Europe’s top hotels for families

Europe’s top hotels for families

From Cornwall and Cork to Corsica and Croatia, we pick 20 great stays from Mr & Mrs Smith’s new family collection

British Isles 1 No 5 Maddox Street London This quiet collection of self-catering apartments off Regent Street may have grown-up, understated decor but they are stocked with every child accoutrement from bibs to baby monitors. The two and three-bedroom suites are made for families. Food-stocked kitchens, restaurant delivery services, daily housekeeping, a library of DVDs for all ages, 24-hour concierge, babysitting services and membership to a local gym are part of the deal. Details From £234 room only (020-7647 0200,no5maddoxstreet.com). Cots can be added to the room free of charge.

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Britain’s wildest weekends

Britain’s wildest weekends

Dartmoor: ancient forest, lost ruins and bluebell meadows

Dartmoor is not all bleak moors and bog — ancient woodland, ruins and wild swimming abound. It is also the only place in the UK where wild camping is not only allowed, but actively encouraged.

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20 great British weekends

20 great British weekends

Surfing in Snowdonia

Surfing in Snowdonia? Unlikely as it may sound, the world’s first wave garden opens at Dolgarrog on August 1: a man-made lagoon the size of six football pitches, with 2m-high waves rising and falling from one side to the other. Beginners and experienced surfers are catered for (with prices from £19 an hour, including board hire), while non-surfers can try the Crash and Splash — an obstacle-filled lagoon. Mix time in/on the water with walks through the gorgeous Conwy Valley, and make sure to find time for lunch at the Groes Inn in nearby Tyn-y-Groes, a gentrified and cosy pub that does great things with local lamb and steaks, and where you can also bed down for the night.

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