BabiesWhile not really swimming using the proper technical strokes that we develop as adults (children don’t have the strength and coordination until at least age four), a baby benefits a great deal from an early introduction to water, not least

“I was always a water baby,” says Rebecca. “Every family holiday there would be a big group of us, with the children spending practically every waking moment in the pool. I loved being in the water and was always pleading with my mum, ‘Please can we

Enthusiastic gastropubs will love Sapori e Saperi (Flavours & Knowledge) Adventures, which offer gastronomic learning holidays for families near Lucca in Tuscany. The company aims to inspire children (aged five years and over) and their parents

and with practise (they are determined wrigglers) are easily handled. Be warned though, that escape is their raison d’être.GoldfishA great starter pet and one of the easiest to take care of. They don’t just swim round either – goldfish can be trained to swim towards

Babies up to 18 monthsHold your baby while he ‘swims’ in the bath, and let water trickle over his body so he can discover how it feels. Teach him to make a splash by patting your hands on the surface of the water in the bath, or in a washing-up bowl

The great thing about the Far East is that it remains such an exotic culture despite our children becoming ever more world-savvy. When your children are up close to an enormous elephant in the Thai jungle or walking down a street in Bali where women

in the hillside (for children over 12 only) and new beachside villas. Perfect for romantic honeymooners, who can also choose to get married on the beach, and invite a baby elephant if they so choose! We preferred to get our dose of romance with sunset swims

anything more? Last summer, I watched a masterpraise-giver at work. Nick is a swimming coach who always gets excellentresults. He gives children easy-to-follow instructions in a steady, politemanner. If a child gives a mediocre performance, he says: "I know

safaris. Adults can have a siesta while children are tended by their guides, who will help them to record observations and teach bush skills; while at Edo’s Camp, in Kalahari, you can meet the San Bushmen, one of the world’s oldest cultures. For more

safaris. Adults can have a siesta while children are tended by their guides, who will help them to record observations and teach bush skills; while at Edo’s Camp, in Kalahari, you can meet the San Bushmen, one of the world’s oldest cultures. For more