holiday with young children

[artisan]

I am planning a sailing holiday with swmbo and 2 kids (boys 5 & 3 yrs) We are in our 2nd season of sailing and we sail out of Shotley Marina on the East coast. I am looking to perhaps sail for 5-6 hrs a day either north or south and am looking for destinations that have some attractions for the kids when we get off the boat. I need destinations that don't dry out as I have a boat with a fin that draws 1.5m. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as wife will think I came up with them & think i am very thoughtful.

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[powerskipper]

If you look up the marinas in that area, they often have web sites, they will have info on things in their area, or try tourist office for that area, local council web sites are good to, good luck on your search!


<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://powerskipper.mysite.freeserve.com/>http://powerskipper.mysite.freeserve.com/</A>
Julie

 

[Mudplugger]

Graham, Just a suggestion, but the Blackwater has a lot going for it, if you are sailing with children. Bradwell Marina has a few facilities, Tollesbury has swimming pool & Play area, Brightlingsea has shops, Paddling pool, play are etc. No Marina, but water taxi at most times, and easy to get to the beach. The Deben has Woodbridge, with all facilities and so has Aldeboro, Orford is a bit sparse for Kids but some good eateries & Pubs. HTH have a good holiday. Tony W

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[Seal_surfer]

Walton Backwaters is a must - even as a day sail. Anchor close to the sand off the Stone (pick your spot with an eye to your draught /fall in tide) and its the best unspoilt beach on the Easr Coast. Evenings could be a tranquil night at Anchor in the Shelter of Hamford Water, or up to Titchmarsh Marina with all its facilities. Then on to Brightlingsea on the Pontoons (not attached to the shore - little-uns might be best in the "HarbourTaxi" to get ashore). Fish & Chips/Ice-creams, Swimming Pool, Crabbing...

Very friendly place - especially harbour master. Cheap too.

Do try and get a Twinkeel or lift keel - much more options for children - we spend more time sat on beaches than sailing, intentionally of course. This would get you my young daughters' favourite - the Walton and Frinton Yacht club old "mill pond". This is just a few hundred yards from the town & seafront, yet very peaceful and unspoit
Happy times.

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[artisan]

Thanks all for your help. I am plotting my courses already!

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[DanTribe]

The Rocks on the Deben is an idyllic peaceful spot. No facilities but the kids can wear themselves out hunting for sharks teeth on the foreshore and there are usually other boat kids to play with.
They will probably come back dyed orange from the sand though.
Dan

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[AlexL]

Hi

We also sail out of Shotley - also 2nd season of sailing. I can second the attraction of walton backwaters, as a peacful, picturesque area - there are usually some seals around too.
Burnham on Crouch is about 6 hours south - nice marina (1/2 price for Shotley Residents) , town with some restaurants, pubs. Nice walk along the waterfront into the town.

You could 'do' the blackwater either on the way there or back, with a stay in Bradwell et al. If you work the tides Bradwell to Burnham is possible over the Ray Sand, rather than going all the way back up to the swin spitway - but i've not tried it!

Remember you could do a day sail to walton backwaters and then head all the way up the orwell for a night in ipswich with cinemas, restaurants etc.

Further North (30 miles?) is Southwold, which is my destination this weekend - lovely seaside town, home of adnams beer, coloured beach huts and general niceness.

I would recommend the yachting monthly book , by Janet harber - "East Coast Rivers Cruising Companion" which has loads of info, including pilotage, and tide info on all these trips.

Alex

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