1 Alpine adventures in Berkshire
Skiing and Berkshire aren't usually associated, but this is an exception. Next door to the Coppid Beach Hotel is a full range of alpine activities. Try dry skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing on Berkshire's very own Cresta Run.
The hotel has a sauna, spa bath, steam room, solarium, and beauty treatments. If you are fit enough, you can enjoy a spot of après-ski exercise in the gym, and 24-hour room service is available for those too sore to move. You can eat brasserie-style in the Bier Keller, and modern British or French food at the Rowans restaurant. Residents also have access to the Après nightclub.
Price: from £79 per person. Address: Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way, Bracknell, Berks RG12 8TF. Tel: 01344 303333.
2 Saunter and sway the Yorkshire way
It doesn't come any fresher than this. Walk amid stunning Yorkshire scenery along coastal paths to Scarborough and Whitby. Two walks daily at a gentle pace get you firmed up for the evening's dance-led activities - a mix of country, folk and fun on a large sprung dance floor with expert tuition.
Price: from £169 full-board and tuition for a four-night break. Proprietors: Peter and Steve Mann. Address: 9 Stone Hill, Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16 3DS. Tel: 01274 567558.
3 Take the plunge in Devon
Learn to swim, or brush up on your strokes at this specialist residential centre providing professional tuition in modern, purpose-built indoor pools. Groups are small, and accommodation is comfortable and cosy. The nautical-themed bar has a separate games room with pool table. There's a gym, sauna and solarium, and a range of beauty treatments.
Price: from £403 for a week's course, including half board. Address: The International Swimming School, Straightway Head, Whimple, nr Exeter EX5 2QT. Tel: 01404 822553.
4 Float, bike and hike at Rutland Water
One of the largest man-made reservoirs in Europe set in 3,100 acres of gorgeous countryside, the lake is a focal point for walking, cycling, sailing and windsurfing. Canoes and boats are available for hire in the sheltered creek and harbour, and the 25-mile signposted circuit around the water's edge is suitable for all ages.
The Lake Isle Hotel and restaurant in Uppingham, about five miles from Rutland Water, provides ensuite rooms, including one with a large double whirlpool bath to soothe aching limbs.
Lake Isle Hotel prices: from £52. Address: The Lake Isle Hotel and Restaurant, 16 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland. Tel: 01572 822951. Cycle hire: 01780 460705, www.rutlandcycling.co.uk. Water sports: 01733 234418.
5 Llama trekking in Cumbria
This may sound a little bumpy, but it sure beats walking when you have a large pack to carry. You can guide these friendly creatures on short, medium or long walks along beautiful bridleways and rugged routes.
B&B accommodation is in a recently converted 17th-century farmhouse in the pretty village of Garrigill on Alston Moor.
If you prefer to leave the llamas behind, there's a choice of spectacular footpath walks. Hadrian's Wall and the Lake District are less than an hour's drive away.
Prices: from £28 per person, including B&B and a one-hour trek. Longer treks are available. Address: Pennine Llama Treks, Ivy House, Garrigill, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3DU. Tel: 01434 382501.
6 Surf, sand... and very cold sea
It may be winter, but that doesn't mean the sea is off limits. At Watergate Bay, Cornwall, there are surf clinics all year round, and experts will provide anything from a half-day to a full week's worth of specialist tuition. If you are more of a speed freak, try kite surfing - where you get out on a board, hold on to a kite rope and get pulled along at a terrific pace.
Accommodation at the surf school's hotel annexe has ensuite rooms, family suites and a baby-listening service, all at reduced rates.
Accommodation from £30 per person per night. Address: Watergate Bay, Cornwall TR8 4AA. Tel: 01637 860543. Surf tuition: £20 for a half day, £30 for a full day.
7 Horsing around
Liscombe Farm in Somerset provides escorted rides for novices or the experienced on a half-hourly, hourly or half-daily basis, all year round. With the emphasis on fun and friendliness, its approach should suit all the family. The farm is within walking distance of an ancient clapper bridge, Tarr Steps, and has panoramic moorland views. The self-catering accommodation includes a former stone barn converted to sleep four and the old farmhouse sleeping up to nine.
Prices for riding: from £15 for an hour to £55 for a day. Cottages: from £180 a week. Address: Liscombe Farm, Tarr Steps, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9QA. Tel: 01643 851551.
8 Clear up in Cliveden
National Trust properties often need loving attention and hard labour. Help restore the grounds of a beautiful graded building, burn off a few calories and earn your keep on a working weekend. One building is the former home of Nancy Astor, situated in 150 acres of glorious gardens and woodland on a spectacular escarpment overlooking the Thames. Help is needed replanting storm-damaged woodland, clearing scrub and doing a little footpath maintenance. Accommodation includes bunk beds, showers, a drying room, communal kitchen and payphone. Food is a shared affair. Please quote code KX1 when making an enquiry.
Price: £23. Age range: 18-70. Dates: February 16-18. Address: The National Trust Working Holidays, PO Box 84, Cirencester, Gloucester GL7 1ZP. Tel: 01285 644727.
9 Rock and ropes in Ross-shire
Learn basic rock-climbing skills and techniques while staying in a converted lighthouse-keeper's cottage with spectacular views over to Skye and the Western Isles. There are beginner, improver and advanced courses with instruction from experts.
Price of rock climbing: from £40 per person for a one-day introductory course. Room price: from £22 per person per night. Address: Melvaig, Gairloch, Ross-shire IV21 2EA. Tel: 01445 771263. Website: www.scotland-info.co.uk
