UK Holiday - Advice Needed

[Pussowl]

Social Services have just told us we can have a 5 day respite care break in the autumn (probably October). It has to be Monday to Friday during the school term.

We (hubby, 14 yr daughter & me) are looking for a UK break within 3-4hrs drive of Bradford.
Hubby says: NW or NE coast, or North Wales
Daughter says: Scotland
I say: anywhere, as long as its on the coast so I can do some diving!

Can anyone suggest some good venues / places to stay (b&bs etc) / places to eat/ dive establishments etc. Obviously, I won't have a buddy on hand, so need someway of diving with one. It needs to be somewhere with places of interest/walks etc for non-divers & things to do as a family (things we can't normally do with 2 special needs kids in tow).

I'm currently a newbie - PADI AOW/nitrox with 16 dives. By the autumn I plan to be a Rescue diver and have about 30 dives. (I hope, I plan, I hope, I plan, I hope, I plan, I hope, I plan,.....etc!!)

Please help !

Thanks!

[dry suit diver]

you will not beat North Wales for all of the prerequisites you state.

I will have alook for places to stay and post them here although you could do worse than a mobile home at Presthaven sands(prestatyn) booked through Haven Holidays, as most things in North Wales are pretty much within about 30-40 minutes drive of Prestatyn.

Diving wise you have Vivian Quarry,in Llanberis 18m deep and loads to do in the area for Non-divers.(if half term is same a london I will be in north wales that week and willbe able to buddy with you at vivian ) or you can visit Elfyn(Yellow ButtyBox) for a sea dive.

Thje best bit about north Wales is that there is just so much to do.

Electric mountain,Llechwedd slate caverns,Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Snowdonia, PortMeirion, Porthmadog, Pwhelli ,Criccieth(also good for shore diving)
On Anglesey there is butterfly world (Pili Palas) although in octobernot sure what this would be like.
It may even be feasible for a day trip to Dublin from Holyhead and even if you do not make the trip there is Southstack lighthouse.

The Wales tourist board website is very good and may help with suggestions for reasonable priced accomodation.


HTH

[DVR]

Can't add to drysuit divers post. If you do come to north wales I'll be free for a dive or two, Angleseydiver or yellow butty box will sort out any boat diving you need. If you need any prices on local hotels or b&b's, caravans etc pm me and I'll sort it out.

John

[daz]

Don't overlook Farnes, Abbs etc if Scotland is on the possibles agenda.

Daz

[JohnK]

DSD is right about Wales. We spent respite weeks there years ago and lots to do. We also went to Cornwall which was great - Haven holidays again - plenty of excellent diving there and lovely walks. Try Porthkerris divers for info - boat and shore dives I beleive.

have a great week - I know you will need it !! We have managed to sweet talk our social services into 2 weeks a year which is a huge help.

[angleseydiver]

Yep, if you do decide on N Wales, give us a shout- midweek should be no problem. Get the whole family out for the day maybe- seal/ porpoise/ dolphin spotting, bit of fishing, bit of diving. We're hoping to be giving it large on the diving this year so, chances are, we'll be up to something.

ATB,
Terry

[Lou]

I'd say give the west coast of Scotland a whizz. Loads of walking etc available, diving in the Sound of Mull is fantastic, plus you can take the family out on whale-watching boat trips, or take the ferries over to other islands and visit those, sample whisky etc.


Whatever you do, I suspect getting away for a while will be the biggest treat of all?

Have fun

Lou

[D.D.J]

hi, i agree with what everyone has said and i d just like to say that i hope that your few days break are relaxing and enjoyable. all the best, take care

[Fiona]

I would go with Daz on this one, St Abbs, Eyemouth or Farnes area lovely walks as well, Scottish borders are really nice and within the 3 - 4 hours travelling time.

[Colin Marriott]

Canaries ....

2hrs from Leeds/Bradford


ColinM