Short holiday ideas for late summer

Messing about in boats - that’s the proposition for Bank Holiday from Kate Boats, the Warwickshire-based narrowboat specialist marking 25 years on the canals.

For example, ‘Rachel’ sleeps up to four people in four-star comfort, with 50-feet of space and modern facilities including bath, well-equipped kitchen and heating. Collect Rachel after lunch on Friday 28th and return her after breakfast on Monday 31st August: the cost is £626.

Alternatively, the three-star ‘Amy Clare’ is available for a four-night mid-week break from Monday 31 August for the same cost of £626. Amy Clare sleeps up to five and, like Rachel, is moored at Stockton on the Grand Union Canal. katecanalboats.co.uk

For holidaymakers keen on a ‘wee dram’, Scottish cottage agency, Ecosse Unique, is highlighting a wealth of September deals including savings of £100 at Springbank House on the Isle of Islay – an island renowned for its peaty malts.

The island is home to seven distilleries, with the Bowmore Distillery being just a three-mile ‘stagger’ from Springbank House. The distillery creates the superb Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and visitors can learn about its production in guided tours which take place year-round.

A seven-night holiday in Springbank House – which is a spacious farmhouse sleeping six and set in two acres of grounds with views across Loch Indaal – now costs £565 (a reduction of £100) for seven nights from 26 September. unique-cottages.co.uk

There’s still time to grab a bargain-priced family break before the beginning of the new school term is the message from Jersey specialist, Modern Hotels.

The company is offering three-night breaks – taken between 20 and 31 August and including Bank Holiday – at the extra special rate of £209 per adult, saving £178, and £129 per child - aged between two and 11 years and sharing with two adults. Prices include return Fastcat crossing from Poole or Weymouth, transfers and accommodation with breakfast at the three-star Mayfair Hotel.

This family-friendly property is centrally located in St Helier and offers a wealth of facilities including indoor pool, games room, a soft play area for toddlers and, during school holiday periods, a children’s club for youngsters aged between five and 12 years. modernhotels.com