Simple pleasures for all the family
THERE are plenty of reasons you might be forgiven for avoiding a holiday with a baby or toddler.
The thought of the motorway journey should be enough to put you off – let alone lugging sterilisers, a cot and a tonne of other baby equipment with you.
But there are a number of travel firms who try to make it easier for parents seeking the elusive “relaxing” holiday.
Nestled in the sprawling countryside of north Pembrokeshire, Clydey Cottages is a small cluster of 18th-century farm buildings 10 miles south of Cardigan.
Owners Jacqui and Dewi Davies bought the site in 2003 and, with small children of their own, kept adding to and improving it, with parents’ needs in mind.
The team at Clydey think of everything – even down to plug socket covers and blackout blinds.
When completing the booking, there are extra options – including monitors, sterilisers, fireguards and full-size wooden cots which can all be hired at no extra cost.
We stayed in Snowdrop Cottage – a two-bedroom house with exposed beams, log burner and all the traditional features that make a stay in the country so special.
On site was a lovely pool with inflatables, Jacuzzi and sauna.
But it’s the extras that make it hasslefree for families with little ones.
Changing tables at the side of the pool, floats for little ones, a secure playpen with play equipment so mums can grab five minutes of relaxation in the knowledge their little ones are safe.
There’s also an outdoor play area, games room, soft play, children’s club and a programme of children’s activities.
Daily animal feeding is a big event and provides the perfect social time for adults and children alike to make friends.
Kids love feeding the alpacas, goats and pigs, and the daily tours held by Farmer Malcolm and Farmer Rachel are really warm and inclusive.
It’s not all about the kids though – there’s a Decleor Spa, indoor and outdoor hot-tubs, and couples would be just as happy here on a retreat. Clydey is an award-winning five-star resort so the prices reflect that but look for a late deal and you can bag a real bargain.
The coastline surrounding this area is beautiful and much of it is spared from holidaymakers. Finding a secluded cove is relatively easy.
The gorgeous beach at Llangrannog is picture-perfect.
For a more traditional seaside town, New Quay has lots of shops, fish and chip restaurants, and all-important ice cream parlours. It’s also a great place for dolphin spotting.
Jacqui said: “Because we had children of our own, we set about from the very beginning putting things in place that we would want to have if we went on a family selfcatering holiday ourselves.
“As the location and grounds are so safe, children have the freedom to be a little independent while at Clydey, playing and perhaps exploring on their own – something we have sadly lost.
“Because of that, parents relax and enjoy their holiday too. Families really come back together at Clydey.”
Now that’s what I call a family holiday.