The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
HAVE FUN BESIDE THE SEASIDE
BUBBLE TROUBLE, KENT
For two families with kids, Sandibay house in the cosy Sandwich Bay private estate is a great option for a seaside retreat within easy access of the capital. The kids will be entertained in the games room and the outdoor pool, while you can catch up with friends or family and chat all things non-homeschooling as you fire up the barbecue. The beach is just a minute’s stroll away. Sleeps up to 12 from £4,305 per week (0800 133 7999; oliverstravels.com).
LEAVE NO ROCK UNTURNED,
ALDERNEY
The Isle of Alderney is fringed by golden sandy beaches and a craggy coastline that is ripe for rock pooling. Grab your net and bucket, and look for crabs, guppies, starfish and sea urchins before hopping on a bike for a cycle along the quiet roads. When choosing your base, the Blonde Hedgehog is a great option with just nine modern bedrooms. The restaurant serves simple dishes using local ingredients, much of which is grown in the kitchen garden, and there’s a three-bedroomed cottage. Rooms from £230 per night including breakfast, cottage from £400 per night (01306 264005; fishandpips.co.uk).
The month of June has the lowest number of rainy days in the year in the Channel Islands.
CUDDLE UP, CAMBER SANDS A small coastal hideaway that would suit a family of four and their pooch, Rufty Tufty from the Beside the Sea collective is between Camber Sands beach and Romney Marsh, making it perfect for morning sheep-spotting strolls and sea dips. Inside, the house is decorated in a sweet country style with a double room and a twin. It also (thankfully) has Netflix and Freeview, plus Bose wireless speakers, to keep the whole clan happy. The weatherboarded house is just a five-minute drive from Rye, plenty of independent shops, cafés and pubs. From £840 for seven nights (01797 227308; besidetheseaholidays.com).
BUNK UP BY THE BEACH, DEVON A beautiful, whitewashed cottage in the North Devon village of Croyde, The Beach House is a really nice location for two families holidaying together. Kids will love the bunk-bed room, which sleeps at least four, and there are a further three king-size en suites. In fact, all the rooms have their own bathrooms, so there’ll be no slipping on your kids’ discarded towels for a change.
The village location is handy, and you can enjoy a glass of wine with dinner in the local pub after a day on the beach. There is also a hot tub in the garden, plus a barbecue and a pizza oven for those evenings when you’d rather stay in. From £415 per night (0121 517 0350; luxurycottages.com).