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In the summer we ran a very successful questionnaire asking all our site visitors for their holiday recommendations. We were pleased that many of the resorts featured within our Regional Guide figured prominently.

We felt however that it was also important to highlight some of the more general observations within a separate section and to pick out those resort chains that figured most prominently in the survey. We feel that these locations are ideal for a short mid-year break as they offer excellent facilities for small children.

At Macdonald Resorts you have the choice of enjoying short breaks and holidays in some of the UK and Spain's most beautiful locations.

Whether you enjoy exciting activity holidays, lazy days on the beach or a break in the glorious scenery, you're sure to find what you're looking for in one of their superb resorts in Scotland, England, Wales and Spain. Each one has it's own distinctive character, with high standards of accommodation and an exciting range of leisure facilities.

From spacious apartments to cosy chalets, their fully serviced accommodation has a fresh supply of linen and towels awaiting your arrival. Complete with all the comforts of home, you'll find your accommodation is the perfect place to relax.

As well as rentals accommodation Macdonald Resorts also offer Resort Ownership at all their UK and Spanish Resorts. For families, we feel that this may represent value for money as they know they have one/two weeks a year at a resort they love, for life, or they can swap their weeks for a holiday at another resort either in the UK or abroad. If you'd like to experience Holiday Ownership for yourself, Macdonald Resorts offer special inspection visits at greatly reduced prices. For more information please call on 0845 7023274.

Resort rental enquiries: 0845 6011734

For holidays visit www.barratt-resorts.com/holidaycollection/index.html

For Resort Ownership information visit www.barratt-resorts.com/timeshare/index.html

Having now also taken over the Oasis site in Cumbria, Center Parcs offers an excellent selection of locations across central and northern England.

The quality of accommodation is good and the choice of activities is huge, varying slightly from site to site. There is also a broad range of eating establishments to pick from on site and a well stocked supermarket.

Many visitors praised Center Parcs highly, including Caroline Pinkstone and Julie Potts. Everyone commented on the flexibility of the whole operation, "eat when you want, where you want - do what you want when you want".

Center Parcs resorts are fabulously successful and often fully booked. If possible, book out your activities before you go or plan a stay out of school holiday time as you'll probably find your choice of activities will be greater. Having been during half term, almost all the 'extra' payable activities we would have liked to go on were fully booked by the time we arrived.

For more information contact: 08705 200 300

"We have three children aged 7, 5 and 3. When we first visited Center Parcs the youngest was 18 months. We return every year as the children love it. The villas accommodate young children safely and all the equipment is provided.

I would recommend it to anyone whether you are wanting a relaxed lazy break or a busy sporting break."

We had several recommendations for Pontins in Great Yarmouth (Hemsby) and Southport. The facilities for children of all ages and the value for money were the outstanding features of these resorts.

The interesting fact is that our recommendations have come from parents who visit the resorts year after year, testifying to the consistency of service and enduring appeal.

I visited Pontins last summer as a cheap break for the children. Three children aged 15, 12 and 5 all had a brilliant time and wanted to know when they could go again which for me made the holiday a great choice. The only downsides were I felt that the food on site was awful and the overall appearance of the park was a bit of a shock at first!

"Friendly and affordable" - Jan Higginbottom

"Suits parents and children" - Kirsti Atkins

For more information contact: 0870 6045602

Site visitors recommended the Skegness, Bognor Regis and Minehead resorts for their excellent and affordable family entertainment.

Repeat visits again show that families return year after year without the fear of wondering whether all the family will enjoy the holiday.

The following are typical of the comments received:

"Butlins is designed for kids" - Mark Hamilton

"Been before and it was great" - Sara Marchant

For more information contact: 0870 2421999

If you have your own favourite resort chain that we've not included please let us know via:
contributions@forparentsbyparents.co.uk

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