Summer holidays for us mean spending time as a family and finding fun locally as we are lucky enough to have the beach, the New Forest and stunning countryside on our doorstep.
As a family with six children, the youngest aged 2 and the oldest age 22, finding things that will interest them all is always a challenge but it is a challenge we relish. Sebastian, Eliza and Isaac all adore days out with Abbey, Callan and Kian and it is lovely seeing them all play together.
One of our highlights of the summer is visiting Camp Bestival and enjoying all the things it has to offer. Last year the theme was ‘Wild’ and we had great fun dressing up as the characters from the Gruffalo. “Well, Gruffalo,” said the mouse. “You see? Everyone is afraid of me!”
We love to find things to do that challenge us, be it climbing trees and high rope challnges……
or rollercosters……….
Yes, we actually climbed to the top of Swarm at Thorpe Park!
We have been abroad with all the children at some point or another. Abbey and Callan went to Corfu with us when they were age 6 and 2 respectively and we took Kian, Isaac and Eliza to Turkey last year, but my dream is to go on a family holiday all together and a villa holiday will make that possible.
Having a villa means we could all stay together, yet have some independence at the same time, with the older kids heading off to have their fun whilst we stay with the younger ones in the evening, although we may get them to babysit one night so we can have a night off too.
I would love to take them to Mallorca as we could fly locally from Bournemouth. The flight only takes two hours, the same amount of time it takes to drive to London, so it wouldn’t be too long for the little ones.
Mallorca is full of fun things to do for all ages including beach sports, Aqua Parks, the famous Dragon Caves and lots of castles to explore, so it would be perfect for all of us.
What is your idea of the perfect summer holiday?
This is my entry to the James Villa’s #summerlove competition where they are offering a Villa holiday to one lucky winner
I think it’s so nice to explore places across the UK – there are so many beautiful beaches and villages that I am always so shocked exist in England. Going abroad is just perfect though – there is nothing more relaxing than just lying on the beach or pool and having your lovely family around you.
Looks like you guys love a good adventure. My perfect holiday would be chilling out on the beach somewhere where it is quiet! x
Lovely post, I really fancy a villa holiday this year especially one with a pool and lots of nice restaurants nearby. x
Lovely post, we’re yet to organise a holiday this year, just can’t decide where or when to go!
Lovely post Kara and Mallorca is beautiful. I went there a fair bit when I was younger. Perfect holiday for us is one that keeps POD and us entertained couple with a fabulous location and ideally glorious weather 🙂
Some lovely memories here – a villa would suit us all too, we struggle to find hotel accommodation that will fit us all in. Kaz x
aw what lovely pictures I love our family holidays it really does give us time away from the hustle and bustle of busy family life
My kids would love to go somewhere with aqua parks. The local council swimming pool in February just isn’t the same as somewhere hot and sunny.
It would be wonderful for you to have a holiday where you could all be together. I think you do an amazing job of keeping them all occupied
We did the villa holiday thing – in Tuscany. There were 12 of us! It was tremendous and I’d recommend it.
I love holidaying in the UK, but it’s nice to have a reliable burst of sun that you usually have to go abroad to get.
Your very lucky to have the New Forest and coast on your doorstep! Some great piccys and experiences here hope they continue abroad for you x
Good luck with the competition! A villa holiday would definitely suit you and your adventurous tribe. Looks as though you’ve had some great times in the past, too.
Villa holidays are perfect for families as they are a great base for exploring elsewhere. Good luck!
Good luck, I can see the appeal a villa holiday will have for your family, I somehow wish we both win this!xx
What a really lovely post, it is so amazing to see you all together have such fun x
I love that you guys went to the Bestival Festival! I am hoping to take my little guy to some festivals too
Camp Bestival must be the perfect solution for your family with the age range… Something for everyone! 🙂
Good luck with the competition – A villa holiday would be perfect for your family with the wide range of ages you have to accommodate!
I have to say that a villa does sound perfect for a family with such an age range – and I’m sure you’d have a brilliant time! I love the pics in this post and wish you luck with the competition too.
Good luck lovely – I love holidaying in the UK but would love to get to explore other countries too 🙂
A villa holiday is the perfect holiday for large families . It also gives you more flexibility.
Good luck with the competition – if any family will make the most of it and get out and about to see local sights etc you will!! Best of luck!
I know what you mean about finding a summer holiday that everyone will enjoy. We have that problem here too. It looks like you have it covered though. Mallorca is lovely, good luck
I can see how a Villa Holiday would be amazing for you family – you’d have a great tims x
Aww it’s lovely having older children as well as younger ones. I know it can be a pain at times for the reasons you mention, as in finding things to do all together, but it’s great in terms of having a variety of people to chat to! Best of luck with your entry into the competition xx
Lovely post and all the best with winning; I can imagine how fab it would be to be able to go on holiday altogether 🙂