Family Holidays: Sleeping Giants and Mud Maids at the Lost Gardens of Heligan
'Raised on adventure stories with sleeping giants, fairies and trolls, it was the sort of place where they could indulge their imaginations to the full.'
Philip EleyBaby friendly
The best things to do when you've a babe in arms; places with easy access and those that cater specifically. We've had a look around to find the baby-friendly attractions in the South and West.
How easy is catching the ferry to the Isle of Wight?
Looking for an Isle of Wight holiday but unsure how to get there? We can help you with all things ferry (and catamaran and hovercraft). All you have to do is ask.
Kayleigh Hardy
Family day at Stourhead Gardens
A family day out to Stourhead, exploring the gardens, having a picnic and generally having a magical adventure.
Emma L
Lyndhurst and the New Forest ponies
We had driven through the town of Lyndhurst earlier in the day and made a note to stop off on our way back to our holiday cottage in Lymington, not least because of the large number of New Forest ponies we had seen just on the outskirts of the town.
Faye
New Forest Wildlife Park
The wolves and chatty giant otters were a big hit, the stories of their conservation making for heart-warming reading and the friendly deer that were free to roam around the park added a magical touch.
Faye
Beaches of the New Forest
We decided to work our way back along the beaches of the south coast despite it being a somewhat dreary looking February day
Faye
Family Holidays: Outdoor Cornwall with the kids
The great Cornish countryside is a veritable playground, crammed to bursting with adventures to be had. Photography by Annabel Elston
Sian Pickles
Car Journey Survival: Cow Cricket and Mini Cheddars
Sometimes the travelling really is nearly as good as the arriving.
Philip Eley
What to do in Cornwall on a rainy day
If there’s one thing that can be counted on in Cornwall, it’s that you can’t count on the weather.
Sian Pickles
Moors Valley Country Park
I cannot recommend Moors Valley Country Park highly enough, in fact I've already sent a number of friends and family along and hope to go back again myself soon.
Faye
Family fun day at Bucklers Hard
Considering it wasn't our location of choice we really surprised ourselves with how enjoyable it was and would highly recommend a visit.
Faye
Narnia comes to Christmas at Killerton
The magic of Narnia transformed Killerton House in Devon into a magical family day out to remember.
Philip Eley
Family day out at Longdown Activity Farm in Hampshire
Longdown is an activity farm where you can visit the animals in the New Forest, an enjoyable day out in Hampshire for all the family.
Kylie Barton
Best cream teas in Devon
Which county started the tradition of cream teas, and more importantly, which county has the best cream teas, Devon or Cornwall?
Philip Eley
Murder Mystery family activity in Totnes
Explore a new town and find things to do with children in Totnes - as we eliminated suspects and weapons we explored places with great names like Warland and Ticklemore Street.
Philip Eley
Family Day Out at Paultons Park
Now theme parks may fill some families with dread – the queues, the food, the prices. But Paultons Park is a great fun day out for the whole family packed full of pleasant surprises.
Kylie Barton
Family Holidays: Donkey Sanctuary
Famously there is no entry fee and no car parking charge for visiting the Sanctuary. We’re an open charity and people are welcome to visit 365 days a year. The donkeys are here and need feeding, so we’ll be open!
James Chubb
Things to do in Dawlish
Dawlish is a seaside town in south east Devon with a gentle air of sophistication yet still a great place for traditional bucket and spade holidays. With both Dawlish and Dawlish Warren full of ideas for a fun break, here is my guide of things to do in Dawlish.
Philip Eley
Family things to do in Eastleigh
Situated just a few miles from Southampton, this small market town, has lots of hidden gems to keep you and your little ones amused for a day. There are lots of things to do in Eastleigh.
Kylie Barton
Family Day Out at the New Forest Centre
The New Forest Centre is a hub of information and activities through which to learn about the beautiful scenery which surrounds you, and provides a great educational day out for families holidaying nearby.
Kylie Barton
Things to do in Watchet
The pretty harbour village of Watchet offers a charming holiday experience in West Somerset. During the summer it is a hive of activity with the winter months in contrast proving a quiet and tranquil ambiance. For a little town, there’s plenty going on, so I’ve picked some of my highlights for a day out in Watchet.
Tasha H
Things to do in Southampton
On a glorious spring day last year, we did two things of note. We looked at the sky. Then we gazed at the sea. Then we enjoyed many of the things to do in Southampton that make for a great family holiday.
Jonathan C
Visit Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is one of the few places in the UK where you could get away with a relaxed approach to holidaymaking. From the centre of the Island you are never more than half an hour from the sea, and you'll find family friendly bays, beaches and coves scattered all over. There are lots of things to do on a visit to the Isle of Wight.
Robbie L
Animal antics in South Devon
For small children, larger zoos can sometimes be overwhelming, so a visit to somewhere small, quiet and friendly can make a perfect day out. Here's some animal antics to spot in parks across south Devon.
Philip Eley
A day in Kingsand and Cawsand
Kingsand and Cawsand are twin seafront villages on The Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. They have a rich fishing (and smuggling!) heritage and you can still spot the old fish cellars and stores along the coast.
Abby D
Cycling the Camel Trail to Padstow
Car parks in Padstow can be busy in the height of August, so I’ve always thought of the Camel Trail as the ideal way to travel there...
Sadie Phillips