The Gran tour
These 3G holidays – where grandparents, parents and children head off together – will delight all generations
DANISH DELIGHTS
Do we ever really grow out of Lego? A trip to Billund in Jutland, in the south of Denmark, where it was invented, is a great way to build some family memories. The big attractions of this tiny town are the Lego factory and the original Legoland. Both are under 15 minutes from the small and remarkably stress-free airport, as are Lalandia waterpark and the newest attraction, the Lego House educational centre, which opened in 2017. The area isn’t all about the plastic bricks though – the South Jutland coastline is full of places to picnic and paddle as well as excellent birdwatching, particularly on the west coast’s intertidal wetland, the Wadden Sea. Further afield you can experience Viking life at the evocative Ribe Vikingecenter or buy Danish pastry by the halffoot measure in the historic cobbled town nearby. Best of all, most places of interest are under 40 minutes’
drive from Billund on empty roads – so cries of “are we there yet?” will be
blissfully absent. THE DEAL Family rooms at Hotel Legoland (legoland.dk) start at €315 B&B per night, including two-day Legoland entry. BA flies from Heathrow to Billund from £98 return.
ba.com, 0044 0844 493 0787
WALES OF A TIME
Big and extended families can congregate for some quality time at the House in the Hills in the Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Three bedrooms in the main house and a separate two-bedroom converted barn mean it sleeps up to 10 – with room for both sets of grandparents. Kids will love the second sitting room, complete with Wii console and Xbox as well as traditional board games – and there’s a hot tub too (at extra cost) and terrace with a barbecue for everyone to enjoy. Further afield, there is something to appeal to every generation – from long rambles through the moody splendour of Llanthony Valley, ending in a cosy pub, to a trip to Hay-on-wye, five miles away. Intrepid family members can enjoy mountain biking, horseriding, gorge-walking or canoeing. Everyone can share stories over a meal, before heading out for some spectacular star-gazing in the Brecon Beacons International Dark Skies Reserve. THE DEAL Seven nights’ self-catering in the House in the Hills from €1,933 with Quality Cottages. qualitycottages.co.uk
ISLAND ADVENTURE
Even with the arrival of no-frills flight routes to the Azores a couple of years ago, this archipelago of
nine volcanic islands still qualifies as one of the last “great mysteries of Europe”. Lying west of the Iberian Peninsula in the North Atlantic, these wild islands still unspoiled by mass tourism offer an adventure the whole family can go on. Basing yourself on the capital island of Sao Miguel you can wander around Portuguese colonial architecture, or explore the dramatic landscapes. Snorkel in a volcano crater lagoon before enjoying lunch cooked underground by the volcanic heat of the geothermal valley of Furnas. Or go hiking along plentiful trails – the Faial da Terra takes you all the way to a waterfall, while looking out for one of Europe’s most endangered birds, the Azores bullfinch, known locally as the priolo. Slightly easier to spot are the whales and dolphins breaking the frothing Atlantic waters as you bob beside them on a boat ride – go in spring and you might even see majestic blue whales migrating past the islands. THE DEAL Families Worldwide offers seven nights’ B&B from €1,900 per adult and €1,847 per child, plus six lunches, activities and transfers. Flights extra. familiesworldwide.co.uk, 0044 01962 302062
HIT THE ROAD
Take an epic road trip through the supersized scenery, sights and starfilled skies of the American West, exploring at your own pace from the comfort of a home on wheels. Pick up a familysized RV and hit the road together on a 10-day trip across California in search of adventure. Fun for all ages can be found en route at Anaheim’s theme parks and San Diego’s USS Midway (a converted aircraft carrier museum) to the great outdoors – hiking in Joshua Tree National Park or rafting in the Grand Canyon. Along the way, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains and
marvel at the mighty redwoods in Yosemite National Park, before gathering around the campfire at
the end of the day. THE DEAL Bon Voyage offers tailor-made trips from €1,847 per adult (€1,567 per child) including flights, one night in LA, RV rental and pre-booked campsites.
bon-voyage.co.uk
GREAT OUTDOORS
Kids love the excitement and adventure of a camping holiday but there’s no need to rough it. Glamping is the perfect “softies” option, with enough creature comforts to reassure adults – you can even take the dog to most sites so no one gets left out. Wigwam Holidays’ timber cabins are double-glazed with heating, fridges and firepits – some even come with hot tubs. Sit back and enjoy nature as nature intended – in a dry, fully insulated pod with easy access to a kettle and biscuits. With many campsites offering activities such as scenic walks and stargazing, it’s chance for the family to enjoy the great outdoors in comfort in some
the most beautiful spots in the UK.
THE DEAL Wigwam Holidays has Big Chief Wigwams at Humble Bee Farm in the Yorkshire Wolds sleeping up to a family five from €28 per adult per night and €14 per child per cabin. wigwamholidays.com
FLOATING FUN
You can pack up your family in one place, and let the world come to you on a cruising holiday, with enough
distractions to keep even eye-rolling teenagers on board. Modern cruise ships are worlds unto their own – with restaurants, bars, spas, evening entertainment and innovative activities from waterparks and cinemas to surfing and skydiving simulators. Children’s clubs for little ones also allow parents and grandparents time to relax at the spa, by the pool or to try a winetasting or dance class. Newly refurbished, Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, will transport your brood from Southampton around Europe – taking in Gibraltar, Villefranche, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples and Cagliari – without any need to fly or unpack. The ship also has outstanding facilities for passengers with accessibility needs, ensuring everyone in the family can enjoy their time at sea. THE DEAL
Royal Caribbean International has a 14-night Italian Mediterranean Cruise from €1,791pp, full board (excluding alcoholic drinks). royalcaribbean.co.uk, 0044 0844 417 0290