Melissa Corkhill

By Melissa Corkhill

13th March 2015

Looking for somewhere peaceful for a family break during the Easter holidays? Check out some of these beautiful spots around the UK. You’ll find something to suit every taste and budget here from yurts in the woods to beautifully restored gypsy caravans, campsites in the heart of the countryside to luxurious converted barns. And to make planning even easier, you can see at a glance what facilities each provides for babies and children from nature trails to baby gear.

Melissa Corkhill

By Melissa Corkhill

13th March 2015

Melissa Corkhill

By Melissa Corkhill

13th March 2015

CORNWALL
Little White Alice
Beautifully decorated, luxurious, green cottages nestled around a natural
swimming pool and a wood fired hot tub in the heart of the Cornish countryside
Little White Alice is a 5* Gold collection of 6 greener cottages that nestle around a natural swimming pool with a wood burning hot tub and sunken fire pit set in 29 acres of land in West Cornwall. They produce most of their own energy and meet all their own water needs. Offering families a chance to get closer to nature, everyone is encouraged to go outdoors and help look after the farm animals, have pony rides or take part in a green play or craft session. Splash around in the natural swimming pool, explore the land, record wildlife, toast marshmallows in the fire pit. Then relax in a wood burning hot tub.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
Play areas, climbing frame, natural swimming pool, craft sessions, highchairs, travel cots and stair gates.
GREEN CREDENTIALS Local produce welcome hamper, Gold Sustainable Tourism, Visit England Awards for Excellence 2014, Green Tourism Gold Award
ADDRESS Little White Alice, Carnmenellis, TR16 6PL
WEB littlewhitealice.co.uk TEL 01209 861000
EMAIL [email protected] SLEEPS 2 to 8
PRICES FROM Weekly £357 Short Stay £241

Tremeer Farm Yurts, Cornwall
Four cosy yurts and renovated long barn, perfect for a family adventure
Perfect for a family adventure or romantic break, the yurts are beautifully furnished with cast iron beds, feather duvets and stoves to keep you cosy. There are proper flushing loos, hot showers and well equipped “eat in” camping kitchens. Children can experience the freedom of the great outdoors, help feed the animals, collect fresh eggs for breakfast and toast marshmallows under the stars. The stunning location is just a mile from beautiful beaches. A great spot to celebrate special occasions – grandparents can try “gramping” or stay in the Long Barn which is large enough for 2 families. Large rustic playbarn with games and much more.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
Large rustic playbarn, wood fired hot tub, animal feeding in the mornings, close to local beaches
GREEN CREDENTIALS Wood burning stoves, spring water from bore hole, herb garden, free range eggs, home grown sausages and more.
ADDRESS Lanteglos, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1NN
WEB yurtscornwall.com TEL 01726 870545
EMAIL [email protected] SLEEPS From 2 to 28 PRICES FROM Weekly £495 Short Stay £295

North Hayne Farm Cottages, Devon
These family friendly cottages can sleep 2-8 (or up to 37 as a group) and each has its own private hot tub to relax in at the end of a busy day. At the on-site children’s farm, guests can help feed the animals, collect the eggs, bottle feed the Spring lambs, groom the goats, hold the chicks and enjoy daily donkey rides each morning. Enjoy outdoor freedom with farm trails, sensory walks and daily opportunities to feed, handle and care for the animals. There are also curriculum based activity packs available, an indoor Games room and Under 7’s Play barn as well as holistic therapy treatments and babysitting.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
Private hot tubs, childrens farm, indoor play barn, activity trails, animal handling, babysitting, meals
GREEN CREDENTIALS Commitment to local suppliers, wildlife area, energy management, waste management, local produce hampers
ADDRESS Bishops Nympton, South Molton, EX36 3QR
WEB northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk TEL 01769 550807
EMAIL [email protected]
PRICES FROM Weekly £354 Short Stay £248

Yurtcamp Devon
This is the ultimate ‘glamping’, yurt holiday experience. Perfect for those who seek the simplicity of living under canvas without giving up comfort
Yurtcamp Devon provides a luxurious glamping experience complete with the quality and comfort of more conventional holidays. Twenty contemporary yurts of two sizes set in forty acres of beautiful Devon woodland. The smaller yurts are ideal for couples plus a small child and the larger yurts ideal for up to six family and friends. Each yurt has a log burner and is fully equipped for cooking, sleeping and relaxing. Each has its own outdoor fire pit offering the facility for barbeques. Situated midway between Exeter and Plymouth in the foothills of Dartmoor, Yurtcamp is close to the South Hams and many beautiful beaches.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
Games room, outdoor play, woodland walks, on site cafe, zip wire, adventure course, games field, sheep and pygmy goats
GREEN CREDENTIALS Recycling, Solar lighting, Local produce cafe, Upcycled site, Woodland management
ADDRESS Gorse Blossom Fm, Liverton, TQ12 6JD
WEB yurtcamp.co.uk TEL 01626 824666
EMAIL [email protected] SLEEPS 2 to 80
PRICES FROM Weekly £300 Short Stay £180

HAMPSHIRE
Sandy Balls Holiday Village
Nestled in the breathtaking New Forest National Park, Sandy Balls Holiday Village is perfect for families looking for a relaxing break or action packed adventure
Picture perfect memories waiting to be discovered… in the beautiful forest. Set in a 120-acre estate, this award-winning, five star holiday village offers accommodation to suit all ages and budgets all year round. There are opulent woodland lodges, cosy caravans, camping pods and fully-serviced touring pitches available for weekend, mid-week or a longer stays. The village is a safe, friendly haven offering an idyllic setting to explore the outdoors. There are walks, bike trails, indoor & outdoor pools, Village Store, activities programme featuring creative crafts, bug hunts and archery, evening entertainment, pub and restaurant.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
Indoor and outdoor pools, nature trails, indoor soft play area, adventure play area, kids’ activities programme GREEN CREDENTIALS David Bellamy conservation award for the last 18 years, Visit England 5*
ADDRESS Godshill, Fordingbridge, The New Forest, Hampshire, SP6 2JZ
WEB sandyballs.co.uk TEL 0844 693 1336
EMAIL [email protected] SLEEPS 2 to 6 PRICES FROM 4 night mid-week lodge breaks £142

Little Quebb Cottages, Herefordshire
Peaceful self catering holidays and short breaks in beautiful North Herefordshire
The Old Barn and the Granary are two stunning converted cottages in the courtyard of a magical listed black and white farmhouse at Little Quebb. Choose from weekend, mid week and full week breaks and a chance to sample the Good Life on this peaceful and productive smallholding in beautiful North Herefordshire countryside. This is the perfect spot for a romantic weekend away, families looking for real countryside to explore or a larger group of friends and families coming away together. Both cottages are superbly equipped, fully self contained but are also suitable for a group of nine coming away together. There is first class walking and cycling for outdoor enthusiasts on the doorstep. For literary adventures, the cottages are close to Hay on Wye for its bookshops. In addition, there is easy access to Ludlow, renowned for its good food, interesting architecture and antiques.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
Cottage gardens, shared laundry facilities, baby equipment on request, dogs welcome
*GREEN CREDENTIALS * Local produce welcome hamper, log burning stoves with complimentary first basket, walking maps, productive smallholding, hot water is heated with solar panels
ADDRESS Eardisley, Herefordshire, HR3 6LP
TEL 01544 327121 WEB littlequebbcottages.co.uk
EMAIL [email protected]
PRICES FROM Weekly £560 Short Stay £250
SLEEPS 4 to 9

NORTH YORKSHIRE
The Copper Beech Glade
Enchanting gypsy caravan holidays tucked away in the grounds of historic Markington Hall and close to the wild moors of Bronte country
Over the arched stone bridge, past the old mill is the Copper Beech Glade where a trio of colourful Gypsy caravans are located to provide guests with accommodation for an enchanting holiday. You will fall in love with Carmen, Bella and Rosita, the beautifully restored traditional gypsy caravans each with their own individual story and design. They’re accompanied by a log cabin living space with room for extra guests and a modern kitchen for when you’re not using the fire pit. And at a handy distance from Harrogate and York, there’s a choice between day trips to the city and long walks on the wild moors of Bronte country.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
Large lawn with croquet, badminton, boules and limbo, wild area for dens and small beck for paddling.
GREEN CREDENTIALS Welcome pack filled with local produce, local produce breakfasts can be ordered, compost toilet, organic cleaning products provided.
ADDRESS Markington, North Yorkshire HG3 3PQ
WEB markingtonhall.co.uk TEL 01765 676534
EMAIL [email protected]
PRICES FROM Short Stay £80 per night

Acorn Family Holidays, Wales
Fully-inclusive family activity holiday in the Brecon Beacons National Park, a guaranteed fun-filled outdoor experience!
Staying in brand new camping pods, on the shores of Llangorse Lake, experience the wonders of the great outdoors and enjoy a range of organised activities from paddleboarding to abseiling, delivered by qualified instructors. Unwind with comfortable beds, electricity, double glazing, heating and views of the lake and get the chance to meet other like-minded families staying at this private Family Adventure Camp. Guests can relax while staff prepare and serve meals, deliver activities, and put on evening entertainment. Activities include: kata sailing, kayaking, canoeing, dragon boating, paddleboarding, raft building, zip wire, high ropes, fencing, bushcraft, orienteering, challenge course, mountain day, abseiling, target sports and campfire nights. Typically there are two activities per day, plus evening entertainment. Activities are suited to age 5+ and are delivered by a qualified team.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
A range of on-site outdoor activities, indoor canteen & function room, toilet and shower block, drying room and play area, activities, kit, equipment, instruction, food and accommodation are included in the price. ADDRESS Brecon Beacons Family Adventure, Royal Oak Holiday Park, Llangorse, Brecon, LD3 7TR
TEL 0121 504 2070 SLEEPS 2 to 8
WEB acornfamilyholidays.co.uk
EMAIL [email protected]
PRICES FROM Weekly £248 Short Stay £149

Nannerth Country Holidays, Wales
Find relaxation on a traditional 200 acre Welsh hill farm in the peaceful Wye Valley
A holiday at Nannerth offers pure relaxation in lovely cottages, set in a peaceful valley in mid Wales. Everywhere you look is astonishingly beautiful countryside. These 200 acres of organic farmland have oak woods to explore, a river to splash about in and wild hills in which to run free, all just outside your cottage door. This is a perfect spot for families; children can make friends with the farm animals and see the birds and wildlife that live here. Lambing live at Nannerth is a great experience and just finding a new laid egg is magical. In the evenings, watch badgers from the treehouse hide or wildcamp under the stars. There are two 4* cottages set around the old farmyard garden with an outdoor play area, games room, laundry room and nature resource room. Or choose the 4* loft apartment, gypsy caravan or farm camping, with a real campfire. The Elan Valley adjoins the farm where there is spectacular walking and cycling.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
Games room, outdoor play area, nature resource room, friendly animals, farm trail, cycle trail, badger watching, wildcamp, hands on falconry. Dogstay cabin.
GREEN CREDENTIALS Biomass district heating system, PV panels, Solar hot water, logs from farm. Organic Farm, Green Tourism Business Award Gold, Recycled and local building materials used.
ADDRESS Nannerth Fawr Farm, Rhayader, Powys, Wales LD6 5HA TEL 01597 811121 or 07909 803544
WEB nannerth.co.uk EMAIL [email protected]
PRICES FROM Weekly £226 Short Stay £181

JERSEY
Durrell Wildlife Camp
Five-star luxury glamping at the heart of the Durrell Wildlife Park, in Jersey
Seminal internet news blog Buzzfeed recently ranked Durrell Wildlife Park on their list of ‘things to do in Europe before you die’. The headquarters of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust – an international charity dedicated to saving species from extinction – ‘camping’ at Durrells Wildlife Park means that your neighbours are lemurs, tamarin monkeys, exotic waterfowl and even fruit bats. Gorillas, orang-utans, komodo dragons and more are cared for in large natural enclosures. Free unlimited entry to the Wildlife Park is included. Accommodation comes in the form of geodesic-dome shaped ‘pods’, complete with wood burning stoves, carpet, double or twin beds and Wifi. Each pod has its own kitchen, WC and shower. All profits from stays at Durrell Wildlife Camp go towards protecting and restoring under-threat and overlooked endangered species and habitats around the world.
FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES
Campsite planted with nuts, fruits and berries. Organic fare grown onsite, Campsite borders Lemur lake, Views of Orangutan Islands from some pods. GREEN CREDENTIALS Biomass district heating system, PV panels, Solar hot water, logs from farm. Organic Farm, Green Tourism Business Award Gold, Recycled and local building materials used.
ADDRESS Les Augres Manor, La Profonde Rue, Trinity, Jersey, Channel Islands JE3 5BP TEL 01534 860097
WEB durrell.org/wildlife-park/luxury-camping/
PRICES FROM Weekly £910.00 Short Stay £480.00

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