Midi-breaks – anything between five to 10 days – are the ideal length of time to get some toddler travel experience under your belt without the worry of long-haul mid-air tantrums and annoying baggage restrictions. The convenience of taking your car means you can pack in enough toys and equipment to keep even the most diva-esque two-year-old content, and, if you can book out of peak season, there are accommodation bargains galore too.
Five-day Brittany getaway, France
The dream trip for parents seeking an easy, no-fuss break, Brittany is on the UK’s doorstep with more than 1,700 miles of dramatic coastline to discover. Crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo is a great option if you want to start your adventure feeling fresh, as the ship sails overnight with convenient departure times that will let you get the kids to bed – providing they’re not too excited by the prospect of a night at sea. The next morning, kick off your adventure by exploring the Cote d’Emeraude’s dramatic, walled port with ramparts you can walk for free and the excellent Grand Aquarium with its impressive ring tank housing dozens of sea creatures including sharks and turtles.
Day two, venture along the east coast across the Normandy border to wonderful abbey Mont-St-Michel, which looks like a scene from a magical fairytale. It’s only partly pushchair-friendly, however, so pack the kid carrier backpack or be prepared to do plenty of coaxing up the steep hills.
No family holiday would be complete without a few beach days, so on day three, head west to Brest along the north coast. It’s an easy drive, but break up the journey for midway snacks and toilet stops at Saint-Brieuc, an historic city sided by dramatic cliffs, dunes and moors.
Once you hit the department of Finistère on the west coast, make picturesque Plage de Tregana your base; dazzling gold sand beach and shallow turquoise water, where little ones will happily splash in the sea all day. A coastal path leads to shops and family-friendly restaurants and there are plenty of campsites, villas and gites to book around Brest, a university city with France’s first urban cable car – a great way to sightsee with children.
Seven-day Cantabria escape, Spain
Board an overnight ferry from Portsmouth to the port city of Santander in northern Spain and you’re in for a treat. Kids will adore the cosy cabins and there’s a chance to spot dolphins and whales over breakfast in the Bay of Biscay, all before you’ve even reached dry land. Once you’re ashore, spend a relaxing couple of days exploring the city, including the old town and cathedral, as well as beaches to mess around on – the silky sand of El Sardinero is best but can get crowded in summer.
On day three, drive west along the coast to the medieval hillside village of Santillana del Mar, where you can wander the pretty cobbled streets and keep tots content with cafe stops for slabs of delicious quesada pasiega (Cantabrian cheesecake).
Next up, the region has some sublime stretches of coast: Playa de Oyambre, a white sand crescent between Comillas and San Vincent, is a family favourite and Blue Flag-awarded Playa de Meron and El Rosal combine to create a 2.5-mile-long sandy playground where you’ll want to unpack a tapas picnic and roll around in the dunes.
On day five, visit the region’s biggest tourist attraction – a replica of the pre-historic Altamira cave. First discovered in 1868 and now a Unesco world heritage site, the spectacular underground cavern – engraved with paintings believed to have been created between 11-21,000 years ago – is jaw-dropping (and you can even take the pushchair).
Day six, and it’s time to start winding home via the Museum of Evolution in Burgos (ideal for eager young minds) and one last drop of culture at ferry port Bilbao, home of the world-famous Guggenheim Museum.
Ten-day adventure in the Pays de la Loire, France
Start your holiday with a few days in the heart of this region, capital city Nantes, just over two hours’ drive from ferry port St Malo. Set by the Loire river, it’s attractive to all ages thanks to tourist hot spots such as Musée Jules Verne and Les Machines de l’île where kids can see Jules Verne’s magical creations come to life, such as the walking Grand Elephant and Les Carrousel des Mondes Marin, which includes a ride on a pirate fish.
On day three, drive from Nantes to Cholet (it takes less than an hour) and enjoy a family day out at Grand Parc du Puy du Fou, the stand-out theme park in the region thanks to its unique European history concept. Watch gladiator games in a replica of the Coliseum, see a Viking raid and medieval jousting in action, enjoy lunch in a banqueting hall and even stay the night in a log cabin or Le Chateau Boisniard, built in 1407 by the knight Jehan du Puy du Fou, now complete with swimming pool, tennis court and a spa.
Next it’s time for sun, sea and sand, so hit the Atlantic coastline for five blissful days at beautiful beach resort Les Sables d’Olonne, famed for its sailing opportunities, plus plenty of hotels and a five-star campsite close by. Before returning to Bretagne, you just have time to squeeze in a couple of days’ cycling along a stretch of the 500 mile (800km) Loire à Vélo, a safe, well-kept path from sea to city via wetlands, ancient harbours and scenic châteaux. Pick from the easy riding routes for young families, such as Savonnières/Villandry, which leads you past river barges and caves, to the impressive Château de Villandry.
