WHERE do you go if you want a holiday abroad but don’t want to travel too far? Rather than driving miles in search of sunnier climes, try stopping in Northern France.
Eurotunnel is great for families who want to get to their destination as quickly as possible. With three children (including a noisy toddler) to consider, distance is always a key factor for us.
We wanted a location that wasn’t too far but still felt like we had gone away. Château de Drancourt in St Valery, Picardy, is 55 miles from Calais.
It’s a neat and tidy holiday parc offering just about enough to do on site, and lots to see in the surrounding area.
We stayed for four nights with Keycamp in their three bedroomed Villagrand accommodation.
Arriving at the site at the correct check-in time we weren’t particularly impressed to find an empty reception desk.
Although we didn’t have to hang around for too long, it’s still not much fun when you have tired and hungry kids to sort out.
The mobile home was adequate, if a little on the small side for a messy family of five, but they aren’t really designed for sitting around in all day.
Unfortunately the cot, highchair and bedding were missing and so too was that all important ‘welcome’ pack with the (purely medicinal) bottle of wine.
The fact that it was also raining and cold added to our misery, but moods lifted once the Keycamp rep sorted things out and the bottle of red was opened.
It always takes us a good day or two to settle down on holiday and it wasn’t really until the sun appeared that we finally began to unwind.
Amy, 10 and Leo, seven, were pleased to be booked into the Fun Zone kids club which provides a variety of sports, games, and art and craft activities in both morning and afternoon.
They quickly made friends, and, being allowed to meet up with them (without annoying parents around) was a great thrill for them both.
It’s this sort of freedom that they miss out on at home and one of the reasons holiday parks are so popular with families.
It’s always important to be aware of safety issues though and Amy and Leo have been told they must stick together, tell us where they are going and check back with us regularly.
I noticed some youngsters with walkie talkies – that may be an option worth considering.
The site boasts three swimming pools but only the indoor and children’s pool were open.
Despite it being the end of May the weather in this part of France is variable and the outdoor pool hadn’t been filled.
For those with plenty of energy (i.e. not us!) there is a tennis court, mini golf course, bikes and go-karts, and pony rides available for children.
France is not cheap – it’s a pound for a euro now – so eating out wasn’t an option for us.
We went to the local supermarket bought lots of French goodies (bread, cheese and plenty of wine) and cooked on the barbecue.
It was actually much better this way as Ronan, our rampaging toddler, is currently at that delightful throwing food everywhere stage.
For more civilised families there is a take-away and a restaurant on site, booking is advisable in peak season.
If you start to get cabin fever – and being a smallish site this is always a possibility – there are plenty of things to do nearby.
St Valéry is the closest place to visit and in summer a little steam railway runs from here along the coast. The busier town of Abbevilleis nearby with its Gothic church of St Vulfran and 18th century château.
If you really want a full day out – one that the kids will certainly be up for – try Bagatelle amusement park. It’s 30 miles away and offers the usual spills and thrills.
We chose the seaside rather than the theme park and enjoyed a few hours of sun, sea and sand at Berck-Plage. Don’t be put off by the poem by Sylvia Plath, it really is a lovely beach.
Despite our initial teething problems I would recommend the site for families. It’s small enough to allow the kids to wander, with just enough facilities to keep you entertained.
It doesn’t have any loud discos or night-time entertainment other than the bar and the kids’ video room, but that suited us.
If you are travelling further afield it’s a great stopping off location, but it’s also good for a short break or possibly longer if you get out and about.
My husband would have like to have visited the battlefields of the Somme – maybe next time. Overall the kids had a great time and what more do you really want on a family holiday? If they’re happy, we’re happy. Mission accomplished.
Words and images Annemarie Flanagan
Annemarie and family were guests of Keycamp
Factbox:
Prices and availability: check website for latest details but current prices are £616 in peak season.
Don't forget to take: Basic stuff like tea, coffee, sugar, cereal, milk, toilet rolls and washing up liquid. Scooters or bikes for the kids are a good idea.
Nearby facilities: There is a small shop on site but there are larger supermarkets close by. The nearest beach is Cageux sur Mer 10 km
Any issues:Order cots/highchairs/bed guards and bedding in advance. Wifi connection is only available when the Chateau bar is open 8pm. There is no baby/toddler club.
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