Holiday Cottage/other gift ideas for my OH's 30th (Completely non- horsey! Sorry!)

[Tinsel Trouble]

This september is my OHs 30th Birthday. I am desperate for gift ideas. I thought it might be lovely if I hired a large holiday cottage over his birthday week in the west midlands or wales and let his family and friends come and go. Make is sociable, and not tie anyone down to one particular event where people feel left out/ not included... (there's always an aunt somewhere who complains...!)

The problem is the large cottages are SO expensive. Does anyone have any ideas how to get the cost down? Or a cheaper option? Or another gift idea would be useful!

(Also appologies for the non- horsey theme, but this is the last place he would suspect of looking, and I am completely stuck- none of my friends have any ideas!)

Please help me out!

 

[JenHunt]

camping? we took a few tents, a few car loads of folk and kit and went to the Lake District a few weeks ago for a 30th. Did a couple of short pub to pub walks, a bit of canoeing etc etc and camped. was great fun and dead cheap. The 'accommodation' cost us £30 for 3 nights, but then food etc on top was cereal and milk, cup of tea/coffee for breakkie. then pub lunch and pub dinner each day.

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

That's a good idea, thank you. I am concerned about the weather in September, but it's not normally too bad, is it?!

 

[JenHunt]

we camp for burghley and thats usually ok. September is usually dryer than June!!

A decent campsite will have good facilities and usually have a laundrette so at least you can get stuff dry if all else fails!

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

Good point, thank you!

 

[JenHunt]

do a bit of homework, ask lots of questions and you'll find a great place I'm sure. IF the lake's aren't too far away for you then I'd recommend Parkcliffe Campsite, just south of Bowness and Windemere, lovely site and friendly people too.

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

Decide what he would like to do - is he a doer, or prefer to veg out, would he want to be just with you, loads of mates or family etc etc. Once you've got that sorted, you can (probably!) tailor your decision!

I have the same dilemma for OH's 40th in July - I think he is going banger racing with a load of mates, and I'll stay home and look after all the animals!

 

[Dubsie]

Would a canal boat be cheaper? Am thinking if you did a set route, then you could time in some pub stops for the evening and invite people to join you, as opposed to having to accomodate them too?

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

I love these ideas! Thank you!

I shall now go Googling!