above is the Minack Theatre, which is well worth a visit. Visit www.cornwall-beaches.co.uk2. Crackington Haven, Cornwall This ideal spot for families has a gently shelving beach in an enclosed bay; the upper beach is mainly pebble, with rock pools along

or the largest shell on the beach as well as who can find the smoothest shell, the most brightly coloured shell, the heaviest shell6. Play sand bullseye Draw a large circle in the sand and mark a ‘throw line’, then take turns tossing shells or small stones to hit

there are lovely beaches and tavernas. Villa Lydia, overlooking  the bay at Lakka village, sleeps four to five, is close to the beach and five minutes’ walk from  the harbour, so you don’t need a car. To explore, rent a boat – there’s a mooring just below the villa

the best villas, including Lawrence Durrell’s iconic family home – The White House – and stunning family houses, such as St Nicholas’s Beach House with its own private beach and playground. A week’s stay at St Nicholas’s Beach House includes a welcome

This two-mile trail takes in the scenery of the Seven Sisters and ends up at a tranquil beach for a spot of shell collecting. Visit www.pushchairwalks.co.uk 3. Phoenix Trail, BuckinghamshireThis trail runs from Princes Risborough to Thame with fabulous

to rainforest lodges.Of course, you can also create your own package deal close to home:  why not load bikes onto the car, nip across the Channel and try a short-haul holiday to somewhere like Brittany? It has superb beaches, rocky coves for shrimping

Grand AdventuresHead to Morgans Hotel, Swansea’s grand boutique hotel located in the beautiful marine quarter with its sandy beach, promenade, children’s lido, leisure pool and museums. The hotel’s elegant traditional exterior belies the superbly

as well as a Mother and Baby yoga class.Visit www.ardnahoo.comCoastal RetreatsOnly 26 miles from Belfast, Ballygally Castle is set on the scenic County Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland, and faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay with views

1. Ruthern Valley, Cornwall Close to Bodmin Moor, this secluded little camp is an idyllic escape for all the family. There are woods for making dens, beaches for building sandcastles, pigs and chickens to feed, and bikes that you can hire

each child pack a bag – tell them not to tell you, but to choose a specific destination (the snow, the beach, a safari etc), then they can pack their bags with all the appropriate gear. When all the bags are packed, arrive at ‘the airport’ (aka your