last minute holidays with the kids

Getting it right when it comes to the big summer holiday can be stressful especially if that final decision has been left to the last minute, but now that school's out for summer, HomeAway.co.uk still has plenty of options available that will tick all the boxes for families. The UK’s leading rentals company lists many last minute family friendly properties with the facilities and standards of a hotel but without the crowds, costs and need to run to the pool at 6am to save a sunbed. From seaside houses in Sussex to villas with pools in Portugal, travellers simply need to pick a property, book there and then and start packing. “Getting it right when it comes to the big family summer holiday isn’t always easy and finding the perfect break, especially at the last minute, can be like finding a needle in a haystack," said HomeAway.co.uk Regional Director, Erica Chang.She added, "We have made things simple for holidaymakers who can use our last minute search function to find a break in the summer holidays. Whether they are looking for sandy beaches and clear water, cultural excursions or swimming pools to splash in, we still have plenty of holidays that tick all the boxes and the whole family will love,” she adds. Rent a property in Cornwall and spend your days exploring beaches, rock pools, visiting family-friendly attractions and eating fish and chips by the water. Eden Cottage is seven miles from the fantastic Eden Project and has been fully renovated this year. It has two double bedrooms, comfortable lounge, fab kitchen and beautiful cottage garden that’s perfect for enjoying a barbecue and a glass of wine while the children play. A week can be booked now at www.homeaway.co.uk/p884790 for £770. A great place for getting back to basics and enjoying time as a family is Ireland. Derrypark Lodge is a two bedroomed cottage in County Mayo just 50m from the water’s edge. There is a fully fitted kitchen/dining room, living room with open fire, stone floors and exposed beams and a private patio with seating and tables overlooking the lake to the mountains. Guests have free access to the surrounding open land along the lakeshore and fishing boats for hire are kept near the cottage. Derrypark Lodge can be booked now at www.homeaway.co.uk/p450036 for £555 a week in peak season. There’s a lot more to Lanzarote than volcanoes, so why not use this two-bedroom holiday apartment in Playas de Orzola y Arrieta as a base to explore? Situated in a beautiful valley, close to a fishing village with bars, restaurants and a lovely beach and sandy coves, it really is paradise for parents and children alike. The property can be booked now at www.homeaway.co.uk/p1087188 for just £301 a week. A villa or apartment in Spain, with great value flights can be an affordable, child friendly break in the sun where you won’t be counting the pennies. This apartment in Mijas Costa is just £432 a week in the peak season. With brand new furniture, LED TV, full-equipped kitchen, large terrace and two bedrooms, it is the perfect sunny getaway. There are four pools and a restaurant at the complex and the beach golf course are both less than 2 km away.