far more advanced. A revolution in tent design has made the camping option far more desirable and many tents are now very easy to use and better still, are available at extremely affordable prices. Camping stretches far beyond pitching up in a farmer’s field – the choice of options really is varied.
Booking a suitable campsite for all the family
Camping and caravanning are some of the cheapest forms of holiday around making it perfect for cash-strapped families. Fortunately, there are a vast number of campsites spread out across the UK that will cater for the family’s needs. Larger sites offer wide-ranging facilities that will entertain all members of the family come rain or shine, whilst some of the smaller primitive sites that perhaps boast only a simple shower block and small shop will provide a free playing environment for children.
To inject a bit of excitement, encourage your children to help you choose a campsite. For more details about the different campsites and children’s facilities, or to read online reviews written by other campers take a look at the following websites:
- The Camping and Caravanning Club - www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk – has details of certified campsites across the UK
- Pitch Up! – www.pitchup.com – has an extensive list of campsites and holiday parks in the UK
- The Caravan Club - www.caravanclub.co.uk – has a club site-finder for mobile caravans in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales
- The AA - www.theaa.com/self-catering-and-campsites - has online search facilities to help you find an AA rated campsite in the UK
Luxury camping - glamping!
Glamping is a wonderful alternative for those families who want to experience the relaxed ambience of a campsite, enjoy waking up to nature and birdsong, yet seek a level of comfort that can’t be found on a deflated mattress in the confined space of a cluttered standard tent.
Torches are replaced with rigged electric power, camping mats are substituted with real beds, sleeping bags are swapped with duckdown duvets and the portable gas stove is traded in with a wood burning stove, and you get the idea – glamping really adds that extra level of luxury be it in a yurt, tent or tipi. Many enterprising campsites have diversified and now offer ‘glamping’ options in addition to their regular camping services but if you’re looking for a bespoke holiday or seek something a little bit different take a look at www.goglamping.net
Hotel Breaks
Luckily, many regional hotels tempt local families with hard-to-resist offers, especially outside of the main summer season. Acutely aware of the needs of the family, many hotels provide luxury accommodation combined with a packed programmed of child-friendly activities using the hotel’s facilities and surrounding area.
Hungry tummies are satisfied by a variety of food that suits young and older palates, and indeed, it’s not unusual to find colouring sheets accompanying the children’s menu – perfect to settle restless and hungry youngsters before the food is served. Many local hotels boast breathtaking views, leafy landscaped gardens and grassy lawns complete with children’s play zones, which collectively combine to create an ideal environment for children and their parents to unwind - in their own ways!
Plus, not forgetting, a major strength of a UK hotel over and above a foreign counterpart is that when the weather is untoward, there is always plenty to do! Many UK hotels sport playrooms and host organised activities which help to entertain the children for hours – simply priceless!
Farmhouse breaks
Get even closer to the rural way of life by escaping to the heart of the country on a family friendly farm holiday. Farm environments offer a truly enriching and educational type of vacation, where children are able to enjoy the freedom of the open spaces and may even partake in some of the functional activities of the farm such as feeding the animals and collecting eggs.
Children will learn where food comes from in a less conventional way outside of the classroom and sometimes there’s even a chance to devour some hearty farmhouse-cooked food.
Here are some Holiday Hotspots close to home…
Sample the beautiful, rolling Devon countryside at Yeatheridge
Located in the middle of the beautiful, rolling Devon countryside, Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park is a family run holiday park designed with families in mind. Its location is ideal for families who want to explore the whole of the county as both the north and south Devon coastlines are within an hour’s drive.
Whatever the weather there is always something fun to do at the Park, whether it’s splashing around in one of the two heated indoor swimming pools or taking a pony ride around the farm – plus there is plenty of space for children and adults to enjoy the wonderful outdoors.
Scrumptiously tasty meals are served up in The Bull Pen, the on-site fully licensed, family friendly bar – which is perfect for those who fancy a break from the washing up! Yeatheridge Farm Caravan and Camping Park is located in East Worlington near Crediton, Devon, EX17 4TN. Find out more information by calling 01884 860330, emailing yeatheridge@talk21.com or visiting www.yeatheridge.co.uk
The Falmouth Hotel gains Child Friendly Matters Accreditation
The 71 bedroomed Falmouth Hotel, celebrating its 150 year anniversary this year, has cemented its status as a family friendly hotel by recently scooping the Child Friendly Matters award.
Although the hotel has long since offered a great destination for families with babies, toddlers and youngsters of all ages, having the children’s playroom, the outdoor play facilities and indoor leisure facilities, The Falmouth Hotel felt that in registering for, and being successful in attaining the Child Friendly accreditation, parents would have ultimate confidence in visiting or staying at the hotel.
Key elements of the award that business providers must include are toddler aids, children’s menu options, facilitating play and activities, and good child friendly service.
Jude Snook, General Manager, said “The Falmouth Hotel is pleased to receive such an impressive accreditation, this just confirms the professionalism and commitment to child friendly services by our team. We want people to know us as a hotel which not just caters for children and families but welcomes them with open arms.”
This award puts the Falmouth Hotel on an equal footing with its sister hotel in Torquay, The 47 bedroomed Grosvenor Hotel, which also won Child Friendly Accreditation a year ago.
Both hotels, along with The Grand Hotel Torquay, run kids-go-free offers during the school holidays making them exceptional value for money for any families looking to holiday in Devon or Cornwall this year. For more information visit www.falmouthhotel.com
Enjoyable camping experiences at Crealy Meadows
Having been awarded 5 stars on TripAdvisor, Crealy Meadows Caravan and Camping Park offers the ultimate camping experience for all the family. Guests can choose between ‘glamping’ in one of the luxury themed Safari Tents or Medieval Pavilions or pitching their own tent, caravan or motorhome at one of the Standard or Super Pitches for a magical break inspired by the great outdoors. The site offers modern facilities including showers and family bathrooms with underfloor heating, a food storage area, a well-stocked convenience shop, laundrette and washing up facilities as well as free Wi-Fi and children’s play area.
For an extra special stay, guests can arrange for youngsters to ‘Own a Pony’ during booking periods. This exclusive experience offers a fun but realistic understanding of the duties and responsibilities involved in owning a pony, whilst generating a huge sense of achievement and creating some wonderful memories to last a life time. During a stay at Crealy Meadows guests can enjoy discounted entry into Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park, which is situated right next door and accessed through a secret gate. For more information visit www.crealymeadows.co.uk or call 01395 234888
Award winning holidays in beautiful south Devon
Lady's Mile Holiday Park in Dawlish is an award winning, family run park dedicated to giving families a holiday to remember. Located in one of the most beautiful parts of Devon and less than a mile from the 'Blue Flag' beaches of Dawlish Warren, its site is in a fabulous position giving easy access to all of the local attractions come rain or shine.
Excellent facilities include 2 swimming pools and paddling pools, a Highway 66 Bowling Alley, an arcade, an adventure playground, an 8 metre high Everest Tower with slides,
an indoor themed play area and a sports amenities pitch. A fantastic in-house entertainment team showcases some outstanding performances in the evenings along with some day time activities during the school holidays, which are joined by Lady’s Mile’s very own Rocky Raccoon! To find out more details or to request a brochure visit www.ladysmile.co.uk
Camping Fun at Woodlands Grove
Woodlands Grove has won dozens of major awards, winning twice AA Campsite of the Year. Set in the glorious South Devon countryside, the luxurious amenities and family friendly wardens make a holiday special. Families return year after year to enjoy the spacious pitches, immaculate facilities, family bathrooms, comfortable showers and pristine baby bathing facilities. Campers at Woodlands Grove are able to enjoy endless fun at the theme park for free. Even when it’s pouring with rain there's action packed fun in the massive indoor attractions and play centres. This Easter, at Woodlands, there is a new Easter Bunny Grotto, Easter Egg Hunts, Easter Bunny’s Breakfast Banquet and Easter Shows with fantastic performers from 28 March to 12 April. Plus there will be visits from Peppa Pig and Titan the Robot. For more details visit www.woodlandsgrove.co.uk