Mrs Sted and myself being refined folk usually went far from the madding crowd on holiday. Somewhere with no English pubs, no 'all day breakfasts', and preferably where nobody spoke much English.

With two 6 year olds in tow, we've decided to go somewhere where they won't be as bored.

Gran Canaria, 2 weeks 'all inclusive'

Anyone been? Should I get a Union Jack Tattoo, grow a beer belly and shout at Johny Foreigner all day? or is there a bit of culture to be found there?

There is a mix of the two. If you get a car then you can get into the "mountains" in the centre and its surprisingly green and away from the tourists. At the same time the resorts are stuck in about 1977 - the same date when many of the Brits went out there to set up bars and restaurants!

Some nice deserted beaches to the north too

Plus you could try for a marlin: http://www.bluemarlin3.com/

Like all of the main Canary islands, there are large areas dominated by the Brits, but you can still find places which have a bit more of local feel to them. Porto Mogan, when we went 12 or so years ago is pretty special. We stayed in Maspalomas, which had less of a commercial feel to it, but again 12 years have passed so that could well have changed and is now probably part of Playa. The Jumbo Centre is a bit of an eye opener by day and by night in Maspalomas and, apparently, the dunes can get quite interesting....

We're going with a couple of friends + their kids.

There's a golf course next door so that'll be used (if they do bat hire)

Sean doesn't fish, but sod him, I'm definitely doing the Marlin trip (cheers Groomy)

@ Jonathon. Yes I did hear about the dunes and the nudists / gays. Coincidentally, we're Staying at the IFA Catarina which has a nudist bar area on the roof. I've already told Mrs Sted that I shall be paying it a visit purely for the crack As she scared of heights I reckon I'll have free rein up there.