Travel: Seaside fun

JUDE NICHOLLS, of Lichfield, is looking for a 'holiday village/community', preferably near the sea, where she can read and relax while her nine- year-old daughter has opportunities to make friends.

'We've done the educational holidays at public schools and would like to try something else - but not necessarily as an isolated nuclear family. We veer towards the arty, bookish end of the spectrum.

'Don't suggest camping. Last summer we were washed out of our tent in the wettest August for eight years in France.'

What she seems to be looking for is somewhere more intellectual than Butlin's and less expensive than Center Parcs. Any suggestions?