The importance of planning ahead and a strong support network for the summer holidays and beyond

For a family with a parent currently serving, the summer holidays can be bewildering. No matter what job your serving person might have, the parent left behind is often the sole provider of continuity and stability.

“My parents, his parents and everyone we knew were at the other end of the country, I knew no one. Looking back on it now, I coped, because you had to.” Lesley Farrow, a Naval wife for 37 years moved from the North East of England to Plymouth in the very early months of marriage.

“My advice would be, go out there and join a local group, get to know the other Naval spouses in the area and make sure you have a safe space to meet up with them, have a coffee and share the childcare. Many of them are in the same situation with family and their support networks so far away.”

The Royal Naval Association is the biggest collective group of Royal Naval veterans and serving personnel, providing those with a link to the Royal Navy access to a life-long community of like-minded and supportive individuals.

Summer holiday inspiration for Royal Navy and Royal Marines families

With the summer holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about where you might want to spend a well-deserved break over the summer months.

There are plenty of deals available for Royal Navy and Royal Marine families, as well as lots of inspiration for your travel plans, in our latest Holiday Guide and our latest issue of Homeport magazine.

Here are just a few to get you started!

Explore the coast

Just metres away from the beachfront, Polzeath Beach Holiday Park is easily located for access to Tintagel and Padstow on the North Cornish coast. The perfect location to enjoy a traditional seaside holiday, before relaxing in the comfort of a fully-equipped 6-berth caravan.

Escape to the countryside

There’s nothing better than the great British countryside in summer. The beautiful Enda Ryan Poppy Pod village offers residential respite for service personnel, veterans and their families at a discounted rate.

Have an adventure abroad

Does your family have a taste for adventure? Naval Outdoors Centre Germany (NOCG) is in the small town of Bad Oberdorf, Southern Bavaria, and offers a fantastic full-board family package, with climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and walking.

You can read more about the national and overseas holidays available to you on page 8 of Homeport Magazine.