French theme park Puy du Fou lines up new venues in Spain and China

The park known for its mix of history and extravagant live shows celebrating French culture is to develop new ventures in China and Toledo, Spain – with promises to reflect each country’s distinct heritage

10 of the UK’s best castles for a family day out

With half-term upon us and summer round the corner, the UK’s castles are rolling out all kinds of entertainment, including medieval-themed activities, theatre, glamping – and a dash of Harry Potter

Take the kids to … Surf Snowdonia, Wales

This artificial lagoon has big waves and big fun for both beginners and experienced surfers – and is blessed with a beautiful location close to Snowdonia national park

City breaks with kids: Bristol

Our series of city guides for families heads to creative, community-minded Bristol, with its fab, and often free, attractions and acres of parkland nearby

Europe’s hidden coasts: the Deep Mani, Greece

Few tourists venture beyond the Mani’s spectacular Diros caves, but further south lies a dramatic coastline of sleepy fishing coves and fortified villages

Europe’s hidden coasts: Costa de Prata, Portugal

Central Portugal’s pristine beaches are pounded by the Atlantic and dotted with simple restaurants, but barely touched by tourists, making them havens for those who crave space – and great seafood

Ten of the best new campsites in Britain

Our writer opens this selection of favourite new sites from Cool Camping’s latest guide with a fun stay in the grounds of a stately home just outside London

Dreamland Margate reopens (again) after £25m revamp

The 2015 relaunch of the 1920s amusement park proved disappointing to both investors and visitors. Now it has high hopes for its latest incarnation, with new rides, bars and food stalls, and a live music venue

Take the kids to … Bekonscot Model Village, Buckinghamshire

Escape the 21st century for this wee village trapped in the 1930s, while the kids ooh and aah over tiny farms, cottages, windmills and a working model railway

The Isle of Wight … kids dig it

With buckets, spades, farm animals and dinosaur remains, a short break on the Isle of Wight is a predictable hit with kids, but there are unexpected delights for grown-ups, too

Activity holidays for single-parent families

Five thrill-seeking holidays for single-parent families, offering watersports, bike rides – and endangered turtles

Family fun and fitness in Ibiza

Decca Aitkenhead had tried – and failed – to have a good time on the party island. She never imagined she’d finally find fun on a fitness break with her young sons

Take the kids to … Monkey World, Dorset

Monkeying around is very much the order of the day at this Dorset family attraction where fun, conservation projects and chimp-themed shortbread collide

Top 10 UK guided walks and tours for families

Avoid moans of ‘walking’s boring’ by trying a children-focused tour, where animated guides channel Robin Hood and Mary Poppins, or lead ghost trails and fossil hunts

City breaks with kids: Nantes

This cycle-friendly city on the river Loire has family attractions galore, super street art and tasty food options – that are beyond just refuelling stops for the children