On holiday

Can you holiday with a toddler in a caravan? Let's find out!

For the last couple of years, I’ve faced the conundrum of holidays as a solo parent. I had plenty of choice of how to spend time off before parenthood and have done my fair share of travel. I was lucky enough to complete epic trips to Thailand and Australia with a friend, visit my Aunt in France several times, and take city breaks across Europe. But now, long journeys by plane seem impossible. How would you keep a toddler occupied in a tiny space for hours?! What kind of havoc would they wreak on other nations?! What if you ran out of wet wipes?! Closer to home seems the best way currently…

And so I look to my parents and their wealth of experience of holidays within a few hours drive. They are proper grown ups - members of walking groups and canal boat enthusiasts no less. They also own a caravan which is parked in a field on a working farm in the Llŷn Peninsula, Wales. The farm owners have a static caravan that can be hired on the same site. It offers the chance to stay for a week and be together, but somewhat independent. A great option for this moment in time.

Yet, this kind of holiday takes adjustment. When I arrive, I’ve driven for 3+ hours in a stuffy car full of pram, balance bike, trike, toy cars, nappies plus a small suitcase for me! My mind is whirling with nap schedules, making sure enough water is consumed, snacks are always available, the bed has a rail to stop accidental falls, how will we do bath time and did I mention the heatwave is just beginning…!

I’m also struck by the feeling of isolation at night in the caravan. When my son finally sleeps and my parents go back to their own caravan, a few fields away, I am surrounded by complete silence. The closest building is an empty barn. I feel scared but I’m not sure what of - sheep, or my own thoughts? I write a note on my phone as a reminder to future me: ‘don’t do this type of holiday again - you hate it!’

Rural views in Llŷn

But then, we start exploring. Nearby villages have their own quirky shops and layouts. Pasties and ice-cream are sampled. My watch conveniently stops working and I have to chill out ever so slightly on overseeing the rigid toddler nap schedule. I am forced to slow down whilst still always being on call as a mum. When walking from our caravan to my parents’ caravan, my son insists we observe a snail crossing the road!

There are so many beautiful views here - the mountains, beaches and the sea. One evening we meet another caravan dweller (happy camper?) whose small dog proves to be the perfect toddler entertainer. I drink several glasses of wine and learn a few words of Welsh. The reports from elsewhere are that the heatwave is making most daily tasks unbearable. Sitting in a field in this location is very pleasant though.

A beach in Llŷn

We visit historic castles that provide shady tunnels. There’s a pub somewhere on a beach you can only walk to. It’s never very busy. By the end of the week, Llŷn has won me over. Holidays with a toddler in tow, within driving distance, are possible - yay!