Easter
Watch the aquatic antics of otters from a new underwater tunnel at Lake Windermere. A family package at the Lakeside Hotel for £740 includes three nights’ B&B for up to five sharing, entry to the Lakes Aquarium next door and the nearby Lakeland Motor Museum, with its exhibition on the record-breaking Bluebirds. Details: 015395 30001, fihotels.com.
May half-term
Confident swimmers aged 7 and over can canoe through the Pont d’Arc natural rock bridge on the Ardèche. Keycamp (0844 4060319, keycamp.co.uk) has added Domaine de Sévenier, a small holiday village in southern France. A family of up to six in a three-bedroom lodge pays £582 including Dover-Calais car ferry crossing.
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Summer
Cruise to Alaska on a 12-night voyage aboard the luxury ship Crystal Symphony. Look for humpback whales and go bear and bald eagle watching ashore. There is a children’s programme for ages 3-17 on board, too. The cost from £4,259 per adult and £2,811 per child includes flights to San Francisco, full board, soft drinks and $500 on-board credit per adult. Details: 020-7287 9040, crystalcruises.co.uk.
October half-term
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Explore the Amalfi coast on an activity week based in Sorrento; you’ll have a treasure hunt in Pompeii, learn to make pasta and see mozzarella made at a buffalo farm. The cost is from £849pp (age 5-plus) for seven nights self-catering in Sorrento (breakfasts included) and guided activities but not flights. Details: 01273 668982, neilsonadventures.co.uk.