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We (myself, Pimpmistress Jazz and the Soon-to-be-Three-Terror) are planning taking the van away for a week or two. Ideally we're heading somewhere that's not too much of a drive, and as we're based on the Isle of Wight I'm thinking either northern France or southern UK.
As the biking opportunities will be limited ideally I'd like to be within walking distance of some surf. Other kids would be great, as would lots of space for said Terror to run wild.
Anyone got any experience of anything that could fit the bill? Cheers!
That is good - thanks percypanther.
Places that we loved when ours where that sort of age (and still do now TBH)
Gwithian farm site just north of Hayle
Trevedra farm site above the north end of Sennen beach
pretty much anywhere in the Vendee or Aquitaine - better surf, but a longer drive...
Brittany worth a shout too...
Brittany worth a shout too...
Yeah - I do like Brittany.
St Ives Bay is ace, for a big family site- it's a walk to the beach though, you're up fairly high in the dunes. Excellent rocks and rockpools and that if you walk towards the lighthouse. Great for kids tbh. Gwithian's mostly just OK for surf though imo- very beginner friendly, it's forgiving and big - tons of room- but you need good conditions to get much power in the waves ime. But lots of beaches around there. It's... uh, 19 years I think since I was last down there so I guess I might be a little out of date!
Gwithian farm's just a wee bit further along the same beach.
Just kind of OK for surf though imo- beginner friendly, it's forgiving...
Sounds ideal. I ride a 9'1" 😉
Heh. I was more describing the beach than implying you were a beginner, hope that didn't come across wrong! If I was going to get started again it's the sort of place I'd want to do it, great place to get a little un into the sea too.
No - I've been surfing on-and-off for over 20 years and would still consider myself nothing more than a basic intermediate. 😉
The little one loves the sea too, although she didn't like her first go on a belly board last summer...
Hayle towans beach gets "surfier" the nearer to the Gwithian lighthouse you get.
The Hayle end of the beach is sheltered to by Carbis Bay / St Ives. It gives you the option to have the little kiddies on the beach or jump in the car and drive a couple of miles up to Gwithian for bigger waves.
Ooo - annebr. That could work very nicely, even if Google reckons it's seven hours from Dieppe...
Hayle towans beach gets "surfier" the nearer to the Gwithian lighthouse you get.
Thanks - didn't know that. I've surfed Porthmeor several times, as well as Polzeath and various other porths heading east. Not been in at Hayle or Gwithian though.
I camp in Polzeath every May (3 weeks to go) at the [url= http://www.valleycaravanpark.co.uk ]valley camp site[/url]. Its family focused and tries not to allow groups which is good. Surf is good, lots of sand and lots of other places to go around there. Cycling is possible, I quite often go inland from there - just XC but its tracks and bridleways between the farms. You can also cycle to Rock, catch the ferry to Padstow and then cycle from there to Wadebridge or Bodmin. Hire bikes are also available as are stuff for little ones (small bikes, trailer things etc). It is busier in the summer but is great fun and lots of places to explore in nearby bays.
Have a look at Camping interlude on lie de re, we have been for the last few years. Great site, fantastic beach and super cool island.
[url= http://www.hillendcamping.com/ ]This place gets mentioned a lot on here[/url]
Its not close, but its got fast roads to get there and its simply a stunning place to be. Very safe beach, the surf comes in from miles out so ideal for little ones on boogie boards and because its such a big space with little parking, its never crowded.
I used to go there a lot about 10-15 years ago Rockape63, when an old guy used to let his field out to camp on. Incredibly laid back, incredibly low key. 🙂
It was taken over about 10 years ago by some younger guys that upped the price considerably and did a few bits and pieces to justify it, and the whole feeling became a lot less fun. We also found the site itself became better known, especially by boy racers from Swansea.
Still, not been back for about eight years now, so may be worth another look.
this place is ideal [url= https://threecliffsbay.com/ ]Three Cliffs[/url]
apart from the Wales aspect - but lovely view from the campsite, lovely beach below, and Rhossili just around the corner for the surfing
I'll be watching this with interest as your requirements are very similar to mine PMJ.
Bit further south, I used to take my kids for a month in Eurocamp Messange. Stay in the red zone and it's a quickish walk with a board to the sea. Hourtin has a very nice campsite, right on the beach unlike many in France, but last time I was there the sand bars seemed to have moved around and I struggled to catch a wave. Another bonus of staying in SW France is dropping by the Medoc region to stock up on the way back. I can't think of many spots that are good for surf in the summer, especially in the UK.
I second Hill End in the Gower been going there for the last few years. Amazing beach, good walks, just a lovely place all round. You can head over to the Mumbles for shops, Port Eynon for quality fish and chips and if you're feeling brave there's always Swansea Market on a wet day.
Also try the Gower Gold at the Kings Head it's a lovely pint.
Another French suggestion would be the Camping Yelloh site at Guilvenec! Two options for beaches one nearest the campsite is a nice South facing sheltered bay. Go a few miles round onto the Western coast of Brittany and it gets a bit more surfy, with some of the worst undercurrents I've ever experienced!
Also try the Gower Gold at the Kings Head it's a lovely pint.
Yes. Yes it is.
What's the atmosphere and pricing like there now Joolsburger? As said, not been back in quite a while.
Bit further south, I used to take my kids for a month in Eurocamp Messange.
Another French suggestion would be the Camping Yelloh site at Guilvenec!
Thanks. Will Google. Although this sounds slightly worrying...
...with some of the worst undercurrents I've ever experienced!
Another plus for gennith is good riding on rhossili down and llanmadoc hill 😀
If thinking about Bantham/Bigbury, and not objecting to a more low key camping option, consider [url= http://aunemouthcamping.co.uk/ ]this site[/url]
Le pin parasol in vendee is a bit further but excellent for kids, warmer sea and weather than Brittany. It's by a lake with xc mtb nearby and really fun waves 15 min away. I've surfed in boardshorts there before!
For all you Gower fans, I'll let you into my (not very secret) place we stay at.
Little Hillend Cottage. Its just great for a family and if there's just two of you they have a barn next door. We tend to go down off season when the camp site is closed and just have the place to ourselves. A walk to Worms head is an adventure in itself. Last time I was walking amongst seals and even saw an octopus in a rock pool. My family even surfed in Dec last year....too bloody cold for me though, I just love the space.
Of course PJ, if you were doing a fortnight you could continue onto Pembrokeshire for the second week....Ive never made it past the Gower, but it looks pretty amazing too. seems there are some great Camp sites around there.
[url= https://www.coolcamping.co.uk/campsites/uk/wales/west-wales/pembrokeshire ]click[/url]
P Jazz, We were there last September and it's still a nice pub. Food is good as ever and my elderly inlaws came down for a long weekend and stayed in one of the lovely new rooms there, they loved the place.
I have to say there is something magical about Hill End, I can imagine lots of people getting bored there but if you value peace, amazing natural surroundings and like the surf there's nowhere better AFAIC.