The first school holiday of the year is almost upon us! And no better way to beat the winter blues than by whisking the family away on a mini-break. Whether you want to stay close to home or venture further afield, we’ve chosen some gems which still have space.
Barsham Barns, North Norfolk, UK
Even in February, the deserted beaches and wonderful wildlife of the unique North Norfolk coast (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) are a treat. There’s great local produce, unspoiled villages and historic parkland to discover, plus awesome stargazing at night. Hole up in blissful comfort and style in these award-winning barn conversions, most of which have a games room attached. They come in 2-7-bedoom variations to suit every size and shape of family party.
Offer: 25% off midweek and 15% off weekend stays
Molino Rio Alajar, Alajar, Seville, Spain
In southern Spain, spring starts to spring in February: look out for wildflowers blooming in the hills and woods around this bucolic rural retreat. Stay in one of 6 rustic cottages set around a large garden, overlooking a valley. You’ll find a tennis court, table football, dogs to walk and lovely donkeys to ride. Babysitting can be arranged, and there are food shops in the local village.
Exclusive offer: A free guided donkey ride per child (up to an hour)
Llys Meddyg, Newport, Pembrokeshire, UK
Conveniently sited near the wondrous Pembrokeshire coastal path, this gastro restaurant-with-rooms will entice you to Wales for its delectable seasonal fare and comfortable guest quarters. Five of the rooms can take families, and there’s a special children’s menu. You’ll find a playpark 5 minutes away, while older kids will enjoy seal-watching and birding on the estuary.
Half-term packages and activities: A hedgerow-foraging walk on 20 February (£10 per child). Plus get 2 nights at £95 per adult or 3 nights at £90 per adult, including a 3-course dinner for adults and a 2-course dinner for children
Casa Taos, near Marrakech, Morocco
For mild temperatures and an average of 7+ hours of sunshine a day, head to Marrakech. The souks and sights are less frenetic at this time of year, and there are bargains to be found. But only if you can tear yourselves away from the excellent hospitality and delightful gardens at Casa Taos, located only 15 minutes from the city in Souihla (‘little California’). There’s a fountained terrace, ping pong, truly delicious food (plus a kids’ menu), and a choice of richly coloured suites or a 2-bedroom villa in the orchard.
Offer: Stay 3 nights and pay for 2, or stay 7 nights and pay for 5
Swinton Bivouac, Yorkshire Dales, UK
Get back to nature in one of the quirky off-grid woodland shacks on the vast Swinton Park Estate. Decorated in a shabby-chic style, each cabin has 2 double beds and 3 singles, a living area, and a wood-burning stove which also provides hot water for the shower. The on-site cafe serves local free-range fare, with a kids’ menu. Explore by bike or on foot; falconry and horse riding are also on offer nearby, and you can head out to see castles and tumbling Aysgarth Falls.
Activity: Beth’s Forest School on Thursday 18 February – kids make dens, use ropes and play games through the trees, before finishing with storytelling over toasted marshmallows (£15 per child). There’s also a family quiz night in the cafe that evening
Ea Astei, Basque region, N.Spain
Only 40 minutes from Bilbao yet a world away, this is a haven of tranquility enveloped in forested hills. It has charming self-catering cabins and apartments to suit all, and it’s only 10 minutes from beaches. One of the joys of staying here is the heated pool, sauna and hot tub; another is the helpful and friendly owner, who can’t do enough for you. Lovely restaurants and proper markets are at hand, too.
Offer: Stay 7 nights and pay for 5
Le Castel, Normandy, France
Le Castel is a 19th-century chateau turned relaxed country pad, set in acres of parkland and uniquely equipped to serve the needs of families. The suites are vast (and not crammed with precious knick-knacks), and there are communal dinners nightly with separate kids’ suppers at 5pm. A woodland den and mini playground await outside, along with a play gypsy caravan, football, croquet, bikes, games and a sandpit to suit all ages. What’s more, there’s heaps to discover in the nearby countryside and coast.
Exclusive Offer: Stay 4 nights and pay 3, plus a free pasta-making class for adults and children
Quinta da Bouça d’Arques, Viana do Castelo, northern Portugal
The Minho province of northern Portugal is one of the country’s hidden gems, with wonderful local gastronomy, beguiling countryside and undiscovered beaches. Expect the weather to be mild, but even if it rains you’ll be cosy and warm in this manor house turned boutique hotel. The old farm dependencies, spread across the spacious grounds, have been converted into stylish apartments with kitchenettes that are perfect for families.
Exclusive Offer: Children stay for free (3-night minimum)
Kasbah Tamadot, High Atlas, Morocco
Luxury doesn’t get better than this: a crenellated castle with soaring views across the High Atlas, plus beautifully landscaped gardens, excellent service, delicious food and sumptuous rooms. Families are welcome during the school holidays, with a young diners’ menu, nature walks and mule rides on offer; you might even see snow on the peaks! Staff have thought of everything from umbrellas to babouches, so you’ll be snug and dry come rain or shine.
Offer: Stay 4 nights and pay 3; kids go free
Bude Hideaways, Cornwall/Devon border, UK
Delightfully off the beaten track yet styled with real modern flair, these chic barn conversions have everything you need for a successful UK jaunt. Choose between a 2- or 4-bedroom barn, both with underfloor heating and a wood-burner. You also get a welcome hamper, outdoor and indoor games, a chicken to feed, and toys and books galore. Venture forth for woodland, walks and wildlife, along with great beaches and King Arthur’s ruined castle at Tintagel.