.lechardonvaldisere.com).Best for value: Morzine, France. Morzine
(www.morzine-avoriaz.com) offers easy access to the huge Portes du Soleil’s 650km piste. A six-day pass for this incredible range costs £184 for adults and £147 for children. The resort is also close to Geneva Airport

is better suited to over-fives who can best enjoy the beach (and its kitesurfing, horse riding, kayaking and sand-yachting opportunities). Société Nautique de la Trinité-sur-Mer (www.snt-voile.org) in the port can organise sailing classes and boat hire

the surf resorts. You can sea kayak from the rocky cove at Port Quin, hike to the clifftop lookout at Boscastle or cycle the Camel Trail from Padstow to Wadebridge and beyond towards Bodmin Moor – a wonderfully wild and woody side of Cornwall that’s often

’s offering has transformed into a scattering of crumbs and empty glass, an illusion which may be shattered if your child creeps out of bed to discover her parents with a mouthful of mince pies and a half empty bottle of port. Waiting until after bedtime

can save the day at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbotfor one day only.Global VillageJuly 1A mixed arts festival in Cyfarthfa Park, first founded to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Mertyr Tydfil. A variety of music, dance and art

around Les Gets are fairly gentle and quieter than many, making it a great choice for children and beginers alike. Don’t be put off if you’re a competent skier yourself though: access to the Portes du Soleil ski area opens up a wealth of challenging runs

’s Longleat Safari Park, presided over by the eccentric Marquess of Bath, where visitors can drive through the parklands of the Longleat Manor house, spotting everything from lions and tigers to camels and kangaroos. Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Park

will be chugging into the Museum Of Science And Industry in Manchester this summer for a long weekend of fun. Meet the amiable engine and his portly superior, Sir Topham Hatt, for a day of fun activities including face-painting, balloon modelling and a return trip

, Japan and France.If you don't want to tackle the long flights, there are plenty of places closer to home. At PortAventura on the Spanish Costa Dorada, you can discover the mysteries of Imperial China, explore the jungles of Polynesia, or travel through

salty seafaring activities abound including cannon firing sessions, storytelling on board HMS Gannet and puppetry with Pirate Pam.Day Out With ThomasJuly 21–24Children will have the chance to meet cheeky blue engine Thomas and his portly superior, Sir