It’s not just the kids who will love these three family-friendly mini-breaks
Whether its a long weekend in the Parisian countryside, the Welsh National Park or a Spanish theme park - these getaways have something for everyone
The Welsh National Park
Writer Rachel Brislane, husband Dave and kids Annabelle, four, and Jack, two, checked into Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire.
The pad: Set within 500 acres of woodland and with the choice of either romantic pastel-painted cottages or spacious timber-clad lodges, this haven is perfect for families holidaying together.
Since my parents and sister’s family joined us, we took advantage of the interconnecting Tenby lodges that come with a well-equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, two doubles and a twin each, plus a large living area ideal for hangouts.
Stair gates, a travel cot and high chair were on hand, too.
On-site Cycle along the nature trails and head down to Camp Smokey, looking out for fairy doors hidden in walls and toadstools along the way.
Once there, sip a hot drink and toast marshmallows over the open fire.
Feeling energetic? Zip wires, high ropes and climbing can be found at the Steep Ravine, from £14.
While the indoor Adventure Centre has soft play, mini golf, a bouncy castle, diggers, climbing frames and Lego.
Don’t forget to visit the Blue Lagoon Waterpark either, with its indoor beach, wave machine, flumes, lazy river and wet play, which our two loved.
Refuel: The Village, at the resort’s heart, has a pub, shops, bakery, restaurants and more play areas.
Try tasty pizza or pasta from the Oak Tree restaurant – a yummy Welsh beef lasagne is £14.
Or there’s the Farmhouse Grill, with soft play inside for restless little ones.
Fancy a takeaway? The Chippy is the place to go.
Don't miss: Get wildlife spotting! Bunnies hang around the lodges, and you may spy ducklings at the lake. Plus, Tenby beach is just 25 minutes away.
Book it: Three-night self-catered breaks start from £239 for a family of four ().
The Parisian countryside
Fabulous Beauty Editor Lauren Ezekiel, fiancé Steve and daughter Millie, 22 months, had a woodland adventure at Villages Nature Paris, Marne-la-Vallée.
The pad: From your cosy cabin in the peaceful woods, you’d never guess that Disneyland Paris is just a 15-minute bus ride away.
But with Villages Nature’s on-site aqua park, charming farm and family-friendly food, chances are you might not even be tempted to leave this bolt-hole for its noisier neighbour.
As you’d expect from the brains behind Center Parcs, the cottages are top-notch.
The spacious two-bed, two-bathroom pads are playfully decorated with tree murals, have fast WiFi and even a dishwasher (yay!).
The only thing likely to disturb your glass of vino on the front deck? Wild hares hopping by.
On-site: Grab your cossie – Villages Nature’s water park Aqualagon has mammoth slides to keep bigger kids screaming for more, and the heated outdoor lazy river is a must.
Millie loved the children’s pool complete with sand pit and splash park.
Be sure to hire a bike (with handy kid’s carriage), too – it’s the best way to get around.
Refuel: Les Délices de la Ferme at the BelleVie Farm (a must-visit, with its interactive animal shows, horses and cute bunnies) has one of the best soft play areas we’ve ever seen.
The cheese selection with local Brie is to die for, and you’ll find yourself eating dessert without so much as a “Mummy?” – perfect!
Meanwhile, Millie devoured the spag Bol at Italian favourite Vapiano, where mains start from £6.50.
Don't miss: Weekend brunch at Pur Etc, £28, is yummy.
Feast on local meats and home-made cakes – chocolate scone anyone? – while the kids dive into yet another play area with a kitchen, colouring pens and books.
Book it: Two nights self-catering start from £216 for four people ().
Trains from London St Pancras International to Disneyland Paris start from £38 one-way for adults and £27 one-way for children aged four to 11. Under-fours go free ().
The Spanish theme park
Fabulous Editor Sinead McIntyre visited PortAventura World in Salou, Spain, with husband Alistair and twins Riley and Harris, six.
The pad: Just a 90-minute drive south-west from Barcelona, you don’t expect to find yourself in the Wild West.
Yet arriving at PortAventura World’s American-themed Hotel Gold River, it’s like stepping on to the set of Little House on The Prairie.
In the Deluxe Callaghan rooms, expect two huge king-size beds and a massive bathroom.
Plus, every evening holiday-makers gather in the main square for drinks and a kids’ disco.
On-site: It’s a short walk to the theme park, which is divided into six themed lands including China and Mediterránia.
Daredevil Riley adored the El Diablo wooden rollercoaster in México, and both twins couldn’t get enough of the Silver River Flume in the Far West area, which was the overall family favourite.
One day we rode it four times, ending up totally soaked!
Refuel: Styled like an old fishing village, our favourite restaurant was Raco de Mar in Mediterránia, which serves melt-in-the-mouth calamari and succulent mussels in tomato sauce.
At American diner The Iron Horse, we tucked into New York strip steak with chips.
Each restaurant has a kids’ two-course menu at £11.50, with favourites like pasta, pizza and chicken and chips.
Come the evening, we loved the Grand Hall buffet, which costs £22 for adults, £10 for children.
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Don't miss: Ferrari Land’s new vertical coaster Red Force is the highest and fastest in Europe.
At 112m high, it goes from 0 to 180km/hr in just five seconds.
Book it: Family rooms start from £175 per night B&B. Tickets start from £42 a day for adults and £36 for children aged four to 10 ().
Fly to Barcelona from the UK from £22.49 one-way ().