Sunshine getaways for May
Sarah Marshall checks out breaks as the weather warms
May has always been a month to make merry as the sun starts to shine. Its two bank holidays – on May 6 and 27 – add to the opportunities for short breaks. If your diary is still wide open, don’t worry. There are still plenty of lastminute offers available.
BETWEEN BRANCH AND BEACH Balance woodland walks with strolls along the beach during a caravan stay at Oakdene Forest Park in Dorset. Lined with conifers, Hurn Forest has several decent trails suitable for hikes and bike rides. For families with young children who can travel off-peak, Shorefield Holidays offers up to 40% off stays in a caravan. Activities like archery, crazy golf and mini jet skis will keep kids amused, along with a selection of pools.
How: Breaks for up to 21 nights in one of five parks in Dorset and Hampshire. Visit shorefield.co.uk.
PARADISE FOR FAMILIES
Once a destination aimed at couples, the Maldives has expanded its appeal to welcome families. On the cusp of the summer low season, May half-term is an ideal time to visit; prices are lower but there’s still up to 10 hours of sunshine per day. OZEN Life Maadhoo occupies a private island. The 94-room property has white sand beaches and an underwater restaurant. How: From £2,078.50pp for a family of four, with return flights from Heathrow and speedboat transfers. Departs May 26. Visit bestattravel. co.uk.
GROWN-UP GETAWAY
Couples seeking to dodge family crowds during the May holidays can find guaranteed peace and quiet at Casa Cook Samos in Greece, with a 30% reduction on stays of seven nights or more. The adultsonly hotel is tucked between forest and beaches lining the Aegean Sea on the pretty island, which was once a spiritual centre of the Mediterranean world.
Explore the fortified ancient city of Pythagoreion and the Temple of Hera or relax at the resort’s six swimming pools, outdoor yoga shala and hammam.
How: Rooms from £179per night, with breakfast. Visit casacook.com.
RURAL BLISS
Dip into village life along East Norfolk’s coastline in Wintertonon-Sea, near Great Yarmouth. One of several self-catering properties in the area managed by Winterton Cottages, the two-bedroom Rose
Cottage is an easy walk from the pub, tearoom and chippie – promising a quintessentially British getaway. The area is also a magnet for wildlife lovers. Search for the rare natterjack toad in the Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve and spot seals basking. How: A three-night stay costs from £500. Visit wintertoncottages.co.uk.
PERFECT PEDALLING
An 18-mile recreational route for cyclists, runners and horse riders, the Camel Trail runs along a disused railway line between Wenford Bridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. Give it a whirl on a two-night Pedal in Padstow break, offered by TV chef Rick Stein, who has multiple accommodation options. Fuel up with a generous breakfast and dine in The Seafood Restaurant, opened by the famous foodie in 1975.
How: From £146pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation, a deli picnic and a three-course dinner at The Seafood Restaurant. Visit rickstein.com.