The best family holidays this Easter
School’s (nearly) out! Whether you want to ski down an Alp or lie on a beach, April’s a great time to get away with the family and there are plenty of bargains to still be had.
It’s here. Again. Easter’s just around the corner and you know what that means? A fortnight to fill (and we don’t mean your face with chocolate eggs). Time to pack up and jet off (or drive or train) somewhere sunny (or snowy) where screens are forgotten about and the sentence ‘I’m bored’ is never heard.
SUN-SEEKERS
1. Lego-loving in Dubai

You might long for a week lying on a sun lounger, but your family might want something a little more in-your-face fun, like Legoland Dubai Resort! Little ones will love Miniland, with its light show, rollercoasters and 4D Lego movies while older kids can get some thrills at the adjoining waterpark’s tube and raft rides with 60ft drops. Stay in a Lego-themed room sleeping up to five people and book a cabana by the pool for the ultimate holiday treat.
DO IT! Five nights’ B&B, including flights between April 1 and 16, costs from £1069 per adult, £789 per child; contact Value Added Travel.
2. Pizza the action in Italy

We’re loving Exodus Holiday’s eight-day group tour aimed at 9 to 12-year-olds, which is packed full activities including hiking to the crater’s edge at Vesuvius, kayaking into sea caves, exploring the streets of Pompeii, and making proper Neapolitan-style pizzas. Belissimo.
DO IT! From £1499pp (£1124 for kids) including flights, accommodation and activities, depart 9 April. Contact Exodus.
3. Fun in Florida

Stay at the 3T+ Avanti Resort on International Drive in Orlando and you’re just a shuttle ride away from the Universal and Disney theme parks, SeaWorld and waterpark Aquatica. When little legs begin to tire, it’s back to base for a chill by the pool before hitting one of the hotel’s four restaurants.
DO IT! Seven nights’ room only from £725pp, including flights, departs 10 April; contact Tui.
4. Mad for Mallorca

Hammocks, a play area, barbecue terrace and an outside dining table for long, lazy lunches – Muddy loves everything about Finca Can Llamas set in countryside close to Pollença town. Beaches are on the doorstep, including Playa de Muro, the longest sandy beach on the island and if you want a break from self-catering there are some great restaurants in charming Alcúdia a short drive away.
DO IT! Seven nights from £856 based on 2 adults, 2 children sharing, departs 8 April; contact Simpson Travel.
5. Campsite fun in France

On a tight budget but longing to escape this Easter? Take a look at Siblu Holidays, specifically Le Montourey holiday park on the Côte d’Azur. If you’ve never tried a holiday park before, this French-based site is a great intro, with its free kids club, luxe lodges, vibey bar and restaurant, shop where you can pick up freshly baked baguettes and close to super chic Cannes, St Tropez and Nice for days out.
DO IT! Seven nights self-catering from £245, available 4 April; contact Siblu.
6. Teens in Tenerife

Ah teens, so full of enthusiasm. Sarcasm aside, they will be grinning if you spend a week at Wyndham Residences Costa Adje. Not only is award-winning waterpark Siam Park next door, it’s also a stroll from Playa de las Americas’ watersports/shops/cafés and there’s Mount Teide to summit (even teens will be impressed by a volcano). Travelling with younger ones? There’s a great kids’ club too.
DO IT! Seven nights in a one-Bedroom ocean view apartment (sleeps four), £1333 (includes 20% discount), available 1 April; contact IDILIQ Hotels.
6. Self-cater in Corfu

A short stroll from sandy Coyevinas Beach, Villa Helios’ private pool, outdoor kitchen and pretty garden are made for outdoor living – handy since temperatures start climbing in April with daily temperatures knocking 19˚C. Perfect for a family of four, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, you can opt to self-cater or head out to the nearby restaurants, shops and bars in Kassiopi.
DO IT! Seven nights £2014, available 3 April; contact CV Villas.
7. Getaway to Gambia

A laidback tropical beach holiday sounds heavenly right now (as it sleets outside my window), and Kombo Beach Hotel in The Gambia offers a great value family getaway with all the trimmings – large pool, three restaurants, children’s play area, excellent evening entertainment and a long stretch of golden sand beach.
DO IT! Seven nights from £3420 for a family of four including flights, bed and breakfast; available 31 March; contact Gambia.co.uk.
SNOW TIME!
8. Alpine adventure in Tignes

There’s still snow in the Alps and prices plummet end of season, so this is the ideal time price-wise to get the family on the slopes. Peak Retreats has a great family offer in Tignes staying at the Altaviva Apartments, which have a free kids’ club, indoor pool, hot tub and access to a superb beginner’s area, with progression zones to build confidence.
DO IT! Seven nights in a two-bedroom self-catered apartment sleeping up to six from £362pp (based on a family of four), available 1 April and 8 April; contact Peak Retreats.
9. Snow problem in Meribel

Hotel Les Grangettes isn’t the fanciest of ski getaways (there’s a lot of pine, people), but it does sit at the heart of Meribel resort right by the Chaudenne ski lifts (no long walks with all their ski clobber, rejoice) and across the road from the ski school meeting spot – in short, it’s ideal for families. Carb-laden food served for dinner will be a hit with pasta and cheese-lovers (ie most children), and the big discount will be a hit with you.
DO IT! Seven nights from £2999 for a family of four including flights, available 1 April; contact Sno.co.uk.
LAST-MINUTE STAYCATIONS
10. Beach break in Northumberland

So close the beach you can hear the waves from your bedroom window, Sandridge Cottage in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is still available to rent this Easter. When you’re not playing on the sand, visiting the Maritime Centre Museum and café or on blustery walks to Warkworth Castle, you can snuggle in front of the wood-burner in the cosy lounge. Dogs welcome too, so even your pooch gets a break.
DO IT! Seven nights from £1205 (sleeps six), available 8 April; contact Cottages in Northumberland.
11. Sea safari in Scotland

If you’re aiming to get kids off screens and into the great outdoors, a holiday aboard a small ship cruising around the west coast of Scotland takes some beating. They’ll be fishing for their evening meals, hauling in lobster pots and spotting wildlife rather than binge-watching TikTok – result. You’ll get to step ashore on St Kilda, Mull, Skye, Jura and Iona and perhaps sample a whisky or two along the way.
DO IT! From £190pppn, available 8 April-Oct; contact St Hilda Sea Adventures.