for traidcraft stalls with gifts and cards, mince pies and seasonal nibbles, children's activities, storytime and a Christmas Quiz.Time: 10.30am–12.30pm. Cobbett Road Library, Cobbett Road Southampton SO18 1HL.Plymouth Christmas CarnivalDecember 5See

Set amid the old-style charms of the Cotswolds, Bruern Cottages are the perfect combination of quaint charm and homely luxury. Owned by the Hon Judy Astor, the cluster of a dozen residences were formerly stables, though you’d never guess it by the sumptuous interiors – Colefax An...

  Gather as many parents/children/friends as you can. There should be a goal, which each team is protecting from getting wet (and one they are trying to get wet); when one of the goals has been soaked, you know you have won.7. Set up camp  Pitch camp in the back

with young children. Heat the oven to 210°C, then grease a baking tray. Sift 1 cup of flour into a bowl, add a generous pinch of salt. Meanwhile, combine 30g of melted butter, a splash of milk and a splash of water. Make a well in the centre of the flour

children. Send all of the younger set into one room – or preferably the garden – to devise and rehearse their performance. Ask for a theatrical 10-minute call before the performance. Inspiration should run wild, but if they are struggling, remind them

’ Village children’s club. There’s also a wide choice of luxury accommodation and fabulous restaurants. 

If you’re looking to recreate the traditional holiday by the sea, you couldn’t choose a more perfect location than the sunny fishing harbour of Brixham in South Devon. This spacious five-bedroom house, part of Blue Chip Holidays, has stylish accommodation, as well as a play area ...

If your child adores cricket, or spends morning to night with a paintbrush in hand, then you’ll love the nannies you can employ from Holiday Nanny. This agency has 70 nannies – many of whom have a speciality. There are musical, sporty or creative nannies and the staff include pri...

When it comes to holidaying with young children, Center Parcs is ideal. Cars are banned from the main grounds, so it’s a great place for young children to learn to ride a bike. There is also family pony-trekking, cartoon making, tots’ tennis, teddy

Luxury Asian hotel group Shangri-La has introduced a new series of children’s activities at its resort hotels. For example, at the Rasa Sentosa in Singapore, children can learn juggling, yoga, rock climbing and flying trapeze; at the Tanjung Aru