20 family nature holidays in the UK – from kayaking to stargazing and whale watching
Fun and educational outdoor activities in the wild that will coax kids off their screens this summer
Where the wild things are: how to immerse your kids in the great outdoors this summer
Some of the most priceless holiday memories cost next to nothing – as my four-year-old son and I have found on our forays into nature around the UK
‘No computers, just outdoor fun’: readers’ favourite family nature trips
From trekking, camping and rock pooling in the UK to swimming in Austria’s lake district and hiking through forests to Dracula’s castle
The ‘wow’ factor: island hopping and otter spotting on a family break in Shetland
The spectacular Shetland archipelago – with its dive-bombing gannets, ancient settlements and endless horizons – is the perfect spot for a holiday with kids
Looking for a seaside town that’s a bit special? Try one of the UK’s best revitalised resorts
From Llandudno’s promenade and Scarborough’s spa to Folkestone’s Creative Quarter and Portobello’s thriving community, these places offer a magical mix of tradition and innovation
‘A town built on fishing and fun’: why Great Yarmouth will always be my first resort
From family-run fairgrounds to a spectacular circus, traditional seaside fun is alive and kicking in the Norfolk coastal town where I grew up
The perfect break for mother and son? Stone-carving and wood-turning in Sussex
Finding a holiday to suit a teenage boy and his mum is tricky – but getting crafty and learning new skills provide the perfect solution
‘I feel as if we could be in Scandinavia’: exploring the Norfolk that time forgot
Breckland is a little-known part of England that sings with peace and rare wildlife. It would undoubtedly be a national park if so much of it hadn’t been commandeered by the military. But there is a place to stay on its borders
Down on the farm: a summer cabin stay in Somerset
How an enterprising couple have transformed their farm into a bucolic base amid cider orchards and vines – perfect for exploring an ancient landscape and flourishing arts scene
The ruff guide to Europe: 15 dog-friendly holidays
From Baltic beach holidays to Spanish city breaks and cruising on French canals, here’s our pick of the best getaways for dogs – and their owners
‘The hotel had a dog spa’: readers’ favourite dog-friendly holidays
Dog lovers share their tips on the best accommodation and beaches to set tails wagging across the UK and Ireland• Tell us about a midsummer trip – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher
Our perfect slice of Portugal: a family holiday on ‘the best beach in the world’
With a stunning coastline, brilliant surfing and a B&B in the forest, this quiet corner north of the Algarve makes for an idyllic break
20 of Europe’s best under-the-radar beaches
Even in high summer, Europe has plenty of unspoilt bays and hidden coves where you can escape the crowds
‘Sun-soaked, wave-lapped and never crowded’: Sicily’s idyllic unspoilt beaches
A world away from Italy’s crowded beach resorts, the island’s south-west offers remote golden sands plus villages, vineyards and great restaurants
A luxury lighthouse stay in northern Spain: ‘Windows look east and west to sunrise and sunset’
A renovated lighthouse on the Bay of Biscay is the perfect base for exploring Asturias’s maritime delights