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Bamburgh Castle UK family holidays 2021

UK Family Holidays 2021

After all the home-schooling and screen time, when it’s safe to travel again, seek out these gems on home turf with incredible activities for all and luxurious self-catering hideaways…

Cycle the Tarka Trail in Devon

Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter in the much-loved tale, choose a stretch of the 180-mile trail that takes in beaches, countryside and beautiful scenery. The route between Braunton and Barnstaple is perfect for families, takes a couple of hours and is mainly off-road. Stay at Castle on the Well in Exmoor, a magical place that looks straight out of a fairytale. Or go for the modern Linea in Combe Martin with infinity pool. www.uniquehomestays.com

Northumberland – castles and beaches

The long stretch of white sand beach at Bamburgh, overlooked by the storybook castle, make this the perfect location for a holiday by the sea. Harry Potter fans will love Alnwick Castle, too, which was used as a location in two if the films – there’s broomstick training on offer. Book for lunch at the amazing treehouse restaurant at The Alnwick Garden. Stay at The Shieling with its luxury beach house vibe, and views of Bamburgh Castle and the sea. Escape to the country at Overthwarts Farmhouse with gorgeous walks on your doorstep and an enclosed garden making it a great choice for families and pets.  crabtreeandcrabtree.com

(Main image: Bamburgh Castle VisitBritain Yin Sun Photography)

See Cornwall’s south coast

There’s much to see along Cornwall’s charming south coast. Explore the pretty Roseland Peninsula, spend an afternoon at the mysterious Lost Gardens of Heligan, and there’s the Eden Project with its iconic eco domes for a rainy day. Fowey and Looe are pretty towns for a wander. And watch the sunset from Polkerris beach after an afternoon of paddleboarding. Stay at the Admiral’s House in Fowey with river views and cinema room. Or try the chic bolthole, Nightingale, a former fisherman’s cottage in Portloe. www.cornishgems.com

Explore lochs and mountains

Take a road trip around the wild and natural beauty of Scotland’s lochs. Start at Loch Lomond and head up to Loch Ness, with incredible views and outdoors activities aplenty along the way, including sailing, canoeing, archery and wakeboarding. Stay at Cameron North Lodge with a private beach and hot tub.  www.oliverstravels.com

Stunning Snowdonia

The scenery of Snowdonia National Park is spectacular and there’s plenty for children of all ages to do. At  Llechwedd Slate Caverns, there’s all the atmospheric history of the mine but also an underground trampoline park. At Betws y Coed, you’ll find its sister attractions (as part of Zip World) including treetop nets, zip lines and an alpine coaster. Head to the quirky Italianate village of Portmeirion for an afternoon stroll among the colourful houses. Try a modern take on the farmhouse at Rhos Y Mawn with beamed ceilings and open fire. Or go for the 16th Century Conwy Valley Manor House.  www.sugarandloaf.com

By the sea

The Isle of Wight is a must for beach-lovers with so many to choose from all around the island. On the west coast, try Compton, a golden stretch of sand backed by honey-coloured cliffs and popular with surfers and body boarders. On the eastern side, go rock pooling at St Helen’s Duver. And if you get bored of beach life (as if), head for some fun at the aquapark or to Robin Hill park with a toboggan and tree-top walkways. Stay in a luxury yurt with en-suite bathroom and woodburner. www.coolstays.com

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