Three family-friendly summer breaks
Looking for a summer holiday to suit all the family? Here are three very different options that will be great for parents and children alike.
An all-inclusive break in Mauritius
Forget having to worry about what the children are costing you in drinks and ice-cream by paying up front with an all-inclusive holiday. These types of holiday have come a long way from the days when they were all about cheap buffets and flourescent wristbands.
Tamassa in Mauritius (above) is excellent for the family. A children's club, pedalos, kayaks and snorkelling will keep your brood happy while you relax in the sun or the spa. "The main draw here is the beach and turquoise lagoon on your doorstep," says The Guardian.
The all-inclusive package with Key2holidays includes food, drinks, mini bar, watersports, land activities and Kids Club – so all you have to worry about is whether to pick a sun lounger on the beach or by the pool.
• Key2holidays offers 14 nights for two adults and two children under 12 for £5,425 (with flights from Heathrow) between 20 July and 31 August – book by 30 April. Call 020-7963 6600, or visit
www.key2holidays.co.uk
Go camping in the British countryside
"It's rare to find a child who doesn't love camping with a passion verging on the religious," says Clover Stroud in The Sunday Times. It might not be your idea of the ideal holiday, but it's a guaranteed memory-maker for children.
Small children will love Westerley Campsite in Cornwall. "Down a quiet track, and within tottering distance of the beach, it's a truly mellow option for young families," says Stroud. The farmer who runs the site will be introducing more animals to the campsite this year, including pygmy goats, rabbits, and a Shetland pony, so there's plenty to keep younger children entertained.
Those with older children should consider Tir Bach Farm Campsite in Pembrokeshire. This site has basketball and badminton courts and a football area. The 12 acres of surrounding woodland mean "children have plenty of freedom to explore as a gang", says Stroud.
• Westerley Campsite costs £6 per night for adults; £2 for 2-10 year-olds; £4 for children aged 10-14. Call 01736-794853;
www.westerleycampsite.co.uk
Tir Bach Farm Campsite costs £7 per night for adults and £3 for children. Call 01437-532362;
www.tirbachfarm.co.uk
Stay on a farm in Italy
Camping in Britain is great fun and economical, but if you'd prefer to pay a bit extra for a rural holiday with better odds of good weather, head to Italy. 'Agritourism' – staying on a farm – has been a staple of Italian tourism for decades. I Mandorli Agriturismo in Umbria is a 45-hectare estate with herb gardens, olive groves and plenty to do. "Guests can wander the land, pick herbs, help with the olive harvest, take cookery lessons, cycle, walk and go rafting," says Alastair Sawday in The Observer. If you need to cool off after all the hard graft on the land, you can relax with a swim in the pool. The house is wonderfully "higgledy-piggledy", with simple bedrooms and spotless bathrooms. And when it's time to leave you can buy some of the estate's produce, including jams, olive oil, lentils and wine, to help ease you back into life at home.
• Rooms from €40 a night; apartments start from €65. Call 00 39 0742 78669, or visit
www.agriturismoimandorli.com
