The only UK mid-term holiday which includes a public holiday, the late May / early June half-term also provides a great opportunity to seek the first serious sunshine of the season – and prices are usually more reasonable than over the summer holidays. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best stylish family hideaways, all with availability and great special offers to boot. So, what are you waiting for?
Country Kids, Languedoc, France
Paradise for primary-school-age children and pre-schoolers (and their parents!), this former farm (now reconfigured into 7 self-catering apartments) comes with a petting zoo, heated swimming pools, a playground, tractor rides, a sandpit, trampolines and a treehouse. There are bikes to borrow, woodland to explore, and horse and pony rides. The on-site kids’ club has organised activities from treasure hunts to football. And parent pampering includes the spa, free babysitting and early-morning childcare.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: 15% discount on 7-night stays
Barsham Barns, Norfolk, UK
Outside the flint-walled village of Walsingham you’ll find this cluster of beautifully converted barns, which range in size from 2 bedrooms to 5. Each comes with its own private outside space with a barbecue, plus a well-equipped kitchen. There’s also a shared games room and steam room. Strike out for beaches and wildlife, walking and pub lunches.
OFFER: 15% discount on stays of 3+ nights; free use of the Shepherd’s Hut (normally £50)
Ea Astei, Basque Country, Spain
In spectacular forested hills above gorgeous beaches (and 45km from Guernica) are these good-value, rustic-chic self-catering houses and apartments. Families will make a beeline for the (fenced) heated swimming pool and hot tub. The welcoming owners also have rabbits and a dog, and there are extensive gardens with a climbing frame to romp around, and a playroom with table tennis too.
OFFER: Stay 7 nights and pay for 5, or stay 3 nights pay for 2 mid-week
Med-Inn, near Bodrum, Turkey
Right on the coast, with a private beach, views and lush gardens, this serene boutique hotel has charm, space and outstanding service. Families will love the pool, the kids’ menu and the jetty into the sea. Discover hidden beaches and coves nearby, take a boat tour, and visit the famous ruins at Ephesus. And you’re only 10 minutes from the airport.
OFFER: 25% discount
Cretan Contemporary Villas, Crete, Greece
On the remote north-west coast, these 8 open-plan villas (which have 1-3-bedrooms so suit every size of family) are only a short drive from splendid beaches and authentic villages. Take a boat trip, go snorkelling or hike the legendary Samaria Gorge. If you can tear yourselves away from the lure of the large private terraces, infinity pools and breathtaking views, that is…
OFFER: 10% discount for stays of 3+ nights
Round Hill, near Montego Bay, Jamaica
One of our all-time favourites, this elegant resort cascades down to the infinity pool, private sandy beach and sparkling sea. Choose from a range of nautical-chic rooms and villas (some with private pools). The kids’ club is complimentary and offers cool activities from reggae lessons to talent shows. The watersports are fun for all ages, and there’s even a games room complete with Wii, karaoke, Xbox and foosball.
OFFER: Stay 4 nights and pay for 3, or stay 7 nights and pay for 5, 30% discount
Martinhal Chiado Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Brand new in 2016, this colourful apart-hotel offers many of the amenities you’d find in a coastal resort, but is geared up for families on a city break. There’s a kids’ club, plus a fab playroom with supervised play sessions, creative activities, pyjama parties and an indoor climbing wall. A vintage 3-wheeler BMW keeps small fry amused at mealtimes, and there’s babysitting along with baby and toddler equipment to borrow. And Lisbon has custard tarts to eat, trams to ride, and an aquarium and a castle to discover!
OFFER: Free breakfast for stays of 3+ nights
Villa Guatiza, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
This eclectically decorated 2-bedroom villa has all you need for a relaxing family holiday, including plenty of space and a private pool with pool toys. The generous kitchen leads on to a veranda with a view, and lush gardens lie beyond. You get heaps of baby and toddler equipment, along with bikes, boogie boards, buckets and spades, books and board games.
OFFER: Stay 7 nights and pay for 4
Skiathos Holidays, Skiathos, Greece
One of our perennially popular beachside escapes, this collection of self-catering villas and apartments comes with tranquil flowering gardens and is terrific value. There’s no pool, but the beach is a toddle away, and there are boat tours and watersports at hand. There are plenty of child-friendly tavernas nearby if self-catering becomes a chore.
OFFER: Stay 5 nights and pay for 4
Anassa, near Polis, north-west Cyprus
This is the ultimate one-stop shop for guaranteed relaxation: immaculate accommodation, a private beach, excellent all-ages kids’ clubs, a choice of 3 restaurants and a fish grill (and kids’ menus!), a 2-tier swimming pool linked by a waterfall, a separate kids’ pool, and a fantastic spa. There are activities galore to choose from, including watersports and tennis coaching. And the service is superb.
OFFER: Kids receive free half-board if parents book the same. Disco Night 29 May and Movie Night 2 June
Browse all our family-friendly boutique hotels and rentals with space for half-term.
