at Djurgården Island, which houses many of the city’s top attractions including the Skansen – the world’s oldest open-air museum, and home to over 150 Scandinavian buildings dating back to the 18th century, as well as over 60 species of animals, including bears

by metro from the city centre. Doubles from around £150. Tel: 0042 0 2611 91 111; www.corinthia.cz£ Hotel Europa is a beautiful hotel with wonderful art nouveau decor. Triples from around £75. Tel 0042 0 2242 28117; www.evropahotel.cz EATING£££ Nebozizek

to Gatorland. But Busch Gardens was our next destination. Home to over 20,000 exotic animals: giraffes, deer, rhinos, meercats, monkeys and, in the new Jungala area, two of the world’s most endangered species, Bengal tigers and orang-utans. The highlight for us

wonderful day by the seasideThings to do Brighton Toy Museum With over 10,000 toys and models on display and period antique toys, this museum offers hours of entertainment for aspiring Fat Controllers. If your child is a big fan, there is also a shop

budget will allow. Doubles from around £180. Tel: 0043 1 514 560; www.sacher.com ££ Some rooms at the Hotel Mercure Josefshof have kitchenettes which are popular with families. Suites from £135. Tel: 0043 1 2180 0800;www.mercure.com £ Hotel Kärntnerhof

in full swing since March 13), with a mass of tri-coloured flags and funny hats already on display as we drove through the city to our hotel. We were staying at The Merrion, an award-winning five-star hotel on the edge of Merrion Square. The luxury hotel