Where to stay for half-term?

Family travel used to be difficult to get right, luckily these days there are more options than ever for families looking for a holiday during the school holidays. A far cry from a wet weekend in Skegness, here are some of the best places to spend a half-term break with your family.

De Kempervennen, the Netherlands. A touch of class.

Thanks to a recent renovation, many of the cottages at this Center Parcs resort have been updated to a high standard, making now the perfect time to visit and take advantage of the fresh, ultra-modern accommodation.

De Kempervennen also has some excellent facilities, including an indoor ski ramp, swimming pools, the High Adventure obstacle course, sports centres with a range of sports available to try and much much more. Whether your children are active and sporty with bags of energy, or nature-lovers who live for the outdoors, they are sure to have an unforgettable experience at De Kempervennen.

There are also a number of restaurants and cafes in De Kempervennen, serving everything from pizza and pasta at the aptly-named Pizza e Pasta to traditional Dutch pancakes and even a self-service buffet.

De Kempervennen is also within easy reach of Eindhoven and other Dutch cities, but with so much to do on your doorstep, why would you venture further?

Lac d’Aillette, France. Lakeside living.

Located east of Paris, near the medieval township of Laon and the city of Reims, Lac d’Aillette is a family-friendly getaway in one of France’s most scenic areas. Rent a pretty, homely cottage with a magnificent view over the huge lake and you’ll never want to go home!

There is plenty to do for all of the family at Lac d’Aillette, with the lake being the obvious focal point of the park. Hop in a boat and sail, row or pedal your way across the huge, 140-hectare, body of water with expert help from the sailing school. There are also facilities available for archery, buggy-riding and paintballing if you’re feeling brave!

The lakeside restaurants and terraces offer spectacular views and fantastic food for both kids and adults, and there is also a supermarket and a baked-goods delivery service available during your stay.

The historical city of Laon is just a short drive away, and Paris is within easy reach of this beautiful countryside spot too, so if you fancy a change of scenery then you’re well catered for!

Ardennen Sunpark, Belgium. The great outdoors.

The Ardennes region of Belgium has long been a favourite for both active, sporting vacations and relaxing countryside escapes. The region has everything from picturesque towns, unspoilt countryside and rugged scenery for outdoor pursuits, making it the perfect destination for a family trip.

Stay in one of our holiday homes for up to 20 people. With properties featuring outdoor terraces and gardens, comfy interiors and excellent facilities, your stay is sure to be a comfortable one.

Nearby Forestia and Chlorophylle Park should be high up the itineraries of any nature-lovers or outdoors types. With over 300 animals roaming free, including animals you can no longer see in the wild in Europe, Forestia gives visitors a truly one-off natural park safari experience. Chlorophylle Park is created from the remains of an old safari park and invites visitors to explore the forest in a unique way. The park also teaches the importance of conservation and eco-friendly practise.