I think that you'll find that Centreparcs will be expensive for what you are looking for - they can be attractive for families who are looking for lots of on-site entertainment but if you are simply looking for a base from which to go out exploring each day then you'll be paying for facilities that you won't necessarily be using. Personally, even now that you do have children, I'd still go for the weekly self-catering cottage option - especially now that there are more and more self-catering options in cities and not just in rural areas. And most Tourist Board Information offices are now so much better at helping with SC bookings.

But I'd also seriously look at youth hostels these days too. More and more are aimed at families and have family rooms and suites available and of course you don't have to commit yourself to a week's stay either. And your kids are likely to make friends with other families staying there too. How are you planning to travel around? Will you be hiring a car or using public transport? If your going to be driving around - the YHA/SYHA option would give you lots of flexibility.

SM

I agree with SMa!

One question, when you say touring around I presume you mean the whole country and not one region. If you don't have specific targets decide a rough itinery and then find accomodation to fit - don't fall in love with some cottage and then find it's impossible to reach and wrecks your travel plan!

Does London feature in your plan? There are plenty of good reasons for visiting but getting to and from Heathrow airport is not one of them! If you don't need to be in London try other airports like Manchester, not just with direct carriers but also the likes of Lufthansa via Frankfurt or KLM via Amsterdam.

How old are the kids?

Hi all

Thankyou for your thoughtful replies - I appreciate your ideas.

Had a quick squizz again at some of the Park sites and although end of the season prices are great, high season prices really are a lot so yes, agree we could do better with self catering cottages. Have slowly googled the regions we are staying in and come up with a good handful in each area that look just the ticket. With cheaper accommodation we can stay longer and spend our money on seeing things rather than a roof over our heads!

Thankyou again - is good to toss ideas around with people in the know.

xx

I expect this is far too late, but I have been away in UK for the past few weeks. I stayed in a serviced apartment in Nottingham, owned by a company called SACO. Their website is sacoapartments.co.uk and they have apartments all over UK I think. A very good alternative to hotels, especially if you have children, as they had everything one could want, washer/dryer, dishwasher, freezer, dvd, tv, etc etc. In fact they are better equipped than my own apartment!!!!!!!