What is it? Chateau des Ormes, a beautiful campsite set in the wooded grounds of a French château. The added on-site value is the tree top high ropes and zip wire activities, plus the option of sleeping in real-life tree houses. There’s also an indoor and outdoor pool (with wave machine), on-site horse riding, pedallos and mini-golf. Where? Just outside Dol de …

What is it? That we could take advantage of the free babysitting service the Wyndham offers during their Sunday lunch buffet. Qualified childminders are on hand in a small playroom adjacent to the buffet tables. Stocked with crayons, tents, games and dress-up items, it can keep kids amused for hours whilst their naughty parents sip champagne and admire the Harbour view. …

What is it? Family ski or snowboard holiday, including lessons for the children. Lots of good skiing for beginners and intermediates but only one expert run (named after Olympic champion Alberto Tomba, who opened it). Check out www.bulgariaski.com or http://www.bansko.bg/index_en.html Where? Bansko Ski Resort, Bulgaria. 150 km south of the capital, Sofia, and about 2.5 hours drive from the airport. Five years …

What is it? Because the hotel’s special two-night Family Explorer break is just the thing for a family of four looking for a weekend away. And L11m has been spent on revamping the hotel, adding more bedrooms and building a state-of-the-art conference centre. Where? This hotel is a relaxing base from which to explore the local area. There are no kids’ clubs …

What is it? Just how much inspiration a disposable camera and little teddy can bring. They made walks – which we usually have to bribe Savannah, 7, and Imogen, 4 to go on – turn into great adventures. Where? Do some research about local attractions. The hotel is in North Lincolnshire but is near the border to other regions which the local …

What is it? Camelot Theme Park and Park Hall Hotel Where? The lakeside hotel and family-owned theme park is surrounded by acres of beautiful wooded countryside in Charnock Richard, Chorley, Lancs. Description: [entrance_to_camelot.jpg]Looking for an unusual weekend spot to take the kids? If you want to combine a spot of jousting with jelly tots, this is the place. Better hurry, though, rumour …

What is it? Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa Where? Ascot, Berkshire Description: [The_Berystede_hotel.jpg] Tanya Spriggs and husband Alan treated their family to a right royal weekend when they stayed at a recently revamped hotel near Ascot racecourse. There was the regal racetrack, Windsor Castle and the king of the theme parks – Legoland – for their two little princesses, Savannah, six, and …

What is it? A relaxing week’s break in the heart of the Cotswolds. Where? Hoburne Holiday Park, a picturesque setting surrounded by lakes. Description: [HOBURNE_PARK_LODGE.JPG]Phillip and Abbie Sheridan took nine-month-old Jacob and Bethany, four, to enjoy a week’s holiday in the Cotswolds. Here, Phil gives a blow-by-blow account of their relaxing break – well, everything but the shower… To get away from …

What is it? We attended the Orange British Snowboard & Freestyle Ski Championships 2006, also known as the Orange BRITS. The biggest national snowsports event, it’s open to all ages and performance levels and gives unknown amateurs the chance to perform against Britain’s top professionals, current champions and GB Olympic hopefuls. Where? Snowboarding and skiing, eating huge Bratwursts sans enfants! Description: Laax …

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 …