Half-term holiplays
Looking for an early New Year break for all the family? has the pick of half-term getaways...
Heading to the slopes for half term is perenially popular for families. In Chamonix, just north of Mont Blanc, Pierre & Vacances are offering seven days at Residence Le Chamois Blancis, in an apartment that sleeps up to five. It comes with tennis, kid’s clubs, gym and indoor pools and it’s a stone’s throw from the Aiguille du Midi cable car. As well as skiing, there’s dog sledding and snowshoeing. Accommodation only prices start from €1,166, self-catering from February 16. piereetvacances.co.uk 0044 08700 267 145 The Les Villages Nature resort just outside Paris emcompasses five immersive worlds. It’s car-free so you navigate your way around the property on bikes, electric buggies, even an electric boat.
Children will be kept busy with chocolatemaking classes, bread baking and hut building. Stay in either cottages tucked away in the wood or ultra-modern flats in the heart of the village.
Best of all is the Aqualagon, a vast glassed-in waterpark with slides galore and outdoor lagoons heated to 30C. Disneyland Paris is four miles away. Seven nights in a Clan Comfort Cottage from February 16 starts at €1,850, two adults, two children.
villagenatureparis.co.uk, 0044 0845 351 2878 Just outside the pretty North Yorkshire town of Harrogate is a working farm with a lovely cottage. Young children will love the owners’ sheep and Clydesdale horses.
Birchwood Stable Cottage sleeps up to five. There’s a tennis court, and historic York is nearby with striking York Minster and the Jorvik Viking Centre, where you can learn about the Danish invaders.
Don’t miss the National Railway Museum, home to the world’s fastest steam engine, Mallard. There will be activities galore in half-term.
Three nights start at £529 from February 18. cottages.com 0345 498 6900