The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
DO IT IN STYLE
COUNTRY WEEKENDER, DEVON There is still some availability at the resplendent Bovey Castle, set in 275 acres of countryside within Dartmoor National Park, over the half-term holiday. This luxurious and historic manor house, which is not short on period opulence, also has an Elan spa and Art Deco swimming pool. For kids, the estate has its own deer park, falconry and extra activities such as archery and den-building. Golf lovers can play a few rounds on the 18-hole championship course, or you can teach the kids how to fish or play tennis. The 3 AA Rosette restaurant the Great Western is ideal for a night away from the kids (if you can convince the grandparents to come), while Smith’s Brasserie is more casual for dining as a family.
A night’s stay for a family of four sharing a Junior State Suite costs from £449 per room (01647 445007; boveycastle.com).
From £375 per room based on two adults and two children sharing a Junior Suite A TASTE OF THE RIVIERA, SUSSEX including breakfast (01323 412345; The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne has grandeastbourne.com). something of the Riviera about it – at
X least when the sun is shining. This landmark In June, the average low hotel, just a short walk from the temperature of Eastbourne (12C) pier, was once the playground of is just one degree lower than the wealthy Victorians, and today it is still Italian Riviera (13C). reassuringly traditional. Junior suites are suitable for families, with a sofa bed and room for an extra bed, though you’ll have to specify if you want a sea view. There are two restaurants on site plus a spa and pools, although being this close to the beach you are likely to spend most of your time splashing in the sea.
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE,
OXFORDSHIRE
Indulge your little ones’ curiosities with this romp through the bucolic idyll where Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was first imagined. The five-night immersive journey – curated by Black Tomato and staying at the 15th-century Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons – will see you going down the rabbit hole, teeing off in croquet fields and foraging for mushrooms in forests before enjoying a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party where a photographer will be there to document the whimsical goings on. This is a fun – and extravagant – way of reigniting your kids’ love of learning by bringing the pages of one of the most adored children’s stories to life for them after the most unsettling of years.
From £8,250pp based on four people staying for five nights at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with breakfast and all of the experiences outlined (0207 426 9888; blacktomato.com).