What is it? Luxurious, architecturally designed cottages set in 13 acres of countryside, with indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a games room and a bar/restaurant serving tapas during the day & a 5* menu in the evening. Where? The Valley, Carnon Downs, midway between Truro and Falmouth in Cornwall Description: [the_villas_&_luke.jpg] A few nights’ stay in Cornwall during Valentine’s week meant …

What is it? A Holiday Rentals property, “Bliss Beckons”, a contemporary family home, with fantastic views Where? Ballinskelligs, County Kerry, on the Atlantic coast of Ireland Description: [WINDSWEPT_ON_BALLINSKELLIGS_BEACH.JPG] When the owner said to me “November? Are you sure? There’ll be nothing open, you know!”, I knew we’d picked the right one. “Sounds perfect,” I replied. To get away from it all and …

What is it? Champneys Forest Mere Health Resort Where? The lakeside spa and hotel was previously a hunting lodge, and is set in 158 acres of gorgeous woodlands and gardens in Liphook in Hampshire. Description: Looking for a last-minute treat to soothe your aching pregnant body? First-time mum-to-be Alex Tate took a mini break at Champneys health spa in Forest Mere to …

What is it? Matfen Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Where? Matfen village is a 25-minute drive form the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, and just 15 minutes from the A1 and Newcastle International Airport Description: Adrian and Joanne Kellett took time out from their busy lives, leaving the children in the care of their grandparents, to indulge in some much-needed ‘us’ time …

What is it? The Tudor Farmhouse Hotel Where? In the small village of Clearwell, nestled in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire Description: [Tudor_Farmhouse_Hotel.jpg]If you’re looking for a relaxing, family-friendly holiday away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this 13th-century hotel is about as peaceful as you can get. And don’t confuse peaceful with boring: Wendy Sloane found that her three …

What is it? That we had to bring our hotel registration card to use the swimming pool. Josie, Tilly and I arrived at the pool without it and had to trudge back to our hotel room, where Duncan and the baby were asleep, to retrieve it noisily from the bottom of my bag. The woman at the pool reception told us …

What is it? Just how varied and good the kids’ food would be. If we’d known, we wouldn’t have been so lax about the kids snacking before supper The children’s menu at the hotel offered a range of choices from light bites, like beans on toast or a children’s finger tea of sarnies, fruit and cake, to pasta and roast chicken. …

What is it? Most of our time was spent exploring the local area. Back at the hotel we used the indoor pool every day, and the kids had great fun on the outdoor climbing frame and racing around the hotel grounds, which stretch over 50 acres (incorporating a golf course). For older kids, there’s table-tennis, snooker and two tennis courts. Where? Some …

What is it? Cirencester is only a few miles down the road, with major shopping facilities. Closer to home there is fishing on the many lakes, water skiing, boating and plenty of wildlife to watch. Butts Farm is only a few miles down the road and is perfect entertainment for young families. Where? That our Lodge had a DVD player. Rather than …

What is it? Prices at the Coppid Beech Hotel range from L169 for a one-night stay for two in high season to L480 for a family of five staying two nights at the same time. Special offers are considerably less. Visit www.coppidbeech.com or call 01344 303 333. Legoland prices range from L23 for a child’s ticket to L29 for an adult, …