PUFFIN SPOTTING

Hell Bay, on the car-free island of Bryher (setting of Michael Morpurgo's Why the Whales Came), is a relaxed and family-friendly hotel with a light and airy feel, good food and wonderful paintings. Getting to this most western part of England is not straightforward but perseverance is rewarded. Enjoy glorious empty beaches and dramatic walks, take a boat trip and go island hopping - there are 200 to explore. It all makes you feel as if you’ve escaped to a private corner of the world. From £2835 for a family of four for 7 nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Hell Bay, Bryher, Isles of Scilly Tel:01720 422947; www.tresco.co.uk

SPA MENU

Book a rejuvenating treatment in the fab new spa at Woolley Grange, Wiltshire while your kids enjoy a splash in the toy-filled pool. It is a laid-back place, big beds, free-standing baths. A lovely kids’ den with child-care on offer from 9am-6pm. Plus bugaboos to borrow, sterilizers, great food for children and a superb chef for the grown-ups. www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

PONY MAD KIDS

The Equestrian Centre is at the heart of Cowarth Park, near Ascot, the Dorchester’s new out of town sister. Kids can take part in ‘Own a Pony’ days or enjoy lessons and hacks across the 240 acre estate. Prices from £295 per room www.cowarthpark.com Tel: 01344 876 600

DORSET DELIGHT

Knowle House, on the stunning Isle of Purbeck, exists in its own time-warp. Buckets and spades and lots of sea air followed by sensible food at 5 o’clock sharp for children; sundowners on the veranda for you, while a nanny patrols the corridors. www.knollhouse.co.uk Tel: 01929 450450

YORKSHIRE PUD

The Pheasant Hotel, Harome, nr Helmsley is on the village green in a pretty village on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. The owners also own the Michelin-starred Star Inn in the same village so it is but a short walk between gastronomic delights. £150 per night, double room b&b, £30 extra for a child bed.
www.thepheasanthotel.com Tel  01439 771241

BOOKWORMS

We have wanted to visit both the kids’ arm of the Hay Literary Festival and stay at the nearby Felin Fach Griffin pub in the Black Mountains for ages. But you have to get ahead of the game. This year Hay Fever is over the Summer half term (28 May to 5 June) and they are already fully booked. Tel 01874 620 111
www.felinfachgriffin.co.uk