What is it? The Guesthouse East, opened in spring 2005 after being completely refurbished. Rated 4 star silver award by Visit Britain. Where? 50m from the sea in Eastbourne, east Sussex. Description: You may well associate Eastbourne with coach tours for your granny and grandad – but it’s changing fast. As Jo Waters discovered, the Guesthouse East represents a new brand of …

What is it? A driving holiday on the Isle of Wight Where? We stayed at Gotten Manor, a lovely eco-friendly conversion in Chale on the southern part of the island, and enjoyed a spectacular modern two-storey cottage with all the amenities in the middle of nowhere. In fact, the brochure advertises “only cows for company”, and when a chorus of mooing woke …

What is it? There are numerous staff at Peke’s, many of whom are happy to help look for baby-sitters. Just ask! Where? Peke’s has an indoor swimming pool with a shallow end perfect for small children, as well as a Jacuzzi and sauna. Description: Lots of restaurants and pubs are nearby but we did what most parents do – stay home with …

What is it? A family holiday at the Pacific Palisades Hotel. Where? Robson Street, Vancouver, Canada Description: [canada.jpg]A taste of the great outdoors in a great city – that’s what Tanya Spriggs and her family got when they visited Vancouver, Canada. But how could Tanya, her husband Alan and daughters Imogen, four, and Savannah, seven, bear to leave? Feel the throb of …

What is it? A summer trip to Finland Where? Tampere, Turku and Naantali, Finland, three towns that physically are only a short flight away from the UK – but feel light years away. Description: [Moomin_with_Tilly.jpg]Finland is all it’s cracked up to be – and more. Wendy Sloane took daughter Tilly to visit this Nordic land, where they swam in a lake, tasted …

What is it? A country farm barn conversion in beautiful countryside. Where? Pattards Farm is situated in the parish of Hartland North Devon at Pattard, a 90-acre farm. Description: [phil_and_owl.jpg]Abbie and Phil Sheridan took a family holiday relaxing in the North Devon countryside along with children, Bethany, five and Jacob, almost two. From owl-spotting to feeding sheep, this was something different for …

What is it? Whitby YHA, opened in May 2007 after a L3 million refurbishment with Heritage Lottery money. New facilities include en suite rooms, internet access and a restaurant. Where? Right beside the atmospheric ruins of the 7th-century Whitby Abbey, with spectacular views of the North Yorkshire coast and the Esk Valley. Description: [view_of_whitby.jpg]It’s time to rethink the draughty dorms and 11 …

What is it? Rex Resorts, a 4* All Inclusive hotel Where? Rodney Beach on the northwest coast of St Lucia in the Caribbean Description: [captain_luke.jpg] Visiting a Caribbean island during the Cricket World Cup only meant one thing – the English showing themselves up at cricket again! This time the national team weren’t the only ones, as the ‘tourists’ proved no match …

What is it? The Adventure Playground was a big hit with all three children, aged two to six. Clementine, the youngest, took full advantage of the baby swings and the big slide, while Tilly, four and Josie, six, loved the rides for older children and the grown-up swings. The indoor swimming pool was clean and quiet, with a ledge at one …

What is it? Claridge’s, one of London’s grandest hotels Where? In Mayfair within easy reach of Hyde Park, Park Lane and Oxford Street Description: [BALLROOM_RECEPTION.JPG]Is something – or someone – making you feel tired, stressed out and miserable? Then leave them at home and get away from it all! Wendy Sloane and husband Duncan spent a night at Claridge’s – without the …