Atlantic Reach Holiday Village, Newquay

You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy a holiday in the vibrant coastal town of Newquay. Situated in the north of Cornwall, Newquay is a popular tourist destination packed with activities that the whole family will enjoy. The Atlantic Reach Holiday Village has a range of accommodation to suit all family sizes and budgets, making it the ideal base for you and the kids to explore all that the area has to offer. The villas are all spacious and stylish, with modern amenities that will ensure your stay is spent in the utmost comfort.

The park itself is packed with plenty of activities – there are tennis courts, a pitch and putt, indoor and outdoor heated pools and a fitness centre to keep everyone busy and active. Children can enjoy the ‘Pirate Pete’s’ soft play area or the Teen Den while parents unwind in the spa and sauna. With an on-site takeaway pizzeria and Italian takeaway, as well as a bar that offers meals and family entertainment, no-one will go hungry either!

However, if you do want to venture out, you have the whole of Newquay and Cornwall at your disposal. Pay a trip to the beach, visit the nearby zoo and aquarium, or pop to the National Maritime Museum for a bit of history.

However you choose to spend your visit, Newquay is an excellent choice of destination for your next family break, and you won’t find a better place to stay than the Atlantic Reach Holiday Village.

Some of the UK's stunning scenery

2012 is set to be an exciting year for the UK – with the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, there’s plenty to celebrate, and more reason than ever to stay at home for your summer break. A ‘staycation’, as it has been dubbed, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for British residents looking for a fun, economical and hassle-free holiday. With so many exciting national events planned this year, now is the perfect time to jump on the staycation bandwagon.

Choosing a staycation can be a much less stressful way of taking a break – in a previous survey, a third of people indicated that they were opting for staycations to avoid the bother of going to an airport. Other reasons for opting to stay within the UK included reducing carbon footprints, saving money and not having to worry about visas, jabs or passports. 50% said they had already enjoyed holiday in the UK in previous years and were hoping to repeat the experience, showing that staycations can be somewhat addictive – you may never look back!

Top choices for staycations include picturesque locations such as Cornwall and the Lake District, but Britain boasts a variety of options that go far beyond conventional holiday expectations – everything from boating holidays to city breaks. Whether you’re looking for coast or countryside, a quaint cottage or a modern apartment, the UK has something for you, so why not try a staycation for yourself?

Belmont Cottage, Devon

Tucked away behind walled gardens set in the picturesque surroundings of Dartmoor National Park, Belmont Cottage in South Devon is the ideal location for a rural group getaway. This holiday cottage is immaculately decorated, fully equipped with modern amenities and can sleep up to six people, so it is the perfect choice for a trip for the whole family.

There is plenty to see and do in Devon. Dartmoor National Park is a stunning location in itself, but the surrounding area consists of many other interesting places to explore and enjoy. Pay a visit to nearby stannary town Ashburton, which renowned for its culinary culture – you will find food stores, pubs and restaurants, and even cookery schools to satisfy even the most enthusiastic food fan.

If you’re more into outdoor pursuits, drive the short distance to Totnes and take a river trip up the Dart to Dartmouth, or travel to the English Riviera resorts of Torquay and Paignton and enjoy the beaches. Paignton also has a zoo, which guests of all ages are sure to love.

If you’re thinking of going further afield, try a day trip Plymouth, or drive to the Eden project and check out the country’s most famous gardens. They often hold arts and music events, so see what’s happening around the time of your visit.
Overall, Devon is a vibrant and exciting location for your next family holiday, and Belmont Cottage will provide the ideal base in a beautiful area.

Yellowtop Country Park Holiday Lodges, Yorkshire

Everybody needs a break sometimes, and city dwellers in particular can find themselves craving an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy urban life. Whether you want to escape the rat race or are just looking for a break where you can unwind, there are a multitude of stunning, peaceful locations for you to visit for some rest and relaxation.

A holiday in a quaint countryside lodge will provide excellent respite from the working world, hidden away in a variety of beautiful settings without an office block in sight. Take your pick of the various locations, from woodlands to the coast, and then escape to your own tranquil corner of pastoral paradise. The lodges are all stylishly decorated and fully equipped; some even have outdoor hot tubs, so you can enjoy the natural surrounding from the comfort of your own warm, bubble filled pool.

If you’d rather float along on top of the water, boating holidays are another great choice for a fun and relaxing getaway. You can travel down some of the UK’s most famous canals on a traditional narrowboat, and see the pretty sights of each area along your way.

Holiday cottages also offer the perfect opportunity for some rural stress relief. Packed with history, the cottages often date back several centuries, and some are even old converted barns or stables that have been converted.  However, they are now all fully upgraded and provide comfortable and contemporary facilities, making them the perfect place to get away from the stresses of the world, whilst still enjoying the benefits of its modern amenities!

So turn off your phone, shut down your laptop and allow yourself to switch off for a few days too. Relax, unwind, and see the stunning settings that the British countryside has to offer.

Georgian Town Houses in Bath

With its perfect balance between historical interest and contemporary culture, Bath is the ideal location for a city break. Take up residence in a restored Georgian townhouse, just three minutes walk from the train station, and enjoy a spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen and king-size bed, as your comfortable base to explore the city.

Bath has plenty to see and do, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of shops, bars and restaurants in the city centre, which range from big brands to small independents.

If you’re looking for ways to relax, be sure to pay a visit to Britain’s only natural thermal spa, where you can unwind in the warm waters and series of aromatic steam rooms, and take in the spectacular view of the city from the open air rooftop pool.

For those interested in the history of Bath, visits to the famous Roman Baths and medieval church Bath Abbey are essential!  Fans of literature should also check out the Jane Austen Centre, to explore the life and writing of one of the city’s most famous residents. There are plenty of other museums, with something to amuse everyone, from the Herschel Museum of Astronomy to the Fashion Museum.

Bath also has a great array of nightlife, from year round performances at local theatres to live music at venues such as Komedia and the Chapel Arts Centre. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a ghost walk, with an experienced guide to talk you through the spooky goings on in various areas. No matter what time of day, there’s plenty to do in this iconic city, making it the ideal destination for your next city break.

Scenery in the Cotswolds

You may have seen the new ‘Holidays at Home are Great’ television advert promoting the perks of taking your 2012 holiday in the UK. The advertisement features a host of notable British celebrities, and encourages UK residents to visit a variety of home-grown holiday destinations rather than jetting off abroad this summer.

The featured stars highlight the wide range of options available for the UK holiday maker, and show off some of the best beaches, gardens and tourist attractions in the country.

Stephen Fry promotes the capital city of London, the obvious choice for those looking for a UK holiday with lots to see and do. City breaks are a hugely popular choice for sightseers, and tourist attractions such as the London Eye and Buckingham Palace will keep you busy for the whole of your visit.

Julie Walters, on the other hand, attends a garden party in the Cotswolds, and this is the place to head if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more relaxing. There are stunning landscapes and plenty of quaint villages to admire.

Harry Potter actor Rupert is shown surfing at Bridlington beach in Yorkshire, perfect for adventure seekers who don’t mind the somewhat chilly sea! However, Yorkshire is the largest county in the United Kingdom and has plenty of attractions to offer even if you don’t fancy getting wet.

These are just a few of the places that Britain has to offer, so instead of looking for a break abroad, why not explore the country you are already in? After all, as the ad reminds us, there are ‘No passports. No jabs. No visas. No Euros. No wonder holidays at home are so great’.

Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, Northamptonshire

Situated in the beautiful Nene Valley countryside, Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a holiday of non-stop fun.  The modern, spacious caravans have room for the whole family, and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars on site to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

The leisure facilities are what truly set this park apart from its competitors. The large indoor pool has a host of fun features, with a flume, splash zone, and Jacuzzi, and even the option to host your very own Zorbing party!

For those looking for pursuits out of the water, there are still plenty of options. Activities range from an amusement arcade and Wii games station to an impressive climbing wall and indoor and outdoor play areas. The whole family can enjoy a round of adventure golf, or make a splash on the water pedalos. There are also many children’s rides, including go karts and a miniature train.

Everything you need is already in the park, but if you fancy venturing out, you can take a trip to the nearby market town of Northampton. Whether you choose to soak up some culture at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, take a scenic walk around Coton Manor, or have a game of bowling at the local Tenpin, there’s plenty to see and do both on and off site, making Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park the ideal place for any family break.

One of the UK's many green spots

Although it might be raining outside, May is fast approaching and Spring has certainly sprung, so now is a great time of year to visit some of the UK’s best and brightest green spaces and gardens.

Kent is known as the Garden of England, so of course it has some breathtaking landscapes which are definitely worth seeing. Try Charts Edge Gardens, which boasts seven acres and is part of the National Garden’s Scheme, or Groombridge Place Gardens, which date all the way back to 1674!

If you want to combine your greenery with a city break, check out the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, West London, and explore the beautiful displays that are said to have inspired Virginia Woolf’s famous short story.

However, if you’re feeling more rural, try Barrington Court in Somerset, where you’ll be privy to the grand Tudor manor house and quintessentially English rose garden, designed by legendary garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll.

The Eden Project in Cornwall is a great place to go when the sun isn’t shining. A registered charity which supports several education and regeneration schemes, The Eden Project is the world’s largest greenhouse, covering an area the size of 30 football pitches, and houses plants from all over the world. It also plays host to many art and music events, so it’s worth seeing what they have planned in the coming months.

There’s a garden for everyone, so pick a place and while away some hours basking in the natural beauty of the UK.

Aldermaston Wharf, Berkshire

For an exciting and unusual break that all ages will enjoy, take to the water with a boating holiday at Aldermaston Wharf. With a reputation for quality and a high standard of service, Aldermaston Wharf has everything you need to begin your riverboat ride.

There’s a superb range of oak fitted narrowboats to choose from, able to cater for anything from 2 to 12 people, so whether you’re looking for a romantic trip for two or fun for the whole family, you’ll find a boat to suit. Underneath their quaint exterior, the boats come fully equipped with all of your usual amenities, so you can travel in comfort and style.

There are plenty of exciting routes to travel along, with easy access to the Thames and Kennet and Avon canal from the wharf. Destinations can include the traditional village of Pewsey, Newbury (and its well-known racecourse), or the historic market town of Hungerford.

On a larger scale, you can also visit pretty cities such as Bath, with its plethora of shops and museums, or Oxford, home of the iconic university. If you’re travelling with children, you can even stop off in Windsor and pay a trip to Legoland, or explore the famous castle.

With so many options and places to see, a boating holiday at Aldermaston Wharf has the potential to be as exciting or relaxing as you want it to be, and is the perfect choice for a unique and unforgettable break.

Enjoying a Spa Day

The May Day Bank Holiday is coming, and it’s the perfect time to take a long weekend away with your family, friends, or partner. Whether you want a holiday where you can relax and unwind, or a trip full of excitement and fun, the UK has everything you need to take full advantage of your extra day off.

Try a city break in one of the UK’s exciting urban centres, perfect for a Bank Holiday escape. See a show in London, de-stress in one of Bath’s world-famous spas, or bask on the beach in Brighton. Whichever city you choose, you’ll enjoy some of the country’s best shops, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Alternatively, get the family together in an idyllic holiday cottage. You can choose from locations as diverse as the highlands of Scotland to the coast of Cornwall, but Oxfordshire’s cottages are a particularly good pick at this time of year, as you can join in with the city’s annual May Day celebrations.

If you’ve got the kids in tow, book a caravan, apartment, lodge or chalet at one of the UK’s many holiday parks. There’s something for everyone, from swimming pools, sports and restaurants to kid’s clubs and evening entertainment, so no one will have any excuse to moan about being bored!

It’s impossible to promise Bank Holiday sunshine, but with these exciting options, it is possible to promise a great time regardless.