Our seaside Mini tour

Wasn't the last couple of weeks scorching... I hope you're all nicely tanned and not burnt.  I booked a last minute break right after the school ended on the 19th July.   I have become a fan of Butlins when we first went a couple of years ago booked through the Sun holidays.  We have on a few Haven ones as well.  Hubby likes the buffet breakfast and dinner and I love not having to worry what I will feed them.

We started in Minehead (2nd time).  We got there around 11pm cos we left it later after school.  Dinner in Morrisons first, if you haven't been on their cafe yet. Their fish n chips are best value, feed a family of 4 for £8 with drinks included after 4pm on weekdays.   We like eating out or maybe I don't cook often enough ...lol :)

Back to Minehead, we were upgraded to an apartment upstairs with lounge for no extra cost.
DH and DS loved the water flumes and slides in the swimming pool.  We didn't get a time sheet for the shows so didn't see any although I wish we queued for the circus.  We spent most of the time walking by the beach and town. There was some sort of festival going on where everyone got dressed as pirates.  DH took a fan with us, so glad he did as it was too  hot at night.  The break cost around £225 for 3nights with breakfast and dinner included.  I found a code for £25 off, so it's worth searching first for discount codes before booking.  Booking direct cost almost the same with the Sun holidays offer without the worry of getting the right dates and extras you have to pay.

 The in-laws were on a week break nearby too,  Combe Martin.  My brother-in-law rented a cottage
here http://www.coulscott.co.uk/ A very nice place to stay in.  After checking out in Butlins, we headed to Combe Martin. Very hilly and narrow main road.  Stopped to admire the view and use the facilities.  I booked a room in a pub / hotel http://www.packocards.co.uk/ .  The rates are reasonable £90 for a family room with breakfast.  A place with a good history and full of character.  Good play area for the little ones and slightly older kids, even I had a go at some obstacles :)  Only stayed there for a night.

Drove by the seaside and there wasn't much so we didn't stop and next stop was Ilfracombe. There is so much going on for this seaside with great rock pools and little harbour.  It would be nice to go back and explore a bit more.  We didn't miss 'Verity', she's the naked pregnant bronze statue on the pier.

 

Woolacombe has a nice sandy beach but didn't see much of the town.  We stopped but Dd was fast asleep, worn out.  We contemplated driving home but the weather was so good we know we had to make the most of it.  This might be the only summer break we have as DH will be so busy mid August.  Looked at the map and decided to drive to Lyme Regis
We got to Lyme Regis around 6pm and I haven't booked anywhere to stay.  I was on the phone ringing round and the cheapest I could find was a small hotel for £160 a night.  The nearby towns with B&B's were all fully booked.  Uplyme and Charmouth, finally I found a family room in Bridport 10 miles from Lyme Regis.   It seemed a popular place.  1 night was £115 but I bargained a 2 night stay for £200 with breakfast.  

The beach was halved, 1 part was pebbly and the other was sandy.  We walked along the pier and lots of young people catching crabs. The town is famous for fossils and ammonites but the kids were more interested in visiting each and every arcade.  I found a great Arts and Craft, vintage shop along the promenade where I found a knitting bag in a wooden stand for £2 to add to my To do Up list.  The shop was full of 'treasures' I could spend hours just browsing but I was hurried by DS needing the loo grrrrrrrr.....We visited the Town Mill and took a couple of photos.  I was hoping to find a fabric / sewing shop when I saw a dress displayed on the window but there's none just a galleries.

Last stop was Bournemouth, I have only been here once and I have fond memories of our holiday a few years ago and have always wanted to go back.  We got there and there was a Family Festival so we followed everyone heading to a big field / park and spent most morning there.  Lots of stalls and activities.  There was a ballet / dance class and Dd joined in, she's trying to follow the moves but the music was too fast.  She was in the middle of the crowd, mostly watching.  I can't believe she had the confidence, a little proud mum moment :)  Spent the whole afternoon on the beach,  splashing and digging sand even swimming in the sea while I looked after our things :) Headed home, tired and happy.  One downside is the Dd caught something, probably in Butlins, blisters on hands and feet and ulcers in her mouth. Hands, foot, mouth disease? anyway she's over it now but have passed it on to DS who is very grouchy.  He's making more fuss than DD did!