‘Champagne’ picnics for kids

Fabulous four-star country house Lake Vyrnwy Hotel – overlooking its namesake, just across the Shropshire border in Powys – is ideal for active families looking for a break during the long school holidays.

Lake Vyrnwy was Simon King’s base during the BBC’s Springwatch broadcast and this stunning location offers all sorts of family activities from cycle hire – it’s a ten mile circuit round the lake – to canoeing and sailing (payable locally). The hotel can organise trout fishing and clay shooting (over 13s only) and 58 miles of footpaths – many starting from the hotel’s front door – offer easy access to the Welsh countryside.

Family rooms sleeping up to four are available, with midweek breaks starting at £180 each for mum and dad for two nights’ half-board, while under 16s will be charged at just £15 per night for B&B (other meals as taken).

A special July and August promotion – applicable for two-night half-board midweek breaks – means mum and dad will also get a complimentary Champagne picnic while kids have their own version, with ‘lashings of ginger beer’.

For more information and bookings, visit lakevyrnwy.com.