(L-R) Sir Paul Smith as a youngster and Paul Smith Junior SS11What is your name and where did you grow up? Paul Smith, NottinghamWhat is your job? Fashion DesignerDo you have a nickname? Not that I know of!What did you want to be when you grew up? A professional racing cyclistWha...

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Puffin, £5.99)Not many children’s books achieve worldwide sales that would humble a U2 album, but Eric Carle’s classic picture book about a caterpillar munching his way to becoming a beautiful butterfly has sold 22 million copies.Carl...

This resort was created for the 1992 Winter Olympics, but after the snow has melted, activities available include a circus school, swimming, basketball, volleyball, football, boules, fencing, tennis, walking, climbing, cycling, mountain biking

There could hardly be a more welcome gift to the grandparents then some time with your children. Family-run company Grand Breaks have a range of exciting ideas including cycling in Ashdown Forest in East Sussex and kayaking on the Beaulieu River

11. Peepo! by Janet and Allan Ahlberg (Puffin, £5.99)First published in 1981, this wonderful boardbook appeals rather like The Very Hungry Caterpillar – you simply can’t beat a hole in the page for toddler enjoyment. In Peepo!, a baby glimpses his small domestic world through a l...

Renowned for its sweeping coastal views and lush hills, Devon is one UK destination benefitting from the ash cloud as bookings are up 70 per cent. From fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast to cycle trails, there is simply loads to do. Visit

The nearby water park boasts 140 lakes to cycle around and a sandy beach. There’s also The Cotswold Wildlife Park that’s home to big cats and white rhinos. The Priory Inn is very child-friendly and has a delicious home-cooked children’s menu. Book a

There are a variety of robust outdoor family activities to enjoy in and around Reykjavik including horse riding and cycling, and children will love bathing at one of the many thermal pools in the city. Families will also enjoy visiting Reykjavik

Tree Lodge on the ground floor sleeps four). The village of Lakeside is a short walk for the Aquarium of the Lakes, the Lakeside to Haverthwaite Steam Railway and the Gondola (for lake trips). Grizedale Forest is a wonderful walking and cycling area

), parties, cookery lessons, truffle hunting, cycling outings and visits to local historic towns.Borgo San Biagio is available for groups of 16 from £3,153 to £6,350, and groups of 20 from £3,800 to £7,495 per week through CV Travel. Tel: 020 7401 1039.