My husband just got back from a trip to the United Kingdom. It was a golfing trip with buddies to celebrate his friend’s 60th birthday. When he got back, I asked him if we should go as a family. I had spent time in London and Cambridge, before kids, and I wanted to take the kids on more international trips. Bonus points for England, too, since we wouldn’t have the language barrier.
From Boston, where we live in a suburb, it’s the exact same flying time (actually a half-hour less) and approximate flight costs to go to California where our relatives are as to go to England. That’s tempting.
My biggest concern is what will the kids do all day. They are ages 8, 11, and 13, and finding activities that they all agree upon is practically impossible. I was thrilled to learn about Butlins because here is a chance to get out and about with the family this summer at English seaside resorts!
They have three locations, all beachfront: Bogner Regis, Minehead, and Skegness. These seaside resorts in the UK (United Kingdom) all look amazing for kids and adults!
Here’s an overview of what it’s like to stay there.
In the United States, we don’t have that many official working days off during the summer. There’s Memorial Day but that is really before summer begins. The 4th of July fell midweek which is not as great as when it falls at the end or beginning of the week. The Brits are lucky. The summer bank holiday is for some family fun.
Here’s to thinking more like a Brit. Take some time off this summer to enjoy the seaside. You’ll never regret not working to spend time with family!
p.s. Here are some Brit Children’s Books to get the kids excited!
This is London by Miroslav Sasek
If you make a few stops in your U.K. adventure and go to London, use this book to get your kids acquainted with the important sights to see.
Anno’s Britain by Mitsumasa Anno
I like to explore a new city and learn about its history. This wordless picture book by Anno gives a quick overview of Britain’s history.
Madeleine in London by Ludwig Bemelmans
Travel with Madeline to London before you take your trip there.
Let’s Explore a Castle by Nicholas Harris
Castles come to life with beautiful and intricate illustrations.
Castle by David MacAulay
Visiting castles will take on more meaning if kids read this castle book first. David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both the castle and the town.
What are your favorite books for kids about England or places to visit? Do share!
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Gosh- I would never think of England for a beach vacation- so interesting! And by the way, I think your picture is new? You look great- so happy!
Hi Stacey,
Thanks! My daughter, Grasshopper and Sensei, took it in front of our house. I’m really not very photogenic but she knows how to get to laugh. I’m wearing sweat pants and my coat so she cropped it close. She’s unhappy that I do not give her photo credit on the homepage.
I would not think of England for a beach vacation either but then New England doesn’t have the world’s greatest beaches and people flock to Cape Cod, Maine, and Rhode Island! I was more thinking of going to the UK but what would the kids do? They are not that interested in sightseeing. Maybe a castle or two but I’m not sure what else to do with them. They’d love the seaside there and if you add in some of the cities like London and Cambridge, it would be a nice way to break it up.
I am with Stacey. Just never thought of the UK as a beach resort. In all my visits, the thought never entered my mind! Guess the old stereotype that it always rains in Great Britain sticks in your mind. Although I must say that it seldom rained anytime that I visited. Lots of food for thought in planning a future vacation.
Hi Barbara,
Good point about the rain in the UK. The photos look nice and sunny. Will have to look up the sunny days in those locations.
I LOVED the time we spent living in the UK. I wish we could take the kids over for a visit before flying to the FAR side of the country, but don’t think it will work out this summer. Guess they’ll just have to cope with a longer flight when they are a bit older 🙂
Hi MaryAnne,
We finally took our kids on a long flight last summer (13 hours) and they did fine because they were very excited for the destination. I’m sure your kids will be equally excited and managable when you visit the UK to see the places you lived and studied!
I remember hearing about some famous British beach resort on NPR last year. Forget the reason for it (an anniversary perhaps?). But it sounded wonderful. Of course it’s a bit further from New Orleans!
Hi Dee,
I guess there isn’t much press about British beach resorts in general in the United States. It must be hard to compete with the beach resorts in the United States; we have so many lovely beaches here.
Looks fun and fun book picks too!
I had a nice work trip there years ago and we had time off to see London and Kensington Palace.
Hi Ann,
I want to take my kids to London someday. They have such great and free museums. And a stop at a beach is always welcome if the weather is nice.